Realityland's David Koenig

Disneyland has stated that, once its new Fantasy Faire addition opens March 12, which princesses guests see will be “a surprise.” More surprising might be which princesses guests will be able to see only by traveling outside the new area.

According to one insider, “Guests won’t be finding Jasmine, Pocahontas, Tiana, and Mulan at the Fantasy Faire. Because this area is European themed, Jasmine will be in Aladdins Oasis in Adventureland, Pocahontas in Frontierland, Tiana in the Court of Angels in New Orleans Square, and Mulan, Entertainment has not decided where she would appear. If Esmeralda ever reappears, she would be found outside the Royal Hall in the square.”

A traditionalist, the insider says the expansion does have a few problems: “First, I am still bugged by its location. It still feels it should not be here at the Hub, even with WDI keeping the buildings as far back as they could and the colors subtle. The entrance for the Royal Theatre sticks out like a sore thumb. The bright pinks and purples scream out, and this can be clearly seen from the Hub. The trees help mask much of the buildings, but knowing TDA, they will trim them back.

That said, she concedes, “it’s nice and well done. You can tell money was spent. I was impressed. But looking a little deeper, it’s small. WDI’s concept art for Faire made it look big. It is nowhere like that. But the Imagineers used the old backup: forced perspective. The Royal Hall, where guests meet the princesses, feels cramped and dark. Cramped because of its size, and dark because of the colors used (lots of dark woods and colors).

“Concerning the backstage areas, not much has changed. You can only go so far back without affecting Frontierland.

“Concerning the return of nightly dancing, Disney might be going back on their promise. TDA has not decided on if it will return. Don’t hold your breath.

“Lastly, I keep thinking of Fantasy Faire as a princess version of Toontown—the parallels are there.”

“Regardless,” she concludes, “the guests will love it.”