Fantasyland Status? When in 2012?

[adkinsfamily]

We are planning a trip for next August/September (2012). We were just there this past August and all of the Fantasyland signage said "2012." Just wondered if anyone knew when in 2012 everything is scheduled to open? I had read that things would open in phases, but I am really hoping that at least some of the new stuff will be open when we go.

[TinaMouse]

Maybe some, but I was thinking they were saying spring of 2013 for completion. Where I got that, I don't know...maybe I dreamed it....LOL!

[adkinsfamily]

Thanks Tina! I thought that I heard that, too. But all of the MK signage said 2012.

[cstephens]

Thanks Tina! I thought that I heard that, too. But all of the MK signage said 2012.

Sorry I don't remember more specifics, but as I recall, some of the stuff is slated to open late 2012, but the majority seemed to be targeting 2013 or later. I think that's how they're getting away with the 2012 signage. We may be making a trip there in August of next year, and I remember thinking that none of the Fantasyland stuff would be done yet.

[Mark Goldhaber]

I believe that the double Dumbo and Great Goofini may be open in late 2012, with Belle's Village and Ariel's Undersea Adventure some time in early-mid 2013. Princess Fairy Tale Hall will likely be late 2013, with the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster in early 2014. I hope to have some better information after I get down there in November.

[scoobydooby]

How much of a mess is Fantasyland likely to be in August 2012?

[Mark Goldhaber]

How much of a mess is Fantasyland likely to be in August 2012?

It'll all be behind construction walls. Since it's largely being built on land that hadn't previously been in use, it won't really disrupt the walkways, though you'll have lost the Toontown exit from the area. I don't really think that it'll affect much, other than gawking crowds. If any area has opened, though, that could be a traffic bottleneck. It's possible that they may have finished the new exterior castle courtyard walls, in which case the construction walls will largely be gone, and just the gateways to the Fantasy Forest will be blocked off.

[scoobydooby]

. It's possible that they may have finished the new exterior castle courtyard walls, in which case the construction walls will largely be gone, and just the gateways to the Fantasy Forest will be blocked off.

Ooh - that will be like giving me a Christmas present and then telling me I can't open it until next Christmas!

[Vegitabeta]

When we were in Fantasyland this time last year it was sorta depressing wandering around there, but to be fair, it is for a good cause! And yeah I heard that the best time to go would be 2013 if you wanted to see it in a completed state.

[tappenfeat]

Hurry Up! I'm not gettin' any younger...well, young at heart!

[mickeymom5]

Just wondering what you think...

I am trying to plan our next WDW trip. I am trying to wait until the Fantasyland expansion is open. I know Dumbo is scheduled to open first. Do you think they will open the rest one attraction/restaurant at a time or make one grand opening? What are the chances of it being open the week after Easter 2013?

I am just soooo anxious to have WDW trip "planned." I know you all can relate!

[ourtrip]

i have no idea how/when they plan to open the new expansion, but i do know a thing or two about what to expect during an easter trip to wdw. the crowds during a couple of trips during the easter break were intense, a lot of people everywhere. i know it's wdw and during a "vacation" window you need to expect the worst, but two easter trips was enough for us.

i would imagine that the fantasyland expansion during that time would be insanely crowded and "almost' unenjoyable to a certain extent. i real realize that it's sometimes tempting to schedule a trip when kids are out of school or you will have time off of work to possibly extend your trip, but i would seriously suggest trying other options especially since you seem to really want the new expansion to be a big part of your experience.

[stan4d_steph]

The first phase of the expansion opened this week. You can now ride Dumbo and Goofy's Barnstormer, and get off the train at the new Fantasyland station.

[tappenfeat]

That is GREAT news!!!! Can't wait to hear any feedback from recent visitors who had the chance to experience the updated area at the new Fantasyland station.

[Hannahbelle]

the crowds during a couple of trips during the easter break were intense, a lot of people everywhere. i know it's wdw and during a "vacation" window you need to expect the worst, but two easter trips was enough for us.

Gulp! I'm at the mercy of my daughters spring break and a business trip that DH is on during our next vacation. I'm interested to see how the new FP enforcements make or break our daily plans. Worst case scenario if the parks are unbearable we will enjoy the resort pools!

I'm excited to see the new FL improvements.

[stan4d_steph]

I'm hoping to get some photos when I'm down there next week. Here's one of my favorites from those that braved the opening day crowds on Tuesday.

[Drince88]

Do they have both Dumbos open - or just one? I'm REALLY curious as to how the fastpass that's not a fastpass will work when they have the double-Dumbo configuration (or before, if they're using it before)!

[carolinakid]

I'm sure I'm in the minority, but I just need to know.....is there anyone out there who feels it would have been more effective/more beautiful/cooler if the double Dumbos had opened together?

[WITron]

I am planning a trip to DW in Dec and I know they are doing the fantasyland expansion in phases. I am just wondering if anyone knows what will be open in phase 1 and when it will open.

[GusMan]

According to Mark's WDW Update, it appears that some attractions will start to open as early as this February. Im sure there will be several new attractions open by December, though.

[WITron]

Thanks, I was expecting them to open the first phase in one celebration and not just as everything opens.

[Barberella]

Deb at AllEars is posting some words and pics (also tweeting) on the soft opening of Storybook Circus in Fantasyland

http://land.allears.net/blogs/debwil...yland_e_1.html

[CBFETT]

Just read the below on AllEars.net

Meg Crofton, President of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations for U.S. and France, announced opening dates today, April 27, for several attractions in the Magic Kingdom's New Fantasyland project.

-- The second half of the Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction will open in July 2012, along with the Casey Jr. Splash n Soak Station.

-- Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Be Our Guest Restaurant, Gastons Tavern, and Ariels Grotto will open this fall, in time for the holidays.

-- The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will debut in 2014.

http://land.allears.net/blogs/dnews/...ing_dates.html

I'm a bit surprised that The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train won't be open until 2014. But that just means got to book another trip!

[scoobydooby]

Gulp! I'm at the mercy of my daughters spring break and a business trip that DH is on during our next vacation. I'm interested to see how the new FP enforcements make or break our daily plans. Worst case scenario if the parks are unbearable we will enjoy the resort pools!

I'm excited to see the new FL improvements.

You will be fine We have done Easter. Just be sure to make it to the parks before rope drop and take a mid day break. We can only do very busy times and I don't think it matters when you go if you get up early and follow a touring plan. Sleepy heads are your friends!

[TinaMouse]

The update from this week has new pics. I LOVE the new water feature underneath Dumbo! VERY cool. What's with Goofy's new rollercoaster name....REALLY? How about something a little longer!