Disney released in a media event Friday April 27, that the next stage of the Fastasyland will open in July! This gives more room and a few more attractions for all of the summer crowds. This section will include the 2nd stage of the Storybook Circus. Both sides of the Dueling Dumbo's will be open, as well as its interactive queue. Casey's Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station will give the summer guests a great area for the little ones to cool down. These will be a great addition to the already operating side of Storybook Circus, which includes one side of the Dumbo and Great Goofini roller coaster which opened at the beginning of last month.
The largest part of the Fantasyland addition will open by the holiday season of 2012. This could be looked at 2 ways, 1. Around the start of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (which is the official start of Disney's "Holiday" season or 2. Near Thanksgiving at the start of the Christmas decorations.
This Second phases will include the Be Our Guest Restaurant, which is inside Beast's Castle. This will be a new dining concept from Disney featuring counter service during the day and an interactive table service dining at night. It is still unknown if it will be 1 TS credit or 2 TS credit, similar to Cinderella's Royal Table. Either way I am sure it will be a hit and very hard to get reservations.
Also opening in the second phase will be Gaston's Tavern, unlike it's name it will not serve alcohol. But maybe Disney will find a substitute similar to "Butter Beer" at the other park that shall not be named. Belle will find a new home in her "Cottage" for an interactive Storytime with Belle, Ariel's Grotto where Ariel and Prince Eric will meet with guests.
One of the Most anticipated ride will also open, Under the Sea-Journey of the Little Mermaid. This ride was one of the first buildings built to start the Fantasyland addition. It has already opened at Disney's California Adventure, and guests are loving it. It is rumored that this ride will be set up on the FastPass system.
With all of these area's open it will seem to still be under construction with The Seven Dwarf Mine Coaster. This will open sometime in 2014. Although I doubt it will take over 2 years to build this coaster, track has already been going up and rock formation being poured. But we shall see and hope.
The night time show show that has become a huge fan favorite, Magic Memories and You, will add new scenes and characters staring May 29, 2012. Phineas and Ferb fans will be extra excited with the addition as well as a large sandcastle projection over Cinderella's Castle. Other additions include, The Little Mermaid and Lion King themes and music. Sounds like a awesome feast of the eyes.
In late June you will see the phase out of "Kim Possible" and the change of character to "Agent P" for the showcase adventure. The came will still concentrate on the same pavilions but will feature new special effects. The new scene for this interactive adventure set at Epcot will be based on the series of "Phineas and Ferb". They will be going on a trip around the world. Agent P will be the main character as you follow him through his secret agent job.
Another hot topic is Test Track at Epcot going under the refurbishment knife. With wide spread rumors all over wondering when Test Track would be closing or re-opening, this has become a huge to-do. Disney has came out this week and has said that Test Track will be re-opened by the Fall. Splitville, a large bowling alley taking up shop in the old Virgin Record Store in Downtown Disney, also has an opening date as early Fall.
Star War Fans rejoice it was announced that on May 10, 2012 the Droid Factory at Tattooine Traders at Hollywood Studios. Just in time for Star Wars weekend, this build your own Astromech Droid activity will include 3 inch figures that fit into other playsets. It will be a huge hit!
With all this exciting news, is will be so much fun planning your next Disney vacation!
