By Rachel Galvin
Photos by “Cinema” Dave Montalbano
In one of the biggest public relations events in four years, Disney World Orlando invited press as far north as Toronto and as far west as California to walk beyond Cinderella’s castle walls into the new Fantasyland.
There, they found an Enchanted Forest and Storybook Circus.
The opening ceremony included animation legends Jodi Benson, Paige O’Hara, Jo Anne Worley, Ron Clements and John Musker, as well as actress Ginnifer Goodwin, known for playing Snow White on ABC’s Once Upon a Time, and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, who treated guests to some classic Disney songs.
The media who attended enjoyed VIP treatment and not only enjoyed the rides and attractions, but also saw fireworks and a fire breathing dragon!
The Observer’s own “Cinema” Dave Montalbano had a first-hand experience with this new and improved Disney magic.
Wondering what is within the new Fantasyland? In the Enchanted Forest, guests can listen to “tales as old as time” from Belle, have a sip of Le Fou’s Brew in Gaston’s Tavern and have dinner in Beast’s castle at Be Our Guest Restaurant. They can also visit with Ariel at Ariel’s Grotto or jump in a clamshell at Prince Eric’s Castle and take a dark ride beneath the sea in the Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid. These are just a few highlights.
The Storybook Circus is inspired by Dumbo. But features rides with other characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy. Fly with Dumbo, spiral in a stunt plane at The Barnstormer or get soaked at Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station. You can even go to Fantasyland Station to take a 20-minute scenic tour of the Magic Kingdom on an antique train, the Walt Disney World Railroad! These are just a few of the attractions. Look for Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh, Prince Charming and other familiar faces.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes also had a ribbon cutting in Downtown Disney (across from the House of Blues) and even Goofy attended. This twolevel venue, the largest of its kind, features 30 lanes and 50,000 sq. ft. of entertainment for families. It opens to the public Dec. 19.
And over at Epcot, the reimagined Test Track (presented by Chevrolet) celebrated its grand opening. Here, guests can drive their own custom concept vehicle through all the exhilarating twists and turns at as fast as 65 mph.
Walt Disney also announced some of its future plans, including Princess Fairytale Hall, scheduled to open in 2013, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. At only about three hours away, Disney World is a fun holiday option for the whole family to get out of town, but not go too far.
Make sure to check out the Osbourne Family Dancing Spectacle of Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, featuring an extensive choreographed holiday light display. The event ends Jan. 6.
And if you are feeling a bit wild, head to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, where they have improved their safari ride.
disneyworld.disney.go. com/parks
