Let us continue our tour of Fantasyland...
On the outskirts of Storybook Village, the path opens up to the northeastern point of town, branching out towards the unknown. Waterfalls flowing with magical springwaters mark the entrance to the next section of Fantasyland, a short transition by foot into this mysterious realm. Storybook Village behind us, we find ourselves in the shadow of beautiful, supernatural rock formations. Thundering cascades, shimmering rainbows, and lush foliage accent these mysterious formations designed in the not-so-subtle image of famous Disney characters, like Cinderella, Aladdin, Belle and Peter Pan. At night, the waters and foliage seem to undulate in an ethereal, almost otherworldly light. A short cavern tunnel is formed, linking the two separate formations, while the rockwork and vines stretch just beyond the berm of Storybook Treats, forming a secondary passageway. A magnificent wood awaits on the other side…
Before us sits a massive forest from the pages of a fantasy novel or the reels of Once Upon a Time. This area, of course, is naturally the second sub-area of Fantasyland: the Enchanted Forest. The Enchanted Forest encompasses a key location in almost any major fairy tale: the woods. Tall trees of European origin provide shade from the sun, yet a sturdy hideaway for those wishing to evade the law or the eyes of any given wicked witch. At all times, a mysterious fog rolls across the dirt trail, providing a quaint but exciting sense of mystery amid the fairy tale setting. The very pavement in which we walk upon tells a story -- wolf tracks, wheel lines, and dragon claw prints hint at the ongoing stories of the forest. Our ears are met with the orchestral sound of unseen wildlife. At any moment, one might expect a chance encounter with a fearsome dragon, or a fleeting glance at a knight on his valiant steed. Trickling streams and miniature waterfalls roll along the side of the road, while the occasional cottage protrudes from among the tree trunks and treetops. Fiber optic LED lighting embedded in the trees make the entire area seem to sparkle in an array of magic.
The waterfall entrance was set up in 2012. At the start of that year, Dumbo the Flying Elephant flew over Storybook Village for the last time before moving eastward to a new location in Fantasyland. With his presence gone, and with construction on an all-new E-ticket underway, the Imagineers decided to utilize the leftover space to craft a remarkable new entrance to the Enchanted Forest, inspired by the entrance found at Disneyland, which would also go on to inspire the entrance to Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea.
Much like Storybook Village, the Enchanted Forest serves as a gateway to further adventures in the realm of fantasy. These adventures start with what lies directly in the middle of the forest: an age-old mountain; its rocky façade and numerous hills offering a dramatic backdrop for the forest and serving as a teaser for things to come beyond its reaches. But what lies inside of this mountain?
Woodland creatures and bits of mining equipment lead our path into a glittering diamond mine, where a rustic mine train awaits. Zipping around hairpin turns and teetering back and forth along the countryside aboard the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, we crawl deep into a mine shaft where we find the Seven Dwarfs hard at work, whistling and singing while collecting their keep. A wild race from the mountain’s peak to the foot of the mountain takes us behind a waterfall and past the cozy cottage of the Dwarfs. This wild ride was a rather special one, as it was the attraction that finally gave Walt Disney’s first animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, its own attraction in the Magic Kingdom -- and it only took over 40 years for it to happen! A separate path takes guests in front of the Seven Dwarfs’ Cottage, a perfect place for photo opportunities. In fact, throughout the day, Snow White, Prince Florian and Dopey make meet ‘n greet appearances in front of the cottage.
In the early days of Fantasyland, the land currently held by the Enchanted Forest was once the home of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, an updated take on the famous Submarine Voyage, based more on the classic sci-fi film. Sadly, it closed in 1994, and bit by bit, the lagoon was soon landlocked, in order to build pathways leading to Fantasyland’s various new attractions. Temporary gardens full of trees and flowers were set up, further establishing the forest theme. However, many felt that even with these gardens, the Enchanted Forest still felt very empty, and wondered if anything would ever take up the former space. Then, in January of 2011, Disney announced the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, which would, indeed, take up the former space, opening on May 28, 2014.
Now, across the way from the Seven Dwarfs’ mine, you’ll find a passageway to a familiar fantasy locale. Since we are in the Enchanted Forest, why not take the opportunity to visit one of the most famous forests in literary history? I am, of course, talking about Sherwood Forest, the home of Robin Hood and his Merry Men, and we can join them on their latest escapades in Robin Hood’s Merry Adventure!
Serving as the Floridian counterpart to Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, this attraction -- much like Mary Poppins’ Jolly Holiday -- stands as an outlier compared to the other Disney dark rides. Instead of telling the full story of a film, Robin Hood’s Merry Adventure brings to life only one segment from the film. All that can be said is, we sure have picked a good day to visit Nottingham! Prince John is holding an archery tournament for all hopeful archers. The prize: a golden arrow and a kiss from Maid Marian herself! Join famed outlaws Robin Hood and Little John as they attempt to join in the festivities in disguise, only to be found out, leading to a fun-filled fight around the fairgrounds that is sure to leave everyone involved with a merry cheer. Well, except for Prince John and his men. They’re only leaving with empty pockets. Naturally, one can meet Robin Hood and his friends (Maid Marian, Little John and Friar Tuck) and adversaries (Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham) nearby the attraction’s entrance.
The original plans for the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland involved Ichabod Crane’s Midnight Escape being built here, instead of in Liberty Square. However, those plans were stopped once the executives thought it would fit better in Liberty Square. Then, Rolly Crump proposed a revolutionary, two-way version of the beloved Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride to replace it. However, since work had already begun on Mary Poppins’ Jolly Holiday and Sleeping Beauty’s Spell, the foot was put down regarding a Floridian Mr. Toad. No clones of the original Disneyland dark rides. And so, when the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, that parcel of Fantasyland sat empty, and it did so for two years.
But then, the Imagineers got the chance to see artwork and early animation from the big archery tournament scene in Robin Hood, and inspiration struck them like a lightning bolt. Teaming up with the animation staff, they would turn that scene into a dark ride, finally filling that space. However, the project was not without criticism, as Tony Baxter claimed that Robin Hood and its lack of unique places made it unsuitable for a dark ride. His complaints fell on deaf ears, though, and Robin Hood’s Merry Adventure opened on November 8, 1973, the same day the film came to theaters.
Heading back towards Storybook Village, a fork-in-the-road leads two ways. Go left, you’re back in Storybook Village. Go right, you continue further into the Enchanted Forest. Giant green mountains, framed by an eternal rainbow, can only mean one thing: we have arrived in Neverland! Yes, at the same time Pooh’s Hunny Hunt was announced for the Magic Kingdom, Disney also announced that Peter Pan would finally be flying into Florida! Now, not only can guests fly to Neverland, they can actually explore Neverland, in an area that opened on February 5, 2003, 50 years to the day when Walt Disney’s Peter Pan first came to theaters.
On the outskirts of Neverland is a small lagoon, reusing some of the water from the 20,000 Leagues lagoon. It is here on this lagoon that we can step aboard The Jolly Roger, Captain Hook’s pirate ship. A gangplank leads up to the deck of the ship. Like the Columbia, this ship is fully explorable. You can turn the ship’s wheel, you can climb up to the crow’s nest, you can even fire the cannons! (Fear not, for these cannons are air cannons. No cannonballs involved here.) And don’t be too surprised to see Peter Pan, Wendy, John, Captain Hook and Mr. Smee on this ship from time to time. They appear all throughout Neverland, causing mischief and making new friends. The ship sits docked within a sandy lagoon amidst steep coral cliffs, tropical settings and the imposing Skull Rock. 39-feet tall, this rock makes an ominous impression on the Neverland range. We can actually step inside this rock for a mysterious adventure. Inside, a network of haunted caves and eerie grottoes echo the fateful “Tiger Lily incident.” Lush waterfalls, slow-rising tides and unfortunate skeletons, still chained to the cavern walls, set the stage for Captain Hook and Peter Pan, eternally locked in combat in an alcove high above. The grinning Tick-Tock Croc hungrily eyes the familiar silhouette of Captain Hook from a pool below, patiently awaiting his “codfish dinner.”
Beyond Skull Rock, we can fully explore the deep forests of Neverland by following the Neverland Trail. The forests of Neverland are a sight to behold, a lush forest of tropical blossoms and rushing streams. Fanciful trees, fallen redwoods and technicolor rock formations immerse us into the unreal, fantasy world of Neverland. The first stop on the Neverland Trail, Silk Hat Falls -- John Darling’s top hat seen floating in the river -- takes us through a lush riverbed of cool falls, whitewater rapids and spinning rocks to play on, including the world-famous Castle Rock. Naturally, a large hippo lives in the adjacent pool, often emerging from beneath the top hat (subsequently wearing it) and billowing a refreshing mist from its nostrils.
In Banana Country, mischievous apes lurk in the dense canopy, attempting to snag hats, bags and glasses from passing explorers. Telescopes, crafted from bamboo and banana peels, provide stunning views of the Neverland mountain range. A rugged trail leads into a clearing of tall grass and giant boulders, aptly labeled as Rhino Rock. Discarded relics from past expeditions will summon a large rhinoceros from its slumber in the tall grass. Tall redwoods and pines mark the entrance to Hibernation Wood, where distant native drums and chanting set a scene similar to Frontierland. Hibernation Wood is so named because of a grizzly bear reclined on a large rock, fast asleep, snoring loudly. Of course, some displaced logs here and there provide ample “playground equipment” in this natural wonderland. The final stop on the Neverland Trail is Hangman’s Tree, otherwise known as the Lost Boys’ hideout. Much like the Queen of Hearts’ Castle at Disneyland Paris, we can climb up the tree to discover dramatic views of Fantasyland below.
A cave at the base of Neverland mountains leads the way for an adventure unlike any other: Peter Pan’s Flight. Yes, at long last, the classic Disney dark ride has made its way over to the Magic Kingdom, set to delight a whole new generation of Disney park fans. Taking flight aboard a four-seat pirate galleon, our adventure begins in London, where we learn to fly with the Darling children, courtesy of their bedtime heroes: Peter Pan and Tinker Bell. After a gentle cruise over moonlit London, where Big Ben and Tower Bridge light up the night sky, we head off into the night sky as Peter leads the way to Pixie Hollow, the Lost Boys’ hideout, Mermaid Lagoon, Skull Rock and the Jolly Roger, where he finally comes dagger to cutlass with Captain Hook. It’s a swordfight to the finish as the two face-off in a dastardly duel that leaves Hook cooked in the jaws of a grinning Tick-Tock Croc!
If the Neverland Trail takes up the left-hand portion of the Neverland mountains, then the right-hand portion is the home of Pixie Hollow. In this realm, we shrink down to the size of a fairy to meet up with Tinker Bell and her fairy friends: Iridessa, Rosetta, Silvermist, Fawn, Terrence, Vidia and Periwinkle, all of whom rotate on a regular basis. In order to maintain the illusion of shrinking, the plants and flowers seem to grow bigger and bigger as we head up a ramp to Pixie Hollow, and grow smaller as we head down, back to Fantasyland.
Just beyond Neverland, heading towards the easternmost part of Fantasyland, the fantastical fauna turns more realistic, like something out of the French countryside. Unsurprisingly, we have entered Belle’s village from Beauty and the Beast. Beneath the shadow of the Beast’s Castle, which stands tall at a height of 108 feet, we find a world of mystery and romance. Maurice’s Cottage with its whirring gizmos, buzzing contraptions and smoking chimney-stack welcomes us inside for a quick tour of the family’s living space and Maurice’s workshop. Within the workshop, guests can try out some of Maurice’s more recent inventions, with the wood-chopper that helped kick-start the events that led to Belle and the Beast falling in love displayed proudly. Look closely out of one of the windows in the living room, and you may see the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train racing past.
Across the way from Maurice’s Cottage is the “poor provincial town” that Belle and Maurice call home. Here, the cobblestone pavement leads us to a delightfully humorous fountain featuring the dashing Gaston standing high atop the bumbling LeFou. This sets the foreground for Gaston’s Tavern, a rough ‘n’ rowdy inn if there ever was one. In this antler-lover’s paradise, a massive portrait of Gaston overlooks the bar from above the fireplace mantle, a slain black bear at his feet. Menu items include turkey legs, pork shanks, jerky snacks, meat pies, drinks (alcoholic or otherwise), hummus, and warm cinnamon rolls. But the spécialité de la maison is LeFou’s Brew, a tasteful blend of 100% frozen apple juice with toasted marshmallow and passion fruit/mango foam. Gaston himself has been known to make an appearance or two right outside his tavern, often engaging in push-up contests with men or a game of flirtatious wits with beautiful ladies. In addition, LeFou also shows up, getting into shenanigans with park-goers, while the Bimbettes -- Claudette, Laurette and Paulette -- spend their time swooning over Gaston or flirting with any other potential suitors. Also in town is Bonjour! Village Gifts, a small shop for all our Beauty and the Beast needs.
Cracked gargoyles and beastly statues point the forested path toward the Beast’s Castle, which, ironically, is wide-open for visitors. Crossing the bridge and stepping inside the mighty castle, the foyer provides access to three distinct areas of the castle. First, to the right, we can become part of the story in The Tale of Beauty and the Beast. In this show, direct from Disneyland Paris, we are invited inside the castle’s Grand Hall to visit the beloved characters from the film. After a prologue in the Portrait Gallery, where we are reminded of what happened that caused the Prince to turn into a Beast, a re-enactment of Belle’s first night in the castle is acted out. Of course, Lumiere and his band of enchanted dishware perform a spectacular rendition of “Be Our Guest.” Then, the mood turns ominous as singing gargoyles warn us of the castle’s temperamental master. Indeed, the Beast is fuming to discover strangers in his abode, but Belle stands up to him on our behalf, insisting we are friends. To prove it, Belle brings up a child from the audience to give a rose to the Beast, thus reminding him to love and breaking the spell.
But that’s not all: To the left, you’ll find the magnificent Be Our Guest Restaurant. Inside this elaborate restaurant, we sit down to a feast of French fare for a quick-service breakfast or lunch, or a fabulous sit-down dinner in one of three dining areas: the Grand Ballroom, the West Wing, or the Castle Gallery, each meticulously designed and crafted for the exquisite “French” diner in all of us. In the Castle Gallery, the center of attention is a giant music box topped with a sculpture of Belle and the Beast in their midst of their iconic waltz. In the West Wing, a destroyed portrait of Prince Adam keeps watch over diners as the petals of the enchanted rose lightly fall from a pedestal below. The baroque Grand Ballroom with its domed ceiling, lavish chandeliers, and snow-laced arches recreate the setting of that iconic waltz we have all come to love. No meal would be complete without the grey stuff -- it’s delicious!
Heading up the grand staircase, we are led up to the castle’s spacious Library, home of Royal Reception. Not only is this an in-person meet-and-greet, but it also serves as a testing point for an interesting project: interaction with animatronics. As guests wait to meet the book-loving prince and princess, they can have a conversation with Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, Chip, and even the Wardrobe. How is this possible? I’m sure some of the tech-savvy members of the forums may recall this animatronic version of the Doorknob from Alice in Wonderland, which was utilized for IPW 2015. The technology used for the Doorknob would be used for the Objects, thus allowing guests to enjoy a conversation with these living animatronics. The performers doing the voices have been specially trained to perfectly mimic the voices of the characters (however, Chip’s dialogue would be pre-recorded and serve only as general reactions and questions for Mrs. Potts), so the experience is even more personal. Of course, meeting the Objects is only the prelude to meeting Princess Belle and Prince Adam themselves. In front of the Library’s grand fireplace is where you’ll be able to find the couple, and they are always eager to share book recommendations or share a dance with you.
In-between Neverland and the Beast’s Castle, a pathway from the village leads guests to a hidden cove, somewhere along the beaches of Europe. Sea rock completely surrounds the cove, hiding all views of provincial Fantasyland behind us. A lush, sub-tropical lagoon churns at the base of an awe-inspiring waterfall. Just like with Neverland, the water here is also taken from the 20,000 Leagues lagoon. A proud galleon, circa 19th Century Denmark, appears docked near the shoreline, aptly christened The Little Mermaid. The old galleon belongs to none other than Prince Eric, even featuring a nautical figurehead with a near-exact resemblance to Ariel. A closer glimpse of the shores below reveal that, in addition to a large cluster of purple clamshells, a shimmering fork, or “dinglehopper”, has also washed ashore…
Opposite the old galleon is the weathered castle of Prince Eric himself. Heading up a small hill, we enter the castle through its right-hand side, roaming the hallways within. One rotunda is graced with mural-like mosaics in depiction of fearsome sea monsters, including one giant octopus that resembles a certain sea witch… At the farthest edge of the castle, we find a passageway leading through the caverns and into another beach, bathed in the light of eternal sunset. This is the loading area for a truly remarkable, song-filled “shell-ebration”: Voyage of the Little Mermaid.
Aboard a “floating” seashell (utilizing the same ride system as Peter Pan’s Flight), we sail through the fantastic undersea world of Ariel, Sebastian, King Triton, Flounder and Ursula -- and all without getting wet! -- in a musical adventure awash with scenes from the 1989 animated classic. Utilizing a two-story set-up, with the undersea world on the bottom floor and the surface world on the top floor, we relive all the magic and romance of Ariel’s story, from her gadget-filled grotto to Ursula’s sinister, eel-infested lair. Immersive special effects and hand-drawn animation sequences recreate each unforgettable scene. This classic attraction is a direct, English-language clone of the popular attraction that debuted at Disneyland Paris. In fact, the Magic Kingdom version opened five years after the original Parisian version, in November of 1997, just in time for the film’s theatrical re-release. It’s been quite the popular addition to the park since then, constantly garnering long lines -- partly because this section of the Enchanted Forest closes thirty minutes prior to the fireworks, in order to make sure innocent guests are out of the way of possible fireworks fallout.
Built within the cliffs surrounding the castle is Ariel’s Grotto, the same cave where Ariel once yearned to be part of our world. Now a meet ‘n’ greet for the beloved princess, we are also invited to play interactive games with Scuttle while waiting to meet the little mermaid. You can also find Eric roaming about the area in his sailor duds. Gadgets & Gizmos, built from the structural remnants of an old lighthouse, is the ultimate souvenir stop for all our Little Mermaid needs, with gadgets and gizmos aplenty and whose-its and whatsits galore! You want thingamabobs? They’ve got twenty! And so on, and so on, and so on… Nearby, Scuttle’s Landing, owned by everyone’s favorite seagull, sells drinks that, while familiar to us, are clearly unfamiliar to Scuttle. The result? Ridiculous names for the menu items. Here, “hot chocolate” is “hoot chalkboard.” Here, “lemonade” is “lime grenade.” Mmm-mmm, good.
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And with that, our trek through the Enchanted Forest is complete! What do you guys think?
And by the way, if the ride description and the name for Robin Hood's Merry Adventure sounds familiar, that is because this was the creation of @b-wolf95, who created it for the 1986 Competition that was held a while back; so all credit goes out to him on that count! Thank you very much, b-wolf95! I loved your concept very much, and I really wanted to include it here in Mirror Walt Disney World-A somewhere! Likewise, a few elements of the Enchanted Forest -- the waterfall entrance, Neverland Trail, Gadgets & Gizmos, and Scuttle's Landing -- came from the various ideas of @MANEATINGWREATH over the years, so credit to him on that!
Well, next week, we complete our three-part tour of Fantasyland with a visit to Dumbo's Circus and a visit to the Gardens of Imagination.
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On the outskirts of Storybook Village, the path opens up to the northeastern point of town, branching out towards the unknown. Waterfalls flowing with magical springwaters mark the entrance to the next section of Fantasyland, a short transition by foot into this mysterious realm. Storybook Village behind us, we find ourselves in the shadow of beautiful, supernatural rock formations. Thundering cascades, shimmering rainbows, and lush foliage accent these mysterious formations designed in the not-so-subtle image of famous Disney characters, like Cinderella, Aladdin, Belle and Peter Pan. At night, the waters and foliage seem to undulate in an ethereal, almost otherworldly light. A short cavern tunnel is formed, linking the two separate formations, while the rockwork and vines stretch just beyond the berm of Storybook Treats, forming a secondary passageway. A magnificent wood awaits on the other side…
Before us sits a massive forest from the pages of a fantasy novel or the reels of Once Upon a Time. This area, of course, is naturally the second sub-area of Fantasyland: the Enchanted Forest. The Enchanted Forest encompasses a key location in almost any major fairy tale: the woods. Tall trees of European origin provide shade from the sun, yet a sturdy hideaway for those wishing to evade the law or the eyes of any given wicked witch. At all times, a mysterious fog rolls across the dirt trail, providing a quaint but exciting sense of mystery amid the fairy tale setting. The very pavement in which we walk upon tells a story -- wolf tracks, wheel lines, and dragon claw prints hint at the ongoing stories of the forest. Our ears are met with the orchestral sound of unseen wildlife. At any moment, one might expect a chance encounter with a fearsome dragon, or a fleeting glance at a knight on his valiant steed. Trickling streams and miniature waterfalls roll along the side of the road, while the occasional cottage protrudes from among the tree trunks and treetops. Fiber optic LED lighting embedded in the trees make the entire area seem to sparkle in an array of magic.
The waterfall entrance was set up in 2012. At the start of that year, Dumbo the Flying Elephant flew over Storybook Village for the last time before moving eastward to a new location in Fantasyland. With his presence gone, and with construction on an all-new E-ticket underway, the Imagineers decided to utilize the leftover space to craft a remarkable new entrance to the Enchanted Forest, inspired by the entrance found at Disneyland, which would also go on to inspire the entrance to Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea.
Woodland creatures and bits of mining equipment lead our path into a glittering diamond mine, where a rustic mine train awaits. Zipping around hairpin turns and teetering back and forth along the countryside aboard the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, we crawl deep into a mine shaft where we find the Seven Dwarfs hard at work, whistling and singing while collecting their keep. A wild race from the mountain’s peak to the foot of the mountain takes us behind a waterfall and past the cozy cottage of the Dwarfs. This wild ride was a rather special one, as it was the attraction that finally gave Walt Disney’s first animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, its own attraction in the Magic Kingdom -- and it only took over 40 years for it to happen! A separate path takes guests in front of the Seven Dwarfs’ Cottage, a perfect place for photo opportunities. In fact, throughout the day, Snow White, Prince Florian and Dopey make meet ‘n greet appearances in front of the cottage.
In the early days of Fantasyland, the land currently held by the Enchanted Forest was once the home of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, an updated take on the famous Submarine Voyage, based more on the classic sci-fi film. Sadly, it closed in 1994, and bit by bit, the lagoon was soon landlocked, in order to build pathways leading to Fantasyland’s various new attractions. Temporary gardens full of trees and flowers were set up, further establishing the forest theme. However, many felt that even with these gardens, the Enchanted Forest still felt very empty, and wondered if anything would ever take up the former space. Then, in January of 2011, Disney announced the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, which would, indeed, take up the former space, opening on May 28, 2014.
Now, across the way from the Seven Dwarfs’ mine, you’ll find a passageway to a familiar fantasy locale. Since we are in the Enchanted Forest, why not take the opportunity to visit one of the most famous forests in literary history? I am, of course, talking about Sherwood Forest, the home of Robin Hood and his Merry Men, and we can join them on their latest escapades in Robin Hood’s Merry Adventure!
Serving as the Floridian counterpart to Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, this attraction -- much like Mary Poppins’ Jolly Holiday -- stands as an outlier compared to the other Disney dark rides. Instead of telling the full story of a film, Robin Hood’s Merry Adventure brings to life only one segment from the film. All that can be said is, we sure have picked a good day to visit Nottingham! Prince John is holding an archery tournament for all hopeful archers. The prize: a golden arrow and a kiss from Maid Marian herself! Join famed outlaws Robin Hood and Little John as they attempt to join in the festivities in disguise, only to be found out, leading to a fun-filled fight around the fairgrounds that is sure to leave everyone involved with a merry cheer. Well, except for Prince John and his men. They’re only leaving with empty pockets. Naturally, one can meet Robin Hood and his friends (Maid Marian, Little John and Friar Tuck) and adversaries (Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham) nearby the attraction’s entrance.
The original plans for the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland involved Ichabod Crane’s Midnight Escape being built here, instead of in Liberty Square. However, those plans were stopped once the executives thought it would fit better in Liberty Square. Then, Rolly Crump proposed a revolutionary, two-way version of the beloved Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride to replace it. However, since work had already begun on Mary Poppins’ Jolly Holiday and Sleeping Beauty’s Spell, the foot was put down regarding a Floridian Mr. Toad. No clones of the original Disneyland dark rides. And so, when the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, that parcel of Fantasyland sat empty, and it did so for two years.
But then, the Imagineers got the chance to see artwork and early animation from the big archery tournament scene in Robin Hood, and inspiration struck them like a lightning bolt. Teaming up with the animation staff, they would turn that scene into a dark ride, finally filling that space. However, the project was not without criticism, as Tony Baxter claimed that Robin Hood and its lack of unique places made it unsuitable for a dark ride. His complaints fell on deaf ears, though, and Robin Hood’s Merry Adventure opened on November 8, 1973, the same day the film came to theaters.
Heading back towards Storybook Village, a fork-in-the-road leads two ways. Go left, you’re back in Storybook Village. Go right, you continue further into the Enchanted Forest. Giant green mountains, framed by an eternal rainbow, can only mean one thing: we have arrived in Neverland! Yes, at the same time Pooh’s Hunny Hunt was announced for the Magic Kingdom, Disney also announced that Peter Pan would finally be flying into Florida! Now, not only can guests fly to Neverland, they can actually explore Neverland, in an area that opened on February 5, 2003, 50 years to the day when Walt Disney’s Peter Pan first came to theaters.
On the outskirts of Neverland is a small lagoon, reusing some of the water from the 20,000 Leagues lagoon. It is here on this lagoon that we can step aboard The Jolly Roger, Captain Hook’s pirate ship. A gangplank leads up to the deck of the ship. Like the Columbia, this ship is fully explorable. You can turn the ship’s wheel, you can climb up to the crow’s nest, you can even fire the cannons! (Fear not, for these cannons are air cannons. No cannonballs involved here.) And don’t be too surprised to see Peter Pan, Wendy, John, Captain Hook and Mr. Smee on this ship from time to time. They appear all throughout Neverland, causing mischief and making new friends. The ship sits docked within a sandy lagoon amidst steep coral cliffs, tropical settings and the imposing Skull Rock. 39-feet tall, this rock makes an ominous impression on the Neverland range. We can actually step inside this rock for a mysterious adventure. Inside, a network of haunted caves and eerie grottoes echo the fateful “Tiger Lily incident.” Lush waterfalls, slow-rising tides and unfortunate skeletons, still chained to the cavern walls, set the stage for Captain Hook and Peter Pan, eternally locked in combat in an alcove high above. The grinning Tick-Tock Croc hungrily eyes the familiar silhouette of Captain Hook from a pool below, patiently awaiting his “codfish dinner.”
Beyond Skull Rock, we can fully explore the deep forests of Neverland by following the Neverland Trail. The forests of Neverland are a sight to behold, a lush forest of tropical blossoms and rushing streams. Fanciful trees, fallen redwoods and technicolor rock formations immerse us into the unreal, fantasy world of Neverland. The first stop on the Neverland Trail, Silk Hat Falls -- John Darling’s top hat seen floating in the river -- takes us through a lush riverbed of cool falls, whitewater rapids and spinning rocks to play on, including the world-famous Castle Rock. Naturally, a large hippo lives in the adjacent pool, often emerging from beneath the top hat (subsequently wearing it) and billowing a refreshing mist from its nostrils.
In Banana Country, mischievous apes lurk in the dense canopy, attempting to snag hats, bags and glasses from passing explorers. Telescopes, crafted from bamboo and banana peels, provide stunning views of the Neverland mountain range. A rugged trail leads into a clearing of tall grass and giant boulders, aptly labeled as Rhino Rock. Discarded relics from past expeditions will summon a large rhinoceros from its slumber in the tall grass. Tall redwoods and pines mark the entrance to Hibernation Wood, where distant native drums and chanting set a scene similar to Frontierland. Hibernation Wood is so named because of a grizzly bear reclined on a large rock, fast asleep, snoring loudly. Of course, some displaced logs here and there provide ample “playground equipment” in this natural wonderland. The final stop on the Neverland Trail is Hangman’s Tree, otherwise known as the Lost Boys’ hideout. Much like the Queen of Hearts’ Castle at Disneyland Paris, we can climb up the tree to discover dramatic views of Fantasyland below.
A cave at the base of Neverland mountains leads the way for an adventure unlike any other: Peter Pan’s Flight. Yes, at long last, the classic Disney dark ride has made its way over to the Magic Kingdom, set to delight a whole new generation of Disney park fans. Taking flight aboard a four-seat pirate galleon, our adventure begins in London, where we learn to fly with the Darling children, courtesy of their bedtime heroes: Peter Pan and Tinker Bell. After a gentle cruise over moonlit London, where Big Ben and Tower Bridge light up the night sky, we head off into the night sky as Peter leads the way to Pixie Hollow, the Lost Boys’ hideout, Mermaid Lagoon, Skull Rock and the Jolly Roger, where he finally comes dagger to cutlass with Captain Hook. It’s a swordfight to the finish as the two face-off in a dastardly duel that leaves Hook cooked in the jaws of a grinning Tick-Tock Croc!
If the Neverland Trail takes up the left-hand portion of the Neverland mountains, then the right-hand portion is the home of Pixie Hollow. In this realm, we shrink down to the size of a fairy to meet up with Tinker Bell and her fairy friends: Iridessa, Rosetta, Silvermist, Fawn, Terrence, Vidia and Periwinkle, all of whom rotate on a regular basis. In order to maintain the illusion of shrinking, the plants and flowers seem to grow bigger and bigger as we head up a ramp to Pixie Hollow, and grow smaller as we head down, back to Fantasyland.
Just beyond Neverland, heading towards the easternmost part of Fantasyland, the fantastical fauna turns more realistic, like something out of the French countryside. Unsurprisingly, we have entered Belle’s village from Beauty and the Beast. Beneath the shadow of the Beast’s Castle, which stands tall at a height of 108 feet, we find a world of mystery and romance. Maurice’s Cottage with its whirring gizmos, buzzing contraptions and smoking chimney-stack welcomes us inside for a quick tour of the family’s living space and Maurice’s workshop. Within the workshop, guests can try out some of Maurice’s more recent inventions, with the wood-chopper that helped kick-start the events that led to Belle and the Beast falling in love displayed proudly. Look closely out of one of the windows in the living room, and you may see the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train racing past.
Across the way from Maurice’s Cottage is the “poor provincial town” that Belle and Maurice call home. Here, the cobblestone pavement leads us to a delightfully humorous fountain featuring the dashing Gaston standing high atop the bumbling LeFou. This sets the foreground for Gaston’s Tavern, a rough ‘n’ rowdy inn if there ever was one. In this antler-lover’s paradise, a massive portrait of Gaston overlooks the bar from above the fireplace mantle, a slain black bear at his feet. Menu items include turkey legs, pork shanks, jerky snacks, meat pies, drinks (alcoholic or otherwise), hummus, and warm cinnamon rolls. But the spécialité de la maison is LeFou’s Brew, a tasteful blend of 100% frozen apple juice with toasted marshmallow and passion fruit/mango foam. Gaston himself has been known to make an appearance or two right outside his tavern, often engaging in push-up contests with men or a game of flirtatious wits with beautiful ladies. In addition, LeFou also shows up, getting into shenanigans with park-goers, while the Bimbettes -- Claudette, Laurette and Paulette -- spend their time swooning over Gaston or flirting with any other potential suitors. Also in town is Bonjour! Village Gifts, a small shop for all our Beauty and the Beast needs.
Cracked gargoyles and beastly statues point the forested path toward the Beast’s Castle, which, ironically, is wide-open for visitors. Crossing the bridge and stepping inside the mighty castle, the foyer provides access to three distinct areas of the castle. First, to the right, we can become part of the story in The Tale of Beauty and the Beast. In this show, direct from Disneyland Paris, we are invited inside the castle’s Grand Hall to visit the beloved characters from the film. After a prologue in the Portrait Gallery, where we are reminded of what happened that caused the Prince to turn into a Beast, a re-enactment of Belle’s first night in the castle is acted out. Of course, Lumiere and his band of enchanted dishware perform a spectacular rendition of “Be Our Guest.” Then, the mood turns ominous as singing gargoyles warn us of the castle’s temperamental master. Indeed, the Beast is fuming to discover strangers in his abode, but Belle stands up to him on our behalf, insisting we are friends. To prove it, Belle brings up a child from the audience to give a rose to the Beast, thus reminding him to love and breaking the spell.
But that’s not all: To the left, you’ll find the magnificent Be Our Guest Restaurant. Inside this elaborate restaurant, we sit down to a feast of French fare for a quick-service breakfast or lunch, or a fabulous sit-down dinner in one of three dining areas: the Grand Ballroom, the West Wing, or the Castle Gallery, each meticulously designed and crafted for the exquisite “French” diner in all of us. In the Castle Gallery, the center of attention is a giant music box topped with a sculpture of Belle and the Beast in their midst of their iconic waltz. In the West Wing, a destroyed portrait of Prince Adam keeps watch over diners as the petals of the enchanted rose lightly fall from a pedestal below. The baroque Grand Ballroom with its domed ceiling, lavish chandeliers, and snow-laced arches recreate the setting of that iconic waltz we have all come to love. No meal would be complete without the grey stuff -- it’s delicious!
Heading up the grand staircase, we are led up to the castle’s spacious Library, home of Royal Reception. Not only is this an in-person meet-and-greet, but it also serves as a testing point for an interesting project: interaction with animatronics. As guests wait to meet the book-loving prince and princess, they can have a conversation with Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, Chip, and even the Wardrobe. How is this possible? I’m sure some of the tech-savvy members of the forums may recall this animatronic version of the Doorknob from Alice in Wonderland, which was utilized for IPW 2015. The technology used for the Doorknob would be used for the Objects, thus allowing guests to enjoy a conversation with these living animatronics. The performers doing the voices have been specially trained to perfectly mimic the voices of the characters (however, Chip’s dialogue would be pre-recorded and serve only as general reactions and questions for Mrs. Potts), so the experience is even more personal. Of course, meeting the Objects is only the prelude to meeting Princess Belle and Prince Adam themselves. In front of the Library’s grand fireplace is where you’ll be able to find the couple, and they are always eager to share book recommendations or share a dance with you.
In-between Neverland and the Beast’s Castle, a pathway from the village leads guests to a hidden cove, somewhere along the beaches of Europe. Sea rock completely surrounds the cove, hiding all views of provincial Fantasyland behind us. A lush, sub-tropical lagoon churns at the base of an awe-inspiring waterfall. Just like with Neverland, the water here is also taken from the 20,000 Leagues lagoon. A proud galleon, circa 19th Century Denmark, appears docked near the shoreline, aptly christened The Little Mermaid. The old galleon belongs to none other than Prince Eric, even featuring a nautical figurehead with a near-exact resemblance to Ariel. A closer glimpse of the shores below reveal that, in addition to a large cluster of purple clamshells, a shimmering fork, or “dinglehopper”, has also washed ashore…
Opposite the old galleon is the weathered castle of Prince Eric himself. Heading up a small hill, we enter the castle through its right-hand side, roaming the hallways within. One rotunda is graced with mural-like mosaics in depiction of fearsome sea monsters, including one giant octopus that resembles a certain sea witch… At the farthest edge of the castle, we find a passageway leading through the caverns and into another beach, bathed in the light of eternal sunset. This is the loading area for a truly remarkable, song-filled “shell-ebration”: Voyage of the Little Mermaid.
Built within the cliffs surrounding the castle is Ariel’s Grotto, the same cave where Ariel once yearned to be part of our world. Now a meet ‘n’ greet for the beloved princess, we are also invited to play interactive games with Scuttle while waiting to meet the little mermaid. You can also find Eric roaming about the area in his sailor duds. Gadgets & Gizmos, built from the structural remnants of an old lighthouse, is the ultimate souvenir stop for all our Little Mermaid needs, with gadgets and gizmos aplenty and whose-its and whatsits galore! You want thingamabobs? They’ve got twenty! And so on, and so on, and so on… Nearby, Scuttle’s Landing, owned by everyone’s favorite seagull, sells drinks that, while familiar to us, are clearly unfamiliar to Scuttle. The result? Ridiculous names for the menu items. Here, “hot chocolate” is “hoot chalkboard.” Here, “lemonade” is “lime grenade.” Mmm-mmm, good.
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And by the way, if the ride description and the name for Robin Hood's Merry Adventure sounds familiar, that is because this was the creation of @b-wolf95, who created it for the 1986 Competition that was held a while back; so all credit goes out to him on that count! Thank you very much, b-wolf95! I loved your concept very much, and I really wanted to include it here in Mirror Walt Disney World-A somewhere! Likewise, a few elements of the Enchanted Forest -- the waterfall entrance, Neverland Trail, Gadgets & Gizmos, and Scuttle's Landing -- came from the various ideas of @MANEATINGWREATH over the years, so credit to him on that!
Well, next week, we complete our three-part tour of Fantasyland with a visit to Dumbo's Circus and a visit to the Gardens of Imagination.
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