Mirror Walt Disney World

[DisneyManOne]

Wouldn't it make more sense for it to be a river rapids attractions instead of a flume, especially as it would help differentiate itself from its neighbor WRE?

Looking up as much as I have about Thunder Mesa, everything I've found said that it was a flume. According to Wikipedia, river rapids wouldn't become a thing until the '80s. In Mirror Walt Disney World, Thunder Mesa and the Western River Expedition open on July 4, 1976, as part of the Bicentennial celebrations.

 

[Suchomimus]

Looking up as much as I have about Thunder Mesa, everything I've found said that it was a flume. According to Wikipedia, river rapids wouldn't become a thing until the '80s. In Mirror Walt Disney World, Thunder Mesa and the Western River Expedition open on July 4, 1976, as part of the Bicentennial celebrations.

So WRE wasn't the only flume ride for Thunder Mesa? I thought the Beaver Bros. Rafts were your creation?

 

[DisneyManOne]

So WRE wasn't the only flume ride for Thunder Mesa? I thought the Beaver Bros. Rafts were your creation?

The flume was a big part of the original Thunder Mesa concept. Thunder Mesa was basically the Indiana Jones and the Lost Expedition of the 1970s -- one great, big, multi-purpose building featuring all sorts of nifty things to do.

 

[Suchomimus]

The flume was a big part of the original Thunder Mesa concept. Thunder Mesa was basically the Indiana Jones and the Lost Expedition of the 1970s -- one great, big, multi-purpose building featuring all sorts of nifty things to do.

Well, it is unfortunate that the river rapids concept didn't exist until 4 years after the bicentennial, or that most attractions don't really get too many drastic alterations to their original vehicles; especially not water ones.

 

[DisneyManOne]

New Orleans Bayou

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Beyond the Frontierland Railroad Station and Woody’s Roundup, a path runs along the backside of Thunder Mesa. As we proceed northward, we notice a shift in the mood. The breathtaking western film orchestrations give way to jazz standards typical of New Orleans, particularly the French Quarter...in fact, even the rustic Southwestern structures appear to be giving way to more Southern-style buildings...could it...could it be? Yes, it could! We’ve just stumbled upon the Golden Age of the French Quarter, the crown jewel of New Orleans, Louisiana. Ah, the French Quarter... The Paris of the American frontier... The Crescent City of New Orleans as it appeared in the Roaring ‘20s, portrayed and honored down to the minute detail. Architecture and atmosphere of the 1850s are retained amid the winding walkways, wrought iron balconies, romantic courtyards, and exquisite, gourmet restaurants.

Even the lighting is specifically themed. @Suchomimus suggested utilizing the typical gas-lit lamps of the time for the town, but once we step into the bayous, not only do we have kerosene-lit lamps on wooden street poles, but, taking a page from @D Hulk and his tremendous DisneySky concept, “fireflies” -- D Hulk described the effect as “simple fibre optic strings blown by fans” -- surround the waterways leading up to the Riverboat Landing and in the trees and foliage surrounding the entrance and exterior of the area’s big E-ticket attraction. And given what kind of an attraction it is, the fireflies make perfect sense.

New Orleans Bayou takes inspiration from the legendary New Orleans Square of Disneyland. In the wake of the success of Disney’s 2009 animated feature, The Princess and the Frog, it was decided to bring the wondrous sights and sounds of New Orleans to life in the Magic Kingdom. This wasn’t the first time Walt Disney World used the concept of New Orleans for a guest experience -- the Port Orleans Resort, anyone? -- and the Imagineers were excited to return to the Big Easy. And on November 25, 2014, five years to the day since The Princess and the Frog first came to theaters, New Orleans Bayou opened its gates.

Stepping along a path leading behind Thunder Mesa, a covered bridge serves as our gateway onto the streets of New Orleans. Upon entry, the sweet sound of New Orleans jazz fills our ears, courtesy of the Nine Old Men, a ragtag band of hot jazz musicians named on behalf of the original Disney Animators (coincidentally, some of them formed a Dixieland band of their own -- the legendary Firehouse Five Plus Two). As the Nine Old Men parade in and around the fanciful architecture and charming boutiques, we find ourselves at a mighty bend in the river, home to the majestic Liberty Belle Riverboat.

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Named for the famous American landmark, the Liberty Belle departs from a landing all-too-familiar with the architecture of New England. The Liberty Belle is an authentic reproduction of the historic vessels that ferried people up and down the mighty Mississippi River. A working steam engine converts the water from the Rivers of America into steam that in turn powers the large paddle that propels the boat. The 47-foot tall riverboat is comprised of three pristine decks:

• The Sun Deck, the “top deck”, the ideal place to enjoy the outdoors as you float down the river​
• The Promenade Deck includes a salon, an outside wheelhouse and the Captain’s Quarters​
• The Main Deck includes the boiler and pistons that run the paddle-wheel, as well as an outdoor viewing platform​

A Magic Kingdom icon all its own, the stately steamboat brings passengers on a voyage around the Rivers of America through a vast wilderness beyond imagination; giving us a glimpse of the beauty and splendor of the American frontier .A burning settlers cabin and village of Plains Indians are among the sights encountered along the riverfront. Wild animals and lush greenery stock the shoreline, where a chance encounter with foul river pirates and a fantastic, panoramic view of Frontierland’s mountain range allow the ultimate in thematic storytelling, brilliantly narrated by our down-to-earth captain from aboard the pilothouse. Every now and then, the Nine Old Men will hop aboard the magnificent steamboat and perform concerts at the Promenade Deck of the old riverboat, providing an experience that is far out-of-the-ordinary in everyday life.

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A fork-in-the-road leads three ways. One way leads towards the riverboat dock, accessed from underneath a railroad trestle. The other way leads further into town. And the third way leads guests towards the La Bouff Manor, serving as a perfect place to go for pictures. Of course, Charlotte and Tiana often hold meet-and-greets here. Although you can’t step foot inside the stately house, you can certainly roam around the gardens in the backyard. The outlandish gardens have quickly become a good place to host events -- corporate events, wedding receptions, and even masquerade balls during the Magic Kingdom’s Halloween and Christmas celebrations! Yes, as night falls from September to January, and then again for a few weeks in March for Mardi Gras, you can take part in a masquerade ball where you can dance the night away with the Princess and the Frog gang, plus a few special guests -- namely, Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy dressed in their Mardi Gras best. Plus, for character-hunters, these masquerade balls offer a chance for you to meet Charlotte in her ballgown and Tiana in her blue gown, never before seen in the parks!

Across the way from the riverboat dock is another stately manor house, directly inspired by the famed Cabildo in New Orleans’ Jackson Square. The Cabildo was built in 1799 to house the Spanish colonial government, and is perhaps best known as the site in which the Louisiana Purchase was signed in 1803. This manor house, located at 21 Royal Street, hosts the elegant One-of-a-Kind Shop. If the name didn’t tip you off, this is the most unique venue in the Magic Kingdom; the gifts here cannot be found anywhere else. An eclectic (but elegant) selection of antique clocks, jewelry, playing cards, statuettes, miniatures, 19th Century objets d’art, Italian masks, old photographs and other treasures from the past are sold here. The style and craftsmanship of a bygone era are the true attraction; a testament to the beauty and grandeur of 19th Century Americana. One wing of the house is devoted to 1928, another shop unique to the French Quarter. 1928, named for the year that a certain mouse debuted, is unique, whereas it sells animation cels and original artwork from Disney films (a far more exclusive offer than those offered at the Disney Gallery on Main Street), not to mention hand-carved decorations and statuettes for year-round décor. Built into the same building is the Royal Street Veranda, offering Monte Cristo sandwiches, soup in sourdough bowls, gumbo and fritters.

Since the Pirates of the Caribbean are found in Adventureland here in Florida, that kind of rules out having a pirate-themed shop located where Pieces of Eight stands in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square. But that doesn’t mean there’s still a shop there. While Liberty Square has Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe as a year-round Christmas shop, the French Quarter has a full-on seasonal shop that changes depending on the holiday. This shop is appropriately called Chaque Vacances (“Every Holiday”). From mid-January to late-February, the shop is themed to Valentine’s Day; from early-March to late-April the shop is themed to Easter; from early-May to late-August, the shop is themed to summer; from early-September to October 31st, the shop is themed to Halloween; from early-November to early-January, the shop is themed to Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

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A vast wealth of shops make up the unique mercantile of New Orleans Bayou. Le Gourmet offers all sorts of cookware, including cookware unique to the New Orleans scene. Lafitte Jewelers and Cristal d’Orleans emulate a Southern take on Main Street’s Cup ‘n Saucer and Crystal Arts, only, the merchandise here is distinctly more “New Orleans” and far less “Disney”. Mlle. Antoinette’s Perfumerie and a Caricature Portrait Artist add an additional touch of authenticity and detail to the already impressive atmosphere of New Orleans Bayou. The varied Flower Marts and Candy Carts further build a thematic “panorama” of beauty and elegance.

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New Orleans Bayou has numerous courtyards and sheltered walkways just off-the-beaten-path of the Magic Kingdom’s hustle and bustle. Coming from the second-floor windows, we might overhear some of the Big Easy’s denizens caught in several comical scenarios, including a southern seance, a destructive feline and a clever, wisecracking mockingbird. The lush Court of Angels is a park staple, having opened with Disneyland’s New Orleans Square in 1966. The hidden gem was one of the last Disneyland fixtures designed by Walt Disney before his untimely death. The beautiful Court has been the popular spot for family photos, engagements, and even character meet ‘n’ greets, but more often than not remains a quiet and reflective oasis.

Porte d’Orleans, found in the heart of the French Quarter, is well-versed and stocked in a variety of Cajun spices, chicory-coffee, beignet mixes, hot sauces and kitchenware authentic to the “Queen of the Delta.” The Creole Cafe, home to the world-famous Monte Cristo, features dark woods, brass fixtures and stained glass that transport us to the Big Easy’s oldest neighborhood. We can “people-watch” on the elegant covered patio or dine inside with the vintage artifacts and furnishings of “Walt’s Day”. Amidst character displays from The Princess and the Frog, we find the very same espresso machine that served Walt cups of his favorite brew. The famous French Market restaurant is based on the New Orleans original in the historic French Quarter. The large outdoor cafe has delicious Creole dishes and southern fried soul food. The non-alcoholic Mint Julep Bar is located nearby. The French Market also features live music to accompany your meal, often featuring a performance or two by the Nine Old Men.

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In a courtyard held in the darkest shadows of the Big Easy, flickering candles and a sign made from human skulls point us toward the dimly lit facade of Dr. Facilier’s Voodoo Emporium. Here we find a dimly-lit hole-in-the-wall marked by a rather macabre welcome plaque made of human skulls and candles. Inside is a realm blanketed in pure mystery, where voodoo dolls and spellbooks lay scattered about carelessly, a boiling cauldron in one corner emitting a “healthy” green glow. Rather than actual voodoo, Dr. Facilier’s is the park's villain-themed shop, meaning any and all things related to the dreaded Disney villains are sold here, as well as Nightmare Before Christmas merchandise, select Haunted Mansion items, magic tricks, pranks, tarot cards, and plastic skulls... Naturally, the emporium is filled with interactive elements typical of Dr. Facilier, including an arcade machine that allows a voodoo doll to dance, talking masks, spellbooks that quite clearly have minds of their own, and a serpent fast asleep above the cash registers, occasionally awakening to examine potential prey.

The Voodoo Emporium is a fitting neighbor to the shaded underbelly of New Orleans… A step inside an old plantation brings us not into a lavish foyer, but instead into a ramshackle portion of the French Quarter cast beneath the stars of twilight. The pale light of the full moon illuminates a dense bayou, where sleeping alligators and flickering fireflies lie in wait. On the horizon, a rickety houseboat and shrimping-boat gently rock among the thick foliage, an unseen banjo wafting onto the summer breeze amid the chirping crickets and croaking frogs. Thieves’ Market is an “open-air” bazaar of rare imports and antiquities. As the market was once owned by the famous Jean Lafitte, the shady merchants and sellers talk and speak as if they were 18th Century pirates of the Delta City. Their wares include trinkets of silver and gold, weathered books, China porcelain, leather, fine jewelry, and much, much more. Vendors in need of a “quick buck” operate snack stands from within the marketplace, selling gumbo and deep-fried catfish to name a few cheap dishes.

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Tiana’s famous beignets are all the rage down at Tiana’s Palace, a beacon for the New Orleans elite. Nestled proudly at a bend in the Rivers of America, live jazz music and the musical stylings of Louis the Alligator attract visitors from far and near to come out and sample just what Tiana's cooking in her prized kitchen. Art Deco fixtures and a sweeping ballroom further complement the Cajun cuisine and five-star service. Of course, if you want to rub shoulders with Tiana, she can often be found roaming through New Orleans Bayou, oftentimes with Naveen at her side. The royal couple even take the occasional trip on the Liberty Belle! New Orleans Bayou also offers meet-and-greet opportunities with Louis, the trumpet-playing alligator; Charlotte La Bouff, Tiana’s best friend; as well as the nefarious Dr. Facilier himself!

In the thicket beyond the elegant city, towering trees and bubbling streams mark the entrance to the mysterious bayous of the New Orleans swampland. It’s a dark and moody, yet exciting, place. In fact, if you look closely, you may even see a few real-life frogs resting in the murky waters. Of course, there's not much one can do in swamps, hence why “New Orleans Bayou” is more of a placeholder name, but there is one thing we can do...

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“Hop” aboard The Princess and the Frog River Run. For the first time in a Disney Park, the world of The Princess and the Frog is realized in an astounding musical journey through the colorful swamps and bayous of Louisiana. Entering through Mama Odie’s peculiar treehouse, we board a giant lilypad, lazily sailing through the quaint backwoods. In the world’s “first” indoor-whitewater rapid ride, we join Tiana, Naveen and Louis, as they prepare for a big Mardi Gras celebration at Tiana’s Palace -- the first Mardi Gras since the time when Tiana and Naveen spent the celebration as frogs! The journey is one filled with music, color and laughter. But it’s not all smooth sailing -- our lily pad is sent careening amid perilous whitewater as Dr. Facilier’s “friends on the other side” arrive to wreak havoc! Of course, all we have to do is “dig a little deeper” - or dive - to find our happy end.

If the plot to this ride sounds a bit familiar, that’s because it’s the plot of the ride that -- in our real-life Walt Disney World -- will soon be replacing Splash Mountain. But here in Mirror Walt Disney World, it becomes this all-new attraction. In this mirror universe, the heads at Disney recognize The Princess and the Frog’s durability far sooner than they do in our universe; hence why this ride opens with New Orleans Bayou in 2014, and not … whenever the re-themed Splash Mountain will open.

Here now is a rough map detailing the placement for the sights and sounds of New Orleans Bayou:

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And there we have Mirror Magic Kingdom's newest land: New Orleans Bayou! I should point out that my biggest inspiration was @MANEATINGWREATH's post about New Orleans Square in his "Mirror Disneyland" thread. New Orleans Bayou is essentially a more elaborate take on New Orleans Square, hence why there's a feeling of "sameness" to it.

 

[Suchomimus]

Here now is a rough map detailing the placement for the sights and sounds of New Orleans Bayou:

I should point out a few things about this map: 1) The land area for the River Run would be cut back a bit to allow the Plains Indians diorama to remain; and 2) There would be no path to Fantasyland here.​

So are you going to change the map to fit your description?

 

[DisneyManOne]

So are you going to change the map to fit your description?

Indeed, I am and indeed, I have. Check back to the previous post to see the new map.

 

[Suchomimus]

Indeed, I am and indeed, I have. Check back to the previous post to see the new map.

Now that's an improvement. I know your lands are not as thorough with detail like @D Hulk has done with SKY but I had a couple of ideas that were more than inspired by him that had struck me; at least for NOB; and I thought I would like to share them with you. My first idea came for the lighting. Now I figured that gaslit lamps would be used for the town and manor but for the rural bayou area, I had thought about fake fireflies - the same as those found in Mythic Realms - that would be found hovering above the parts of the small river that separates the riverboat landing from the mainland, as well as the swamps outside of PaTFRR while wooded street poles held kerosene lamps much like Frontierland. I also thought of a restroom that would be housed inside of a watermill found on said river and modeled after the Riverside Mill at Port Orleans; albeit smaller and maybe painted differently.

 

[D Hulk]

Now that's an improvement. I know your lands are not as thorough with detail like @D Hulk has done with SKY but I had a couple of ideas that were more than inspired by him that had struck me; at least for NOB; and I thought I would like to share them with you. My first idea came for the lighting. Now I figured that gaslit lamps would be used for the town and manor but for the rural bayou area, I had thought about fake fireflies - the same as those found in Mythic Realms - that would be found hovering above the parts of the small river that separates the riverboat landing from the mainland, as well as the swamps outside of PaTFRR while wooded street poles held kerosene lamps much like Frontierland. I also thought of a restroom that would be housed inside of a watermill found on said river and modeled after the Riverside Mill at Port Orleans; albeit smaller and maybe painted differently.

I’d love to see you brainstorm more often! When you do, your ideas are often very intriguing.

 

[DisneyManOne]

Now that's an improvement. I know your lands are not as thorough with detail like @D Hulk has done with SKY but I had a couple of ideas that were more than inspired by him that had struck me; at least for NOB; and I thought I would like to share them with you. My first idea came for the lighting. Now I figured that gaslit lamps would be used for the town and manor but for the rural bayou area, I had thought about fake fireflies - the same as those found in Mythic Realms - that would be found hovering above the parts of the small river that separates the riverboat landing from the mainland, as well as the swamps outside of PaTFRR while wooded street poles held kerosene lamps much like Frontierland. I also thought of a restroom that would be housed inside of a watermill found on said river and modeled after the Riverside Mill at Port Orleans; albeit smaller and maybe painted differently.

I completely forgot about the fake fireflies. They would be brilliant for the area. I'll have to go back and include them.

I’d love to see you brainstorm more often! When you do, your ideas are often very intriguing.

I second this!

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Liberty Square

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What was America like during the days of its infancy? Set during the time of the American Revolution, Liberty Square takes guests back to the days of America's foundings. The architecture is a blend of several American colonies as they existed during the nation’s earliest years. The town is filled with merchants and trades in reflection of the time period. The smell of revolution is in the air. The fife and drum echoes throughout the land. Blue-coated men roam the streets. This truly is a world just ready to be born.

Entering Liberty Square from the Central Plaza, we pass by a brick-laden gate, a wall nearby laden with this message: “Past this gateway stirs a new nation waiting to be born. Thirteen separate colonies have banded together to declare their independence from the bonds of tyranny. It is a time when silversmiths put away their tools and march to the drums of a revolution, a time when gentleman planters leave their farms to become generals, a time when tradesmen leave the safety of home to become heroes. Welcome to Liberty Square!”

Once over the wooden bridge that spans the rivers of the Plaza, lit by old-fashioned streetlamps, we find the first two buildings of Liberty Square waiting for us. The electric innovation and homespun facade of Main Street, U.S.A. has vanished. The street here is lit by candlelight and lantern’s glow. The old shutters on each building hang at an odd angle; metal was not shipped to the U.S. during the Revolutionary War. An odd detail, truly authentic to the era, is that, while most of the pavement appears red compared to Main Street's grey, a brown streak travels down either side of Liberty Street. This streak travels directly to Liberty Square’s only restroom facility. Given indoor plumbing was not yet invented in colonial America, our forefathers would simply chuck their waste out the window and into the streets... Understood?

First, to the right, we have Sleepy Hollow, a colonial eatery, which boasts amazing funnel cakes, waffles, ice cream sandwiches, muffins, coffee and hot chocolate and other delectable treats. Modeled after the home of Legend of Sleepy Hollow author Washington Irving, Sleepy Hollow features an outdoor seating area, which offers a wonderful view of the courtyard in front of Cinderella Castle. Sleepy Hollow also offers a small covered seating area, which features a small, almost hidden, forested pathway, leading to the backside of Cinderella Castle. The pathway offers amazing view of both Main Street, U.S.A. and Cinderella Castle. On the back end of the Sleepy Hollow seating area, there is an alcove, leading back into the heart of Liberty Square. The alcove cuts through several buildings and leads into the main plaza of the Square.

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On the other side of the street is Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe, one of the most beautiful stores in the park. The year-round décor of shimmering garland, lights, trees and the sound of warm holiday music is in perfect compliment to the available ornaments, wreathes, stockings, nutcrackers and tree-skirts. Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe is most famous for its incredible Department 56 Village. Known for its lit portrayal of holiday nostalgia and memories in miniature form, the display is one of the world’s largest found in a retail location. Better yet, Department 56 and Walt Disney World offer an exclusive village series: “The Magic of Christmas at Walt Disney World”, a miniature portrayal of Main Street, U.S.A. and Central Plaza decked out for the holiday season.

Heading westward from here, towards Frontierland, you’ll come across the Liberty Tree Tavern. The menu is in celebration of all things Americana - from smoked turkey legs and hamburgers to lobster rolls and New England clam chowder. The stately colonial inn is Liberty Square’s exclusive dining hall. Dinners here are a full-on family-style Thanksgiving feast: an all-you-care-to-enjoy mountain of roasted turkey breast, pot roast and carved pork roast, and accompanied by traditional sides. Liberty Tree Tavern is one of the most elegant and upscale dining facilities in all the Magic Kingdom.

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Next door, serving as the transition point from Liberty Square to Frontierland, is the famous Diamond Horseshoe Saloon, home to the equally famous Diamond Horseshoe Saloon Revue. To an ice cream sundae and a bottle of sarsaparilla, we enjoy an Old West musical revue of can-can dancers, vaudeville routines, melodramatic punchlines. Other treats on the menu here include fried chicken, chili, sandwiches, hamburgers, French fries and fish and chips, with a wide variety of fixin’s and sides; as well as a wide variety of other ice cream treats and cookies. And to wash it down, an ice-cold Coca-Cola and other non-alcoholic beverages.

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When the Magic Kingdom first opened, the Revue was an exact duplicate of the original Golden Horseshoe Revue. Wally Boag even temporarily left the California show to help break in the Revue in Florida! But in 1995, the original Revue show was retired in Florida -- though it still continues to delight guests in California -- and the show was re-tooled as the Diamond Horseshoe Saloon Revue & Medicine Show (a performance of which can be seen in the video above). Hosted by the friendly Dr. Bill U. Later, the show runs at various points throughout the day, and to keep things fresh, different acts perform at certain shows. Among these acts include the comic guitarist Mark Key, who likes to lead the audience in sing-alongs; Preston Digitation, a magician who, in addition to the usual stage magic, performs Wally Boag’s classic balloon act; Lock, Stock and Barry, a comic sketch trio; and the vivacious Miss Lucille L’Amour and Her Lovely Ladies, their can-can dancing accompanied by ivory-tickler Jingles.

Right next door to the Diamond Horseshoe, located right next to the passageway separating Liberty Square/Frontierland from Adventureland, is the Tricornered Hat Shoppe. As if the name didn’t tip you off, this shop specializes in hats. Not only can you get authentic tricornered hats, just like the ones worn in the days of the Revolution, but there’s cowboy hats, straw hats, and all sorts of other headwear!

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Standing proudly in the middle of Liberty Square are the Liberty Tree and Liberty Bell. As the story goes, 50 replicas of the Liberty Bell were made to celebrate the 200th anniversary of America’s independence in 1976. Pennsylvania, already having the real thing, donated their copy to Walt Disney World in 1989. It is surrounded by 14 flags: the American flag and the flags of the 13 original states. The impressive Liberty Tree is a live oak, well over two centuries old and is a worthy tribute to the real Liberty Tree in Boston. Historically, the real tree was a beacon for the American Revolution - those rallied against the oppression of the British Empire would gather here in protest or plotting.

Across the way from the Liberty Tree is the office of Samuel Osgood, Postmaster General, a legitimate operational post office, styled after the ones from the days of Colonial America. was, at first, a false facade. Mr. Osgood has serviced the famous mailboxes found throughout the Magic Kingdom. The location still accepts and distributes letters and packages today.

Steps away from Osgood’s office stands a near-exact re-creation of Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, which, when the park opened in 1971, played host to The Hall of Presidents, a show that featured animatronic depictions of every last one of the people who have held the office of President of the United States. But as the Bicentennial came and went, it was decided to close the show, as it was not really drawing in large crowds now that the big reason for its existence was over. Thus, as the year 1979 began, the theater was shut down permanently, but the Independence Hall entrance and the museum foyer were left intact. The newly-christened Hall of American History offered ever-changing displays of not just Presidential artifacts, but of eras throughout all 200+ years of American history, from the early days of the Revolution to the modern days of social change and the Equal Rights Movement.

Then, in 2016, it was announced that the Hall of American History would be getting a new, permanent exhibit, based around a rather...sensational take on American history.

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A town crier named James Jefferson -- “J.J.” for short -- steps outside the museum and invites us all to enjoy the stories of America. He is soon joined by Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, the Great Gonzo and, of course, Sam Eagle to bring their fuzzy view of American history to life. The Muppets Present...Great Moments in American History is a reverent, hysterical and historical performance in depiction of events like the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Amerigo Vespucci’s discovery of America, the arrival of the Pilgrims and the midnight ride of Paul Revere, told only as The Muppets can. The show makes use of musical numbers, wacky jokes and authentic Muppets to help add a sense of “edu-tainment” to the Magic Kingdom experience. The Muppets themselves appear in the windows above Osgood’s office (although Sam makes occasional appearances in a special roost within Independence Hall), and their puppeteers are dressed in the clothes of Cast Members working there, so they can get upstairs and down without giving away their Muppety connections.

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As for the theater, it had become the home of an all-new dark ride: Ichabod Crane’s Midnight Escape. Considered a spiritual successor to Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at Disneyland, this fast-paced dark ride takes guests aboard an old carriage through the forests of Sleepy Hollow. Much like how Snow White and Her Adventures put guests in the shoes of “the fairest one of all”, or how Mr. Toad made us feel like we are the recklessly-driving amphibian, this ride puts us in the shoes of the superstitious schoolteacher Ichabod Crane. He has just heard the legend of the Headless Horseman from old Brom Bones, and he is one nervous Nelly. The trek back home is one fraught with danger, but can he make it through...or will the Headless Horseman claim another victim?

By the way, I should mention that I came across this picture thanks to Google Images. It wasn’t until quite recently that I learned this originated right here on the WDWMagic forums, posted by a user named Timon.​

Heading further into Liberty Square, we come across a New Orleans Bayou-esque cluster of shops within one building, all of which involve live professionals performing their trades. One of the first sights (and sounds) is the Blacksmith Shop. Antique hinges, lamps, horseshoes, and other items are made here by a skilled blacksmith. The smithy hosts demonstrations and is also responsible for shoeing the horses that travel down Main Street each day. Paul Revere’s Silver Shop is unique, wherein all the wares available for purchase are made from 100% real silver. The second-floor window of said shop has two lanterns, a reference to the poem “Paul Revere’s Ride” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. “One, if by land, and two, if by sea,” reads the poem. The two lanterns indicate that the British have arrived “by sea.” Paul Revere made these signals in the instance he was unable to perform his famous ride across the Massachusetts countryside.

The New England Print Shop serves as the editing place for Walt Disney World’s own newspaper, The Walt Disney World Explorer. The newspaper is available for purchase here (for $1), as well as in the colorful Newsstands found in Town Square and near the Main Gate. The skilled proprietor uses an old Washington handpress like the one Benjamin Franklin used more than 200 years before. Colonial Woodcarvers offers a real place for woodcarvers to practice their craft. You can even take home a wood carving, if you’re so inclined.

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Nearby this new property, the Sailing Ship Columbia arrives at the local dock. As stated earlier, this ship is an exact replica of the Columbia Rediviva, the first American ship to circumnavigate the globe in 1790, three years after her rebuilding in 1787 -- the same year America ratified the Constitution! Every inch of this ship is fully explorable. Even the area below deck contains amenities and quarters for the crew.

A path leads up into the final section of Liberty Square, as the colonial buildings start to close into a small courtyard. On the right, the Nantucket Harbour House offers a quaint dining experience, as the dining hall is filled with ship ornaments, harbor sculptures, seaside paintings and other sea lore. The menu consists of seafood-based dishes, such as shrimp, lobster rolls, fish and chips, calamari, along with salads, chicken and their famous vegetarian chili. From a launch nestled alongside the banks of the Rivers of America, we board one of two Mike Fink Keel Boats, a long-lost relic of nearly every major Disneyland-style park. Boarding either the Gullywhumper or the Bertha Mae, passengers are taken on a grand circle tour of the Rivers of America, treated to an audio tour provided by King of the River himself, Mike Fink.

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Have you ever seen a haunted house? You know the kind I mean: that old dark house that’s usually at the end of a dimly lit street; barely noticeable by day, but carefully avoided by night. The owners haven’t been seen for years; no one really knows why. The windows are dark and silent, but as night falls, eerie lights pass from window to window, while the unnatural silhouette of an otherworldly wraith peers out from the attic window. The gardens and grounds are well-kept and groomed, though a single window appears cracked and disheveled. There’s a high moss-covered wall around the property. Is it there to keep somebody out, or is it there to keep something inside? It’s a house that people avoid walking past at night. Strange sounds come from within the walls, and it’s said that eerie lights have been seen both in the attic window and in the graveyard at the side of the house… It was always imposing, seemingly abandoned, and thoroughly rumored to be haunted. Well, here at the farthest end of Liberty Square, we can find such a house...

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Standing proudly, and imposingly, on the banks of the Rivers of America, is the abandoned structure of Gracey Manor, the former home of a wealthy colonial man known as “Master” George Gracey. Rumor has it that Gracey Manor was built upon a burial ground sacred to the early natives...but those are just rumors, right? When the man died, Gracey Manor became bereft and abandoned. But yet, strange things have happened here. People said that lights were still on, ever flickering. People said that they could see shadows drifting past. People said that they could hear ungodly music being played from within the manor. And what’s more, the door remained unlocked, meaning that anyone could enter and discover the mysterious secrets of Gracey Manor. And now, it’s our turn. Summoning up all our courage, we arrive at the gates of Gracey Manor...although it doesn’t seem to be called that anymore. Bronze plaques on twin brick columns now refer to this place as... The Haunted Mansion.

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A peculiar chill shivers through us... The hairs on our neck stand straight up... And we feel as if someone is watching as we hasten past the Family Plot, a graveyard that marks the final resting place of the Gracey lineage. No matter where they were when they died, their bodies were sent to be buried next to the family’s beloved patriarch. The decayed monuments and crumbled crypts portray an aura of foreboding… A quick look at the epitaphs proves that no one in the family seems to take death too seriously...

Once past the plot, the doors creak open, as our “Ghost Host” urges us to step lively, others are just dying to get in... The Magic Kingdom’s most spirited attraction, The Haunted Mansion features not only its 999 floating, jumping, dancing residents, but also possessed galleries, breathing doors, and other little surprises guaranteed to send shivers up the spine of even the bravest visitor. But we are not left to shiver on our own - our Ghost Host holds our company throughout the journey.

Our first stop: the once private gallery of Gracey Manor. The images seem to stretch, revealing the true nature of their seemingly innocuous happenings, bringing us into the boundless realm of the supernatural; a warped, dark dimension of floating objects, wispy spirits and frightful memories. We’re next ushered into a long hallway that’s lined with eerie paintings and photographs, and flooded with the sound of a violent thunderstorm. From here we board our black-hooded “Doom Buggy”, our transport through a world of unearthly delights never before imagined… a supernatural journey through a labyrinth of frightful chambers.

The Haunted Mansion is one of the Magic Kingdom’s most popular E-Ticket attractions; and for that matter, one of the crowning achievements in Disney park history. Here, the emphasis is more on the light than the fright, and dark humor and comical puns abound. Much as they had with Pirates of the Caribbean, the Imagineers combined genuine thrills with a large dose of humor, but with somewhat less balanced results than their previous E-Ticket effort. The likes of such legends as Claude Coats, Ken Anderson, Marc Davis, X Atencio, Rolly Crump, and Yale Gracey all worked on the show elements for The Haunted Mansion. Here on this “happy haunting” ground, we glide past a casket-filled funeral parlor, a chilling séance circle, a haunting party in the grand ballroom, a “swinging” wake in the graveyard out back, and an unforgettable encounter in the attic, all guided by the ominous voice of our Ghost Host... But beware, although there are 999 happy haunts inhabiting this mansion, there’s always room for a thousand. Any volunteers?

It might be possible that Madame Leota, resident gypsy of Gracey Manor, once lived in the shop that now plays host to Memento Mori. Resident gift shop of the Haunted Mansion - though located off the Gracey Estate - Memento Mori is a reminder to “live life to the fullest as everyone is mortal.” The skull on the marquee seems to hint at a grim fate for Leota, who disappeared decades prior. Perhaps the rumors of her disembodiment are true… The lost art of Spirit Photography has been reinvented here; a way for us to get in touch with the dearly departed.

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And there we have Liberty Square!

Once again, I must credit @MANEATINGWREATH for serving as a major inspiration for the new Liberty Square shop concepts and the Department 56 Village. In addition, Ichabod Crane's Midnight Escape was heavily influenced by a project here on the forums, but I shall save the credit-giving for when I post the ride-through for it later on.

By the way, guys, I should warn you that tomorrow's post is going to be a big one. Then again, it is based on my favorite land in the whole park, and boy, do I have a lot to say about it...

 

[JokersWild]

Do you want to talk about this in private? I wouldn’t mind talking to you in private if it makes you happy and at least then I could try to better explain to you and to understand what you’ve said here without any interjections or further politicizing here.

If you'd like. I might not be able to respond for a bit, but I will when I can.

 

[MANEATINGWREATH]

Glad to see you've finally brought your Mirror WDW to light. One of these days I'll get back on track with Mirror Disneyland, but who knows. Ever since starting my new job in October, all my free time has been consumed with sleep. And after all, I'm the king of making armchair Imagineering promises I never keep.

 

[DisneyManOne]

Glad to see you've finally brought your Mirror WDW to light. One of these days I'll get back on track with Mirror Disneyland, but who knows. Ever since starting my new job in October, all my free time has been consumed with sleep. And after all, I'm the king of making armchair Imagineering promises I never keep.

It's been a long time since I first started sharing ideas with you for this project, hasn't it? I can't wait to see what you have in store for Mirror Disneyland next! Oh, and congratulations on your new job!

And now, ladies and gentlemen, let us take a trip to my favorite land in the Magic Kingdom...

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Fantasyland

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Make a wish...you’re about to enter a world where classic Disney stories leap off the screen and come to life like never before. Here is a land where elephants fly, teacups dance and every corner holds a bit of the magic of dreams come true. If the Magic Kingdom has a heart, it is surely here. Fantasyland was always portrayed as Walt’s favorite, although much like children, no doubt he’d be hard pressed to pick a favored land in his Park. Fantasyland, however, was the realm of his already-famous and most-beloved canon and characters, a land that Snow White, Peter Pan, Mr. Toad, and Alice might call home. Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald were also perfectly at home in the regal fairy tale and comfy storybook settings - created for this new entertainment experience by many of the same men and women who had brought them to the movie screen.

The impressive Cinderella Castle transports us from the classic Americana of Main Street, U.S.A. and into the age-old pages of a childhood storybook. Here, magnificent mosaics, golden spires, lavish tapestries, imposing gargoyles, and ornate latticework compose a symphonic atmosphere reminiscent of the grandeur and romance of the Renaissance. Cinderella Castle truly represents a bygone era: a time where princes and princesses reigned, a time when dragons roared and knights sought to intercede them, a time when fairy-tale fantasy lived in a world rich in magic... This world, of course, is represented beyond the castle walls in the happiest kingdom of all, Fantasyland.

As we cross over the stone bridge and through its towering portico, we are “welcomed” by a never-ending loop of some of Disney’s classic fairy-tale romance songs: “When You Wish Upon a Star”, “Once Upon a Dream”, “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” and “Someday My Prince Will Come”. The sheer size and magnificence of Cinderella Castle is fully realized once inside the castle’s lavish interior, laden with decor reminiscent of the medieval era; vivid tapestries, stone statues and fine-glass windows. The most notable feature of the castle’s interior is a series of mosaic murals, re-telling the story of Cinderella through over 30,000 individual glass tiles, their colors flecked with real gold. The scenes speak of romance, magic, and beautiful dreams all come true.

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique resides on the first floor of the castle. In this enchanted chamber inhabited by chattering mice and whistling bluebirds, children of all ages are allowed the chance to magically transform into his or her own favorite Disney character (mostly princesses), a dream come true for many a youngster. Across the way from the Boutique, we climb an elegant spiral stairwell to the second floor, playful gargoyles and the light of dim sconces beckoning for us to climb toward whatever mysteries and magic may preside above.

Soaring archways and cathedral ceilings create a dramatic atmosphere for Cinderella’s Royal Table, a fantastical feast for the eyes and taste buds. As the story goes, Cinderella is holding a banquet in honor of the world’s best-loved princesses, and we are invited. As such, we dine in splendor as Disney’s iconic princesses mingle, give autographs and pose for pictures. Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, Aurora, and Ariel are just a few of the familiar guests in attendance. Authentic medieval tapestries and acquired artifacts adorn the lavish dining room, whilst flags and shields bearing the namesake of many a medieval nation hang proudly above us.

A secret elevator up to the third floor, hidden by a perpetually-closed door within the castle foyer, takes us to the closed-off residence of the Cinderella Castle Suite, an in-park hotel suite if you will. Only reserved for those of us with special circumstances (or taking a guided tour of the park), the Cinderella Castle Suite is an immersive gem hidden within the castle walls, a luxurious penthouse suite of fantastical proportions. With a master bedroom, jacuzzi-tub, and stunning view of Fantasyland, the Cinderella Castle Suite is truly and quite literally the suite of our dreams.

Heading back downstairs, we pass through the northernmost-facing portico of Cinderella Castle and step into Storybook Village, a quaint little village displaying what life in the Dark Ages might have been like were it to clash with the color and whimsy of Toontown. Architecture of Bavarian, Dutch, Swiss, and Tudor origin craft the town. Minstrel-style arrangements of classic Disney tunes fill the air, creating a sense of medieval trade and fellowship. Beloved Disney characters roam the streets, eager to meet with guests, thus truly making Fantasyland the land where characters live. Though the characters found throughout Fantasyland have specific meet ‘n’ greet locations, don’t be surprised to see them wandering about, taking full advantage of the “roaming character” concept.

For reasons of budget, schedule and creative intent, when the Magic Kingdom first opened in 1971, the initial decor for the Fantasyland courtyard was that of a simple medieval tournament, with brightly colored (sheet metal) awnings, tents and banners. And as the years have gone by, the “Old” Fantasyland has clearly shown its wear and tear, especially when compared to what has been opening here since the 1990s. Because of this, in 1994, the “Old” Fantasyland area was remodeled inside and out, and new exteriors reflecting the locale and era of the attractions were built. Now, when you step into Fantasyland, you'll find yourself in a European-themed setting. Cobblestone pathways and colorful foliage reminiscent of the Black Forest put the finishing touches to Fantasyland’s Storybook Village. Each attraction today sports a detailed, three-dimensional facade, while technological advances and stunning special effects combine for truly memorable fantasy adventures. Fantasyland will always be a magical land of make-believe, where dreams really do come true.

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One of the original Opening Day attractions at the Magic Kingdom, Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel is nestled in the idyllic heart of Fantasyland, a nod to the inspiration for Walt’s Disneyland, the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round. Held underneath a vibrant medieval tent, sculpted greenery and vibrant flowers set the stage for a cavalry of wood-carved horses and gleaming carriages. Upon the wooden canopy, painted stills depict scenes from Cinderella, held up by hand-carved cherubs. As an old-fashioned organ plays, we parade up and down atop our horses, getting unique views of the wonders that are awaiting us here in Fantasyland. Oh, and by the way, Cinderella’s horse is among the team of horses. Just look for the one with the gold ribbon around its tail!

Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel and most of its horses date back more than 100 years. It was originally handcrafted by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1917 for Belle Isle Park in Detroit, Michigan, and eventually found its way to Olympic Park in Irvington, New Jersey. Olympic Park closed in 1965, and most of the park’s attractions and paraphernalia was either destroyed or sold off. The Walt Disney Company purchased the carousel in 1967, saving it from the jaws of destruction.

Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel sets an impressive backdrop for the final resting place of the Sword in the Stone itself, Excalibur, the legendary blade of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. In its base reads: “WHOSO PULLETH OUT THIS SWORD OF THIS STONE AND ANVIL IS RIGHTWISE RULER BORN OF ENGLAND.” The wise Merlin hosts the daily Sword in the Stone Ceremony, where a would-be King or Queen of England is chosen in the absence of King Arthur (reportedly visiting Bermuda) to draw Excalibur from its sheath. Only one true hero will prevail in an often humorous celebration of magic and royalty.

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Throughout Storybook Village, some of Disney’s most beloved stories are re-told. To the right of the carousel is a building straight out of Medieval France, particularly the Old Town of Bordeaux. It seems only natural that this building play host to Sleeping Beauty’s Spell. One thing that should be noted about the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland is its choice of dark rides. The three original dark rides were chosen to serve as analogues to their Floridian counterpart. For example, Sleeping Beauty’s Spell is meant to be the Floridian counterpart to Snow White’s Scary Adventures at Disneyland.

Once inside the queue, depictions of the rolling hills and fields of the forest, with the Fairies’ woodland hut and King Stefan’s castle in the distance prelude the beauty, grandeur and magic of Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. We next board a crystal ride vehicle -- in either red, green or blue, after the Three Good Fairies -- and set off for an adventure through some of the story's most famous moments, both light and dark. The attraction pays strict attention to detail, making sure Eyvind Earle’s legendary artwork comes to three-dimensional life. Likewise, it features three-dimensional displays, stunning animatronics, sound and stunning special effects, especially in the climactic battle between Prince Phillip and Maleficent, who has transformed into a fire-breathing dragon! Fortunately, all ends well for our heroes, as Aurora is awakened and receives her “happily ever after.”

Heading towards Tomorrowland from Sleeping Beauty’s Spell, we have two counter-service areas. First is Lancer’s Inn, a counter-service spot offering sandwiches, chips and pies, in addition to special boxed meals for children, like chicken nuggets and grilled cheese. Right next door is Storybook Treats, which offers some of the sweetest ice-cream treats in all the Kingdom. Heading back towards the castle from Sleeping Beauty’s Spell, a giant beanstalk can be seen stretching towards the heavens, growing from the top of a thatched-roof cottage; the same cottage that served as the homestead of three certain poor farmers... This homestead serves as the home of Sir Mickey’s, a shop themed around the classic featurette Mickey and the Beanstalk. The shop specializes in toys, plushes, clothing and accessories. The beanstalk’s roots can be found in the ceiling of the store, and along the walls, with Mickey Mouse himself seen standing on one of the roots. You can even see Willie the Giant peeking through the walls!

Just outside Sir Mickey’s, a path leads down past the castle, past a small forest, and towards Cinderella’s Wishing Well. Much like with La Fuente de la Fortuna in Adventureland, all the coins tossed in the well are donated to children’s charities all over the world.

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On the opposite side of the Wishing Well, Princess Fairytale Hall allows one and all a visit with the world’s most beloved royalty: the Disney Princesses. Guests of all ages are hereby invited to rub elbows with the likes of Cinderella, Aurora, Anna and Elsa, and Elena of Avalor, joined on occasions of inclement weather by Snow White and Merida, who mainly roam the streets of Fantasyland. Each princess receives visitors in her own special nook amidst magnificent surroundings and resplendent décor. The entrance to the Hall is reminiscent of that of Disneyland Paris’ Auberge de Cendrillon, complete with a replica of Cinderella’s pumpkin coach within the entrance courtyard. The path continues on reaching the second Fantasyland entrance from Central Plaza.

Now, on the other side of the carousel, we first come across Tinker Bell’s Treasures, a gift shop mainly specializing in Disney Princess merchandise. Built within the walls of the shop is La Fontaine de Cendrillon. Small yet beautiful, this fountain features a bronze sculpture of Cinderella. And if you look at it just right, you’ll notice that the crown in the mural behind the sculpture is positioned right on the sculpture's head. The path continues to Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square.

In 1971, one of the Magic Kingdom’s signature new attractions was The Mickey Mouse Revue, an animatronic stage show featuring a host of beloved Disney characters singing their most famous songs. The show was a bona fide success, but had a relatively short run, running only nine years in Florida before moving to Tokyo Disneyland. What to do now? Well, the theater sat dormant for a few years, but in 1987, something wicked this way came…

Following its tremendous success in Tokyo, the Cinderella Castle Mystery Tour was adapted into English as The Realm of Mystery and put into the space that once held The Mickey Mouse Revue. In The Realm of Mystery, guests found themselves sucked into the Magic Mirror, into the realm of the dreaded Disney Villains. We face off against the likes of the Evil Queen, Maleficent and Chernabog, before finally facing the Horned King himself. Fortunately, good triumphs over evil as a child is chosen to use a magic sword to defeat the Horned King before he can sic his undead army on us. However, as the years wore on and The Black Cauldron gradually faded further and further away into obscurity, The Realm of Mystery started to suffer for it. By the time the 2010s came around, it was placed under the dreaded “Seasonal” time period, mainly opening during busy periods and during Halloween. But then, in 2014, the Disney Parks Blog and The Walt Disney World Explorer announced that the Realm of Mystery was officially closed forever, and was all set to be replaced with a new attraction…

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Frozen became a cultural phenomenon after its global release on November 22, 2013. The film dethroned The Lion King as the highest grossing animated film of all time, and became a de-facto fairytale of the 2010s, instantly cemented as a classic forever on par with The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. The stunning score, storyline, and gorgeous animation made Frozen a timeless film, quickly spawning a number of spin-offs, shorts and a sequel in 2019. It was inevitable that an attraction based on the film would soon follow…

The former Gothic tones of The Realm of Mystery have been turned into kind, welcoming Scandinavian architecture. Fresh-cut timber and regal stone mark the entrance to Frozen Ever After. Stepping inside, a proclamation is embedded on a center post:

“Hear ye! Hear ye! One and all are cordially invited to a Summer Snow Day Celebration at Arendelle Castle, in honor of the day Princess Anna saved her sister, Queen Elsa, with an unselfish act of true love.”​

As we pass through the switchbacks, we see the distant harbor of Arendelle at night, viewed from the elevation of one of the hills surrounding the kingdom. Look closely, and you can see lanterns flickering in the town’s windows. Right on cue, a sled glides up to the loading dock, a fitted transport into the world of ice and snow. A supernatural, frozen grotto seems magical in its own right, never mind the appearance of Olaf, an Audio-Animatronics figure among the new generation of Disney’s advanced Audio-Animatronics figures. The incredible figure blinks, gestures, walks, jumps and sings.

Leaving Olaf behind, we find Anna on a sled of her own. She explains that although Summer Snow Day is about to begin in Arendelle, Elsa’s not there! Correctly surmising that she must be up at her ice palace in the North Mountain, she invites us to come along with her to bring her back in time for the celebration to begin. Along the way, we rub shoulders with some “boulders” (aka the Trolls), pass by Kristoff and Sven’s barn (where they sing “Reindeer(s) are Better Than People”), and finally, emerge in the icy blue world of Queen Elsa’s enchanted ice palace. In an elaborate show scene combining projections, animatronics and special effects, Elsa works her magic to the tune of “Let It Go.”

The jubilance is cut short as we hear Anna calling to Elsa, reminding her of the celebration. Heading back down -- but not before meeting Marshmallow and the Snowgies -- we emerge in Arendelle, and join in the celebration. To the tune of “Making Today a Perfect Day”, Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Sven, Olaf and the citizens of Arendelle rejoice in a glorious celebration. In 2020, following Frozen II’s success, this scene was updated, replacing “Making Today a Perfect Day” with “Some Things Never Change.”

Nearby the ride’s entrance, Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post (and Sauna) welcomes us, so called “weary travelers,” to its year-round “Big Summer Blowout!” The friendly “Wandering” Oaken sells any and all things Frozen, including fresh carrot-snacks and winter-wear exclusive to the Fantasyland mercantile. Oaken’s sauna hisses and trembles from the excess of steam within, often accommodated by a chorus of friendly “Yoohoos!”

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The stately English home of the Banks Family at No. 17, Cherry Tree Lane is intertwined with a soaring “Big Ben” and the patchwork “rooftops” of London. Chariots pulled by carousel horses serve as our vehicle, as we jump into one of Bert’s chalk drawings and set off on Mary Poppins’ Jolly Holiday. Serving as the Floridian counterpart to Peter Pan’s Flight, Mary Poppins’ Jolly Holiday brings to life some of the film’s most beloved moments. We begin with jumping into a chalk picture to find Mary Poppins and Bert enjoying their “jolly holiday”, then pass by singing barn animals, beautiful forests and dancing penguins, before unintentionally finding ourselves on a racehorse track. Somehow, we win the horse-race and celebrate with Mary Poppins, Bert and the Pearly Band to the tune of “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”. An unexpected thunderstorm brings us to the rooftops of London, where we “step in time” with the chimney sweeps, and finally into a flock of soaring kites on a brilliant, windy day. Naturally, Mary Poppins and Bert are normally seen around Fantasyland, occasionally joined by the Penguins.

Ah, but the Mary Poppins fun doesn’t end there. The Pearly Band can often be seen roaming through Storybook Village. Marked by their pearl-covered clothes, the band performs their unique arrangements of classic Disney songs; and they often perform in the castle forecourt throughout the day, alongside the “practically perfect” nanny and her chimney-sweep friend.

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A few feet away from Mary Poppins’ Jolly Holiday is a small area themed around the movie Tangled. If you enter Fantasyland from Liberty Square, this is where you’ll find yourself. The area offers theme park guests a chance to simply rest and relax amidst a highly-themed environment. Rapunzel’s tower sits atop a rocky waterfall (more trees will be planted to block views of it from Liberty Square and Frontierland), while other nods to the film include various Pascals hidden among the area, Flynn’s satchel, Maximus’ hoof-prints and of course, multiple frying pans. Rapunzel and Flynn Rider -- or should I say, Eugene Fitzherbert -- themselves often make meet and greet appearances in a wooden gazebo nearby the village. Vines and leaves will cover the gazebo to create an extremely relaxing atmosphere. A powerful wooden fan rests on the ceiling, providing a cool breeze on those hot Floridian days.

In 2002, “it’s a small world” moved from its old location to a new location on the other side of Fantasyland, thus opening up a great deal of space for new attractions. Originally, there was only one new attraction that opened on the newly-expanded space, but as the 2010s began, the Imagineers decided to add another attraction. On March 12, 2013, Tangled’s presence in Fantasyland was expanded with A Tangled Tale. For the first time in Disney Park history, we are transported into the exciting world of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, a first ever in a Disney Park. Amid the stunning music and vivid settings of Tangled, we discover this timeless tale of bold adventure, swashbuckling bravery, dark villainy and fairy-tale romance. Naturally, the unfortunate wanted posters for Flynn Rider (all of them with his nose wrong) find their way around and about the attraction’s distinctly Bavarian facade, the eastern walls of which are festooned with unique murals that Rapunzel herself has painted.

Across the street from A Tangled Tale, beneath towering steeples and chimneys, wrought-iron weathervanes and swaying roofs, we find the entrance to a most fanciful restaurant. Of course, what Fantasyland would be complete without the inclusion of the Pinocchio Village Haus? All real boys and girls can feast upon Italian favorites in this quaint cottage. Italian cheeses, panini sandwiches, seafood, pastas and stone-cooked pizzas are just a few of the available selections. Aside from lavish murals harkening to Walt Disney’s classic Pinocchio, large windows provide ample viewing of the streets of Fantasyland. It seems only fitting Geppetto’s Toy Shoppe sit right next door. Geppetto’s is a must-see for toy collectors and world-travelers alike, a cozy collection of international trinkets and treasures. Hand-carved marionettes, nutcrackers, cuckoo-clocks, toys, candies, puzzles, music boxes and dolls stock the shelves, each an import from Central Europe and beyond. Figaro the cat can be seen on the shop’s highest windowsill, fast asleep, often awakening for a quick swipe at a nearby “occupied” birdcage. In keeping with the “roaming character” aspect of Fantasyland, the likes of Pinocchio, Geppetto and Jiminy Cricket can be seen here, joined on special occasions by the Blue Fairy.

At the farthest end of the street, we come across a beautiful sight. Blending in beautifully with the naturalistic settings of Storybook Village is an old, timbered English farmhouse. A verdant garden takes up residence in the backyard, marked by a tall oak with a blue balloon tied to one of its branches. Stepping inside the farmhouse through its tool-shed, we pass through a hallway and find ourselves in the room that belongs “to a boy named Christopher Robin.” Of course, his favorite storybook is wide-open, and big enough for us to step through. It is here, inside this book, that we take a magical journey through the imagination of a child; for this English farmhouse is the all-too-appropriate home of Pooh’s Hunny Hunt.

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This incredible and unique attraction, the world’s “first trackless dark ride”, premiered in Tokyo Disneyland on September 4, 2000. Its success there led Imagineering to convince management to move “it’s a small world” eastward, in order to get the room necessary to bring it stateside. And thus, Pooh’s Hunny Hunt opened in Fantasyland in the summer of 2003. Based on the stories of A.A. Milne and the timeless music written by the Sherman Brothers, Pooh’s Hunny Hunt has riders swept up in a gust of wind on a Blustery Day, bouncing alongside a boisterous Tigger, and caught in the midst of a colorful nightmare swarmed with mischievous Heffalumps and Woozles. Of course, all ends well, because as Pooh is dreaming, the blustery wind takes him up into the Honey Tree, where he wakes up to a hefty helping of his favorite treat.

Pooh’s Hunny Hunt uses a state-of-the-art trackless ride system developed by WED. A custom local positioning system (LPS) is used to manage an array of sensors as opposed to a dedicated wire or track embedded in the floor. The patented control system works by directional data being relayed from a master control computer directly to the vehicles which are fashioned to resemble honey pots. This data is then used to move an individual honey pot car through a complicated matrix embedded within the actual floor tiles. Every few seconds, the master computer generates a random path and “steers” the honey pot in real-time, so as the cars roll through the ride the vehicles are, in fact, being told where to go. Because this system is in real-time, they can maneuver accordingly in just fractions of a second. This also allows for spontaneous yet synchronized “honey pot choreography” with groups of honey pots (as many as eight in a single show scene) appearing to “dance” with the others, often timed with beats in the music. Due to limitless variations possible, each journey through the attraction is unique.

Leaving the 100 Acre Wood and coming back to the farmhouse, Hundred Acre Goods is our one-stop shop for all things Pooh. The shop is most notable for its elegant window display, featuring the famous Pooh doll, the storybook and various other small toys. It’ll surely bring back memories of visiting the toy store at Christmastime as a kid, sure to bring kids inside. Once you walk through the doors, you’re overwhelmed with color and the fun atmosphere that is set up in the store. Available for purchase are a wide variety of toys aimed at younger children, in particular rows and rows of stuffed animals and books. There is also a bakery portion of the store, with different sweet treats much like you’d find at the Main Street Confectionery, but with a Winnie the Pooh theme, including Disneyland’s popular “Tigger Tails”. So, while you make your way through this charming forest, be sure to stop by Hundred Acre Goods and take a honey-sweet break. (And maybe sneak a present for the little ones!) The only “bother” here is settling on a purchase! Of course, Pooh, Rabbit, Eeyore, Piglet, Tigger, Owl, Kanga and Roo all make meet-and-greet appearances in the surrounding hollow.

On the outskirts of Storybook Village, the path opens up to the northeastern point of town, branching out towards the unknown. 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. Our ears are met with the orchestral sound of unseen wildlife. 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.

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 village and serving as a teaser for things to come beyond its reaches. But what lies inside of this mountain?

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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. 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 the lagoon was soon landlocked. In order to make way for the new location of “it’s a small world”, Mickey’s Toontown Fair closed in 2000, and the former lagoon was turned into the Fantasyland Character Festival, an elaborate meet ‘n greet with the characters that used to be found in Toontown. Then, in January of 2011, Disney announced the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, which took up that real estate, opening on May 28, 2014.

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Now, across the way from the Seven Dwarfs’ mine, you’ll find Alice in Wonderland. Serving as the Floridian counterpart to Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, this expanded take on the Disneyland classic uses two tracks and two separate ride experiences to fully immerse guests into the world of Walt Disney’s 1951 classic. Alice in Wonderland is our curious voyage down, down, down the Rabbit Hole and into the nonsensical world of Alice’s Wonderland. Here we discover an upside down world of wonder, mystery and danger. Tulgey Wood and the Queen of Hearts’ Castle await amidst a peculiar labyrinth of magical creatures, conflicting signage, glowering flowers, and a grinning Cheshire Cat. A chatty Doorknob welcomes us: “Looking for the White Rabbit? Well, see for yourself!”

Although the experience on both tracks begins with a trip down the Rabbit Hole, each experience from then on out is totally different. The left-hand track takes guests past the late White Rabbit and into a crop of beautiful, singing flowers - standing six to eight feet in height! Hungry dandelions and a snarling tiger lily lie in wait… The Caterpillar enjoys his favorite pipe from atop a technicolor toadstool. “W - H - O - are you?” Soon, we come upon Alice, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare and the Dormouse whilst they enjoy a spot of tea for a very merry unbirthday party. Whistling teapots, spinning cakes and precariously stacked cups set the scene, followed by a very terrified White Rabbit and a very explosive unbirthday cake.

On the right-hand track, a Caucus Race leads into the mysterious Tulgey Wood, the home of many bizarre birds and strange creatures. Card Soldiers frantically “paint the roses red” in fear of their evil mistress: The Queen of Hearts. After we defeat the Queen in a game of croquet, we are forced to escape our undesired fate - pursued by the Queen of Hearts and her Card Soldiers. Then, no matter what side you travel on, a disorienting smoke tunnel can only mean one thing: Alice is waking up, and we are returning to reality.

It seems only fitting that steps away from this crazy dark ride is the Mad Tea Party. Shielded from the elements by an overhead glass canopy with an intricate design, a la Paris, we hop aboard a teacup for a mad spin around a massive, twirling teapot inhabited by the eternally-tipsy Dormouse. Paper lanterns and stringed-lights illuminate the “dance floor” as night falls upon Wonderland, creating a magical, yet eerie glow. As with other versions of the flat-ride, we are able to control the speed and “spin” of each teacup via a wheel in the center of the “brew.” For guests of a younger age, this attraction is a must-see, similar to a certain flying elephant back that we'll meet later, but for guests our age who get dizzy easily...well, we’ll pass.

It’s clear that Wonderland plays a crucial part of the Enchanted Forest experience. On trees surrounding the Mad Tea Party, directional signs point every which way. Bright flowers and bizarre topiaries fill the planters. Hedges separate this part of Fantasyland from Tomorrowland and Central Plaza. Alice, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, the Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire Cat, the White Rabbit, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum all wander about like a bunch of lunatics. There are no boundaries here. Just plain, good old-fashioned fun.

Sitting nearby the Mad Tea Party is the Mad Hatter shop. Held in a quaint cottage, the shop sells a wide array of Disney-themed hats and clothing, including the ever-popular Mickey Mouse ears. Like The Chapeau back on Main Street, we are allowed to have our names embroidered on any hat, but for a small fee, of course. An interior mirror in the shop for trying on hats often provides quite a jump scare when the Cheshire Cat mysteriously appears on the other side of the looking glass, bouncing his head around before quietly disappearing into oblivion. Of course, found in another cottage nearby the Mad Tea Party is the Cheshire Cafe. This is the place to go before you begin your adventures here in the Magic Kingdom, because this stand offers cereal, pastries, muffins and fruit available, along with yummy slushies, strawberry punch, and other refreshing beverages. But if a bigger meal is what you’re after, just head next door.

Replacing Tomorrowland Terrace (which, to me, has always seemed to be more on the Fantasyland side than the Tomorrowland side), the Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall has made a splash here at the Magic Kingdom. The Queen of Hearts is holding a banquet at her castle, and you're all invited! The theming is impeccable, with a giant doorknob marking the entrance to the dining area, flanked by card soldiers. Stained-glass windows depict characters from Alice in Wonderland. As for the food, service here is buffet-style, so there’s a wide variety of foods to choose from, some of it elegant, some of it rather wacky. Fantastically themed, whimsical and serving up great food, this is a great place to eat! And on top of all that, between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., the Banquet Hall plays host to an afternoon tea session...but since this is Wonderland, after all, the tea doubles as an unbirthday party, hosted by Alice, the Mad Hatter and the March Hare themselves! Of course, the Banquet Hall is where the Wishing Well path meets up with the second entrance from Central Plaza.

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Now, given that the forum doesn't allow posts with more than 40,000 characters, this is where we'll stop the tour for now. Coming very soon is Part Two of Fantasyland, focusing on the rest of the Enchanted Forest and the third and final sub-area.

 

[DisneyManOne]

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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 Peter Pan first came to theaters.

On the outskirts of Neverland is a small lagoon, reusing some of the water left behind by 20,000 Leagues. 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, which 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 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.

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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. Our adventure begins in London, where we learn to fly with the Darling children, courtesy of their bedtime heroes - Peter Pan and Tinker Bell. Next, we head off into the night sky as Peter leads the way to Pixie Hollow, the Lost Boys’ hideout, Mermaid Lagoon and Skull Rock, 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.

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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, 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. 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 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.

Nearby that is the Village Bookshop. Inspired not only by the bookshop from Beauty and the Beast, but from the bookshop featured in the Playhouse Disney show Sing Me a Story with Belle, this shop sells a vast array of Disney storybooks. In addition, this bookshop also serves as a mini-theater, where a troupe of storytellers utilize the music of Sing Me a Story to re-tell the stories of classic Disney shorts. This has been a staple of the Village Bookshop ever since it opened in 1998, as the show was still on the air at the time.

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Cracked gargoyles and beastly statues point the forested path toward the Beast’s Castle, which, ironically, is wide-open for visitors. Inside the mighty castle, 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: the Beast’s Castle also plays host to 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. Here in this Library, one can see Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, Chip and even the Wardrobe. As guests wait to meet the book-loving prince and princess, they can have a conversation with these enchanted objects. 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're always eager to share book recommendations or share a dance with you.

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In-between Neverland and the Beast’s Castle, a covered stone bridge leads guests to a hidden cove, somewhere along the beaches of Europe. 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 presides Voyage of the Little Mermaid, held within the weathered castle of Prince Eric himself. Aboard a “floating” seashell, we sail through the fantastic undersea world of Ariel, Sebastian, King Triton, Flounder and Ursula - without getting wet - in a musical adventure awash with scenes from the animated classic. We relive all the magic and romance of the 1989 classic, from Ariel’s gadget-filled grotto to Ursula’s sinister, eel-infested lair. 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.

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. 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 whosits 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 and snacks that, while familiar to us, are clearly unfamiliar to Scuttle. The result? Ridiculous names for absolutely everything. Thankfully, Ariel and Eric have provided helpful translations, so that way we know what we’re ordering. Not only that, Scuttle’s Landing is the place to go for Frozen Coke, quite the sweet treat.

Finally, we move on to a place where colors pop, music swells and excitement is at an all-time high: the Gardens of Imagination. Here, a pastoral garden, full of fountains, shrubs, topiaries and flowers in every hue known to man, reflects the endless power of childlike innocence and fantasy. There are three major attractions here in the Gardens of Imagination.

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First, marked by the visage of a large yellow circus tent, Dumbo the Flying Elephant is undoubtedly one of Fantasyland’s biggest stars. Here, we hop atop a Dumbo of our own for a flight around the skies of Fantasyland amid the jubilant sounds of a nearby circus organ. Flying into the sky aboard Dumbo is somewhat of a Disneyland initiation ritual for both the young and young at heart. There’s just something miraculously enchanting and entirely timeless about this simple carousel-in-the-sky, reliving that magical moment when Dumbo first discovered his gift of flight. Much of the magic comes from the attraction’s design, which effortlessly turns a “circus” theme into a beautiful and elegantly-designed space. The design of the carousel in use is a piece of art all its own, dropping jaws and inspiring countless passengers to follow their dreams and shoot for the stars, no matter what.

But, this isn’t your everyday flight of fancy. Unlike other versions of the attraction, this version features two sets of rotating elephants moving in opposite directions as they fly through the air high above Fantasyland. This was a development that came with the announcement of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in 2011. Since the coaster would partially take up the space of Dumbo’s old position, it was decided to move it eastward. Plus, since Dumbo the Flying Elephant is one of the all-time classics -- one of the rides that, without which, Disneyland-style park would be complete -- a second carousel was added so that more people could experience it, thus eliminating the notoriously long lines the original version received. And within the confines of the tent is a circus-themed playground, perfect for those tiny tots who want something to do as they wait for their own turn aboard Dumbo.

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Across the way, the golden spires and fanciful shapes of a magnificent palace protrude high above the treetops of Fantasyland. Before us rests Small World Palace. Spinning flowers, whirligigs and stylized icons -- from the Eiffel Tower to the Golden Gate Bridge -- complement the smiling face of the iconic, 30-foot clock tower. Every fifteen minutes, the clock tower opens to display a multinational parade of toys and dolls, ending in a fanfare of trumpets and drums. Topiaries in the shape of animals from around the world fill the colorful gardens and planters around the palace, while quirky instrumentals of that ever-famous tune, “It’s a Small World” constantly fill the air, each time portrayed in a different form of instrumental from a different culture. The magnificent Tower of the Four Winds stands directly across from Small World Palace, functioning as a real weathervane on a most spectacular scale.

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Of course, inside this magnificent palace is the “happiest cruise that ever sailed”: the 1964-1965 World’s Fair classic, “it’s a small world”. Since 1964, people the world over have been captivated by this whimsical voyage; and to this day, “it’s a small world” stands as a salute to the children of the world, a delightful cruise that speaks the international language of goodwill. Amid a vibrant, technicolor world of glitter, fabric, and paper-mȃché, a cast of 300 Audio-Animatronic children, animals and toys from every corner of the globe sing the all-too-familiar theme in their native language about peace and unity. From the snow-capped Alps to the deserts of North America, “it’s a small world” is a fantastic voyage that is to be enjoyed by both the young and the young-at-heart.

No trip around the world is complete without a trip through Small World Imports, a Mary Blair-esque toy store that specializes in dolls, appropriate considering that “it’s a small world” is filled with dolls. Right next door to “it’s a small world”, is the Fantasyland Railroad Station, a station that is also designed in the Mary Blair style. Naturally, this is where the Walt Disney World Railroad makes its third stop.

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Third and finally, there is the Fantasy Gardens, which opened in 2012, serving as a replacement/overhaul of the Fantasyland Character Festival. This lush, outdoor garden is as beautiful as anything you’ve ever seen. Here is a haven of trees, flowers, topiaries, statues and just pure beauty. Stone bridges pass over tiny babbling brooks. If you should stroll along the path’s meandering pathways, you find yourself within eyesight of a picturesque gathering of five unique gazebos. At each magical destination, you’re invited to shake hands, share hugs, receive autographs and pose for photos with some of your favorite Disney friends. As classic Disney movie music plays overhead, explore Fantasy Gardens at your own pace. You never know who you might see here in the Fantasy Gardens, because each day brings something different (much like the former Fantasyland Character Festival area). The only constant faces are those of Mickey and the gang, who wear their sorcerer’s outfits from Tokyo DisneySea’s 10th anniversary celebrations (Mickey alternates between the Tokyo outfit and his traditional Sorcerer’s Apprentice outfit).

As stated before, there are five different gazebos. Here's who you'll usually find here:

• “Heart” Gazebo: Spend time with Disney’s most beloved couple -- Mickey and Minnie Mouse -- at this Victorian-influenced structure featuring a delightful heart motif.
• “Toon Fair” Gazebo: Say hello to Donald Duck and Daisy Duck at this festive circus-tent-inspired destination.
• “Friendship” Gazebo: Here, right in the middle of Fantasy Gardens, any day could bring any one of your favorite Disney characters here in this beautiful woodsy setting. Expect to see friends like Aladdin, Mary Poppins and Bert, Pinocchio, Timon and Rafiki, Dopey, Robin Hood, Suzy and Perla...oh, just about anyone at all!
• “Crown” Gazebo: Giggle alongside Pluto and Goofy at this royal octagonal abode.
• “Surprise” Gazebo: This festive, Mardi Gras-esque gazebo is the place to go to meet Chip ‘n’ Dale, those rascally twin chipmunks whose antics always lead to a few surprises!

But again, anyone could show up here at the Fantasy Gardens, so keep your eyes open!

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In 1996, Walt Disney World turned 25 years old. But that wasn’t the only thing turning 25 that year. 1971 also saw the premiere of one of the most beloved family films of all time: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. A few years prior, in 1991, Disney announced that they were teaming up with Warner Bros. to bring the world of the film to life at Walt Disney World. They made sure to emphasize that this would not just be a cheap show or meet ‘n’ greet. No, this would be a full-blown attraction. At last, guests would be able to step into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory and see the wonder for themselves.

Not even Universal’s plans could deter them, for although the plans for Universal’s Cartoon World -- later called Universal’s Islands of Adventure -- involved lands based on Looney Tunes and DC Comics, those were the only two properties Universal got out of the deal. Willy Wonka was therefore free for Disney to use; and thus, on June 30, 1996, 25 years to the day after the film premiered, Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory opened at the Magic Kingdom. Gene Wilder and Peter Ostrum were even on-hand to help cut the ribbon! Of course, they also added their handprints to the Chinese Theater Courtyard at Disney-MGM Studios later in the day, as well.

Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory was built on the outskirts of the railroad station, on the land formerly held by a water containment lake. A new lake was built on the outskirts of Space Mountain, heading towards Seven Seas Lagoon, while the lake was turned into a two-way river, surrounding and going under the new attraction.

Built amid the greenery of Fantasy Gardens, just before we step over the bridge to reach the factory, is the Wonka Candy Store, an exact, down-to-the-last detail depiction of the local candy store from the movie. Clerks clad in striped shirts offer the latest and greatest candies. Although the shop makes use of the many candy brands sold throughout the resort, the main attraction are the sweets that come from the Nestle Wonka brand. You know the kind -- SweeTarts, Nerds, Pixy Stix, Fun Dip, Bottle Caps, Laffy Taffy, all the classics. In addition, you can bet that Wonka Bars and Everlasting Gobstoppers are also sold. The shop even holds “Golden Ticket” events on special occasions. Whoever gets one of five Golden Tickets gets a special prize. As for the Gobstoppers, these are official Nestle Gobstoppers, which, of course, look nothing like the Gobstoppers from the movie. In fact, an official Everlasting Gobstopper prop from the movie is on display in the store, alongside a note from Willy Wonka himself.

“I’m sure that for most of you, this looks familiar. The Everlasting Gobstopper … or so you think. This one is particularly large and bumpy and spiky, nothing compared to the small, spherical candies sold the world over. Naturally, one could not possibly expect to get a good candy out of this. This, my friends, was deliberate. This particular Gobstopper was made for the express purpose of my secret test; the test that made Charlie my heir. It was solely meant for decoration, not for consumption. The real Gobstoppers are the ones that are being sold here at this very moment.”​

Just beyond that bridge, wrought-iron gates lead into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. And yes, the gates are open and the red carpet is out, just like it was on that fateful day. At long last, we can step inside! In fact, the backstory for this attraction is that this is taking place shortly after Charlie Bucket was declared Willy Wonka’s heir, and to celebrate, they are inviting all who come to the Magic Kingdom to step in and see the wonder for themselves.

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In this elaborate walk-through attraction, we get to follow the footsteps of the Golden Ticket winners and explore all the rooms of the factory. There’s so much to see and do -- from playing in the Chocolate Room, to trying our hand at making our own candies and sweets in the Inventing Room, popping bubbles in the Fizzy Lifting Drink Room, and observing the Goose Room and Wonkavision Room. It all culminates in a ride aboard the Wonkavator, the most elaborate simulator Disney has ever made!

Indeed, there is so much to do here in Fantasyland. In fact, here is a map offering a full overview of Mirror Fantasyland:View attachment 522686

I should point out that this map was created prior to my decision to bring Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory over to Fantasyland, hence why I physically described its placement in the description.

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With that, Fantasyland is complete! Only one more land to go before we finish our time at the Magic Kingdom. And by the way, in case any of you guys are wondering if I'll do individual ride-throughs for some of the attractions here, I will, but I'll wait until we get through most of the general descriptions of Mirror Walt Disney World to do so. Beyond the parks, I intend to describe Disney Springs, the water parks, the hotels and a few other things, and then, we'll dive into some of the attractions.

Oh, and I should say that the idea to have Mickey and the gang wear sorcerer costumes at Fantasy Gardens came from something I recall reading as part of the House Cup Competition back in 2016, and it was thought up by the following people: FigmentPigments, OvertheHorizon, @kmbmw777, @mickeyfan5534, @RMichael21, @IDInstitute, KingOfEpicocity, Crazydisneyfanluke, Flippin'Flounder, The90sKid, SimulatedIntelligentRobot and BNImagineer. Likewise, the Neverland Trail idea came from @MANEATINGWREATH, as part of his Dream Resort concept.

 

[DisneyManOne]

Tomorrowland

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Imagine, if you will, a vision of the future with its roots in the past… In this kinetic metropolis of tomorrow, the hope and promise for a better future have seamlessly clashed with the color and imagination of Buck Rogers or Flash Gordon. Amidst landed spacecrafts, whirring contraptions, and bizarre creatures from the darkest reaches of known space, the “future that never was” is finally here!

Volcanic rock formations mark the entrance to Tomorrowland, hissing steam from leagues beneath the earth… Misshapen rocks and sparkling crystals protrude from the waters below, undulating with an ethereal, almost alien glow. As a rusted placard decrees, these supernatural formations were uncovered just centuries before, the last relics of a vanished sentient race. The crystals have only begun to glow as of late, a supposed beacon for the return of their creators to Earth, sending a message far out into the deepest reaches of space that Earth is finally an advanced enough civilization that it could begin accepting visits from extraterrestrials. As always, we enter the land via bridge; only, our bridge here is built from the half-submerged wreckage of a flying saucer crashed into the river.

When we step foot inside this immense metropolis, we'll find ourselves in an advanced, “modernized” spaceport of the 24th Century, as made clear by the seamless blend of chrome, iron and metal, washed in hues of blues and purples - not to mention video advertisements produced by the city to describe their “reinvention”. Outlandish, ominous, and wholeheartedly bizarre, Tomorrowland blends the pulp Deco-Tech aesthetic of 1920s science-fiction with the color, neon and imagination of tomorrow’s utopia. Here, everyday living is improved through curious science, oddball inventions and intergalactic travel… Robots, space aliens, and human inventors - fictional or otherwise - work, live, and play here in perfect harmony. In fact, we’ve arrived in Tomorrowland just in time for the 2371 Galaxy’s Fair, where all forms of life gather together to show off the latest technological breakthroughs.

Beneath the soaring highways of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover and the towering arches of this bustling community, we venture down the Avenue of Planets, the “Main Street” of science fiction. Kinetic sculptures, video walls, and electronic advertisements portray the innovation and mystique of “tomorrow”, with nonsensical gadgets to save on human labor. Storefront windows display robots performing household chores, a la Horizons. In the vast promenade at the end of the Avenue of Planets, a sleek, streamlined rocket, The Explorer points to the stars, readied for a launch into some far-off system beyond sight and sound. The narrow “mall” of the Avenue of Planets features an attraction on either side: To the left, The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter. To the right, The Timekeeper.

​

The Tomorrowland Interplanetary Convention Center welcomes visitors to experience the latest in scientific innovation and design from the various corporate leagues of the known universe. A colored fountain points our path into a holding area, where we are soon introduced to the genius, alien minds behind X-S Tech. Once again, we serve as “lucky volunteers” to “seize the future” with X-S and catch a glimpse at their latest invention: the X-S 2000 Teleportation System. One awry presentation after another results in an unforgettable encounter…

A botched transmission results in the accidental arrival of a bloodthirsty creature from another planet… Angered, hungry, and confused, the alien monster breaks loose from the teleportation tube, causing horrific chaos in the now-darkened viewing chamber. Gnashing fangs, warm breath, hot drool, shattering glass, splattering blood, and a slimy, foreign tongue are among the extrasensory thrills encountered in this, the scariest and decidedly “most adult” attraction in our Magic Kingdom. Like it or not, The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter is here to scare...uh, I mean “stay.”

In 2003, it was announced that the show would undergo a re-casting in the wake of … well, something rather terrible regarding Jeffrey Jones, the actor who played X-S Tech chairman L.C. Clench. Starting on November 16, 2004, Kelsey Grammer took up the reins as Clench, and John Michael Higgins took up the role of Spinlok. Kathy Najimy retained her role as Dr. Femus and Tim Curry was retained as S.I.R., the robotic pre-show host.

The Interplanetary Convention Center hosting Alien Encounter exits into the iconic Merchants of Venus, a retro-futuristic bazaar in which aliens, humans and robots alike are invited to trade, sell and offer their wares from across the universe. In-store murals depict a side of Tomorrowland not seen to us - soaring skyscrapers, bustling highways, and floating suburbs. Not but a few feet from Merchants of Venus is the Tomorrowlanding, an ice-cream shop built into a satellite-topped structure, often sounding off a number of sirens, gears, and cogs as the satellite begins to wildly spin around in circles. Inside, we can make our own ice-cream treats among the inner workings of the satellite, adding for yet another kinetic delight here in Tomorrowland. The Tomorrowlanding took over the space held by both The Lunching Pad and Mickey’s Mart in 1994.

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Held within the Metropolis Science Centre, the late, great Robin Williams posthumously provides his voice to the title character of The Timekeeper, the finest in CircleVision 360 entertainment that has long been forgotten in the Disney theme park universe. Today, The Timekeeper has received an update for a new generation, featuring a new HD film (while the scenes remain the same to accommodate the Robin Williams/Rhea Perlmann dialogue; they’re all new and reshot; even the Jules Verne actor is different) with new in-theater effects and magic. Entering the theater sends us far forward into the future where robots in the likeliness of Timekeeper and 9-Eyes are able to exist, the dream of many a classic futurist come true. What ensues next is a 360 degree trip through time and space, all the while accompanied by an unintentionally “kidnapped” Jules Verne who experiences many ideas in which he wrote about coming into fruition.

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Further down the street is the headquarters of the Tomorrowland Metro-Retro Historical Society, dedicated to preserving and honoring mankind’s achievements -- past, present and future. Today, as part of the Galaxy’s Fair happening in Tomorrowland, they've put together a special exhibit honoring one of the most famous technological achievements of all time: aviation. And the exhibit they’ve planned is nothing like any exhibit you’ve ever experienced. Oh, no...

The Metro-Retro Historical Society has used the art of time travel to personally take guests through the history of aviation, on a journey guaranteed to put you on Cloud 9: Dreamflight! In essence, Dreamflight is a classic Omnimover dark ride filled with animatronics and song. In robust EPCOT style, Dreamflight tells the story of Man’s history of aviation in a stylized format, from the early days of barnstorming to the modern days of international air travel, climaxing with a high-speed flight through the future of air travel. Tying the ride together is an insanely catchy score composed by Edo Guidotti.

In 1998, the ride got an update to match the Galaxy’s Fair aesthetic. First of all, the original “airport” queue area was replaced with a queue themed around a museum, featuring exhibits and dioramas depicting moments in the history of aviation. And at the edge of the loading area is a “time tunnel”, replacing the introductory pop-up book. A similar tunnel brings us back to Tomorrowland at the end of the ride. Furthermore, the pop-up book aesthetic of the barnstorming scene was overhauled as well, with realistic animatronics and projections, akin to World of Motion at EPCOT. In 2019, to celebrate the ride’s 30th anniversary, the ride got further upgrades in the form of new projections in the barnstorming section, upgraded and re-shot projections for the Speed Room and Mirror Room, and an updated post-show area. And of course, the ending song was re-recorded to remove all references to the ride’s original sponsor, Delta.

Not too far away from the exit to Dreamflight is Cloud 9 Gifts. Bare-bone, wooden depictions of planes and other flying machines hang overhead. Statues of such aviation luminaries as the Wright Brothers, Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh, Howard Hughes and Chuck Yeager are displayed around the shop, like the statues surrounding the stage of The American Adventure. The wares sold here mostly involve planes and aviation in some way: plane kits, toy planes, hot-air balloons, and all other sorts of sci-fi trinkets.

After Tomorrowland underwent its refurbishment and became Tomorrowland 2371 in 1994, the original atmospheric music changed to reflect a mixture of modern electro-synthetic musical impressions, interwoven with recognizable themes from Disney’s many film productions and former attractions from Tomorrow’s past. The atmospheric music of Tomorrowland carries into the Merchants of Venus and beyond, even while waiting at the station of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. The PeopleMover never stops moving, even while passengers board and disembark from a rotating platform. With no motor of their own, the PeopleMover cars are powered by magnetic motors embedded within the track. The TTA PeopleMover soars through the second story of Tomorrowland, traveling through the various attractions and pavilions. Aboard the PeopleMover, we can preview almost every attraction in either land, then come back later to see the whole show.

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The magnificent Astro Orbiter stands proudly in the heart of Rockettower Plaza, the promenade at the end of the Avenue of Planets, the aptly titled “Civic Centre of Interstellar Citizenship.” Seeming to have been borrowed from the pages of a Buck Rogers comic book, the Astro Orbiter is our chance to maneuver a personal rocket on an airborne series of revolutions held high above the streets of Tomorrowland from an elevated platform, sat directly above the TTA station. The streamlined craft of The Explorer sits adjacent to the planets, cogs and contraptions of the Astro Orbiter, acting as a secondary “weenie” to the fantastical attraction. Rocket pilots are invited to dance, float and sail thru the air in conjunction with the Astro Orbiter via 16 mechanical arms.

With the advent of New Tomorrowland in 1994 came an all-new elevated walkway, connecting the Astro Orbiter to a few new vantage points in Tomorrowland. This eliminated the need for the escalator up, and a new queue was set up along the walkway.

Built into the base of the TTA station is The Lunching Pad, a counter-service location offering sandwiches, chips, salads, punch, desserts and other snacks.

​

The future meets the festive in the reconceived Autopia, one of the most popular attractions in the park for kids. The original Grand Prix Raceway is a ride that many people used to wonder why it was still here. Sure, it’s a nice ride for kids, so they can feel like they can actually drive, but why let this giant go-kart track sit in the middle of Tomorrowland? Honestly, it seems to intrude more on Fantasyland than it does Tomorrowland. Plus, the “speedway” motif really doesn't have a place in the future anymore. That’s why it was decided to give the ride a 21st-century -- or should that be 24th-century -- makeover.

Much like with Disneyland’s Autopia, Eric Heschong designed a new station for the classic ride. The entire design exudes the lightness, speed, and motion associated with the attraction, and the vibrant color palette and finishes speak to the attraction’s promise of “just plain fun”. Although the cars may look a bit different, now turned into Buck Rogers-esque “hovercars” that run on electricity, not on gas, the fun stays the same. Featuring a working gas pedal and steering wheel, each classy roadster seats 2 adults or 3 children and navigates curves and inclines just like the real thing. And with the advent of Autopia, the cars are powered through means of clean energy: electricity. The entire Speedway track has been destroyed in favor of a more natural, long and winding track, one that goes through various hills and bridges, allowing for a longer experience on a relatively small parcel of land. This new “freeway” will take guests through the rolling hills and countryside of Tomorrowland, featuring a number of peculiar additions and sights. Stylistic highways and futuristic landscapes grace the show area of Autopia, taking us under the elevated walkway, which leads towards the newest attraction in Tomorrowland (more on that later), past electronic billboards, thundering waterfalls, alien jungles (the trees of which help hide views of Fantasyland) and, naturally, a landed extraterrestrial spacecraft right above the track.

Built directly behind Rockettower Plaza is a unique restaurant: Cosmic Ray’s Starliner Diner. This is a unique take on a table-service restaurant here in the Magic Kingdom. Much like Tokyo Disneyland’s Space Mountain, a prominent escalator leads guests up into a giant flying saucer, overlooking all of Tomorrowland. After checking in with the concierge service by the entrance of Space Mountain, guests will be free to wander until paged on their phone or led straight to the escalators. After a short ride up, the doors will open welcoming guests to the Starliner Diner.

Looking towards the center of Tomorrowland, guests will be greeted by sloping windows that reach towards the ceiling. The windows themselves are regular windows augmented with projection technology. Over the course of their dining experience, guests will witness rockets launching and landing in the distance, robots traveling through the sky, and other strange sights. The windows supports will sport a modern medal look with inset lights. The Starliner Diner itself looks like a high-class nightclub, or the futuristic equivalent of such. The food offered is served in a style similar to Garden Grill, wherein the various entrees and sides are served all at the same time in a family-style platter. Plus, since the restaurant revolves, expect to see dramatic views of Tomorrowland and the rest of the Magic Kingdom from above.

Now, of course, it wouldn’t be a nightclub without entertainment, and luckily, Cosmic Ray brought along an old friend…

​

Sonny Eclipse, the “biggest little star in the galaxy!” His 27-minute set of tunes - and wisecracks - has been enjoyed by diners multiple times a day since the Starliner Diner opened in 1994. This literal “lounge lizard” tickles the glowing keys of his Astro-Organ, an invention devised in his hometown of Yew Nork City on the Planet Zork, “a topsy-turvy town where the subways are up and the streets are down.” Sonny’s favorite songs include “Planetary Boogie,” “Gravity Blues,” “Bright Little Star” and more. “You know, I recently heard the universe was expanding. Guess it’s time to loosen the asteroid belt!”

Speaking of aliens, at Close Encounters located nearby, you can meet up with everyone's favorite alien, Stitch, as well as his ohana: Lilo, Angel, Jumba and Pleakley. Other such visitors to Tomorrowland include Buzz Lightyear, Astronaut Mickey and even WALL-E and EVE! But that’s not the only character you can meet here. There’s also PUSH, the Talking Trash Can. Yes, here in Tomorrowland, even the trash cans can talk, and this guy loves rolling about, striking up conversations with unsuspecting visitors.

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Down the road from Cosmic Ray’s is a circular pavilion -- the contribution of the Tomorrowland Progress Initiative, a group dedicated to the progress we have made, and a source of inspiration for what may come next. A step inside their pavilion takes us on a trip through time and space aboard Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, one of the most seminal shows in Disney Parks history. Starting at the turn-of-the-century, we meet up with everyone’s favorite Audio-Animatronic family -- father John, mother Sarah, daughter Gracie, son James, second daughter Louise, Grandma, Grandpa, faithful dog Rover and, of course, Cousin Orville -- who showcase the latest breakthroughs in home-based technology. As the show continues, we step forward in time to the next generation of progress, then the next, and the next, until finally, we see how far progress has traveled into the future and how it may have an affect on our everyday lives. Delighting guests ever since its debut at the 1964 World’s Fair, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is a perfect reminder that there's always a “great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day.”

Of course, the show has received multiple updates over the years, the most recent taking place in 2021, in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary. Although the scenes have changed, the biggest change of all involves a new post-show. Much like the World’s Fair original, the post-show involves guests heading up to the second floor of the Carousel Theater to take a gander at Progress City. The model, which -- at one point -- was only visible if you rode the Tomorrowland Transit Authority, has been fully restored to look the same way Disneyland guests saw it all those years ago.

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In-between Dreamflight and the Carousel of Progress is a newly-expanded section of Tomorrowland. As part of the Tomorrowland transformation of 1994, the original Tomorrowland Stage was razed in order to make way for more experiences for guests to experience. On our left is the Tomorrowland division of the Star Command Recruitment Center. Here, all hopeful Space Rangers can apply to see if they’ve got what it takes to serve their galaxy. Even better, they’ll get to train with Captain Buzz Lightyear himself! But before we can begin, an emergency call comes in from Star Command. Emperor Zurg, sworn enemy of the Galactic Alliance, has returned to demolish the Space Aliens’ planet with a crystal-powered Superblaster. It’s up to you to infiltrate Zurg’s secret lair, neutralize his army of underlings and eliminate the weapon of “mass alien destruction” before it’s too late! This is no training exercise. This time, the danger is real.

On Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, hop aboard your very own Space Cruiser and head to Zurg’s hideout armed with red and green pulse blasters that’ll help block interstellar attacks along the way. Once you spot the Zs on Zurg’s guards, fire away to accumulate points for each target hit. The more points scored, the faster you rise through the ranks of Buzz’s elite squadron. From surviving fighter ships and a siege of Sentry Bots to maneuvering through a maze of corridors and unearthing the crystal mines, Buzz and his crew continue to converge on Zurg and ultimately destroy the Superblaster, on an adventure that will indeed take us “to infinity and beyond!”

When Buzz Lightyear first came to Tomorrowland in 1998, the experience was more in line with the “toy” theming. But as Shanghai Disneyland was getting closer to open, the Imagineers were fascinated with what was being planned for that park’s Buzz Lightyear ride. It was soon decided to give the elaborate, two-story Omnimover attraction a long-overdue makeover, finally giving it a theme that ties in with that of the rest of Tomorrowland. Thus, the new Space Ranger Spin opened on June 16, 2017, a year after its Shanghai counterpart.

The attractions exits out into Stargazer’s Point on the second floor, a shop devoted to all things Star Command. Also within this shop is Officer Zzyzx, an alien officer in Star Command who oversees the shop. He is known to interact with shoppers and passers-by, and -- given that he’s almost-always awaiting lunch break -- always recommends guests visit what lies right across the way…

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Across from Star Command is the two-story visage of the galaxy’s number-one source for “pie in the sky”: the Pan-Galactic Pizza Port! When Cosmic Ray’s table-service eatery opened, and the Tomorrowland Terrace closed to make way for the Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall, that left Tomorrowland without a major counter-service restaurant. So, the Imagineers decided to bring this extraterrestrial hot-spot into the picture. The restaurant, a clone from Tokyo Disneyland, is a multimedia dinner show with an Audio-Animatronics alien named Tony Solaroni. Solaroni has a boss, Mr. Foosano, and a wife, known only as “Mrs. Solaroni”, who are always breathing down his neck, and is the charismatic mechanic behind a large machine that delivers pizza anywhere in the galaxy. His pizza includes all our favorite flavors, and some unique “extraterrestrial” varieties.

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Next door is the Cosmiccore Space Facility, the place where guests can explore The Mysterious Galaxy. The Mysterious Galaxy is an alternative space adventure for those who can’t yet board -- or refuse to board -- Space Mountain. In 2371, space travel is as common as a trip to the store. Pretty much anyone can set off to explore the galaxy! As such, we are invited to take off on a journey that would put IMAX to shame. Captain Tom Morrow is our host as we blast off to explore the Solar System and beyond, and facing such events as the heat of the Sun, traversing through the asteroid belt, jumps through hyperspace and a brief glimpse at what lies beyond the Milky Way. Utilizing a specially-arranged version of Gustav Holst’s famous suite “The Planets”, in-theater effects, including shaking, KUKA-esque seats, and the largest seamless projection screen ever used in a Disney production (beating out the one used in Mickey’s PhilharMagic by a longshot), The Mysterious Galaxy truly is an adventure unlike any other!

Back outside in Rockettower Plaza, we find that night has fallen on our day at the Magic Kingdom. Tomorrowland is perhaps the most striking of all lands in the Magic Kingdom after dark - the city is awash in hues of neon and color reflecting off the metallic spires, twisted arches and jagged rocks. Bizarre, near-Avatar-like plant-life is aglow in fluorescent light. Triumphant orchestrations from classic films reminiscent of the space age fill the air both day and night, inspiring us to dream bigger and go further with our ideas and our adventurous spirit. The landed spacecrafts, varied robots and techno-rhythms emulate an omnipresent sense of living, breathing energy throughout the land. In a way, the ominous yet romantic lights of this retro-futuristic world recall not the far-off future of our own imagination, but instead the far-off future of the early 20th Century.

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Approaching the farthest eastern edge of the Magic Kingdom, overhead highways of the PeopleMover whisk by as we approach the entrance of StarPort 75, home to one of Walt Disney World’s most iconic rides: Space Mountain. In this unknown and dangerous frontier, we navigate through a futuristic, glowing space station as you make your way to Mission Control, home of the launch pad for your journey to the farthest realms of space. Upon our arrival, we board our very own sleek spaceship and prepare for a daring adventure into the unknown. Upon blasting off, what follows is a wild roller coaster ride through the deepest banks of space, all the while evading and fighting back against asteroids and black holes; a ride featuring unexpected drops, tight turns, strange special effects, as well as some surprise encounters, an attraction truly meant for those of an older age. Come nightfall, Space Mountain provides an ethereal glow from within, a beacon for those viewing Tomorrowland from the Central Plaza and beyond.

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Sitting right next to Space Mountain is the ENCOM Pavilion, home to one of the newest additions to the Disney thrill ride family, straight from Shanghai Disneyland: the TRON Lightcycle Run. The story here is that this Lightcycle Run was created by ENCOM as a form of interaction between “programs” and “users”. Just like in the movie, two teams compete to capture eight Energy Gates. We, the guests, are on Team Blue, and we are set to face some very menacing Programs. Will we be able to capture them all and emerge victorious?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~​

And there we have Tomorrowland, the final land of the Magic Kingdom!

Once again, I must extend credit to @MANEATINGWREATH for the Autopia concept, and I must extend credit to @Disneylover152, @FireMountain, @James G., @TheDesignPirate, @NateD1226, @Outbound and @Voxel, whose Atomic Lounge concept served as a huge inspiration for Cosmic Ray's Starliner Diner.

In addition, the idea to expand Tomorrowland beyond the old Galaxy Palace Theater space was something that I saw in Ideal Buildout's latest Magic Kingdom post, so credit to S.W. Wilson for inspiring that aspect. Buzz Lightyear would be right where the TRON simulator is.

 

[DisneyManOne]

Like with @MANEATINGWREATH's Mirror Disneyland, I shall end each park walkthrough with a comprehensive list of everything the park has to offer. Not only that, I'll make sure to notify which attractions will utilize Disney's FASTPASS Service. Like on the park maps, an FP will mark such an attraction.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Mirror Magic Kingdom


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Main Street, U.S.A.

ATTRACTIONS
1. Walt Disney World Railroad
2. Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream
3. Main Street Vehicles
4. Discovery Arcade
5. Penny Arcade
6. Main Street Cinema

DINING
1. Tony’s Town Square Restaurant
2. Main Street Confectionery
3. Casey’s Corner
4. Main Street Bakery
5. Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
6. The Plaza Restaurant
7. Crystal Palace
8. Walt’s: An American Restaurant
9. Club 33

SHOPPING
1. The Disney Gallery
2. Emporium
3. Sherman Music Co.
4. Nikon Camera Center
5. The Chapeau
6. Uptown Jewelers
7. Cup ‘n Saucer
8. Greenhouse Flower Shop
9. Harmony Barber Shop
10. Disney Clothiers
11. House of Magic
12. The Storybook Store
13. Crystal Arts
14. Toymakers to the World
15. Market House

ENTERTAINMENT
-- Dapper Dans
-- Citizens of Main Street
-- Flag Retreat
-- Main Street Trolley Show
-- Magic Kingdom Philharmonic
-- Casey’s Corner Pianist
-- Remember the Magic Parade
-- SpectroMagic
-- Once Upon a Time
-- Happily Ever After Nighttime Spectacular

CHARACTER GREETINGS AROUND MAIN STREET, U.S.A.
-- Mickey and the Gang at Town Square
-- Various Disney Friends *** in Central Plaza

Adventureland

ATTRACTIONS
1. Legend of the Lion King
2. Swiss Family Treehouse
3. Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
4. Jungle Cruise FP
5. Indiana Jones Adventure FP
6. Pirates of the Caribbean
7. Caribbean Arcade

DINING
1. Adventureland Veranda
2. Aloha Isle Refreshments
3. Sunshine Tree Terrace
4. El Pirata y El Perico

SHOPPING
1. Bwana Bob’s
2. Island Supply
3. Colonel Hathi’s Safari Club
4. Adventureland Bazaar
5. Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar

ENTERTAINMENT
-- JP and the Silver Stars
-- The Bootstrappers

CHARACTER GREETINGS AROUND ADVENTURELAND
-- Rafiki and Timon along the path leading to Legend of the Lion King
-- Characters from The Jungle Book across from Colonel Hathi’s Safari Club
-- Tarzan, Jane and Terk nearby the Jungle Cruise
-- Characters from Aladdin in and around the Adventureland Bazaar
-- Moana in the Enchanted Tiki Garden

Frontierland

ATTRACTIONS
1. Western River Expedition FP
2. Thunder Mesa Railroad FP
3. Beaver Brothers Rafting Co. FP
4. Country Bear Jamboree
5. Tom Sawyer Island
6. Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade
7. Woody’s Roundup
8. Jessie’s Critter Corral
9. Hiking Trails
10. Stagecoaches
11. Covered Wagons
12. Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes
13. Walt Disney World Railroad

DINING
1. Mesa Terrace Restaurant
2. Mile Long Bar
3. Pecos Bill Café
4. Aunt Polly’s Dockside Inn

SHOPPING
1. Frontier Trading Post
2. Big Al’s
3. Prairie Outpost & Supply

ENTERTAINMENT
-- Frontierland Hoedown
-- Frontierland Stunt Show

CHARACTER GREETINGS AROUND FRONTIERLAND
-- The Country Bears outside Country Bear Jamboree
-- Pecos Bill and Slue Foot Sue nearby Pecos Bill Café
-- Woody, Jessie and Bullseye at Woody’s Roundup and at Lookout Dock
-- Pocahontas and Meeko at Lookout Dock

New Orleans Bayou

ATTRACTIONS
1. The Princess and the Frog River Run FP
2. Liberty Belle Riverboat
3. La Bouff Manor & Gardens

DINING
1. Tiana’s Palace
2. Royal Street Veranda
3. Creole Cafe
4. French Market
5. Mint Julep Bar

SHOPPING
1. One-of-a-Kind Shop
2. 1928
3. Chaque Vacances
4. Le Gourmet
5. Lafitte Jewelers
6. Cristal d’Orleans
7. Mlle. Antoinette’s Perfumerie
8. Porte d’Orleans
9. Dr. Facilier’s Voodoo Emporium
10. Thieves’ Market

ENTERTAINMENT
-- Nine Old Men

CHARACTER GREETINGS AROUND NEW ORLEANS BAYOU
-- Tiana, Naveen, Dr. Facilier, Louis and Charlotte roaming throughout the land

Liberty Square

ATTRACTIONS
1. Hall of American History
2. Ichabod Crane’s Midnight Escape
3. The Haunted Mansion
4. The Diamond Horseshoe Saloon Revue & Medicine Show
5. Sailing Ship Columbia
6. Mike Fink Keel Boats

DINING
1. Liberty Tree Tavern
2. The Diamond Horseshoe
3. Sleepy Hollow
4. Nantucket Harbour House

SHOPPING
1. Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe
2. Tricornered Hat Shoppe
3. Blacksmith Shop
4. Paul Revere’s Silver Shop
5. New England Print Shop
6. Colonial Woodcarvers
7. Memento Mori

ENTERTAINMENT
-- The Muppets Present...Great Moments in American History

CHARACTER GREETINGS AROUND LIBERTY SQUARE
-- Ichabod Crane, Katrina van Tassel and Brom Bones *** roaming throughout the land

Fantasyland

ATTRACTIONS
1. Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel
2. Sleeping Beauty’s Spell
3. Princess Fairytale Hall
4. Frozen Ever After FP
5. Mary Poppins’ Jolly Holiday
6. A Tangled Tale
7. Pooh’s Hunny Hunt FP
8. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train FP
9. Alice in Wonderland
10. Mad Tea Party
11. The Jolly Roger
12. Neverland Trail

- Skull Rock​

- Silk Hat Falls​

- Banana Country​

- Rhino Rock​

- Hibernation Wood​

- Hangman’s Tree​

13. Peter Pan’s Flight FP
14. Pixie Hollow
15. The Tale of Beauty and the Beast
16. Royal Reception
17. Voyage of the Little Mermaid FP
18. Ariel’s Grotto
19. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
20. “it’s a small world”
21. Fantasy Gardens
22. Walt Disney World Railroad
23. Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory

DINING
1. Cinderella’s Royal Table
2. Lancer’s Inn
3. Storybook Treats
4. Pinocchio Village Haus
5. Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall
6. Cheshire Café
7. Be Our Guest Restaurant
8. Gaston’s Tavern
9. Scuttle’s Landing

SHOPPING
1. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
2. Sir Mickey’s
3. Tinker Bell's Treasures
4. Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post (and Sauna)
5. Geppetto’s Toy Shoppe
6. Hundred Acre Goods
7. Mad Hatter
8. Bonjour! Village Gifts
9. Village Bookshop
10. Gadgets & Gizmos
11. Small World Imports
12. Wonka Candy Store

ENTERTAINMENT
-- The Sword in the Stone Ceremony
-- The Pearly Band
-- Village Bookshop Storytellers

CHARACTER GREETINGS AROUND FANTASYLAND
-- Mary Poppins, Bert, Penguins, Rapunzel, Flynn, Pinocchio, Geppetto, Jiminy Cricket, Merida, Snow White, Prince Florian, Dopey, Peter Pan, Wendy, Captain Hook and Mr. Smee roaming throughout Storybook Village and at certain locations in Storybook Village and the Enchanted Forest
-- Merlin normally meets guests after the Sword in the Stone Ceremony
-- Cinderella, Aurora, Anna and Elsa at Princess Fairytale Hall
-- Fairy Godmother, Jaq, Gus, Suzy and Perla *** at La Fontaine de Cendrillon
-- Characters from Winnie the Pooh nearby Pooh’s Hunny Hunt (and occasionally roaming through Storybook Village)
-- Characters from Alice in Wonderland roaming throughout the Wonderland section of the Enchanted Forest
-- Belle and Prince Adam at Royal Reception in the Beast’s Castle
-- Gaston, Lefou and the Bimbettes in Belle’s Village
-- Ariel at Ariel’s Grotto
-- Dumbo and Timothy *** at Dumbo the Flying Elephant
-- Mickey and the Gang at Fantasy Gardens

Tomorrowland

ATTRACTIONS
1. The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter
2. The Timekeeper
3. Dreamflight
4. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
5. Astro Orbiter
6. Autopia
7. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
8. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
9. The Mysterious Galaxy FP
10. Space Mountain FP
11. TRON Lightcycle Run FP

DINING
1. Cosmic Ray’s Starliner Diner
2. Pan-Galactic Pizza Port
3. The Tomorrowlanding
4. The Lunching Pad

SHOPPING
1. Merchants of Venus
2. Cloud 9 Gifts
3. Stargazer’s Point

ENTERTAINMENT
-- PUSH, the Talking Trash Can

CHARACTER GREETINGS AROUND TOMORROWLAND
-- Characters from Lilo & Stitch at Close Encounters
-- WALL-E and EVE roaming through Tomorrowland
-- Buzz Lightyear at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Plus, in addition to their two set locations on Main Street, U.S.A. and in Fantasyland, Mickey and the gang make occasional appearances in all the other lands of the Magic Kingdom, with their own unique outfits to match each location (safari gear for Adventureland, Western cowboy gear for Frontierland, Mardi Gras finery for New Orleans Bayou, colonial attire for Liberty Square and astronaut suits for Tomorrowland).

Altogether, Mirror Magic Kingdom boasts 69 attractions! For comparison, there are about 37 attractions in the modern Magic Kingdom, as of this posting -- January 8, 2021, for those who are reading this in the future (and with the addition of Wonka -- March 5, 2021). I should know, I made sure to count them all!

Of course, I didn’t count all of the meet and greet areas, as most of them are set up near other attractions or they involve roaming characters. Plus, there are a whole bunch of snack carts throughout the park, but I didn’t count them, either.

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Oh, and while we’re here, we may as well discuss the role Disney’s FASTPASS plays in Mirror Walt Disney World.

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As we all know, Disney’s FASTPASS, implemented in 1999, is one of the most well-known time savers on Disney property. Likewise, in 2014, in our reality’s Walt Disney World, in 2014, as part of the MyMagic initiative, FASTPASS went digital. It became FastPass+, which allowed guests to personally reserve FASTPASS times from their phones.

Well, in Mirror Walt Disney World, the MyMagic initiative still happens, but Disney’s FASTPASS goes quasi-digital. Now, instead of inserting their park tickets into the kiosk, guests just scan their MagicBand, MagicPuck, or park ticket against a touch-point on the kiosk. This will prompt the kiosk to produce a FASTPASS ticket. Plus, if a party has their MagicBands or what have you linked together, when one member goes to access the FASTPASS kiosk, FASTPASS tickets are produced for everyone in the party.

Anyways, like before, this FASTPASS ticket bears a ride time on it. From there, all you have to do is to simply have fun in the park and come back to the ride when the time rolls around, show your FASTPASS ticket to the ride attendant, and away you go!

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Now, as I'm sure you've guessed by this point, our next post will be the beginning of EPCOT. However, I think I'll wait a bit. I think I'll take a day off. Remember, I've done a post a day ever since the New Year started, so I'll take a quick break before starting the next post. Expect the Mirror EPCOT tour to start up with the dawning of next week: Sunday, January 10. Until then, thank you all so much for reading and reacting thus far! If you have any feedback or constructive criticism at all, please feel free to share it with me!

 

[Suchomimus]

View attachment 522686

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What kind of software do you use to cartograph these? I think you might have said that it was Microsoft Paint or something similar but I'm not too sure.

 

[DisneyManOne]

What kind of software do you use to cartograph these? I think you might have said that it was Microsoft Paint or something similar but I'm not too sure.

It is indeed Paint.

 

[Suchomimus]

I'd also like to say that I had some difficulties finding the railroad station in Fantasyland and I realized why.

Right next door to “it’s a small world”, the Walt Disney World Railroad makes its third stop in Fantasyland, stopping at a station that is also designed in the Mary Blair style.

It's not in bold text like the previous stops.

 

[DisneyManOne]

I'd also like to say that I had some difficulties finding the railroad station in Fantasyland and I realized why.

It's not in bold text like the previous stops.

Just edited it to include the bold text!