Meet Belle and the Beast: How Disney's upgrade of Fantasyland is enchanting

When Disney first announced a makeover for Fantasyland in Orlando's Magic Kingdom, there were howls of protest over plans for its 'princess-ification'.
The uproar meant the 'Imagineers' - as Disney calls them - were told to focus more on rides and theming and less on princess meet-and-greets. The first main phase opened in December and is now truly enchanting.

 

Flying start: The new Dumbo ride at Walt Disney World

The revised balance is great for all Disney fans, be they girls or boys, with startling creative touches.
Take the new Enchanted Tales With Belle. In classic Beauty And The Beast territory, it introduces visitors to Maurice's Cottage where a special mirror keeps Belle and her father in touch. Guests step through the mirror to meet the heroine in the Beast's Castle, complete with a moving, talking Lumiere, the enchanted candelabra.

 

The Enchanted Tales is one of five key attractions in the Enchanted Forest area that makes up half the new-look Fantasyland.
Disney hopes it will steal some of the thunder from the Wizarding World Of Harry Potter at rival theme park Universal.
Everything in the forest is new to the Magic Kingdom while the other half, Storybook Circus, replaces the old Mickey's Toontown area. Here's the full lowdown on the park's biggest expansion since it opened in 1971

Be our guest: The Beast welcomes guests to his castle in the Magic Kingdom

ENCHANTED FOREST

The Beast's Castle sits distant and aloof over Belle's Village, including Gaston's Tavern. The centrepiece Fountain features the oafish Gaston and sidekick LeFou.
The Be Our Guest Restaurant serves light meals at lunch, with fine-dining in the evening in splendidly themed rooms inside the Beast's Castle.
Under The Sea - Journey Of The Little Mermaid is a gentle ride in 'clam-shells', ideal for young children, followed by a photo opportunity with Ariel. 

FAIRYTALE CIRCUS

The old Dumbo ride had long been a cause of parental pain with lengthy queues and limited shade in the Florida heat.
Now, there are TWO whirling Dumbo rides and the queuing area is inside an air-conditioned playground with a pager system that allows kids to bounce and slide until it's time to ride.

The new Casey Jr Splash 'N' Soak Station has all manner of squirting, soaking fountains and geysers. Bring swimsuits for your offspring - or a change of clothes!

Pete's Silly Sideshow is an old-fashioned chance to have your photo taken with characters.

The final part of New Fantasyland (the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Ride) will not be finished until early 2014.

Travel Facts

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