Fantasyland is one of the nine themed lands at Disneyland Park. The land features a central courtyard dominated by King Arthur's Carrousel, in front of which sits a sword in an anvil.
Dedication[]
- “Here is a land of imagination, hopes and dreams. In this timeless land of enchantment the age of chivalry, magic and make-believe are reborn and fairy tales come true. Fantasyland is dedicated to the young and the young at heart, to those who believe that when you wish upon a star your dreams do come true.”
- ―Walter E. Disney, July 17, 1955
History and environments[]
Fantasyland is one of the original themed lands at Disneyland. Fantasyland features Sleeping Beauty Castle at its main entrance, which is also the park's icon, and a central courtyard dominated by King Arthur's Carrousel, in front of which sits a sword in an anvil; several times each day a costumed Merlin helps a child pull the sword from it. The entrance also contains a separate walk-through attraction that opened in 1957 but was closed from 2001-2008 due to security concerns following the September 11, attacks. The attraction re-opened in May 2008.
The famed "Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks" show was introduced in 1956, but Tinker Bell's first flight wasn't until 1961. The first Tinker Bell was Tiny Kline, former circus aerialist. Multiple shows have replaced this most involving some sort of 'flying' character, such as Tinker Bell.
In 1983, Fantasyland received a major facelift (dubbed "New Fantasyland")[1] and the attraction facades changed from a Renaissance motif to a fantasy mock up of a Bavarian village, similar to the European setting of many of the fairy tales Walt adapted. The area was expanded to allow for more space between attractions. Existing rides were given small but helpful upgrades; new rides were added; and only a small handful of less popular attractions were removed. To commemorate the opening of New Fantasyland, the drawbridge was lowered on Sleeping Beauty Castle for only the second time ever (the first being the park's opening in 1955).[2][3][4]
The plaque in front of the castle marks the spot where the Disneyland Time Capsule is buried. Sealed on the 40th anniversary of the park, it contains different items from the history of Disney parks. It is scheduled to be opened in the year 2035, forty years after it was first sealed.
Fantasyland was said, by Walt Disney, to be his favorite land in the park.[5] Walt Disney said, "What youngster has not dreamed of flying with Peter Pan over moonlit London, or tumbling into Alice's nonsensical Wonderland? In Fantasyland, these classic stories of everyone's youth have become realities for youngsters - of all ages - to participate in."
Attractions[]
Current[]
- Sleeping Beauty Castle
- Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough (1957-2001, 2008-2020, 2021-)
- Alice in Wonderland (1958-)
- Casey Jr. Circus Train (1955-)
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant (1955-)
- It's a Small World (1966-)
- It's a Small World Holiday (1997- seasonal)
- King Arthur Carrousel (1955-2020, 2021-)
- Mad Tea Party (1955-)
- Matterhorn Bobsleds (1959-2020, 2021-)
- Fantasyland Theatre (1995-)
- Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (1955-)
- Peter Pan's Flight (1955-)
- Pinocchio's Daring Journey (1983-)
- Pixie Hollow (2008-)
- Snow White Grotto (1961-)
- Snow White's Enchanted Wish (2021-)
- Storybook Land Canal Boats (1955-2020, 2021-)
- Skyway to Tomorrowland 1956
- Sword in the Stone (1983-2020, 2021-)
- Fantasy Faire:
- Royal Hall (2013-)
- Royal Theater (2013-)
Former[]
- Canal Boats of the World (1955)
- Snow White and Her Adventures (1955-1982)
- Mickey Mouse Club Theater (1955–82)
- Junior Autopia (1956-1958)
- Motor Boat Cruise (1957–93)
- Midget Autopia (1957–66)
- Fantasyland Autopia (1959-1999)
- Skull Rock (1960–82)
- Snow White's Scary Adventures (1983-2020)
- Videopolis (1985-2006)
- Fantasyland Depot (1961–1993, re-themed as Toon Town Depot)
- Disney Afternoon Avenue
- Baloo's Dressing Room
- Motor Boat Cruise to Gummi Glen
- Rescue Rangers Raceway
- Plane Crazy
- Ariel's Grotto in Triton Gardens (1996–2008, replaced by Pixie Hollow)
- Fantasia Gardens (1993-2006)
- Mickey and the Magical Map (2013-2020)
- Tale of the Lion King (2022-2024)
- Pixar Pals Playtime Party (2024)
Entertainment[]
Current[]
- The Royal Swing Big Band Ball
- Storytelling at Royal Theatre
- Pearly Band
Former[]
- Mickey Mouse Club Circus (1955-1956)
- Keller's Jungle Killers (1956)
- Frozen (2015-2016)
- The Magic of Christmas (1985-1988 Seasonal)
- Sing'in' Danc'in' Heigh Ho (1987)
- Circus Fantasy (1988)
- Show Biz Is (1989)
- One Man's Dream, celebration of Walt Disney (1989-1990)
- Dick Tracy in Diamond Double-Cross (1990)
- Plane Crazy (1991)
- Mickey's Nutcracker (1991-1992 Seasonal)
- Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage (1992-1995)
- The Spirit of Pocahontas (1995-1997)
- The Wiggles! Live (1998)
- Animazment - The Musical (1998-2001)
- Minnie's Christmas Party (2001-2002 Seasonal)
- Mickey's Detective School (2002-2003)
- Snow White: An Enchanting Musical (2004-2006)
- Disney Princess Fantasy Faire (2006-2012)
- The Magic, the Memories and You (2011-2012)
Restaurants and refreshments[]
Current[]
- Churros near Casey Jr. Circus train
- Churros near Sleeping Beauty Castle
- Churros at Small World Promenade
- Edelweiss Snacks
- Fantasyland Fruit Cart
- Lemonade at Small World Promenade
- Maurice's Treats
- Popcorn near Fantasyland Theatre
- Popcorn at Small World Promenade
- Pretzels at Small World Promedade
- Red Rose Tavern
- Troubador Tavern
Former[]
- Character Foods (1955-1982)
- Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship and Restaurant (1955–82)
- Welch's Grape Juice Stand (1956-1981)
- Yumz (1985-2004)
- Enchanted Cottage Sweets & Treats (2004-2012)
- Village Haus Restaurant (1983-2017)
Shops[]
Current[]
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
- Merlin's Marvelous Miscellany
- Stromboli's Cart
- Royal Reception
- Fairy Tale Treasures
- It's a Small World Toy Shop (1992 - present)
- Le Petit Chalet
- The Mad Hatter
Former[]
- Merlin's Magic Shop (1955–1987)
- Tinker Bell Toy Shoppe (1957–2008)
- Castle Candy Kitchen/Shoppe (1958–1967)
- Arts & Crafts Shop (1958–1982)
- Clock Shop (1963–1969)
- Captain Hook's Galley (1982–89)
- Castle Arts (1983–1987)
- Geppetto's Arts & Crafts (1983–2007)
- Briar Rose Cottage (1987–1991)
- Castle Christmas Shop (1987–1996)
- Mickey's Christmas Carol (1991–2004)
- The Castle Heraldry Shoppe (1994–2017)
- Names Unraveled (1995–2005)
- Knight Shop (1997–1998)
- Princess Boutique (1997–2005)
- Fa Mulan's Bazaar (1998–2004)
- 50th Anniversary Shop (2005–2006)
- Three Fairies Magic Crystals (2006–2008)
- The Castle Holiday Shop (2017-2021)
References[]
- ↑ Post card showing "New Fantasyland" http://www.perrific.com/disney/cards/card29.html
- ↑ "This Week in Disney History: ‘The New Fantasyland’ Opens at Disneyland Park, 1983".
- ↑ "New Fantasyland (1983) - From Fair to Village".
- ↑ "Disneyland in 1983 and the Transformation of Fantasyland: #60DaysTo60Years".
- ↑ "5 Key Facts about Walt Disney’s Favorite Theme Park Land". Retrieved on 2 March 2016.
