Fantasyland is a must-do for every Guest visiting the Magic Kingdom, but not everyone knows these fun facts. How many do you know?
Fantasyland captures the quintessential Disney magic Guests are looking to experience with classic attractions, views of Cinderella Castle, character meet and greets, and more.
See how many of these facts about Fantasyland you know on your next visit!
1. WDW’s Oldest Attraction
Photo by Laurie Sapp
Fantasyland is home to Prince Charming Regal Carousel, the oldest attraction in Walt Disney World, constructed in 1917.
The Philadelphia Toboggan Company produced the carousel for Detroit Palace Garden Park until the park went bankrupt, and the carousel was moved to Olympic Park in New Jersey.
Disney purchased the carousel at the close of that park’s final season in 1964 and had it refurbished to fit the Fantasyland theme along with upgrades like adding 23 karat gold leaf to many of the horses.
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2. You Could Be Peter Pan
Photo by Mike Billick
Peter Pan’s Flight is one of the most popular Fantasyland dark rides today, however when the original plans for the ride were being completed for Disneyland, Imagineers originally left out the title character.
Guests were supposed to experience the ride from the point of view of Peter Pan according to original plans.
When the Disneyland version opened, Guests were not entirely clear why Peter was missing and the concept of them acting as the character created confusion.
When the Walt Disney World version opened in 1971, the ride’s storyline was expanded upon to include Peter in the scenes.
In 2014, the attraction was updated once more with an interactive queue allowing Guests to explore the Darling household before boarding.
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3. Protests for Mr. Toad
Photo Courtesy of Cliff Wang
In 1997, word got out that Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride was to be replaced with The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and fans took to the Magic Kingdom to protest.
Referred to as “Toad-Ins”, protesters stood outside the attraction wearing shirts and carrying signs that explained their frustrations with the decision to replace the classic ride.
Protests continued for about a year, as the movement encouraged those who agreed with the cause to join in person or send emails (and snail mail!) to Disney executives.
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride ultimately closed on September 7, 1998, to allow Winnie the Pooh to move into this Fantasyland space.
Guests today can find a couple of nods to Mr. Toad around the Magic Kingdom, including an image of Mr. Toad giving a deed to the attraction to Owl, and a monument for Mr. Toad.
4. Too scary for Kids
Photo by Laurie Sapp
If you visited Fantasyland before 2012, you may remember Snow White’s Scary Adventures (it closed in 2012 and was replaced by Princess Fairytale Hall.
The original version of the ride that ran from 1971 to 1994 was much more true to its title and was eventually toned down due to frightened Guests.
The pre-1994 version did not include any figures of Snow White, and it barely showed the seven dwarfs, instead showing the witch seven(!) times.
The ride reopened later that year, offering a much more kid-friendly experience. While the attraction is no longer in the Magic Kingdom, the current Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ride features some of the vulture figures from it’s earlier Fantasyland counterpart.
5. Get pixie-dusted
Character Couture makeup table. Photo by Courtney Reynolds.
Head to Castle Couture behind Cinderella Castle and add a little extra magic to your day with a pixie dusting!
Ask a Cast Member about pixie dust, and hear magical well wishes while pixie dust is sprinkled above your head to complete the experience.
Kids participating in Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and the Pirates League can also be pixie-dusted, as can kids and adults who get haircuts at the Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street.
Fantasyland Facts
Photo by Laurie Sapp
The Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland is home to some of Walt Disney’s most beloved attractions, including it’s a small world, Peter Pan’s Flight, Prince Charming Regal Carousel, and more.
The land is a consistent hit for the whole family and a must-visit for kids, and kids at heart!
How many of these Fantasyland facts did YOU know? Did you learn anything new? Tell us over on our Facebook page!
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