Fantasyland

Fantasyland Introduction at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Theme Park

by josh on May 15, 2010

Fantasyland Introduction at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Theme Park

Fantasyland, themed like Cinderella’s Castle’s Courtyard, is the northernmost land at the Magic Kingdom that separates Tomorrowland from Liberty Square.  Fantasyland is a favorite of many visitors to Disney, especially young kids.  Most of the attractions in Fantasyland are geared towards the younger set and you won’t find any thrill rides or roller coasters.  Instead, many of the attractions fall into the “dark ride” category.  According to Wikipedia, “A dark ride is an indoor amusement ride where riders in guided vehicles travel through specially lit scenes that typically contain animation, sound, music, and special effects.”  Peter Pan’s Flight, It’s A Small World, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and Snow White’s Scary Adventures are all Fantasyland dark rides.  In addition, you’ll find Cinderella’s Golden Carousel and Dumbo the Flying Elephant, both carousel-type rides and Mad Tea Party, a spinning tea cup attraction.  Mickey’s PhilharMagic is the excellent 3D theater show in Fantasyland and a great way to get off your feet for a while in the middle of the day.

If you plan to skip Magic Kingdom’s thrill rides, including Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, then you’ll want to head to Fantasyland first thing in the morning.  Many of Fantasyland’s rides boast some of the longest waits at the Magic Kingdom, despite not being billed as “headlining attractions.”  Don’t be surprised if the wait for Peter Pan’s Flight or Dumbo the Flying Elephant eclipses the wait for Space Mountain.  This is due to the fact that many Fantasyland rides have small capacities and inefficient loading and unloading.  If you do plan to ride the headlining thrill rides, prepare to head to Fantasyland immediately after.  You may need to use the FASTPASS system where available and ride the less popular, higher capacity attractions like It’s A Small World and Mickey’s PhilharMagic while you wait for your FASTPASS time.  If you’re extremely short on time or the Magic Kingdom is particularly crowded, make sure to pay special attention to the ratings and which rides can be more easily skipped than others.  Evening Extra Magic Hours is also an excellent time to visit Fantasyland because many families will have left the park due to the late hour.  It’s not uncommon for the line for Peter Pan’s Flight to be in the 60 minute range all day, but drop to 10 minutes during Extra Magic Hours.

Cinderella’s Royal Table is Fantasyland’s table service restaurant.  It’s expensive and costs two table service credits on the Disney Dining Plan, but it may be worth it if your budget allows.    Pinocchio Village Haus is Fantasyland’s main counter service location.  Where else can you order a pepperoni pizza and chocolate milkshake?  It’s not the best quick service at the Magic Kingdom, but it’s the only location that serves pizza and the seating that overlooks the It’s A Small World boat ride is fun as well.  There are about six different shops in Fantasyland, including the ever-popular Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

Click the highlighted links throughout this post to read full reviews of the restaurants mentioned.  Scroll down for the full reviews of the rides and attractions or click here if you’ve landed on this page from another source.  To the right you will also find categories leading to reviews of all the other attractions, restaurants, and resorts at Walt Disney World.

Must visit: Mickey’s PhilharMagic (in the afternoon or whenever you need a break from walking), Peter Pan’s Flight (with FASTPASS or during evening Extra Magic Hours if necessary)

Visit With Kids But Skippable Without: Cinderella’s Golden Carousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Skippable With or Without Kids: It’s A Small World, Mad Tea Party, Snow White’s Scary Adventure

FASTPASS Available: Mickey’s PhilharMagic, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan’s Flight

Morning Extra Magic Hours: Cinderealla’s Golden Carousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, It’s A Small World, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Peter Pan’s Flight

Evening Extra Magic Hours: Same as Morning above

Although several of these attractions are listed as “skippable,” I would still make every effort to visit them.  If you only have time for one of the “skippable attractions” you should probably visit It’s A Small World.  It’s a classic attraction that ususally has a shorter wait.  When short on time, you’ll have to make some tough decisions.  Every group is different and you’ll want to read over the specific reviews to figure out which rides sounds more appealing than others.

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Cinderella’s Golden Carousel Review at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Orlando

by josh on May 15, 2010

Cinderella’s Golden Carousel

Opened: October 1, 1971

Location: Fantasyland

Extra Magic Hours: Morning, Evening

FASTPASS: No

Type: Carousel

Similar To: A carousel

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Zero

What to Expect: Cinderella’s Golden Carousel is a Disney themed carousel, complete with 90 horses that are all uniquely painted.  The horses slowly rotate around in a circle, moving up and down while Disney music plays in the background.  The Philadelphia Toboggan Company built the carousel in 1917 and it originally operated at Electric Park in Detroit.  Walt Disney discovered the carousel in 1967 and restored it for use in the Magic Kingdom.  Make sure to look up at the canopy over the ride and you will see 18 scenes that tell the story of Cinderella.

When To Go: Visit any time.  Unless Magic Kingdom is swamped, you shouldn’t have to wait much longer than it takes for the next ridfe to load.

Expect to Wait: 10 minutes or less.

Length: 2 minutes

Rating: 7/10

Look for the Golden Bow and the Best Picture Opportunity: Look for the horse in the second row with the golden bow.  This horse is painted like Cinderella’s.  Also, if you’re planning to take a photograph of your child (or parent, friend, etc.) while riding, instruct them to sit on one of the outside horses for the best opportunity.  You can still get a picture if they’re riding on one of the interior horses, but it obviously won’t be as clear.

Commentary: Cinderella’s Golden Carousel is certainly one of the best carousels in the country and a favorite among the younger set.   You’ll know whether you want to ride it just by looking at it, so there really aren’t any surprises.  Ride if it looks like fun or enjoy its beauty from afar if you don’t have the time or don’t want to wait in line.

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Dumbo the Flying Elephant Review at Disney’s Magic Kingdom

by josh on May 15, 2010

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Opened: October 1, 1971

Location: Fantasyland

Extra Magic Hours: Morning, Evening

FASTPASS: No

Type: Carousel

Similar To: TriceraTop Spin, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Zero

What to Expect: Dumbo the Flying Elephant is a hub and spoke midway style ride with a central hub and 16 Dumbo-themed vehicles that spin slowly counter-clockwise.  Each Dumbo holds two people (or potentially three very squished people) that can control whether the vehicle travels up or down with a control stick.

When To Go: If Dumbo is a priority then you’ll want to head here as quickly after Park opening as possible.  The line is excruciatingly slow moving and extremely long in the afternoon.  Unlike other popular rides like Splash Mountain or Space Mountain, there is also no FASTPASS option so you’re stuck in line no matter when you go.  Seriously, if Dumbo is a must-ride for your group then this is one you’ll want to get to as quickly as possible.  You may also want to check back in the final hour the Magic Kingdom is open or during the final hour of evening Extra Magic Hours when most of the young kids are already in bed.  The parade or fireworks may also be a good time if you’re willing to potentially miss those events, but the line may be so long that a short lull in traffic won’t do much good.

Expect to Wait: Oh lord, you’re in for one unless you ride during a recommended time.  Dumbo is one of the three slowest loading rides at the Magic Kingdom.  It’s also one of the most popular because kids are somehow born with the innate and undying desire to ride Dumbo the Flying Elephant before their sixth birthday.  Expect waits to balloon to 60 minutes within an hour of the Magic Kingdom opening and in the 90 minute range in the afternoon, unless the Park is extremely uncrowded.  Lines may be even longer during Holiday season.

Length: 90 seconds

Rating: 2/10 for most adults, 10/10 for preschool age children

Dumbo 2.0: The Fantasyland expansion is bringing a new Dumbo ride to the Magic Kingdom, complete with two separate rides connected by a large circus tent.

Commentary: Dumbo is a favorite among preschool age children and they are going to want to ride it.  This presents a problem if your group also wants to ride the headlining rides.  I would recommend visiting Dumbo the Elephant first thing if it’s a must-do.  Not only will you not have to listen to “Mommy, when will we ride Dumbo?” all day, but you’ll also get the ride with the worst queue done without a long wait.  You can always FASTPASS the other rides throughout the day if necessary.  Dumbo is also situated right in the middle of the Magic Kingdom, so you can also choose to move towards either Space Mountain or Splash Mountain next or ride the other Fantasyland rides (namely Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan’s Flight, Cinderella’s Golden Carousel, and Indy Speedway) with minimal wait.  If your group consists of people that don’t care much about whether or not they ride Dumbo, I would save it for the end of the evening or during evening Extra Magic Hours.  You do not want to find yourself in this line in the middle of the day.  Also note the short duration of the ride.  It is over much too soon.

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It’s A Small World Review Rating Disney Magic Kingdom

by josh on May 15, 2010

It’s A Small World

Opened: October 1, 1971

Location: Fantasyland

Extra Magic Hours: Morning, Evening

FASTPASS: No

Type: Dark ride

Similar To: Vaguely similar to The Great Movie Ride and Living with the Land

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Zero, but you may lose your sanity

What to Expect: The queue for “it’s a small world” is covered and mostly indoors, but there isn’t a lot to see or do while in line.  Once you make it to the front of the line you will board a slow-moving boat that seats about 20 people.  The boat will take you through a number of scenes featuring about 300 audio-animatronic dolls dressed up in costumes from over 100 nations.  Each of the dolls sings the same “it’s a small world” theme song non-stop throughout the ride while dancing to the tune.

When To Go: This is another good ride to visit in the afternoon or while you’re waiting for a FASTPASS time to become due for another Fantasyland ride.  Riding this along with Mickey’s PhilharMagic in the afternoon should give you a nice break from the heat and crowds.  Lines should also be nonexistent in the late evening and during evening Extra Magic Hours, which is an even better time to visit if you don’t get a chance to ride in the afternoon or don’t require a break

Expect to Wait: Waits are rarely longer than 20 minutes and should be ten minutes or less in the late evening.

Length: 11 minutes

Rating: 5/10

Closed for Refurbishment: “it’s a small world” will be closed for refurbishment from 8/1/10 to 10/22/10.  It’s expected that Disney characters will be worked into the scenes, the boats will be replaced, and the costumed animatronics will be updated.

Commentary: This is another Disney ride that has been kept mostly the same since it opened nearly 40 years ago.  It will be popular with kids and adults that appreciate classic Disney attractions, but won’t be enjoyed much by people who are looking for the latest in technology and thrills.  It’s a perfectly pleasant ride and a nice relaxing break, but the repetitious song will likely get on the nerves of most by the time the ten minute ride is over.  Even worse, chances are good that you’ll have to sit and wait for a few minutes to unload from your boat due to backups at the end of the ride, so you’ll have to sit and listen to the song even when there’s nothing to look at.  All in all, I would recommend “it’s a small world” because it is one of those classic rides that people will ask about when you return home to tell them about your vacation.  Even though it’s not particularly enjoyable for most, it should serve as a nice diversion in the middle of the day.  If the line is long or you’re worried about completing your itinerary, then you may want to skip and visit rides with a higher rating.

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Mad Tea Party Rating Review at Disney World Magic Kingdom

by josh on May 15, 2010

Mad Tea Party

Opened: October 1, 1971

Location: Fantasyland

Extra Magic Hours: Although it isn’t listed, it’s usually open in the evening

FASTPASS: No

Type: Spinning tea cup

Similar To: Unique

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Low.  This ride isn’t scary, but it’s liable to make people prone to motion sickness extremely uncomfortable.  Even people that don’t normally have problems with motion may be slightly uncomfortable, especially if you choose to spin your individual tea cup.  My recommendation would be to skip the Tea Party if you have serious motion sickness issues and make sure everyone riding in the same cup is on the same page as far as spinning the individual cup.  If you don’t want to spin fast then don’t get in the same cup as a child who wants to spin as fast as they can.  Neither of you will have any fun.

What to Expect: The queue for Mad Tea Party is covered, but it’s still extremely hot in the spring and summer months because it doesn’t block the sun out from the sides.  Once you make it to the front of the line you will be placed in an oversized tea cup that seats 2-4 people, depending on the size of the individuals.  The cups spin mildly no matter what, but there is a turntable in the middle of the ride that can be turned to spin the individual tea cup even faster.  There isn’t much more to it than that.

When To Go: Avoid this in the afternoon when it’s hot and crowded.  Try after 6pm when Fantasyland is generally less busy or during the first hour of Extra Magic Hours when it should be open as well.

Expect to Wait: This is one of the slowest loading rides at Disney World, so even relatively short looking lines can mean long waits.  Expect to wait 30 minutes soon after Park opening and 45 minutes plus in the afternoon.  Waits in the late evening should be shorter – in the 20 minute or less range.

Length: 90 seconds

Rating: 5/10

Commentary: This is another midway-style carnival ride with a Disney theme.  It’s mildly fun, but certainly won’t make or break most vacations.  If you can ride with a short wait and don’t mind a little spinning then it’s a go.  If the line is long or you don’t enjoy spinning then you’re probably better off skipping.  The late evening and Extra Magic Hours are your best bets.

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Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Review Disney World

by josh on May 15, 2010

Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Ride Closure: Winnie the Pooh is scheduled to close Monday October 25, 2010 for refurbishment.  It should reopen Monday November 15, 2010.

Opened: June 4, 1999

Location: Fantasyland

Extra Magic Hours: Morning, Evening

FASTPASS: Yes

Type: Dark ride

Similar To: Peter Pan’s Flight, Snow White’s Scary Adventures

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Zero

What to Expect: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is similar to other Fantasyland dark rides like Snow White’s Scary Adventures and Peter Pan’s Flight, only the theme is obviously based on Winnie the Pooh.  Riders board slow moving four-person “hunny pot” vehicles that move slowly through several scenes featuring Winnie, Eeyore, Piglet, Tigger, Owl and other characters from the series.  This is a lighthearted ride with some neat special effects, especially the scene with Tigger.

When To Go: This is a tough one because Winnie the Pooh is a slow loading ride with long lines throughout the day.  If you aren’t planning to ride the roller coasters or thrill rides then you’ll want to head here first in the morning along with Peter Pan’s Flight, Dumbo, and Cinderella’s Carousel.  If you do plan to ride Splash and Space Mountain then you’ll want to do those first in the morning and return here for a FASTPASS in the afternoon or ride in the last hour the Park is open or during evening Extra Magic Hours.

Expect to Wait: Expect waits slightly shorter than Peter Pan’s Flight, but still in the 45 minute range by lunch and 60+ minutes in the afternoon, unless the Magic Kingdom is less crowded than usual.

Length: 3 minutes

Rating: 6/10

Pooh’s Hunny Hunt: Pooh’s Hunny Hunt opened at Tokyo Disneyland on September 4, 2000.  It is the only ride in the world to use a “trackless” local positioning system to move ride vehicles.  With a rumored budget of over 130 million dollars, Pooh’s Hunny Hunt is one of Disney’s most expensive rides and is only found in Japan.  Hopefully a similar ride will be built in the United States soon.  Read all about it here.

Commentary: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is superior to Snow White’s Scary Adventures in almost every way, but it is still not particularly exciting or engaging for most adults.  The ride is definitely cute, but it isn’t worth waiting a long time for unless you have kids that will particularly enjoy it.  There’s nothing scary about the ride and most youngsters thoroughly enjoy it.  Adult riders who have an affinity for Winnie the Pooh will enjoy it as well.  Expect long lines in the afternoon, so use a FASTPASS or return late into the evening.  Most families with young children usually leave the Park in the evening or are waiting for the fireworks show by 8pm.  This presents an excellent opportunity to hit the Fantasyland rides aimed at youngsters.

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Mickey’s PhilharMagic 3D Theater Show at Disney World Orlando

by josh on May 15, 2010

Mickey’s PhilharMagic

Opened: October 3, 2003

Location: Fantasyland

Extra Magic Hours: Morning, Evening

FASTPASS: Yes, but not usually necessary

Type: 3D Theater show

Similar To: Muppet Vision 3D

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Low.  The 3D effects may disturb the very young.  If they do, try taking the 3D glasses off.

What to Expect: Mickey’s PhilharMagic takes place in a large, comfortable, air-conditioned theater that seats about 500 people.  The enormous screen in the front of the theatre measures about 150-feet across and was the largest of its kind when it was constructed (there’s now a similar show at Hong Kong Disneyland).  This is Disney’s newest 3D show and by far their most clever and entertaining.  There are also several “4D” effects throughout the show to make it an even more immersive experience.  As you might expect, Mickey’s PhilharMagic stars Mickey Mouse with special appearances by Donald, Ariel, Aladdin, Simba, Lumiere and many other classic Disney characters.  Unlike It’s Tough to be a Bug or Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, there is nothing here that will scare youngsters.

When To Go: Visit in the late afternoon or whenever you need a break from the crowds and heat.  This is one of the most relaxing areas at the Magic Kingdom so take advantage of it.

Expect to Wait: Mickey’s PhilharMagic is overlooked by many who assume it’s just another “kiddie Fantasyland ride.”  Coupled with the fact that it seats about 500 people per show, waits are generally less than 20 minutes and you will usually only have to wait for the next show to start.

Length: 12 minutes

Rating: 10/10

A Lot of Talent Went Into This One: Sir Timothy Miles Bindon Rice, who wrote the lyrics for Aladdin and The Lion King returned to arrange the music for Mickey’s PhilharMagic with the help of composer Alan Menken, who has won Oscars for his work on The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Pocahontas.  Original animators were used to pen the scenes whenever possible.

Commentary: Hands down, this is the best 3D show at Disney World and one of the top five attractions at the Magic Kingdom.  It’s a delightful show and one that all visitors should enjoy immensely.  Although the novelty of 3D has waned a bit with the emergence of so many 3D films, Mickey’s PhilharMagic is still an amazing achievement and succeeds because of the quality of the writing, music, and animation.  This is a must-do attraction, so make sure you don’t overlook it like so many other people.

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Peter Pan’s Flight Rating Review at Disney’s Magic Kingdom

by josh on May 15, 2010

Peter Pan’s Flight

Opened: October 3, 1971

Location: Fantasyland

Extra Magic Hours: Morning, Evening

FASTPASS: Yes and you definitely want one if you aren’t riding during a recommended time. Unless you’re visiting on a particularly uncrowded day, you’ll want to pick up your FASTPASS before lunch as well.  They often sell out by the early afternoon.  You absolutely do not want to find yourself in the regular line during afternoon hours.

Type: Dark ride

Similar To: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Snow White’s Scary Adventures

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Zero

What to Expect: The queue for Peter Pan’s Flight offers little entertainment and moves extremely slowly.  Once you finally make to the front of the line, you will board a slow moving vehicle themed like a pirate galleon that seats two to three people in a single row.  The best effect this ride offers is the sense that you’re actually flying through Peter Pan’s world because the vehicles are suspended from the ceiling.  The galleon will take you through several scenes from the Peter Pan story and features animatronic versions of Peter, along with Captain Hook, Mr. Smee, and the Lost Boys.

When To Go: You’ll want to visit this ride with a FASTPASS unless you hit it early in the morning or late into the evening.  Since it’s on the way between Space Mountain and Splash Mountain you may be able to sneak it in between riding the two in the early morning.  If the wait is 10 minutes or less when you pass it then I would recommend riding.  Also consider visiting during the last two hours of evening Extra Magic Hours when the line should be much shorter.

Expect to Wait: It’s not uncommon for Peter Pan’s Flight to have the longest wait at the Magic Kingdom, despite not being a major attraction.  This is due to Peter Pan’s popularity and the fact that each vehicle only holds two people.  Expect lines to exceed 60 minutes by lunch and be in the 90 minute range in the afternoon and evening, even during slow seasons.

Length: 2 minutes 30 seconds

Rating: 7/10

Commentary: This is a tough one to rate because it’s an excellent attraction for young children and anyone else who will appreciate a bit of “Disney magic.”  On the other hand, it will do nothing for the die-hard thrill seekers or those who don’t appreciate a slow moving ride with dated animatronics.  The theme is excellent and the ride is fun, but don’t expect a roller coaster or thrills because you won’t find them here.  It’s not uncommon to overhear riders saying “Wow, I can’t believe I waited an hour for that.”  This may be the most overrated ride at Disney World, but families and those with young kids will probably love it.  Peter Pan’s Flight, like most rides, is best if you don’t have to wait long for it.  Be sure to get a FASTPASS or return at the end of the night if you aren’t here before 10am in the morning.

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Snow White’s Scary Adventure Review Disney Magic Kingdom

by josh on May 15, 2010

Snow White’s Scary Adventures

Opened: Originally opened on October 1, 1971 and reopened after a refurbishment in December 1994

Location: Fantasyland

Extra Magic Hours: Although it isn’t listed, it will likely be open in the evening.

FASTPASS: No

Type: Dark ride

Similar To: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan’s Flight

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Medium for kids under the age of six or so; low for everyone else.  This ride is dark and the evil witch is more prominently featured than you might expect.  If your kids were scared on other similar rides or are otherwise easily frightened then you may want to skip this one.  You won’t be missing much.

What to Expect: Riders board six-person, slow moving vehicles themed like mine cars.  The vehicles take riders through several scenes that tell the story of Snow White with the help of animatronics and special effects.  Generally speaking, Snow White’s Scary Adventures scares young riders and bores older ones.

When To Go: After dinner is usually best.  I wouldn’t waste precious morning time on this one because you should be able to ride in the evening with a nominal wait.

Expect to Wait:  Expect waits in the 20 minute range before lunch and 30 minutes after.  Lines may be nonexistent in the early morning and late evening.

You Died in the Original: The 1994 refurbishment brought many changes to Snow White’s Scary Adventure.  In the original, the evil witch throws a jewel at your mine car and the next scene insinuates that the large rock murdered your entire party.  In addition, Snow White was nowhere to be found.  Disney thought it would be clear that riders were experiencing the story as if they were Snow White.  Unfortunately, we didn’t get it and didn’t particularly appreciate the part where we were killed off either.  The current version has a much happier ending, but may still scare youngsters.

Length: 2 minutes

Rating: 4/10

Commentary: This is a short, dated ride with lousy special effects and a weak storyline.  If the wait is minimal then you might as well ride, unless your group includes kids that are easily frightened of witches or the dark.  Overall, this isn’t a must-do attraction and you won’t be missing much if you choose to skip it.

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