BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted March 7, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 7, 2012 From Orlando Attractions... Aerial construction update of Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland expansion – March 2012Mar 62012 Filed under: Disney, Magic Kingdom, Video, Walt Disney World Posted by: Matt RoseboomWe took to the skies today to bring you some theme park construction updates. In this update we’re taking a look at the Fantasyland expansion at the Magic Kingdom. The photo above gives you an overview of the huge area under construction. Scroll down for more photos and video. Click on any of the photos to view them larger.The first area of the Fantasyland expansion will open later this month. It’s part of the Storybook Circus area. Here you can see some of the red construction walls already in place to guide guests to the open areas. The accessible areas will be one half of the new duel Dumbo rides, Barnstormer coaster staring The Great Goofini, and the Storybook Train Station.Here’s a close-up of the new Dumbo ride. The spinner on the left is the brand new one. The one on the right is the old one they’re refurbishing and moving from its old location. It’s unknown if guests will be able to enter the tent for games when the area first opens. Notice the sign for The Barnstormer to the left of Dumbo.The Barnstormer is the same roller coaster that was in Toontown, with a new theme. You can see a cannon on the left side that Goofy has supposedly shot out of and through a target. It also looks like the path leading to the side of Space Mountain in Tomorrowland may open when the area does.The train station looks good, but it looks like the water play area featuring Casey Jr. won’t be open right away. The circus tents for Pete’s Silly Sideshow and Big Top Souvenirs won’t be open at first either.Construction has started for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ride. But this ride will be the last to open, in 2014.This is the Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid ride entrance and show building. Prince Eric’s castle is looking good.This is the Beauty an the Beast area of Fantasyland. Notice the bridge being installed in the bottom left and what looks like a walkway into Beast’s Castle where the Be Our Guest restaurant will be. At the bottom is the village area with Gaston’s Tavern and at the top is Belle’s Cottage and Maurice’s Workshop.Here’s a video of our flyover:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuFed5SAlbI http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/03/06/aerial-construction-update-of-magic-kingdoms-fantasyland-expansion-march-2012/#more-12006 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted March 8, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 8, 2012 From the Disney Parks blog... First Look: Walt Disney Imagineers Offer a Taste of the Be Our Guest Restaurantposted on March 8th, 2012 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager“Be our guest! Be our guest! Put our service to the test!” Or so the song goes. Who doesn’t love this playful scene from “Beauty and The Beast,” in which the enchanted staff welcomes Belle to the castle in grand style?And speaking of “style,” Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) has been busy recreating the castle’s very detailed beauty in the form of the Be Our Guest Restaurant in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park.In this video, provided by WDI, Senior Concept Designer Ted Robledo presents our very first sneak peek inside this highly anticipated restaurant. Imagineers recently put the finishing touches on one of its major elements: a massive mural that will serve as the restaurant’s backdrop. Here, Ted shows how WDI combined digital technology with traditional artistry to create a sweeping landscape that gives guests the feeling that they really are walking into a part of the film.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_zJMY46qSshttp://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/03/first-look-walt-disney-imagineers-offer-a-taste-of-the-be-our-guest-restaurant/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveInTN 3,247 Posted March 9, 2012 Report Share Posted March 9, 2012 The restaurant looks amazing! Very cool with the mural, and how they will have snow outside the windows. Can't wait to see the menus, both the sit down dinner menu and the CS lunch one. From what I can see, the restaurant hasn't been added to the Disney Dining site yet for ADR's. I imagine that will happen fairly soon. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PureTcrazy...rita 380 Posted March 11, 2012 Report Share Posted March 11, 2012 I bet that restaurant is going to be very busy when it opens! I'm looking forward to see the menu also. It is going to be gorgeous! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted March 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2012 Lots of updates, but the biggie is that they did a soft opening of Storybook Circus today!!Part 1 from WDW Magic...PHOTOS (updated 3pm EDT) - Storybook Circus soft opening, including new Dumbo, Barnstormer, and Fantasyland Train StationMar 12, 2012 Storybook Circus soft opened to guests at 10:45am this morning and we have a complete photo walkthrough of the new land. During this soft open, one side of Dumbo is working (excluding the new interactive indoor queue), along with the Barnstormer, the Fantasyland Train Station, and the new Fantasyland restrooms. And yes, very pleased to report that Dumbo does now fly over water and fountains!Just as with the old Toontown, it did not take long for the new land to become very busy. After just an hour, Dumbo and the Barnstormer both had 45 minute waits.The new land has some great details, far above that of the old Toontown Fair, including references to Carolwood at the train station. We will save our detailed look and thoughts for when the land is completed, but these photos should give you an idea of how good this new land will be when complete.Talk with other fans about the opening of this new land on our discussion forums.As always, click on the thumbnails to view the large versions.More Sharing Services Share|Share on facebookShare on google_plusonePhotos by WDWMAGIC A small crowd gathers at park opening for a possible soft opening At 10:50am the opening team cast members head towards the waiting guests Management and cast say a few words about the soft opening of Storybook Circus The very first guests into Storybook Circus Dumbo signage The first Dumbo guests head into the queue The outside queue of Dumbo Inside the Dumbo ride vehicle Water at Dumbo View of the second Dumbo still under construction View from Dumbo View from Dumbo View from Dumbo View from Dumbo Dumbos in flight The brand new Dumbo Barnstormer opening day Cast Members Barnstormer entry FASTPASS clock for Barnstormer Barnstormer standby line clock Entering the queue Barnstormer queue area Barnstormer queue area Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted March 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2012 part 2... Barnstormer queue area Barnstormer queue area Barnstormer queue area Barnstormer queue area A Barnstormer train in the station Barnstormer station Front row view from the Barnstormer Front row view from the Barnstormer Front row view from the Barnstormer Front row view from the Barnstormer Front row view from the Barnstormer Front row view from the Barnstormer Front row view from the Barnstormer Front row view from the Barnstormer Front row view from the Barnstormer Front row view from the Barnstormer Front row view from the Barnstormer Barnstormer pulling into the station A train crashing through the billboard Signage outside the Barnstormer Fantasyland station departure board The station clock Fantasyland station Fantasyland station exit area Fantasyland station details Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted March 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2012 part 3... New Fantasyland restrooms New Fantasyland restrooms New Fantasyland restrooms New Fantasyland restrooms New Fantasyland restrooms The entrance to Storybook Circus from the walkway by Teacups Detailed concrete work throughout Storybook Circus More of the detailed concrete work A wide view of Storybook Circus After just an hour of opening crowds were everywhere Some of the Storybook Circus landscaping The new Dumbo area, with the right side still under construction http://www.wdwmagic.com/Attractions/Fantasyland/News/12Mar2012-PHOTOS---Storybook-Circus-soft-opening.htm Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted March 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2012 From WDW Magic...PHOTO - Storybook Circus on new Magic Kingdom park map todayMar 12, 2012 Along with today's soft opening of Storybook Circus, the Magic Kingdom issued a new map to guests featuring the new area. Dumbo, The Barnstormer, Fantasyland Train Station, and a 'COMING SOON' Casey Jr Splash 'n' Soak Station are all included. Click the scan below for a close-up look.Copyright 2012 The Walt Disney Company http://www.wdwmagic.com/Attractions/Fantasyland/News/12Mar2012-PHOTO---Storybook-Circus-on-new-Magic-Kingdom-park-map-today.htm Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted March 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2012 WDW Magic...PHOTOS - Construction walls down at the Fantasyland station giving a glimpse of Storybook CircusMar 09, 2012 The construction walls around the brand new Fantasyland Train Station are now down, giving guests a glimpse into Storybook Circus and the Barnstormer area. This area is expected to open later this month, so is very near to completion.Another change in the construction wall positioning has taken place near the entrance of Storybook Circus by the Teacups attraction. The walls here are now lower, exposing the inner construction walls that we first saw in a previous aerial photo.Head to the photos for a look at both these areas, and as always, click the thumbnails to view the large versions.More Sharing Services Share|Share on facebookShare on google_plusonePhotos by WDWMAGIC http://www.wdwmagic.com/Attractions/Fantasyland/News/09Mar2012-PHOTOS---Construction-walls-down-at-the-Fantasyland-station-giving-a-glimpse-of-Storybook-Circus.htm Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted March 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 13, 2012 From WDW News Today... VIDEO: The Barnstormer starring the Great GoofiniMar 12, 2012 by wdwntadminWDWNT Reporter Adam Roth brings us the first on-ride video of The Barnstormer starring the Great Goofini. The track is still the same, but there are two new props for guests to “crash” though and a very different atmosphere with the Storybook Circus all around:http://vimeo.com/38396048http://wdwnewstoday.com/archives/8934 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted March 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 13, 2012 more from WDW News Today... An In-Depth Look at New Fantasyland’s Storybook CircusMar 12, 2012 by wdwntadmin While we wait for more pictures and video, I decided to post WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth’s twitter pictures of today’s Storybook Circus opening. Let’s take a closer look at the first piece of the New Fantasyland puzzle:Dumbo looks great in the new pastel colors!The story scenes on the bottom of the carousel were a nice touch 'Great attention to detailThe rest of Fantasyland has a long way to go…PINK ELEPHANTS ON PARADE!The other Dumbo spinner will take a whileBarnstormer signageA look across the wayThe back of the Barnstormer sign has a reference to Wiseacre Farm from Toontown FairThis poster is up on the construction walls… including Humphrey the Bear eating a candy apple? Maybe he’ll be getting a food service location of some kind?The Dumbo interactive queue isn’t open yet Dumbo signInside the queueLots of little popcorn lights on the queue Dumbo looks great with the water feature! Work continues on the tentsI can’t wait to see this at nightWATER!Another new signCool posterI like that the flat people have now stepped into a three-dimensional scene…Another cool posterA magic feather!Again, great detailshttp://wdwnewstoday.com/archives/8930 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted March 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 13, 2012 continued...You can see the train tracks that will come from the Roundhouse, where the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station will beThese restrooms are amazing…Plenty of luggage outside the Fantasyland Station exitAnimal prints in the pavementCarolwood Park… I don’t have to tell you what an awesome Walt reference this is…Booth at the entrance to BarnstormerNew signage for the train Casey Jr. weathervane Nice LED lightingEven though the path to Tomorrowland is open, work still to be doneSome old train tracksTracks run all over the place in this sectionGoofy crashedThis could have just been a cutout, but they even put a fringe where Goofy went through…A Main Street cart out to handle guest demands for spring breakWork continues on more Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid facadeNEW GARBAGE CANSThis will eventually be the FASTPASS/xPASS collection pointLove the costumesSpeakers and cameras themed nicelyI see you old Dumbo…There are peanuts in the pavement… wow…FASTPASS/xPASS queue ready for The Barnstormer as well Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted March 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 13, 2012 More from WDW News Today. Sorry these are in reverse order chronologically - I grabbed them in order off their site... Our First Pictures Inside Storybook Circus!Mar 12, 2012 by wdwntadmin I’m sure you have heard by now, but Storybook Circus opened to the public this morning and WDWNT Reporter Melissa Weber was on the scene:We’re walking in!Not much to see down here yetDumbo is back! And it looks glorious! There’s even circus trash-cans!Circus ticket booths around the rideLooks great!The Barnstormer is also openWhat an improvement!This is the restrooms… yes, they are too nice to be restrooms…A Casey Jr. weather vane at the top of the stationThe last remnant of Toontown sits in the backgroundFantasyland Train Station is open as well nowA neat detail: the train tracks in the ground turning into pavementThe lights and railing on the Tomorrowland path got painted and it is once again open!http://wdwnewstoday.com/archives/8924 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted March 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 13, 2012 From Orlando Attractions Magazine... A look inside Storybook Circus as first part of New Fantasyland opens – Photos – VideoMar 122012 Filed under: Disney, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Posted by: Anthony ArmeniaThis morning Walt Disney World opened the first phase of the New Fantasyland expansion in a soft opening of part of Storybook Circus at the Magic Kingdom park. The attractions that opened this morning for the first time include Barnstormer featuring The Great Goofini, one spinner of the dueling Dumbos and the Fantasyland Train Station.First, let’s take a video stroll through the whole area:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCoQCxsbc9oDumbo is now featured on the front cover of the Magic Kingdom Guide Map.Storybook Circus is now featured on the park map.On their way in, guests are greeted by a temporary sign.New entrance sign for Dumbo.One spinner is now open apart of the dueling Dumbos. The circus tent interactive queue isn’t open yet.It is very colorful and has water features surrounding its base.Barnstormer has now opened with a new circus themed featuring The Great Goofini and other themed elements.Little details like peanut shells are found on the walkways around Storybook Circus.The Fantasyland Train Station is much nicer than former one.Posters advertising the attractions in Storybook Circus in the Fantasyland Train Station queue.A poster advertising Casey Jr. whos water play area will be coming soon to Storybook Circus.Remember this is a soft opening so the whole area or select attractions within it could close at any time.[follow link at end for full photo gallery]Blog post photos by Banks Lee and @arothwdwc on Twitter. Photo gallery photos by Banks Lee.Keep checking back for more photos and videos.http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2012/03/12/first-look-inside-storybook-circus-as-first-part-of-new-fantasyland-soft-opens/#more-12076 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lou... 3,118 Posted March 13, 2012 Report Share Posted March 13, 2012 So let's review.They soft opened attractions that had existed at other locations. Not that there's anything wrong with that. It's better than nothing. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Retired & Tired (Judy) 90 Posted March 13, 2012 Report Share Posted March 13, 2012 Beautiful pictures and a lot to look forward to. I just wish they had been able to come up with more rides that could accomodate wheel chairs. We can no longer lift Shawnee and Kimberly out of their chairs and into the seats. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted March 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 13, 2012 So let's review.They soft opened attractions that had existed at other locations. Not that there's anything wrong with that. It's better than nothing.Aw, come on, Lou. Those are some SWEET new bathrooms!! :rofl2: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547 Posted March 13, 2012 Report Share Posted March 13, 2012 We're headed to MK today. Will check it out. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted March 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 13, 2012 Ooh yay! First hand Fiends accounts are always the best. :) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nicki aka Rebelstand 272 Posted March 13, 2012 Report Share Posted March 13, 2012 Undercover tourist smart phone app says that dumbo got closed at 12:03......today. can't wait until I can load the pictures to see everything! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted March 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 13, 2012 That's the thing with soft openings - they're usually still working the kinks out and attractions can go up/down at the drop of a hat. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted March 15, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 15, 2012 From The Disney Blog... Storybook Circus – Dumbo The Flying Elephant, More DetailsPosted on March 15, 2012 by John FrostA little tilt-shift fun. It’s really beautiful at night.I’ve already posted my general overview of the soft-opened Storybook Circus area of New Fantasyland, but Disney is in the details and Storybook Circus has a lot of them. To capture more of that magic, I want to loop back and go into more depth with each attraction starting with Dumbo The Flying Elephant. So here’s another photo update of the newly re-imagineered classic.The area isn’t even finished, but it already looks beautiful at night.I also took a couple of videos:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qwrHZyN-YsOnly one side of the area is open, so everything looks a bit unbalanced yet.A closer look at the sign reveals this will eventually be the fastpass side.A ride divided.Lots of rope-queue for now. In theory every one will wait inside in an interactive queue in the future.Gone are the fun elephant stacks on top of the light poles.But there are lots of great touches like this everywhere.Plenty of fans to keep the crowds cool.New detailing on Dumbo vehicleA front view.A rear view.Bonus video: Tilt-Shift Dumbohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4O6wFfJG_UkBelieve it or not, this isn’t even all the details… I’ll be back again with even more soon.http://thedisneyblog.com/2012/03/15/storybook-circus-dumbo-the-flying-elephant-more-details/#more-16115 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted March 18, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 18, 2012 The first area of the new Fantasyland expansion at the Magic Kingdom, Storybook Circus, is now scheduled to officially open at noon on Wednesday, March 21.There is work planned on the pavement which must be done during daylight hours on this date.The WDW Railroad Fantasyland Station will not yet be open. The train will operate as scheduled, but guests will not be able to disembark at this station.Storybook Circus is currently in soft opening phase, which means attractions may go up/down at any time while Disney continues to test/refine things. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted March 19, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 19, 2012 From WDW News Today...Storybook Circus has some great lighting at nightThe blue light is a little strange… did Aliens arrive at the station?The rocket has lighting to go along with the smokeSomeone got a new profile pic…Another new poster popped up at the stationDumbo looks fantastic at night! Color changing LED lighting under the water really adds a whole new element at nightJust a friendly reminder… OR ELSE!http://wdwnewstoday.com/archives/8967 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted March 19, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 19, 2012 From MousePlanet...The first part of the New Fantasyland expansion is now open to the public, as a portion of Storybook Circus began a soft-opening (dress rehearsal) phase just before 11 a.m. last Monday, March 12. This is not surprising, as the official Walt Disney World website has listed the Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction as being closed through March 11 since mid-January. The entirety of Storybook Circus is not yet open, however, as the wet play area themed to Casey Jr. and the merchandise, snack, and character meeting locations are still under wraps.Dumbo the Flying Elephant has one of its two spinners open. The new (clockwise) spinner looks wonderful, with a water feature inside and below the elephants, and the top of the spinner's hub decorated with storks and images of Mrs. Jumbo's face. The colors are vibrant, and the attraction now has a soundtrack with a circus feel to it. The interactive queue is not yet open. The original Dumbo spinner from behind Cinderella Castle is now back in the shop for refurbishment to the new design and color scheme, and will join its sister spinner later this year.The Barnstormer featuring Goofy as The Great Goofini (an even longer name than The Barnstormer at Goofy's Wise Acre Farm) is a complete retheming of the small roller coaster. Goofy is now the circus' daredevil, serving as human (dog?) cannonball, "bear wrassler," and stunt water skier. His cannon and targets are placed throughout the area. In fact, several of the targets are placed horizontally to provide shade over the queue. The planes' route still flies through several obstacles, in theme with Goofy's questionable piloting skills. The coaster is easily visible from Dumbo.The Walt Disney World Railroad's new Fantasyland Station is also open, with a beautiful new design reminiscent of Walt Disney's Carolwood Pacific barn that now resides at Griffith Park in Los Angeles. The station area also includes a wonderful restroom facility.The area's official opening is reportedly scheduled for this Wednesday, March 21. The area will be opening late that day to allow the opening ceremony to take place after park opening. We'll have more in-depth coverage in next week's Update.http://www.mouseplanet.com/9919/Walt_Disney_World_Resort_Update Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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