Fantasyland Expansion Model.
Fritz 
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I love to look at scale models, especially ones of theme parks. I made scale models for a living for a couple years and ever since I can't pass up a chance to study a good model.
What do I think of the new Magic Kingdom Fantasyland expansion, you ask? Mixed feelings.
In a nutshell: I'd rather have 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea still in this space, no doubt about it. I am thrilled they are ripping out Mickey's Toontown Fair (a pathetic excuse for a land). I am not thrilled with the emphasis on character meet-and-greets. I do like the idea of an omni-mover Little Mermaid ride (believe it or not). I do not like the idea of a Dumbo interactive area, simply for the fact that Disney has not a great job with anything interactive since Communicore (opened in 1982) -and- it doesn't seem to fit Fantasyland well. Two Dumbos... that's pretty cool. I do like the extensive 'theming' as most people would call it. The design is pretty. The stories are separated. Anyone who reads this blog knows that character cross-overs the bain of my existence. Thank you, Imagineering/Entertainment for not making a "Princess House" or some junk like that where they all hang out together. Thank you for that.
More thoughts to come, but for now, a cool-looking scale model to look at. A couple of other (even greater) models to look at here.
Related post: Matterhorn For Magic Kingdom
Concept, Fantasyland, Scale Models
Reader Comments (13)
Are those paper trees?
Is Pixie Hollow- upper left- going to be just another playground??? We have enough over-sized object that equal a playground that doesn't do much for anyone, at least when compared to all the great stuff we go to the parks for (like rides...). Or is Pixie Hollow going to have rides?
The expansion could be worse. But it could be a lot better. One ride in the whole thing?? (Another set of Dumbos does not count). And they better not include the Dumbo interactive circus tent as an "attraction" in the guidebook. That ain't an attraction.
I agree with Fritz. I'd prefer one ride through 20K over ever piece of this expansion. Call me selfish for not giving the autograph seekers "what they want". I have no problem with character autographs, but there are plenty of appropriate places to stand and sign books. Tearing out one of the greatest (if not THE greatest) attractions in the world is not cool, especially in the name of autographs. I know that this was not the only reason to remove the subs. It's just pretty heart-breaking that this is what we've come to.
If nothing else, I think the expansion is pretty. It will add to the park in an eye pleasing way. It will beautify fantasyland which stands in need of some beautification. just look at Disneyland's Fantasyland which is cute everywhere. Magic kingdom needs something like this.
At least there are no Muppets. There are no Muppets right?
Looking at the model it looks like they did a really good job of making each character story seperate from the others. That's not an impression I got from the blueprint that was circulated. But this looks like DisneySea in terms of attention to theme. That's not to say it will be as great as TDS, but at least it appears that a priority was given to atmosphere over making each inch of real estate make money by cramming in shops, restaurants etc... It looks like one could stroll along from place to place without being bombarded by shops.
I doubt that Pixie Hollow will ever be finished. Seeing as it is the only section labeled Phase 2 and the Pixie videos did not sell as well as Disney had hoped.
I really hope that they decide to re theme the Pixie Hollow area to a Alice in Wonderland zone. That would make the most sense since they don't have the Alice In wonderland Darkride that Disneyland has and it would be a better idea since the new Alice in Wonderland movie is doing amazing at the Box office.
I love the look of most of it, and some of the ideas a very solid. The Dumbo expansion is a very good idea, the "Little Mermaid" ride is an exciting addition, and the "Be Our Guest" restaurant is a real no-brainer that needed to happen years ago. On the other hand, the Pixie Hollow and Princess cottages are areas which most visiting groups sans 6 year old girls will never visit. I'd rather have a re-introduction of Mister Toad's Wild Ride and a Prince Phillip first-person ride using a concept simillar to the Spider-Man ride at Universal. The final battle against the Melificant dragon would be fantastic! All that said, I am looking forward to seeing the finished product and I appreciate how much more attractive Fantasyland will become.
"Thank you, Imagineering/Entertainment for not making a "Princess House" or some junk like that where they all hang out together. Thank you for that."
Ha! It's funny because that's exactly what they're doing with the updated version of New Fantasyland! Princess Fairytale Hall, a princess meet-and-greet, is replacing Snow White's Scary Adventures since the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster is replacing the originally planned princess meet-and-greets.
How did you learn to make scale models? I've always wanted to do some myself.
I got to see the model imagineers building this model when I had lunch with Tony Baxter in Glendale during my spring break visit of 2011!
Sorry I meant 2010 not 2011.
I have been following the Fantasyland Expansion plans for the past two years and finally being able to see it in person was amazing! The only two things that were still under construction for phase two was the Seven Dwarfs Mine Coaster and Princess Fairytale Hall (which is sadly replacing the beloved Snow Whites Scary Adventures). I thought the Little Mermaid dark ride was exceptionally well done, as well as the Be Our Guest restaurant, which offers great quick serve meals for lunch.
The Storybook Circus themed area is much nicer then Mickey's Toontown Fair, although it is still mostly geared for younger children. The new additions are the Casey Junior Splash 'n' play which is pretty cute and great for the summer heat for those too terrified of Splash Mountain and a dual Dumbo Carousel with an indoor play area for children. The only part of the expansion I did not get to see, was Enchanted Tales with Belle. I heard good things about it but every time I was in the area it was a 40 to 60 minute wait. With the upcoming addition of a roller coaster, I would honestly say the only down side to the expansion is the loss of Snow Whites Scary Adventures.