Fantasyland Storybook Circus Opening "Early 2012"

[mike the canuck]

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-...ntasyland-first-phase-20111107,0,815207.story

The first phase of Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland expansion to open will be Storybook Circus, which will be available to theme-park guests in "early 2012," according to "Mickey's Monitor," a quarterly mail-out for Walt Disney World annual passholders.

Storybook Circus, under construction essentially on the grounds once known as Mickey's Toontown Fair, will be based on Disney's 1941 animated feature "Dumbo," with big-top circus tents leading to the relocated Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride. Eventually, the Fantasyland addition will have side-by-side dueling versions of the Dumbo attraction, connected by a new interactive queue, but the "Monitor" says the second of the two rides will be added in "the near future."

Other elements listed for Storybook Circus are a new water-play area featuring Casey Jr., the locomotive featured in the film, and the Great Goofini, a roller coaster previously known as the Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre farm. It's being retooled with a daredevil theme.

This first area to open is near the Mad Tea Party attraction and the border with Tomorrowland, within earshot of the Tomorrowland Speedway cars. The Fantasyland expansion eventually will include a dark ride called Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid; an area devoted to "Beauty and the Beast" with Be Our Guest restaurant, Gaston's Tavern and other elements; and an additional coaster known as the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. They are expected to open in phases over the next two years.

 

[ChrisFL]

This first area to open is near the Mad Tea Party attraction and the border with Tomorrowland, within earshot of the Tomorrowland Speedway cars.

Slight dig at the Speedway there?

I agree though, I bet the storybook circus area won't sound quite as good with all of the lawn mowers...err, speedway cars passing by. Yes, I know the teacups have also had the same issue since the 70's, but I think its time for something to be done with that speedway.

 

[ASteelersMidget]

Slight dig at the Speedway there?

I agree though, I bet the storybook circus area won't sound quite as good with all of the lawn mowers...err, speedway cars passing by. Yes, I know the teacups have also had the same issue since the 70's, but I think its time for something to be done with that speedway.

You and almost all the rest of us

It makes me Sick how outdated it is. At least make the cars electric to stop the awful smell of the exhaust while wait over an hour for a fake drive. >.>

 

[skier_pete]

Not new info - but seems to be a confirmation of what has already been said. They'll have at least one of the Dumbos and the rest of SBC up and running for the spring breakers.

As far as the speedway...never been on it. I don't go to Disney for rides that I have at home. (In fact, we have an actual go cart track 5 minutes from our house - so technically a BETTER ride at home.) I suppose there are those that would MISS this were it to be removed - but I wouldn't be among them. Let's get that cycloTRON in there!

 

[jeeesss]

I don't get how this is news but whatever I'll take it.

I never had a problem with the Speedway noise near the cups to be honest but i'd be crushed if it were taken away

 

[mike the canuck]

Let's get that cycloTRON in there!

 

[robertdangelo]

You and almost all the rest of us

It makes me Sick how outdated it is. At least make the cars electric to stop the awful smell of the exhaust while wait over an hour for a fake drive. >.>

The smell of burning rubber and exhaust at Lights Motors Action is far worse.

 

[JoshAndEvsMom]

You and almost all the rest of us

It makes me Sick how outdated it is. At least make the cars electric to stop the awful smell of the exhaust while wait over an hour for a fake drive. >.>

Holy cow, YES! My husband and I were talking about how outdated it seemed and that awful stench! I was just too afraid to say anything