Fantasyland in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is the epicenter of fairy tales and enchanted adventures. The land is one of the park’s six areas representing different aspects and settings for some of Disney’s greatest stories. The area began with the debut of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World’s grand opening in 1971. Since then it’s gone through a few ride changes as well as a massive expansion of the area that finished in 2014. This add-on to the already popular land brought in new favorites like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Under The Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid and the crowd-pleasing Be Our Guest Restaurant.

Fantasyland sits directly behind Cinderella Castle and expands to cover most of the entire back section of the park, making it the largest land in the Magic Kingdom. Here guests can meet their favorite princesses, step into fantastical moments from classic films and dine like Disney royalty. Most of the theming in this land is based on the fairy tales adapted by Disney in classic films like Cinderella, Snow White, and Beauty and the Beast. The exception to this is the Storybook Circus section of the land that features a classic traveling circus theme based on Dumbo the Flying Elephant.

Attractions with (FP) accept FastPass, restaurants with (DDP) accept some Disney Dining Plans.

Attractions

• Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station: The centerpiece to Storybook Circus, this recreation of a car from Dumbo’s Casey Jr. train is a wet and wild experience. Statues of circus animals spray large amounts of water for younger guests to cool off and blow off some steam. This is a great place for adults to take a break while kids have some fun.
• Dumbo The Flying Elephant (FP): One of Disney Parks’ most iconic attractions, this ride is a classic “spinner” that twirls guests in a circle while riding in vehicles made to resemble the famous airborne pachyderm. The ride also features up and down controls allowing even the youngest guests to control the elevation. A refurbishment of the ride added a new play area inside the queue where guests can let little ones play in a circus-themed playground then notified of their time to ride by a pager.
• Enchanted Tales with Belle (FP): This attraction allows guests to step inside the world of Beauty and the Beast by way of a magical mirror. Once inside the castle, actors are chosen from the crowd to reenact the story of the film for Belle’s birthday. Belle herself is on hand as well as a few other memorable characters. This is a fun interactive show that’s perfect for all ages.
• “it’s a small world” (FP): This cheery and upbeat attraction is one of the oldest and most beloved by Disney parks fans. Boats take guests on a journey through the cultures of the world featuring dancing and singing animatronic children from different regions and countries. This ride was designed by Disney legend Mary Blair and showcases her unique and colorful art style.
• Mad Tea Party (FP): Not for those that easily get dizzy, this iconic attraction lets guests join the madness of Alice in Wonderland with a spin in gigantic teacups. The teacups make their way in a circular pattern that can be enhanced with spinning from each cup, controlled by the riders.
• Mickey’s Philharmagic (FP): This attraction is a theater-based 3-D film journey through well-known scenes, songs and characters from Disney’s rich entertainment history. Guests follow with Donald Duck as he frantically tries to retrieve an important orchestra piece in time for a big performance with a little help from fan-favorite characters along the way. The film is augmented by practical special effects that add to the attractions immersion.
• The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh (FP): Guests board an oversized “Hunny Pot” to venture into the pages of a Winnie The Pooh story. This whimsical dark ride is great for little ones and features all of the characters from the story as they get through a “blustery day”. This ride also features an interactive queue with games and features that help younger waiting guests to pass the time in line.

• Peter Pan’s Flight (FP): This is one of the Magic Kingdom’s most popular ride and it’s not hard to see why. This charming and expertly-crafted ride takes guests on a journey in flying pirate ships, through London and on to Neverland where Peter, Wendy, and the Lost Boys take on the nefarious Captain Hook. Because of its popularity, the Professor highly recommends using FastPass for this attraction. The ride also has an interactive queue that can help those long lines when a FastPass isn’t available.
• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel: A classic “merry go round” with beautiful Disney royal theming. This is a popular attraction that can accrue long lines in the middle of the day, so the Professor recommends riding early for shorter waits.
• The Barnstormer (FP): This is a zippy but quick rollercoaster ride following the ever-clumsy Goofy and his disastrous attempt at flying a biplane. While this “mini” coaster is a short ride, it can be a bit bumpy and a little jarring for older guests. The ride has a height requirement of 35 inches, which helps to make this a great first rollercoaster for young ones ready to branch out to more intense attractions.
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (FP): The newest addition to Fantasyland’s attraction lineup is also considered the Magic Kingdom’s current headliner. This innovative ride is a combination of dark ride and rollercoaster that takes guests inside the gem mines of the Seven Dwarfs and through the hillsides of the Enchanted Forest. Free-swinging mine cart ride vehicles add extra movement to the ride. The ride’s enduring popularity makes it a high priority choice for FastPass. If FastPass isn’t available, the Professor recommends riding this attraction first thing in the morning for lower lines. Guests must be 38 inches or taller to ride.
• Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid (FP): This ride takes guests down below the ocean waves into the land of Ariel and her aquatic friends. After boarding constantly moving seashell vehicles, guests move through scenes from the film that are recreated with animatronics, screens and other special effects. Perfect for all ages.

Character Meets

• Princess Fairytale Hall (FP): Fairytale Hall is Fantasyland’s main dedicated meet and greet area. The building is separated into two sections, each featuring two Disney Princesses. A sign at the front of the building directs guests to either side and tells what princesses are in each. The lineup changes occasionally and currently guests can meet Cinderella, Tiana, Rapunzel, and Elena. This is one of the most popular meet and greets, soo FastPass or early arrival are strongly recommended.
• Pete’s Silly Sideshow: This section can be found inside the Storybook Circus area of Fantasyland and gives guests the chance to meet classic Disney pals dressed up in circus costumes. The unique costumes are a great way to get in unique photos with characters easily found elsewhere. Currently, guests can meet Donald, Goofy, Pluto and Daisy. The meets are split in two, like Fairytale Hall, and a sign will direct guests to either Goofy and Donald or Daisy and Pluto. This meet doesn’t build lines as big as the princesses, but it should be noted that it usually doesn’t open until a couple of hours after the rest of the park.
• Meet Ariel in Her Grotto (FP): The Little Mermaid is receiving guests in her private grotto right next door to Under The Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid. This fun area makes guests feel like they’ve gone “under the sea” as Ariel appears in mermaid form, on a giant seashell to interact with visitors and pose for photos.

Dining

• Be Our Guest Restaurant (DDP): This Table/Quick Service restaurant lets guests dine inside the Beast’s castle in one of three fantastical dining rooms from Beauty and the Beast. For breakfast and lunch, the French-inspired venue serves a Quick Service menu and for dinner, it switches to a prix fixe Table Service offering. Although it should be noted that advance reservations are accepted for all meals and highly recommended as this is one of the most popular restaurants in the park. You can read the Professor’s guide to the location here.
• Cinderella’s Royal Table (DDP): Magic Kingdom’s other popular Table Service restaurant lies right inside Cinderella Castle. Cinderella’s Royal Table is a Character Dining experience where guests can dine with Disney Princesses in the park’s iconic castle. A rotating lineup of Disney royalty like Cinderella, Ariel, Snow White and more visit with each table during the meal. The location serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner at a set price. Advance reservations are accepted and strongly recommended. You can read the Professor’s guide here.
• Pinnochio Village Haus (DDP): Quick Service location themed to Geppetto’s cottage in Germany. This spot serves lunch and dinner with a menu of mainly flatbread pizzas, Italian subs, and salads. Although this restaurant can be a bit crowded during lunch, there is a great seating area with a view of the launch area for “it’s a small world”. Mobile Ordering is available.

• Storybook Treats (DDP): This window near Prince Charming Regal Carrousel serves a menu of frosty sweets like ice cream sundaes and floats. There’s also some covered seating here, but can be crowded during most of the day. All items are eligible for Disney Dining Plan snack credits.
• The Friar’s Nook (DDP): This snack spot serves mostly tater tots with a few different toppings. Guests can enjoy items like loaded Buffalo chicken tots and a hot dog with tots on the side. This location also serves fried Twinkies with a choice of sweet sauce topping.
• Big Top Treats (DDP): Located in the middle of Big Top Souvenirs, this snack counter serves up sugary delights like candy apples, Mickey-shaped sweets, cotton candy and more. Most items are eligible for Disney Dining Plan snack credits.
• Cheshire Cafe (DDP): This stand next to the Mad Tea Party attraction serves the colorfully frosted Cheshire Cat Tail donut as well as hot and cold coffee, tea, juice, and water. All items are eligible for Disney Dining Plan snack credits.
• Gaston’s Tavern (DDP): A newer dining addition that opened with the Fantasyland expansion, this Quick Service spot serves snacks with some limited seating inside a recreation of the vain villain’s hangout. The menu mainly consists of small items like hummus, fruit, and veggies but also has a couple of sandwiches that can fill in for lunch in a pinch. This is also where you can get LeFou’s Brew made with frozen apple juice and passion fruit/mango foam. Some menu items are eligible for Disney Dining Plan snack credits.
• Prince Eric’s Village Market (DDP): This stand outside the entrance to Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid serves those ubiquitous giant turkey legs as well as pretzels and other small snacks. This is also a great place for frozen Coca-Cola beverages on those hot Florida days. Some items are eligible for Disney Dining Plan snack credits.

Shopping

• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: This popular makeover experience transforms young guests into princesses (or princes) inside Cinderella Castle. Guests can choose from a variety of makeover packages that can include hairstyling, makeup, nail polish, dresses and more. There are other locations for the boutique at Walt Disney World, but this one is easily the most popular. Reservations are accepted 180 days before arrival and are very strongly recommended.
• Big Top Souvenirs: This shop located in Storybook Circus is hard to miss. The location sells souvenirs and snacks under a giant striped circus tent across from Dumbo. Many standard park items are available as well as customizable Mickey ear hats and some circus and Dumbo specific items.
• Bonjour! Village Gifts: This spot in the Enchanted Forest section of Fantasyland sells Beauty and the Beast gifts and souvenirs including dinnerware used in the Be Our Guest restaurant.

• Fantasy Faire: This location serves as the exit for Mickey’s Philharmagic and sells items from characters and films featured in the attraction. Customizable Mickey ear hats can be purchased here as well.
• Hundred Acre Goods: At the exit to The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh, guests can purchase items like plushes and toys of beloved Hundred Acre Wood characters and stories.
• Sir Mickey’s: Located next to Cinderella Castle, this shop sells clothing and souvenirs but also contains a Disney PhotoPass Studio where guests can take family photos linked to their My Disney Experience account.

If you need help planning your perfect vacation, contact our friends at Key to the World Travel® for a free, no-obligation quote for your next trip. Click here.

Photos Courtesy Disney