New Fantasyland’s First Day

Special thanks to my boyfriend, Jim, for the use of his photos which I love so much.

It may not be the official first day but it is to me. I had already experienced Enchanted Tales with Belle during a soft opening for it alone but the New Fantasyland has so much more to offer. The mermaid for example. That’s really what all the hype was to me. I have been overjoyed at the thought of Ariel having her own attraction and here it is:

So many beloved details to admire here. Some of my favorites being the shells in the concrete, sparkly barnacles, pearlescent purple paint on the rocks similar to the color of Ariel’s clam shell top, and the lovely and creative light fixtures that adorn the area.

The Little Mermaid is a huge part of this area and ironically so is the creative use of water. Fountains, falls, streams and pools themed to their surroundings and stories really make a splash in the land. The natural sound adds a lot as well as the forest critters you hear a couple attractions over.

Mermaid also has an interactive queue of sorts. These little crab friends help to sort some doodads.

Ariel’s Grotto has returned and she’s wearing a fabulous, dazzling, rhinestoned starfish for the occasion. This chandy candy isn’t too bad either.

How fun is this railing with this shell detail?

R

After all the under sea excitement we ventured over to a more provincial town. Gaston’s Tavern looked awfully inviting so we tried the uber themed beverages found there. “Lefou’s Brew” is a frozen apple drink that is so delish. It is $9.99 to get one of the his or hers souvenir cups full of it. 

I liked that new merchandise is available themed to Belle’s area. The print of this china is still very princessy but in a more adult and regal fashion and less cartoony. Don’t get me wrong I love a pink, sparkly souvenir! It’s just nice to see some variety.

We ended our day with an Enchanted Tale from a smart mademoiselle. Getting from Maurice’s Cottage to the Beast’s Castle in this attraction is stunning.

As we exited from our time with Belle, New Fantasyland was closed for the night and all who seemed to be left were Cast Members. We walked toward the exit and a whole line of Cast Members followed us out and put the bush barriers back to close the area off. We seemed to be the last guests there. As we walked away the sun was setting on this cool, beautiful, Fall eve and I heard the construction of the last anticipated attraction in New Fantasyland behind us.