The Technology Behind New Fantasyland

WDWNT on August 10, 2011

From Jennifer Fickley-Baker on the Disney Parks Blog:

Who’s up for another inside look at the construction of the New Fantasyland?

In the video below, Walt Disney Imagineering takes you onto the construction site to learn more about the innovative technology the Imagineers are using to build the new attractions, restaurants and other guest areas that will make up the expansion.

As you’ll see, this visualization technology allows the team to identify any potential challenges before construction begins. Tablet computers also allow Imagineers to take the program onsite to see how work is progressing.

If you look closely enough at the video, you’ll catch some pretty unique views inside Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid and the Be Our Guest Restaurant.

One Man’s Dream Now Provides An In-Depth Look at Fantasyland Expansion

WDWNT on July 20, 2011

WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios yesterday to catch Lightning McQueen’s debut in Lights, Motors, Action!. While he was there, Adam checked out Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream to see if some of the updated exhibits had finally been installed. Well, they finally have:

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The Shaghai Disney Resort is already being previewed

Walt Disney Imagineering is responsible for the new Resort previews

A brief description of the Resort

The concept art we have seen already

Some Fantasyland exhibits were already here

The new exhibit is suspended on the wall above the display case

A compilation of Fantasyland concept art including Enchanted Tales with Belle, The Great Goofini, Gaston’s Tavern, Princess Fairytale Hall, and Dumbo the Flying Elephant

An overall look at the display

A monitor has also been installed which shows an in-depth look at Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid. Here’s video of the monitor loop:

Concept art for Scuttle’s Scavenger hunt can be found in the new video loop

Looks like guests will de deciphering some kind of code

In this artwork, guests find items washing up on the beach

Here we see a close-up of Scuttle who we assume will be a living character in audio-animatronics form

For the first time, we have a name and another look at the proposed shop across from the Mermaid attraction, Triton’s Treasures. We can also see the Ariel meet and greet area labeled as Ariel’s Grotto.

For more information on the Fantasyland Expansion as it becomes available, stay tuned to WDW News Today and WDWFantasyland.com!

Disney Offers A Closer Look at “Enchanted Tales with Belle”

WDWNT on June 6, 2011

From Jennifer Fickley-Baker on the Disney Parks Blog:

“Beauty and the Beast” was released in theaters in 1991, and to say that I was obsessed with this movie is putting it mildly. I was 12 years old when it debuted and I must’ve seen the film at least 10 times that summer. In my mind, nothing was better than spending an afternoon wrapped up in this tale of “far-off places, daring swordfights, magic spells, a prince in disguise!” I remember sitting in the theater, dreaming of visiting Belle’s quiet French village, exploring the halls of the Beast’s mysterious castle and whirling across the golden ballroom in a gown of the same color.

Soon fans of all ages will have the opportunity to do just that and take a trip through the world of “Beauty and the Beast” at the Enchanted Tales with Belle storybook adventure, which is currently under construction as part of the Fantasyland expansion at Magic Kingdom Park.

Walt Disney Imagineering is currently building Maurice’s workshop, which will serve as scene one of the experience. The workshop, which is modeled after a French cottage, will be surrounded by a wishing well, footbridges and lush landscaping. Once inside, guests will step through a magic mirror and find themselves inside Beast’s expansive library, which he created as a gift for Belle in the film. This room will serve as the setting for a memorable character interaction experience with Belle – which will require a little help from Lumiere, the enchanted candlestick.

Another “Beauty and the Beast” experience planned for this area is the Be Our Guest Restaurant, which will allow up to 550 guests to dine in the ballroom, gallery and “West Wing” area of Beast’s castle.

These and other Fantasyland enhancements will open in phases starting in late 2012.