Disney’s big day has come – New Fantasyland opens Dec. 6

The big day has come for Walt Disney World.

After spending some $300 million, New Fantasyland officially opens. In addition, the rehabilitated Test Track will also officially open in Epcot and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Jack Sparrow opens at Hollywood Studios.

© Steven Liebman

Though most of New Fantasyland has been open for a while it is still exciting when it comes to the official opening.

Here’s a short tour of the new area (with links to photos and stories):

First you will find Storybook Circus which houses two Dumbo, the Flying Elephant attractions, the Barnstomer Coaster, the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station water play area and the Fantasyland Train Station.

But the big draw is the new area. As you walk behind the new castle walls to the left you find Enchanted Tales with Belle.

Billed as an “interactive storytelling experience,” Enchanted Tales is a much more elaborate version of the old Storytime with Belle, in which Belle dressed up the kids in the audience and had them act out the parts in the stories she told. Storytime had plenty of fans, which explains why the attraction has grown up into Enchanted Tales, a lovely experience whether or not you’re in the target audience.

Next to that is the Beast’s castle, standing majestically upon a hill. This is the home to the Be Our Guest Restaurant which features a lavish dining experience in the elegant ballroom, gallery, and mysterious “West Wing” of the castle.

Next to that to the right is Gaston’s Village. It is here where you first enter the small village to see a large fountain statute of Gaston in the square. The burly, narcissistic “town hero” steps on his sidekick Le Fou. You can grab a quick Turkey Leg and Le Fou’s Brew, at Gaston’s Tavern and go shopping at Village Gifts.

And if you are lucky enough, you will meet the man himself – Gaston. Some of us think he will become the most popular greeting character around.