New Fantasyland rides start opening in November

The grand opening of the new Fantasyland at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom will take place Dec. 6 with previews of the attractions beginning on Nov. 19.

“Fantasyland is a place where a very special kind of memory is made: where children just old enough to understand the moment come in contact with princesses and heroes and meet their most beloved friends,” Meg Crofton, president, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, United States and France said in a news release.

The latest attractions opening are:

Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid: In this ride guests travel with Ariel and her friends through their adventures above and below the waves – all against a musical backdrop of songs from the film. You then can go to “Ariel’s Grotto,” a meet-and-greet with the mermaid heroine herself.

The Be Our Guest Restaurant: Located in the castle the Beast this restaurant features a dining experience in the ballroom, gallery and mysterious “West Wing” of the castle. With seating for 550, the restaurant offers fast service by day and full table service dining in the evening. Reservations will be accepted starting late in August. Near the restaurant in Belle’s Village guests will find Gaston’s Tavern and Bonjour! Village Gifts.

Enchanted Tales with Belle: Located outside the village is Belle’s cottage where inside at Maurice’s workshop is a magical mirror which acts as a doorway to the Beast’s library to meet Belle and Lumiere.

Already open are the double Dumbo the Flying Elephant rides, the Great Goofini coaster, the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station water play area and the new Fantasyland Train Station.

Still to come: the Princess Fairytale Hall meet and greet area in 2013 and in 2014 the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, a roller coaster with a first-of-its-kind ride
system with a train of vehicles that swing back and forth, responding to
every twist and turn of the track.