The moment we are all waiting for is approaching and you can just feel the energy surrounding this project as you walk through the Magic Kingdom. It seems not long ago that New Fantasyland was just a dream on paper and yet here we are about to witness the opening of the first phase of the construction (half of Storybook Circus) in just a couple of months. As construction crews whistle while they work, or at least we’d like to think so, Dumbo’s Spinner has received some of its new 3D ornamentation that really makes this new design stand out and feel completely new. We have bridges near Beast’s Castle and Belle’s Village, even more rock work being added to the area surrounding Prince Eric’s Castle and last but certainly not least, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train construction continues to lay down the foundation for what will be a twisting, turning and swinging adventure through fantasy forest. So join Da Mouse as we take you on a journey through the magical construction project known as New Fantasyland.
Make sure to click through the images for the higher-res versions!
Approaching New Fantasyland we find Prince Charming Regal Carrousel is under Refurbishment Scrims…
But thats not all! Look what construction wall has finally been removed from Fantasyland!
Yup the planters have been removed and floor replaced and look at how wide open this feels!
Even the Castle Courtyard Wall has gotten into the reveal action!
Is it normal when to be this excited for a wall?! Yes, yes it is!
But there’s more! How about a new bridge to Belle’s Village?
The steel structure that will hold the air race flag in the Great Goofini is coming along quite nicely….
Now you didn’t think Disney was just going to put a new tent on that flimsy steel structure again now did ya? Now that is what I call reinforcements…
Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid has seen a ton of work as well…
Gaston’s Tavern feels so much bigger now, though I’m sure looks are deceiving.
Just when you think the Journey of the Little Mermaid’s rock work is done they add a whole new layer of concrete and steel frame! It really looks spectacular and its not even done!
It’s one thing to see concept art, it’s another to see it in full form like this! Wow!
More steel framework…looks like the boulders we are seeing placed around the pathways in Fantasyland Forest…
You can really get a sense for how Bonjour! Village Gifts will look like now.
Construction is moving at an accelerated and round the clock schedule over at “Double” Dumbo.
New Fantasyland Train Station, The Great Goofini & Dumbo the Flying Elephant will open in early 2012!
In the foreground you can see the trench where the foundations have been poured for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
Prince Eric’s Castle Turrets have gotten some attention as well…
Bridges over water in Fantasyland, ahh the sweet, sweet thought!
Here you can see the “boulders” being place around paths and planters…
These planters are going to look fantastic.
The concrete paths to Maurice’s Cottage have been poured.
This area looks very welcoming just like in the concept art. Love all the bridges.
Here you can get a sense for the spacing between Maurice’s Cottage and the castle courtyard walls…
Here’s a pretty good look at the recently poured Beast Castle Bridge that will lead you into Be Our Guest Restaurant…
Storybook Circus is the first to open and it shows because there were dozens of construction workers huddled around this site day and night.
The 3D figures on this version of Dumbo make this refreshed Dumbo feel all the more special.
We’ll have more from New Fantasyland Train Station in Part 2 of this New Fantasyland Update…
New Fantasyland December Construction Panorama #1
and New Fantasyland December Construction Panorama #2
