With Storybook Circus’ projected phased-opening taking place around the middle of February, the race is on to complete all of the construction that is yet to be done. The construction crews can be seen working around the clock at this section of the New Fantasyland construction project. Join Da Mouse as we take you on a whimsical journey with Dumbo on his last weekend of flight near Cinderella’s Castle and snap photos of his new home, along with the rest of New Fantasyland.
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel has been revealed after its brief refurbishment…
…but the real thing to note in these first few pictures…
…is the ample space now for foot traffic in this area of the park and that is without even including the impending removal of Dumbo.
Speaking of which, we pay homage to our lovable big-eared friend on this weekend where he takes his final flights near Cinderella’s Castle.
…but don’t worry he’ll be back in the Magic Kingdom very soon, Casey Jr. will make sure of that 😉
Dumbo has always been simple Disney fun.
This is a roof extension going in place nearby the bathrooms by Pinocchio…does anyone know if these bathrooms will be accessible via New Fantasyland?
Here is a closeup shot of the beginnings of the ornate toppings of one of the sections of Castle Courtyard Walls.
The concrete “stone work” looks very believable.
Another look at the roof extension…
I’m starting to feel some nostalgia about Dumbo The Flying Elephant right about now.
Not going to miss the long lines though, even if 35 mins is relatively short for Dumbo. Bring on the next-gen queue!
The new tents already look tons better too.
If you click on this picture you can see where the first top section has been installed on this section of the Courtyard Wall.
I’ll be honest, Dumbo had the signs of an attraction about to close with soot and chipping paint all over the queue and even on the attraction itself but on this day, it was all about an attraction that inspired the simple Disney fun we love and cherish and provided the memories that we will never forget with our friends and families.
And so off we soar from one Dumbo, to the next…
Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid continues to receive more rock work as the foundation work continues on for what will soon be rolling hills and mines that make up the Seven Dwarfs Mine Coaster.
A tale as old as time…
I took this picture for a couple of reasons but mainly I wanted to know if anyone new what these cables extending out of this roof are for?
I’m going to take a wild guess and say that these tents can survive a hurricane.
Dumbo flying high in all his glory.
Storybook Treats and the area nearest Winnie the Pooh truly represent the first phase of the New Fantasyland Construction and we get a sense for theming and darker tones that will make up Fantasyland Forest.
Lots of progress has been made on the roofs of Gaston’s Tavern and Bonjour! Village Gifts…check out that chimney!
Still some finishing details left on the rock work by Beast’s castle but wow, does it look great when the scaffolding is removed.
These tents really are something…
Dumbo will re-open at its new location around Mid-February!
The 3D Ornaments on this classic ride make it that much more special…
The line between old and New…
New Fantasyland concrete has details like these horseshoe imprints…
…and wagon wheel tracks…
…leading towards a Storybook Circus…
The layers of rock work at Journey of the Little Mermaid will certainly be an impressive standout feature of WDW’s version.
Still a long way to go over here…
The green roofing is almost complete on both sides of Dumbo.
Innovate, Innovate, Innovate!
Dumbo really feels larger than life and I think it will add a great focal point to Storybook Circus.
Here is the other side of the New Fantasyland pavement that was revealed when the walls were pushed back recently…
Big birds perched near Beast’s Castle…
Approaching New Fantasyland Train Station…
And what a difference from what we used to have here…
The nice and simple colors of the train station are appealing.
…and contrast very nicely with the brick. If you click through for the higher-res version you can see the windows have been installed.
The new train station will also provide guests with restrooms.
The old banners are back up, though I think Disney is really missing an opportunity here by not having better teasers that go beyond a simple banner.
While these banners are enough to get Disney fans excited, I just don’t think they are enough to get the average guest all that excited about what is coming very soon.
They added these New Fantasyland banners now…
What looks like wood has been installed and painted, waiting for some lighting installations.
The Great Goofini…
Make it new and beautiful just to make it look aged 🙂
I imagine trees will be installed here to cover up the massive backside of the Dumbo building, or at least I hope!