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| Cross the draw-bridge - and enter a whole world of Fantasy! |
As you walk across the drawbridge (yes, it was once raised and lowered. On the 17th July, 1955. When children ran across it for the official opening of the park), the overwhelming sights, smells and sounds of Main Street are quickly replaced with new sights, sounds and smells. Half dream land, half fairytale land, Fantasyland provides something for everyone to be delighted with. Toward the rear of the Castle tunnel, on your left will be the entrance to the castle walk through. This requires the navigation of stairs - so probably isn't suitable for those with wheelchairs or prams. As you climb the stairs, walk through and down the other side, animated figures, pictures and figurines tell the story of Sleeping Beauty - probably not one for the boys, but little princesses (and those young at heart) will love it!
The first Disneyland ride I ever went on, after my train trip around the park, was Dumbo the Flying Elephant. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was so little at the time, and making that elephant fly high up into the sky is one of my fondest memories. If I remember rightly, Mum, Dad and I all crammed into one elephant - I doubt we'd be able to do that anymore, given that Andrew and I find it quite snug next to one another!
Little ones, or those young at heart will really enjoy the Storybook Land Canal Boats and the Casey Jr. Circus Train rides. Storybook Land is a slow boat ride with a captain who narrates the journey for you. You travel through canals of water with miniature versions of your favourite story scenes right beside you. As you float past, you'll see Pinocchio's village, Toad Hall, the Sultan's Palace from Aladdin, the town from peter Pan, the Dwarfs Cottage and mine from Snow White and many other special surprises. If you're lucky, young children may get to sit beside your captain or on the front part of the boat - don't be afraid to ask! The Casey Jr. Circus Train is so endearing to young and old. The track travels around a similar area to that of the Storybook Land canal ride but instead of narration, you listen to the famous Casey Junior song from Dumbo. The ride even includes a small hill - that Casey Jr has to really "believe" in to make it over the crest and down the other side. This ride usually has very small queues - but is definitely worth it. The Monkey cage is my favourite to ride in - a Disney Cast Member will be happy to take a photo of your group if you all end up inside the cage together!
Some people can't see the attraction of a carousel, but even the hardest to inspire (like my Andrew) will enjoy the King Arthur Carousel in Fantasyland. To my understanding, the carousel was built in 1875 and had operated in Canada prior to being moved to Disneyland for it's opening in 1955. It has four courses of horses - that, in according with Walt's wishes are all jumpers (that is, they all go up and down). There are big horses and small horses as well as some stationery sitting areas. Make sure you have a look at the Sleeping Beauty motifs around the top - they are just beautiful. The horses are all hand-carved and built in the late 19th and early 20th century. Even if you aren't a fan of the carousel - make sure you take a ride on a little piece of history!
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| The Carousel |
Just near the carousel is the "Sword in the Stone". Each day (several times), Merlin hosts a ceremony to see who shall be "King for the day." Obviously, the newly crowned King is the person able to pull the sword out of the stone. Ask a Cast Member for details about times.
Fantasyland is famous for it's "dark-rides." It took me a little while to figure out what they meant, was it "dark" like the Grimms brother's fairytales or was it "dark" as in lacking light? As it turns out, it's the latter. The rides are enclosed. The dark rides are Alice in Wonderland, Mr Toad's Wild Ride, Peter Pan's Flight, Pinocchio's Daring Journey and Snow White's Scary Adventure.
Alice in Wonderland sees guests board a caterpillar to be taken on a journey through the story, from Alice's point of view. The ride goes through the scenes at a frantic fashion, mimicking closely the fast-paced nature of the animated classic. There is, as always, a few sneaky appearances from the Cheshire Cat. The ride becomes a little scary when the Queen of Hearts threatens to cut off Alice's head (the famous "Off with her Head" makes an appearance). The ride finishes with the guests travelling through the scene of the Mad Tea Party. The White Rabbit ducks as a giant cake explodes - due to a dynamite candle. Keep an eye out though - Alice only makes one appearance on the whole ride - in the singing flower garden, to the visitors right. This ride is charming as it originally opened in 1958 and hasn't changed too much. It is important to not expect the thrills or effects that you will find in other attractions in the park on these dark rides. If you take them at face value, as rides that are almost 60 years old and the vision of Walt himself, you will thoroughly enjoy them!
Mr Toad's Wild Ride is one of the few rides or attractions that still remains that was operational on opening day. The ride is based on Disney's adaptation of The Wind in the Willows. Guests enter Toad Hall and board miniature 1900s colourful cars. The cars are named after characters from the film. The journey begins when passengers crash into a library, then, narrowly avoiding a suit of armour you break through a set of doors to find an interior hallway of Toad Hall - in complete disarray. The ride ventures through the dining room, Mr Rat's house, the docks, London, Winky's pub and the town square. The final scene you travel through is a tongue-in-cheek depiction of Hell - that was not inspired by or reflects either the book or movie. The room is heated and small devils bounce up and down. Granted a redemption, riders return to the area they originally boarded and disembark. Andrew and I were surprised that how "adult" we found the content of this ride on our last visit. However, young children would probably ignore the sub-text of the ride and just enjoy the characters and chaotic nature of the ride. My advice for this ride would be to send someone to test the ride first - then decide if it is right for your group or not!
I'm going to address Snow White's Scary Adventure and Pinocchio's Daring Journey together. If the children you are travelling with have seen the movies, you should be fine - however, I have witnessed many children coming off these rides crying or cowering because the content has frightened them. When you look at the facade of Snow White's Scary Adventures, look up. Standing at the window is the Wicked Witch and she opens and closes the curtains from time to time. I was fascinated with this when I was younger and every time we walk past now, I still find myself being guided by Andrew as I watch that window. Both these rides follow the same concept as the other dark rides. You board a vehicle (that normally seats 4 comfortably) and the vehicle will be themed around the movie. You travel through famous scenes from the movie - and some are frightening! I'm not going to write too many details about these rides on here - just enjoy them. They are great for the whole family - provided little ones are given some warnings!
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| The Matterhorn Mountain |
Fantasyland lays claim to the Matterhorn Bobsleds. Finally, the adrenalin junkies have something to cheer about! Opened in 1959, the bobsleds have a purpose built mountain complete with waterfalls, snow on the top and an illustrious Abominable Snowman. I recently learnt that this yeti-like character has a name - Harold! This ride features two tracks - the Tomorrowland track and the Fantasyland track - I'm sure you can guess that the tracks are named after what side of the mountain their queues start on. Each track is slightly different. Passengers sit one behind the other in the bob-sleds. Each sled can take up to 8 passengers at a time. You may get slightly wet when the ride splashes into pools of water near the end of the track. The ride is not intended to wet you, rather, it uses water as a breaking mechanism. It is rumoured that inside the mountain is a basketball court and break room for Cast Members. Also, I have never witnessed this, but many people have claimed to see Mickey Mouse, Goofy and 2 mountain climbers scale the mountain. If you have been to Disneyland and have seen this and have a photo - let me know!! I'm so curious!
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| Teacups!! |
Entitled Mad Tea Party, I think this ride is more commonly known as "the Tea Cups!" The ride's theme song is the Unbirthday Party music from Alice in Wonderland. The most exciting part of the ride is the mad dash everyone makes when the Cast Member opens the gate to let you on. Everyone has picked out the cup they want based on colour, pattern or how fast they saw it spinning on the previous run. When you board your cup, close the door and before the ride starts, take a look at the giant teapot in the middle. The Dormouse will pop out occasionally! The ride itself is pretty tame. It's the control you have over the spinning motion that can make it a real doozy! Andrew likes to spin as fast as he can - he even has a special technique now. Just watch your step getting off! You will be a little woozy! A little tip - this version at Disneyland is the only uncovered version of the ride. It cannot operate in the rain as the water makes the cups unable to spin. At all 4 other Disney resorts, the ride is under a canopy or cover to prevent the ride from needing to close during rain!!
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| The "It's a Small World" building with the Disneyland Express going through |
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| Hourly the clock has a parade of animatronic figurines! |
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| The buttons I wrote about on a previous entry got us a private boat! Cast Members definitely treat you "extra special" if you are celebrating something!!! It's a Small World is one of those rides that you either thoroughly enjoy or really despise. It's a must do, at least once. Purely so you can say you've done it. The ride takes guests on a journey through the continents of the world with nations represented with animatronic singing dolls dressed in national costumes and doing activities that represent their culture. The boats tend to get backed up and the ride can often take 10-15 minutes to get through - all whilst singing a really repetitive song. The ride is visually spectacular and enjoyable for young and old. Those who have played the Epic Mickey game for Nintendo Wii will recognise the building and ride concept from early in the game. Well, this post has been quite long and full of information. I'll give you more of a Fantasyland run down in my next post - plus some Magic tips to make navigating this area of the park a little easier! Until the next post, Have a Magic Day Love, Michelle xxx |
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