Fantasyland at Disneyland Paris! A Place of Joy and Magic
We continue our series focusing on the many lands of Disneyland Paris. This week we explore Fantasyland, which not only built out one of the elegant versions of this land, but sought to create a level of whimsy and magic well beyond just being another European village, which can be found anywhere on this continent. We explore the many attractions, restaurants and retail experiences. A study of all this yields a conclusion that the details of this land create for one of the most lavish and charming of any land built in any park. The details are effusive and the outcome is fantastical. Join us as we journey through Fantasyland at Disneyland Paris: A place of joy and magic.
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Attractions
The first three attractions are dark rides. Only the capacity was increased on the ride vehicles. These three row vehicles were eventually added to the Magic Kingdom version of Snow White’s Scary Ride.
Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains
Les Voyages de Pinocchio
Peter Pan’s Flight
Le Carrousel de Lancelot
All 18 horse on the outer row were especially designed to have coats of armor. The chariots are originally from the Walt Disney World. A high level of gold, copper and silver leaf is used in all of these horses.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
The following video shows how the design for Dumbo the Flying Elephant has been the model for many of the Dumbos found around the world. This has allowed a 60% increase in capacity than the originals that were created in Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, and Tokyo Disneyland.
Alice’s Curious Labyrinth
Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups
Because of weather, the Tea Cups had to be enclosed like was done in Walt Disney World. But the roof covering would make the attraction too dark in the winter months. Therefore, a glass roof in the form of an upside down lilly.
Le Pays des Contes de Fées
This attraction differs from the California version in that there are five major languages being served, so music rather than a hosted narrative sailing the ship was utilized.
Casey Jr. – le Petit Train du Cirque
This is a powered coaster that is capable of varied speed. It was tested for synchronized audio on board.
Meet Mickey Mouse
This was originally an indoor stage show.
Princess Pavilion
“it’s a small world”
This was the first version of this ride that added North America–in particular the United States. The design and lighting is colorful and whimsical, but not necessarily following the original Mary Blair take. It has just recently come out of a prolonged and complete renovation.
Shopping
The idea in creating the retail spaces is creating some kind of animated set of props or devices.
La Ménagerie du Royaume
Sir Mickey’s Boutique
La Bottega di Geppetto
La Chaumière des Sept Nains
Dining
L’Arbre Enchanté
March Hare Refreshments
The Old Mill
Originally intended for Disneyland in 1955, this originally had a sort of Ferris wheel attraction with limited capacity.
Au Chalet de la Marionnette
Toad Hall Restaurant
Pizzeria Bella Notte Luca
This will incorporate the original Lady and the Tramp and Fantasia, but also Luca. some tiles in the patio are left over from an original Mary Blair mural in Tomorrowland.
What About the Castle?
What we haven’t covered is the entrance to this land, which is arguably one of the best enchanted castles ever created. The study of this and all of the elements that play with it, to include much of its courtyard, and yes–a dragon in the dungeon–we will cover in the weeks to come. Meanwhile, we are off to Discoveryland, and then back to Main Street, U.S.A. to see the rest of the park.
Ready to Visit the Disney Parks?
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zanolla@otdtravel.com
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