More people. I have trouble taking pictures in Fantasyland that don't have many people in them. In this picture, It's a Small World is still straight ahead, but we have moved back some from the previous picture. On the left in the picture is Magic Journeys, which dates this picture somewhat. The Fantasyland Theater was originally the home for the Mickey Mouse Revue, until it was removed and sent to Tokyo Disneyland for that park's 1983 opening. After Captain EO replaced Magic Journeys in 1986 as the 3D film at Epcot's Journey into Imagination, Magic Journeys moved to Fantasyland for a few years from 1987 to 1993. Magic Journeys then closed to make way for Legend of the Lion King, which opened at the Fantasyland Theater in 1994. Now Legend of the Lion King is closing soon, to be replaced by a new attraction reportedly centering around Mickey Mouse. So the Fantasyland Theater will have come full circle, and that circle even included the Circle of Life. In this picture, it also appears that the Skyway isn't running, which indicates that either the winds were high that day or a storm was in the area. To the right in the picture is...

Cinderella's Golden Carousel. This carousel was originally built in the early part of the 20th century and was restored by the Disney Imagineers for the opening of Walt Disney World. Unlike some carousels that are popular today, this one only has horses, and no sleighs or other animals. Also, all the horses are white, and they all move. I always enjoy walking by and hearing the Disney tunes from the carousel's band organ. Here's another view:

Did you know that carousels only run counter-clockwise, while merry-go-rounds only run clockwise? Now you do. Except if you are in Europe, where I understand that the reverse is true. One story suggests that the carousels go counter-clockwise so that the nobles riding them could practice their jousting. Of course, that would only work if you are on the outside horse. Another counter-clockwise attraction is...

The new Dumbo ride. Which really isn't that new any more, since it appeared in 1994, but we will call it the new Dumbo ride to differentiate it from the old Dumbo ride. Always one of Fantasyland's most popular attractions, judging by the line, the capacity was increased by adding more Dumbos for the new version. Of course, the line is still long, but maybe not as long as before. The new ride is also more ornately decorated than the old version. Note the stork carrying a baby hanging above each arm, or the oversize gears that appear to raise and lower each arm. This is one of the two Magic Kingdom attractions that I have never ridden, the other being the Mad Tea Party, which is also in Fantasyland, although I do not have any pictures of it to present here. And to close out our tour of Fantasyland is...

A small fountain, located in the rear courtyard of Cinderella Castle, of the cinder girl herself. You can see that she is accompanied by some of her animal friends, the birds and mice from the movie. One of those small touches that often goes unnoticed in the Magic Kingdom.

- Story and Photos by Steve Burns
Posted

Steve is a three-time Disney Store National Trivia finalist and webmaster of BurnsLand, home of Steve's Disney Railroad Adventures.

E-mail Steve at steve@startedbyamouse.com, discuss this article in the StartedByAMouse.com Disney Discussion Forums or use the Talkback feature below.

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