Fantasyland: Overview and Layout

 

OVERVIEW:

Everyone knows Europe as the home of many great fairy tales. In fact, many of the stories that inspired Disney classics came from Europe. Therefore, it is only fair that this park has several elements from across Europe, stories, architecture, and otherwise.

Many of the locations in Fantasyland are inspired by places I've seen in Europe. The village near Snow White's castle resembles a Bavarian village, such as Rothenburg ob Tauber. The French village takes inspiration from Riquewhir and Kaysersberg. The Alpine village is based on Murren, Switzerland. Not only that, but every sub-area of this land offers a bit of that culture.

This is an interesting area, which incorporates old and new ideas. I wanted this to incorporate several classics into the land, but I didn't want to feature the "weird" dark rides like Snow White and Pinocchio. Instead, I gave them representation in different ways (Snow White is emphasized with the park's icon castle) so I could have something that celebrated European stories and matched my views on Disney parks.

LAYOUT:

This area is split into six different zones. Behind Snow White's castle is a German area resembling a Bavarian village, which is done in Medieval style. In the center of it is a carousel while on both sides of the village are attractions based on princess stories, one being a Tangled dark ride and the other being a place to meet Disney Princesses. There is also a gondola that takes guests to an Alpine village, where a new version of the Matterhorn is found. In the middle of Fantasyland is Storybook Canals, which is boarded nearby.

In the northwest portion of the land is an English village. In the middle of it is a teacups-style ride while dark rides of Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, and Winnie the Pooh surround it. Behind the village is th Fantasyland station for the railroad.

To the right of the Bavarian village is a small circus section, where guests can board Casey, Jr. for a scenic tour of Storybook Land or fly on Dumbo. Further to the right is a music-themed area inspired by Salzburg, which features a Fantasia maze and Mickey's Philharmagic. To the north of that is a French village, recreating the one seen in Beauty and the Beast. It features a recreation of the Beast's castle, where a dark ride themed to the film is housed.