Ah Fantasyland, the embodiment of Disney for many people. From the numerous classic attractions to Cinderella’s Castle, it is the definition of Disney. While this part of the park did undergo a fairly significant expansion around 2013, it still holds the essence of what Walt Disney himself envisioned for the Magic Kingdom’s ode to the classic animated characters of Disney. And with the expansion, that extends to the newer classic characters. We’ll cover everything you need to know here in our guide to Fantasyland at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
We think of Fantasyland being divided up into three areas. There is what we call classic Fantasyland, which is the central to western side of the land. Here you will find Cinderella’s Castle, Peter Pan, “it’s a small world” and a few other attractions. Next is what most people consider “new” Fantasyland. This is the part of the park that we already referenced being expanded a few years ago. This is where you will find Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Under the Sea, and Enchanted Tails with Bell. Lastly is the eastern side of Fantasyland, which houses Storybook Circus and attractions like Dumbo and Barnstormer. This part of Fantasyland is a little lower key and geared towards younger kids.
If you are looking to immerse yourself in true classic Disney, old and new, Fantasyland at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is the place for you. With its mix of attractions, it has something for everyone. So, let’s delve into it a bit more.
Attractions
Fantasyland is home to numerous attractions. We’ll start with old school classic Fantasyland and work our way to new Fantasyland and wrap up with attractions in Storybook Circus.
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
The name kind of says it all, it’s a carrousel (or merry-go-round, if you prefer). The carrousel was initially built in 1917 and was an attraction at an amusement park in Detroit. Disney Imagineers found the carrousel at a park in New Jersey in 1967, where they bought it and spent several years refurbishing it before Magic Kingdom opening in 1971. It’s been a park staple since then.
Each horse is uniquely designed. Supposedly, there is a horse with a golden bow on its tail. This is Cinderella’s horse. We have never found the horse but can’t say we’ve looked too hard either. Make sure you check out the paintings on the carrousel canopy on the outer shell of the carrousel. It shows 18 scenes from the movie.
Attraction Duration: 2 minutes
FastPass+ Availability: No
Minimum Height: None
Seating Set Up: One person per horse, kids under 7 must be accompanied by an adult.
Rider Switch Available: No
Single Rider Available: No
Kid Scare Factor: Low. The ride spins around, so if your kids (or you) get motion sick, you may not enjoy this.
“it’s a small world”
The classic ride and associated song, composed by the Sherman brothers, has been a Disney staple since the park opened. On this attraction, you’ll board a small boat where children from around the globe welcome you and allow you to experience the diverse cultures of the world. You’ll travel to all seven continents while enjoying this song know all over the world. It’s not the most thrilling ride in the world, but if you are looking for quintessential Disney, you’ve got to hit this attraction up.
If you think the design of the ride and the large murals at the Contemporary Resort are very similar in style, you would be correct. Mary Blair designed the ride and the murals.
Be fair warned, ride this attraction once, and you may have the song stuck in your head for the rest of the day.
Attraction Duration: 10 minutes
FastPass+ Availability: Yes
Minimum Height: None
Seating Set Up: 4 to 5 riders per bench
Rider Switch Available: No
Single Rider Available: No
Kid Scare Factor: Very low. The ride can be somewhat dark but is slow-paced and easy-going.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Join Winnie the Pooh and his friends on an adventure through the Hundred Acre Wood. You’ll get to see Pooh and friends make their way through a windy day, bounce with Tigger, see a pretty trippy dream sequence, get caught in a rainstorm, and have a party with honey!
Take advantage of the Queue here, as it is one of the best ones in all of Disney World. It features an interactive honey display, hide and seek gopher, Piglet’s house, and Eeyore’s leaning house. Explore them as they have a few surprises.
Attraction Duration: 4 minutes
FastPass+ Availability: Yes
Minimum Height: None
Seating Set Up: Seats up to 6 per honey pot, but 4 is most comfortable
Rider Switch Available: No
Single Rider Available: No
Kid Scare Factor: Low for most kids, maybe medium for younger kids or children that can be scared easily. Our youngest does not do well with the dream sequence or the rainstorm and lightning flashes. The fluorescent colored characters in the dark parts of the ride also cause problems.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Join Mickey, Donald, and other Disney animated friends in this 3D movie that shows what happens when Mickey leaves Donald to his own devices with his orchestra. At some point, you’d think Mickey would learn his lesson on this front, right? Not exactly a unique story for Mickey and Donald. But alas Mickey hasn’t, which is good for us, as we get to watch the hijinks ensue. The show moves at a fast pace and features bits that will invoke all your senses, not just your sight. Our young kids have always enjoyed this attraction.
Attraction Duration: 12 minutes
FastPass+ Availability: Yes
Minimum Height: None
Seating Set Up: Big theater, with rows of seating
Rider Switch Available: No
Single Rider Available: No
Kid Scare Factor: Low. You sit in a chair while watching a 3D movie. Some kids don’t like the 3D effect. If so, simply take the glasses off. There are some splashes of water, it’s in the dark, and can sometimes be a bit loud.
Mad Tea Party
Based upon the Mad Hatter’s party scene in Alice in Wonderland, you can load up in a teacup for a fun (or maybe not so fun) spin. The party features the same crazy floral colors, wacky architectural touches, and objects of a disproportionate size that you see in the movie.
There are 18 different cups that swirl atop three turntables, which are mounted on one larger turntable. You can also turn your cup with the center wheel. You’ll be spinning ten ways from Sunday. If you get motion sick easily, you may want to skip this one. You can slow the spinning down by not turning your cup wheel, but if you get paired with other riders, they may choose to spin the wheel for you.
Attraction Duration: 2 minutes
FastPass+ Availability: Yes
Minimum Height: None
Seating Set Up: Seats up to 5 per cup
Rider Switch Available: No
Single Rider Available: No
Kid Scare Factor: Low. Spinning the cups is the only real motion here.
Peter Pan’s Flight
Join Peter, with some help from Tinker Bell, as you fly through some of the most famous scenes of the Peter Pan animated movie. You’ll meet up with Peter and the Darling kids the first night they met and then follow them as they fly through London and onto Never Land. Watch as they take on Captain Hook before returning home.
Attraction Duration: 3 minutes
FastPass+ Availability: Yes
Minimum Height: None
Seating Set Up: Seats up to 4 people per “boat”
Rider Switch Available: No
Single Rider Available: No
Kid Scare Factor: Low. The ride is slow-paced but does have some dark parts
Cinderella Castle
If there is anything synonymous with Disney World (or Disneyland for that matter), it has to be the castle. As Disney says, “the 189-foot castle invokes both the magic and mystery of real-world castles—such as Fontainebleau and Versailles—and fictional palaces like the one seen in Disney’s animated classic Cinderella”.
The castle not only serves as a centerpiece for the park but also for the numerous shows that happen on the stage in front of it throughout the day. It then steps up its game with the nightly fireworks show Happily Ever After.
The castle serves as the main entrance to Fantasyland. As you pass through the castle corridor, you will see five handcrafted mosaic murals that tell Cinderella’s story. The murals are crafted with over 1 million pieces of glass and contain silver and 14-karat gold. You will also find Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Cinderella’s Royal Table in the Castle.
Attraction Duration: N/A, not a ride per se, you can leisurely stroll through it at your own pace.
FastPass+ Availability: No
Minimum Height: None
Seating Set Up: N/A
Rider Switch Available: No
Single Rider Available: No
Kid Scare Factor: Low
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho, it’s through the mine shaft you will go! That’s right, on this roller coaster, you’ll take a music-infused ride through the Enchanted Forest and the mine that the seven dwarfs work in. This is a relatively new addition to Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland, and it is one of, if not the, most popular ride in all of the Magic Kingdom. This roller coaster whips you around and makes you feel it, as the carts wobble with the tracks, trying to give you an unstable sensation. Even with that, it’s a relatively kid-friendly roller coaster, in that there are no large drops or inverted loops.
The indoor mine sequence features some excellent animatronics of the dwarfs mining away. The gems of the mine glow beautifully. Make sure you take in the magnificent view of Fantasyland at the peak of the ride when you come out of the mine. It’s beautiful, but if you aren’t ready for it, you’ll miss it.
This attraction has a fun interactive queue. You can help Doc mine jewels. Play with interactive displays to find a few surprises or fun little touches.
Attraction Duration: 3 minutes
FastPass+ Availability: Yes
Minimum Height: 38in (97cm)
Seating Set Up: Seats 4 per mine cart (2 per row)
Rider Switch Available: Yes
Single Rider Available: No
Kid Scare Factor: Moderate for younger kids. This is a roller coaster, and it can move and generate some strong G force as you go through tight turns at high speed. Some may find the tilting car sensation unnerving.
Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
Follow the story of Ariel on a journey above and under the sea. You’ll see the story retold from beginning to end, reliving some of the great music and moments from the movie that helped revive Disney’s floundering animated film business. Remember, this movie was released in November of 1989, before the likes of Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, or The Lion King.
The ride takes you below the ocean’s surface, where you will encounter several animatronic based scenes used in some very elaborate sets. One room must take up 10,000 square feet. At least that’s what it feels like to us. You’ll come across Ariel’s friends, like Sebastian and Flounder, and some not so friendly characters. That said, everyone you encounter is just an animatronic. If you’re riding this ride, you’re riding it to listen to the music. That tees it up nicely for young kids. Our little princesses love this ride, and we bet yours will too!
Attraction Duration: 7 minutes
FastPass+ Availability: Yes
Minimum Height: None
Seating Set Up: Seats up to 3 per clamshell car
Rider Switch Available: No
Single Rider Available: No
Kid Scare Factor: Low. There are some dark scenes and simulated lighting that may frighten kids, but its slow-paced, and since most kids recognize the characters, they generally don’t have any issue.
Enchanted Tales with Belle
If you’ve ever wanted to be in a movie, this Fantasyland attraction in Magic Kingdom will have you feeling like a part of the show. In this attraction, you will find one of the more hands-on experiences, because the audience becomes part of the show. You’ll make your way through Maurice’s cottage (Belle’s father), getting to see some of the mementos of Belle’s childhood. You ultimately find your way to Maurice’s workshop, seeing all of the inventor’s gadgets and gizmos.
You can spend some time looking at the workshop items but maintain an eye on the large mirror on the wall. It will open a pathway to your experience with Belle. Once you cross through the mirror, you’ll be in the wardrobe room. Here, you’ll get cast in a part of the show. Even adults get parts, but alas, they leave the juicy ones for kids. From there, it’s off to the library, where you meet Belle, an animatronic Lumiere, and everyone plays their role.
Actors in the play can get an individual photo with Belle after the show is over.
Attraction Duration: 20 minutes
FastPass+ Availability: Yes
Minimum Height: None
Seating Set Up: Bench style theater seating
Rider Switch Available: No
Single Rider Available: No
Kid Scare Factor: Low. Pretty mellow, low key affair. Sit back and watch the show while your kiddos are mesmerized by Belle.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Have you seen an elephant fly? Well, you will here. Load up on Dumbo’s back and set off on a spinning adventure into the sky. You can control how high you go with the control inside your Dumbo. This ride is geared for the younger kid crowd. With its beautiful red, blue and gold colors, it fits well in the Storybook Circus motif.
The attraction has a tremendous queuing line because they use a pager system to hold your spot in line, while you and your kids can play with several interactive distractions. They even have a play area specifically designed for toddlers.
Attraction Duration: 2 minutes
FastPass+ Availability: Yes
Minimum Height: None
Seating Set Up: 2 people per Dumbo car
Rider Switch Available: No
Single Rider Available: No
Kid Scare Factor: Low. The ride spins in a circle reasonably slowly, but kids scared of heights may not like being in the air. But as we said, you can control the height you climb to, so just fly low to the ground.
The Barnstormer
Take a ride on Goofy’s stunt biplane on this very kid-friendly roller coaster. The Barnstormer is about as introductory a roller coaster as you can get, so it’s a good one to start kids with. Use this as a place to build up your kid’s confidence in riding roller coasters so that they won’t be as intimidated when you try to get them on something like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
One warning on the cars here, they are small and larger adults will have a harder time fitting in them.
Attraction Duration: 1 minute
FastPass+ Availability: Yes
Minimum Height: 35in (89cm)
Seating Set Up: 2 people per car
Rider Switch Available: Yes
Single Rider Available: No
Kid Scare Factor: Low. The coaster has a few small drops and what we’d call relatively gentle turns.
Walt Disney World Railroad
Hop aboard one of four 1920s era steam engine locomotives. Okay, technically not all the engines were built in the 20s, but 1916 is close enough. Take a 1.5-mile journey around the outer edges of Magic Kingdom. There are two additional train stations, one in Frontierland (near Splash Mountain) and one in Main Street, U.S.A (near the park entrance). Trains should get to the station every 5-10 minutes. The four engines are named:
- Walter E. Disney, named after Walt Disney
- Lilly Belle, named after Walt’s wife, Lillian
- Roy O. Disney, named after Walt’s brother
- Roger E. Broggie, named after an original Imagineer who led the railroad project at Walt Disney World Resort
Attraction Duration: 20 minutes
FastPass+ Availability: No
Minimum Height: None
Seating Set Up: 3 to 5 riders per bench
Rider Switch Available: No
Single Rider Available: No
Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station
Not an attraction you can ride; this is a splash pad where kids young and old can play in the water. Casey, the train, along with his circus animal friends, will shoot streams of water and a gentle mist out for you to play in. A great place to get a break from the heat, but you can get soaked here if you aren’t careful. Make sure you have a towel handy.
Attraction Duration: N/A
FastPass+ Availability: No
Minimum Height: None
Seating Set Up: N/A
Rider Switch Available: No
Single Rider Available: No
Kid Scare Factor: None. Splash in the water, and have a good time.
Entertainment
You’ll notice an inverse correlation between attractions and entertainment in the parks. It’s an embarrassing amount of riches in the attraction category, so skimping on the entertainment is okay.
Main Street Philharmonic
This marching band plays classic tunes from Disney films mixed with ragtime and swing. Songs are usually the older Disney movies. Shows are only Sunday through Thursday, usually one around 11:45 AM and another around 12:45 AM. It lasts about 20 minutes. Note that you can also catch the band around midafternoon back on Main Street, U.S.A.
The Royal Majesty Makers
Do you have what it takes to pull the sword from the stone? Need some lessons on the finer points of being royalty? The Royal Majesty Makers are your people then. Join them as they search for individuals displaying qualities such as bravery, courage, or other noble traits. The show lasts about 25 minutes and runs once an hour from about 9:45 AM through 2:00 PM.
Dining
Cinderella’s Royal Table
You can dine amongst royalty, specifically loads of Disney Princesses, at this character meal. The meal is held in Cinderella’s Castle. You get a photo op with Cinderella before your meal and are then ushered up to the second floor of the castle. From there, you can take in the soaring stone archways, majestic medieval flags, and spectacular stained-glass windows overlooking Fantasyland. We should mention that there is a relatively consistent set of princesses here. The rotation of princesses usually includes Princesses Aurora, Ariel, Jasmine, and Snow White. Sometimes you may find a different one in the group, but you can’t predict it.
Get your reservations well in advance if you want to dine here. We have a full Cinderella’s Royal Table review if you want to know more.
For the adults, they do serve wine and a couple of different beers here for lunch and dinner.
If you’re looking for a special way to propose to your significant other, they offer a glass slipper engagement package. Get a perfect table for two and have the slipper presented on a bed of roses, followed by dessert and a celebratory toast.
Location: Fantasyland, in Cinderella Castle
Table Service or Quick Service: Table Service
Menu: Click Here
Cuisine Style: American
Price Range: Expensive, make that really expensive ($35 to $59.99 per adult for breakfast or lunch, dinner will run you over $60 per adult; kid’s prices are $35-$50 per child, depending on the meal you choose to eat)
Hours: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM (they do close during this time window to change over the menu between dayparts)
Mobile Orders Accepted: No
Dining Plan Eligible: Yes
Dining Plans Accepted: Disney Dining Plan and Deluxe Dining Plan
Dining Plan Credits Required: 2
Pinocchio Village Haus
Serving up real food for real boys and girls, Pinocchio Village Haus is designed to feel like an Italian village. Inside you’ll find artwork on display featuring characters from Pinocchio. The animated movie, not the live-action movie from the 1990s. That one was terrible. There are plenty of marionettes inside. You can find them in the stained glass and other parts of the restaurant. The main dining hall is built to feel like a tavern.
If you can get in the Monstro room, it gives you a good view of the main entry area of “it’s a small world”.
Location: Fantasyland, just east of “it’s a small world”
Table Service or Quick Service: Quick Service
Menu: Click Here
Cuisine Style: American and Italian
Price Range: Inexpensive (Adults can eat for under $15/person; kids for under $10/person)
Hours: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, sometimes 9:00 PM
Mobile Orders Accepted: Yes
Dining Plan Eligible: Yes
Dining Plans Accepted: All
Dining Plan Credits Required: 1
Be Our Guest Restaurant
When “new” Fantasyland opened up, it came with a few new eateries, but none more popular than Be Our Guest. As the name implies, it’s a Beauty and the Beast-themed restaurant. While technically a quick service location, it has the feel of a table service venue. It is table service for dinner. You can meet the Beast at dinner.
The dining area is divided into three rooms. The main dining room is designed to look like the Grand Ballroom from the Beast’s castle. It’s light, beautifully adorned, and what you would expect of a royal ballroom. Next is the West Wing. If you don’t remember, this is where the Beast kept the rose, which you will find a fabulous hologram of here. But beware, when the rose loses its last petal, it will get a little loud. Little kids may not like this room. The final dining area is the Castle Gallery. This room features Belle and her beau dancing in the middle of the room, while the walls are adorned with artwork featuring scenes from the movie.
We should mention that at dinner Be Our Guest Restaurant is a prix fixe, 3-course menu.
We have a complete review of lunch at Be Our Guest on the blog.
Note that they do serve wine and beer at Be Our Guest.
Location: Fantasyland, at the back of the “new” section next to Enchanted Tales with Belle. Look for the Beast’s castle in the sky and follow it
Table Service or Quick Service: Quick Service for breakfast and lunch, Table Service for dinner
Menu: Click Here
Cuisine Style: American and French
Price Range: Expensive ($35 to $59.99 per adult depending on which meal you are eating; kids prices are about $20 per child, again depending on the meal you choose to eat)
Hours: 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM (they do close during this time window to change over the menu between dayparts)
Mobile Orders Accepted: No
Dining Plan Eligible: Yes
Dining Plans Accepted: All for breakfast and lunch; Disney Dining Plan and Deluxe Dining Plan for dinner
Dining Plan Credits Required: 1 for breakfast and lunch; 2 for dinner
Prince Eric’s Village Market
This is another snack location in Fantasyland. Unlike Gaston’s Tavern, though, there is no indoor area. It’s a food cart/stand. Note that not all menu items are eligible for the Disney Dining Plan.
Location: Fantasyland, at the back of the “new” section next just past Be Our Guest and before Under the Sea
Table Service or Quick Service: Quick Service
Menu: Click Here
Cuisine Style: American – snacks only
Price Range: Inexpensive (The most expensive snack is $12, but most are less)
Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Mobile Orders Accepted: No
Dining Plan Eligible: Only for snacks
Dining Plans Accepted: All, only for snacks
Dining Plan Credits Required: 1 snack credit
Gaston’s Tavern
Gaston’s Tavern is more of a snack location, where you can pick up healthy and some not so healthy treats. But the cinnamon rolls are fabulous. It’s a pretty small restaurant, so don’t plan on sitting down to eat. You will probably want to take your food to go. Note that not all menu items are eligible for the Disney Dining Plan.
Location: Fantasyland, at the back of the “new” section next just past Be Our Guest
Table Service or Quick Service: Quick Service
Menu: Click Here
Cuisine Style: American – snacks only
Price Range: Inexpensive (The most expensive snack is $13, but most are less)
Hours: 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM
Mobile Orders Accepted: No
Dining Plan Eligible: Only for snacks
Dining Plans Accepted: All, only for snacks
Dining Plan Credits Required: 1 snack credit
The Friar’s Nook
This quick-service location serves up a pretty limited menu, most of which features tater tots of some form. Pretty basic food here. There is no indoors or really any seating. You’re getting your food to go here.
Location: Fantasyland, between Winnie the Pooh and Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Table Service or Quick Service: Quick Service
Menu: Click Here
Cuisine Style: American
Price Range: Inexpensive (Entrees are less than $10 per person)
Hours: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Mobile Orders Accepted: No
Dining Plan Eligible: Yes
Dining Plans Accepted: All
Dining Plan Credits Required: 1
Storybook Treats
As the name implies, this location is all about sweet treats—specifically, ice cream-based ones. You can get sundaes, floats, or just some plain soft-serve ice cream. There is no place to sit here either.
Location: Fantasyland, between Winnie the Pooh and Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Table Service or Quick Service: Quick Service
Menu: Click Here
Cuisine Style: American
Price Range: Inexpensive (Treats are less than $6 per person)
Hours: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Mobile Orders Accepted: No
Dining Plan Eligible: Only for snacks
Dining Plans Accepted: All, only for snacks
Dining Plan Credits Required: 1 snack credit
Cheshire Café
Another snack location in Fantasyland, Cheshire Café, is tied in with Alice in Wonderland. The menu here is short and sweet. They only have three snacks.
Location: Right where Fantasyland and Tomorrowland meet, just south of Mad Tea Party.
Table Service or Quick Service: Quick Service
Menu: Click Here
Cuisine Style: American
Price Range: Inexpensive (Snacks are less than $5 per person, with one exception)
Hours: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Mobile Orders Accepted: No
Dining Plan Eligible: Only for snacks
Dining Plans Accepted: All, only for snacks
Dining Plan Credits Required: 1 snack credit
Shops
While Fantasyland doesn’t have the large shops of Main Street, U.S.A, there is still plenty of shopping around. We’ll hit the highlights for you of places that you should check out, but this isn’t a comprehensive list of every shop. You don’t need to stop at all of them.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
This is one of three locations in Disney World, where your little princess or brave knight can undergo a fun transformation at the hands of the Fairy Godmother’s apprentices. This can be a bit pricey, depending on what package you get. The most expensive one will run you $450 per child. It includes a princess dress and garment bag; however, we don’t recommend this as you can buy dresses for much cheaper before you come to the park. Just get the base package for $65. Knight packages are $20 or $80 per child. Open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. It’s ideally suited for kids 3 to 10 years old, but they do take kids up to 12.
We have a full Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique review from when the girls did it.
Big Top Souvenirs
A good-sized gift shop, with a nice assortment of souvenirs. A smaller scale than the Emporium. They have lots of sweet treats in here as well.
Sir Mickey’s
Small souvenir store. Not much of note here, but Carla always enjoys seeing the giant from Mickey and the Bean Stalk peaking down on the store. Not sure he’s part of park security, but he could do some damage if he catches you trying to shoplift!
Wrapping Up our Guide to Fantasyland at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
Whew, that was a big list. As you can see, Fantasyland has a lot going on. But it should, given that it is definitive Disney for many people. You’ll want to allocate a reasonable amount of time in this section of Magic Kingdom.
If you are interested in the other lands of Magic Kingdom, you can use the links below to skip to our guides to those areas of the park. Otherwise, you can head back to our Disney World Trip Planning Guide to explore more of what Disney World has to offer.