Fantasyland Expansion

[Len90]

Mindflipper: that would be nice if they do it that way, but I think there is going to be most likely be a timer period without any dumbo. I just can't see installing the major components of the old dumbo without interfering with the queue/entrance and using only a construction wall for seperation.

[MadEye]

Mindflipper: that would be nice if they do it that way, but I think there is going to be most likely be a timer period without any dumbo. I just can't see installing the major components of the old dumbo without interfering with the queue/entrance and using only a construction wall for seperation.

Then again, we don't know how they plan on using the circus tent as the "queue" for the new Dumbo. If it is a big area for the circus tent, they can easily wall off one of the sides while the other is open. We'll just have to wait and see.

[Len90]

Mindflipper: that would be nice if they do it that way, but I think there is going to be most likely be a timer period without any dumbo. I just can't see installing the major components of the old dumbo without interfering with the queue/entrance and using only a construction wall for seperation.

Then again, we don't know how they plan on using the circus tent as the "queue" for the new Dumbo. If it is a big area for the circus tent, they can easily wall off one of the sides while the other is open. We'll just have to wait and see.

Very true, but the approach seems to have people walking between the two dumbos. That might be the challenge for this. I guess we can only wait and see how Disney handles this aspect.

[MadEye]

I don't see any problems. Sure they might open the new area with only one side working, but the queue for each side (according to the concept art and model) start inside the circus tent. From looking at both the art and model, it seems that there is plenty of space to allow guests to get to the entrance and into the tent without any problems.

[northernmousefan2007]

I think there will be a period of time without Dumbo. I would imagine they will do the shutdown in the off season. It seems like the whole thing would open all at one time to me.

[Mousekedude]

We were fortunate enough to ride Dumbo during EMH the night of the big Mayhem Marauders meet-up (December 4). Our camera battery was dead, so we couldn't attempt any pictures "over the wall" of the expansion, although some of the other M.M's may have gotten some. Hard to say though, because Disney cleverly planted a lot of trees right behind the wall to block the view. What we did see looked pretty impressive. I was struck by the overall size of the expansion: it looks like a huge area! And there was one particular steel structure that looked to be the major framework for either a 2 or 3 story building, or a major ride... either way, it was big. Maybe someone can enlighten us as to what it is...?
As for the Pooh makeover, I was very impressed! If the Fantasyland expansion is anything like that as far as imagination and quality/artistry, then it will be great. We even played around with the honey wall, but of course we used copious quantities of hand sanitizer afterwards... as I always do after any ride or attraction. On that note, I never got sick while we were there. Mouseoholic (who doesn't like to use the sanitizer like I do... I have to practically force her, and then she won't use enough...) did get sick in the middle of our second week and was miserable for the last 4 days of the trip. I caught it from her after we got home. Nice, eh?

[mindflipper]

We were fortunate enough to ride Dumbo during EMH the night of the big Mayhem Marauders meet-up (December 4). Our camera battery was dead, so we couldn't attempt any pictures "over the wall" of the expansion, although some of the other M.M's may have gotten some. Hard to say though, because Disney cleverly planted a lot of trees right behind the wall to block the view. What we did see looked pretty impressive. I was struck by the overall size of the expansion: it looks like a huge area! And there was one particular steel structure that looked to be the major framework for either a 2 or 3 story building, or a major ride... either way, it was big. Maybe someone can enlighten us as to what it is...?
As for the Pooh makeover, I was very impressed! If the Fantasyland expansion is anything like that as far as imagination and quality/artistry, then it will be great. We even played around with the honey wall, but of course we used copious quantities of hand sanitizer afterwards... as I always do after any ride or attraction. On that note, I never got sick while we were there. Mouseoholic (who doesn't like to use the sanitizer like I do... I have to practically force her, and then she won't use enough...) did get sick in the middle of our second week and was miserable for the last 4 days of the trip. I caught it from her after we got home. Nice, eh?

Well, as it was nearly 1 AM in the morning, and they do not have the expansion project area brightly lighted at the time, taking photos would be useless without any kind of super night vision.

[Amy]

We were fortunate enough to ride Dumbo during EMH the night of the big Mayhem Marauders meet-up (December 4). Our camera battery was dead, so we couldn't attempt any pictures "over the wall" of the expansion, although some of the other M.M's may have gotten some. Hard to say though, because Disney cleverly planted a lot of trees right behind the wall to block the view. What we did see looked pretty impressive. I was struck by the overall size of the expansion: it looks like a huge area! And there was one particular steel structure that looked to be the major framework for either a 2 or 3 story building, or a major ride... either way, it was big. Maybe someone can enlighten us as to what it is...?
As for the Pooh makeover, I was very impressed! If the Fantasyland expansion is anything like that as far as imagination and quality/artistry, then it will be great. We even played around with the honey wall, but of course we used copious quantities of hand sanitizer afterwards... as I always do after any ride or attraction. On that note, I never got sick while we were there. Mouseoholic (who doesn't like to use the sanitizer like I do... I have to practically force her, and then she won't use enough...) did get sick in the middle of our second week and was miserable for the last 4 days of the trip. I caught it from her after we got home. Nice, eh?

Well, as it was nearly 1 AM in the morning, and they do not have the expansion project area brightly lighted at the time, taking photos would be useless without any kind of super night vision.

I think I took a video as I was whirling around during EMH on Monday so Mom could enjoy her favorite ride virtually, but I doubt you can see anything "over the wall" You might be able to hear my teeth chattering in the lovely weather we were having though I didn't really get any good pictures in Fantasyland since it was so packed whenever we tried to go through it.
Mouskedude, Amber was just sharing her cold with you, isn't that what a good marriage is all about?! Sharing!!

[MadEye]

Hard to say though, because Disney cleverly planted a lot of trees right behind the wall to block the view.

Those trees are not planted. They are still in big wooden crates just on the other side of the wall. Why? They aren't staying there, at least I hope.

What we did see looked pretty impressive. I was struck by the overall size of the expansion: it looks like a huge area! And there was one particular steel structure that looked to be the major framework for either a 2 or 3 story building, or a major ride... either way, it was big. Maybe someone can enlighten us as to what it is...?

If it was toward the left side of the construction area, that is the Beauty and the Beast Be Our Guest restaurant.

[MadEye]

Tiny Update: A new snack cart has appeared in Fantasyland in front of the wall. It looks a lot like something Belle's father Maurice would have built and is confirmed to be moving into Gaston's Village section of Beauty and the Beast area when it opens.

[dichuy]

I'm excited to see what has been accomplished in April. I'll be sure to take as many pics as possible and report back here to mission control.

[mindflipper]

Hard to say though, because Disney cleverly planted a lot of trees right behind the wall to block the view.

Those trees are not planted. They are still in big wooden crates just on the other side of the wall. Why? They aren't staying there, at least I hope.

Actually, I wonder if they will be staying, just not in their current spot permanently. Looking back over the concept model they had for the press, they do show trees will be planted in the new area eventually. I wonder if those trees are just "parked" there until the building exteriors are completed and the trees can be moved to their new homes.

[MadEye]

Hard to say though, because Disney cleverly planted a lot of trees right behind the wall to block the view.

Those trees are not planted. They are still in big wooden crates just on the other side of the wall. Why? They aren't staying there, at least I hope.

Actually, I wonder if they will be staying, just not in their current spot permanently. Looking back over the concept model they had for the press, they do show trees will be planted in the new area eventually. I wonder if those trees are just "parked" there until the building exteriors are completed and the trees can be moved to their new homes.

I wasn't trying to be as literal as you... I do have a feeling they will be moved once landscaping starts for the finished construction.

[Mousekedude]

Hard to say though, because Disney cleverly planted a lot of trees right behind the wall to block the view.

Those trees are not planted. They are still in big wooden crates just on the other side of the wall. Why? They aren't staying there, at least I hope.

What we did see looked pretty impressive. I was struck by the overall size of the expansion: it looks like a huge area! And there was one particular steel structure that looked to be the major framework for either a 2 or 3 story building, or a major ride... either way, it was big. Maybe someone can enlighten us as to what it is...?

If it was toward the left side of the construction area, that is the Beauty and the Beast Be Our Guest restaurant.

Thanks for the additional info. I had a strong feeling you would be the one to give us the inside scoop.
I knew those trees were there for the purpose of blocking our view! Obviously they weren't going to be planted there: when the wall came down they would be in totally weird locations relative to the area. So I figured they were in temporary locations, obviously in pots. I just wanted to see if anyone with inside information could enlighten us, and you did.

Thanks for the explanation of the steel structure as well. It was indeed on the left side (as viewed from the heights of the Dumbo ride), so that is probably the correct explanation. Don't know why they need a 2-story building for the B and the B restaurant, but I guess they do that a lot actually... gives them places to add extra office space and what-not.
Thanks again.

[Amy]

I'm excited to see what has been accomplished in April. I'll be sure to take as many pics as possible and report back here to mission control.

Just remember to take some during the daytime while braving the crowds as I completely forgot sigh...