🎠✨ Fantasyland – A Timeless Land of Enchantment 🏰🌟

Lou Mongello: 00:00:03

Welcome to Fantasyland in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, the third in my series of audio guides to Walt Disney World. I am Lou Mongello. I just wanted to give you a brief introduction to this third audio guide in the series.

lly came out around summer of: 2009

I'm continuing to improve on the process as I was going along and as I was thinking about back when I was researching and recording this and looking at the track list, because I originally broke this down into 14 different tracks that I've obviously consolidated into a single file. It's interesting because many of the title titles of these tracks are no longer in Walt Disney World.

When I talk about these audio tours being a snapshot in time and a look at the history and trivia and changes over the years, this is one of those audio tours that I think really sort of evidences that. So, for example, Cinderella's Golden Carousel is now Prince Charming's Regal's Carousel. Snow White Scary Adventures is gone.

20,000 Leagues under the Sea is also gone. Mickey's Philharm Magic is still there. It's a Small world of skill still there. The Skyway is not.

And there's a lot of things you'll hear as we walk through this virtual tour of Fantasyland that have changed over time. And that's one of the things I want these guides to bring to you.

Lou Mongello: 00:01:30

Is a look not just at where.

Lou Mongello: 00:01:33

Fantasyland and Magic Kingdom is now, but how it has grown, evolved, and changed over time. I really remember how much I enjoyed researching, writing, and recording Fantasyland.

Magic Kingdom still remains my favorite of the parks in Walt Disney World. And I've. I think I've always had this sentimental, nostalgic attachment to Fantasyland.

And I think I love too, the connection to Walt and his original ideas and vision for Fantasyland in Disneyland. I still think there is something simple and pure about this land.

And I think it's the one that not only allows us to relive some of those childhood memories or watching the movies growing up, but I think too affords us the opportunity and gives us really the permission to be kids again.

It's the simple joy and the history of the carousel, the timeless charm and messaging and simple message of peace from the Sherman brothers from It's a Small World.

The sensation of flying over London in Peter Pan's flight, and just these simple stories that resonated with us as kids, I think take on different meaning for us as adults.

And I know for me as a parent, I very much remember introducing my kids to these stories and these attractions and spending so much time in Fantasyland.

trip back in time not just to: 2009

Not just to be passive observers from a two dimensional film that we see on screen, but be able to step foot into these 3D environments where we can at least temporarily forget about everything in the real world and step into a world of fantasy.

I'd love to hear your thoughts not just about this audio guide, but how you feel about Fantasyland and how it ranks for you in terms of the lands of the Magic Kingdom. Please come be part of the community and conversation over in the WW radio clubhouse at www.com/clubhouse.

It is our fun, friendly, family friendly, very welcoming community over on Facebook. You can also connect with me on social I am at Lou Mongelo on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

And if you haven't already, please don't forget to subscribe to my WW Radio podcast.

I have been sharing my love and passion for the Disney Parks cruise line and experiences around the world for more than 20 years from interviews, reviews, top tens, guides and much more. I also broadcast every Wednesday at 7:30pm Eastern at WWE Radio Live.

Plus I host a number of special events from free monthly meetups in Walt Disney World to group cruises, Adventures by Disney and much, much more.

So come join the fun, the community and the family and find everything@wwradio.com you can also visit Lou Mangello.com if you are looking for a speaker to bring a little bit of Disney Magic to your event, conference or school where I talk about customer service and leadership lessons that we can take from Walt and the Parks as well as my momentum series of events in Walt Disney World and how I can help you turn what you love into what you do.

And if you like this guide and the entire audio guide series, please do me a favor rate and review this podcast over in Apple Podcasts or Spotify and more importantly share the show and and tell A friend. But for now, come with me as we tour Fantasyland in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

Lou Mongello: 00:05:58

Our journey through the Magic Kingdom takes us to a land that is steeped in history, both real and imagined, and one that is deeply rooted in Walt Disney's personal desire to create a place where families could have fun together.

While sitting on a bench eating peanuts on his daddy's day with his daughters, Walt Disney first dreamed of a place where parents could have fun with their children. And from that, the idea for Disneyland was born.

Much of that desire and philosophy can be seen in Fantasyland, both in Disneyland and in its successor in Walt Disney World. While many attractions appeal to younger children, they were designed specifically to be enjoyed together as a family.

In fact, there are no attractions in Fantasyland with any minimum height requirement at all.

And many children who range in age from 8 to 80 will likely tell you that these attractions and the land itself are their favorite in the Disney theme parks.

ich opened with Disneyland in: 1955

Even in its design and architecture, which is bright, colorful, and in many cases, filled with classic Disney animated characters, Fantasyland is meant to catch the eyes and interests of children. And as one of the busiest lands in the Magic Kingdom, it clearly appeals to both kids and adults alike. The true heart of the Magic Kingdom.

It sits nestled behind Cinderella Castle and is a land where Disney characters have left the silver screen and become a part of this fantastic world. Beyond being inspired by classic Disney films, Fantasyland embodies various locations and themes from Old World Europe.

Along our journey, we will encounter many recurring themes and trends in this Gothic village.

Notice the medieval fair tents near Mickey's Philhar Magic and Peter Pan's Flight, the German architecture in the Alpine Village near the Pinocchio Village house, and English Tudor facades near the Seven Dwarves Mine and other locations as well.

Our journey through Fantasyland begins from the central plaza in front of Cinderella Castle, which itself has gone through subtle changes through the years. Most notably, most of the trees encircling the hub have been removed, affording guests an even more unobstructed view of the majestic castle.

Cinderella Castle is not only the icon for the Magic Kingdom, but a symbol of Walt Disney World itself.

It is one of the most recognized buildings in the world and is also one of the most photographed as well, with estimates of more than 30,000 photos per day, 365 days a year being taken of the castle. The castle is more than just a focal point of the Magic Kingdom. More than a building or engineering feat.

It actually has a deeper, almost spiritual meaning to many people whose faces light up at its site as they enter Main street, usa. The genesis of Cinderella Castle starts not in Florida, but in Disneyland.

When Walt Disney was designing Disneyland, his new theme park in Anaheim, California, he wanted each of his themed lands to have an obvious landmark. He called these icons weenies.

These weenies would act as visual magnets, which would lead guests from one land to another and act as a reward for making the trip.

The castle that would stand in the center of the Magic Kingdom would be the largest of all the weenies, drawing guests further down Main street into the park and being visible from every land therein.

Once guests reached the central hub in Walt Disney World, weenies such as Space Mountain to the right or Big Thunder Mountain to the left would attract them to Tomorrowland or Frontierland. The use of weenies continued when Walt Disney World was being developed and was carried forward as new parks or lands were created.

EPCOT has Spaceship Earth as its main weenie, just as Disney's Hollywood Studios has the sorcerer Mickey Hatch. And Disney's Animal Kingdom has the Tree of Life.

Cinderella Castle was inspired by a number of architectural styles, as well as numerous castles throughout Europe, including the French castles and chateaux of Fontainebleau, Versailles, Chenonceau, Chambord, Chaumont and Houssay.

In fact, French writer Charles Perrault, the author of the original Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella, was said to have been inspired by Houssaye, the Chateau of Dreams.

as well as the castle in the: 1950

Like Neuschwanstein, which was built by connecting separate buildings to make one large traditional medieval castle, Cinderella Castle fuses several elements as well.

While the castle base resembles a 13th century medieval fortress, it looks more like a Renaissance palace as it gets higher, becoming lighter and more delicate.

This composite design reflects the evolution in castle design in Europe throughout the Middle Ages, including the Gothic architectural designs of 12th and 13th century France.

The doorway to Fantasyland, Cinderella Castle rises up as the tallest structure in the Magic kingdom and at 189ft, and is more than 100ft taller than Sleeping Beauty's castle in Disneyland.

Unlike Disneyland's Castle, Cinderella Castle was actually elevated during construction because Walt Disney had noted that he didn't think the castle was prominent enough in Disneyland.

In fact, Cinderella Castle was designed so that it was tall enough to be seen from the Seven Seas Lagoon in front of the Magic Kingdom, where many guests take ferries or monorails from the parking lot to the gates of the park. Major elements of the castle were scaled and angled to give the illusion of both distance and height, known as forced perspective.

This filmmaking method is used frequently in Disney theme parks around the world. For example, using this method, the top spire of the castle is only half the size that it actually appears.

The result is a castle that looks as though it's 300ft tall. One of the most often asked questions in the park is, how many stones make up Cinderella Castle? Well, as you probably can guess, the number is zero.

That's right. No bricks were used in the castle's construction. Instead, it's made of concrete, steel, cement, plaster, and fiberglass.

In order to withstand the hurricane force winds of central Florida. The inner structure is made up of 600 tons of steel covered with a fiberglass facade.

While the concrete foundation is filled with foam for weight conservation. The interior and exterior walls were sculpted to resemble granite rock.

n of the castle began in late: 1969

There are a total of 18 spires atop Cinderella Castle which were fabricated and finished on property, hoisted by crane above the castle, where they were slid into place and attached.

The tallest spire on Cinderella Castle is appropriately gold in color and is topped with a flag assuring its place as the tallest structure in the Magic Kingdom. One of the flag poles has an artificial flag that that's actually a transmitting antenna for coordinating the Main street parades.

true. But that all changed in: 2006

However, when Walt passed away before the Magic Kingdom was complete, the apartment project was abandoned and never finished. Over the years, it had been used for storage, a telephone, switchboard, and cast member dressing rooms inside.

One of the multiple working elevators in the castle goes to that apartment. But do you want to see where the apartment is from the outside?

the center of Fantasyland. In: 2006

Million Dreams celebration in: 2007

One of the additions to the castle over the years has been the Castle Forecourt Stage.

While the area in front of the castle has been home to countless parades and shows, the stage has held presentations including Cinderella Bration and the Dream, along with Mickey musical character shows. Surrounding the castle. There are approximately 3.37 million gallons of water in the moat.

And although the graceful plaza swan boats once plied these waterways, the castle drawbridge cannot be raised.

,: 1985

Wandering up one of the dual pathways to the castle drawbridge, above the breezeway, you can find the Disney family coat of arms created in stone. You can also spot it on the Fantasyland side of the archway and inside Cinderella's Royal Table restaurant on the second floor.

There it's displayed over a fireplace and consists of three red lions on a field of white. Above the portcullis is a working clock. Glancing at it, you'll notice that the number four is represented in four capital letter I's.

Although today we may consider the use of those four I's as incorrect, the use of these numerals on the clock was actually used in early times, including colonial America.

The same numbering convention can be seen on the clock at the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot, among other places, such as the clocks on Main Street USAA's train station. Also notice the hands of the clock, which feature a sun and a moon and the 12 symbols of the zodiac.

Looking elsewhere around the outside of the castle, see if you can find the 13 intricately carved winged gargoyles accenting the architecture. Inside the castle's breezeway, a series of five incredible mosaic murals take tell the story of Cinderella.

Designed by the late imagineer Dorothea Redmond and crafted and set in place by A team of six artists led by mosaicist Hans Joachim Scharf, the 15 by 10 foot ornate panels are shaped in a gothic arch. The murals took more than two years to complete and contain hundreds of thousands of pieces of smooth Italian glass and rough smalti.

Smalti are pieces of glass made specifically for mosaics, traditionally used by Italian craftsmen. In the breezeway, pieces of this glass can be seen in over 500 colors.

Many of the hand cut tiles are fused with sterling silver and 14 karat gold and some are as small as the head of attack.

If you look closely, and you should at these ornate murals, you'll notice that each of Cinderella's wicked stepsisters appears with a little added color. One sister's face is clearly red with anger, while the other sister is a little green with envy.

As they watch Cinderella try on the glass slipper, also notice how the columns situated in the breezeway are decorated with mice such as Gus and Jock, as well as birds from the Disney animated feature film Cinderella. These characters were sculpted by Blaine Gibson, who also created the partner statue located in the central hub.

Inside the breezeway between two of the mosaics sits a doorway to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, a beauty salon where little girls are magically transformed into little princesses.

or to the Boutique Opening in: 2007

Cinderella's Royal Table Restaurant is located on the second floor of Cinderella Castle.

Guests can take the circular stairway or elevator to this royal dining hall where the younger guests can be treated like a prince or princess and the older ones as a lord or lady.

Oddly enough, this restaurant was formerly known as King Stephen's Banquet hall, named after King Stephen, who was not Cinderella's but Sleeping Beauty's father in the fairy tale on film in an effort to give it an air of royalty. If you look around the elegant dining hall with its stained glass windows and medieval decor, you will notice more than 40 coats of arms on display.

Each of these is an actual family seal and represents some of the many people that played a major role in the design and construction of Walt Disney World, including Roger Brogy Sr. Mark Davis, John Hench, Dick Nunes and Marty Sklar.

,: 1971

th anniversary in: 1996

In October: 1998

,: 2005

Just above the front archway sat an enormous stained glass mirror modeled after the Magic mirror in Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, which changed images every 40 seconds to feature each Disney castle from around the world and the date its park opened.

ere removed in late September: 2006

Walking through the breezeway and looking to your right, you encounter a somewhat hidden pathway along which you will find another of Cinderella's hidden treasures. Halfway down on your right, nestled among picturesque trees and flowers, is Cinderella's very own wishing well.

For years, children, parents and lovebirds have thrown their change into the fountain, hoping to make dreams of their own come true.

But as with other fountains around Walt Disney World, the change collected from here makes real dreams come true as Disney donates the money to various local charities.

Along this quiet footpath to Tomorrowland lie boulders and trees evocative of a French countryside, which is appropriate as the quaint Bell's Fairytale Garden Theater sits at the bottom of the walkway to your left.

Created in: 1999

The 15 minute show that plays multiple times daily welcomes a number of lucky young volunteers into the show and affords unique photo opportunities with the characters and performers afterwards.

Heading back up to the top of the pathway, you can see that you have stepped inside the castle's fortress as the landscape of Fantasyland is revealed. Elements of the design of the castle, including the colors and spires, can be found throughout Fantasyland.

As we'll see along the way, keep your eyes out for castle walls and turrets, as well as an extension of the castle itself.

As you explore Fantasyland along the way, we will see how this medieval village evokes images from various periods and locations throughout Europe, yet retains a consistent theme of a festival like atmosphere within its storybook surrounding Standing in the castle courtyard and facing Fantasyland on your right lies Sir Mickey's, a character merchandise and clothing shop inside and out.

the Brave Little Tailor from: 1938

Details abound here, from the giant peering through the roof and vines overgrown through the rafters to props on high shelves of fabric and thread, Princess Minnie who appeared in the Brave Little Tailor, and even valiant little Mickey peering down from atop a vine.

Outside windows feature Donald and his nephews preparing to adorn their armor to face the mighty giant, other props and even a sign from Mickey letting you know that he's out giant hunting. Another window features maiden Daisy Duck putting the finishing touches on a royal gown for Princess Minnie.

M. Mouse proprietor Prior to: 1996

ons. This store operated from: 1986

books and was open from March: 1972

This stone walled store sold Disney character souvenirs such as shirts, keychains, figurines, household items, tote bags and even unique offerings like a Donald Duck needlepoint kit, china figurines and tennis balls with the Mickey Mouse logo on them.

d reopened as Sir Mickey's in: 1996

inspiration for for Disney's: 1950

This fountain is also affectionately known as Rags to Riches because if you stand actually, you might have to kneel in front of Cinderella and look at the mural behind her. On the wall, a painted image of a crown appears to be sitting on the top of the princess's head.

Now, although an adult may have to get down low to see it, this was designed intentionally so that when children look at the fountain, they can clearly see the crowned princess. One of the most wonderful shops in all of the Magic Kingdom is a true original Tinkerbell's Fairy Treasures.

the Tinkerbell toy shop until: 1992

One of the best toy stores on property, it sold Disney plushes, toys, patches, children's clothing, model cars, wind up toys, and Madame Alexander dolls. At one time, a chest of drawers in which young guests might have found a trapped Tinkerbell inside could be found inside the shop.

Taken from the scene in the Darling's Nursery in the animated film, children could look through the keyhole and to find Tink's bright light and image.

he chest was removed during a: 2008

Also, as part of the: 2008

Although its most remarkable feature is the prop of Princess Aurora's dress behind the counter, changing color from pink to blue. As you can listen in to hear Fauna and Merryweather argue over which color looks best. Blue, pink, blue.

Leaving Tinkerbell's shop and moving into the central plaza of Fantasyland, it is anchored by one of its most beloved, classic and oldest attractions, Cinderella's Golden Carousel.

ered replica, it was built in: 1917

Disney painstakingly renovated the Liberty model carousel, the 60 foot wide platter and the original hand carved wooden horses, and even added regal detailing such as 24 karat gold leaf and real silver and bronze accents.

Although only 72 of the horses from the original carousel were salvageable, There were currently 87 galloping wooden steeds arranged in five rows on this two minute musical attraction. In fact, this is one of only four five row carousels built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company.

Smaller child friendly horses are in the interior rows of and they increase in size on the outer rows, each of the horses numbered with its designation being found under the bridle.

And did you know that no two horses on the attraction are exactly alike, although each occasionally receives the same meticulous hand painting which takes about 48 hours per horse. Even Cinderella has her own stallion. It's in the second row and has a gold ribbon around its tail.

Tale this charming attraction is enhanced by calliope music of classic Disney anthems such as A dream is a wish your heart makes, be our guest, Chim Chim, Cherrie, hi Ho, so this is Love and When youn Wish upon a Star, all played by an Italian band organ.

To complete the attraction truly befitting a princess, Disney also added 18 hand painted scenes recounting the story of Cinderella on the wooden canopy above the horses.

The medieval tent covered carousel is an appropriate centerpiece for Fantasyland, as it was while watching his daughters ride on a carousel in Griffith park near the Disney Studios in California that first inspired Walt Disney to create Disneyland.

Speaking of being a centerpiece, did you also know that the original location of the carousel was moved slightly prior to the opening of the Magic Kingdom? The carousel's location was shifted at the direction of Roy O.

Disney so that it would line up perfectly with the castle archway and could be viewed from Main street usa. Acting as a bright kinetic icon to draw guests into Fantasyland.

quoting a line from Disney's: 1963

The sword in the stone reads, whoso pulleth out this sword of this stone and anvil is rightwise ruler born of England.

From: 1994

Upon successfully doing so he or she was appointed temporary ruler of the realm.

And while you may still find the placard there and try your hand, with no success at removing the sword from the stone, the ceremony is no longer performed. And look carefully at the pavement in front of the stone. It's shaped like the blade of a sword.

Leaving Excalibur and bearing to the left past Sir Mickey's stands the entrance to Snow White's Scary Adventures.

True to the original: 1937

In addition to traveling through three dimensional settings from the film Flat artwork was layered throughout to give the effect of riding past animated scenes. Each of the ride vehicles has has two rows of seats and appears to be carved out of wood.

Much like the head wards of the Dwarves beds in their cottage. Each ride vehicle has a Dwarves name carved into it.

An opening day attraction, it originally required a sea ticket and was known simply as Snow White's Adventures and has gone through important changes through the years. Much like the original Disneyland version, Snow White did not appear in the original attraction attraction.

Unbeknownst to guests, they were supposed to be playing the role of Snow White during the attraction, which is why she didn't appear until the last scene where she was lying in a casket.

And much like another early Fantasyland attraction which we'll look at later on in the tour, the original finale of the ride had a much more sinister ending. In the initial version, the Witch was seen pushing a giant green gem over a ledge towards your ride vehicle.

bishment of the attraction in: 1994

Also, the Wicked Witch scenes were changed slightly as to be less scary for children. Improved audio animatronics figures were installed and the Dwarves were added to a few more scenes.

Although the word scary had been added to the name years earlier, it was dropped temporarily but quickly returned. Most importantly, the attraction now had a happier ending with Snow White being woken up by the Prince and living happily ever after, of course.

Exiting Snow White and bearing to the right, we encounter the Seven Dwarves Mineshop, an open air store. It's incredibly well themed to its namesake.

As always, look up and around and notice the colorful faceted stones embedded in the Rockwork above, while the shelves behind the counter are labeled Jewels, Gems, Diamonds and the Vault. They are stocked with souvenirs, candy and Snow White themed clothing.

From: 1972

e of Friar tuck from Disney's: 1973

Until March of: 2009

nvited you to be our guest in: 1993

ed after a character from the: 1985

From the Park's opening until: 1986

It also served a variety of snacks and drinks and unique desserts such as key lime and apple pies. When you're finished having your lunch or snack and you still have room for dessert, all you have to do is look next door at Mrs.

Potts cupboard, carrying on a tradition of serving ice cream treats that started when this location was known as the Round Table, first sponsored by Borden's and then Sealtest. While there no longer may be root beer floats, might I suggest the Strawberry Shortcake or even an ice cream sundae?

,: 1999

As everything in Walt Disney World is about story, it's only appropriate that we follow Pooh and his friends through the pages of the A.A. milne book.

Each show scene acts as a new chapter filled with a blustery day in the Wood Owl's home, a room where your honeypot bounces like Tigger and Pooh's house. In that scene, Pooh falls asleep leading you into his dream where he encounters heffalumps and woozles.

Notice here that this portion of the attraction uses only 2D scenery as opposed to the three dimensional props and figures in other portions of the ride to make the clear distinction that you're inside Pooh's dream with familiar songs written by the legendary Sherman brothers. The rain, rain, rain comes down, down, down in the next scene and the attraction concludes with a celebration into which we are invited.

The original inhabitant of the many adventures of Winnie the Pooh building and an opening day magic kingdom attraction, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, took guests on a jog along on a hilarious reckless ride through Old London.

Born in: 1908

This feature combined the stories of our little friend Toad and his oddly named friends like Moley, Mack, Badger, Ratty and Winky with one of Ichabod Cross Crane from the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The Wind in the Willows centered on the wacky adventures of well to do attorney J. Thaddeus Toad, Esq.

Whose thirst for adventure leads him to the newfangled automobile, which eventually leads to Toad's undoing.

In creating the attraction for the parks, Disney's imagineers were inspired not just by the story, but also from its music, as the Merrily song told us that we were merrily on our way to nowhere.

e attraction for the original: 1955

Toad, before Walt decided that he wanted it to be something that both children and their families could ride together.

,: 1971

Toad's wild ride actually offered you two distinct tracks and in fact two different adventures and thus a completely different ride experience based on what side of the queue you chose. It was the first and only time in Disney park history that that had happened, and it happened for Mr. Toad.

While one side of the attraction took you through the trophy room, kitchen, gypsy camp, pub, keg room, who said there was no alcohol in the Magic Kingdom and the rain Room, the other side, Track B flung you along in your car through a library, a barnyard, town square, jail, prison and Shireland. However, both tracks led Toad to a similar fate.

While he was able to narrowly escape the police, gypsies and the judge, he couldn't avoid the oncoming train in the darkened tunnel.

From there, the ride concluded with a post crash visit to the world of fire and brimstone, complete with demons poking at you with pointy spears and the devil himself.

Of course, in typical Toad fashion, he and you found a way to escape the clutches of Hades and into the warm, comforting light of the Florida sun, which often could be equally as hot. Sadly, the Walt Disney World version is a thing of the past.

,: 1997

s Internet website, more than: 1100

,: 1998

As you enter Owl's home, look for an image on the left wall of Toad handing over the deed to the building to Owl, as well as a picture of Moley tipping his hat to Poo scattered on the floor. And one of the most unique and appropriate tributes lies at the exit of the Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square.

Look to the left as you pass the mausoleum at the gated pet cemetery on the hill far in the back, still smiling with that positive mania that the film's narrator, Basil Rathbone, described is a statue of Mr. Toad. Outside the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh stands a small octagonal covered kiosk which sells a variety of small souvenirs and film.

ch was in that location until: 1986

Nemo's niche closed in: 1992

Mickey's Philharmagic in the: 1980

Florida citrus growers until: 1986

The Fantasyland Art Festival was originally located near Peter Pan's Flight, but was later moved to this venue.

Looking at the building specifically in the area between the Enchanted Grove and the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, you'll see a great example of how the castle architecture carries over throughout the land and how we are still within the castle keep. Here you'll see the stone castle walls representing the borders of the fortress itself, which encircles and unifies the entire theme of Fantasyland.

Looking beyond the tops of these buildings, you'll see how the blue castle turrets peeking over the roofline allow these disparate building types to seamlessly blend and how this entire area sits within the castle fortress. We will see evidence of this again later in the tour on the west side of Fantasyland near It's a Small World as well.

Something else to note here is not what you can see, but what you can't hear.

In past guides, we've looked at and listened to how important background music is in the parks, not just for helping to set the stage and tell the story, but the transition between lands.

Standing in front of the Enchanted Grove near the entrance to Bell's Fairytale Garden Theater, notice how you can't hear any music in this area at all. Why? Because here we are at a literal crossroads of a number of lands.

We are surrounded by Fantasyland with the Enchanted Grove and nearby Mad Tea Party Tomorrowland in the form of Cosmic Rays, Starlight Cafe as well as the Central Hub which carries over music from Main street usa. Thus, without the ability to unite each of these themes and stories, no single piece of music would be appropriate.

While much of the music in and around the entrances to the various attractions and themes are taken directly from the films which inspire the rides, other areas of Fantasyland feature music associated with the real world locations from which the theming is based.

So the exterior of the Pinocchio Village House, for example, doesn't necessarily feature music from the film, but traditional folk music from Germany, including yodeling and Alpine songs.

l attraction In Disneyland in: 1955

In a scene from the film's memorable UN birthday party, guests can spin one of 18 pastel colored teacups in circles on a giant tea tray of three rotating platters with six teacups each.

While the attractions on both coasts are similar, Walt Disney World's version has a pink teapot and dizzy doormouse that pops up from the top as well as a rooftop over the attraction.

Two things that Disneylands does not notice how details surrounding the attraction give you the sense that you, like Alice, have shrunk down into a fanciful world complete with unbirthday party topiaries and giant leaves and flowers.

And just as Alice may have left the tea Party in the story a little dazed and dizzy, it's only appropriate that guests may leave the attraction feeling the same way way and did you know that the 10 over 6 on the Mad Hatter's hat which you can see on the attraction sign, is the price of the hat, 10 shillings 6 pence.

Near the topiary facing the castle, there's also a large leaf that is somewhat unique for inscribed on it reads Be good at something, it makes you valuable. Have something to bring to the table because that will make you more welcome.

That quote comes from the late Randy Pausch, a former imagineer whose last lecture video was incredibly popular online and book of the same title was a best seller.

edallion here in his honor in: 2008

Circling around the Mad Tea Party and heading back towards Fantasyland on your Right, we reach Walt Disney World's playful version of the Hundred Acre Wood. Pooh's playful spot.

Carrying over from the stories in the many adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction, which sits directly across from here, this soft play area for young children contains places upon which to climb and slide as well as explore. The playground is also home to Rabbit's Tree. Inside, above the doorway, most kids will probably never notice the small image of a submarine.

Complete with green patina coloring.

This small figure pays silent and often overlooked tribute to one of Walt Disney World's most beloved and unique attractions, 20,000 Leagues under the Sea.

Based on the: 1954

,: 1971

Your adventure even took you to the ruins of the lost city of Atlantis, complete with sea serpents, ancient ruins, friendly mermaids and buried treasure. The trek concluded with the recreation of one of the film's most memorable scenes, the encounter with and escape from the giant squid.

Guests boarded a 38 passenger submarine, each designated by Roman numeral markings on the outside and sat on flip down seats that faced outward in front of individual portholes.

The effect of diving beneath the sea was accomplished through the use of bubble machines in front of those portholes and waterfalls at the entrances to the caverns.

Construction on the 40 ton subs was begun by the Morgan Yacht Company in Clearwater, Florida, with the final building work being completed in a shipyard near Tampa. The subs were then brought over on flatbread trucks to Walt Disney World when the attraction was open.

The 24 subs that operated at Walt Disney World and at the Disneyland version gave the Walt Disney Company the fifth largest naval fleet in the world. One of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken by Walt Disney Imagineering.

20,000 Leagues under the Sea was designed by some of the best known Disney imagineers, including a young Tony Baxter, Claude Coates, Mark Davis and others. Imagineer George McGinnis patterned the fleet of Nautilus submarines after the one designed by Harper Goff used in the film.

agues under the Sea closed in: 1994

With almost no notice to guests, it closed not to to lack of popularity, but because of frequent ride breakdowns, loading difficulties, long lines, and the high costs of maintenance, including keeping 11.5 million gallons of water clear enough for guests to see through.

For some time after the attraction had closed, the subs remained docked in the lagoon, leaving distant hope that the ride would be refurbished and reopened. However, the subs were soon removed and the lagoon drained.

The green queue area was used for some time as a character greeting location known as the Fantasyland Character Festival, while the banks of the lagoon were converted for use for Ariel's Grotto.

In: 2004

While small pieces of the attraction made their way for sale online, Disney also released a limited edition series of collectible pins that had a small fragment of the attraction contained inside.

For a short time, one of the subs was used at the Disney MGM studios as part of the water sequence of the backlot tour and then later displayed during special events and conventions. Disney later sunk two of the subs in the snorkeling lagoon at their private island, Castaway Cay, to be explored by Disney Cruise Line passengers.

Continuing past Pooh's playful spot, we return to the center of Fantasyland behind Cinderella's Golden Carousel.

n Walt Disney world opened in: 1971

A B ticket attraction at the time, since then it has been enjoyed by millions of children and kids at heart, many of whom make it the first ride of the day.

as based was released back in: 1941

In: 1993

It included not just redesigned elephants, but more of them as the number of ride cars increased from 10 to 16 the center hub design also took on a more elaborate feel, which included details such as a small stork carrying a baby bundle on each spoke.

Also, atop the center cylinder, the mirrored ball top with Timothy Mouse cracking the whip was changed to a hot air balloon and Timothy now waves the magic feather that caused Dumbo to fly in the original film.

In: 1997

Behind Dumbo sits Ariel's Grotto, a water play area themed to the Little Mermaid where children can play on the soft, spongy ground and splash in the fountains before heading inside the cave and meeting ariel herself.

From: 1971

Occasionally, other performers such as the Pearly Band, Dixieland, musicians inspired by the animated group and Mary Poppins would entertain there, as well as other locations around Fantasyland and Main street usa.

Later renamed the Fantasyland Pavilion, the covered seating area offers a place to sit and relax and acts as a venue for special events such as character meet and greets during Mickey's not so Scary and very Merry Christmas parties. Scuttles Landing, the snack shop adjacent to Ariel's, sells a variety of items, including its signature sweet cream cheese pretzel.

Scuttles Landing was originally known as the Tournament Tent, which sold frozen fruit, slush drinks and snacks before being renamed the Little Big Top when it also sold drinks, milkshakes and snacks as well. Next to Ariel's Grotto is the Pinocchio Village House Restaurant, but before heading inside, there are some details of note outside.

First, looking high atop one of the spires, you'll see that flying overhead is a yellow flag with a red eagle on it. The symbol is the Prussian eagle, paying homage to the German influence prevalent in this section of Fantasyland.

It also honors the Brothers Grimm, who hailed from an area near Frankfurt, Germany, and whose published collections of European fairy tales such as Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella, all of whom can be found in Fantasyland, by the way, inspired the Disney animated films.

In fact, the architecture and design of Pinocchio's Village House is similar to what one might find in Germany along the 372 mile fairy tale road between the towns of Hanau and Brennan, which traverses the real world location locations of many of the Brothers fairy tales. Inside, the restaurant's decor follows the exterior, theming and is unique in many respects.

e story is obviously from the: 1940

The restaurant is actually divided into seven themed rooms, each named after a character from the film film. The rooms include the Blue Fairy, Cleo, Figaro, Jiminy Cricket, Monstro Stromboli and Geppetto's Workshop.

Another one of the restaurant's hidden treasures is the ability to look down into the queue and load area of the It's a Small World attraction.

From the Monstro Room, many guests may not notice, but there are actually small, small second floor seating areas both inside and outside offering unique views of Fantasyland. Also, look closely up and around in the area where you order and pick up your food.

Although the main entryway looks like the inside of a European tavern, careful examination reveals that this section is meant to resemble an outdoor location. Look up and notice the faux skylights which create an artificial sunlight and the facade above the counter looking like the exterior of a building.

Currently, the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and serves sandwiches, pizzas and salads.

Across the courtyard is Mickey's Philhar Magic, where classic meets contemporary as classic films, character and music are coupled with groundbreaking technology to bring guests a spectacular three dimensional film presented by longtime Walt Disney World sponsor Kodak, Mickey's Philhar Magic is also the first attraction to feature classic Disney characters such as Mickey, Donald and others in completely computer modeled and generated animation. A collaborative effort between Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation.

Some of the character animators from the original film like the Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast were brought in to work on the show which was digitally animated and then transferred to film.

usical film opened in October: 2003

Enhancing that experience even further are in theater effects such as the smell of apple pie and jasmine, as well as wind effects to simulate flight aboard Aladdin's magic carpet.

A state of the art theater audio system which includes nine full behind the screen audio clusters capable of creating three dimensional traveling sound throughout the show, creates a truly enhanced experience.

n short performances from the: 1930

Whistle, Plunk and Boom from: 1953

But some of the lobby posters also pay tribute to an attraction that originally occupied this theater, the Mickey Mouse Review Pay close attention to the Wolfgang Trio and Festival Mariachis posters as they are a nod to the Three Little Pigs and Three Caballeros, both of whom performed musical numbers in the Mickey Mouse Review.

An opening day E ticket and then later D ticket attraction the Mickey Mouse Revue began with a pre show featuring an eight minute film in which an animated soundtrack explained the use of sound and color in Mickey's cartoons through the years and concluded then with a description of Mickey and other characters roles in the Magic Kingdom. In fact, the pre show holding area featured images of Mickey in various roles through the years painted on rose colored walls.

Mickey then told guests to follow him into the theater as it was time for the Mickey Mouse Musical Review.

The main show featured an audio animatronic Mickey Mouse and Orchestra of 60 Classic Disney characters rising up from the stage after playing a medley of tunes such as hi Ho and Whistle While youe Work vignettes featuring the Three Little Pigs, Snow White, Alice in Wonderland, the Three Caballeros and Fairy Godmother were performed as well. Even Brer Fox, Br'er Bear and Brer Rabbit sang Zippity Doo dah more than 20 years before they would do it again in Splash Mountain.

,: 1980

After the revue closed, the theater sat empty for a number of years, occasionally showing classic Disney cartoons before becoming home to the 3D film Magic Journeys and 3D pre show film starring Donald Duck called Working for Peanuts.

th,: 1987

,: 1994

The show was a live 25 minute puppet animation and special effects performance featuring humanimals which were puppets manipulated by and actually were extensions of their human animateeers. While similar to the puppets now seen in Finding Nemo the Musical, here the puppeteers were hidden from guest view.

Also, the puppets themselves were larger and more realistic than any other puppets used in Walt Disney World to date, requiring from two to eight people to operate. Mufasa the Lion King, for instance, was 7ft long, tip to tail and 6ft tall.

The show was developed by Fran Soder who also created attractions including Voyage of the Little Mermaid, the Aladdin Royal Caravan Parade and the Hunchback of Notre Dame stage show.

The pre show featured a life size rafiki complete with articulating mouth which followed along with the narration who told the story of Simba the Lion King.

,: 2002

And as a slight nod to the Lion King show from the attraction which now occupies the theater. I Just Can't Wait to Be King can be heard during one of the scenes in Mickey's Philhar Magic as you exit the Philar Magic Theater.

To your right is a themed gift shop where the story of Philhar Magic continues. Remember that at the end of the show, Donald is shot through a cannon out of the back of the theater.

Well, in the gift shop, notice how Donald has broken through the wall of the theater and fallen into the shop, tangled in a mess of musical instruments and how musical notations, scales and instruments accent the shop's decor. Even the tops of the columns and merchandise racks are adorned with scrolls from a violin or bass instrument.

the Castle camera shop. From: 1971

,: 1983

after the Mad hatter from the: 1951

It closed in: 1994

key's Philhar Magic Opened in: 2003

The timeless classic Peter Pan's Flight takes guests on a magical journey through the moonlit skies over the rooftops of London on your way to Neverland.

and taken straight out of the: 1953

Like many Fantasyland attractions, this ride's history begins not in the swamps of Florida, but in the orange groves of California, as the Walt Disney World version was modeled after the original in Disneyland, which opened with Fantasyland as its cornerstone. Of Fantasyland, Walt Disney said that it was a world of imagination, hopes and dreams, and Peter Pan's Flight embodies that sentiment.

The concept drawings for the Florida version were done by Bill Martin and Bill justice, who was an animator on the original film.

Ken Anderson, the art director for Snow White, Pinocchio and Fantasia, designed much of the Fantasyland Dark Ride interiors, including Peter Pan's Flight, and worked closely with Claude Coates Coats, created the watercolor paintings and murals in the Disneyland lode areas, painted many of the set pieces, and helped develop the ultraviolet painting technique for many of the Fantasyland Dark Rides.

While it kept the same theme and basic ride layout, Walt Disney World's Peter Pan's Flight expanded on the original Disneyland version, including adding more scenes from the film, such as Wendy reading to the boys in the nursery, the Indians in the camp, and the duel between Hook and Pan in the ship's riggings, what's unique about this attraction is the ride system, which uses an overhead rail system originally derived from overhead conveyance systems used in industrial warehouses and plants to move materials above the heads of workers on the floor.

The Peter Pan's Flight system uses vehicles with a small electric motor that guides the galleons along the single rail hanging from the ceiling, giving guests the sensation of actually flying. While Peter Pan's Flight is currently a FastPass attraction, at one time something else stood where the FastPass machines now reside.

ed that space seasonally from: 1971

In fact, the crocodile holding a lantern which now adorns the Fast Pass sign on the green shingled roof was the same one that was used in the Hook's Tavern sign. And while we're standing near the FastPass location, look for the barrel located just outside the covered archway. On it reads Fire Chief W.

Ray Colburn, Lost Boys Fire Brigade, while the Lost Boys refers to the band of children who live with Peter Pan in Neverland. Who is W.

Ray Colburn Not a classic Disney character, He is the real world manager of the Emergency Services and Fire Prevention departments of the Reedy Creek Improvement District. But why here? Because underneath that hollow barrel sits an unsightly fire hydrant.

So to adhere to the overriding story time and place of this portion of Fantasyland, it was covered with the barrel. Across from Peter Pan's flight is one of the most renowned as well as largest and longest attraction in any Disney theme park.

tion, which originated in the: 196465

Sponsored by Pepsi, the attraction was the most popular of Disney's at the fair, with more than 10 million visitors having ridden it.

upon and officially opened in: 1966

Much of the attraction's success must be attributed to the many Disney legends that worked on it, including Mary Blair, who was responsible for the whimsical and colorful look and feel of the attraction. Figures and scenes were designed by Marc Davis, as well as many of the sight gags throughout the attraction.

While many of the dolls were created by Joyce Carlson, she was honored with a window along Main Street USA which reads Dolls by Miss Joyce, Doll maker for the World. Blaine Gibson sculpted the figures, which were costumed by Alice Davis, Mark's wife.

Claude Coates designed the layout of the river, while Rolly Crump helped design many of the non animated props and children. But what makes the attraction so memorable for many is one of its most important elements, the music.

Although Walt originally wanted all the children to sing their national anthems, tests revealed complete disharmony and that it wouldn't work in a flow.

Through attraction such as this, Walt brought in the legendary songwriting team of Richard and Robert Sherman, who at the time were working on the masterpiece that would become Mary Poppins.

Walt asked for a simple song that could be translated into any language, that would say as much as possible, and that would be about the small children of the world, the small hope for the future. So the Sherman brothers wrote what they termed a prayer for peace.

And thus was born one of the most recognizable and performed songs and ever in the world.

Originally written as a ballad, Walt's request for something more cheerful led to the song being sped up and sung as a roundelay, using a musical technique called counterpoint, where the same chords are played over and over again but with different melodies.

And what was born was a song that's truly unforgettable and in the spirit of global unity, was recorded in various studios around the world, including by a church choir in London, a chorus of school children in Rome, and by children in Tokyo, Mexico City and Burbank, California. The attraction itself is made up of six distinct rooms along the seven seaways, water canals that comprise this miniature globe.

And much in the same way that bridges and arches are used to transition between the lands of the Magic Kingdom. And each of the rooms and locations in this attraction is separated by an archway acting as a portal between the continents.

The rooms, in order, are the load unload area, the European Room, the Far East Room, the African Room, and the Pacific Islands room. The final room, known as the White Room, is a combination of all colors and thus is a silver celebration of the children of all cultures.

Did you notice that there was no room for the United States? That's because out of the almost 300 figures, the United States is represented only by a single cowboy twirling a lasso and Native American.

,: 1971

In: 2004

The attraction's exterior has always remained true to the theming of this part of Fantasyland, as its facade resembles a medieval Renaissance fair tent complete with jousting lances doubling as columns.

And much as the area near the Enchanted Grove marks the boundaries of the castle fortress, notice the brick walls and blue turrets that make up the Small World building, again representing the borders of the castle square. And as you exit the attraction, look for the large circular section of flagstone embedded in the pavement.

While not part of the Small World legacy, it marks a literal and figurative turning point for for one of Fantasyland's extinct attractions.

One of Walt Disney World's original attractions, the Skyway, was a five minute long cable car style ride that ran between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, passing over much of Fantasyland including Cinderella's golden carousel, the 20,000 Leagues under the Sea lagoon, as well as the Grand Prix Raceway in Tomorrowland. This single attraction was actually listed twice on park maps, once as a Fantasyland attraction and again as a Tomorrowland attraction.

Guests boarded the Skyway in Fantasyland from a loading area themed like a Swiss chalet and from an area west of Space Mountain in Tomorrowland. One of its most notable features was the near 90 degree turn it took as it passed near the Grand Prix Raceway.

This one way D ticket attraction was open year round and closed temporarily during rainstorms or high winds.

,: 1999

Look carefully at various locations on the ground in Fantasyland and notice the small circle of stones which mark where the towers once stood. Past the Skyway chalet terminal and serene grotto and down the small hill lies the gateway to the next land on our tour, Liberty Square.

Like the bridge to Adventureland, the passageway ahead is used to transition guests through time and location as you leave Medieval Europe, virtually cross the Atlantic Ocean and are transported to the New World. Before crossing, notice the Columbia Harbor House restaurant on our left.

Look carefully at the sign hanging by the exit doorway as there's no entrance to the restaurant in Fantasyland which has a golden chicken atop a fish hanging from the beak of a bird. Now, keep in mind that we are still in the old World where many people were unable to read or write.

Thus, the sign for the restaurant needs to let people know what may be served inside, hence the image of a fish and fowl.

Below these icons hangs a small oval red sign which bears the restaurant's name, with the image of a bald eagle with its wings spread, foreshadowing what we'll encounter on the other side of the covered passageway.

And because this is a harbor house, remember that we are at a virtual port where we will be boarding a ship to make passage from England to what lies ahead, the New World.

Notice too how walking through this figurative tunnel, the background music check changes from German folk songs to colonial era fife and drums to further support the transition. Even the columns and trash cans on both sides of the underpass are themed to their appropriate lands and locations.

And because this, like everything else you experience in Walt Disney World, is part of a three dimensional show, notice how the portal itself darkens as you enter, much as a scene change would follow. Fade out and fade in.

And as we prepare to enter Liberty Square in the next audio guide, you will become aware of how the English Tudor themed overpass on the Fantasyland side evolves into a land whose facades reflect the colonial period theming and subtle architectural changes that will be the hallmarks of this part of Liberty Square.

Fantasyland represents Walt Disney's idealistic view of of a true timeless land of enchantment and continues to remain, as Walt once said, to be dedicated to the young at heart and to those who believe that when you wish upon a star, your dreams come true.

From classic dark rides to attractions featuring Disney characters, they are all accurately portrayed in three dimensional stories representing their film environment.

Just as children may act out scenes from their favorite Disney films, Fantasyland affords them an opportunity to become a part of them in a physical playground of timeless classics.

It's a land that's alive with energy that's both visually kinetic as well as fueled by a palpable sense of childhood innocence and wonder, and is strengthened by the minute details that produce and immersive experience based on Disney's timeless storytelling abilities. To hear more about Walt Disney World, listen to my WDW radio show, your Walt Disney World information station.

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