Sometimes it’s really tricky to find concept art imagery for the oldest of Disneyland’s spaces, but I had no trouble tracking down some amazing images for Fantasyland. While it’s remarkable to see how closely they resemble the final product in many cases, I think the most fun part of looking at concept art is seeing […] Read more…
March 2022 – present LOCATION Fantasyland – Merlin’s Marvelous Miscellany faces the castle courtyard, in a prime spot next to Peter Pan’s Flight. To find the shop, walk over the castle drawbridge and through the archway, and it will be the first building on your right. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Small selection of clothing, bags, […] Read more…
I’ve talked about my love of so called “hidden gems” from the onset of this blog. For me, the best part of Disneyland is the attention to detail. The tinier the hidden gem, the better. It shows the care and thought Imagineers put into each piece of the park. Today, I’m sharing one of my […] Read more…
Approx. 1996 – present LOCATION Fantasyland – Despite its name, Fantasy Faire Gifts is actually nowhere near the Fantasy Faire itself. This little shop faces It’s A Small World, just before the walkway starts winding into Mickey’s Toontown. EXPERIENCE Details: Merchandise – Bubble wands, popcorn, candies, and other miscellaneous goods Price Range – Most items […] Read more…
I’ve talked about Pinocchio’s Daring Journey a few times on this blog. I love this attraction so much – it’s charming, beautifully decorated, and the exterior building is one of my favorites in all of Fantasyland. Though Fantasyland’s theme is mostly that of a Bavarian village, Pinocchio’s building brings some charm straight from the Italian […] Read more…
Any Fantasyland fan knows about Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, a celebration of Disney’s 1940 classic. But the dark ride is not the only Pinocchio tribute in central Fantasyland. In fact, there’s a very important artifact from Pinocchio’s life hidden in plain sight: Stromboli’s Wagon. Walk past the entrance to Pinocchio’s attraction, and turn left as Fantasyland […] Read more…
I have a terrible habit of taking the same photos over and over on each trip to Disneyland…and I’m most guilty of this in Fantasyland. I have far too many photos of the castle from the central hub, or the teacups, or It’s A Small World‘s facade…the list goes on and on. If you find […] Read more…
Fantasyland is the epicenter of royalty in Disneyland. Beneath the towers of the castle, you’ll find wandering princes and princesses, evil queens, even the occasional fairies offering counsel to various members of Disney monarchies. Fantasyland provides a regal backdrop for these characters, right down to the tiniest details. On various signs, banners, and gold detailing, […] Read more…
When the sun sets in Disneyland, Fantasyland changes. The bright colors and gold detailing on many of the buildings hide in the shadows, and instead, the attractions themselves shine in soft lighting. In the central courtyard, the castle and carousel shine brightest, leaving the rest of the area in shadow. And on the east side, the […] Read more…
April 2009 – present LOCATION Fantasyland – Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is appropriately located in the castle courtyard. If you enter Fantasyland through the castle, you’ll find it on the left, just after the entrance to the Castle Walkthrough. If you arrive in Fantasyland from Frontierland or Tomorrowland’s walkways, you’ll find the shop on the right, […] Read more…
Take a spin on Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and you’ll have a panoramic view of Fantasyland – with a beautiful soundtrack in the background. So, where does this music come from? Source: Dismodo Meet the magical Dumbo Organ, standing right behind the attraction and queue. This authentic organ, built by Gavoili, dates back to 1915. […] Read more…
April 1997 – present LOCATION Fantasyland – Le Petit Chalet hides in the shadow of the Matterhorn. To find this little gift shop, head toward the Matterhorn’s entrance. Once you’re standing in front of it, start walking as if you were headed to It’s A Small World. You’ll see the Chalet on your left, across […] Read more…
In Disneyland, sometimes it’s easy to forget the park has only been around since 1955. So many of the park’s fixtures just feel like they’ve always been there, from the stone architecture of Fantasyland to the dense forests of Critter Country. In fact, most of Disneyland’s components serve that specific purpose – to alter your […] Read more…
I know I’ve said it a million times before, but Disneyland’s meticulous attention to detail never ceases to amaze me. Fantasyland might just top the list of the most detailed lands, and every accent has a purpose, helping immerse you in the magic kingdom. One of my favorite details in Fantasyland appears right as you […] Read more…