Next Phase of Fantasyland Expansion to Open December 6, 2012

Walt Disney World fans have been waiting patiently to find out when the next phase of the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland expansion would be open for guests.  Well, the news is out and on December 6, 2012, guests will be able to ride Under the Sea-Journey of the Little Mermaid attraction, eat at Be Our Guest Restaurant, meet Belle at Enchanted Tales with Belle, visit Ariel’s Grotto, get a snack at Gaston’s Tavern, and shop for a souvenir at Bonjour! Village Gifts. 

Disney announced that previews of the above will begin on November 19, 2012.  I’m assuming this means “soft openings.”  Attractions or venues with soft openings means that the hours of availability will be less than normal and the number of guests able to ride/dine/shop will be limited.  This means that guests traveling during the Thanksgiving holiday may get a sneak peek!

Annual Passholders, Cast Member, and Disney Vacation Club Members will be able to get previews even earlier than Nov. 19, 2012.

For fans, this is big news.  Once the fences and walls went up in the Magic Kingdom due to construction the anticipation began and has grown ever since.  Of course, there is even more Fantasyland to be completed even after this phase is open.

What does this mean for us?  Will we be visiting the new attractions?  Not yet.  We would prefer to wait until the next phase is complete, but you never know. . . I’m sure we will hear, see, and read more about the new additions soon!