Birt Family Focus

4 Small Fantasyland Attractions -- 2/13/02
Photo by Paul

Today I will cover 4 small attractions in Fantasyland. Each is special and fun, but none takes much time and all are easily missed.

Cinderella's Castle leading to Fantasyland

First, lets go in and visit the castle. This is the focal point of the Magic Kingdom and the anchor to which it is tied. All lands meet at the hub in front of the castle. There is a large stage area in front of the castle on the Main Street side that hosts all manner of entertainments throughout the day. One could easily find a seat in the forecourt area and stay all day, never getting bored (though your hiney might get a tad sore!). Inside, there is the famous restaurant of course, and a shop specializing in medieval style souvenirs. The best part, though (IMO) is the Mosaic Mural depicting the story of Cinderella. It is utterly breath-taking. Using over 500 different colored tiles, including some that are 14 carat gold, this piece of art should rank as one of the wonders of the world. Definitely stop and look it over.

Tile Mural on Castle interior wall

Though it looks like a real Bavarian Castle, and was inspired by the 12th and 13th century architectures of Bavaria and France, this one is steel instead of stone. It has offices and a restaurant instead of great halls and chambers. Below lie service tunnels instead of dungeons. Though an apartment exists in the high reaches, it has never been occupied, at least as far as I know. Don't you think they could make megabucks renting that spot out?

Mural depicts scenes from Cinderella

Tucked neatly in a corner (left of the entrance from the Main Street side) is the second of today's attractions-The Fairy Tale Garden. In this beautiful little alcove, Belle comes out several times a day and tells stories to those who gather. Afterwards, she always poses for pictures and signs autographs, so all you collectors who don't yet have Belle, here's your chance. Roughly 20 people fit in here at a time but there are several showings throughout the day.

On the left of the entrance on the Fantasyland side is a small overlooked area. There is a largish fountain here with a sculpture of a young girl and some birds. This is Cinderella's Wishing Well and attraction number 3, today. It is a perfect resting spot. Shoppers in your party can go to the several stores surrounding this area while you sit on the edge of the fountain and cool your heals. I have surreptitiously cooled first one foot and then the other in the fountain before. No one has said anything to me about it, but don't go splashing about in it! You will see there is an abundance of coinage on the bottom of the pool. These wishing coins are gathered up once a month and the money id donated to children's charities.

Last but not least, we'll pay a visit to Ariel in her Grotto. Since Mermaids can't walk about on their fins to meet and greet the guests, she has her own space, replete with starfish, coral, and waterfalls. There is a soft surface water-play zone on the queue line to keep everyone cool. This area is a favorite with the littles and some of the Dad's as well. As my DH says, "Who wouldn't want to get up close to a mermaid?".