New Fantasyland Opening Dates

Disney Parks Blog recently shared some news on the opening dates for the attractions and restaurants planned for Magic Kingdom Park's New Fantasyland. The next phase of Storybook Circus, featuring the second half of the Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction and Casey Jr. Splash 'n' Soak Station, will open July 2012.

Some of the attractions I can't wait to see - Under The Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Be Our Guest Restaurant, Gaston's Tavern and Ariel's Grotto - will be opening this holiday season. Unfortunately nothing more definitive has been announced. There's no mention if holiday season includes Thanksgiving week, which is when the holiday season officially starts. I would hope it does since that is when our family will be visiting.

I will be sure to pass along more information once it becomes available!

WDW Rehabs and Closings

We all know how excited we get when planning our trips to Walt Disney World, at least I get really excited! One of the things I love to do is plan out which rides I am eager to go on. Before I get my heart set on going on particular rides I like to know which are being rehabbed or have closed. So in order to help you plan your visit here is an updated list of current Disney World Rehabs and Closings.

Magic Kingdom

Snow White's Scary Adventures will close May 31, 2012 and will become the new Princess Fairytale Hall meet and greet location. The Seven Dwarves Mine Train will open in the new Fantasyland area in 2013.

The Liberty Square Riverboat is currently in dry dock as it is being refurbished. It will return to service May 21, 2012.

Fairytale Garden is closed as it is being made over to host Merida, of the upcoming "Brave". Merida is scheduled to begin appearing in mid-May. Rapunzel, who had been appearing in Fairytale Garden, is currently next to City Hall on Main Street USA.

Epcot

Test Track closed for refurbishment on April 16, 2012. It is scheduled to reopen in fall 2012.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show is closed for refurbishment April 29 - May 2.


More information on Rehabs and Closings can be found at www.allears.net

Epcot: Calling the Red Phone Booth

Everyone has seen the Red Phone Booths located in the UK Pavilion and Canada Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase. Many of us have even taken pictures inside the iconic booths (as I did in the booth located in the Canada Pavilion on our May 2010 visit). The little known fact is that the phones in those booths actually work! You can even call the booths and speak to guests in the park that day. Many guests enjoying picking up the ringing phones and speaking to the callers from all over the world...you never know who will be on the line. People usually speak of the weather, what's going on in the park that day and a lot of other interesting things. If you're feeling nostalgic and are missing Disney World just pick up the phone and call a Red Phone Booth.

UK Pavilion:
(407) 827-9861
(407) 827-9862
(407) 827-9863

Canada Pavilion:
(407) 827-9884