Fantasyland soft opening

**Jared** · 10-12-2012, 09:42 AM

From what I understand, the new Fantasyland is having its first full soft opening today. It's earlier than previously expected but not particularly surprising -- the hard walls came down last week, suggesting that Disney was getting ready to let guests in.

Can somebody in the parks today confirm?

**Melanie** · 10-12-2012, 09:48 AM

Great news for all those going down for ICOT15! I hope it's true.

**disneymom15** · 10-12-2012, 10:00 AM

Wow, that would be great if it could be open for ICOT15

**ibelieveindisneymagic** · 10-12-2012, 10:09 AM

We missed the Pixar Place and TSMM opening by a few days a couple of years ago, and it would be great if we could see the new Fantasyland on this trip!

**Melanie** · 10-12-2012, 10:29 AM

Yep, looks like it's open, at least for the time being. Folks are riding Little Mermaid and meeting Ariel in her Grotto. Gaston is also out doing meets. Awesome! Hope these soft openings continue.

**Jared** · 10-12-2012, 11:32 AM

The Enchanted Forest section of New Fantasyland is open today and is expected to remain open until 6. (That's subject to change, of course.)

The Little Mermaid attraction is operating, as is Gaston's Tavern and the Enchanted Tales meet-and-greet with Belle.

And I must say, from the pictures I've seen, it's all absolutely stunning.

**buzznwoodysmom** · 10-12-2012, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by Jared

And I must say, from the pictures I've seen, it's all absolutely stunning.

I just saw several pictures and I agree! It's absolutely gorgeous! I can't wait to see it all in person on our next trip!

**Jared** · 10-12-2012, 12:07 PM

I am hearing conflicting reports as to whether it will stay open. A Cast Member friend said it will likely stay open for the foreseeable future. Another said it will only be open today and tomorrow. So I guess we'll see.

**BriarRose0708** · 10-12-2012, 12:07 PM

This is extremely exciting news! I so hope they continue this during iCOT15. It will be a long time before my next trip and I would love to see at least some of it.

**AgentC** · 10-12-2012, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by Jared

I am hearing conflicting reports as to whether it will stay open. A Cast Member friend said it will likely stay open for the foreseeable future. Another said it will only be open today and tomorrow. So I guess we'll see.

I've seen both of those reports too. My kids have no school next Friday. We were going to go over to visit Pete's Silly Sideshow. Hopefully we will luck out and it will be open.

**Disney4** · 10-12-2012, 02:06 PM

I assume that will not happen next month?

So much for another AP benefit

Glad I didn't waste any money on the overpriced "Exclusive" merchadise...

**Fangorn** · 10-12-2012, 02:21 PM

Soft openings during ICOT-15 are unlikely. That weekend (fri-sun) has been set aside for CM previews. CMs have been able to sign-up for times since October 4 (and yes, there were severe computer issues which probably led to the Passholder sign-up being delayed).

My CM son was able to sign-up for Sunday morning and will be taking DW and I along as guests.

From the instructions on how these CM previews will work (including barcoded tickets, wristbands and photo ID for starters) it seems unlikely that they will open the previews to anyone else on those days.

I'm really looking forward to it.

Steve

**Melanie** · 10-12-2012, 02:34 PM

Hopefully it will be open the week leading up to ICOT15.

From all the pics I've been seeing today, it looks gorgeous and really does seem to have the look and feel of DisneySea.

Can't wait to see it!

**Christine** · 10-12-2012, 02:34 PM

I'm in the car headed that way!

I'll report ASAP

**DizneyFreak2002** · 10-12-2012, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by Disney4

I assume that will not happen next month?

So much for another AP benefit

Glad I didn't waste any money on the overpriced "Exclusive" merchadise...

Why wouldn't they still go through with the AP previews?

Remember, soft opening does not equal open... Soft opening is just still test and adjust... The area could be open for 2 hours on 1 day, 30 minutes the next, and closed for 3 days straight... They do this just to see crowd flow, test effects, gauge reactions, train CMs... Soft openings really mean very little other than official opening getting closer and closer... Really is no reason to cancel or not go through with the AP previews...

With that said, I read somewhere that Ursula's death scene is actually better in WDW and that Triton has white cloth for his hair and beard....

**ANG** · 10-12-2012, 02:37 PM

This excites me. But our trip is 2 weeks away

**disneymom15** · 10-12-2012, 02:38 PM

Where can the pictures be seen. Can someone post a link.

**Christine** · 10-12-2012, 02:44 PM

When I get there I will put them on Twitter- you can access from ICOT homepage. When I get home later tonight after dinner I will embed them right into this thread

**Jared** · 10-12-2012, 02:48 PM

Originally Posted by Fangorn

Soft openings during ICOT-15 are unlikely. That weekend (fri-sun) has been set aside for CM previews. CMs have been able to sign-up for times since October 4 (and yes, there were severe computer issues which probably led to the Passholder sign-up being delayed).

My CM son was able to sign-up for Sunday morning and will be taking DW and I along as guests.

From the instructions on how these CM previews will work (including barcoded tickets, wristbands and photo ID for starters) it seems unlikely that they will open the previews to anyone else on those days.

I'm really looking forward to it.

Steve

Steve, yep, I know all about the cast previews. That doesn't mean there won't be more soft openings for part of those days. These sort of test-and-adjust openings are fickle and random. Anything's possible. They could fit some guest time around the cast time.