Huge Fantasyland Forest theme park land that Disney World was forced to scrap
PARK UP Huge Fantasyland Forest theme park land that Disney World was forced to scrap – with fairytale attractions
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
DISNEY World has a long history of 'could have beens' including a massive Fantasyland Forest that would have featured princess meet and greets.
Back in 2009, Disney announced an expansion would be going ahead at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
5
Fantasyland Enchanted Forest was set to include a central forest area with princess meet-and-greets
Credit: Disney
5
Part of the area was previously occupied by the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Submarine Voyage which had been left abandoned
Credit: Disney
5
Some of the initial plans did materialise though
Credit: Disney
Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here
Whilst the expansion did go ahead, making it the largest single park expansion in the Magic Kingdom's history at the time, earlier plans fell through.
The Fantasyland Enchanted Forest was set to be built in an area of the park where a few closures had taken place including the abandoned Skywalk station from 1999 and the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Submarine Voyage from 1994.
Whilst a small Winnie the Pooh play area and meet-and-greet opened in 2004, the Fantasyland Enchanted Forest announced in 2009 planned to open several mini lands.
The main area would have been an Enchanted Forest, acting as the central mini land where guests would be able to meet-and-greet Disney princesses such as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Belle.
5
But one major element that didn't make it was Pixie Hollow featuring Tinker Bell
Credit: Disney
Another mini-land proposed was Pixie Hollow, with Tinker Bell and her fairy friends - guests would have even been shrunk to pixie size.
Other attractions included a Prince Charming Regal Carrousel and Peter Pan's Flight ride.
However, plans adapted - especially after the initial proposal received mixed reception with many fans claiming it was too "girl centric".
By the time the new land opened, much was different from the first drawings.
There was no central Enchanted Forest and meet-and-greets with Cinderella as she was cleaning and Sleeping Beauty on her 16th birthday were scrapped.
This European castle was the inspiration for Disney
Instead, the Princess Fairytale Hall took its place, with the change of meet-and-greet with Belle instead.
For dining, there was plans for a 'Be Our Guest' restaurant, which did go ahead and can be found inside the Beast's castle.
Sticking with Beauty and the Beast, the initial dining destinations of Gaston's Tavern and a 'Be Our Guest' restaurant in the Beast's castle did go ahead.
A dark ride - which features themed sections and special effects - called Under the Sea - Journey of The Little Mermaid, also went ahead.
And taking over the spot where Pixie Hollow was due to be, the Storybook Circus doubled the size of Dumbo the Flying Elephant, created an interactive queue area and re-themed the kiddie rollercoaster, The Barnstormer.
Part of the site set for the Enchanted Forest was also given to a new ride known as the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, replacing Snow White's Scary Adventures.
According to Orlando Park Stop, this was Disney's attempt to make the new area attractive to boys as well as girls.
This ride marked the last part of the development to open in May 2014 and to date remains one of the most popular attractions at Walt Disney World.
How many Disney locations are there around the world?
DISNEY parks are located in several countries around the world. Here's the list of countries with Disney parks: United States Disneyland Resort (Anaheim, California)
Walt Disney World Resort (Orlando, Florida) France Disneyland Paris (Marne-la-Vallée, near Paris) Japan Tokyo Disney Resort (Urayasu, near Tokyo) China Shanghai Disney Resort (Shanghai)
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (Hong Kong)
There was also a Disneyland planned for the UK and images have revealed what it could have looked like.
And here's inside an abandoned Disney World airport with its own singing runway, but planes are banned from landing.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
10 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
The new London hotel that feels like an A-listers apartment with retro rooms and fantastic restaurant
The food blew me away as well STAR QUALITY The new London hotel that feels like an A-listers apartment with retro rooms and fantastic restaurant Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE July London Victoria is one of the newest hotels to open in the city; their first UK hotel after success in Amsterdam with more plans for Dublin and Lisbon too. Here is everything you need to know. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 July London Victoria is one of London's newest hotels Credit: 4 I was in love with the interiors which toed the line of both modern and retro Where is the The July London Victoria? Just steps from London Victoria station, you are right in the middle of it all. The July London Victoria is a mastery in transporting you back in time without feeling dated, with laidback funk and jazz playing while checking into the mid century hotel. I was obsessed with the interiors as soon as I stepped in - rich mid century wood, painted ceilings and plush red chairs, all while funk and jazz played overhead. What are the rooms like? Despite calling themselves aparthotel, it felt more likely being in a trendy A listers flat. Each room comes with their own kitchenette, complete with Nespresso machines, tea making and all the glassware above the cooker. Decorated in baby pinks and rich green, I had great fun calling reception on the retro yellow dialling phone. Along with my very plush double bed, the pink tiled bathroom comes with a walk in shower and Marie-Stella-Maris toiletries, a Dutch brand the hotel has teamed up with. Despite being by a busy train station, my room was gloriously quiet thanks to overlooking a quiet street behind - meaning a fantastic nights sleep. What can you eat and drink there? The hotels The Idler is where you can dine all day. Lined with rich red leather seats, green ceiling ans pink trikes bar, I felt like I'd gone back to the80s (in a modern way) thanks to the abstract painted ceiling and mix of artwork on the walls Dinner is a small choice but good size portions affair; My Coppa cured meat and pickles starter was just as good as the whipped butter and sourdough. As tempted as I was by the steak and fish, the fresh tomato linguine with sides of seaweed salty Cavelero Nero and broccoli were a divine choice, as well as offering extremely large portion sizes. And I could hardly resist the chocolate mousse… Breakfast is a choice of continental or hot options such as potato hash and poached eggs. Take the kids too as they dine for free with an adult. Need a late night snack? There is even an on-site deli serving drinks and food to take back to your room. What else is there to do at the hotel? The hotel has an onsite 24hr gym - stylishly decorated in red patterns, albeit slightly sparse on the machines - as well as a cold plunge and sauna. The 24 hour reception is on hand for any questions or help - they happily were on hand when I forgot my phone charger by accident. Otherwise if you want to explore, catch a show at The West End, or hop on a train to explore the rest of the city. Is The July London Victoria family friendly? The hotel has a Family Apartment room which sleeps four, and you can request a free baby bed. Are there accessible rooms? There is the Accessible Apartment room which has an accessible bathroom, and there are two lifts in the hotel. 4 The rooms all have enough space for desks and kitchenettes
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Bodybuilding legend Craig Licker dead aged 57 with heartbreaking tributes paid
The news comes just days after another champion passed Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BODYBUILDING legend Craig Licker has died aged just 57. The former IFBB Pro passed away earlier this week, according to reports. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Bodybuilding legend Craig Licker has died at the age of just 57 Credit: Instagram/troublecraig 2 Tributes have been paid to Licker from across the world Credit: Instagram His cause of death has yet to be announced. Fans and fellow bodybuilders paid a heartbreaking tribute to Licker. "He had a really gifted structure and discipline for bodybuilding," said retired rival Dave Palumbo. "He earned his IFBB Pro card during an era where very few pro cards were awarded. READ MORE ON BODYBUILDING STAR'S FEARS Legendary bodybuilder needs emergency surgery after pulling out of UK event "He dominated the super competitive middleweight class at the 1994 NPC Nationals (the year Paul DeMayo won the HW and Overall). "I will miss our always interesting conversations and his great sense of humor … RIP my friend!" The news comes just days after it was announced champion Hayley McNeff had died aged just 37. Her passing is understood to have been unexpected but "peaceful", according to tributes. Licker made his IFBB debut in 1995. He competed at the Niagara Falls Pro Invitational and the Houston Pro Championship. Remembering Hayley McNeff: Bodybuilding Star and Inspiring Friend The athlete then took a break from the bodybuilding circuit, before returning in 2015. He placed 12th in the Chicago Pro and 16th in the Tampa Pro. His death comes in a tragic year for deaths for some of bodybuilding's greats. Guilherme Henrique passed away at the age of 30 in May. Just a month later, Zulina Hoyos Mendez was killed in a hammer attack at the age of 43. Meanwhile, Vito Pirbazari died after collapsing on a treadmill. And Jodi Vance, 20, suffered a fatal heart attack. MORE TO FOLLOW More to follow... For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos. Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
My man said his ex's name during our wedding vows in ‘Ross from Friends' moment…he was mortified but I still said ‘I do'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MORTIFIED groom left his wedding guests covering their faces in embarrassment during his vows when he accidentally said his ex's name to his now wife. Andrew Fildes, 51, and Rebecca Fildes, 46, got married in a registry office in Bedfordshire in October 2023 after being together for six years. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 A couple have opened up on the mortifying moment Andrew Fildes, 51, said his ex's name at the altar Credit: Kennedy News 8 Rebecca Fildes, 46, erupted into laughter at her now husband's blunder Credit: Kennedy News 8 Many compared the situation to a 'Ross and Rachel moment' from the US sitcom, Friends Credit: Getty 8 Andrew's "mortifying" experience has left the internet divided Credit: Kennedy News The 51-year-old was 'sweating' and 'shaking' at the altar due to nerves before his 'worst nightmare' happened when he called his bride 'Sarah' - his ex-girlfriend of 13 years. A 'surprised' Rebecca, who shares a middle name with his former partner, quickly corrected him because he didn't even realise his mistake. Luckily the mum-of-three 'just laughed it off' and didn't let it ruin the big day. Taking to TikTok, Rebecca shared video footage of the blunder captioned 'when your new husband calls you his ex-girlfriend's name', which has now gone viral with more than 37,800 views. The clip shows the couple holding hands as the groom says 'I take you, Sarah' - before the bride erupts into laughter. Amused users found the clip hilarious and took to the comments with many comparing the situation to a 'Ross and Rachel moment' from the US sitcom, Friends. In the infamous episode, Ross accidentally says 'Rachel' instead of 'Emily' during his vows leading his new wife to flee. However, other users branded the groom's mistake a 'big red flag'. Despite the awkward mistake, the pair still say it was the 'best day of their lives'. Andrew, a property manager who lives in Harlington, Bedfordshire, said: "It's the worst nightmare saying my ex's name but to be fair it's Rebecca's second name so I got her name all jumbled up when I was talking. I'm horrified by what an Etsy seller did to my beautiful wedding bouquet - people agree it looks 'awful & tacky' "I was bricking it and I was standing in front of friends and family trying not to say the wrong words. I was just shaking and sweating so I was just trying to get through the ceremony really as I don't like standing up in front of people. "I wasn't even aware of it when I said it. Rebecca just looked at me and I thought 'what have I said wrong' and she corrected me. It wasn't ideal for him to say his ex's name. Thankfully I saw the funny side in it and we're still married Rebecca Fildes "My brother put his hand on his face and my son shook his head and I thought 'I've clearly got something wrong'. "It's just one of those things but it's quite a common name. Although it's my ex, we've been separated for 10 years.' He then added: "I was glad she saw the funny side. She loves to take the p*** out of me for it and it comes up quite regularly. I don't take it too seriously but it's still embarrassing. Average cost of a wedding in 2025 Recent research by Hodge reveals the dream of getting married can come with a hefty price tag, reaching more than £20,000. Food - £6,000 Honeymoon - £4,329 Wedding outfits - £3,500 Entertainment - £2,000 Engagement ring - £1,948 Flowers - £1,110 Wedding ring - £1,000 Wedding transport - £700 Total = £20,587 "It's a real-life Ross and Rachel moment. It's a bit frustrating because we talked about that beforehand as a joke because we're both Friends fans. It was still the best day of my life." Rebecca, a dog walker who lives in Harlington, Bedfordshire, explained: "I was surprised he said it. It wasn't ideal for him to say his ex's name. Thankfully I saw the funny side in it and we're still married. "I just think because he was so nervous he picked up on the Sarah bit [of my name]. My brother put his hand on his face and my son shook his head and I thought 'I've clearly got something wrong' Andrew Fildes "It was a stand-out memory but I'm not sure it's a stand-out memory you particularly want. "We've got the kind of relationship where I don't think he did that for any reason other than just making a mistake. "I just laughed it off and we still laugh about it. I keep saying he owes me a proper wedding now where he gets my name right." Big divide Social media users eagerly shared their amusement at the awkward blunder, as one user said: "Ross and Rachel moment." Another asked: "Ross Geller is that you?" Whilst a third user commented: "I'd be bringing this up for the next 50 years." I would cancel the wedding, that's a big red flag TikTok user But at the same time, other users harshly criticised the groom for his mistake. One user said: "That's awful. I would have been so upset." A second chimed in: "I would have walked out." Whilst someone else penned: "I would cancel the wedding, that's a big red flag." Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club 8 The 51-year-old was 'sweating' and 'shaking' at the altar due to nerves before his 'worst nightmare' happened Credit: Kennedy News 8 Andrew's brother put his hand on his face and his son shook his head Credit: Kennedy News 8 Luckily the mum-of-three 'laughed it off' and didn't let it ruin the big day Credit: Kennedy News
