Fantasyland (old and new Fantasyland, including Storybook Circus)

Here is our guide to Fantasyland, located in Magic Kingdom.

Fantasyland continues to be one of the most popular lands at the park and for good reason.

Not only does Cinderella Castle reside here, but it’s where you can meet princesses, ride some of the most iconic attractions (we’re looking at you, “it’s a small world”), and dine inside not one, but two famous Disney castles.

We’ve seen many changes over the years, including the addition of “New Fantasyland” (and Storybook Circus).

With a lot to see and do, characters to meet, and dining to try, our guide will help you understand the ins and outs of Fantasyland.

While Fantasyland is one big land, we’ve broken it down into parts for organizational and touring purposes.

Let’s take a look!

Fantasyland Overview

• Location: Magic Kingdom
• Restaurants: 11 Quick Service (Cheshire Café, The Friar’s Nook, Gaston’s Tavern, Pinocchio Village Haus, Prince Eric’s Village Market, Storybook Treats, Maurice’s Amazing Popping Machine, 4 Snack & Drink Carts); 2 Table Service (Be Our Guest, Cinderella’s Royal Table)
• Shops: Big Top Souvenirs, Fantasy Faire, Hundred Acre Goods, Bonjour! Village Gifts, Sir Mickey’s
• Entertainment: None
• Experiences: Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
• Attractions: The Barnstormer, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Walt Disney World Railroad – Fantasyland Station, Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station, Enchanted Tales with Belle, “it’s a small world,” Mad Tea Party, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Peter Pan’s Flight, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
• Tours: None
• Characters: Pete’s Silly Sideshow (Minnie, Daisy, Donald, Goofy), Princess Fairytale Hall (Cinderella, Elena, Tiana, Rapunzel), Anastasia and Drizella, Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, Ariel at her grotto, Mirabel (in the Fairytale Garden)
• Popular snacks and drinks: Cheshire Cat Tail (Cheshire Café), Cinnamon Roll (Gaston’s Tavern), LeFou’s Brew (Gaston’s Tavern), Specialty soft-serve and DOLE Whip (Storybook Treats)
• Not-to-miss: Gaston’s Tavern, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, “it’s a small world,” Peter Pan’s Flight, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Walt Disney World Railroad, Princess Fairytale Hall, Pete’s Silly Sideshow, the rest of the characters

Old Fantasyland

Old Fantasyland is probably the most popular, well-known, and iconic land in all of Magic Kingdom.

After all, it has been around since opening day. This area is Magic Kingdom. It’s filled with pixie dust, nostalgia, and, yes, magic.

It’s also the land that houses the most well-known park icon at Walt Disney World – Cinderella Castle.

It’s where you can ride Cinderella’s horse, spin yourself around in a teacup until you get sick (we’re kidding, please don’t do that), fly off to Neverland, meet princesses, and so much more.

Dining

You can find a variety of Quick Service restaurants in Old Fantasyland, along with a popular Table Service spot – Cinderella’s Royal Table.

Quick Service Restaurants

Cheshire Café

Cheshire Café is a small Quick Service stand located next to Mad Tea Party.

This is where you find the famous Cheshire Cat Tail, which is a flaky pastry filled with vanilla cream and semi-sweet chocolate chips. It’s topped with blue and pink icing.

There are other snacks and coffees available for purchase, as well. You can even sometimes find limited-time menu items sold here, including specialty drinks.

Pinocchio Village Haus

Pinocchio Village Haus is a popular Quick Service spot, especially since it’s located in the heart of Old Fantasyland.

While not the best menu, it’s decent and has options for picky eaters. Specifically, the restaurant is known for its flatbreads. There are specialty ones at times, so be sure to take a good look at the menu.

You can also Mobile Order here, which we always recommend taking advantage of to avoid waits and if you’re on a schedule.

There are even great views of “it’s a small world,” with a window overlooking ride!

There’s also seating upstairs, with an outdoor balcony that provides great views of Fantasyland.

If you’re passing Pinocchio Village Haus and need something quick to snack on or a bottled beverages, there’s a snack cart out front.

The Friar’s Nook

The tots and bratwursts are popular options here. There is also a plant-based bratwurst on the menu!

While breakfast menus are harder to find, Friar’s Nook is open in the mornings with a variety of early morning offerings.

Don’t forget to utilize Mobile Order! This is a busy area with limited seating, so you’ll want to plan ahead if this is somewhere you want to eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Storybook Treats

While Mobile Order isn’t available, the line usually moves pretty quickly since there is a smaller menu.

This is a great spot to find Dole Whip and other soft-serve items, including limited-time offerings, like themed-cones.

Table Service Restaurants

Cinderella’s Royal Table

Cinderella’s Royal Table is a sit-down restaurant, where you can meet princesses (like Cinderella, of course) and dine inside her castle.

While it’s certainly a unique experience and the only way you’re able to enter the castle, it’s extremely pricey.

While in the past, the food hasn’t been memorable, it has improved greatly over the years. We recommend lunch and dinner over breakfast.

If this is a top option and you (and your little one) want to meet several Disney princesses at once, be sure to snag a reservation as soon as possible!

Seating Areas

Old Fantasyland has several seating areas, including…

Inside and outside at Pinocchio Village Haus:

Near The Friar’s Nook:

Next to Cheshire Café:

By the Tangled restrooms, where you can also charge your mobile devices:

Shops

Fantasy Faire 

Between Peter Pan’s Flight and Mickey’s PhilharMagic, you’ll find Fantasy Faire.

You can shop for a range of souvenirs, including a big variety of Minnie ears and Disney hats. You can also get select items embroidered for an additional price.

Sir Mickey’s 

Near the back of Cinderella Castle is Sir Mickey’s, a gift shop.

This is the store to visit at the Magic Kingdom for anyone in need of princess dresses, royal accessories and more for little ones.

Hundred Acre Goods

Next to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is Hundred Acre Goods.

Not only is the theming here adorable, but it’s a cute shop filled with treats for little ones. So many Winnie the Pooh-themed items!

Attractions

Old Fantasyland has plenty of rides that are perfect for littles ones and families.

Peter Pan’s Flight

Board ride vehicles that are suspended from the top, and glide over charming scenery in the dark. Although the ride takes place mostly in the dark, it doesn’t typically scare little ones.

In addition to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan’s Flight is another extremely popular in Fantasyland that always has a long line.

Overall, the ride is well-themed and perfect for little ones. Even the queue is adorable, plus interactive! Keep your eyes peeled for the shadows on the wall and for Tinker Bell’s magic.

You’ll definitely want to have a plan when it comes to riding Peter Pan: rope drop it, get in line during the fireworks, hop in line at the end of the night, or make it a top Genie+ Lightning Lane selection.

“it’s a small world”

A gentle boat ride takes you through scenery that includes animatronic dolls set in different countries. Try not to get the song stuck in your head!

Did you really visit Disney World if you didn’t ride the most iconic and classic attraction of all time?

While you may find yourself singing “it’s a small world” for the rest of your park day, we think it’s worth it, especially if you’ve never been on the slow-moving boat ride.

There are so many colors, cultures, and unity represented in the attraction. It may not be the most exciting ride, but it’s full of nostalgia.

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

Fairly standard carousel but with Disney music and 90 pretty horses.

Here is Cinderella’s horse with the gold ribbon:

In addition to a range of horses to ride, there are also benches that are stationary and wheelchair accessible.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Board a Hunny Pot and go on a psychedelic adventure through Hundred Acre Woods. This is a popular ride and one that most little ones will like.

This is a very cute attraction. After all, look at the honey pot-inspired ride vehicles!

There is also an interactive queue perfect to keep little ones entertained during longer wait times.

The queue is both indoors and outdoors, with kid-friendly activities in several different areas.

How fun is this “honey wall”? You simply use your hands and it’s like you’re playing in honey – but without all of the sticky mess.

Mad Tea Party

Often called “the tea cups,” this ride is fairly iconic in Disney theme parks. Characters from Alice in Wonderland meet near here throughout the day.

The teacups are a classic attraction that everyone should try at least once – of your stomach can handle it, of course.

And if you don’t want ride, you can watch others spin like mad without having to board teacup and that still makes for a lot of fun.

Mickey’s PhilharMagic

A 3D movie featuring the music from various Disney movies. Anybody at any age will enjoy this 11-minute show, but if the 3D effects get to be too much for little ones, removing the 3D glasses usually helps.

Mickey’s PhilharMagic is a fun show that makes for a great break if there are long wait times, it’s hot outside, the weather is icky, or you just simply need a rest!

The show follows Donald as he puts on Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat and decides to try his hand at conducting a concert. He’s then suddenly plunged into a 3D dream world of classic Disney animated musical sequences.

You don’t necessarily need to use Genie+ here since the theater is quite large with plenty of seating, but the show does have a Lightning Lane.

Characters

From princesses, to Winnie the Pooh, to Peter Pan, you can meet a range of friends in Old Fantasyland.

Mirabel

Tiana

Rapunzel

Elena

Cinderella

Winnie the Pooh

Tigger

Peter Pan

Anastasia

Drizella

Experiences

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is an Enchanting Extra that gives kids the chance to play dress-up.

The magical boutique gives young guests the chance to transform into some of their favorite Disney characters. It’s an unforgettable memory (and souvenir).

In addition to Magic Kingdom, there are two other Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations on Disney World property.

Activities

Coin Press Machines

There are two coin press machines that have unique-themed coins.

The first is at Fantasy Faire, which has pennies with Disney characters playing musical instruments. You can pay $1 for one single penny or $5 for 8.

You can find another coin press at Sir Mickey’s.

This machine has princess-themed pennies. Pricing is $1 for one single penny or $5 for all 8.

Pascal Scavenger Hunt

This scavenger hunt is complimentary and a great way to keep little ones entertained.

Near the Tangled restrooms, you simply search for the hidden friends of Pascals in the area. There are a total of 10 Pascals to find!

PhotoPass

There are all kinds of places PhotoPass is available throughout Old Fantasyland.

Tiny World Magic Shot

Near Cinderella’s Wishing Well as you walk up the pathway on the right of the castle.

Near Sleepy Hollow Refreshments

Tangled lantern photo-op near the restrooms

This is a popular and unique PhotoPass option that you’ll want to line for at least 20 to 30 minutes prior to sunset.

At the Fantasyland bridge that goes towards Mad Tea Party

The castle wall near Pinocchio Village Haus

Sword in the Stone by Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

Royal Portrait Studio

Inside Sir Mickey’s, there is the Royal Portrait Studio.

These studios are open to all guests. Reservations are not required and the photoshoots are free.

Don’t forget to ask for Magic Shots!

Remember: unless you have Memory Maker, Memory Maker Day One, or a PhotoPass entitlement with your Annual Pass, you will have to pay to download or print these photos.

Restrooms

There are 3 sets of restrooms in Old Fantasyland, including one that is has the most gorgeous theme park bathrooms you’ll ever see (or at least we think so).

You can find restrooms next to Cheshire Café and across from Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café. These ones are a bit hidden, so keep your eyes peeled.

There is also a set attached to Pinocchio Village Haus. 

And, finally, there are the Tangled-themed restrooms next to “it’s a small world.” The exterior is just stunning, right? The lanterns even glow at night! 

These restrooms are one of the busiest in the entire park thanks to all of the family-friendly attractions in the area.

Old Fantasyland Checklist

New Fantasyland

While officially part of Fantasyland, New Fantasyland was added as an expansion of the original, aka “Old Fantasyland,” in 2012.

Storybook Circus is also part of New Fantasyland. The latter celebrates some of the most popular Disney princesses, including Belle, Snow White, and Ariel.

There are several popular dining choices here, like the chance to eat inside the Beast’s castle.

Dining

New Fantasyland has popular Quick Service and Table Service options. Be Our Guest gives visitors the opportunity to eat inside the Beast’s castle, while Gaston’s Tavern is the perfect place to grab one of the best cinnamon rolls.

Quick Service Restaurants

Gaston’s Tavern

Gaston’s Tavern is a must when visiting Magic Kingdom.

Not only is the theme fantastic (Gaston would love it), but it’s the best place to grab a cinnamon roll. They are massive, perfect for sharing, and beyond delicious. 

LeFou’s Brew, which is plant-based, is a popular drink you can order here, as well. 

It contains Frozen Apple Juice with a hint of Toasted Marshmallow and topped with All-Natural Passion Fruit-Mango Foam.

Mobile Ordering is not available here, so prepare to wait in line.

Prince Eric’s Village Market

Across from Journey of the Little Mermaid and Ariel’s Grotto, there is a snack kiosk called Prince Eric’s Village Market.

You can buy the famous Turkey Leg here, along with a jumbo pretzel (not the same as a Mickey Pretzel), a frozen Coca-Cola slushy, pickles, fruit, and more.

Maurice’s Amazing Popcorn Machine

Next to Bonjour! Village, you’ll find a popcorn cart appropriately called — Maurice’s Amazing Popping Machine.

It’s like he invented it himself.

You can purchase snacks and bottled beverages here, including, yes, popcorn.

Table Service Restaurants

Be Our Guest

Be Our Guest is one of the most popular Table Service options at Disney World, especially at Magic Kingdom.

After all, this is the only place you can wave to The Beast and dine inside his castle. There are 3 rooms to dine in: The Grand Ballroom, The Rose Gallery, and The West Wing (this may scare little ones).

While the experience is one-of-a-kind, there’s no denying it is a very pricey meal.

Reservations are accepted and very much recommended.

Seating Areas

You’ll find one main seating area in New Fantasyland at Gaston’s Tavern.

There is indoor steaing:

And tables outside:

Shops

Bonjour! Village Gifts is located next to Gaston’s Tavern.

Here you can find a range of Beauty and the Beast-inspired items, along with Disney-themed art and collectibles.

Attractions

There are several attractions in New Fantasyland, including an extremely popular roller coaster that features mine cars.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

An easy coaster with the intensity of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, obviously done with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs theme.

This is one of the most popular attractions at Magic Kingdom. There will most always be a line, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.

You can purchase an Individual Lighting Lane that makes getting in line much easier, but also comes with an additional price.

If you don’t want to spend extra money, you’ll want to either take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry to rope drop the roller coaster (if you’re eligible) or hop in line during the nighttime fireworks for lower wait times.

When available, Extended Evening Hours are also a great option to ride Mine Train with much lower wait times. However, these special hours are only offered to guests staying at Disney Deluxe or Disney Deluxe Villas Resort (plus a couple other select hotels).

Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid

Climb aboard a clamshell and journey under the sea where you’ll see all your friends from The Little Mermaid.

Journey of the Little Mermaid is the perfect ride for all ages.

Keep in mind that there are some darker moments with Ursula, but, overall, it’s a fun attraction that tells the story of The Little Mermaid.

This attraction also has a fantastic queue that will make you feel as if you stepped inside Ariel’s world.

There’s also an interactive game in the queue featuring crabs, who are sorting Ariel’s thingamabobs. All you have to do is point out the items that don’t belong and the crabs will take them away.

Enchanted Tales with Belle

One of the most unique and newest attractions at Disney World, this attraction includes entering Maurice’s cottage and seeing characters from “Beauty and the Beast” come to life. The technology here is amazing.

We definitely recommend trying Enchanted Tales with Belle!

Not only are the special effects and animatronics amazing, but it’s an intimate experience for Disney fans, especially those who love Beauty and the Beast.

You get to hang in the iconic library from the movie and help Belle tell the story of the night she and Beast fell in love.

Even better — the experience concludes with a Belle meet and greet!

Characters

Ariel

You can meet Ariel at Ariel’s Grotto, which is directly next to Journey of the Little Mermaid (they have separate lines).

This meet and greet is perfectly themed and a great way to meet the beloved mermaid. Genie+ is also available here, meaning you can use the Lightning Lane to bypass the Standby Line.

If meeting characters is a top priority for you and you’ve paid for Genie+, this is a great option seeing as Ariel in her mermaid attire is a popular meet and greet.

Times are typically posted in the My Disney Experience app.

PhotoPass

On the bridge leading to Gaston’s Tavern, you can usually find a PhotoPass photographer.

The backdrop of your photo should be the Beast’s castle.

There is also another PhotoPass near Journey of the Little Mermaid and Ariel’s Grotto.

Don’t forget to ask for Magic Shots!

Remember: unless you have Memory Maker, Memory Maker Day One, or a PhotoPass entitlement with your Annual Pass, you will have to pay to download or print these photos.

Restrooms

These restrooms are somewhat hidden, which makes them great because they are rarely ever super busy. You can find them behind Gaston’s Tavern.

New Fantasyland Checklist

Storybook Circus

While technically part of Fantasyland, Storybook Circus seems like it’s own land.

The land is entirely circus themed thanks to a particular animated Disney movie — Dumbo!

There might not be a ton to see and do here, but there are still several fun attractions, characters, and a fantastic gift shop.

Dining

Storybook Circus isn’t know for its dining, because, well, there is none. You can find 2 snack and drink carts directly outside the entrance.

There is another cart near Pete’s Silly Sideshow.

At these cars, you can purchase your standard park snacks, like bottled beverages, popcorn, churros, and Mickey Pretzels.

If you venture inside Big Top Souvenirs, you’ll find different treats available for purchase at Big Top Treats, along with a bakery case filled with a variety of goodies.

Fun fact: sometimes you can even watch treats being made here and it’s the best!

Seating Areas

There are a couple seating areas in Storybook Circus that are great for taking a break or if you’re having a snack.

The first you’ll find outdoors near the back of the land located next to Pete’s Silly Sideshow. Many of the tables are outside with umbrellas, whereas some are underneath a roof surrounded by circus-themed items and decorations.

The other seating area is indoors at Big Top Souvenirs. There are tables scattered about for anyone to sit, take a rest, or have a snack. This is also a good location to escape the rain or heat.

Shops

Big Top Souvenirs

Big Top Souvenirs is a great gift shop and it’s can be found in Storybook Circus. Not only does it represent a circus tent, but there’s a range of merchandise to shop.

From apparel, to plushes, to Mickey ears, to hats, it’s a fun shop to explore, especially thanks to the theming.

There’s also a bakery case here (aka “Big Top Treats”), where you can purchase all kinds of Disney goodies, like cookies, candy, caramel apples, and more! If you end up getting a snack, there are tables inside here.

You can even find a portable phone charging station, where you can swap and purchase FuelRods.

Attractions

The best part about Storybook Circus’ attractions is they are all kid-friendly, but also fun for adults!

Barnstormer

A 1 1/2 minute (seriously) roller coaster for kids featuring Goofy. Although this is a coaster designed for kids, some little ones will still find it to be too intense.

The theming here is spot-on. The ride features “The Great Goofini” as he performs his world-famous aerial stunt show.

Even though it’s super short, Barnstormer is truly a fun roller coaster! It’s built for (most) little ones and is basically over before you know it.

But, it’s a great introduction to roller coasters.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Board an elephant and soar through the air. There’s also a fun play area to visit while waiting.

Dumbo is a classic Magic Kingdom attraction that you should try at least once.

You get to board a Dumbo-inspired ride vehicle that you can fly at your preferred height level. It doesn’t go super fast and is, overall, pretty tame.

There are 2 Dumbo attractions here, with one serving Genie+ users and the other for guests using Standby.

Keep in mind there is a very cute interior interactive play area prior that’s part of the Standby queue. The larger play area is for kids ages 4 to 8, with the smaller area for kids ages 1 to 3.

On busier days, you may be given a buzzer and directed to wait inside the play area until your buzzer goes off notifying that you can get back in line.

For guests with little ones, you can also choose to get out of line if they want to play for a bit and then pop back in line.

Walt Disney World Railroad

A steam train that takes guests on a loop around all of Magic Kingdom. There are 3 stops – at the end of Main Street, in Fantasyland (back by Storybook Circus), and in Frontierland between Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

The Walt Disney World Railroad has a station located in Storybook Circus in the area behind the restrooms.

We recommend everyone ride the train. It’s an iconic attraction, with great views of the park and is also a good transportation method if you want to get to one side of the park to the next.

Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station

A water play area designed to look like the train from Dumbo. Even if the water isn’t on, this is still a nice, open area to let kids run around in.

The Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station is the perfect spot for kids to run around and splash around in water.

This is even better on a hot day! There are no lines or waiting. You just come and go at your own leisure.

Keep in mind that select portions of the attraction may close during inclement weather.

Characters

Pete’s Silly Sideshow serves as a character meet and greet spot.

When available, you can meet both “Daring” and “Dashing” Disney Pals dressed as circus stars!

The nice part is you stand in one line to meet 2 characters. The sets of characters are stationed in the same tent, but on opposites sides of the tent.

If you want to meet all 4 characters, you’ll have to wait in both lines to do so.

Donald Duck

Goofy

Daisy Duck

Minnie Mouse

Remember: unless you have Memory Maker, Memory Maker Day One, or a PhotoPass entitlement with your Annual Pass, you will have to pay to download or print these photos.

Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for daily times.

Activities

Coin Press Machines

You can find a coin press machine at Big Top Souvenirs with Disney circus-themed pennies. You can buy one penny for $1 or four for $4.

Restrooms

Located in the back of Storybook Circus there is one set of restrooms.

Animal Relief Area

You can find an open outdoor relief area for guests visiting with service animals between the seating area next to Pete’s Silly Sideshow and the train.

Storybook Circus Checklist