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One Disney Park is constructing its second princess castle, and guests will finally be able to experience the new royal abode in June 2024.
Credit: Avel Chuklanov, Unsplash
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Disney Loves Castles
Everybody loves Disney castles, and Disney Parks around the world are known for the beautiful castles that stand as beacons, welcoming guests to enter and embrace all the magic the parks have to offer. Each magnificent Disney park castle serves as an iconic symbol of a beloved princess and her story, as well as a symbol of childhood wonder, fantasy, imagination, and dreams coming true.
The construction of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland/Credit: Disney Parks
The tradition of constructing a fairy tale castle at Disney’s theme parks began in the early 1950s when Walt Disney and his Imagineers began dreaming about what Walt’s new theme park might look like.
By the time Disneyland was being designed, Walt Disney’s studio had only released two princess-themed feature-length animated films: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and Cinderella (1950), but the studio had begun production on a third film–Sleeping Beauty, which was released in 1959, four years after Disneyland opened.
Perhaps that’s why Walt decided to build Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland.
Credit: Walt Disney Animation
Related: According to Experts: Fifth Theme Park to Be Constructed at Disney World
In 1971, the Walt Disney World Resort opened to guests who were treated to the majestic spectacle of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park, which stood more than twice as tall as Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland.
Credit: Disney Parks
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Since that time, each new Disney Parks resort that has been created–Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disney Resort, which includes Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disneyland–has opened to guests with a beautiful Disney castle that serves as the icon or symbol for that park.
Now, however, one Disney Resort is building its second castle, and it’s unlike any other Disney Parks castle ever built.
Fantasy Springs
The Fantasy Springs expansion at Tokyo Disney Resort is a $2 billion undertaking by Disney Parks, and once it’s finished, the new area will be absolutely breathtaking.
Credit: Disney Parks
Set to open to guests in June 2024, the new area will include attractions and restaurants inspired by Disney’s Tangled (2010), Frozen (2013), and Peter Pan (1953). The premise behind the new expansion is magical springs that lead to a world of pure magic–of Disney fantasy.
Fantasy Springs will serve as the eighth themed port of Tokyo DisneySea and will feature three spectacular areas, including Rapunzel’s Forest, Peter Pan’s Never Land, and Frozen Kingdom.
A tower stands in Rapunzel’s Forest where the long-haired princess, Rapunzel, has lived since she was a child. Here, you can experience Rapunzel’s “best day ever” at Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival attraction, where Rapunzel falls in love with Flynn Rider on a romantic boat ride to the annual Lantern Festival. When a hungry stomach comes calling after this love-filled adventure, enjoy a meal at The Snuggly Duckling restaurant, reminiscent of the establishment by the same name from the film, in a variety of atmospheric dining areas.
Credit: Disney Parks
Adventures await throughout Peter Pan’s Never Land, where guests can explore a pirate ship, dine in a secret hideaway, or encounter pirates. Experience Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure, join the Lost Kids as they explore Never Land with Peter Pan and Tinker Bell as well as help rescue John from Captain Hook. Elsewhere, guests can help Tinker Bell deliver parcels and packages to the four seasonal areas of Pixie Hollow on the Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies attraction.
Credit: Disney Parks
Dine like the Lost Kids at Lookout Cookout, which is also their hideout! Made from found objects and shipwrecked parts, not only can you enjoy delicious food but also beautiful views of Never Land.
Frozen Kingdom
But perhaps the most beautiful part of the Fantasy Springs expansion will be Frozen Kingdom, inspired by Disney’s blockbuster 2013 film Frozen.
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort
The themed area is set after the events of the 2013 film, at which time the kingdom is a place of happiness, and Queen Elsa has finally embraced the magic within her. There will be various offerings for guests, including Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey and the Royal Banquet of Arendelle restaurant, which will feature scenic vistas of the fjord cliffs and mountains in the distance.
Credit: Disney Parks
In the distance, there will also be a brand-new castle- Elsa’s castle on the North Mountain, which is currently under construction.
Imagineers survey the area around the North Mountain/Credit: Disney Parks
Credit: Disney Parks
Related: Opening Day Announced For NEW Fantasy Springs
The new Fantasy Springs expansion will open to guests beginning in June 2024!
There is a difference between LIAR and LAIR.
Ok but will guests be able to visit the castle, or is it just a facade in the background?
What about a Villain themed castle?