New Fantasyland Update – Vertical Construction on Mine Train Coaster has Begun

Popped into the Magic Kingdom for a late afternoon stroll and was surprised to see how much work has progressed in the last two weeks. Not only has the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster gone vertical, but lots of little details have been added to the already detail rich Storybook Circus area. Let’s go see, shall we:

Here’s some of the vertical infrastructure going up for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Note how tall it is and there isn’t even a show building yet.

Here’s another show showing how tall the show building will be. Much of the view of New Fantasyland we’re used to will be blocked by the mine train ride.

Work continues on the exterior of Gaston’s Village.

They’re also doing some cosmetic surgery on one of the towers at Prince Eric’s castle. Apparently they did not learn the lesson of the Little Mermaid VHS cover and it was judged to be too phallic in appearance.

On the far left of the expansion, they’ve started to hide some of the backstage areas with nice rock work.

Jumping to Storybook Circus the water play area themed to Casey Junior is coming along nicely. Might be open in time for summer. Also much more of the smaller red tent is covered. Still find it ironic that the 2 temporary structures of Toon Town Fair remain while the rest was replaced.

Speaking of old Town Town, the water tower and utility buildings at the train station have been repainted to match Carolwood Park colors. But it is another remnant.

More details have been added to the train station exit area. I like these water barrels with the elephant names from Dumbo, including Dumbo.

A few more details added to the suitcases and trunks too.

Great tie-ins to other Disney properties.

I’m pretty sure this is a tribute to Bongo. Does anyone else recall that his stage name was Red?

That’s it for this brief update. I hope to have more next week. Which detail do you like the most?