DAPs Magic Disney Magic – Mr. DAPs
“Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy.” ― Walt Disney
Today, the Disneyland Resort expanded the world of fantasy for guests to enjoy when visiting the Disneyland Park. Fantasy Faire now offers guests the opportunity to visit the Disney royalty in their own royal hall and to experience what village life would be like in a Disney animated feature. The experience includes opportunities to visit their favorite princesses, see some of their stories, consume themed food and beverage, or even visit the local village shop.
Fantasy Faire can be found just to the left of Sleeping Beauty Castle. At first glance, it is impossible not to notice the Royal Theatre. Hear, the storytellers Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones can be found throughout the day telling the stories of Rapunzel and Belle. Check with Cast Members at Fantasy Faire for specific times and note that these times are subject to change (as was experienced during Thursday’s Annual Passholder preview). The stories are told in a comedic and musical way. The two vaudevillian storytellers are assisted by some local maidens, and a piano player. They are also joined by their story’s namesake as well.
The other main building to be found at Fantasy Faire is the Royal Hall, the new home for the Disney Princesses. The queue to enter the Royal Hall is mostly covered and has wonderful views of both Sleeping Beauty Castle and Fantasy Faire’s village square. The line moves fairly quickly outside before guests are taken, a group at a time, inside the Royal Hall to meet three Princesses. The Royal Hall and Royal Theater will be open daily until 8:00 PM or until 1 hour before fireworks are presented (whichever is first, unless posted otherwise in the Disneyland park times guide).
Upon exiting Royal Hall, guests will find themselves back in the village square. In the village square there is always something to do and see. Throughout the day, there are sporadic lessons in how to be a court jester or perhaps a coronation.
Look up and find Figaro taking a nap on the ledge next to a caged blue bird. This bird occasionally sings a little too loud and Figaro wakes up and takes a swipe or two at it before losing interest and falling back asleep. Down below, Clopin’s Music Box brings the music of The Hunchback of Notre Dame to the area as guests turn the handle to bring the music box to life with music and movement.
Fantasy Faire also has local cuisine to offer at Maurice’s Treats. Bread Twists (cheddar cheese garlic or strawberry almond) along with a Boysen Apple Freeze give guests a taste of the village. Fairytale Treasures, the local shop, offer royal apparel and souvenirs for visitors. These will also close at 8:00 PM or an hour before fireworks.
There are quite a few hidden treasures to be found throughout Fantasy Faire. There is a beautiful nod to the former Carnation Plaza Gardens. In the evening, keep an eye on Rapunzel’s tower as it comes to life with music and light. Inside of Clopin’s Music Box, Disney characters from many other classic Disney Animated Features can be found joining Clopin. Even Rapunzel’s little buddy Pascal can be found visiting Fantasy Faire.
Fantasy Faire is a charming expansion of Fantasyland. It is also offers a much needed home for the Disney royalty. Full of detail, this area offers a picturesque little nook inside of Disneyland. It also completes the area in front of the castle and offers some balance and continuity to Snow White’s Grotto on the other side of Sleeping Beauty castle.
Here is a gallery of beautiful Fantasy Faire photos taken by Richard Takenaga:
Videos were shot by @tylerepperson and @dapsmademegetit.
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