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New Fantasyland Opens for Dress Rehersal, Little Mermaid Queue and Ride, Gaston’s Tavern, Be Our Guest Restaurant Plus Country Bear Jamboree Re-Opens – Photos and Video

Hi everyone!

New Fantasyland opened for previews last Friday! We had known about the upcoming preview for days, but we were in Pittsburgh until Saturday – we are very happy that our friends Daniel and Corinne Andersson shot footage for us!  You can see the video below the photos, they were the very first guests in line, and the very first guests to enter New Fantasyland. We did make it into this area after the Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic on Saturday – tired from our flight, but excited to see the expansion for ourselves. I think we’ve been there 4 times now! We never waited long for Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid (below, left). The longest wait was 20 minutes, but it was more often than not that we walked right on. The Mermaid queue is detailed and exquisite, and there is no way to take a bad photo here (below, right).

At the entrance, a boat has run aground (below, left). Waterfalls are part of the landscaping in the queue, which is as much an attraction as the ride (below, right). I did notice some of the background music was the same songs that played in the former 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction that was previously located here.

Look down, and you can see beautiful shells in the walkway (below, left). There is a tribute to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea in the queue (below, right). You’ll see it off to the left hand side, by looking down – just before you go inside.

Scuttle is not only in the ride, but he talks in the queue (below, left). It is a terrific animatronic, it reminds me of Mr. Potato Head in Toy Story Mania – except of course, as Denise says, he isn’t a potato. 🙂 The queue has some interactive elements that didn’t seem to work much while we were there. If you read the signs on the way into the queue, you’ll see that this crab is supposed to interact (below, right).

Clam shells make their way to us, so that we can get on the ride (below, left). Scuttle sits with his accordion before guests head “under the sea” (below, right).

The ride is very similar to the one in California (below, left), with a few small changes. One of the differences is that there is no Mr. Limpet in the Florida version. I also felt like the car movement wasn’t exactly the same. Ariel’s hair (below, right) was changed recently in California, from the ice cream swirl-look to this more natural hairdo that is also in the Fantasyland version (below, right).

Ursula looks in her crystal ball (below, left), but soon is defeated. Ariel and Prince Eric (below, right) wave to guests as the clam shells glide by.

Video #1 – New Fantasyland POV By First Guests Ever to Enter 10/12/12 – Gaston, Imagineers, Mermaid Queue – This video is taken by the very first guests who entered the New Fantasyland on the first preview day, October 12th! Thanks to Daniel and Corinne Andersson for sharing the exciting footage. You’ll see the plants rolled away as New Fantasyland opened to guests! Imagineers (some taking photos), Cast Members and Gaston wave as guests walk in, and you can see what it’s like to be the first guests to walk from the entrance and through the queue of Under the Sea, Voyage of the Little Mermaid! Currently, New Fantasyland is having a “Dress Rehearsal”, but it’s been open for the last few days.

Ariel’s Grotto is also beautifully designed (below, left). Ariel has her fins in the Grotto (below, right). This photo was taken on the night we arrived back from Pittsburgh – and we’d just been to the Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic. We were both really tired!

Video #2 – Ariel’s Grotto Meet and Greet Opening Day, New Fantasyland Walt Disney World, Little Mermaid Ariel – Ariel now has her own grotto in New Fantasyland! Our friends Daniel and Corinne Andersson were there to film Ariel’s first day in her new meet-and-greet home (she was quite talkative). New Fantasyland is having a “Dress Rehearsal”, but it’s been open for the last few days.

Gaston greeted us in front of his tavern (below, left). We had discovered the fountain (below, right) a few months back from our visits to the Pooh queue to photograph this area, but now the whole fountain is visible!

I tried the Roasted Pork Shank at Gaston’s Tavern (below, left). The portion size is small for $7.99, and I’d have liked some sauce – but it did have a good flavor. I think I like LeFou’s Brew (below, right) better than Denise does. She loves frozen Butterbeer at Islands of Adventure, but is just so-so on this.

Two Cast Members lift the souvenir cups (below, left) as we ordered a drink. Gaston’s Tavern was never too crowded when we were there, this photo (below, right) was taken later in the evening.

Here is a photo of the Pork Shank (below, left), and my frothy LeFou’s Brew (below, right) in a souvenir cup.

Video #3 – Gaston’s Tavern in New Fantasyland, Gaston Meet & Greet – Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World – Here is a look at the new Gaston’s Tavern in New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom! Gaston greets us before we venture inside (he seems to have used antlers in all of his decorating) plus Le Fou’s Brew and more! New Fantasyland is having a “Dress Rehearsal”, but it’s been open for the last few days.

We also had the opportunity – several times – to check out the lobby of Be Our Guest Restaurant (below, left). Again, everything is highly detailed! Belle and her prince are featured in this beautiful mosaic inside the lobby (below, right).

Guests entering Be Our Guest will not only be treated to lavish design outside, but inside as well (below, left). The Mysterious West Wing of Be Our Guest is currently closed to guests (below, right), but you can see the suits of armor lining the walls.

Cherubs grace the ceiling of the ballroom (below, left), which is visible from the lobby. Gently falling snow can be seen outside of the windows (below, right). The meal price here is moderate compared with other sit-down restaurants, we are looking forward to trying it out next month!

A couple of months back, we showed you some of the outside of Be Our Guest restaurant. Now we have the full picture (below, left). There are so many photo opportunities in New Fantasyland, we love the gargoyles that flank the walkway to Be Our Guest (below, right).

Video #4 – Be Our Guest Restaurant Detailed Tour – Exterior, Lobby, Ballroom – New Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom – Be Our Guest Restaurant is not yet open for full viewing, but the Exterior and Lobby  have been available for guests to view during New Fantasyland previews! This area also allows for an expansive look into the gorgeous ballroom!

The Country Bear Jamboree closed for refurbishment a couple of months back, and is now re-opened with some major changes (below, left). The sound is great, it’s nice to see the bears get some TLC as well. But, there were some pretty big cuts in the show, including the removal of “Devilish Mary“, check out this clip to see some of the removed bits. Liver Lips McGrowl (below, right) now is sporting some pretty wild hair!

The “Little Buford” segment is still in the show (below, left), we were actually not expecting that song to make the cut. Everything does look fresh (below, right), but it was a disappointment to see some jokes and songs removed from the show.

Video #5 – Country Bear Jamboree New Revised Version 10/17/12 Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World – Today the Country Bear Jamboree at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom reopened after a recent refurbishment. The show was tightened and cut by over 4 minutes, Bears were given new fur and costumes updated. Check out this clip for a few of the bits that were removed including Devilish Mary!

For many more great photos, please check out MouseSteps latest update HERE!

All-New: Halloween at Walt Disney World (Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2012) – Available Now:

Jeff Lange’s Trick or Treat 9 (Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2012)

Jeff Lange presents this all-new DVD from the 2012 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World!

Featuring: Not So Scary Entrance Scenes, Trick-or-Treat Trails, The Headless Horseman, Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, Happy HalloWishes Fireworks, Villains Dance Mix and Mingle, Not So Scary Party Scenes, Haunted Mansion at Midnight and more!

Running Time: 66 min

For more information

or to purchase this item,

please click HERE.

Also available: Trick or Treat vol 1 – 8 (Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Parties 2003-2011) – Click HERE

Halloween Time at Disneyland (Mickey’s Halloween Party)

Jeff Lange’s Disneyland Trick or Treat (Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland)

Jeff Lange presents this all-new DVD from the 2010 Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland!

Featuring: Spooky Halloween Party Scenes, Snow White’s Scary Adventures, Mickey’s Costume Party Cavalcade, Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy, Halloween Screams – A Villainous Surprise in the Skies Fireworks, Haunted Mansion Holiday and more!

Running Time: 66 min

For more information

or to purchase this item,

please click HERE.

Also available: Halloween Titles (Including Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Parties 2003-2011) – Click HERE

All-New Release – Journey Into Imagination with Original Dreamfinder Ron Schneider: Exclusive Signed Edition

Journey Into Imagination with Original Dreamfinder Ron Schneider: Exclusive Signed Edition

Join Ron Schneider as he chronicles his journey from the early days of Disneyland to his years at EPCOT Center’s Journey Into Imagination – including a previously unreleased ride-through of the classic original attraction!

The Ron Schneider Story (2012) – Ron shares in exciting detail the creative challenges he faced in bringing EPCOT Center’s only characters to vivid life. Anyone who’s a fan of Disney theme parks – or has ever held the dream of performing for an audience of millions – will enjoy these behind-the-scenes tales, told by a talented storyteller and theme park legend.

Journey Into Imagination with Commentary by Ron Schneider (1997) Ron offers up his thoughts and remembrances while you watch this never-before-seen footage from the original Journey Into Imagination!

Journey Into Imagination (1997) Enjoy this previously unreleased 1997 ride-through of the classic Journey Into Imagination. This version features the exterior, queue and complete ride including all of your favorite original scenes with Dreamfinder and Figment!

Running Time: 70 Min

For more information or to purchase this item, please click HERE.

Also available: Jeff Lange Remembers: Epcot’s Journey Into Imagination Collectors Edition 2-Disc Set

Celebrate Spring – Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2012:

Jeff Lange Experiences: Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival 2012

Celebrate spring at one of Disney’s most anticipated events of the year: The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2012.

Experience these unique panoramic displays throughout Epcot’s Future World and all around World Showcase!

Running Time: 64 Min

For more information

or to purchase this item,

please click HERE.

Also available: Jeff Lange Experiences: Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival 2011, Jeff Lange Experiences: Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival 2010, Jeff Lange Experiences: Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival 2009, Jeff Lange Experiences: Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival 2008

All New – The Very Best of Disney’s Nighttime Fireworks Spectaculars!

Jeff Lange Presents: Walt Disney World Nighttime Fireworks Spectaculars

Jeff Lange takes you to Walt Disney World to experience the very best of Disney’s Nighttime Fireworks Spectaculars!

Featuring: Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky, Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams – 40th Anniversary Special Edition, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, Let There Be Peace on Earth Finale, Fantasy in the Sky New Years Eve Fireworks and BONUS: The Magic, The Memories, and You! (Romance Segment).

Running Time: 66 min

For more information or

to purchase this item,

please click HERE.

Remember Christmas: Holiday Treat 2011 DVD – Available Now:

Jeff Lange’s Holiday Treat 2011 (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2011)

Seasons Greetings from Jeff Lange! Celebrate the holidays with this new DVD featuring the 2011 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Walt Disney World.

Features yearly favorites such as: “Cinderella’s Holiday Wish (Castle Lighting)“, “Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade“, The Magic, The Memories and You! (Holiday Segment),Holiday Wishes Fireworks – Celebrate the Spirit of the Season“, “Celebrate the Season Show“, Very Merry Party Scenes, and much more!

Running Time: 66 min

For more information or

to purchase this item,

please click HERE.

Also available

Jeff Lange’s Magic Kingdom Summertime 2011

Celebrate the summer of 2011 in style, as Jeff Lange brings you the newest offerings from Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom!

Featuring the following 2011 summertime favorites: Entrance Scenes, Haunted Mansion Interactive Queue, Haunted Mansion Ride, Snow White’s Scary Adventures, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Magic, The Memories, and You! plus BONUS: Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky Fireworks Spectacular !

Running Time: 66 min

For more information or

to purchase this item,

please click HERE.

Also available: Jeff Lange’s Magic Kingdom Summertime 2010 (Featuring SpectroMagic, Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Show, Main Street Electrical Parade and more!)

Recent Releases – Frontierland Classics, Adventureland Classics and Liberty Square Classics:

Jeff Lange Remembers: Frontierland Classics

Take a trip back in time to experience classic Walt Disney World “Frontierland” attractions. This fifth volume in the series features the following: Splash Mountain (1992), Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade (2006), Country Bear Jamboree (1992), Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (1997), Tom Sawyer Island (2006) and more!

Running Time: 65 min

For more information or

to purchase this item,

please click HERE.

Also available: Jeff Lange Remembers: Fantasyland Classics

Also available

Jeff Lange Remembers: Adventureland Classics

Take a trip back in time to experience classic Walt Disney World “Adventureland” attractions. This fourth volume in the series features the following: Adventureland Tour (1992-1997), Jungle Cruise (1993), Enchanted Tiki Birds Tropical Serenade (1992), Pirates of the Caribbean (original version including Barker Bird 1992), Pirates of the Caribbean (1997) and more!

Running Time: 66 min

For more information or

to purchase this item,

please click HERE.

Also available

Jeff Lange Remembers: Liberty Square Classics

Take a trip back in time to experience classic Walt Disney World “Liberty Square” attractions. This third volume in the series features the following: The Hall of Presidents (Original Version – 1993), Mike Fink Keel Boats (opening day attraction – 1992), Haunted Mansion (original version – 1992), Haunted Mansion Bonus Ride (my final recording of the original version with some special surprises – 2006)!

Running Time: 66 min

For more information or

to purchase this item,

please click HERE.

Also available: Jeff Lange Remembers: Tomorrowland Classics

Epcot Center Historical DVDs – Available Now:

For fans of classic Epcot Center, I present my Epcot Center Historical Collection!

Click on any cover for more information

Walt Disney World Vintage Footage:

Jeff Lange DVD Presents: Bob Welbaum’s Walt Disney World 1986 DVD

 

Jeff Lange turns back the clock to 1986, where you will experience Walt Disney World through the eyes of Disneyana documentarian Bob Welbaum. This incredible vintage footage includes select narration from Mr. Welbaum, who shot this video before recording was commonplace.

Walt Disney World 1986 contains clips from the following: Walt Disney World Resorts, Original Disney Shopping Village, Epcot Center, Discovery Island, Magic Kingdom, Seven Seas Lagoon and much more!

Running Time: 65 Min

For more information

or to purchase this item, please click HERE.

Also available: Jeff Lange Remembers: Fantasyland Classics and Jeff Lange Remembers: Tomorrowland Classics

Disneyland Vintage Footage (5 Volumes Available):

Jeff Lange Remembers Disneyland Classics Vol 5

Jeff Lange takes you on a trip back in time to experience classic Disneyland attractions. This fifth volume in the series features the following:

Aladdin’s Royal Caravan (1993), Disneyland Railroad(1992) including the burning settlers cabin, Big Thunder Ranch and more, Beauty and the Beast Show (1993),Pinocchio’s Daring Journey (1993), Alice in Wonderland (1993) andFantasy in the Sky Fireworks (1993)!

Running Time: 66 Min

For more information or to purchase this item,

please click HERE.

Also available: Jeff Lange Remembers: Disneyland Classics Volume 1 – 4.

Click here to browse the JeffLangeDVD store.

As always, if you want to request a future DVD idea, Photo Memory topic or comment on anything, just drop me a line at suggestions@JeffLangeDVD.com.