Disney’s answer to the Wizarding World? “New Fantasyland” review and comparison

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On December 6, Disney World’s largest ever theme park expansion, called New Fantasyland, will open to the public inside Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida. The expansion is also Disney’s first Florida expansion since the opening of rival Universal Studios’ Wizarding World of Harry Potter in June, 2010. As a result, we could not help but wonder what similarities and differences the two parks may have in common.

Due to a series of “dress rehearsals” preceding “Passholder Preview Days” which precede a “soft open” about a month before the actual public opening, Magic Kingdom park guests have already been allowed into the park. One of those guests, concerned Potter fan and casual MuggleNet correspondent Hilary K., has composed an essay comparing New Fantasyland to the Wizarding World theme park with a good amount of detail and plenty of angles considered.

Perhaps most similar to the Wizarding World is New Fantasyland’s unique beverage, “LeFou’s Brew” – which likely seeks to combat Butterbeer. Instead of Hogwarts, New Fantasyland includes two new castles, Prince Eric’s (from The Little Mermaid) and Beast’s Castle (from Beauty and the Beast). Also, a variety of actors seem dedicated to preserving the magic of the environment within each section of the park.

Be sure to check out Hilary’s detailed review, complete with pictures! If the subject continues to interest, we’ve also found two additional park comparisons thus far, one by This Florida Life and the other on Disney’s Tourist Blog. Thanks to Hilary for the great insight!

Eric S.

Eric Scull joined MuggleNet in November of 2002. Since that time, he’s presided over a number of sections, including name origins and Dear Hogwarts, but none so long as the recently revived Crazy Caption Contest. Eric is a Hufflepuff who lives in Chicago and loves the outdoors.