Katie McGonagle finds her inner Snow White on Walt Disney World’s newest ride
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Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to work we go – except in this case, work meant getting to be one of the first people to test out the latest addition to Disney’s Orlando park, Magic Kingdom. (Working in the travel industry has its upsides, doesn’t it?)
And while my rollercoaster rule is usually the faster, the better – and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train has its share of wind-in-your-hair moments – taking it slow can be just as rewarding.
That’s because the latest-generation audio-animatronics that bring those seven little dwarfs to life are so utterly enchanting that every ride reveals even more magical detail within its carefully-crafted scenes, proving this final piece of New Fantasyland is a real gem.
Stay on track
First things first – anyone who’s been to a theme park in peak season knows the precursor to any new ride is a rather long queue. Fear not – the Disney imagineers (ride designers, to you and me) have built in gem-sorting games and a colourful fountain that plays music as you run your hands through the water to keep kids amused while they wait.
Once visitors reach the ride itself, they’ll find a five-car coaster designed to look like the rickety wooden train in original Disney film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, with each car seating four people across two rows.
Those cars rock gently from side to side as the track twists through the dark mine, then burst into action as the coaster heads outdoors for some scream-worthy spills. It’s not going to set adrenaline-seekers’ hearts racing, but it’s just the right thrill level for its young core audience, plus those outdoor sections offer amazing views over New Fantasyland and Cinderella Castle.
The train slows to a gentle chug as it heads back into the mine, where there’s even more to discover – think pickaxe-wielding dwarfs digging for red, green and amber gems; dwarf-shaped shadows bouncing across the wall as their familiar tune whistles through the air; and a suspicious-looking old hag knocking at the door of Snow White’s cottage while she dances away inside.
This kind of family ride is what Disney does best, bringing its old classics back to life for a new generation of fairytale fans.
New tricks
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, which opened this summer, is the final stage in the development of New Fantasyland, the biggest expansion in the 43-year history of the Magic Kingdom.
Adjacent to the existing Fantasyland, this new area comprises the Enchanted Forest and Storybook Circus and plays on some of Disney’s most enduring characters.
As well as being home to the newest rollercoaster, the Enchanted Forest boasts Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid, a whimsical ride through an underwater world with clever laugh-out-loud moments along the way. There’s also Princess Fairytale Hall, where would-be princesses can meet their favourite characters; Beauty and the Beast-themed Enchanted Tales with Belle, plus Gaston’s Tavern for a quick pitstop or a new Be Our Guest Restaurant offering food fit for a princess each evening.
Over in Storybook Circus, expect rides devoted to old favourites Dumbo, Goofy and Minnie Mouse, plus a splash ‘n’ soak water park and the Fantasyland Train Station with its own antique steam train.
Beauty parade
I’ve never been a big parade fan (I usually use it as a chance to skip ride queues while it’s quiet), but the new Festival of Fantasy Parade was enough to convince me.
The spectacular show debuted earlier this year mixing new Disney and Pixar favourites such as Anna and Elsa from Frozen and the Celtic cast of Brave with classic characters from Captain Hook to the Mad Hatter.
But the most impressive feat of engineering is without doubt the 26ft-high fire-breathing dragon Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty, which bends to the ground before soaring to its full height for a burst of flame – one to get the camera ready for.
MyMagic+
What is it? MyMagic+ is a new tool that lets clients customise their Disney break. Log onto MyDisneyExperience.com or the free mobile app a month in advance (60 days for those staying in Disney resorts) to plan a visit, choose FastPass+ attractions such as rides, character meet-and-greets or parade places, and make restaurant reservations. Disney has doubled the number of FastPass+ attractions and has seen a 40% jump in the number of guests using the service.
What’s next? When they arrive, guests will get a MagicBand wristband or keycard that they scan to enter the parks, redeem FastPass+ times and keep track of extras such as PhotoPass pictures. If they’re staying at a Disney resort, it’s also their room key and can be linked to a credit card for purchases on the move.
Can I change my itinerary? The mobile app lets guests add and amend FastPass+ times on the day, and has interactive park maps with details of the nearest rides and wait times. There are also kiosks around the parks.
How does it work? The MagicBand contains a patented radio frequency-enabled chip and any purchases must be confirmed with a pin number. How much is it? It’s free.
Where can I learn more? Take the Disney training at disneytravelagents.co.uk
Tried and tested
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
This wilderness-themed hotel might be modelled on the rustic log cabins of the country’s national parks, but in true American style, bigger is most definitely better here. It’s lined with enormous wooden logs, towering totem poles and even has a stream running through the lobby – but without any hint of roughing it.
It’s as family-friendly as could be, with its spacious rooms – available with a king bed, two queens, or a queen and bunk beds – relaxed cafes, and unpretentious fine-dining restaurant Artist Point, serving up hearty portions of steak, cedar-plank roasted salmon and berry cobbler.
Access to the parks is easy, with a free water taxi or bus to Magic Kingdom, but it’s worth noting for last-minute travellers that the main pool is being refurbished until November.
Book it: Virgin Holidays offers seven nights’ room-only at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge during the Easter holidays from £2,089 per adult and £919 per child based on a family of four sharing a wood view room with car hire and Virgin Atlantic flights from Gatwick to Orlando departing April 8. Add Disney’s seven-day Ultimate Ticket from £285 per adult and £269 per child.
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