[Update, September 17 2020] Good news, Disney fans. There will be a host of new openings at Tokyo Disneyland next week. The highly anticipated park extension, New Fantasyland, will finally open on September 28. At this section themed after ‘Beauty and the Beast’, you’ll find a faithful re-creation of the fairy tale castle and village as well as the new ride Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast. The indoor Fantasyland Forest Theatre, however, will remain closed until further notice.
There’s more: a new Baymax-themed attraction and a popcorn speciality shop will also open concurrently on the same day in the theme park’s Tomorrowland, along with the new Minnie’s Style Studio in Toontown. Do note that you must make a reservation with the Tokyo Disney Resort App (we recommend the Japanese app, as some functions are not available in the English version) upon entering the park to enjoy these new additions.
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[Update, July 13] Due to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, Tokyo Disneyland was temporarily closed from February 29 until June 30. The park reopened on July 1, but the opening of its latest extension, New Fantasyland, has been postponed until further notice.
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[February 10 2020] Despite the rise in ticket prices, Disney fans have every reason to be happy this year, as Tokyo Disneyland’s latest extension ‘New Fantasyland’ is scheduled to open on April 15. While the new area is themed on the Disney classic ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (1991), visitors can look forward to new additions in ‘Tomorrowland’ and ‘Toontown’ too.
‘New Fantasyland’ is a faithful recreation of Belle’s village. Maurice’s Cottage marks the entrance to the magical world, where you can collect a fastpass for the main attraction inside the new section – more on that later.
The on-site restaurant in the village is based on Gaston’s tavern, while one of the three souvenir shops is inspired by the bookstore that Belle visits. Each venue plays well-known songs from the film, making you feel like you’ve walked into the story.
Make your way through the lush forest and you’ll reach the massive 30-metre tall Beauty and the Beast Castle overlooking ‘New Fantasyland’.
Inside the castle is the all-important new ride, ‘Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast’, where you’ll be seated in cup-like vehicles that take you through key scenes from the movie – all while moving in time to the famous film score. It’s being billed as a perfect place for couples since the ride is, surprisingly, the first attraction at Disneyland to focus on a love story.
Back out in the dense forest of ‘New Fantasyland’, keep an ear out for some musical entertainment by Mickey and his friends at the large indoor ‘Fantasyland Forest Theatre’.
Meanwhile, two new additions are also popping up in ‘Tomorrowland’. The ‘Baymax Happy Ride’ features the cute white inflatable robot from the animated movie ‘Big Hero 6’ (2014), and is the first ride inspired by the film at any Disneyland worldwide.
Right next to the new ride is the space-themed ‘Big Pop’ – the first store dedicated to Tokyo Disneyland’s famous flavoured popcorn. Inside is a massive popcorn-themed chandelier resembling the Big Bang, the explosion that occurred at the beginning of the universe. The store offers three new flavours – cookie cream, caramel and cheese, and strawberry milk.
Over in ‘Toontown’, you’ll find ‘Minnie’s Style Studio’, where Minnie Mouse designs, creates and takes photos of her handmade costumes. Inside, you can also take a glimpse into her office, where she comes up with designs, or into the room where all her costumes are made. After braving the inevitable queue of adoring Minnie fans, you’ll finally be able to take a photo with Minnie herself, who will be dressed in a different outfit every season.
For more information about Tokyo Disney Resort, check the official website.