Let me set the scene.

I’m in Epcot with my wife. I overhear someone say that the new Little Mermaid ride is open in the Magic Kingdom. I say to my wife, “We’re going to the Magic Kingdom. RIGHT NOW!”. On our way to the monorail, I get a call from a friend who asks where I am. I tell him I’m heading to the Magic Kingdom, to which he replies, “Oh, I heard the New Fantasyland was open today”. ! The monorail never moved more slowly. I was literally jumping up and down with excitement. Could it be true?

Upon entering the Magic Kingdom, I walked, not ran, as that’s a no-no, but I walked very quickly, stopping every now and again to see how far back I’d left my wife. Finally, we got to Fantasyland where I was greeted by this sign…

  

We’d had the great fortune to see “Enchanted Tales with Belle” earlier in the week, so went by that reluctantly, (yes, it’s that good), and made our way up the lane.

We passed the one unopened part, besides the 7 Dwarves Mine Train ride, which is still under construction, which is the soon to be opened “Be Our Guest Restaurant”, and snapped some pictures.
This looks like it will be spectacular!

 

 Beautiful landscaping.

 

Then, walked down into a little town, a quite village…

 

… which today was not so quiet!

Gaston’s statue. A tribute to Gaston. From Gaston.

This in front of his tavern. Gaston’s Tavern, of course.

 

Let’s go inside.
The menus.

 A LeFou’s Brew,  which is “no-sugar added frozen apple juice with a hint of toasted marshmallow, topped with all-natural passion fruit-mango foam”. It wasn’t bad, a bit too sweet for my wife.

There was no seating available inside, so I headed outside, to enjoy my pork shank.
Half a pig is more like it, because that’s how Gaston rolls!
It is as big as, and much better tasting than a turkey leg, and a couple dollars cheaper to boot!

 I love the water pump/water fountains. Nice touch.

There are many items for the princess.

There is also more upscale items such as china.

There is even Cinderella Castle merchandise.

 

Then a little further to the right, is “Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid“.

There is also a meet and greet for the Little Mermaid nearby, called Ariel’s Grotto.

For a closer look inside “Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid“, please stop back soon!

Nick the Disney Devo is a frequent contributor to the Disleelandia Blog: http://disneyatdisleelandiablog.blogspot.com/