Japan: First “The Beauty and the Beast“ Dark Ride to Open at Tokyo Disney Resort

As part of Tokyo Disney Resort‘s park expansion plans revealed in summer 2018, new attractions had been announced for the “Fantasyland“, “Toontown“ and “Tomorrowland“ theme areas (see EAP 3/2018 & EAP-News of 15 June 2018). Today saw the official announcement that some of these attractions will open on September 28th. The original opening date was scheduled for April 15th, but had to be postponed due to the spreading Covid-19 pandemic.

The highlight of the new visitor experiences will be the “Beauty and the Beast“ themed area, located in Fantasyland and dedicated to the 1991 Disney cartoon. Here, the new highlight will be the “The Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast“ dark ride, which will be located in the 30-metre high replica of the Beast’s castle. For the eight-minute theme ride, up to ten guests board a wagon designed as a teacup and start their “dancing“ ride through various scenes of the film as the cups twist and turn. The ride will feature the original soundtrack. Scenes were equipped with digital effects as well as with “Belle“ and “Beast“ animatronics. Furthermore, visitors will immerse themselves in the life of the small French village in the new themed area and explore the market place, “La Taverne de Gaston“ or “Maurice's Cottage“.

Another new feature of Fantasyland will be the “Fantasyland Forest Theater“, which will be used for the live entertainment programme of the area and can accommodate up to 1,500 guests. In the Tomorrowland area, the new “The Happy Ride with Baymax“ rotating ride will also open. In addition, “Minnie's Style Studio“ located in the Toontown area will create a new character experience with Minnie Mouse. (eap)