Storybook Circus soft opening

Yesterday there was a soft opening for the Storybook Circus section of the new Fantasyland expansion.  You can see some great photos of the details in the new areas over at All Ears.  I'd just like to highlight this photo from them.  I think you can guess why.

Some bits from the D23 Expo

Where am I not this weekend? At the D23 Expo. It sounds like not a whole lot was announced though, but a couple of video things have been popping up, two of which make me happy.

First, a preview of the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Coaster.

It's...exactly what I expected from their first announcement. It does look like it may have some great views of Fantasyland. The preview actually reminds me a bit of Splash Mountain with the combo of outdoor views and indoor scenes. I do hope that some of those indoor scenes include either some of the scenes from the current Snow White's Adventures, or at least some sort of shout out.  I'm excited for this ride though and the whole Fantasyland expansion as it really was time for a facelift.

The second video (pointed out to me by Mr. Erin Snyder - go read his stuff) just makes me happy. It's part of a tribute to Jim Henson who was named a Disney Legend this week.  To that  I say, why wasn't he already? But, this video makes me smile and although bittersweet, I am pleased to see that Rowlf has found his voice again.

Fantasyland Expansion Renderings

The Disney Parks Blog just released some new artist renderings of three sections of the Fantasyland expansion currently underway.  You can find the whole post here. 

I am most excited about the first of these images. Although the second that appears to be the return/update of Storytime with Belle is exciting for the pure personal reason that I've never managed to see that show.

The first image of the new Be Our Guest restaurant intrigues me because of the little Lumiere on the cart in the corner.

 I haven't heard anyone say this is a possibility but I immediately thought of the Remy animatronic that interacts with guests at Chefs De France in Epcot.  Remy is brought around to tables and interacts as you can see below.  

I unfortunately haven't had the opportunity to see the Remy animatronic first hand but from what I've heard he's been a fun addition so it wouldn't surprise me if something similar were maybe in the works. Mind you this is all my own speculation. I am though extremely curious how this restaurant which from the renderings seems geared toward an elegant experience will work if it is still as previously announced going to be counter service during the day and table service in the evening.  Not of course that I wouldn't like to eat my counter service meal in a nice location mind you, but it does seem a tad odd to think of munching a burger and fries in an opulent ball room setting.

But Disney if you are listening and it really is as ball room like as it appears in the picture, how about a special dinner and dance event sometime?