Fantasyland Update and the Closing of Snow White's Scary Adventure.

Prince Eric's Castle taken yesterday.

As I stood with a bunch of adults last August in front of Snow White's Scary Adventure, I couldn't help but feel that this was the last time I would ride the attraction.   All of us agreed to ride it--one last time--even though we were all going to be back before the end of the year, certain that it would be demolished in September when the crowds were low.  Well, it's been a long time coming, but this week Disney finally announced a closing date for SWSA:  May 31, 2012.

Disney attractions are sometimes more about sentimentality than the ride itself. Even the most diehard fan could walk into SWSA and remark at how tired and old it looks:  The cutout figures, the bumpy, track, the uninspired ride vehicles.  Despite an extensive refurbishment, it always looked a bit shabby compared to the rest of the attractions in the park, little more than a  pretty carnival ride.  But tell that to the mom who watched her princess-obsessed 4-year old wave at Snow White at the end--and who rode it five times in a row.  For her, those sweet memories come back every time she visits, even though her little girl now has children of her own.

Storybook Circus Tents.

But, out with the old, in with the new, right? There's a whole new section of Fantasyland that's due to open this year and I can't wait to see it. Here's the latest news and rumors:

• Rumors abound that SWSA will not close until Journey of the Little Mermaid opens. If this is true, then this adds some credence to what I was told in December, that the attraction will open before the summer season begins.  Unfortunately, most sources are saying late summer or early fall. I've been pretty firm in my belief that the Little Mermaid will open in May, but the fact that other Fantasyland expansion projects have been delayed is making me doubt that now.
• From the official Disney Parks Blog, one Dumbo spinner, the Great Goofini, and the train station will be open in late March. There are rumors of a soft opening starting in mid-March, but everything is pretty fluid right now.  Remember that Dumbo was supposed to open in February and then that date was moved to early March. 
• The Big Top canvas is up. Check out this fantastic picture from back stage.

News is pretty sparse this week and looking at the pictures above, I'm dubious as to whether or not I'll be riding Dumbo when I go down in late March.  What do you think? If you're visiting for Spring Break, do you think any of the Storybook Circus attractions will be open?