This is an entry for “Fantasyland” in our Disneyland 101 Glossary: Disneyland Resort definitions in under 101 words, from Mouse Brief. For a longer and more in-depth look at Fantasyland in Disneyland Park, please explore our full guide here: Featuring Fantasyland at Disneyland Park: Highlights, Tips & FAQs.
The fairytale-themed portion of Disneyland Park is called Fantasyland. The land starts around Sleeping Beauty Castle and extends back to “it’s a small world.” Fantasyland is densely packed with highly recognizable attractions including Matterhorn Bobsleds, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Mad Tea Party and rides classified as “dark rides,” like Snow White’s Enchanted Wish or Peter Pan’s Flight. There are also themed places to eat and characters to meet plus entertainment like Storytelling at Royal Theatre. Fantasyland is the place to go for visitors who love Disney’s earliest animated films or Disney royalty. Some parts of Fantasyland close during fireworks.
Thanks for reading this entry in our Disneyland 101 Glossary Remember, we have a detailed guide to Fantasyland here: Featuring Fantasyland at Disneyland Park: Highlights, Tips & FAQs. For tips planning your Disneyland visit, read our free and complete Step-by-Step Disneyland Prep. And for some frequently asked questions about Fantasyland at Disneyland Park, keep reading.
Fantasyland at Disneyland, FAQs
Where is Fantasyland located at Disneyland?
At Disneyland Resort, Fantasyland is in Disneyland Park. The land is located somewhat centrally with Main Street U.S.A. to the south, Tomorrowland to the east, Mickey’s Toontown to the north and Frontierland to the west. Fantasyland’s most iconic feature is probably Sleeping Beauty Castle, but two other large and dramatic attraction buildings will let you know that you are in Fantasyland: the “mountain” of Matterhorn Bobsleds and the whimsical white and gold facade for “it’s a small world.”
Fantasyland’s location means there are many large and small walkways that can lead you here. Some around the castle feel almost like secret passages. We suggest looking for one of the large landmarks listed above and heading towards it.
What can I ride in Fantasyland at Disneyland?
Fantasyland has the largest number of rides in all of Disneyland Park, and many of them are concentrated right at the foot of Sleeping Beauty Castle. This is why we recommend heading to Fantasyland first if you are visiting Disneyland Park in the early morning (you can read about that here: What to Do First at Disneyland Park).
Here is a list of the attractions in Fantasyland at the time of writing:
- Alice in Wonderland
- Casey Jr. Circus Train
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- “it’s a small world”
- King Arthur Carrousel
- Mad Tea Party
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
- Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
- Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
- Storybook Land Canal Boats
Can I meet characters in Fanstasyland?
Yes! Disney characters are all over Fantasyland at Disneyland Park. Here are a few suggestions for encountering them:
Ride the rides
The attractions in Fantasyland feature classic Disney characters and stories including folks like Alice, Pinocchio, Princess Aurora and Dumbo. If you want to see Snow White dancing in the woodland cottage of the seven dwarves or fly with Peter Pan, do the attractions in Fantasyland! The charming but overlooked Storybook Land Canal Boats and Casey Jr. Circus Train take you past miniaturized versions of characters’ homes!
Go to the Royal Ball… I mean Hall!
The attractions in Fantasyland immerse you in the stories of well-known Disney characters, but if you are looking to give your favorite character a hug, Fantasyland has that too. Fantasyland at Disneyland offers you the chance to meet Disney princesses at Royal Hall or see them perform at Royal Theatre. Both are tucked into the west side of Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Keep Your Eyes Open
There is also a good chance you will see characters wandering around Fantasyland. During these spontaneous character encounters, guests are not usually invited to line-up to meet the characters. Rather, you can do things like wave at them as they skip by (Peter Pan) or join them in a dance (Mary Poppins). You will also frequently see Mary’s pals, The Pearly Band, making music around Fantasyland.
You can check the Disneyland app to try to get an idea for which characters will appear and when. Some of these roving characters are listed there as well as times for characters doing shorter meet and greet sessions in Fantasyland. The “small world Promenade” across from its namesake attraction frequently hosts a mix of characters throughout the morning and early afternoon. We have had good luck meeting Moana here with low waits!
Check the Fantasyland Theatre
Finally, check the schedule for the Fantasyland Theatre for additional opportunities to meet characters. This theater hosts shows and sometimes activity stations or “experiences.” These offerings often involve the opportunity to meet select characters.
Sometimes the Fantasyland Theatre is empty, and other times it has seasonal or limited-time special shows and events. For example, in spring 2026, Bluey and her sister Bingo will be coming to Fantasyland Theatre. Check the schedule for your visit on the Disneyland website or app.
Am I too old for Fantasyland at Disneyland?
No! Anyone can visit Fantasyland at Disneyland Park, and we think you should. This charming land is home to many of Disney’s most iconic attractions. Eight of the attractions in Fantasyland have been around since Disneyland’s opening year: 1955!
Are there height restrictions for Fantasyland?
Guests of any age or height can visit Fantasyland at Disneyland Park. The Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction does require that guests be 42 inches or taller in order to board the ride.
If you want tips about navigating height requirement at Disneyland, please explore our article here: Is My Child Tall Enough for Disneyland? On Height Requirements.
Do I need a ticket to enter Fantasyland at Disneyland Park?
Entrance to Fantasyland is included with general admission to Disneyland Park. You will need valid park admission in order to enter Fantasyland but nothing additional.
Fantasyland is also part of Disneyland After Dark events on select nights. These separately ticketed events happen after the park closes to the general public and require an event-specific ticket.
Does Fantasyland close early?
During nighttime entertainment at Disneyland Park, part of Fantasyland usually closes.
Some attractions might reopen before the end of the night, and some might stay closed. All of this really depends on the date of your visit. We suggest checking the attraction times in the Disneyland app. The planned closure times will depend on the entertainment schedule, ride location and ride popularity as well as Disneyland Park’s operating hours for that day.
Thanks for checking-out our Disneyland 101 Glossary.
Do not forgot to explore our more detailed guide to Fantasyland here: Featuring Fantasyland at Disneyland Park: Highlights, Tips & FAQs. And, visit Step-by-Step Disneyland Prep for help planning your visit to Disneyland Resort. Thanks again for reading!