New children’s area opens at Fantasy Island

This year Fantasy Island, Grand Island, New York, will make their largest investment in recent history with the debut of a new children’s area, Fairy Tale Forest, and other improvements throughout the park. The new area will include: Cinderella’s Midnight Magic Wheel, a kid-sized Ferris wheel with themed pumpkin carriages and Storybook Lane, where children can visit tiny houses modelled after the homes of their favourite fairy tale characters. Some of Fantasy Island’s classic children’s rides will be incorporated into the new area including: Enchanted Tea Party, All the Kings Horses, Storybook Express, “Rapunzel! Rapunzel!” and Goosey Goosey Gander.

“This newly re-imagined children’s area will feature rides, attractions and entertainment for children and their families,” said Chris Kearsing, Fantasy Island’s general manager. The project was inspired by the former ‘Garden of Fables’ area which debuted at the park in 1961.

New entertainment offerings include Oakley the Talking Tree, an interactive story time adventure, If the Shoe Fits, a live show where guests are introduced to Fantasy Island’s newest aspiring royalty, and Tea Time with the Princess, a meet-and-greet experience in Fairy Tale Fortress, the park’s newly renovated gift shop.

“2018 represents the largest investment in recent history, but it doesn’t end with Fairy Tale Forest,” explained Kearsing. “We are making improvements throughout the park.”

The water park will reopen as Splashaway Bay and features the renovated Double Dare Falls waterslides, formerly known as “Raging Rapids.” Other improvements include new cabanas, which is “the perfect way to enhance your day at our water park” and the renovation of the snack bar, which will reopen as Splashaway Café and feature an expanded menu that includes favourites like Buffalo wings and speciality drinks.

The Golden Nugget will become the Golden Nugget Saloon and will feature a full bar serving regional and national craft brews and domestic beer, spirits and cocktails, speciality drinks created with Loganberry and non-alcoholic beverages. Inside, on-stage, the park will debut the Golden Nugget Jammin’ Jamboree, a live Country Western music showcase.

The Sweet Shoppe will be transformed into Sweetbrew Coffee & Fudge and will offer speciality coffee and espresso drinks as well as the park’s signature homemade fudge. For those with a sweet tooth, Annie’s Custard & Sweets will offer quick service options like fried dough, hand-dipped ice cream and custard. The introduction of new signature menu items like the “Black Bart Burger” and more will be featured at other dining establishments throughout the park.