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Oh the excitement we’ve had this month. We’ve visited far-away family members, explored, zip-lined, rock-climbed, and yes, taken an enchanted stroll through an amazing yet quaint village, one that’s right out of a storybook.

California was our destination. And we were headed to two of our favorite theme parks, Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. Why? Well, do you ever really NEED an excuse to visit Disney? But this time, well, we were heading there for Opening Day of the new Fantasy Faire at Disneyland.

You have heard of Fantasy Faire, right?

If not, don’t despair. I’ll be taking you along our journey, step by step……with tons of photos.

It all started with the brand new Disneyland Guide Map, decked out with Disney Princesses, in honor of the premiere. I wasn’t the only one excited, can you tell from that smile?

Once you stroll down Main Street (one of my favorite places in the entire world), you’ll veer just left of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. That’s where Fantasy Faire is located. It’s not a large area, but there’s plenty to do and see.

Since there will always be a line, first up…..Royal Hall, the new venue to meet and greet princesses.

(Aside: You’ll still find Rapunzel and sometimes Flynn in her specified area – not in Fantasy Faire as for right now).

The setting is stunning and although you’ll find yourself waiting in line for the princesses, you might just spy some special characters walking by the side of the castle (and you). Most of the line is shaded.

Opening day featured Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Ariel in the Royal Hall. The details on the inside were spectacular and reminded me of our first time dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table at Disney World.

The lighting was a bit darker than expected on the inside, and my iPhone photos didn’t turn out as well as the Disney PhotoPass pictures did. If you have a nice camera, this would be a good spot to use it at.

While we didn’t chat much with Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty, Ariel just couldn’t believe that a special 5 yr old had Disney pins of both her (Ariel) and Prince Eric. She was more than willing to talk and chat about this in detail! This was only the first of many experiences during our trip where Ariel made our visit extra special. (More posts and details to follow).

After visiting all the princesses in Royal Hall, it was just about time for a special treat. We knew we had to check out the brand new “Maurice’s Treats”!

Of course, we all know and love Maurice, Belle’s father. He’s a brilliant inventor, but could he create amazing and delicious Disney treats? We had to find out.

I knew you’d want to see for yourself just what Maurice’s Treats has to offer, so I took a photo of the treats, beverages and prices.

For those craving a sweet treat, you’ll find Chocolate or Strawberry Twists. For savory, you’ll want to check out the Cheddar Garlic Bagel Twists. The aromas were delightful.

We opted to share the Boysen Apple Freeze…..so delicious. I’m shocked that my 5 yr old didn’t discover “brain freeze” since she was enjoying it so quickly. The drink also comes in a souvenir cup (two different kinds) for an additional price.

I really wanted to come back near the end of the day and grab one of the twists for dessert, but when we did, Maurice’s Treats was closed. Not sure this is always the case, as it was opening day. Just a warning in case you want to try these yummy treats!

One of my favorite things of all was the Royal Theatre. There is seating within for which you can stand in line for, BUT it is “open” so that you may stand outside the theatre and watch. We actually could hear some of the show from the Royal Hall line.

Two shows are currently offered throughout the day (times are posted)…..Tangled and Beauty and the Beast. Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones, a pair of vaudeville-style Renaissance storytellers, treat the audience to a not-so-classic retelling of the story as they are joined by the actual princess (and Flynn – as we saw Tangled). It was hilarious….we laughed so hard.

There is a place down front with mats for the young children to sit in front of the stage.

NOTE: After some performances, we saw Rapunzel and Flynn stay afterwards to take photos with guests. This wasn’t always the case, as when we went to the show.

It’s all in the details though……and here are a few of my favorites, like Clopin’s Music Box (a nod to Disney’s “Hunchback of Notre Dame”. It’s free to operate, though hard to sneak in and see it with so many kids having fun. You turn the handle around and around to work it, as my daughter is doing in this picture.

This gorgeous mural of Fantasy Faire hangs above a shaded sitting area. You’ll also find and recognize Geppetto’s cat Figaro on a window sill. Pay attention, as he just might wake up.

Of course, there is some shopping to do at Fairy Tale Treasures. As you can, they have a gorgeous princess themed autograph book and pens available, along with dresses galore for your little one.

Sitting in the center of Fantasy Faire, is a statue of Rapunzel’s Tower. If you look closely, you’ll see Rapunzel looking out her window.

One highlight of the day came at park closing. We headed back to a closed-down village, and waited by the statue. I knew what was coming. It happens without warning.

Suddenly, you’ll hear faint music……the music Rapunzel sings when her hair lights up. Next, you’ll see the statue. Rapunzel’s hair lights up with twinkling lights. It’s gorgeous. It’s not on the guide map……you just have to know to visit after dark.

So glad we did. It was the perfect ending to a magical day.

(Complimentary park passes were provided courtesy of Disney. All opinions are my own.)