Fantasyland Theatre, formerly Videopolis, is the name of a 5,000-square-foot (460 m2) outdoor amphitheater at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Located in Fantasyland, it has 1,800 seats and functions as a venue for various shows. In 1995, the location was renamed to Fantasyland Theater.[1] In 2013, it was renamed to the English-classic spelling, Fantasyland Theatre, with the opening of the venue's show Mickey and the Magical Map.
Predecessor
The original Fantasyland Theater (different spelling) opened in 1956. This theater showed Disney cartoons and Mouseketeers of The Mickey Mouse Club featured short films. In 1981, it shut down in preparation for construction of the revamped Fantasyland and was then replaced with Pinocchio's Daring Journey in 1983.[2]
Videopolis opened on June 22, 1985, a short distance to the west of It's a Small World.[3] During the day, the theater was used for theme-park shows, but in the evening, it was used as a dance club with music videos. It featured 70 video monitors that displayed music videos and/or live feeds that allowed guests to watch themselves.[2] The venue included a snack bar called "Yumz" opening on June 19.[4]
Disneyland was successfully sued on two separate occasions by members of the LGBT community in 1985 due to dancing between the same-sex being prohibited at the club. The policy was dropped in 1985.[5]
From 1991-1992 Videopolis had a new Christmas show called Mickey's Nutcracker. The show was a 31 minute musical based on the original Nutcracker with Minnie being the main character of this musical. In 1991 a TV special was made for this show, same for 1992.
On January 29, 2020, the Videopolis dance club was briefly revived for the Disneyland After Dark: 80s Nite event.[8]
In October 2020, it was reported that Mickey and the Magical Map along with Frozen Live at the Hyperion at Disney California Adventure would not return when the parks reopened (which eventually happened on April 30, 2021).[9]
On December 9, 2021, it was announced that the Fantasyland Theatre will reopen in 2022 hosting 2 shows that will move from Disney California Adventure to Disneyland. "Celebrate Gospel" will run in February on multiple dates while "Tale of the Lion King" will open in Spring 2022.
On January 7, 2024, Disneyland announced that Tales of the Lion King would be the final performance of the show, in Fantasyland Theatre.
On March 13, 2024, Disneyland announced that a new shows, Pixar Pals Playtime Party would be premiere on April 26, 2024, and take place until August 4, 2024, in Fantasyland Theatre, as part of Pixar Fest celebration.
On November 7, 2024, it was announced that a new holiday shows, Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends!, will be premiere on November 15, 2024 in Fantasyland Theatre, as part of Holidays at Disneyland celebration.[10]
In Discoveryland at Disneyland Park, stands Videopolis; a large complex housing the Videopolis Theatre and the Hyperion Café counter service restaurant. It features one of the largest props in the resort: the Hyperion airship.[11]
Shows
As Videopolis
The Magic of Christmas (Christmas Seasons 1985 – 1988)
Sing'in' Dance'in' Heigh Ho (1987)
Circus Fantasy (1988)
Show Biz Is (1989)
One Man's Dream, a celebration of Walt Disney (December 16, 1989 – April 29, 1990)[2]
Dick Tracy in Diamond Double-Cross (June 15, 1990 – December 31, 1990)[2]
Plane Crazy, with characters from TaleSpin and other Disney Afternoon shows. (March 15, 1991 – September 1991)[2]
Snow White: An Enchanting Musical (February 2004 – September 2006)[2]
Disney Princess Fantasy Faire (October 2006 – August 2012)[12][13]
As Fantasyland Theatre
Mickey and the Magical Map[14] (May 25, 2013 – October 9, 2020) October date is the official notice of closing. The final performance coincided with the closure of the Disneyland Resort due to COVID-19 pandemic stay-at-home orders.
