Charming Landscaping of Fantasy Island

Introduction

This week on Art of Amusement Parks, we are going to take a look at the charming landscaping at Fantasy Island of Grand Island, New York. Before we begin to look at this wonderful landscaping, let us first get acquainted with the Niagara Falls area family amusement park. Fantasy Island opened in 1961 as a 12 acre family amusement park. In 1974, the park grew to its current day size of 85 acres. Throughout the years, Fantasy Island continues to entertain and thrill children and adults alike through their immersive collection of rides and attractions. Some of Fantasy Island's attractions consist of the Silver Comet wooden coaster, the Crazy Mouse, and a water park.



Although the rides are the major attraction of Fantasy Island, the landscaping is just as attractive and unique as you will discover throughout this article. Before we go on to the photos, I would like to thank Logan Benjamin of The Amusement Parkrats for kindly sending his photos my way for the use of this article.

Indian Village at Fantasy Island

There are many charming landscaping scenes to be found at Fantasy Island. Starting off in the Indian Village section of the park, visitors can see teepees, life-sized Native American figurines, and totem poles.  Visitors can experience the landscaping of the Indian Village while taking a paddle on the canoes or riding the relaxing Iron Horse Train that travels throughout the park. They can also just stroll through the Indian Village on a nearby path on a beautiful summer day.

A totem pole on display in the Indian Village at Fantasy Island. Photo credit: Logan Benjamin.

The Whimsical Kiddie Land

Another charming collection of landscaping at Fantasy Island can be found in the Kiddie Land section of the park. Kiddie Land features many nursery rhyme and fairytale characters. The characters take older visitors a trip back in time to their childhood. They also allow younger visitors to create new, memorable experiences as they explore the section of the park, dedicated to children of all sizes. Many of the characters found throughout Kiddie Land section date back to when Fantasy Island’s early days. Also, some newer ones have been added over the years only to enhance the experience for the youngest of visitors.

Interactive Landscaping Fun

Children can also take a slide down a shoe, or taking a peer into the iconic whale mouth. The youngest of visitors can even find Humpty Dumpty and Jack and the Bean Stalk (featuring the giant and Jack; climbing the beanstalk) while in Kiddie Land at Fantasy Island.

The giant awaits for Jack's arrival atop the beanstalk in Kiddie Land section of Fantasy Island. Photo credit: Logan Benjamin.

Humpty Dumpty waiting for a photo opportunity in kiddie Land. Photo credit: Logan Benjamin.

The Shoe slide and the iconic whale attracting children of all ages throughout the years. Photo credit: Logan Benjamin.

Other Charming Landscaping Features

Throughout the rest of Fantasy Island, visitors will immediately notice many other landscaping features which are beautiful. Trees found around the park, including some very fascinating small trees make up the additional landscaping. Once they do bloom in the late spring, they make way for a picture perfect opportunity. Historic features at Fantasy Island make way for an excellent rustic sensation. These features consist of fences and even an old train tunnel, to remind visitors of the park’s wonderful past.

Chain link fence with brown privacy patches. Photo credit: Logan Benjamin.

A look down the formal train tunnel at Fantasy Island. Photo credit: Logan Benjamin.

The beautiful trees in the springtime that dot the landscape at Fantasy Island. Photo credit: Logan Benjamin.

Conclusion

That wraps up the look at Fantasy Island’s amazing landscaping features. This park may be small, but it sure is has many highly attractive and charming landscaping features that perfectly compliment the rides and attractions. I would like to thank Logan Benjamin for sending his great photos of Fantasy Island our way! In the meantime, be sure to check out the latest news of Fantasy Island by making your way over to The Amusement Parkrats website!