There are a few things that immediately come to mind when thinking about Classic Disney. Cinderella and her missing glass slipper. Peter Pan and Tinker Bell soaring off to Neverland. Jiminy Cricket. And, of course, Mickey Mouse.
For me, and many others, one that always makes me smile is Dumbo. Now, I’m not going to lie and tell you I love the movie. I don’t. It makes me cry. But I have a soft spot for Dumbo himself, and my little one has a love for both elephants in general, and this particular big-eared fellow.
Dumbo has been flying over the parks since the beginning. Every brochure, commercial, and memory recap of a Disney vacation features a little moment of Dumbo it seems, and that’s because it’s a little bit of pure, innocent, Disney wonderfulness. And that’s where we are headed today.
Dumbo has been shifted around a bit, and now his home is in the back of Magic Kingdom in a section designed in his honor. Storybook Circus houses Dumbo the Flying Elephant as well as Goofy’s very own roller coaster, a big top housing a meet and greet of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy in their circus finery, and a sweet treat-focused shop. Though a departure from the rest, this is technically a part of Fantasyland.
Our pachyderm pilot is so very popular he had to be duplicated, and now there are two soaring carousels that fly high over this section of the park. If you have a Fastpass for your elephant, walk right up, but if you’ve decided to go to the way of the standby queue, you’re in for a treat. That’s because to make up for the potentially long wait, you are invited right into the circus itself, and get a chance for some fun and games until it’s your turn.
Before entering the main tent, you’re handed a buzzer. This is very much like one you’d be given at a restaurant, and it tracks your order in line. This is important because you aren’t going to be standing in line. Instead, you’re going through the red-and-white striped flaps and into the three ring extravaganza. Here children (and adults) can have fun climbing, sliding, and jumping, all in the air conditioned, fully-enclosed space. This makes it a perfect chance to cool off, but also get out some energy. Be sure to do your part to get out the fire in the burning building! (Fun story here —- I once rode a big enclosed slide with the little one, only to have my ponytail spread out behind me, and someone decide to sit at the end of the slide in front of us. So Avalon stopped, I stopped, and the child at the head of the slide came right down — onto my hair. The slide opened up, but with an eight-year-old on three feet of hair, I couldn’t move. Delightful. Take that as a word of warning. Control your ponytail when sliding.)
Pay attention to your buzzer, because when it’s almost your time to board, it will alert you to take your final bow and head to the line. When it’s your turn, step out of the tent and out to the elephant of your choice. I love riding at night when the lights come to life. It’s an amazing view, and, if you’re like me, you’ll feel a strong link to all the other families who’ve made Disney their happy place, and to Walt himself.
Once you’ve ridden, be sure to dip into Big Top Treats for a special sweet. Quick tip — if you’re looking for one of the amazing character or holiday apples and don’t want to go all the way to the Confectionery to get one, this is your spot!
Find out how the FREE services of a Disney World travel agent can make planning your Disney vacation simple and STRESS FREE!
Taryn was born and raised, and still lives in Richmond, Virginia. Neither she nor her husband ever had the opportunity to visit Walt Disney World when they were children, but when their daughter Avalon came along, they decided she was not going to follow in their footsteps. They brought Avalon for the first time when she was 3 and have been hooked ever since. Now along with Taryn’s mother and equally Disney-loving older brother, they go “home” at least once a year, and by the time she is staring longingly at Cinderella Castle from the ferry on their last night, Taryn is well on her way to planning the next trip. As a group consisting of two adults with Asperger’s, including one who is also vegan, a very accommodating husband, an only child, a senior, and a service dog, they are a pretty special family, but Taryn is excited to show that the World really is The Most Magical Place on Earth and that there is a place there for everyone. When she isn’t thinking about her next Disney adventure and trying to come up with a Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party costume that will beat her Oozma Kappa nerd look, she is a professional blogger and novelist, but Taryn also likes to indulge her Disney passion on her Etsy shop It’s Better in Vinyl.
Want to know when Disney announces special savings and deals? Sign Up to Learn About the Latest Disney Promotions!
Wondering about vacations beyond the “world of Disney”? Receive alerts on the latest travel deals for Universal Orlando Resort, Sandals/Beaches and select cruise lines!
