Dumbo The Flying Elephant

Guests of all ages are invited to fly high in the sky with Dumbo The Flying Elephant in this classic attraction at Storybook Circus. Dumbo The Flying Elephant is inspired by the title character from the 1941 Disney animated motion picture. And now, you can fly like Dumbo, too! On this ride, you'll take to the skies with Dumbo as he practices his newfound abilities.

During your aerial adventure around the circus, maneuver the easy-to-handle joystick inside your Dumbo gondola up or down to control just how high-or how low-you want to go. Guests of all ages are sure to love this magical, fantastical flight that offers great views of the vibrant Storybook Circus.

Based on the character from the 1941 animated feature, the sixteen ride vehicles are each shaped like Dumbo and are mounted on articulated armatures connected to a rotating hub. The passengers ride in the "Dumbos" and can maneuver them up and down with a joystick which operates a hydraulic ram. The ride itself rotates counterclockwise at a constant rate.

Touring Tips

• Definitely not a thrill ride for the older set, it is still exciting for the younger children as is evident by the long lines for this popular attraction. The lines are basically a result of the slow loading and unloading of this 2 minute ride.
• To avoid an excessive wait, head here first thing when the park opens or, when staying at a Disney Resort, take advantage of the morning Extra Magic Hour.
• The attraction is open for Extra Magic Hour, which is the time recommended for riding it.
• Be sure to keep your eyes on your children in the queue area. There are some interactive features that are just the right eye level for youngsters and they tend to wander.
• Each elephant is just barely big enough for two adults and one small child, but one adult and one child fit more comfortably.

Facts

• Dumbo was an Opening Day attraction at the Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971 and was remodeled in 1993.
• The ride opened August 16, 1955. After the initial opening, this classic ride will double in size-and fun-when Dumbo is joined by his twin in summer 2012 for a ride that features 2 squadrons of airborne pachyderms!
• Sixteen gondolas of this adorable wide-eyed baby elephant with the oversized ears carefully circle a small hot air balloon with Dumbo's friend, Timothy Mouse atop.
• One elephant from the ride is in the collection of the National Museum of American History, donated in 2005, on the occasion of Disneyland's 50th anniversary.

History

Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland is currently undergoing a large expansion and renovation. "The New Fantasyland will be constructed in phases with most new experiences open by 2013." Mickey's Toontown Fair closed permanently in February 2011 in order to make way for the expansion. Some elements of Mickey's Toontown Fair will be demolished and others will be re-themed to a new Storybook Circus area. An expanded Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride will be built with an interactive queue. The Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm will be re-themed, "featuring Goofy as The Great Goofini." Storybook Circus began soft openings on March 12, 2012. The rest of Storybook Circus had a delayed opening on March 21, 2012. During the soft openings, it was relieved that the new attraction finally received the water feature that has been included in the Disney Parks around the world. The Dumbo vehicles spin counter-clockwise and are rich with detail and vibrant color. The carousel also features artwork panels that tell the story of Dumbo, like the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel attraction.

Hidden Mickeys

• If you look up at the decorations on the ride while you are standing in line you will see a circle with a stork carrying a baby. The baby blanket is purple, and so is the head and feet of the baby! It makes a Hidden Mickey. The head, the body and the feet all make a hidden mickey face. Check it out next time you are in that hour long wait for the ride.