Storybook Circus: Big Fun Under the Big Top for New Fantasyland Guests

Magic Kingdom guests blink back in amazement at the scene: not one, but two colorful Dumbos spinning through the sky above Storybook Circus.

To the delight of fans of the beloved Dumbo, the Flying Elephant attraction, a second Dumbo has taken its place alongside a Dumbo that opened in March. Storybook Circus is just one part of the multiyear, largest expansion of Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom history. More exciting new attractions in New Fantasyland come on stream soon.

Not only are two Dumbos, side by side, unprecedented for a Disney park anywhere in the world, they even fly in opposite directions: one clockwise, the other counterclockwise. A real circus act, if you will.

“Fly” is just the sensation guests get aboard the Dumbo-shaped vehicles of Dumbo, the Flying Elephant. Young and old alike delight in controlling the up-and-down movement of their vehicles with the simple maneuver of a lever.

Both Dumbos feature shiny new red and gold colors (inspired by ’50s- and ’60s-era tin toys), beautiful newly-created signature illustrations from Disney animators and a new water feature circling the base of both attractions – a first for Dumbo.

The two Dumbos are connected to a new “big top” area allowing guests to immerse themselves in circus lore in a series of fun, interactive experiences before a spin with their favorite circus elephant.

Guests receive a circus ticket pager that virtually holds their place and notifies them when it’s their turn to board either Dumbo. In the meantime, fun-filled games and experiences are theirs to enjoy – in air-conditioned comfort. Guests electing the FASTPASS option bypass the tent en route to their flight with Dumbo.

Along with the two Dumbos, Storybook Circus boasts the Barnstormer coaster re-themed to The Great Goofini, the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station water play area, Pete’s Silly Sideshow and the Fantasyland Train Station, a stop on the Walt Disney World Railroad.

The Great Goofini, the circus’ stuntman, presents one of his most daring stunts – The Barnstormer – which features an amazing array of aerial acrobatics in a twisting, turning family-style roller coaster “flight” high above the circus fun.

Set in one of the big-top tents in Storybook Circus, Pete’s Silly Sideshow invites guests to meet some beloved Disney circus stars who are excited to show off their special talents. This is a great place to meet new friends and pose for photos with some familiar faces. In the spotlight and eager to meet their fans are Minnie Magnifique (Minnie Mouse as a circus star), Madame Daisy Fortuna (Daisy Duck as a fortune teller),  The Great Goofini (Goofy as a stunt pilot) and The Astounding Donaldo (Donald Duck as a snake charmer).

The Fantasyland Train Station design pays homage to both the elegant train travel of America’s past and Disney history, complete with a Casey Junior-inspired weather vane and Carolwood Park sign, with “Fair Weather Place,” a nod to “Fair Weather Route,” Walt Disney’s tag line for the Carolwood Pacific Railroad, the steam engine Walt had running through his backyard.