Storybook Circus: Big Fun Under the Big Top

**Wendy** · 01-12-2012, 06:50 PM

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

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To the delight of fans of the beloved Dumbo, the Flying Elephant attraction, a second Dumbo this summer took 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 harkens to the elegant train travel of America’s past and to 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.