See, I really wasn't afraid of Dumbo the Flying Elephant!

Even though I’ve been visiting Walt Disney World since 1973, we never rode Dumbo the Flying Elephant. I’m not sure why (although Mary Ann said I was afraid), but whatever the reason, our October trip was our first time. I mean, we’re walking through Fantasyland and all these really little kids were standing in line and enjoying this attraction… who am I not to do this?

But, how does an elephant fly anyway?
 

The crowds during our visit were not that bad, although I was a little worried and started going through my Touring Plan information to find the Dumbo or Die plan. (Taking too long to get on would be a good excuse not to ride.) However, it only took 30 minutes of wait time to get our pass. You get a plastic chip that you place on Dumbo’s ear so you can reserve your seat. In this way, the cast members know you have already flown and can’t repeat without standing in line again. This must mean Mickey doesn’t really trust us children!

By the way, there really is a Dumbo-or-Die-Touring-Plan from the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. The Unofficial Guide is my favorite and available here.

Each Dumbo flying machine is a two-seater, although if you have a really little kid you can squeeze in three to seat-belt together. There are 16 pachyderms, equipped with a lever that gives you control of how high Dumbo will fly. Of course, you have to stay up as high as possible (a whole 17 feet or so) through the whole ride, which really isn’t that long, just a few minutes (whew!).

 

Dumbo the Flying Elephant is an original attraction in the Magic Kingdom and is based on the 1941 animated film classic Dumbo. I really did love that movie, although there aren’t many Disney movies I don’t enjoy to watch over and over. Notwithstanding the age of the attraction, this is one of the most popular “kiddie rides” in the place, so I wasn’t kidding that a good touring plan is your best friend.

I did have an ulterior motive this year in that I wanted to take pictures of the Fantasyland Expansion, or at least a shot of what was going on in that section of the park (I’ve also added some information from Disney below). However, I really couldn’t see a lot going on, except lots of fencing, some cleared areas and a couple of cranes. I did get a couple of other shots (below) of the Magic Kingdom, which I hope you find interesting.

Fantasyland Expansion (groundbreaking 2010)

This three-year construction project will result in the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history. For the first time, guests will be able to step into their favorite Disney fairy tales to have more magical and immersive encounters with Disney princesses. Each princess will have her own themed village within Fantasyland Forest. At Dreams Come True with Cinderella, guests can meet Cinderella face to face in her country chateau, share a dance or train to be one of her Royal Knights.

At A Birthday Surprise for Sleeping Beauty, it is party time inside the Briar Rose Cottage, nestled in a lush, forest setting. The three good fairies give Aurora the Sweet 16 party she never received, and everyone’s invited to join in the surprise celebration. And an enchanted mirror will transport guests from Belle’s father’s cottage to Beast’s castle for an enchanting storytelling performance during Enchanted Tales with Belle.

The new district will invite park goers to the Be Our Guest Restaurant, one of three enchanted dining rooms inside Beast’s castle. And just outside the castle in Belle’s Village will be Gaston’s Tavern, another themed eatery. Meanwhile, in the new Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid attraction, Ariel and all her friends will entertain in a ride-through adventure featuring favorite songs from the popular animated feature.

Dumbo at Disneyland from The Disney Parks Blog

The big top comes to Dumbo’s Flying Circus with a magical flight high above brand-new circus grounds, twice the size of the classic attraction. Inside a stylized tent, guests enjoy midway games and other fun-filled experiences.

A WORLD VIEW - Enjoying Walt Disney World
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