New Dumbo ride dazzles in Storybook Circus with water fountains and multi-colored lights at Walt Disney World

in Disney, Entertainment, Walt Disney World

The first phase of Storybook Circus opened yesterday at the Magic Kingdom, offering visitors a first chance to ride a new version of a classic Disney attraction as part of the New Fantasyland expansion.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant is an iconic ride, but Walt Disney World guests have not been able to experience it since it closed in January to prepare for its new version within the Mickey’s Toontown Fair replacement area. The new Dumbo ride will ultimately feature two carousels for the first time ever, flying side-by-side in opposite directions, but for now only the newer of the two has opened with surprising details and eye-pleasing features.

Dumbo - Storybook Circus

Despite the fact that the big top tent housing an interactive queue is not open yet, those who showed up to see the first look at Storybook Circus were not disappointed by the new Dumbo. The wait time to ride was consistently 40 minutes long throughout the day, a time that will surely drop once both carousels and the enhanced queue debut in the coming months. But even prior to all that, the new Dumbo impresses with its ornate details, story panels, new soundtrack, and multi-colored water fountains that decorate its base.

Many fans have already compared the rainbow of bright LED lights and water features to a small-scale version of Disneyland’s World of Color show, and as such, the new Dumbo is definitely a spectacular sight at night. Take a look at the wonderful world of color that surrounds the classic spinning ride in the video below and a closer look at its details in the photos that follow.


Video: New Dumbo ride featuring multi-colored water fountains at night in Storybook Circus


Dumbo - Storybook Circus
For now, guests line up outside Dumbo until the colorful indoor big top queue opens in the coming months.
Dumbo - Storybook Circus
A "ticket window" marks the beginning of the queue. Note the feather on the clock at the top of the booth. It's been said that when the interactive queue opens, magic feathers will help guests know when it's time to ride.
Dumbo - Storybook Circus
A classic Dumbo sign has been given the Storybook Circus look.

Dumbo - Storybook Circus
The top of the new Dumbo carousel helps tell the story from the film. Get closer below.


Dumbo - Storybook Circus

Dumbo - Storybook Circus

Dumbo - Storybook Circus

Dumbo - Storybook Circus
The loading process remains the same as the old Dumbo for now, with tickets handed out in the queue to ensure everyone gets an elephant.
Dumbo - Storybook Circus
The new flying elephants are quite vibrant.
Dumbo - Storybook Circus
Though a simple ride, this classic is often a right of passage for many families eager to enjoy their kids' first trip on Dumbo.
Dumbo - Storybook Circus
The new location is currently surrounded by construction, but will eventually offer great views of a highly-detailed land.
Dumbo story panel - Storybook Circus
Like the traditional Walt Disney World carousel tells the story of Cinderella through artwork panels, Dumbo now features a series of artwork that tells its story. Casey Jr's comin' down the track...
Dumbo story panel - Storybook Circus
The storks fly over Florida.
Dumbo story panel - Storybook Circus
Dumbo is delivered.
Dumbo story panel - Storybook Circus
It's a circus life!
Dumbo story panel - Storybook Circus
But all is not happy.
Dumbo story panel - Storybook Circus
Pink elephants on parade.
Dumbo story panel - Storybook Circus
Dumbo can fly!
Dumbo story panel - Storybook Circus
A happy ending.
Dumbo at dusk - Storybook Circus
From the right side, the new Barnstormer can be seen reaching its peak in the distance, a new neighbor for Dumbo.
Dumbo - Storybook Circus
As the sun sets, Dumbo really shines with bright, color-changing LED lighting making the pool of water and its fountains glow.
Dumbo lighting and fountains - Storybook Circus
The fountains themselves even offer an attractive pattern of water.
Dumbo at dusk - Storybook Circus
Another look at the colorful fountains.
Dumbo at night - Storybook Circus
The whole area lights up beautifully at night.
Dumbo at dusk - Storybook Circus
Those standing to the side just watching Dumbo go around will still enjoy the beautiful sight.
Dumbo at night - Storybook Circus
Colors from the fountain illuminate the underside of the passing pachyderms.
Dumbo at night - Storybook Circus
Throughout the ride, colors shift to the tune of the accompanying circus music.
Dumbo at night - Storybook Circus
A long-exposure shot of the whole ride at night showing pastel hues from the fountain.
Dumbo at night - Storybook Circus
The fountains can turn shades of orange and red, amongst many other colors.
Dumbo at night - Storybook Circus
The ride's finale offers a rainbow of colors circling its base.
Dumbo at night - Storybook Circus
From further away, the rainbow of colors clearly lights up the whole ride.
Dumbo at night - Storybook Circus
One more look at the colorful nighttime lighting.

The new Dumbo is less than halfway complete. The new carousel spins clockwise, a first for the Magic Kingdom attraction, but the old is currently being rebuilt next to it and will spin counter-clockwise. And long waits in the hot sun will be replaced by time spent inside the big top tent, exploring interactive features while waiting to be called to ride.

It’s all part of the impressively themed Storybook Circus that even now only open in part has fans eager to see what the rest of the area, followed by the rest of the New Fantasyland expansion, will offer in the coming months and years, all scheduled to finally be open by 2014. In the meantime, the circus is in town with a better-than-ever version of Dumbo once again flying high over the Magic Kingdom.

Dumbo at night - Storybook Circus

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