I know it’s going to be a great week on the Disney Parks Blog when I get to start by posting a new Fantasyland update. Today I’m happy to share new details on the Storybook Circus area that’s planned as part of the new Fantasyland expansion at Magic Kingdom Park.
With all the updates we’ve done on the “royal” side of the Fantasyland expansion – Beast’s Castle, Maurice’s Cottage and Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid – the plans for Storybook Circus seemed to be a bit more mysterious. Until now.
Storybook Circus will be based on our animated film, “Dumbo.” Here, Casey Jr., the famous locomotive from the movie, has rolled into town and brought the grand Storybook Circus with him. The area will be filled with colorful circus tents and nods to the famous film. For example, guests – especially little ones – are welcome to cool down with Casey Jr., who can be found near the train station, getting splashed by playful circus animals.
Just past Casey Jr., guests will encounter big-top circus tents that lead to a “double” version of Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Also, in the tradition of classic air shows, Barnstormer will take on a new look and theme, becoming a spiraling stunt plane built by The Great Goofini.
What do you think? Will you be there when the circus comes to town?
Comments
Its been about a month, just wondering if there are any difinitive dates for Fantasyland opening?
I read back to the Little Mermaid attraction- it sounds like it will be similiar to the Nemo ride at the Seas. I am so disappointed! I was hoping it would use the track for 20,00 Leagues Under the Sea and would be under the water!
I can’t wait! 🙂
this look like it’s going to appeal to a younger auidence. It would be nice if they would give the fans some more updates and info.Have they figured out whats goin in those tents???
My family and I will be making our first trip to WDW this December for Christmas, will it be ready by then?
Our next trip will be two years from now. Our kids will be “too old” for that area…but still excited to see the new & fun changes. Although I have the same sentiment as a Michelle from SC – don’t want the Dumbo ride moved because it brings back such a wonderful childhood memories every time I see them – I do love that the whole area will themed after a great, old classic. Are they keeping with this as an area designated for smaller children, as Mickey’s Toontown Fair was?
But why take out Mickeys Toon Town Fair? like you have all that land why not just keep it and build around it?
so the circus expansion looks wonderful for the little ones but is there any drawing card for this area for the older , teenage and adults??? for just the small ones????
I think Dumbo can appeal to kids “of all ages,” don’t you? Also, it hasn’t been revealed what’s in the works for the large circus tents on the left side of the rendering, so who knows!
Hello everyone, we just got home from 10 wonderful days and nights at WDW, can’t think of a better place to go and become a kid again. During the train ride we got to see some good views of the progress of the addition to Fantasy Land, it is really coming along, according to the information the conductor told those of us on the train the area will be up and running as soon as Nov. 2012, I know I will be there to enjoy the new areas. I do agee with an earlier post, I’m sure that somewhere Minnie and Mikey’s respective houses will be back for all to walk through, they have some wonderful picture taking decorations, and it was always great to be able to sit on the front porch in the rocking chairs and watch everyone having fun, and espically nice to take a short break. See you soon all, have a Magical Day.
I love Dumbo and this new area looks better than what I thought it would be.
Let’s hope the tents are not “temporary” and they will house a great attraction.
A “clone” of Silly Symphonie Swings would be so out of place in Fantasyland, it’s great in DCA, but not in a Magic Kingdom (just as Hong Kong Disneyland shouldn’t be getting Toy Story Land…).
Casey Jr. in Disneyland Paris is great, better than in Anaheim, but it’s great Dumbo’s Circus theme finally get’s it’s attractions in WDW!!! (remember the Circus ride they wanted to build many years ago?!)
Can’t wait to read more about this 🙂
I tried the disneyparksjenn and it didn’t work. Could you please give the full address? Thanks!
I’m @disneyparksjenn on Twitter. It’s a twitter address, not an email address.
I want to start planning our trip when the new expansion is complete. I can’t seem to find any information on when it will be all complete do they have some kind of idea?
Thank You
It will start opening in phases in late 2012. That’s all we’ve been told so far.
Hi when is expansion opening.
I was informed in the beginning of these announcements that they retained Mickey and Minnie’s house and would do something with it in the future. I like the new meet N Greet, but I remember when their houses first opened in the late 80’s as part of Mickey’s Birthdayland, and it was the coolest thing ever. I am really sad to lose Toontown. I love all the new features they’ve proposed so far. the new Dumbo looks great. I might actually ride it now. There was nothing worse then waiting an hour or more in a boring, hot queue to ride a 2 minute ride.
I heard the tent for the Dumbo ride was going to be an interactive queue with games, etc.
True. No details have been released on what type of games there will be. Our Imagineers are doing some great things with queues right now. The enhancements they recently made at The Haunted Mansion and Winnie the Pooh really let you join in on the fun immediately…no more waiting until you step into the attraction to feel engaged.
I am so excited about the new changes! Has anyone seen any of the ideas or story boards for the pixie hollow play area yet? Will they have all of the fairies available for pics and autographs? I hope it is set up as fast passes like the princesses and Mickey…
we will be travelling from the UK next July, its all booked and we cant wait, especially our 4 year old who absolutely loves all things disney!
That sounds like a great and memorable trip.
I’ve read all this opens in 2013…..WDW, Cardona Lara Family coming your way in 2013!!!!! wouldn’t miss it! Looks amazing!!!!
We can’t wait!
Hooray! I think Disney Imagineering is doing a great job with all the new things coming up in all the parks recently. There’s so much going on and it’s really an exciting time! I love the way things have been, but it’s exciting to look into the future and think of how new technology and new ideas can be used to make our vacation experiences even better. I love that there’s always something new to see! And good job on this blog–I’ve loved all the content, pictures and videos. It’s so much fun to read! My only complaint is that I have trouble keeping with it all!
Twitter is a great way to keep up. You can follow us on @disneyparks and get an alert each time a new post appears on the site. You (anyone) can also follow me @disneyparksjenn for some behind-the-scenes details on blogging at WDW.
we are out there this year cant wait,been going since my kids were little now taking the grandchildren ,looking forward to see any new attractions,i love soaring and of course loads of others.
Would like to know if the Dumbo ride or the Tea Party ride will be remodeled so that larger people or more people can ride together? My mom has never been able to ride either ride with us cuz we can’t all fit! Please reply! Thanks! 🙂 Super excited we are all Disney Vacation Club members and Love our Disney memories!
I have no info on the dimensions of the attraction. Sorry!!
I always look forward to reading what’s new in Disney. Keep up the great blog. We are going to be in MK for 1 day (before we go on our first Disney Cruise), Friday Sept 30th 2011. Will any of the new attractions in the Fantasyland expansion be open by then?
I can’t wait! I am hoping that we will know the open date for Beasts castle at least 180 days out so we can get reservations in. I just got back from a trip to Disney and got some great pictures of the Castle being built, we are going back in November for my first Christmas trip!
I will let you know as soon as I can about any Fantasyland opening dates (when they are decided). Congrats on the return trip during the holidays – the sights and sounds here during the holiday season are UNFORGETTABLE! You’ll have a blast!
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