When it comes to classic, quintessential Disney attractions, they can be found in two Parks: Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park.
Magic Kingdom contains each classic Disney attraction, such as the Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, “it’s a small world,” Peter Pan’s Flight, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
However, there is one more classic Disney attraction that many Guests forget nowadays: Dumbo the Flying Elephant.
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Dumbo the Flying Elephant puts Guests in control of the ride vehicle, and they can control whether Dumbo flies up or down. For the most part, it’s a calming ride loved by families.
But with the addition of newer, shinier rides in Walt Disney World, many Guests forget all about the classic Dumbo ride.
It’s amazing how Dumbo went from one of the most celebrated and publicized attractions at the Magic Kingdom to one we hardly hear about anymore.
Growing up it felt like Dumbo was the Disney experience and if you didn’t ride it you didn’t really go to Disney. pic.twitter.com/5WxcFSe93X
— Nick Cucerzan (@NCucerzan) March 21, 2023
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For decades, this attraction was at the center of Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom, but in 2012, it was entirely relocated to a new subsection of Fantasyland.
Storybook Circus replaced Mickey’s Toontown Fair and added many circus-themed attractions and experiences. Because Dumbo the Flying Elephant was so famous and beloved, Storybook Circus added a second side.
Now that it is in Storybook Circus it almost feels like an afterthought.
I think the last time I rode the attraction was right after it opened in its new location while they were still building the second spinner.
— Nick Cucerzan (@NCucerzan) March 21, 2023
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Now, twice as many elephants take flight in Magic Kingdom. As a result of this relocation, however, the Dumbo ride has become a bit of a hidden gem in Walt Disney World.
Less Guests ride it than before, and unfortunately, many visitors simply pass it up in order to experience more complex attractions.
This has led some fans to ask: will Disney tear down Dumbo the Flying Elephant?
As far as we can tell, the answer is ‘no.’ Not only is this area still popular enough with younger children to maintain, but there has been little evidence to add to the claim.
For now, Dumbo the Flying Elephant is safe for lift-off in Magic Kingdom.
