Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Dumbo the Flying Elephant is one of the most loved attractions in all of Disney's parks. This is a Uncle Walt original. Walt took a cheap carnival attraction and turned it in to a classic ride that has become one of the most loved rides of all times. There is a copy at each of the 5 Magic Kingdom's around the world.

Grab the little ones and climb on the back of one of the 16 ride vehicles and take off into the wild blue yonder. There's a joystick inside the vehicle that controls the up and down motion of the cute baby elephant with the big ears.

Dumbo is a serene ride that gives riders a good view of all of Fantasyland.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Photo by Jeff_B.

The New Fantasyland

Dumbo the Flying Elephant will be the centerpiece of the new Storybook Circus. This area will be modeled after the movie and will have not one but two ride vehicles. Double the number of seats. (It's about time.)

Dad's Storybook Circus page

Waiting area

There is not a pre show or waiting area for this ride. You get in a line which wraps around the ride. There's not a lot of cover around the ride, and it can get pretty warm in the summertime.

History

The movie Dumbo the Flying Elephant was released in 1941.
The first copy of the ride made it's debut at Disneyland about 3 months after the park opened. It had only 10 ride vehicles.
This version debuted when the Magic Kingdom opened.

Fun Facts

Timothy Mouse stands on a hot air balloon.
Originally the elephants were to be painted pink, like in the dream sequence from the movie, but Uncle Walt objected because he didn't want to expose his guests to a ride that came from a hallucination.
The Disneyland version was supposed to be moved to Disneyland Paris, but delays in the park opening allowed it to stay.
A magic feather replaced the whip in Timothy Mouse's hand for a short time.

Need to know

Even though this is one of the longest lines in Fantasyland, there is not a FastPass available.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant is usually open during Extra Magic Hours.
Wheelchairs aren't allowed on the ride. You must be able to walk to the vehicle.

Dad's Dumbo Gift Shop

Every ride at Walt Disney World, it seems, has a gift shop except for Dumbo. So, I thought he needed his own gift shop. Check out a few of the great items available from Amazon.com.

The Crowd Factor

Photo by Jeff B

Dumbo the Flying Elephant is one of the most crowded rides in the Magic Kingdom. From the time the park opens, the line grows. Even though the ride is 2 minutes or less long, you might have to wait as much as an hour in line.

This ride is open during both morning and evening Extra Magic Hours. This is a good time to check out the lines because there are less people in the parks during Extra Magic Hours.

If you encounter a long line, you might check again in 20-30 minutes. Sometimes when Mickey's Philharmagic lets out hundreds of people make their way to Dumbo and the Prince Charmings Golden Carousel and make the line swell.

(See what Dad suggests to beat the line to ride Dumbo.)

You can find out the best days to visit Dumbo and all of the Magic Kingdom by subscribing to Touringplans.com. They even have a touring plan called Dumbo do or die in a day plan.

Dad's Touringplans.com page

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Dad's Bottom Line

If you have little kids, this should be your first stop in the Magic Kingdom. Every little one loves Dumbo. Do not pass go, Do not get distracted. Ride it early. You'll thank me.