Last week, we discussed the newer portion of New Fantasyland, that just recently opened in December. However, the beginning phase to open in New Fantasyland was actually Storybook Circus.
This area, themed around Dumbo (as well as other circus excitement), opened officially last summer. It can be found in the former location of Mickey's Toontown and is another equally themed area that the Imagineers did a phenomenal job on. Let's take a look.
General Musings
The area, which is located in the back of the park, just sort of feels to appear, as most circuses do. Stopping in town for a brief hello, before it moves on to the next town. It is filled with lots of bright colors and circus tents. Make sure to look at the pavement too, as you will find things like "peanut shells" imbedded in.
This new area seems much less crowded once nightfall hits. I'm sure it's because it's a highly kiddo centric area, featuring Dumbo and The Barnstormer, not to mention the meet and greet opportunities. However, to me, nighttime is THE BEST time to be back here! The colors all seem to come alive. I always love Disney lighting at night, it is what makes the place just sing, but I have to say, Storybook Circus at night has certainly been added as a must stop because of it.
Dumbo
The main draw for Storybook Circus, is of course, the new Dumbo attraction. Disney has added a second Dumbo spinner and I will admit, I think it is cutting down on the wait times. I also think the addition of the playground area inside where guests can wait with their pagers is fabulous. However, I'm gonna be honest, I think that on most days, most of the time, the Dueling Dumbos get people through so fast, that there isn't as much time to play as originally thought. (Except on truly busy busy days.)
Once it is your turn, the cast member will tell you which side to go to, and you will be on your way with Dumbo and Timothy Mouse in just mere minutes.
And have you seen this attraction? They have added the fountains, which makes it so nice. The water just sort of makes me feel calmer. It's so nice that now that they have finally moved the attraction, we get this effect on this coast that some of the others have had for years. What makes it even more spectacular, and deals with what I'd mentioned earlier, but make sure to ride this one at night. The fountains have these incredible lights that change colors. It is so, so gorgeous!
Fantasyland Train Station
For
those who are looking to board the train, there is an incredibly themed
train station over here. The details are really just staggering. This will take you on the grand circle tour of the Magic Kingdom.
The Barnstormer
If you have a little one, who is ready to ride their first roller coaster, than this is certainly going to be one of your stops.
This attraction takes you on a "plane ride" that Goofy has had a hand in...which you know...always means trouble.
The roller coaster is billed as junior roller coaster ride, which only has one lift hill and is over in like 45 seconds. So, it's a great beginner coaster to get your little one on as a test. I've ridden it and while it is fun, I don't think it does much for anyone above the age of maybe 10...and I'm being generous. But it serves a great purpose as that first gateway coaster to get kids excited for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Space Mountain.
Tip: For those who are looking for Fastpasses for this and Dumbo, you can get them over in the tented area to the right of Pete's Silly Sideshow. Another tip...these Fastpass machines aren't connected, so you can get tickets for both attractions, as well as another attraction and hold three Fastpasses at once. (This is, of course, until Fastpass+ comes on line, when everything will change.)
Casey Jr. Splash 'n Soak Station
Did you kid bring their bathing suit with them? If not...steer clear of Casey Jr...unless you don't mind them being a dripping, sopping mess later. Trust me...you WILL get wet! If you're ready to get wet, then this has to be one of the most fun places to do it!
Kids can run around Casey Jr who is there with his circus animal friends in this water play area. There are quite a few different cars that squirt from different places. Make sure to watch out for Casey's smoke stack.
If you did not bring proper attire, Disney does sell some items at a small kiosk, like beach towels and sunscreen. For parents who don't want to get wet, there is a perimeter around the outside that is relatively safe.
Pete's Silly Sideshow
Step right up! Pete is here to bring you the chance to meet some of your favorite Disney characters!
Guests have the ability to choose one of two paths. They can choose to meet the girls (Minnie and Daisy) and they can meet the boys (Donald and Goofy). What's really neat about this meet and greet location is that guests get the chance to meet the characters dressed in sort of circus finest. Minnie is dressed as a circus star, Daisy as a fortune teller, Goofy as a stunt pilot, and Donald as a snake charmer. If you want to meet all four, you will have to stand in both lines, but this is the only place where you can find them in these fun and unique outfits.
Big Top Souvenirs
Looking for that perfect something to take back with you? Make sure to check out this gift shop/treat shop, which is one of the largest in the Magic Kingdom. What's great about this shop is the theming is top notch. The merchandise is sold in circus rail cars, the carpet is made to look like it's stitched together. It is just stellar.
This location also sells a little bit of everything. Including some merchandise that is themed perfect for the land. (If you're a fan of Dumbo, the character, there is a ton of merch here for you!)
This shop also has a large sweet shop in the middle called Big Top Treats. Here, guests can pick up things like fudge, candy apples, cake pops, cotton candy, cupcakes, and some of the other delectable sweets Disney is famous for. You can also get caramel corn and slushies, called Goofy's Glaciers.
The whole shop ties in perfectly with the area.
That's gonna do it for the overview to Storybook Circus. They really did a great job over here. It is incredibly detailed and immersive. A great addition/change over for the park.
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