6 Reasons Why We Love Storybook Circus at Magic Kingdom
Dumbo flies into theaters in just a few days and here at MickeyBlog that has put us in the spirit for a little Big Top fun. Nowhere at Disney World conjures up those feelings of circuses from days gone by than the awesome (and might we add often overlooked) Storybook Circus area of the Magic Kingdom. You’ll find this area of the park nestled quaintly between the Fantasyland and Tomorrowland areas of the park and we definitely think its an area perfect for passing the time. To give you a taste of the magic that awaits at Storybook Circus here are 6 reasons why we are huge fans!
1. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Let’s start with the star of Disney’s lastest live-action adaptation- Dumbo! This ride is one of Walt Disney World’s most iconic attractions and it’s easy to understand why. Not matter what your age you can’t help but feel the pixie dust when you climb aboard Dumbo for the first time and take flight. This ride also boasts one of my favorite interactive line queues in all of Walt Disney World making waiting your turn to ride Dumbo a joy! Inside the big Top for the attraction, you’ll actually find a sizable indoor play area. Those waiting are given a buzzer that will go off when it is your time to ride. In the meantime, kids will enjoy frolicking on the multi-level soft play structure while the parents relax your weary feet at the bleachers! For an extra special treat we recommend climbing on board Dumbo once the sun goes down as the ride lights up like the circus midways you remember from childhood!
2. Pete’s Silly Sideshow
This is hands down my favorite meet and greet in all of Walt Disney World and one that tends to get easily overlooked. Nestled near the Fantasyland Train Station (more on that in a moment) you’ll find a circus tent housing members of the Fab 5 all dressed up for the circus! You’ll find Donald, Daisy, Pluto and Goofy. Minnie used to hold court here but has moved to be alongside her favorite Mickey at the Town Square Theatre. There are two lines that you must wait in to visit all four characters but because of it’s slightly out-of-the way location lines are relatively short! So don’t miss your opportunity to have your photo taken with Donald all dressed up like a snake charmer! Meet and greets usually take place throughout the day starting at 10:00 am.
3. Fantasyland Railway Station
Guests should note that the Walt Disney World Railroad is temporarily on hiatus while Disney works on adding the new Tron Coaster to Magic Kingdom. However, when operational, this train station is the perfect location for families looking to get from the outer edges of Fantasyland to other areas of the theme park. The railroad makes stops at Main Street U.S.A, Frontierland, Storybook Circus and then back to Main Street U.S.A I can’t wait for this attraction to return as it’s a fantastic and extremely underutilized way to get around the Magic Kingdom. In the meantime, you’ll find restrooms where there typically isn’t much of a crowd and are good for doing a quick change of clothes after kids get wet at Casey Jr.
4. Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station
I am 43 years old and not afraid to say that this is my favorite place to cool off at Walt Disney World! This Fantasyland water-play area is the perfect place for sweaty visitors of all ages to jump, splash and cool off during those hot Orlando days. However, a warning to parents, it is amazing how quickly your little ones get absolutely soaked here (and you from having to go in and retrieve them!) I typically try to have bathing suits or a change of clothes at the ready if I know we are heading there. There are also kiosks in the area selling splashing essentials from sunscreen to towels. Big Top Gifts also boasts a wide array of sundries! Don’t be afraid to veer of the beaten bath and spend some time here. You’ll be amazing at how much fun you’ll have.
5. The Barnstormer
This often overlooked family coaster is a Walt Disney World rite of passage in my family. I consider it a training ground before kids take on the bigger thrills of Disney’s mountain coasters. Riders ascend to the top of a wooden observation tower before swooping through a busy barnyard, darting and soaring through Storybook Circus before landing safely in a grand finale that would make Goofy proud. This is a very quick ride so not worth it if lines are long but it can be the perfect way to pass the time during your Storybook Circus visit.
6. Big Top Souvenirs
Under the Big Top in Storybook Circus you’ll find one of our favorite places to stock up on souvenirs or indulge in a sweet treat at Magic Kingdom. We recommend you pick up a Goofy Glacier (Walt Disney World’s version of a Icee) or some of the house-made caramel corn which is absolutely delicious. The shop also offers an embroidery station for personalized Mickey Ears that is significantly less crowded than Le Chapeau on Main Street. You’ll also find a range of toys, clothing, and other souvenirs. Adjacent is an outdoor seating area which is usually pretty empty and the perfect place to enjoy some of the treats you’ve picked up!
We hope you’ve enjoyed our taste of the circus life at Storybook Circus and will incorporate it into your Magic Kingdom plans. Also don’t miss Disney’s Dumbo directed by Tim Burton which will be opening in theaters on March 29, 2019!
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