Where Elephants Almost Fly: The Delayed Debut of Dumbo the Flying Elephant at Disneyland
When thinking about a visit to the happiest place on earth, it’s almost near impossible not to think about this beloved ride. However, Dumbo the Flying Elephant experienced a bit of a delayed debut at Disneyland’s grand opening.
On Disneyland’s opening day, guests would unfortunately not be able to take to the sky on this iconic ride. Let’s delve into the story behind the delayed opening of this beloved attraction.
The Dream Takes Shape
The original plans for Disneyland included an array of attractions, each designed to transport visitors into beloved stories. The Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride was envisioned to be one such attraction, allowing guests to soar alongside the iconic flying elephant.
However, as opening day approached, the Disney team faced an array of challenges, and some attractions simply couldn’t be completed in time for the grand opening.
A Delayed Flight
The original plan for the ride was that each child would be able to fly their own elephant, and the ears were supposed to flap. However, this proved to be harder to achieve than anyone expected.
Additionally, the elephants were painted pink in accordance with the “Pink Elephants On Parade” scene from the film. Walt Disney himself decided that they should be repainted elephant gray before the ride debuted, a month late.
A Triumphant Debut
Walt’s dedication to perfection paid off in the end, and the Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride was ready to take flight just a few weeks after Disneyland’s opening. On August 16, 1955, visitors finally had the opportunity to step into the world of Dumbo and experience the joy of flying alongside the endearing elephant.
The delayed debut only heightened the anticipation and excitement, making the ride’s opening even more unforgettable.
End”ear”ing Magic
Despite the initial delay of the opening of Dumbo the Flying Elephant, it did not overshadow the ride’s eventual success. Instead, it became a testament to Disney’s commitment to excellence and dedication to creating experiences that would stand the test of time.
From generation to generation, Dumbo the Flying Elephant has remained a beloved symbol of childhood wonder and imagination.
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