EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Fantasyland’s Storybook Circus Soft Opening!

12 March 2012 by Suzannah Otis 9 Comments

Thanks to Twitter for giving me the heads up about the Fantasyland soft opening of the Storybook Circus area. Since I couldn’t make it over today, extra special thanks to friend and theme park news hound Banks Lee for letting us share the Storybook Circus opening photos here!

As of right now, the interactive queue created for the dueling Dumbo attractions is not yet opened. We’ll keep you posted with any updates.

Welcome to the Circus! Photo ©Banks Lee. Notice the character line-up of Goofy, Dumbo, Casey Jr., Pete, and Humphrey!

I am personally SO excited to see Humphrey the Bear in the parks. While he may belong in a National Park according to his backstory, he has always been a favorite character of mine and the possibility of getting Humphrey merchandise makes me giddy!

Wiseacre farm sign — Back of the former Wiseacre Farm sign! Photo ©Banks Lee

peauts in floor — Disney in the details! Peanuts in the cement in the ground! Photo ©Banks Lee. I have confirmed with Imagineering that the peanut shells are not real, peanut allergies are safe! 😉

The following photos are © Facebook group – WDW and Back Again.

Goofy's Barnstormer - The Great Goofini kids coaster is now open too.

WDW Railroad Fantasyland station — WDW Railroad Fantasyland Station now reopened! The clock face says "Carolwood Park" a lovely tribute to Walt's original backyard train set, named the Carolwood Pacific.

Friend and professional photographer David Manning just shared the following panoramic photos with me (click to enlarge):

Panoramic shot of the area from the Storybook Circus train station. Photo ©David Manning

Panoramic Dumbo — Panoramic shot of the new Dumbo. Photo ©David Manning

New Great Goofini Barnstormer — Amazing shot of the newly themed Barnstormer - The Great Goofini. Photo ©David Manning

Don’t forget to get your pilot’s license!

Dumbo pilots license — Photo ©David Manning

More to come when I get to the Magic Kingdom myself!

About Suzannah Otis

A child of the 80's, Zanna climbed trees and roller-skated till the streetlights came on. She sipped her her first iced coffee at age 10 and never looked back. Growing up outside of Boston, all of these things shaped her life, as did the original EPCOT Center, which brought her where she is today.

Zanna is the mother of 2 adult humans, a 13-year old (also human), and 6 (yes, 6) cats. She is also the wife to one husband, who lovingly puts up with all of the above. Zanna tries to find that one little spark in everything, and thanks you very much for taking the time to read this.

Comments

Cathy says

12 March 2012 at

Thanks for the update Suzannah. I’ve been helping firends plan a trip (first timers) for April 18. Their kids are 2 and 5 and I was really hoping that they wouldn’t miss Dumbo. I think I’m more excited for them than for my own annual excursion to the world!!

Reply
- Zanna says
  
  12 March 2012 at
  
  Happy to share, Cathy! It’s always rewarding to help others plan for a great visit to the World! 😉 I hope your friends enjoy! The first time to Walt Disney World is always extra magical!
  
  Reply
Megan says

12 March 2012 at

AWESOME! New it would be coming “any day now”…only wish that any day could have been while I was there two weeks ago *sigh* I’ll have to get back SOON!! XO

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- Zanna says
  
  12 March 2012 at
  
  Yes! Always a reason to come back!! 😉
  
  Reply
Cinderella737 says

12 March 2012 at

Great article. The new Dumbo looks great. But I REALLY hope they didnt use real peanut shells. My son is highly allergic. You wouldnt think they would be real but they sure look it.

Reply
- Zanna says
  
  12 March 2012 at
  
  I actually just confirmed with someone at Imagineering after getting your comment, that they are not real peanut shells, he’s pretty sure they are concrete. 🙂 Enjoy!
  
  Reply
  - Cinderella737 says
    
    12 March 2012 at
    
    Oh thats great ! Thats a huge relief. I figured real ones would wear down and it was likely fake , but to us even the sight of a peanut makes us shudder. I really appreciate you asking ! Thanks 🙂
    
    Reply
Linda Raymond says

12 March 2012 at

Thanks Suzannah,

Great pics!! Cant wait to see it in person,,,,,,,

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otisney says

12 March 2012 at

Awesome update! Thanks for sharing!

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