Posts Tagged ‘Dumbo the Flying Elephant’

Classic \ˈkla-sik\  serving as a standard of excellence;  of recognized value;  traditional, enduring

There are the thrill rides.  There are attractions that showcase the latest and greatest technologies.  There are those that exploit modern themes and the newest stories and characters.

And then, there are the classics.  They may not utilize the most up-to-date equipment, advanced programming, or state-of-the-art special effects.  It doesn’t matter.  They are the classics; the quintessence of the Disney experience.  Using old-time tricks and familiar illusions, the Haunted Mansion continues to amaze and delight us.  It’s a Small World still compels us to board little boats and float past hundreds of dolls while listening to a repetitive tune.  Children will always clamor for Dumbo the Flying Elephant, adults will forever get teary in the Hall of Presidents, and they all line up to sit in twirling teacups and laugh together.

Yet none is more clearly touched by Walt’s hand than the Carousel of Progress.  It’s a simple concept – guests are seated in a theater that revolves around a central stage as they follow nearly 100 years of innovation.  Through a series of cozy kitchen scenes and folksy chats, the audience can see the evolution of both technology and, more subtly, American culture, from the late 1900’s until the end of the 20^th century.

The clothing changes, as do the “latest” appliances, and even the vocabulary, but the core message remains the same:  mankind’s infinite capacity for inventiveness and resourcefulness, and the timeless values of family and country; philosophies that were dear to Walt’s heart.  In fact, he was deeply involved in the project right from the start when it was developed for the New York World’s Fair in 1964 and 1965.  Progressland’s Carousel Theater, sponsored by General Electric, was actually an offshoot of a concept known as Edison Square, which Walt had conceived, but never built, for Disneyland in the 1950’s.

It was a huge hit at the Fair, and although the original structure was demolished, the audioanimatronic figures and the systems were packed up and moved to Disneyland when the Fair closed.  While Walt did not live long enough to see it open, it ran for six years at its new home in Tomorrowland.  On the upper level of the theater, guests could view a beautifully-detailed model of Progress City, a preview of the real city he had planned to build in Florida – EPCOT.  Today, visitors can see a section of that model displayed along the route of the TTA PeopleMover in Walt Disney World.

After its Disneyland closure in 1973, once again, the theater was left behind, although this time repurposed for America Sings and later, Innoventions, and the figures and systems made the trek to their new home in the Magic Kingdom.  Renamed Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress in 1994, the attraction underwent renovations which included an updated final scene.

Still featuring the original control systems and audioanimatronic figures, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is a somewhat fragile treasure, and only open seasonally during busier periods.  Nonetheless, it holds the record for the most performances of any show in the history of American theater.

Although the fourth, “modern day” scene is sorely in need of some serious reimagining, the attraction remains a touchstone for hundreds of thousands of visitors.  Indeed, sitting in that theater, it’s easy to imagine that a great, big, beautiful tomorrow is just a dream away.

 

Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

Magic Kingdom

21 minutes

Open seasonally

Wheelchair and ECV accessible

Park admission required

 

Despite the fact that millions of children may never have seen the movie that inspired it, Dumbo the Flying Elephant remains one of the most beloved rides of all time.  This spunky little pachyderm has managed to fly to the four corners of the earth, and now appears at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disney.

Based upon what is, perhaps, the most charming animated film ever produced, Dumbo teaches us many lessons:

• the beauty of friendship

• the value of recognizing and utilizing all of our assets

• the transformative power of belief in ourselves

It’s a gentle flight over Fantasyland; each Dumbo car equipped with a control that allows riders to raise and lower their elephants as they slowly circle around.

The huge popularity of the ride coupled with its slow loading means the lines get very long, very quickly.  For those families whose vacations will be absolutely ruined without the Dumbo experience, we turn again to our favorite tip: get to the parks early!  Head immediately to Dumbo the Flying Elephant and join the queue.  For many little kids (and big kids, too),  it will be one of the most memorable moments of their visit.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Magic Kingdom, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disney

Wheelchair guests must transfer to the ride vehicle

Appropriate for all ages

Park admission required