Episode 3 - Storybook Circus and New Year Resolutions

Storybook Circus at New Fantasyland

Initial Appearance
Step right up to join us as we tour Storybook Circus, an area inspired by the travelling circus acts and sideshows of the late 19th century as well as classic films like Walt Disney’s Dumbo. There is a grand entrance with theming in reds, yellows and blues; you will find hypo-allergenic peanut shells and animal foot prints in the ground and a personal favourite is the red and white popcorn bag styled trash cans. Cast Member’s wear circus style livery. And for when you are low on juice, there is a phone charging station in this area too.

Attractions

In no particular order, we start with Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station. This is a lovely nod to the cheerful train from Dumbo and the playful elephants and giraffes provide water soakment for all! Check out the numbers on the sides of the carriages - 71, 82, 89 and 98!! The next attraction is The Barnstormer featuring Goofy as the Great Goofini, this junior roller coaster for those over 35” or 89cm is a re-theming of an attraction from the days of Mickey's Toon Town; beware that unless you are incredibly slim you will have to squeeze in to be together to ride. Then on to Dumbo The Flying Elephant, whilst the original ride was an opening day feature, the duel Dumbos have settled in this part of the park since 2012. It’s a cute ride, lasting 1 minute 30 seconds and each carousel rotates differently, one clockwise and the other anticlockwise. What sets this attraction apart is the indoor interactive queue, which is basically a soft play area for the little ones. Fabulous place for children to cool down that enables them to run around whilst waiting for their turn to ride the attraction. 

Meet and Greets

The place to be is Pete's Silly Sideshow. Firstly, theming! There is a fortune teller style booth at the side of the entrance which has brass instruments inside and above reads TOOT, PLUNK, WHISTLE, BOOM which is an easter egg to a Walt Disney productions animated short from 1953's Adventures in Music, which was the first Walt Disney cartoon released in widescreen cinema scope and won the 1954 academy award for best short. The credits are a who's who of Disney legends, directed by Ward Kimball and animation by Marc Davies. (You can find this to watch on You Tube). Once inside Pete's Silly Sideshow you will be able to meet The Great Goofini (Goofy as a daredevil stunt pilot), The Astounding Donaldo (Donald Duck as a snake charmer), Minnie Magnifique (Minnie Mouse as a circus star) and Madame Daisy Fortuna (Daisy Duck as a fortune teller).

Live entertainment 

The Storybook Circus Giggle Gang intermittently provides the entertainment and if you suffer from Coulrophobia, this may be one to miss! There's regular clowning around from the trio of Chuckles, Buffoo, McMonkeyshine III and his protégés, Winifred “Whinny” Horselaugh and Snort with stunts by Wowzer. Music is provided by the silly saxtet. Very much your slapstick humour but well worth stopping by to catch the show or maybe end up being part of the show!

Shopping

The place to be is Big Top Souvenirs and make sure you wander round and not just look at the merchandise but also the wonderful theming. You can get ear hats stitched, clothing, plush and lots lots more.

Food and Beverage

Inside Big Top Souvenirs you will find Big Top Treats, which is the place to go for caramel apples, cotton candy and treats galore. Whilst wandering Storybook Circus you will find a few food carts. There is a cart selling hot dogs, pretzels and churros and at $4.50 who could not want a Mickey pretzel! There is the obligatory popcorn cart that also sells Nestle ice cream products and the lovely frozen choco nut banana.

Toilets

Incredible theming as the trains turning spot or engine shed with red brickwork and arched large door ways. Curiously the water here is non-potable, meaning don’t drink the water!

Train Station

The station is a nod to the miniature railroad Walt Disney had in his back yard. If you look closely you will see the sign for Carolwood Park and again the theming for the area is simply stunning.

New Year Resolutions

We are then joined by Lisa from livingadisneylife.com as we discuss and chat some Disney inspired New Years Resolutions.  See Lisa's list in full here - Top 10 New Year Resolutions

You can follow Lisa on Facebook and Twitter @life_of_green

If you have any Disney inspired resolutions email them to us at info@disneydreamgirls.com and we might just include them in our next show!