Dumbo the Flying Elephant Review

Dumbo brings a flying carousel and an amazing playground for the little ones

This one is a classic. I know, this is something that we usually say when it comes to Magic Kingdom, but Dumbo actually holds a unique record among Disney attractions. It's the only ride that you can find in all six Disney castle parks around the globe.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant is one of the oldest attractions in all Magic Kingdom, and probably the most iconic flying carousel in the entire… world? This ride debuted back in 1971, before a relocation happened in 2012, but it kept all its charm that managed to make families smile for decades.

The Good

Just as it happens with Astro Orbiter and The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, this is a family ride for parents with young kids. You hope on your very own Dumbovehicle and then it’s time to spin clockwise for a minute and a half. You do have access to a joystick, which you can use to go up and down, so it’s nice to see any kind of interactive element in an old attraction like that.

Dumbo has undergone numerous updates over the years, including a complete replacement of every ride vehicle. However, the most significant change is to the queue, which stands out as one of the best in all of Disney World. The new interactive queue resembles a circus for young ones, offering an amazing playground experience while their parents wait in line. Complete with rope bridges, obstacle courses, and much more, this playground area is incredibly charming and undoubtedly a major draw for visitors to experience this attraction. You don’t care about spinning around in Dumbo for a minute or two? It’s fine, come here just for the playground and the photo opportunities.

So, are you curious about how you'll know it's your turn to hop on Dumbo? You receive one of those pagers often used in restaurants. With that, you're free to wander and relax with your little ones. When it's time for your ride, the pager vibrates, signaling your turn. Then it's just a matter of locating your child (good luck with that!) and heading to the attraction. It's a simple, effective system, and I wish more family-friendly rides adopted something similar.

There's nothing inherently bad about this ride. Simply observing it from a distance gives you a clear idea: it's all about spinning around for a bit, nothing more. Is it thrilling? Not really. Yet, it holds a classic status within Disney World and theme parks in general. So, grab your camera, enjoy the playground, and consider Dumbo as an added treat.

Will Kids enjoy it?

Young kids up to the age of eight will likely have a fantastic time with Dumbo. Woops, sorry, I mean with Dumbo’s playground. They might even be reluctant to leave when your pager signals it's time to move on. It's an excellent spot for capturing memorable photos and allowing your little ones to burn off some energy. The playground area is vibrant, charming and looks beautiful.

Teenagers might find this attraction too slow and dull, and they might feel they've outgrown the playground. However, it ultimately depends on their individual preferences. If you're with older teens, consider heading straight to the ride to skip the playground altogether. Dumbo lasts for only 90 seconds, so even if your kids aren't too happy with it, they won't be losing much time.