Dumbo the Flying Elephant is an attraction at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. The both require you to transfer from your wheelchair but there is a special ride vehicle that makes it a little easier. While the attractions are similar there are a few differences between the two parks.
Location: Fantasyland
Height Requirement: Any Height but children under age 7 years must be accompanied by a person age 14 years or older.
Accessibility: Must Transfer from Wheelchair/ECV
FastPass+: Available
Who Should Ride: Great for all ages.
Dumbo at the Magic Kingdom is located in Storybook Circus and features two spinners. You use FastPass+ or enter through the standby queue. If you go through the standard queue you can visit the circus tent and play area inside. A Cast Member will ask for the number of people in your party and give your a pager that will “virtually” hold your place in line.
The tent is beautiful and worth visiting at least once even if you don’t have kids. The tent is air conditioned so it’s a great spot to take a break from the heat (or hide from the rain) and there is wifi. The playground has with slides, a climbing net, and a toddler section. There is also a designated seating area for wheelchair users and their party toward the back of the tent.
When your pager goes off you head to the front of the tent and return it to a Cast Member. They will then point you toward one of the spinners. When you get to the Cast Member at the front of the queue let them know that you need to use the accessible ride vehicle.
There is one accessible Dumbo on each spinner. The side lifts up and makes the transfer much easier. The Cast Members will move your wheelchair to the side for you and return it to you when the ride is over.
Location: Fantasyland
Height Requirement: Any Height but children under age 7 years must be accompanied by a person age 14 years or older.
Accessibility: Must Transfer from Wheelchair/ECV
FastPass: Not Available
Who Should Ride: Great for all ages. It’s not too fast and there are only a few small drops.
The process for riding Dumbo at Disneyland is a little different. There is a designated gate across from King Arthur Carrousel. Depending on how long the wait is you may get a return time. We visited first thing in the morning so we were able to get on the attraction immediately.
After that the process is the same. There is one accessible ride vehicle on the spinner. Just let the Cast Member know you need to use it. We recommend not skipping this attraction just because you’ve experienced it at Walt Disney World. The views of Fantasyland are great. Plus Disney history nerds will love the fact that this is the original attraction from 1955.
And during your flight, he band organ located under the circus tent behind Dumbo the Flying Elephant, which was built by Gavioli in 1915, plays a collection of Disney tunes. How cool is that!
So excited – have never ridden Dumbo but having read how accessible it is it will be top of my list for next year!
[…] Accessible Attractions | Dumbo the Flying Elephant – Rolling with the Magic […]
[…] Vehicle: There is a transfer access vehicle available. This one was the same as Dumbo at the Magic Kingdom so we didn’t have any problems. I do think I like this attraction a little better at […]
Now I want to ride Dumbo. You know, I totally hate to admit this, but I don’t think I’ve EVER ridden it. (hanging head in shame!) I’ve always been way too impatient to wait in the long lines. We did put the kids on once – if that counts for anything!
[…] The attraction is especially beautiful at night. It’s also a great attraction for wheelchair users that can transfer. You can read my accessible attraction post here. […]
Accessible AND a fastpass!! Yippeee!
You are welcome! I hope it helps. I have a post on Rockin Roller Coaster. Have you tried the transfer bench they have?
Thank you for your post ! I was hoping they would make easy for non walkers to transfer into …now if they could just do this to Aerosmith’s rollercoaster !