Dumbo The Flying Elephant Articles

An attraction based on Dumbo Disney's 1941 film was present in early Disneyland plans. Although the ride was always intended to have spinning elephants, there was a considerable difference between what appeared in the first drawings and what appeared at Fantasyland in 1955. Originally, the elephants were to be pink representing the pink elephants not Dumbo himself parading through the movies hallucination sequence and their ears were going to flap. Timothy Mouse was slated to stand on the top of a circus-themed column in the middle.Ultimately the whole attraction was supposed to be in operation on opening day.

Problems with time, budget and flawed prototypes created an attraction that was both different and delayed almost a full month after the rest of Disneyland opened. Dumbo the flying elephant finally debuted 10 gray elephants all wearing collars and colored hats there were no flapping ears and Timothy was nowhere to be found. Based on the character from the 1941 animated feature, the sixteen ride vehicles each resemble Dumbo and are mounted on articulated armatures connected to a rotating hub.

The passengers ride in the "Dumbo's" and can maneuver them up and down with a joystick that operates a hydraulic ram. The ride itself rotates counterclockwise at a constant rate. There is an extra Dumbo vehicle located outside of the attraction to be used by guests for better photo opportunities.

A figure of Timothy Q. Mouse, currently voiced by Chris Edgerly, rides atop the central hub. Originally at Disneyland, the figure held a training whip and stood on a disco ball. He currently stands on a hot air balloon and holds the "magic feather"

A circa 1915 band organ occasionally provides background music for the attraction. This powerful instrument is capable of being heard more than a mile away. Naturally, it is operated at only a fraction of its potential.

During his 1957 visit, Former US President Harry S Truman politely declined a ride on Dumbo Flying Elephants. Elephants are the symbol of America's Republican Party Truman was a Democrat. The original name for this attraction (before the attraction was built) was The Pink Elephant Ride! The first Dumbo Elephants weighed 700 pounds each.

Here is how Disney describes Dumbo The Flying Elephant Soar high in the sky aboard the famous little pachyderm on a fanciful flight for all ages. An “Ear-Born” Adventure As the jubilant circus organ melody begins, Dumbo gracefully lifts off and begins to fly ‘round a dancing water fountain. Feel the wind race across your face as faithful friend Timothy Q. Mouse directs the action with help from his “magic” feather. Dumbo showed the world he could fly—because if you believe in yourself, anything is possible! How High Will You Fly? You can move higher and lower by moving the lever inside the gondola. An Opening Day Classic Based on Disney’s 1941 animated classic Dumbo, this beloved attraction has been delighting Guests since 1955.Part of the attraction is even older: the band organ located under the circus tent behind Dumbo the Flying Elephant was built by Gavioli & Cie in 1915. The Perfect Dumbo Photo Snap a picture in the replica Dumbo gondola, which you’ll find just behind the main attraction.

From WED Disneyland Dictionary 1968 Proof that in this fantasy world of "dreams come true" anything is possible. That's why elephants really "fly" in Fantasyland, as Timothy the mouse cracks the whip and Dumbo's soar high carrying happy passengers

From Steve Birnbaum brings you the best of Disneyland 1982: When Harry Truman came to Disneyland in 1957, he and his wife visited almost every attraction in the park except this one "a Republican symbol," he proclaimed.A more plausible explanation is that it has always been something of a kiddie ride, an experience especially loved by youngsters in the two- through-seven age group

Specs: Capacity 375-- Cycle Time: 4:45-- Load Time: 1:00-- Unload: :45-- Trip Time: 3:15-- Dispatch Interval: 4:45-- Trip per hour: 12 -- Speed 6.40 MPH

The original name for this attraction (before the attraction was built) was The Pink Elephant Ride!

The first Dumbo Elephants weighed 700 pounds each.

A figure of Timothy Mouse rides atop the central hub. The figure originally held a training whip, later replaced with the "magic feather." It has since been changed back to the whip.

During his 1957 visit, Former US President Harry S Truman politely declined a ride on Dumbo Flying Elephants. Elephants are the symbol of America's Republican Party; Truman was a Democrat.

At the 1992 Disneyana convention, one of the original ride vehicles sold for US$16,000.

Required a "B" ticket in 1955-1957

Required a "C" ticket in 1959

Required a "C" ticket in 1964-1965

From WED Disneyland Dictionary 1968
Prove that in this fantasy world of "dreams come true" anything is possible. That's why elephants really "fly" in Fantasyland, as Timothy, the mouse cracks the whip and Dumbos soar high carrying happy passengers

Required a "C" ticket in 1970's

From Steve Birnbaum brings you the best of Disneyland 1982:
When Harry Truman came to Disneyland in 1957, he and his wife visited almost every attraction in the park except this one "a Republican symbol," he proclaimed. A more plausible explanation is that it has always been something of a kiddie ride, an experience especially loved by youngsters in the two- through-seven age group (and their parents, who happily go along to watch their kids' smiles). The all-new design, however, a vital part of the Fantasyland renovation, has made the ride a showpiece of the area, a mechanical marvel that can hold even the most blasé grown-up's attention. Dumbo was the flying elephant character in the 1941 film about a baby elephant who discovers, on falling into a bucketful of champagne, that his inordinately large ears, which have previously been such a source of embarrassment, can actually help him to fly. Timothy Mouse, who becomes his friend's manager after the flying elephant is hired as a star (by after the flying el the same circus folk who once scoffed at him), stands in command at the center of the attraction.

(Loading area announcements.)

TIMOTHY

Hi there! It’s your friend, Timothy Mouse. As you know, Dumbo is a real high-flyer. So to make your flight a safe one, be sure to stay seated with your seatbelt fastened, keeping your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside. And for all you grownup types, be sure to watch your kids! To make your pachyderm fly higher, just raise the magic lever right in front of you. Okay, Dumbo, let’s get this show on the road!

(Spanish safety spiel.)

(Ride begins.)

TIMOTHY

What a flight! Okay, everybody, time to hold your horses — I mean elephants — until Dumbo comes to a stop. Then yous can walk to the nearest exit. See you soon!

(Ride ends. Guests exit and new guests board.)

TIMOTHY

This is your ringmaster, Timothy Mouse. To make sure your flight’s a safe one, be sure to stay seated with your seatbelt fastened, keeping your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside. And be sure to watch your kids! To make Dumbo fly higher, just raise the magic lever right in front of you. Everybody ready? Then get ready to take off with the world’s only flying elephant — Dumbo!

(Spanish safety spiel.)

(Ride begins.)

TIMOTHY

Looks like we’re comin’ in for a landing, gang. But please stay seated until Dumbo comes to a stop, and then yous can walk to the nearest exit. Thanks for flying with the eighth wonder of the world — Dumbo!