Original concepts for Casey Jr were to make it a thrill ride. Notice how steep this test track was at the studios. The idea was quickly abandoned
Although the Casey Jr. Circus train was shown on TV coverage of the parks Opening Day festivities. The train didn't really begin carrying passengers for two more weeks as workers flatten the track out layout to make the three and a half minute trip smoother slower and safer.
Based on the train of the same name from the 1941 film Dumbo, it gives passengers a tour of many miniature versions of classic Disney animated film scenes. This tour is similar to the one given on the slower paced Storybook Land Canal Boats,but does not incorporate narration.Some pieces of the train were from the original carrousel purchased for King Arthur Carrousel. Original name was Casey Jones Jr. Rail Road. The track was repl in 1989
As Disney describes Casey Jr. Circus Train Ride the rails aboard a festive circus train pulled by brave little engine Casey Jr.—from the classic Disney animated movie Dumbo.
From WED Disneyland Dictionary 1968.Casey Junior is a colorful, gay circus train that puffs up hill and down for a view of Storybook Land. Casey thinks he can and he does make a happy journey with guests in colorful circus gondolas.
From Steve Birnbaum brings you the best of Disneyland 1982: One of the key sequences in Walt Disney's 1941 film Dumbo, in which the engine named Casey pulls a circus train up a steep hill, is the inspiration for this attraction a train trip that circles Storybook Land. The fact is, the Canal Boats are better for viewing the landscaping and the details there, but it is hard to resist the charm of a ride inside one of those wild animal cage cars-the kind that always show up in circus films. Each train has two of them-plus a real caboose. Children seem to love this ride.
Specs: Capacity 375 per hour -- Capacity per train: 30 -- Trip Time: 3:15 -- Track length: 1760 feet -- Speed: 6.4 MPH