Updates: Storybook Circus soft-opening

Video: A stroll through Storybook Circus by Orlando Attractions Magazine:

A first-person ride on the Barnstormer from Mansionfan:

TheDisneyBlog.com: Storybook Circus photo gallery.

Traffic to the Magic Kingdom is busy, and crowds seem heavy. Maybe the word got out?

Follow WDW News Today @WDWNT

WDW News Today: “I’ve never been so impressed by restrooms and pavement in my life…”

Here’s a great walkthrough by WDW News Today.

WDW News Today: The Barnstormer already has a clock for Fastpass.

A little after 2 p.m.: The Dumbo line is closed. Down for maintenance.

Epcot Encyclopedia: Circusland area music.

BroadwayorBust3: First person on Dumbo!!!

Craigory24: New entry at Dumbo.

CloCloAgoGo: Storybook Circus, here I come. (Cast Member in her new costume.)

Craigory24: Tons of Cast Members on hand for the soft openings of Dumbo.

Melanie Snyder: On the Dumbo ride.

WESH: Disney fans Tweet from Storybook Circus.

WDW and Back again: If you want to hit up Magic Kingdom today for the Storybook Circus soft open, you may want to reconsider. Wow. Pic of the ferry line at the TTC.

Orlando Sentinel: New Fantasyland’s first phase now open.

From Inside the Magic:

Pics of everything – Dumbo, Goofini, Cast Members – everything.

 

Follow @Ricky Brigante, Host (Inside the Magic)

Ricky Brigante: The back of the Barnstormer entrance sign is made from an old Wiseacre Farms sign.

Follow @BanksLee – he’s there now.

Banks Lee: Peanut shells on the ground around the Dumbo area.

Banks Lee: Water at Dumbo.

Banks Lee: Insane.

Banks Lee: Welcome to the Circus.

Banks Lee: Storybook Circus now on the MK park map.

Shot yesterday (Popsong1): A look at the latest expansion areas:

Shot yesterday (POVThemePark): Even more on the latest expansion/construction:

Shot yesterday (Popsong1): The Fantasyland train station:

A look inside Storybook Circus, shot two days ago. (Thedrumman64) – Also a look at BTMRR refurb:

Disney’s take on the newly-opened section:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — in 2012, Disney guests will be able to fly like no elephant (or Disney guest) has ever flown, subdue villains with magic spells, sail the azure waters of the Caribbean aboard a brand-new luxury ship, and settle down for the night in rooms celebrating Disney royalty.

January-May 2012 at Walt Disney World Resort also is a time when road runners take to the streets and byways of the Vacation Kingdom in marquee runDisney events, Major League Baseball returns to Champion Stadium, Epcot blooms and Disney celebrates the possibilities of youth.

Here’s a look at what’s in store …

Look! Dumbo is going the wrong way!

Actually, Dumbo is just reversing decades of flying in counter-clockwise circles. Call it “unwinding,” if you will. And in a new location within Magic Kingdom.

Guests will board Dumbo the Flying Elephant from the lovable critter’s left side — like mounting a horse … and unlike the way guests hop aboard for a whirl at Disney parks on three continents. It is scheduled to begin happening by late March 2012 when select experiences in the Storybook Circus neighborhood of New Fantasyland debut just northeast of Mad Tea Party.

The existing Dumbo attraction near Prince Charming Regal Carrousel will close, be refurbished and be moved to a location in Storybook Circus next to the new Dumbo attraction. The result when completed: double Dumbos, one going this-a-way, one going that-a-way … a real circus act, if you will.

There also will be a “big top” that serves as a queue area for the popular attraction. It will feature a variety of interactive experiences currently being developed.

Two other Storybook Circus elements planned for opening early in the year are The Barnstormer and Fantasyland Station. Guests who enjoyed The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm will be happy to know the junior coaster thrills of that attraction are back with a thematic change: Goofy has sold the farm and is now a circus stunt pilot and magician, The Great Goofini. The completely re-imagined train station will serve as the gateway to Storybook Circus and all Fantasyland points beyond.