There’s something about Dumbo the Flying Elephant that attracts small children like bears to honey. I don’t know what it is…Dumbo is a simple hub and spoke attraction. Sixteen flying elephants circle around a central point, as you control the up and down motion. It’s pretty basic, and it’s one of the few attractions at Disneyworld that is geared just for kids. If you have a child between the ages of 2 and 8, don’t count on skipping Dumbo. It won’t happen.
I like Dumbo…it’s cute and whimsical. I have to admit, it’s a lot more fun when I have one of my kids in tow. Watching a child’s face as they fly their elephant up and down…there’s nothing quite like it.
The main drawback to Dumbo is that the line moves at about the speed of molasses. Maybe slower. It’s not a continual loading ride, which means you have to wait for everyone to get off the ride before the next group gets on. It’s a painfully slow process, especially while waiting in line with small children. My best advice would be to stay in a Disney hotel and get on Dumbo during the extra magic hours. Seriously…that’s your best bet for getting on and off in less than an hour. If that’s not an option, get there when the park first opens, and run, don’t walk, straight to Dumbo. The parade is also a good time, since a lot of people with small children are watching. Do not under any circumstances try to ride Dumbo in the middle of the afternoon. You’ll regret it…I promise!