Sam Allen

Timothy Q. Mouse Helps Dumbo Believe and Soar

9_img_8147_large

Earlier this year, Walt Disney’s “Dumbo” marked the 75th anniversary of its release, and what better way to celebrate than wrapping up 2016 with a spin on Magic Kingdom’s “Dumbo the Flying Elephant” attraction? In the 1941 film, the outcast elephant’s best friend Timothy Q. Mouse was always there to encourage him through thick and thin, so it’s certainly in-character for him give a little guidance to Fantasyland guests as well. Timothy can be heard giving the ride’s safety messages as well as seen spinning atop the ride’s marquee, which, when viewed from the back, imparts one final message to exiting guests: “BELIEVE & SOAR!”

The figure of Timothy Mouse shown above is actually a remnant from an earlier version of this classic attraction. When the ride was located in the heart of Fantasyland, approximately where the castle walls sit today, the loyal mouse stood in the center of the carousel of flying pachyderms in order to direct them (initially with a whip and later with a magic feather). However, when a second set of Dumbos was added during the move to its current “Storybook Circus” site, Timothy was placed on his present location from which he could oversee both groups of elephants. Just as he has for the last 75 years, Timothy Q. Mouse is still there to offer support to his buddy Dumbo.

6 comments

  1. […] “Dumbo The Flying Elephant” is a must-ride attraction for Magic Kingdom’s youngest guests (as well as many of its older ones), and part of its appeal is the views that riders can see as they soar on the big-eared pachyderm above Fantasyland and Storybook Circus. However, this classic Magic Kingdom experience also offers some impressive views for those who instead look inward at the mechanisms that controls it. The center of this spinner attraction is decorated with details that recall key moments and characters from 1941’s “Dumbo” such as the series of Mr. Storks, like the one pictured above, that encircle its top. Fans of this Walt Disney’s classic may remember Mr. Stork’s brief but important appearance when he delivers the baby elephant to his expectant mother near the beginning of the film, but the character is also auspicious in Disney history for a couple of other reasons. […]

    Like

    Reply

  4. […] In 1941’s “Dumbo,” a little elephant learned that his big ears gave him the unexpected ability to fly, and this areal feat would go on to inspire one of Disney’s most iconic theme park attractions. What better way to celebrate 80 years of this classic film than taking flight over Magic Kingdom’s Storybook Circus on “Dumbo the Flying Elephant”? […]

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment