6 fun facts about Disneyland’s Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction

When Disneyland first opened in July 1955, the Dumbo Flying Elephant attraction was supposed to open. But due to flawed prototypes, the ride opened a month later, on Aug. 16, 1955.

Here are six fun facts about the ride’s evolution:

1. The original Dumbo figures had hinged ears that were supposed to flap but did not work because of mechanical issues. It wasn’t until the mid-1960s that the ears were recast with no hinges.

2. In 1957, during President Harry S. Truman’s visit, the Democratic president declined to ride the attraction because the elephant is a Republican symbol.

3. In the 1970s, the attraction was planned to be expanded and renamed “Dumbo’s Circusland” and was displayed in “Disneyland Presents a Preview of Coming Attractions,” but it was canceled.

4. In 1983, as part of Fantasyland’s major remodeling, the ride was moved to where Skull Rock used to be, allowing Dumbo’s original location to be a shortcut to Frontierland.

5. In 1990, the attraction was updated with the 16 rainbow-colored vehicles (and Timothy’s magic feather) originally intended for installation at Disneyland Paris after an incident during which a bracket support broke.

6. In 2018, the queue was expanded and is now covered with new shade structures. The queue is now completely wheelchair accessible.