Way back when, in 1953, while a smart group of theme park planners and designers got together, they envisioned a grand, circus-themed dining area surrounding the now world-famous Dumbo ride.
When the Magic Kingdom opened, however, this area wasn't there. Eventually Toon Town came to occupy that space instead, and guests could visit Minnie, Mickey and all the rest in their own neighborhood. It was great fun for toddler, but not for anyone else. It became kind of the "baby" play area of the park, and besides being crowded all day, there wasn't much to see there for older kids (and parents lost interest too after about an hour). In 2013, when the great Fantasyland expansion opened, the circus was put in its place and showed off its colors proudly.
Check out this scale model that was on display before the grand opening. Who knew that this big revolutionary change was actually one of the original ideas from the 1950s?!
Check out this scale model that was on display before the grand opening. Who knew that this big revolutionary change was actually one of the original ideas from the 1950s?!