Stories Woven In Fun
Old Disney stories never really disappear. Inside the parks, worlds where classics like Dumbo and Alice (from Wonderland) lived are waiting—sometimes as rides, sometimes as mazes, sometimes as shows that surprise you delightfully.
When you're in the Happiest Place On Earth, there's one thing you can be sure of: There are easter eggs hidden everywhere for the people who have the eyes to see them.
Casey Jr Circus Train
All aboard the Casey Jr Circus Train, chugging through Disneyland since 1955. Modeled after Dumbo’s animated locomotive, the whistle still huffs, “I think I can”. The ride winds through Storybook Land, passing tiny villages, so keep an eye out for Agrabah’s miniature. Disneyland Paris opened its version in 1994.
Andrei Dan Suciu, Wikimedia Commons
Storybook Land Canal Boats
These boats, which have been in operation since 1955, glide guests through a miniature wonderland of Disney classics. Monstro’s enormous mouth swallows the boats before they pass handcrafted villages. Here, look for intricate details in Pinocchio’s village and Alice’s garden. Monstro even creates a dramatic entrance as vessels cruise by.
Boris Dzhingarov, Wikimedia Commons
Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
Disneyland’s 1957 walkthrough opened two years before Sleeping Beauty premiered to showcase 3D dioramas, Maleficent’s glowing eyes, and a dragon in shadow. Hong Kong Disneyland, which opened in 2005, originally featured a Sleeping Beauty Castle.
In 2020, it was transformed into the Castle of Magical Dreams, which is bursting to references to many different Disney heroines.
The Many Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh
One wasn’t enough, so Disney built two—first in 1999 at Walt Disney World and later in 2005 at Hong Kong Disneyland. Both send guests into the Hundred Acre Wood aboard honey pots that sway through Heffalumps, Woozles, blustery winds, and Tigger’s joyful bouncing until Pooh’s sweet finale.
The Little Mermaid: Under The Sea Journey
Ariel’s dark ride debuted in 2011 at Disney California Adventure and in 2012 at Walt Disney World to immerse guests in the 1989 film with undersea scenes and Ursula’s towering animatronic. Tokyo DisneySea instead offers Mermaid Lagoon (2001), a whimsical land with rides in multiple play areas and live shows.
Anna Fox from San Jose, CA, USA, Wikimedia Commons
Ariel’s Greeting Grotto
Want another Little Mermaid adventure? At Tokyo DisneySea’s 2005 Ariel’s Greeting Grotto, you step inside her coral cave straight from the 1989 film (again). Playful theming and character nods peek from the decor, and they add small surprises while you wait for a magical, face-to-face moment with Ariel herself.
Disney Sea Ariel's Grotto Tokyo by Nai Wang
Alice In Wonderland
This whimsical 1958 ride draws directly from Disney’s Alice in Wonderland (1951). Oversized caterpillar vehicles carry guests down the rabbit hole into vibrant, curious scenes. The Cheshire Cat grins, disappears, and reappears, always surprising riders in this uniquely topsy-turvy attraction.
No machine-readable author provided. Elf assumed (based on copyright claims)., Wikimedia Commons
Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
Designed based on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), this attraction has enchanted guests since Disneyland’s 1955 debut. Completely rethemed in 2021, the ride glows with dazzling gems inside the Dwarves’s mine. Watch closely because the Evil Queen’s eerie transformation and the forest’s new projections may startle you.
Jeremy Thompson, Wikimedia Commons
Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
Inspired by Pinocchio (1940), this adventure opened in California and Tokyo in 1983. Riders narrowly escape Monstro’s jaws in a heart-racing finale. Fiber optics creates the Blue Fairy’s shimmering glow, while Stromboli’s dark cage scene remains surprisingly intense. Here, you’ll feel like Pinocchio himself.
Jeremy Thompson, Wikimedia Commons
Dumbo The Flying Elephant
Since 1955, families have soared above Disneyland and Walt Disney World in Dumbo’s circus ride. Guests pilot their elephant up or down at will, while Timothy Mouse waves a “magic” feather overhead. Magic Kingdom even built two carousels to shorten waits. Tokyo Disneyland added its in 1983.
Jeremy Thompson, Wikimedia Commons
Mr Toad’s Wild Ride
Straight from The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr Toad (1949), this chaotic journey has been running since 1955 in Disneyland. Guests crash through Toad Hall, barrel past the courtroom, and shockingly end up in a fiery Hell scene. Even before boarding, Mr Toad’s statue greets you mischievously.
Mad Tea Party
The spinning teacup ride, inspired by Alice’s “unbirthday” scene, opened at Disneyland in 1955 and Tokyo Disneyland in 1986. Both feature colorful lanterns and Wonderland whimsy. Tokyo’s version includes a giant teapot with the Dormouse popping out, while Disneyland’s omits the centerpiece.
Ellen Levy Finch, Wikimedia Commons
Peter Pan’s Flight
Since its 1955 debut, Peter Pan’s Flight has captivated guests with glowing pirate ships that soar above London’s sparkling skyline and into Neverland. Tinker Bell’s trail lights the way as the crocodile snaps below. Paris’s 1992 version adds dramatic touches that include Hook’s rocking ship and shimmering pixie dust.
[4K] Peter Pan's Flight 2022 - Disneyland Paris by DLP Welcome
Enchanted Tales With Belle
At Walt Disney World since 2012, this attraction invites you to step into Beauty and the Beast (1991). An enchanted mirror even magically “transports” visitors to Belle’s world. Children and adults alike perform alongside her, and Lumiere’s flickering animatronic flames impress with lifelike detail.
Aladdin’s Magic Carpet Ride
Across three Disney parks, guests soar above Agrabah on flying carpets. Paris’s 2002 version circles a giant Genie lamp against a movie-set backdrop, with Genie as director. Walt Disney World (2001) and Tokyo DisneySea (2011) let riders control their carpets as a camel sprays water.
Festival Of The Lion King
From Disney’s Animal Kingdom (1998) to Hong Kong Disneyland (2005), Festival of the Lion King dazzles with acrobats and fire dancers. Rather than retelling Simba’s story, this musical revue celebrates themes and songs from Disney’s 1994 classic to fill the theater with energy and spectacle.
Tarzan’s Treehouse Trek
First built in 1999 at Disneyland and later added to Hong Kong Disneyland in 2005, Tarzan’s treehouse takes guests back to the 1999 film. Rope bridges sway above the jungle, Jane’s camp features interactive sketchbooks, and ambient jungle sounds and percussion echo through the towering walkthrough.
【4K】 Tarzan's Treehouse Reopening Full Walk-Thru｜Hong Kong Disneyland by Hong Kong Disney Geek
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
First unveiled at Walt Disney World in 2014 and later at Shanghai Disneyland in 2016, this ride brings Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to life. Mine carts swing on the track as the dwarves sing “Heigh-Ho,” and the Witch’s shadowy cameo adds a final thrill.
Josh Hallett from Winter Haven, FL, USA, Wikimedia Commons
Alice’s Curious Labyrinth
In 1992, Disneyland Paris added Wonderland’s hedge maze. Guests weave through twisting paths that lead to the Queen of Hearts’s looming castle. Water jets surprise wandering explorers, turning this labyrinth into a playful re-creation of Alice in Wonderland’s chaotic charm.
Benoît Prieur, Wikimedia Commons
Le Pays Des Contes De Fees
Since 1994, Disneyland Paris has enchanted visitors with Le Pays des Contes de Fees, a boat tour through miniature villages. Pinocchio’s hamlet and Alice’s garden appear in intricate detail as boats glide along automated tracks, with music and scenery telling the story.
Le Pays des Contes de Fees [On-Ride 4K POV] - Disneyland Paris by Amusement Explorer
Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel
For over five decades, guests have ridden Prince Charming Regal Carrousel in Walt Disney World’s Fantasyland. Featuring 90 hand-carved white horses accented in golden bows on their tails, the elegant attraction includes one often called Cinderella’s Horse. All this happens while instrumental Disney music—sometimes including Cinderella selections—accompanies the storybook ride.
Fantasia Carousel
Since 2016, Shanghai Disneyland’s Fantasia Carousel has featured 62 flying horses inspired by The Pastoral Symphony segment of Fantasia (1940). Surrounding sculptures depict cherubs, Zeus, and Bacchus, while “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” score fills the air with Disney’s musical magic.
Fantasia Carousel - Shanghai China Disneyland by Wonderland Way
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Donald Duck has never been one to follow the rules—and when he gets his hands on Mickey’s sorcerer’s hat, the magic takes on a life of its own. What follows is a whirlwind journey through Disney’s most significant musical moments, from The Little Mermaid to The Lion King.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic - Full 3D Show 2024 - Disney California Adventure 4K by Away We Go.
Fantasmic!
Fantasmic! has transformed nights at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Tokyo DisneySea since 1992. Mickey Mouse battles Maleficent’s dragon while fountains and live performers recreate scenes from classics like Fantasia (1940), Snow White (1937), and Sleeping Beauty (1959). The show remains one of Disney’s most ambitious celebrations of its animated heritage.
Fantasmic! Disneyland 2024︱Filmed in 8K by DylanPix
The Jungle Book: Jive
Premiering at Disneyland Paris in 2019, this musical street show reimagines The Jungle Book (1967) with acrobats and vibrant costumes. Baloo, King Louie, and friends bring “I Wan’na Be Like You” and other beloved numbers to life in a colorful celebration that turns the park into a lively festival ground.
[4K] The Jungle Book Jive - Disneyland Paris 2019 by DLP Welcome
