Storybook Circus is a fairly new land on the Magic Kingdom park map. This circus-themed land opened in 2012 during the Fantasyland Expansion and has since become a favorite for the young and the young at heart. It’s no secret that Disney Imagineers love to work in “Easter Eggs” or hidden details throughout Disney Parks. Today I’m sharing four not-so-hidden details to look out for next time you visit Storybook Circus in Magic Kingdom!

Remnants of Mickey’s Toontown Fair

The previous tenant of this real estate in Magic Kingdom park was Mickey’s Toontown Fair. If you grew up visiting Walt Disney World in the 1990s and early 2000s, you probably remember experiencing this land. Guests could walk through Mickey & Minnie’s houses, ride Goofy’s Barnstormer coaster, and meet some of their favorite cartoon characters all in one place. 

Visiting Goofy at Mickey’s Toontown Fair in the early 2000s

Today, there are only a few parts of Mickey’s Toontown Fair that still remain. The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm lives on under a new, shorter name — The Barnstormer. Instead of a farm theme, it fits right in with the circus theme featuring “The Great Goofini.” The Pete’s Silly Sideshow circus tents used for character meet and greets (currently a Relaxation Station after reopening in July 2020) also date back to the very beginning of Mickey’s Toontown Fair story. (This land’s original name was “Mickey’s Birthdayland” and it had a few name changes over the years until we finally reached Mickey’s Toontown Fair.) 

Details Down To Your Feet

This next not-so-hidden detail is subtle but is a perfect representation of the level of theming behind any land in a Disney Park. While you’re walking around Storybook Circus, take a look at the ground. You’ll find horseshoe tracks and other elements in the concrete that help you know that a circus has come to town! You may even notice some peanut shells and elephant tracks near the entrance area of Dumbo the Flying Elephant. These little details may not be something that every guest will notice, but once you do it just adds to the magic of this land.

Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Train Car Timeline

The Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station’s details are so much deeper than the circus acts painted on each train car! You may have noticed there’s a number painted on each train car as well. The numbers are: 71, 82, 89, 98 — but what do these numbers represent? Each number represents a year that one of Walt Disney World’s four theme parks opened.

Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, Epcot opened in 1982, Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios) opened in 1989, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened in 1998! There’s even a snack cart in the sitting area near the tents that boasts at number 55 for Disneyland‘s opening year, 1955. This Storybook Circus not-so-hidden detail is my personal favorite because I love when Disney Imagineers pay tribute to Disney Parks’ history in subtle ways like this.

Check out my Vintage Minnie Mouse Disneybound photos from this Dapper Day look here!

Hidden Mickeys

It wouldn’t be a not-so-hidden details guide in a Disney Park without some Hidden Mickeys, right? Storybook Circus works Hidden Mickeys into the little details of this land so be sure to keep your eyes peeled! Look for a manhole cover near the entrance of Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and you’ll notice a Hidden Mickey of two elephant prints and the manhole cover waiting for you. If you visit the Storybook Circus sign near the train station, you’ll spot subtle Hidden Mickey balloons near the Humphrey and Casey Jr. areas of the sign. At the entrance to The Barnstormer, you’ll spot two Hidden Mickeys in the detailing of the ticket booth sign. These are only a few examples, but there are still plenty of subtle Hidden Mickeys to be found in this area! Pro Tip: Look at the colorful banners all over the land for even more Hidden Mickeys.

As you can see, there’s a lot more to Storybook Circus than you may have previously noticed. While this land may only be home to two attractions and a Relaxation Station these days, Storybook Circus is chock full of little details that bring out the spark of magic in Magic Kingdom’s smallest land. So if you’re passing the Tomorrowland Speedway on your way to New Fantasyland, make a right into Storybook Circus take a few minutes to stop and spot the details. (Who knows? You may be able to impress the other friends and family on your trip with these tidbits!)

Check out some of my favorite Storybook Circus photo spots here!

What’s your favorite hidden or not-so-hidden detail in a Disney Park?