Two Parks, One Magical Mashup
In this episode of Sams Disney Diary, we combine two of my favorite 2012 experiences: the Star Wars Carbon Freeze Me process from Star Wars Weekends and a first look at New Fantasyland’s Storybook Circus during its soft opening.
I was lucky enough to be in Walt Disney World in March 2012 during the soft opening of Storybook Circus. By mid-June, I returned—just in time to see the Casey Jr Splash and Soak Station in action and the second Dumbo spinner running. The new interactive Dumbo queue was nearly ready to open, and this episode takes a close look at all of it.
Carbonite in Real Life – Star Wars Carbon Freeze Me
After participating in the Carbon Freeze Me experience during Star Wars Weekends 2012, I waited over a month for the result—and it was worth it! The 7-inch figure features my scanned face frozen in carbonite, Han Solo-style. The likeness is pretty good, though the hairline might argue otherwise.
The experience debuted as a limited-time offering but quickly grew in popularity. Disney D-Tech brought it back for Star Wars Celebration VI, and later extended the tech to the D-Tech Me Princess line, allowing kids to become their favorite Disney Princess in 3D-printed form.
Exploring Storybook Circus – Dumbo, Casey Jr, and More
Back at Magic Kingdom, Storybook Circus Phase I was already setting a high bar for theming. From Carolwood Pacific Railroad nods at the new Fantasyland Train Station to elephant footprints and peanut trails leading to Dumbo, the land was full of storytelling details.
Casey Jr Splash and Soak Station had just opened during my June visit. This vibrant water play area synced water effects with music, bringing Casey Jr’s “I think I can!” spirit to life. A nearby cart sold towels and essentials, but trust me—come prepared with water shoes!
Meanwhile, only one side of Dumbo the Flying Elephant was running in March. By June, both were spinning, and the indoor interactive queue was almost ready. This added comfort and entertainment to what was once one of the longest waits in the park.
What’s Next?
The video captures a unique blend of Star Wars tech and Fantasyland nostalgia. It’s a look back at how 2012 pushed Disney’s storytelling forward—both in a galaxy far, far away and right here in the Magic Kingdom.
Walt Disney World vs Disneyland? Walt Disney World New Fantasyland
[…] As a big Star Wars and Disney fan, how could I resist? I talked about the experience back in Episode #16. In a related story, Disney opened a similar experience, this time at the World of Disney in […]