Favorite Dumbo-type ride and why?

[Luke]

I must go with Aladdin's Magic Carpets. Sure, it's shorter than it should be, but the there seems to be more to the ride than Dumbo (I think there might be a difference in heights), the spitting camel adds fun (for either a cool down or trying to duck and miss it), and the line is much shorter.

I'm looking for a discussion more so than a copy of what you voted for, so please only make a reply if you have more than the ride title to contribute.

[Mr. Toad]

I vote for the original Astro Orbitor. It was way better when it was higher(on top of the now Radio Disney).

It gave you such a great perspective of the park.

The 90s Tomorrowland redo was such a waste. It actually detracted from the park in the end. Wasted money.

[pinkrenata]

Yay for this thread! First of all, I voted for Dumbo if only because it's the sentimental favorite. Otherwise, I am more inclined to agree with Luke. At first I wasn't too crazy about the idea of Aladdin's Magic Carpets, but upon my last trip (a week ago) they proved to be quite fun. Not only do they move up and down, but they also rock back and forth. Plus the accomodations seem just a bit more spacious than the large-earred counterpart. Plus, as Luke has pointed out, the spitting camel adds another element of enjoyment.

As for the others, Astro Orbitors at WDW would be more fun if the vehicles allowed for a bit more leg room, while the new Disneyland version and TriceraTop Spin are more or less uninspiring. And I'm not too keen on including Flik's Flyers as the seating arrangement is just different enough to make it a different sort of ride, at least in my opinion.

That being said, they really are nothing more than rides that go up and down and turn around.

[AwallaceUNC]

I can't comment on Flik's Flyers, but Astro Orbiter is my favorite... higher, a little faster, and a fantastic view (I am of course referring to WDW's, as DL's looked nice from the outside but wasn't nearly as thrilling). Dumbo scores major points for its view and sentimental value as well, though. I also like Aladdin's Magic Carpets quite a bit too... as noted previously, the camels are cool, and I love the Aladdin music that plays. Tricera Top Spin is the ugly duckling of the group because it's, well, ugly. (And boring).

-Aaron

[Escapay]

I'd definitely have to say that Magic Carpets of Aladdin is the best of the bunch. It's not as age-limiting as Dumbo or the DAK version, even though the concept seems kiddie. And like Lukester said, it's more fun with the spitting Camels.

Also, on occasion, I've seen castmember Aladdin hop out of his meet-and-greet area, jump into a random carpet, and make a kid's day. How many times can you say you shared a carpet ride with Aladdin?

I like, though, the One Fish Two Fish version at Universal's Islands of Adventure. As opposed to the Magic Carpets, it's got a nice little ditty that tells you when to go up and down to get wet, so you'll know and can choose to avoid it or get hit. With Magic Carpets, it's a chance thing, where you do or don't get hit with water, and can be somewhat frustrating on a hot day. Then again, that's what the regular spitting camel is for that shoots out to the walking guests.

I haven't done Astro Orbiter in years, so I can't really comment on that one. And the one time we went to California Adventure, we did very little rides, and I don't think the Flik ride was up yet.

I'll always have a sentimental place in my heart for Dumbo (you guys really have to watch our 1991 Disney vacation, we always say we want to do Dumbo, no matter where we are or what time of day it was), as it was probably the most *real* to me as a 6 year old. As a kid, the Peter Pan's Flight is interesting, but it always felt like you're just watching them, not being a part of it. Same with Snow White. But Mr. Toad (RIP) and Dumbo actually put you within the story instead of a bystander, which is what I loved most about the two.

I haven't done Dumbo in years, though, mainly because of the line, and mainly because Magic Carpets is a faster and more enjoyable ride as one gets older.

Escapay

[Timon/Pumbaa fan]

I vote for the original Astro Orbitor. It was way better when it was higher(on top of the now Radio Disney).

It gave you such a great perspective of the park.

The 90s Tomorrowland redo was such a waste. It actually detracted from the park in the end. Wasted money.

Ditto.

Thankfully, it's still high at WDW!

[Loomis]

Just FYI, these are what have been referred to as a 'hub and spoke' attraction. That is, a number of shaped carriages rotate around a central hub, attached by a sturdy spoke.

Now that the lesson is over, I'll put my hand up for Dumbo (mainly because I've been on that more recently, but I also rode the HK equivalent to Astro Oribter last week as well). To me, the Dumbo ride completely captures the spirit of the film - people enjoying flying elephants is always a spirit-lifter.

However, what I really like about the ride - and this is true of both versions I have been on - is the details found. The little Timoty's found near the hub, the designs to make it 'circusy'. It is also way cooler to look around and see several flying elphants.

Further, I found the Astro Orbitor a little cramped in Anaheim. Sitting one behind the other was a tight squeeze for two adults in Anaheim. This problem was solved for the Hong Kong version of the ride, however, by allowing patrons to sit side by side:



I've not been on the two WDW attractions mentioned, but I really like the look of the Aladdin one. In fact, I think Fiona (my girlfriend) has been encouraged to be dragged to yet ANOTHER Magic Kingdom by virtue of being able to ride a magic carpet.

However, for theming alone, Flik's Flyers have to be given big props. The whole idea is to make you believe you are in a 'Bug's Land', and riding around in a big Chinese take-away container or cookie box is pure genius. Still, my heart belongs to Dumbo.

[crunkcourt]

I had to vote for Dumbo, simply because it's been one of my favorites since I was little. It's one of the rides that makes the Magic Kingdom the Magic Kingdom in my opinion. However, in all fairness I've actually never been on any of the others. I haven't been to Disneyland since I was 4; and I've never had a strong desire to ride the rest of them other than the Astro Orbitor. And the last few times I've been in WDW we haven't been able to ride Astro Orbitor for a variety of reasons.

[FantasiaMan]

I voted for Dumbo. You can't beat the classics!