Disney’s Dumbo Fun Facts

Join me as I take a nostalgic trip back to the golden age of animation and explore the enchanting tale of Dumbo, the adorable flying elephant. In this trivia-packed post, we’ll uncover little-known facts, behind-the-scenes secrets, and interesting tidbits about the making of this beloved Disney classic.

What is Dumbo About?

Disney’s Dumbo tells the heartwarming story of a young circus elephant with oversized ears, named Dumbo. Born into a world where being different is seen as a disadvantage, Dumbo faces ridicule and isolation. However, with the help of his loyal friend, a mouse named Timothy, Dumbo discovers that his uniquely large ears grant him the incredible ability to fly.

As news of Dumbo’s talent spreads, he becomes the star of the circus, captivating audiences and proving that what makes him different is what makes him truly special. With themes of self-acceptance, friendship, and the power of embracing one’s unique qualities, Disney’s Dumbo is a timeless classic that reminds us to believe in ourselves and celebrate our individuality.

Disney’s Dumbo (1941) Fun Facts and Trivia

1. Dumbo is Quiet. The only Walt Disney animated feature film that has a title character who doesn’t speak.

2. Pearl Harbor Nixed Dumbo’s Spotlight in Time Magazine. In December 1941, Time magazine planned to have Dumbo on its cover to commemorate its success, but it was dropped due to the attack on Pearl Harbor. TIME still ran a 1,400-word story in that issue on the resilient little elephant and framed him as a welcome distraction and source of comfort for a country at war.

3. Dumbo was Produced During an Animators Strike. During production, there was a long and bitter animators’ strike, in which half of the studio’s staff walked out. Some of the strikers are caricatured as clowns who go to “hit the big boss for a raise”.

4. What is the Circus name that Dumbo was In? The name of the circus (seen on a sign as the train leaves the winter headquarters) is WDP Circus (Walt Disney Productions).

5. HIDDEN MICKEY: When the drunken Timothy is sliding down the staircase-shaped bubble Dumbo has blown, his laugh is actually that of Mickey Mouse. Also, when Timothy coughs on Jim Crow’s cigar smoke, that cough is also that of Mickey (it was specifically heard in both Giantland and Two-Gun Mickey).

6. Dumbo, A Republican Symbol? When Harry S. Truman visited Disneyland in 1957, he refused to ride the popular attraction based on the Dumbo movie because he didn’t want to be seen riding in a symbol of the Republican party.

7. What Would be Dumbo’s II Storyline? John, Lasseter joined Disney in 2006 and very quickly put a stop to a sequel that was in the works. The storyline was that Dumbo and his circus buddies have to figure their way out of the big city after the circus train accidentally leaves them there. I am not sure about you but I am not crazy about sequels, they rarely are ever as good as the original.

8. Dumbo is in The Great Mouse Detective. Dumbo makes a cameo appearance in the Toy Shop in The Great Mouse Detective as a toy that blows bubbles from his nose.

9. First Disney Animated Movie to Be Set in America.

10. Dumbo was the First Movie to be Released on Home Video. Dumbo became available to purchase in 1981. It has never gone out of print, thus considered the longest Disney animated feature on video to be in print since it came out. It is also the top film that has been re-released on DVD and VHS in movie history. It is available on Disney+ but not on children’s accounts because of the negative connotations concerning racist stereotypes.

Exploring these fun facts about Disney’s Dumbo has given us with a deeper appreciation for this endearing tale of triumph and self-discovery. As we reminisce about the magic of this beloved classic, why not gather your family and friends for a movie night and relive the joy of Dumbo’s soaring adventure? Whether it’s marveling at the stunning animation or sharing in the valuable lessons of acceptance and resilience, Dumbo is a timeless treasure that reminds us to embrace our differences and reach for the skies. So, grab some popcorn, get cozy, and let Dumbo inspire you to believe in the magic within.

Thank You for Spreading the Pixie Dust!