Rumors Abound: Will the new Dumbo be delayed?

Photo copyright Walt Disney Company.

Will there be a delay in the opening of the first part of Dumbo in the Fantasyland expansion? We're hearing rumors of that today. Earlier this month, Walt Disney World closed Dumbo at it's current location to move it over to its new permanent home over in Fantasyland in the area known as Storybook Circus. The original plans called for it to be installed and operating on February 17th, 2012, with the second Dumbo to be added at a later date.
Earlier today, however, the dates on WDW's official refurbishment schedule changed from February 17th, to March 12th, 2012 (meaning an opening date of March 13th, 2012). And then, it changed back to an opening date of February 17th. Several other unofficial Disney websites are reporting Dumbo being closed through March 12th still. however. I also noticed that on at least one unofficial, but popular Disney message board, a cast member mentioned that their internal website, "The Hub" showed a closure through March 11th, 2012.

What does all this mean?
At this point, it's honestly hard to say. The Storybook Circus/Great Goofini area has lagged a little behind, in this writer's opinion, at least, over other areas of the project undergoing construction. That is surprising, given the plans to open this part of the expansion first. Of course, I am not involved in the construction and it's possible this is was all part of the normal work schedule -I can appreciate things having to be built and groundwork having to be laid out in a certain order, after all. I will say in recent weeks, a great amount of visible progress has been made in that section of the expansion. Ultimately, regardless of what people say on message boards or other unofficial refurbishment calendars, the only one that matters is Disney's official schedule, which right now, says February 17th, 2012. As for the change to the March date and then switch back to the earlier date, I do wonder if there is indeed a delay, but Disney personnel want to make a formal announcement before updating the calendar.
We'll keep watching the refurbishment schedule and will advise if there are any changes to this or other major attractions, as always. If you're heading to the parks around February 17th, keep your fingers crossed that there are no changes in store and that Dumbo will re-open as planned for park guests to enjoy on that date.
 
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