Guests visiting the Storybook Circus section of Fantasyland find themselves immersed in a small town where the Circus has just rolled in off the train tracks to set up its show. So far we have a two-ring circus full of flying elephants, daring airplane stuntmen, a sideshow, and a big top souvenir stand… so it should be no surprise that clowns will be part of the milieu. The clowns will be joined by the Silly Saxtet, a new musical group at the Magic Kingdom, with a playlist of circus favorites with a unique twist.
The Storybook Circus Giggle Gang is set to debut with the official opening of New Fantasyland later this week. According to the Disney Parks Blog the troop of clowns includes a variety of training and experiences, including some from the prestigious Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College.
I have mixed feelings about the addition clowns to the area. It’s not what I personally want to experience while attending a Disney theme park. But I understand how they fit with the theme. There is a great tie-in with the Circus and Florida with many of the great acts and circus shows wintering in the sunshine state over the years.