We caught a whiff of change in the air in Storybook Circus, as landscaping changes around Dumbo the Flying Elephant include large manicured swaths of hedge removal. One of the areas cleared roughly matches the locations of a popcorn elephant statue in the “Smellephants on Parade” concept art, so it may be preparation for the project’s installation at Magic Kingdom.

Possible “Smellephants on Parade” Site Preparation

To the right of Dumbo the Flying Elephant, a large section of landscaping has been removed.

The clean edging lines of the landscaping here around an empty area may indicate that the site has been prepped for other landscaping additions, but the location matches the concept art pictured below.

Larger features in the landscaping, such as these woody pieces, have been pruned or removed. The hedges have been recently trimmed as well; while this is normal maintenance around the edges for Disney’s landscaping team, there are typically not large manicured voids in flower beds when they perform this maintenance.

The ground has been covered in a conifer needle substrate that is easily raked and removed, which is used to protect against washout of dirt. The same product is used in many of the service dog relief areas around the resort as a temporary surface that can be quickly raked, removed, and replaced when needed.

The left side of Dumbo the Flying Elephant has been similarly cleared, but this time with a larger section of ground left bare.

Another planter near the seating area in Storybook Circus also has a section that has been cleared of its plants, prepped for a new installation.

“Smellephants on Parade” Details

This new “family-friendly ‘search and sniff’ adventure” is sponsored by multi-level marketing company Scentsy, which is the official home fragrance for Walt Disney World. The experience takes inspiration from the “Pink Elephants on Parade” sequence from “Dumbo” and concept art includes a popcorn-themed elephant statue and was announced in July.

Cast Members will provide guests with a “Smellephants on Parade” map and sticker sheet at the ticket booth in front of Big Top Souvenirs. “Wiff-sistants” in training can then explore Storybook Circus to find Smellephant statues and record their unique scents.

Scentsy branding was added to Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction signage in November.

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