We’ve waited for months (sometimes it seems like years!) for the debut of the first sections of the New Fantasyland in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, and now we can finally say…

Welcome to Storybook Circus!

Sections of Storybook Circus have been open for a while — we even scoped it out a bit here!

But today we’re taking a more in-depth tour of Storybook Circus in the New Fantasyland — with a special emphasis on all the fantastic new FOOD, including the house-made caramel corn! But more about that later…

Occupying the area that was once Mickey’s Toontown Fair, Storybook Circus is themed as an old-fashioned circus straight out of the picture books that I loved as a kid.

Here, you’ll see plenty of touches that recall beloved scenes and a fun retro vibe from the classic film Dumbo, with lots of other Disney characters thrown in for good measure!

Big Top Souvenirs and Big Top Treats Show Kitchen

Big Top Souvenirs takes center stage in Storybook Circus. Inside the huge tent structure, you’ll also find Big Top Treats right in the middle, complete with a show kitchen.

The sign outside hints at the treats inside, with teasers for cotton candy and caramel apples.

And cast members embrace the fun atmosphere! This guy with his puppets was hilarious! I totally wanted to tweak his clown nose. 🙂

Thoughtful touches surround you. But rather than straw, which you’d normally find on the ground under the big top, you look down and see this cool canvas flooring, “stitched” together like a tent. A fun touch from the Imagineers!

In the middle of the tent, you’ll find the carousel-shaped Big Top Treats, with its promise of “circus snacks galore.” Love it!

There’s a nice assortment of traditional carnival fare here, but you’ll also see a couple of cool things like Goofy’s Glaciers slushie-type drinks (which you can also find at Goofy’s Candy Company in Downtown Disney).

And you can also score lots of different Disney character apples.

Also a treat here: you can watch as cast members make your yummy snacks right before your eyes! This is a show kitchen like you’ll find at the Main Street Confectionery in the Magic Kingdom, and the Candy Cauldron in Downtown Disney.

In the confections case, you see a nice assortment of cookies, cupcakes, krispy treats, cake pops, candy apples, and fudge. It’s pretty much the same stuff you’re going to find at any Disney World candy store these days, but it still looks great.

There are some neat ways that they’ve brought themeing to otherwise generic cupcakes. The little plaque of the Great Goofini nestled in the thick buttercream makes this cupcake extra special.

I imagine that you’ll see lots of variations for different seasons at Big Top Treats as well. On the day we visited, I spied a Jack Skellington apple! Clearly the candy artists need a little practice on this one, but I bet it still tastes good. 😉

I thought it was interesting that there seemed to be a number of treats here that are very similar to those at the über popular Karamell Küche in Epcot’s Germany Pavilion.

They have chocolate dipped fruit, and you’ll find it here as well in the form of chocolate-covered fruit skewers.

Another similarity…caramel corn cupcakes! Interestingly, these are no longer served in Germany…

But what I was really here for was the House-made caramel popcorn! I’d been hearing about this for weeks, and I couldn’t wait to try it. This is what Big Top Treats is touting the most out of all of their sweet snacks, so I was excited to finally be doing a review…

I loved the little Dumbo Delights sticker on the bag!

I waited until I was outside to dig in so that I could get a good daylight photo for you…

This caramel corn was good. Sweet and crunchy, and a large portion. But it didn’t hold a candle to the version from Karamell Küche! I wonder if it’s the difference in caramel? Either way, save your dough and spend it in Epcot on their caramel corn if you can!

That about does it for the snacks and treats inside the Big Top. Time to head back outside and see what the food carts feature.

Popcorn Wagon, Hot Dog Wagon, and Pretzel Wagon at Storybook Circus

There are several new food carts spread throughout Storybook Circus, featuring that fun Casey Jr. Circus Train theme that you’ll find elsewhere in Fantasyland!

The first cart I spied was the Popcorn Cart…

Here, you’ll find popcorn of course, but you’ll also find an assortment of classic Disney frozen treats and bottled drinks as well. I love the “hand-lettered” sign and “painted” food items!

Next, I stumbled upon the Hot Dog Cart. This is your stop for hot dogs, chips, and more bottled water and soda.

I dig the lanterns hanging from the menus!

The roasted hot dogs looked drool-worthy! (Yes, I like hot dogs.)

You aren’t going to find much to dress your dogs with here, so if you’re looking for something a little snazzier, you might want to head to Casey’s Corner where the menu options are more varied and the toppings are plentiful.

Pretzel aficionados will love this next one: the Pretzel Cart!

And that’s not all the cool…you can choose from Mickey Shaped Pretzels (yay!) or Churros at this stop! There are also plastic cheese and chocolate dippers available.

I suspect some Disneyland snack influence in the themeing of this cart — and I love it!

As you leave the area, the opposite side of the “welcome” sign gives you a hearty “thank you” and hopes that you’ll come back soon! I believe I shall.

I think Storybook Circus is a great addition to Fantasyland, and I can’t wait to try each and every one of these fantastic treats. Let’s hope they continue to come up with exclusive circus-themed snacks. After all, it’s always fun to fall in love with something new and unique!

What treat are you most excited to try in Storybook Circus? Leave me a comment and tell me your thoughts!