In the whimsical Fantasyland at Disneyland park, just beyond the drawbridge of Sleeping Beauty Castle, is a magical storybook village. Located within a 19th century stone and brick manor called Toad Hall is the home of the beloved attraction, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.
Along with many Disney Parks attractions that have been inspired by feature films, this attraction is based upon “The Wind in the Willows” segment of “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad.” This charming sequence of the film depicts J. Thaddeus Toad’s mania for motorcars and all of the trouble his vehicle gets him into. The 1949 Disney animated film directly inspired the creation of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, a July 17, 1955, opening-day attraction. In 1983, the attraction was reimagined, with its original “fantasy fair” facade making way for its current traditionally British entrance, along with detailed scenes, settings and special effects that further bring the story to life.
After entering Toad Hall from an outside garden below Toad’s family crest with the motto, “Toadi Acceleratio Semper Absurda” – translated to, “A Speeding Toad is Always Absurd” – you board a 20th-century-inspired, two-person motorcar to “nowhere in particular.” Toad takes you on a very wild ride indeed, through 15 scenes, including a library, a tavern, a wharf with a view of London’s famous Tower Bridge, Winky’s pub, a courtroom and ultimately the ominous inferno scene, all while the film’s song, “Merrily on Our Way,” fills your ears.
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride is just one of many treasured “dark rides,” characteristic of show sets painted with black-light paint and illuminated in ultraviolet light, which immerse you in the stories of your favorite movies.
Which screen to park attraction would you like to see next? Be sure to share your suggestions in the comments. And thanks to Disney Parks Blog readers Dinah and Caroline for suggesting Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride!
Comments
Great series Erin! Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train would be fun to hear about.
This is a fun classic ride. I have to say though, it could definitely use an update. Similar to how the “Alice” and “Peter Pan” rides were updated.
Please do Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin next.
Mr Toad’s has always been awesome! During my Grad Night many decades ago it was the ride we had to get on, even though Space Mountain had just opened! And the line is always shorter than Peter Pan!
For another Screen to Park attraction how about Buzz Lightyear in Tomorrowland!
Thanks for a great story!
I love this ride and was INCREDIBLY sad when it closed at WDW for Winnie the Pooh. Actually, I have some residual anger burning still.
Frozen Ever After
Yay! Thanks for this, Erin. I didn’t even realize there were 15 scenes, wow!!
Loving this series. Thanks for all the info thus far.
I loved this ride and I am sad that they took it away from Disney World.
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