Disney 100: Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway puts Disneyland's Toontown back on the map

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — I enjoy Space Mountain, the Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad as much as the next person but it is the rides that emphasize narrative over roller coaster thrills that keep me coming back to Disneyland. I want to relive the stories of Peter Pan, Alice, and Snow White. I want to take down Zurg, join the Rebel Alliance, and accompany Indiana Jones on his latest adventure.

So, I’m not sure why I am completely surprised by how much I enjoy Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Set in the El CapiTOON Theater located in the heart of Mickey’s Toontown, Disneyland’s newest ride taps into my life-long love of Disney’s classic characters Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy, and utilizes the newest technology to create an experience that is quintessentially everything I love about Disneyland distilled into one ride.

While nothing currently can compete with the gargantuan experience that is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railroad uses some of the same cutting-edge trackless and video technology and combines them with a more classic approach that connects directly to the wooden scenic design of “It’s a Small World,” the walk-through opening of The Haunted Mansion, and the museum and memorabilia aspect of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

Over the years Disneyland has put a lot of thought into making the inevitable wait in line a more enjoyable experience. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railroad might be their best work yet as it features a collection of costumes, props, and other memorabilia from throughout Mickey Mouse’s cinematic career.

I wish that the concessions stand was functional, rather than just being a gorgeous decoration, but I can imagine the chaos of spilt drinks, sticky fingers, and popcorn in the machinery might lead to long-term maintenance issues.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railroad puts Toontown back on the map. I like Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, but if there was an area of the park that visited the least it was Toontown. It didn’t hold the nostalgic memories of Fantasy Land, the thrills of Tomorrow Land, or gob smacking beauty of Galaxy’s Edge. Now, I can’t wait to see what the ongoing facelift brings to the remainder of the area.