Change is a constant at Disney World, but is it always good?
Cinderella Castle
It feels inevitable that we’ll see our favorite attractions go away with some to be replaced by glitzier and newer versions of their predecessors. There’s one closure in particular that, years and years later, we still can’t get over. Let’s talk about it!
For us Disney World veterans, there’s a place in our hearts (and a tear in our eye) reserved for Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. It wasn’t just an attraction. It was a rite of passage and definitely an experience unlike any other in Fantasyland!
©Disney Wiki
Then came in 1998, a dark day indeed, when Mr. Toad was unceremoniously ousted, replaced by “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.”
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Now, don’t get me wrong, Pooh’s ride has its charm. (I especially love the Tigger bouncing scene.) But it just doesn’t hold a candle to the frenetic energy of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
This ride had you embark on a wild adventure through the English countryside. From dodging locomotives to escaping the clutches of the law, this classic dark ride was a “delightfully” chaotic experience from start to finish. Pooh’s ride offers a gentle meander, which is cute, sure, but lacking that certain feel.
©Orlando Sentinel
Here’s the thing: We think Disney could have had its cake and eaten it too. Could you have imagined a Fantasyland with both rides?! Mr. Toad’s could have gotten a refurbishment and thereby kept the classic madness alive for a new generation, while Pooh, with its gentler pace, could have found a home somewhere else in Fantasyland.
Portrait of Mr. Toad in The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Maybe that’s just us being greedy and getting nostalgic for those “good ol’ days” with Mr. Toad. But thanks for reminiscing with us about that wild time in Magic Kingdom’s past. And don’t forget that you can still take a ride with Mr. Toad in Disneyland! Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride lives on at the West Coast park.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
So here’s to Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, a Disney World legend that will be forever missed. Maybe someday Disney will bring it back, but until then, make sure to follow along so that you don’t miss anything!
This Disney World Ride Closure STILL Has No End in Sight
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What ride closure are you still salty about? Let us know in the comments!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
My father will always not care for them scrapping Toad, just like how my sister will not care for them scrapping The Great Movie Ride and me Splash Mountain.
I miss all the dark rides in Fantasyland: Mr Toad, Snow White and Pinocchio. MK certainly has enough room for all of them. Never understood why they got rid of all of them. So glad they are still in THE OG Disneyland.
i agree i loved mr toads ride and also the great movie ride and splash mountain
My son, who is now 33, STILL talks about driving the car in Mr. Toad’s wild ride when he was THREE!!! He loved that ride and is STILL miffed at Disney’s shortsightedness!!! Just another of Disney’s mistakes!!
I LOVED Mr Toad’s! It’s always sad when they take a classic ride away. I do love The Pooh ride, which is surprising to me, since I’m not the biggest Pooh fan (don’t come for me 😂). I definitely agree there would have been room for both.
I’ve been to WDW many times over the years, but still have not been to DL. One of these days I’ll get out to CA and visit my friend Mr Toad again ❤️🐸