When Magic Kingdom’s version of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride closed on September 7, 1998 there was much outcry over the loss of this classic and beloved attraction. Fortunately for all the fans of Mr. Toad, Guests can still experience the craziness and zaniness of this attraction at Disneyland in California. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride has a long and storied history and was an opening day attraction at both the Magic Kingdom in 1971 and Disneyland in 1955.
To be honest, few Guests visiting the parks today have ever seen “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad,” a film that was released in 1959, and fewer still probably know that this film was based on the story “The Wind in the Willows,” which was published in 1908. The popularity of J. Thaddeus Toad is very much due to the theme park attractions. “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” was not a popular success like some of Walt Disney’s other early animated films and yet thousands upon thousands of Guests have ridden the attraction in both Disneyland and at the Magic Kingdom before it closed.
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride is the quintessential example of classic Disney dark ride. This was the type of attraction that was commonplace in early Fantasyland and was the basis of what Walt was setting out to do in his parks. With attractions like Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Snow White’s Scary Adventure, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, and Peter Pan’s Flight, Walt wanted to put Guests right into the middle of these classic stories and bring his movies to life in a three-dimensional setting that would immerse Guests and make them a part of the story. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride does this very successfully thanks in large part to the wild and crazy nature of the attraction and a lighthearted and whimsical feel that make it entertaining for the entire family.
Mr. Toad may no longer be a part of the Magic Kingdom, but his legacy continues to endure at Disneyland. The fact that this attraction has been around since opening day is a testament to the ride’s design, storyline, and characters. While the technology is far from groundbreaking, this attraction continues to entertain Guests and keeps them coming back again and again. It is without a doubt one of the most classic of all Disney attractions. Thus, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride ranks #38 on the top fifty countdown.
#37: Turtle Talk with Crush, Epcot
Moving from old technology to the state-of-the-art, Turtle Talk with Crush is a great example of how far attractions have come since Walt Disney first opened Disneyland. Walt sought to immerse Guests into the stories of his movies, but there is no way that he ever would have thought it possible for Guests to actually be able to converse with one of the characters from those movies. When it opened at Epcot’s Seas pavilion in 2004, Turtle Talk with Crush was one of the most unique and technologically advanced experiences ever put into a theme park. Although similar experiences have now been created in Disney parks around the world, Epcot’s Turtle Talk with Crush continues to amaze Guests of all ages.
From the technological side, Turtle Talk with Crush is a modern marvel as Crush is brought to life in real-time and seamlessly swims across the screen conversing and interacting with the audience. While the technology is groundbreaking, the major appeal of the attraction is its interactive nature. Turtle Talk with Crush really brought interactivity to a whole new level, making audiences a part of the show like never before. Really, it is the audience (and especially the kids) that make the show what it is. It is Crush’s job to play off of what the audience gives him and, because of this, every show is going to be different.
This is one reason why Turtle Talk with Crush is one of the highest rated shows in Epcot, its tremendous re-watchability keeping Guests coming back again and again. Not only is it amazing to see how little kids react when they realize that Crush is actually talking to them, but it is also extremely entertaining to hear some of the questions that these kids come up with. While you do get the common questions like “What do you eat?” or “How long can you hold your breath?” the show becomes all the funnier when you get the completely random questions. Added to this is the more intimate setting of Turtle Talk, with kids sitting on the floor close-up to the screen, that really makes everyone in the theater feel as though they are a part of the show rather than just watching the show. For all of these reasons, Turtle Talk with Crush comes in at #37 in the top fifty rankings.
#36: Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Beauty and the Beast is one of the most beloved Disney animated movies of all time as well as the first animated film ever to be nominated for the Academy Award for best picture. It is a movie that is a classic in every sense, from a storyline that runs a whole gamut of emotions that allow it to be appreciated just as much by adults as children, a plethora of memorable characters, and amazing music with truly unforgettable songs. Therefore, it is not surprising that this memorable story has a large presence at Disney parks around the world.
What many people may not realize is that Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage premiered at the Disney-MGM Studios on the same day that the movie was released in 1991. This stage show highlights some of the best moments from the movie and is driven by the movie’s music. Featuring beautiful sets, high-energy choreography, and memorable songs like “Belle,” “Be Our Guest,” and “Beauty and the Beast,” the show has almost a Broadway-caliber feel.
Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage is an attraction that is very much like the movie it is based upon; it is a show that has withstood the test of time and remains as endearing to Guests today as it did back in 1991. The show, despite relocating multiple times, has changed very little from when it first debuted (just a slight change in the order of songs) and is currently the longest-running live stage show at Disney World. For many Guests visiting Disney World, Beauty and the Beast is the pinnacle of Disney animation. For our generation, it is one of the films that helped define our childhood. Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage continues to keep the film’s legacy alive and comes in at #36 on the top fifty countdown.
#35: It's a Small World, Disneyland
When it comes to Disney heritage, there is probably no attraction that has more significance and history than It’s a Small World. Created by WED Enterprises for the 1964 New York World's Fair, It’s a Small World was one of four attractions which were used by Disney to test concepts and ride systems and then moved and re-built at Disneyland after the World's Fair closed in 1966. Amazingly, Disney was given only 11 months to create and build the ride.
While all the versions of It’s a Small World found at Disney parks around the world are relatively similar, there are several reasons why I prefer Disneyland’s version to that of Disney World’s. In addition to being the original, the first and foremost reason is the attraction’s magnificent exterior. With a facade of stylized turrets, towers, and minarets reminiscent of world landmarks (such as the Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of Pisa), Disneyland’s It’s a Small World is one of the most iconic sights in the entire park and a commanding presence in Fantasyland. The facade was designed by Imagineer Rolly Crump who was inspired by Mary Blair's styling inside the attraction.
Another appealing aspect of Disneyland’s version is actually a recent addition. When I first heard that Disney characters were being added into this classic attraction I was very worried, but after seeing it in person I realized my fears were unfounded. Closed from January to November of 2008, the attraction’s refurbishment added 36 new characters in their native land, such as Pinocchio and in Italy, Mulan and Mushu in China, etc. What makes this so successful is that the new characters were done in Mary Blair’s original style and, for the most part, blend in with the existing dolls extremely well without drawing too much attention to themselves.
It’s a Small World is one of Disney’s most storied and iconic attractions. With a message that emphasizes world unity and harmony all set to the Sherman Brother’s cheerful and catchy song, It’s a Small World continues to delight Guests of all ages. It’s a Small World has a degree of nostalgia and history not matched by many other attractions, a project that Walt Disney himself had such a major role in creating. Thus, It’s a Small World finds a place at #35 in the top fifty rankings.
No comments:
Post a Comment