An opening day attraction at the Magic Kingdom, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride was unique in its design and operation, despite having a pre-existing sister attraction at Disneyland.
Unlike the Disneyland version, the Magic Kingdom’s Mr. Toad had two separate tracks, each following a different path. This resulted in a different ride experience for the guest depending on where they were boarded.
Track 1 would take guests on a path through Toad Hall, the trophy room, kitchen, gypsy camp, One Way Street, Town Square, Winky’s Pub, the keg room, blackout, the rain room, the train tunnel, and finally end in Hell.
Track 2 would take guests on a path through Toad Hall, the library, blackout, the barnyard, the barn, One Way Street, Town Square, the jail, prison, Shireland, the train tunnel, and finally end in Hell.
Though considered a dark ride, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride surprised guests with its speed (and speed changes), volume, and theming. It isn’t often you get to ride an attraction at Walt Disney World that ends with your dying and being sent to Hell!
In September of 1998, despite the ride’s continuing popularity levels and passionate fans, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride took it’s final trip to Hell to make way for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.
The new attraction features two tributes to what originally filled its space: One in the form of a painting of Toad handing over the deed to Owl, the other a painting of Mole and Pooh. Additionally, a statue of Toad can be found in the Pet Cemetery of the Haunted Mansion. It is rumored that on the statue is a well hidden epitaph that reads “Here Lies Toad, It’s sad but true. He wasn’t as marketable as Winnie the Pooh!”
