Buckle up tight because the Unofficial Guide is taking a bumpy drive back to Disneyland’s Fantasyland, where Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride remains one of our all-time favorite Best Worst attractions.
The Unofficial Guide’s ongoing series Disney’s Best Worst is dedicated to attractions that have objectively earned sub-par ratings, but that we can’t help loving anyway. And as the most bizarre, retro dark ride in Disneyland’s Fantasyland, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride certainly qualifies for that honor.
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride is a twisting, curving ride in the dark that passes two-dimensional sets and props. There are a couple of clever effects — like the memorable locomotive encounter — but basically it’s at the technological basement of the Disney attraction mix.
Although Mr. Toad doesn’t compare well with newer high-tech attractions, many Disneyland veterans (like us) appreciate it because it’s one of a handful of attractions remaining from the park’s beginning. And Walt Disney World visitors who fondly recall Florida’s long-gone Toad ride will delight in reuniting with its California cousin.
Hannah, an official Touring Plans Stunt Kid™, summed the ride’s appeal up perfectly:
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride is awesome, and everyone should go on it because it’s about a toad who goes to hell. I feel like that’s a neglected topic in theme parks these days.
Take a wild ride with Mr. Toad through our 4K POV video below:
We give Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride 2 1/2 stars, and recommend including it on the second day of a two-day visit with children (or nostalgic adults). Although it isn’t a great attraction, it certainly is a popular attraction. It’s usually a walk-on around rope drop, when most Fantasyland-bound guests rush to Pan or Alice. But lines build early in the day and don’t let up until the closing hours, so catch Mr. Toad before 11 a.m.
Parents beware: There are some loud sound effects as well as a spooky “hell” scene at the end of the attraction.
Are you “ride or die” for Mr. Toad, or do you detour around him? Tell us in the comments below!
For all there is to see and do at Disneyland, check out The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland by Seth Kubersky with Bob Sehlinger, Len Testa, and Guy Selga Jr. All Disneyland fans should also check out The Disneyland Story: The Unofficial Guide to the Evolution of Walt Disney’s Dream by Sam Gennawey.
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