Mickey’s Toontown is a cartoon come to life. It’s a land of skewered perspective and crazy angles, a utopia where any decent cartoon character would feel right at home. From the talking water fountain near Goofy’s Gas Station to the Mickey clock above City Hall, this is truly a world where human interaction takes the place of animatronics. Feel free to touch everything. Many seemingly inanimate objects reward curiosity with a surprise!
Toontown is the home of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, who’s houses can be toured by visitors. It’s the place where Donald Duck docks his boat (christened The Miss Daisy, of course), and where Chip ‘n’ Dale store their nuts for the winter. Goofy has a house here, as well as a thriving gas station, and misbehaving guests can be locked up in a jail cell, complete with bendable bars.
It’s a place where the smallest child will feel right at home, and the land is small enough that parents may feel comfortable taking a seat in the shade and allowing older children to explore at their leisure. With the exception of Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, lines are generally short, and crowds here are minimal.
Gadget’s Go Coaster is a perfect jumping off point for junior roller coaster enthusiasts. Climb aboard a giant roller skate and experience some kid-friendly drops. Although the coaster at it’s highest stands only 28 feet, and top speed is about 22 miles per hour, kids of all ages will be smiling long after the 44 second ride has ended.
Head over near the waterfall to Donald’s Boat, docked in Toontown since it’s opening in 1993. Climb the spiral staircase, peep through the portholes, and head straight to the top for great aerial views of Toontown. Explore as long as you wish – there’s no time limit for this attraction.
If the smallest among you need to blow off some steam, head next door to Goofy’s Playhouse. Kids from 2-5 years old are invited to climb, crawl and bounce in the outdoor playground for as long as they wish. All ages are welcome inside the house, where guests can literally bounce off the (padded) walls and sit in Goofy’s chair. As you leave, glance up at the roof and notice Goofy’s green hat!
How about a tour through a treehouse? The Chip ‘n’ Dale Treehouse is at the far left corner of Toontown, and invites visitors to climb through it’s branches up an interior spiral staircase. See Toontown from the top of the giant tree, then make your way back down. This is another at-your-own-pace attraction. The space inside the tree is narrow – claustrophobics are forgiven for sitting this one out.
Disneyland began with a mouse, and it’s time to meet him! In Mickey’s House, the big Cheese himself will take a break from shooting a movie and sign an autograph for you. Wander through the rooms of his personal home and see where Pluto rests his head. Head out through the garden and into the barn, where shooting is in full swing. Set your own pace and take lots of pictures – if you encounter a line at all, it won’t be until you reach the barn to meet Mickey.
Next door is Minnie’s House, another walk-through attraction. Check out her vanity, open her fridge, and make sure to push every button you see. Remember to make a wish at the wishing well in back, and be rewarded with a surprise. Minnie is not always in residence, but will occasionally appear out front to greet visitors.
The main attraction of Toontown, however, is Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, a wild ride through the back alleys of Toontown, where Weasels dwell. Lines here can be deceptively long, as the queue wraps around and around inside the attraction, invisible to the people passing by on the streets of Toontown. FastPass is available for this ride, and highly recommended. Before boarding , you will walk down dimly lit streets, passing Jessica Rabbit’s dressing room and listening in on the evil Weasel plot. Once you reach the loading area, you’ll meet Benny, your lovable taxicab. Climb aboard with a partner and let the fun begin! The steering wheel in the taxi is active, and can spin both clockwise and counter-clockwise. Pursued by Weasels, you will twist and turn through scenes from the movie, and, just when it looks like you and Benny are done for, Roger himself will appear with a “portable hole” to whisk you to safety. Although this attraction spins slower than the Teacups in Fantasyland, those susceptible to motion sickness may still want to think twice. For all others, however, this is a definite “don’t miss!”
Toontown is a land for children and inner children, a place where anything can happen and often does. But there’s much, much more to see in the Magic Kingdom, so hop aboard the Disneyland Railroad at the Toontown Station and let your adventure continue!