The Disneyland Book of Secrets 2014: One Local's Unauthorized, Rapturous and Indispensable Guide to the Happiest Places on Earth (34 page)

M
ickey and the Magical Map

[
FastView:
 
Musical
Disney
fun for the entire family. 
Disneyland
entertainers are superb crowd-pleasers.  The show puts pep in your step, and a smile on your face.
]

On Friday May 24, 2013, the author attended an
Annual Passholder
sneak preview of
Mickey and the Magical Map
,
Disneyland
’s new theatrical extravaganza at the
Fantasyland Theatre
which from 2004 to 2006 hosted the stage show
Snow White:  An Enchanting Musical
, before hosting the
Disney Princess Fantasy Faire
from 2006 to 2012.

By
March 2013, the relocated princesses had welcomed Guests to
Fantasy Faire
, their brand new digs next to
Sleeping Beauty Castle
, and in May 2013,
Mickey and the Magical Map
debuted on the princess’ former stage.

Although I arrived half an hour before the 2 p.m. premiere, I found myself at the end of a line of hundreds–perhaps thousands–of other Guests, all of us wearing purple wrist bands.  Would we all be able to fit in the open air theat
er?  I remembered it as a vast space–5,000 square feet–but would it accommodate all of us in the teeming crowd?

At a
bout five minutes before 2 p.m., the crowd surged forward, filing into the amphitheater, filling row after row after row (after row) of the enormous space.  I ended up in the back of the theater, at the top–the “nosebleed” seats—which meant I would learn immediately how well the show played to the back of the house.

With a name like
Mickey and the Magical Map
, the show sounded like it would be geared toward kids, a solid hit with the pre-school and elementary school set.  My eight-year old and two-year old nephews were sure to love it.  But as I gazed around the audience, I noted that the
Annual Passholders
in attendance spanned every age range, from infants to elderly grandparents, and included families, couples, and solitary travelers.  It was, as is usually the case at
Disneyland
, a multicultural audience;
Mickey
is known and loved the world over, and the beloved character transcends all differences of language and culture and age.

The huge theat
er is shaded by enormous swaths of canvas, some decorated with painted leaves as if Guests are being shaded by tree boughs.  The refurbished stage, in the far-far distance, looked handsome–golden backdrop, heavy blue curtains–but small; how would those of us in the back third of the theatre be able to follow the show?  I pondered this question as Guests settled on their seats (simple bleachers) and cotton candy vendors moved through the crowd.

At just a moment past 2 p.m., the show began.  A shiver of excitement ran through the audience as costumed Cast Members bounded down steps to the bottom tier of the stage
.  Almost instantly I recognized one of the talented performers as
Nathan Shrake
, one of
Disneyland
’s go-to actors/singers/dancers; over the years Guests have seen him in roles as diverse as a
Dapper Dan
, and the
Mad Hatter
(the best
Mad Hatter
) at
DCA
’s
Mad T Party
. 
Shrake
had shared on FaceBook that he was in rehearsals for
Mickey and the Magical Map
; it was fortuitous to be present at one of his first performances.

It immediately became apparent that
Shrake
was in outstanding company.  Rather than dominating the show, he was one among many exceptional dancers and singers. 
Disneyland
has cast the cream of the crop in
Mickey and the Magical Map
.  Expect to be dazzled.

The fact that I could identify
Shrake
from the back rows tells you how well the theater is designed.  Whether you’re in the front rows catching every minute detail, or in the back of the theater catching only the big picture, you can see all that you need to see and follow all the action.  The sound and light systems are excellent too–check out the labyrinth of catwalks, lights, and speakers high above your head.  The voices and music sould clear and crisp to everyone, as if you’re all seated front row center.

The plot is simple. 
Mickey
appears (to resounding cheers) in his
Sorcerer’s Apprentice
robe and hat.  The tiered golden backdrop that dominates the stage comes to life–it’s a complex, interactive video screen. 
Mickey
’s master, the snowy-bearded
Yensid
(that’s “
Disney
” spelled backward) appears onscreen, as well as a giant, magical map.

Mickey
notices a dark spot on the map, and tries to splash color on it to finish and perfect the map.  Instead, the spot comes to life, fleeing
Mickey
and leading our favorite mouse and the audience on a colorful musical journey through some of
Disney
’s best songs, with some of
Disney
’s most popular characters.

Through the magic of art, technology, and theater craft, characters like
Mickey
seem to be pulled
into
the map, and characters like
Disney princess
seem to emerge
from
the map.  We’re treated to a rousing, tom-tom-pounding rendition of
I Wanna Be Like You
from
Disney
’s
Jungle Book
(1967), and a series of ballads from
Disney
fairy tale films, beautifully sung by the likes of
Mulan
and
Rapunzel
and
Flynn Rider
.

By the time
Tiana
closes the journey with a performance of
Dig a Little Deeper
–as elaborate as it is crowd-pleasing; the
Imagineers
managed to get a
riverboat
on stage!–
Mickey
has learned his lesson.  The dark spot on the map
isn’t
a flaw.  The imperfection means that the map will never be finished (much like
Disneyland
), leaving open all sorts of adventures and possibilities. 
Yensid
congratulates his young apprentice on such wisdom. 
Mickey
is ready for the next level!  Guests young and old cheer as confetti streamers rain down on the audience.

This show, unlike the attraction that preceded it (
Disney Princess Fantasy Faire
) is a must for the entire family.  It breezes along and will entertain everyone in your party.  There’s not a bad seat in the house, and the quality of the music, dance, and song is impressive.  As noted above,
Disneyland
deployed their “A” team on this attraction.

Rest rooms and a snack counter (the refreshed
Troubadour Tavern
) are located conveniently near the theater entrance.  Yes, you are allowed to bring food into the open-air theater.  Check the park
Entertainment Guide
for show times during your visit, and prepare to be transported by pure
Disney
magic
! 
Mickey and the Magical Map
is another stellar new addition to the park where the
magic
was kindled almost 60 years ago. 
Did You Know?
  This location was developed in 1985–just four years after MTV debuted–as
Videopolis
, a hip dance club for Guests of the music-video generation.  By day,
Disneyland
held shows at this location, but at night, Guests danced amid flashing lights and the glow of dozens of video screens.  As the years passed, MTV became a reality channel more than a showcase for music videos, and over at
Disneyland
, nighttime dances moved to the
Tomorrowland Terrace
and
Videopolis
became the
Fantasyland Theatre
, hosting
Disney Princess Fantasy Faire
from 2009 until the princesses moved out and relocated near the castle in 2013. 
FastPass:
  No.  As a scheduled show,
Mickey and the Magical Map
doesn’t lend itself to the
FastPass
format.  But with so many seats available, you’re unlikely to be left out.

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
  (
Opening Day
Attraction)

[
FastView:
 
Rip-roaring fun for everyone!  Lines are usually short.  Watch out for the train!
]

It’s might seem odd to us now, but
Mr. Toad
, a relatively minor
Disney
character in comparison with
Pinocchio
, had his own
Disneyland
attraction 28 years before the little wooden puppet did.

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
was an
Opening Day
attraction, which makes sense in that
Disney
’s animated short film
The Wind in the Willows
was released in 1949 as part of a double bill with
Ichabod Crane
.  The film was called
Ichabod and Mr. Toad
, and was still fresh in Guests’ minds in 1955, whereas
Pinocchio
had been released back in 1940.  Still, it’s interesting that
Snow White
, which opened even earlier than
Pinocchio
, in 1937, rated an
Opening Day
attraction, while
Pinocchio
did not. 
Snow White
’s greater box office and critical importance were no doubt factors, but at the end of the day it’s all about story for
Imagineers
.

The Imagineering Field Guide to Disneyland
by the
Imagineers
and
The Disneyland Encyclopedia
by Chris Strodder both emphasize the rip-roaring fun that is
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
.  For whatever other reasons
Mr. Toad
was selected to have his own attraction, the subject matter (
Toad
tearing through his own manor house and Edwardian rural and London landscapes) certainly lends itself to a wild ride that is gentle enough for Guests of all ages and absurd enough to entertain everyone.

Located in the eastern quadrant of
Fantasyland
, between
Peter Pan’s Flight
and
Alice in Wonderland
, this attraction has one of the shortest lines in
Fantasyland
, seldom exceeding 10 – 20 minutes except on holidays and peak summer days; even then the line is shorter than the lines for
Peter Pan’s Flight
,
Alice
, or
Dumbo
.  Guests queue in the shaded courtyard of elaborately rendered, highly detailed
Toad Hall
.  The line moves quickly and has so many twists and switchbacks that you always feel like you’re in motion.  Along the way you’ll see stone plaques celebrating
Angus MacBadger
,
Mr. Mole
,
Mr. Toad
, and
Ratty
.

Once you enter the great hall of the manor house, there’s even more to see, including a colorful mural of
Toad
’s fantastic Edwardian world and his chums.  There’s a small wooden statue of
Mr. Toad
on a pedestal near one of the manor’s front windows – a great photo op for you or your kids if you want to pose with
Mr. Toad
himself.  Check out the wooden beams, the chandeliers, all of the little touches that immerse you in another time and place.

King Edward VII of England was very much a figure of “eat, drink, and be merry
,” reigning over England during the final halcyon decade (1901 -1910) that preceded the society-shattering destruction of World War I. 
Mr. Toad
and pals
Moley
,
Ratty
, and
Angus MacBadger
inhabit an absurd, dreamlike Edwardian landscape, with
Toad
embodying the devil-may-care, let’s-have-a-jolly-time, never-mind-the-consequences spirit of the privileged classes during that era.

Children aren’t likely to be interested in the historical echoes of this attraction, though–they’ll just be excited to be driving or riding in a
colorful old-fashioned motor car that follows the same hair-raisingly crazy route that
Mr. Toad
would follow!  If there’s a child in your party, let them sit behind the steering wheel–they’ll love being in the driver’s seat for this anarchic journey!  Since
Mr. Toad
is British, the steering wheels in these cars are on the right.  Each vehicle seats 2 – 3 adults or children.

The adventure begins wh
en you burst through rooms in
Mr. Toad
’s manor house–watch out for that falling suit of armor, and the brand new fireplace that scatters embers when drivers crash through it!  Next you swerve through the countryside, through London and its docks, narrowly avoiding livestock, falling barrels, crafty tavernkeeper
Mr. Winkie
, irate constables, and disasters at every turn.  A recent refurb gave the attraction even more twists and turns, as well as the classic run-ins with explosives, an angry judge, and an oncoming train, all culminating in a drive through Hades.

Yes, a drive through
Hades itself, or at least the
Disneyland
rendition, which involves creepy, piping-hot, flaming caverns complete with little demons and–or does one imagine it?–the scent of sulfur.  For a relatively brief ride (2 minutes), the infernal conclusion occupies a significant chunk of time.  While the
Claude Coats
-designed Hades detour is merely perplexing for adults the first time they experience the ride, it can be rather scary for very young children.  Prep your toddler in advance, emphasizing that it’s only make-believe.

Very sensitive or fearful children might want to give this rambunctious attraction a pass,
but it’s a must for everyone else.  The fast pace, the sense of humor, the sight gags, the unusual settings, and the humorous
Wind in the Willows
characters all elevate this classic dark ride beyond the ordinary.  Combine all that with one of the shortest wait times in the
Fantasyland
, and this attraction makes the author’s list of
Fantasyland
’s high points.

For those who think it’s just just a kiddie ride:  When I visited
Disneyland
with one of my best friends in 2012, this grandmother, who fondly remembered riding
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
with her friends during college days, wanted to ride it again.  The verdict?  Still fun!

When you complete your wild ride, take a moment to sit in the
Mr. Toad
vehicle parked in front of the manor–another great photo op!  Or pop into the
Mad Hatter
shop next door.  Because it’s located in the southern portion of
Fantasyland
,
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
is closed during the
Magical Fireworks
show at night.  However, it reopens after the fireworks conclude. 
Did You Know?
  Dark rides like
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
get their special, luminous style from a mix of regular and ultraviolet paints viewed under normal and dark lighting. 
Did You Also Know?
Mr. Toad
’s motto on the front of
Toad Hall
is
Toadi Acceleratio Semper Absurda
, which the
Imagineers
translate as “Speeding with
Toad
is always absurd”!  Who knew Latin could be so fun? 
Did You Also Know?
  While you’re racing through
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
, on the second story above you Guests are traveling in their sculpted caterpillar vehicles through the magical world of
Wonderland
. 
FastPass:
  No.  As with all attractions in
Fantasyland
,
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
is not linked to the
FastPass
system.  However, the wait is brief to moderate, so except on the busiest holidays or summer days, you won’t mind the lack of
FastPasses
. 
Kid’s Eye View:
  It can be really boring at first, but then when you ride it a second and third time, it’s really cool, and it really feels like you’re in the ride, not fake; very good effects.  Like when you’re in “Heck,” it’s hot! 
Teen’s Eye View:
I haven’t been on it since I was 7 or 8.

Peter Pan’s Flight
 
(
Opening Day
Attraction)

[
FastView:
 
A
Walt
favorite, innovative in its day.  A must for children.  Teens and adults might give it a pass.  Expect 40 minute lines.
]

Peter Pan
was a story for which
Walt
had a personal affection.  He saw a traveling performance of the play when he was a child in
Missouri
, and a film version in the 1920’s. As a boy, an exuberant
Walt
actually played the role himself in a school production in
Marceline
.  Biographer
Neal Gabler
relates in his marvelously expansive book
Walt Disney:  The Triumph of the American Imagination
that in order to fly
Walt
was suspended from a block and tackle worked by older brother
Roy
; it collapsed, and
Walt
crashed into the audience!

Walt
purchased the rights to the story in the 1930’s, and his animators began designs and storyboards immediately. 
Peter Pan
’s development was delayed in the 1940’s due to World War II, when
Disney
was occupied with military and government productions, and by concerns about the film’s commercial appeal.
Disney
’s
Peter Pan
was finally released in 1953.

This charming film about a boy who refuses to grow up, and the
Darling
children who accompany him on an adventure to
Never Land
, is most impressive in the fluidity of its motion.  In a film where most of the characters fly, there’s a delightful buoyancy and grace to the animation, a plasticity to character movement that testifies to the talent of the
Disney
animators and their scrupulous attention to detail; animators used scads of live-action reference materials to get the motions just right, not rotely copying the references but finding inspiration in them.

It makes sense that this beloved film, which became an instant classic upon its release, would
be celebrated with an
Opening Day
attraction in
Disneyland
.  The park opened in 1955, only a couple of years after the movie. 
Walt
was excited about the attraction, and enthusiastically described it to biographer
Bob Thomas
during an interview prior to
Opening Day
.