The Miscellaneous Thought Thread

[brb1006]

As an East Coast fan of both WDW and DL (live in New Jersy), I recently decided to rewatch "The Wind and The Willows" section for "The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad" on Disney+. While I recently made made that movie a new Halloween/Fall Tradition mainly for The Legend of Sleepy Hollow sections. I suddenly decided to inject Mr. Toad's Wild Ride back into my veins (not literally) after suddenly remembering WDW used to have their own version of the ride.

While I'm happy DL users can still enjoy the original attraction at the park, I suddenly made myself sad knowing modern Disney wouldn't think of making a modernized take on the attraction.

Will make this a multi-post in this thread (which I rarely do).

For those curious, the WDW versions is similar to Disneyland's but had a unique feature of containing two separate ride tracks.

Track A had riders moving past a Gypsy Camp and a bar featuring Mr. Winky (similar to Disneyland)


Track B had riders entering a courtroom and heading to jail (also similar to Disneyland's version). Unlike Disneyland, this version had guests moving past The Weasels preparing their jail escape and suddenly encounter a shoot out between The Weasels and Policemen.


For the WDW community, the Walt Disney World version has since been replaced by "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" in 1999. But, the outrage over Pooh replacing Mr. Toad has been well-documented by WDW fans (especially during the early days of the Internet) with Yesterworld making an entire video on it.


However, I suddenly revisited Eric Scales' proposal for a modern take on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride from Theme Park Design Portfolio that was active between 2008 till 2013. Just encase Disney ever plans on revisited Mr. Toad in the future.

Note: This proposal was made before New Fantasyland existed and before Seven Dwarfs Mine Train was put at the former location of "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage" (which was where the location of the modern Mr. Toad ride would had been located in)

Eric Scales- Portfolio

This blog is specifically dedicated to my Theme Park Design Artwork. For more general illustrations and random sketches check out my other blog at ericscalessketchbook.blogspot.com

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

Each of my separate posts will go over Eric Scales's concept art and how it would work (in chronological order) and not by blog dates.

 

[brb1006]

Eric Scales' concept art of the ride's layout with this attraction titled "Mr. Toad's Motor Mania"

"Mr. Toad's Motor Mania will be an elaborately themed attraction, which combines elements of a traditional dark ride and a high speed outdoor track. Guests enter Toad Hall where they learn that they may be Toad's only hope of once again breaking out of the Tower of London. After successfully escaping the Tower and wreaking havoc on the English Countryside, guests' vehicles will splash across the river before plunging into the main show building and the Wild Wood, a dark and dangerous place."

The traditional dark ride and high speed outdoor idea is similar to "Radiatar Springs Racers" at DCA (minus the racing element) combined with Test Track at Epcot and Autotopia at Disneyland and Tommorowland Speedway at Walt Disney World. Toad Hall would serve as the ride's entrance and exit as seen on the map.

 

[brb1006]

Exit Bridge and Ratty' Restaurant

"Guests approaching Mr. Toad's Motor Mania find themselves at the edge of a beautiful stretch of English Countryside, and in the distance, Toad Hall, the ancestral home of J. Thaddeus Toad. To the right of Toad Hall is Ratty's house, built on the edge of the River and beneath the drooping boughs of an aged willow tree. We can even see guests enjoying a pleasant meal on Ratty's riverside deck, for he has recently opened his home up to offer refreshments to all those visiting this formerly peaceful end of the river."


"Stepping onto the stone bridge that spans the River, they pass under an ornate archway"

During the day

And night

 

[brb1006]

Eric Scales' concept art on Toad Fountain located at the ride's entrance.

 

[brb1006]

"We enter Toad Hall, and while waiting in the queue, learn that Toad has once again been imprisoned, this time for his reckless driving. The queue winds through Toad's home and ends up in the Carriage House."

"Here we are loaded into an antique motorcar and zoom out onto the grounds. Barreling through the crowded streets of London, we avoid various obstacles, forcing the townspeople to scatter for safety. As we leave behind the various business' and residences of the city our car heads for our destination, the forbidding Tower of London..."

 

[brb1006]

"Just as it seems that we can't cause any more havoc in town, we see the forbidding Tower of London where Toad is imprisoned. Barreling through the gates, we are surprised to find that the guards are unconscious, slumped against the wall with large lumps on their heads."

"With a sudden crash, Toad flies into view. He is using the ball and chain around his ankle to careen around the cell, smashing into the stone walls, the unconscious guard's keys in his hands. This illusion is created with the use of strategically glass panels and digital animation of Toad which is projected from areas beyond guests' view."

"Ho Ho! You're just in time," Toad says. Building up momentum, Toad hurls his ball over our heads (thanks to the same digital projection technique) and goes sailing out of sight. We pursue and see Toad's shadow (another projection) on a far wall, unlocking his shackles. As our car rounds a pillar, we see that Toad in the flesh (as an Audio-Animatronics figure) free of his ball and chain and gesturing to the large prison door, which is opening for our escape."

"A loud train whistle is heard. "There's my ride now!" says Toad as we escape the Tower."

 

[brb1006]

"Having escaped near death from an oncoming train, we are relieved to find our car back among the pleasant green hills of the English countryside. We see sheep here and there, but our noisy approach causes them to scatter and disrupts the daily life of the shepherds and their flocks. Even a cunning wolf about to pounce can't help but stop and stare as we pass..."

"One poor shepherd finds his entire flock cowering in his arms. The tower of sheep totters precariously over our car as we pass."

 

[brb1006]

"Finally down the hill our car heads towards the river. Before we can apply the brakes, we plunge straight in, causing quite a commotion with the waves we cause. Many an animal out enjoying a row shout recriminations at us, while they try to get their boats under control again."

"When cars splash across the river Rat and other animals shout and struggle to regain control of their boats. All figures would be weatherproof and simple in their motions. The Illusion is helped by the soundtrack, the natural motion of the boat and oars, and the speed at which guest's cars pass the figures."

"But the river is narrow at this point and we see a pack of weasels waiting for us on the other bank. We can tell by the way they greedily eye our motorcar, that they are up to no good. As our car reaches the other bank, we send up a great splash, and the surprised weasels are left soaked on the riverbank."

 

[brb1006]

This is the final part of Eric Scales' concept on "Mr. Toad's Motor Mania"

"Our path turns away from the river and takes us towards the looming trees. In a shadowy glen we see the house of Mr. Mole, and our car takes us in..."

While Eric Scales hadn't made anymore concept idea or anymore ideas on his Design Portfolio Blog since 2013. It's possible that driving into Mr. Mole's Home might find someway to incorporate the "Hell Section" judging by the map which might be a long indoor section.

Since 2013, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train has currently took the location Mr. Toad's Motor Mania was planned to be located in. If this idea ever got revisited (or Disney stumbles upon this idea), they might have to either demolish Fairytale Hall or Tommorowland Speedway to make this actually happen. That way, Disney World might have their own version or Mr. Toad's Wild Ride just like Tokyo Disneyland has their version of "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" known as "Pooh's Hunny Hunt" and is superior to the other Pooh rides at DL, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.

Knowing modern Disney, I sadly don't trust them approving this project. Especially since current Disney is more focused on their latest animated hits (such as Frozen, Moana, and Encanto) over their older and lesser-known animated films. If anything, I might see Tokyo approving an idea like this.

Here's the original blog posts from date order.

Entering Mole's House

Mole's House Exterior- Pen & Marker Our path turns away from the river and takes us towards the looming trees. In a shadowy glen we see ...

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

Crossing the River

River crossing detail from overall map Finally down the hill our car heads towards the river. Before we can apply the brakes...

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

Scared sheep and shepherds

Detail from overall map Having escaped near death from an oncoming train, we are relieved to find our car back among the pleasant gre...

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

Escaping the Tower of London (Updated 3-31-09)

Tower of London detail from overall map Just as it seems that we can't cause any more havoc in town, we see the forbidding Tower of Lond...

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

Queue and out to London

We enter Toad Hall, and while waiting in the queue, learn that Toad has once again been imprisoned, this time for his reckless driving. The ...

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

Approaching Toad Hall

Exit Bridge and Ratty's Riverside Restaurant Guests approaching Mr. Toad's Motor Mania find themselves at the edge of a beautiful s...

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

Mr. Toad's Motor Mania- Overall Layout Updated: 2-17-09

Overall exterior map- Pencil sketch and digital color Mr. Toad's Motor Mania will be an elaborately themed attraction, which combines el...

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

Fountain Detail

A bit more detail of the Toad fountain that I posted about last time. The open eye version would be on two sides of the pillar, and...

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

To conclude my multi-posts on Mr. Toad (and "The Wind in the Willows" as a whole), here's a clip from Futurama to sum up my past couple of posts.


Now if you excuse, I'm going to finishes binging "For All Mankind" (halfway through Season 1) on Apple TV since Season 3 drops this Friday. Especially since the creator of the show (Ronald D. Moore) is developing a series inspired by Disney’s Magic Kingdom called "The Society of Explorers and Adventurers" (aka S.E.A) for Disney+. Alongside watching older Disney Animated Films and Shorts on Disney+ as I reminiscence on the days when Disney used to take the Disney Theme Parks very seriously compared to what ever Bob is up to nowadays.

 

[waltography]

This is the final part of Eric Scales' concept on "Mr. Toad's Motor Mania"

View attachment 643802

"Our path turns away from the river and takes us towards the looming trees. In a shadowy glen we see the house of Mr. Mole, and our car takes us in..."

While Eric Scales hadn't made anymore concept idea or anymore ideas on his Design Portfolio Blog since 2013. It's possible that driving into Mr. Mole's Home might find someway to incorporate the "Hell Section" judging by the map which might be a long indoor section.

Since 2013, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train has currently took the location Mr. Toad's Motor Mania was planned to be located in. If this idea ever got revisited (or Disney stumbles upon this idea), they might have to either demolish Fairytale Hall or Tommorowland Speedway to make this actually happen. That way, Disney World might have their own version or Mr. Toad's Wild Ride just like Tokyo Disneyland has their version of "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" known as "Pooh's Hunny Hunt" and is superior to the other Pooh rides at DL, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.

Knowing modern Disney, I sadly don't trust them approving this project. Especially since current Disney is more focused on their latest animated hits (such as Frozen, Moana, and Encanto) over their older and lesser-known animated films. If anything, I might see Tokyo approving an idea like this.

Here's the original blog posts from date order.

Entering Mole's House

Mole's House Exterior- Pen & Marker Our path turns away from the river and takes us towards the looming trees. In a shadowy glen we see ...

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

Crossing the River

River crossing detail from overall map Finally down the hill our car heads towards the river. Before we can apply the brakes...

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

Scared sheep and shepherds

Detail from overall map Having escaped near death from an oncoming train, we are relieved to find our car back among the pleasant gre...

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

Escaping the Tower of London (Updated 3-31-09)

Tower of London detail from overall map Just as it seems that we can't cause any more havoc in town, we see the forbidding Tower of Lond...

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

Queue and out to London

We enter Toad Hall, and while waiting in the queue, learn that Toad has once again been imprisoned, this time for his reckless driving. The ...

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

Approaching Toad Hall

Exit Bridge and Ratty's Riverside Restaurant Guests approaching Mr. Toad's Motor Mania find themselves at the edge of a beautiful s...

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

Mr. Toad's Motor Mania- Overall Layout Updated: 2-17-09

Overall exterior map- Pencil sketch and digital color Mr. Toad's Motor Mania will be an elaborately themed attraction, which combines el...

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

Fountain Detail

A bit more detail of the Toad fountain that I posted about last time. The open eye version would be on two sides of the pillar, and...

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

To conclude my multi-posts on Mr. Toad (and "The Wind in the Willows" as a whole), here's a clip from Futurama to sum up my past couple of posts.


Now if you excuse, I'm going to finishes binging "For All Mankind" (halfway through Season 1) on Apple TV since Season 3 drops this Friday. Especially since the creator of the show (Ronald D. Moore) is developing a series inspired by Disney’s Magic Kingdom called "The Society of Explorers and Adventurers" (aka S.E.A) for Disney+. Alongside watching older Disney Animated Films and Shorts on Disney+ as I reminiscence on the days when Disney used to take the Disney Theme Parks very seriously compared to what ever Bob is up to nowadays.

This is fascinating, thanks for summing it up so nicely. I admit there's something strangely anachronistic (not sure if that's the right phrase for this) about this ride concept, as it really feels like what if Toad was plussed up with modern Imagineering's sensibilities a la Cars Land. Obviously not bad by any stretch, it's just fascinating to see an opening day IP have the treatment of a modern one.

 

[brb1006]

This is fascinating, thanks for summing it up so nicely. I admit there's something strangely anachronistic (not sure if that's the right phrase for this) about this ride concept, as it really feels like what if Toad was plussed up with modern Imagineering's sensibilities a la Cars Land. Obviously not bad by any stretch, it's just fascinating to see an opening day IP have the treatment of a modern one.

Yeah, ever since I rediscovered that blog and concept arts for a modern Mr. Toad ride at WDW. I couldn't stop thinking about how big of a missed opportunity this idea could be. Heck, I really loved the river section that takes cues from Matterhorn Bobsleds where rides suddenly move into water splashing The Weasels (who are weatherproof).

 

[Disney Irish]

This is the final part of Eric Scales' concept on "Mr. Toad's Motor Mania"

View attachment 643802

"Our path turns away from the river and takes us towards the looming trees. In a shadowy glen we see the house of Mr. Mole, and our car takes us in..."

While Eric Scales hadn't made anymore concept idea or anymore ideas on his Design Portfolio Blog since 2013. It's possible that driving into Mr. Mole's Home might find someway to incorporate the "Hell Section" judging by the map which might be a long indoor section.

Since 2013, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train has currently took the location Mr. Toad's Motor Mania was planned to be located in. If this idea ever got revisited (or Disney stumbles upon this idea), they might have to either demolish Fairytale Hall or Tommorowland Speedway to make this actually happen. That way, Disney World might have their own version or Mr. Toad's Wild Ride just like Tokyo Disneyland has their version of "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" known as "Pooh's Hunny Hunt" and is superior to the other Pooh rides at DL, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.

Knowing modern Disney, I sadly don't trust them approving this project. Especially since current Disney is more focused on their latest animated hits (such as Frozen, Moana, and Encanto) over their older and lesser-known animated films. If anything, I might see Tokyo approving an idea like this.

Here's the original blog posts from date order.

Entering Mole's House

Mole's House Exterior- Pen & Marker Our path turns away from the river and takes us towards the looming trees. In a shadowy glen we see ...

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

Crossing the River

River crossing detail from overall map Finally down the hill our car heads towards the river. Before we can apply the brakes...

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

Scared sheep and shepherds

Detail from overall map Having escaped near death from an oncoming train, we are relieved to find our car back among the pleasant gre...

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

Escaping the Tower of London (Updated 3-31-09)

Tower of London detail from overall map Just as it seems that we can't cause any more havoc in town, we see the forbidding Tower of Lond...

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

Queue and out to London

We enter Toad Hall, and while waiting in the queue, learn that Toad has once again been imprisoned, this time for his reckless driving. The ...

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

Approaching Toad Hall

Exit Bridge and Ratty's Riverside Restaurant Guests approaching Mr. Toad's Motor Mania find themselves at the edge of a beautiful s...

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

Mr. Toad's Motor Mania- Overall Layout Updated: 2-17-09

Overall exterior map- Pencil sketch and digital color Mr. Toad's Motor Mania will be an elaborately themed attraction, which combines el...

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

Fountain Detail

A bit more detail of the Toad fountain that I posted about last time. The open eye version would be on two sides of the pillar, and...

ericscalesportfolio.blogspot.com

To conclude my multi-posts on Mr. Toad (and "The Wind in the Willows" as a whole), here's a clip from Futurama to sum up my past couple of posts.


Now if you excuse, I'm going to finishes binging "For All Mankind" (halfway through Season 1) on Apple TV since Season 3 drops this Friday. Especially since the creator of the show (Ronald D. Moore) is developing a series inspired by Disney’s Magic Kingdom called "The Society of Explorers and Adventurers" (aka S.E.A) for Disney+. Alongside watching older Disney Animated Films and Shorts on Disney+ as I reminiscence on the days when Disney used to take the Disney Theme Parks very seriously compared to what ever Bob is up to nowadays.

I would love Autopia to get a modern update, with electric cars and such. But if they wanted to reclaim some of the track for a TL redo this would be a good concept using a smaller footprint, just move the queue to either across from Matterhorn or across from SW.

However with that said I don't think Disney is all that interested in the Wind in the Willows IP at this point. So unless its gets a revival of some kind I don't see that happening. Heck if not for the saving grace of its small footprint I still would guess that DL Toads would have been removed around the same time as WDW Toads.

 

[brb1006]

I would love Autopia to get a modern update, with electric cars and such. But if they wanted to reclaim some of the track for a TL redo this would be a good concept using a smaller footprint, just move the queue to either across from Matterhorn or across from SW.

However with that said I don't think Disney is all that interested in the Wind in the Willows IP at this point. So unless its gets a revival of some kind I don't see that happening. Heck if not for the saving grace of its small footprint I still would guess that DL Toads would have been removed around the same time as WDW Toads.

Don't care if Disney cares about The Wind in the Willows nowadays. Seeing the Mr. Toad statue inside a shop at WDW dedicated to WDW's 50th Anniversary feels like rubbing salt on an open wound. Not to mention, hearing the ride/movie's soundtrack playing on the bus straight to Magic Kingdom (as a reminder of what was once at Fantasyland).

 

[Homemade Imagineering]

Ik this is probably very random, but I thought I’d mention it for the heck of it. On my last two trips, Pooh smelled terrible inside the show building. The bad smell seemed to be coming from their AC unit. I’m curious if anyone else noticed this lol

 

[mickEblu]

Ik this is probably very random, but I thought I’d mention it for the heck of it. On my last two trips, Pooh smelled terrible inside the show building. The bad smell seemed to be coming from their AC unit. I’m curious if anyone else noticed this lol

Can’t smell worse than the gift shop at the Grand Californian.

The Storytellers kitchen is literally on the other side of the wall I’m told. But it doesn’t smell good. It smells like bad microwaveable pizza in there at all times. Like light a candle or something. You’re supposed to be at 5 star resort… I think.

 

[DrAlice]

Ik this is probably very random, but I thought I’d mention it for the heck of it. On my last two trips, Pooh smelled terrible inside the show building. The bad smell seemed to be coming from their AC unit. I’m curious if anyone else noticed this lol

Does it smell like Legionella (the causative agent of Legionairre's disease)? Just sayin....

 

[waltography]

Got to visit the Disney studio lot the other day and their on-site Disney store had a lovely display of old MSEP memorabilia.

Oh how I wish it really were the farewell season this time around, but I digress.

 

[PiratesMansion]

Lots of glitches booking dining today, and turns out there's a reason...a bunch of places have changed their menus!

The good news is that it seems like some places are starting to slowly add more items to their pared-down menus. Some dining experiences that were not back previously (ex. bougie Princess breakfast at Napa Rose) have apparently started up again.

The bad news is that a lot of items I was looking forward to eating are no longer being offered.

For every step forward...

 

[Stevek]

Sharing my co-workers experience visiting Disneyland on Monday. They were here from St. Louis as an exhibitor at Monsterpalooza over the weekend and decided to stay and spend Monday at Disneyland. They arrived at 10am and bought Genie+ to set the stage.

Got G+ for HM (their favorite ride) and immediately went to Rise of the Resistance. Posted time was 1 hour and 20 minutes. They waited over 2 hours and finally got on. Not a good start.

The rest of their day was a mess.

HM broken down during their G+ time, came back later and it broke down again while riding.
In line twice for Indy, breaks down twice. Never got to ride it.
Riding Buzz, has a break down
Riding Matterhorn, it breaks down and they are escorted off
Got a corn dog from the Red Wagon, they are burnt

The only positive was they got to see Fantasmic. The rest of the day ended up being a colossal waste of time and money. What a cluster, felt really bad for them but shows how poor the maintenance can be at times out here.

 

[Dear Prudence]

I was stuck on the People Mover as a kid for like an hour. I thought it was a blast. Now looking back on it, I should have been terrified.