The marquee sign comes alive after dark with amazing neon lights . PHOTO BY TATJANA LAZAR
Disney magic , in the literal shape of his most cherished character .
The Runaway Railway is also home to more hidden Mickeys than any other ride on the property … which makes sense , given it ’ s the very first attraction dedicated to Disney ’ s most famous mouse . ( We still can ’ t get over it !)
Be sure to keep your eyes peeled the entire time , and plan to take several rides if you want to see it all : “ The effects are so spectacular , it ’ s kind of hard to take it all in ,” Collins said .
CHUGGING INTO THE FUTURE One thing ’ s for sure : Collins isn ’ t the only person who
was a little disappointed to hear about the closure of The Great Movie Ride , which many would call the end of an era . The experience was adored by guests , of course , and by the Cast Members who worked there — who would lovingly call each other “ Riders ,” as in , “ Once a Rider , always a Rider .”
But Mickey & Minnie ’ s Runaway Railway ’ s attention to detail and focus on one of the most lasting symbols of Disney magic makes it the perfect heir to such an important Disney legacy , and one that promises to provide lasting fun and vacation memories well into the future .
This new trackless dark ride may be a lot more technologically advanced than The Great Movie Ride — but at the end of the day , the rides share the same beating heart : a love of storytelling .
“ Everything we do in Imagineering comes back to telling a story ,” Collins said , recalling both his own time as a designer and the efforts of the team who put the Railway together .
And no matter when in time you find yourself passing through those Chinese Theatre doors — or heck , any Disney Park turnstile — you can rest assured you ’ re about to experience a lovingly created , one-of-akind tale .