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From: Michael J. Launay <mjlatnjhm@aol.com>
I don't know if you are still accepting comments about Mr. Toad's Wild
Ride in Disney World. I see by your site that it has been closed for
almost two years. I was absolutely shocked to see it was gone! Although I
have been going down to Disney World since 1982, it was only when I
brought my son at age 5 in 1992 that I first went on the ride for him. We
both loved it and I will never forget the way he laughed from the
beginning to the end. It was not till the next day that we accidently
discovered that the two sides provided different rides. We went back three
years later, and although I thought he might feel he was too old for Mr.
Toad, he couldn't wait. Again he laughed from start to finish and we
repeated the trip four times in the next few days. I wish I had known of
its imminent closing and your crusade to save it, though it probably would
have made very little difference. You fought the good fight; too bad the
b@$%*#&s won!
From: Steve Tuorto <stuorto@freewwweb.com>
Suggestion why not re-energize your campaign for mr toad by altering it
to BRING BACK Mr. Toad.
As you know this is a pattern for the disney Company after Walt's death.
Not to say that attractions didn't close in the past, however I don't
think they were "loved" as the ones that followed under Eisner's reign. I
do remember there was a BIG deal made out of the shutting down of the 3D
film that played in Journey (Magic Journeys) and disney backed down and
put it on main street in the magic kindgom. (I loved that film). Of course
it's now gone. For the same reason that they have sent loved attractions
over seas to meet contract commitments they do ever thing to maximize
profit potential. Why build a new building or build a new attraction when
we can ship this one somewhere else and use the space. Surprised Mr Toad
hasn't shown up at a six flags or sold piece by piece to collectors. They
only way they will change is if they see it in the bottom line...this is
the only ONLY thing the Michael Eisner's of the world respect. Keep the
pressure up...if not for this situation it may make them think twice in
the future.
From: mimiholly@aol.com
Just returned from WDW. The Pooh ride stinks. It even bored my 4 year old
granddaughter. Toad rules. Toad needs to be reinstated. Disney has lost
its imagination. Wish I'd found your website sooner. I'd have voted for
Toad 100%.
From: Don W. <samsson62@juno.com>
How could anyone possibly think the winnie the pooh ride comes close to
being near as good as Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. If I were them, I'd take out
something dumb, like the hall of presidents, or Tom Sawyer's
island. Disney takes out way too many classics such as the Enchanted Tiki
room, Dream Flight, and Spectromagic.
From: The ENAK <terretmime@hotmail.com>
A year ago, I was at Disney World... the first week that Winnie the Pooh's
ride opened. And I went to it.. and for a full 45 minutes in line, I WAS
Mr. Toad. This 6'4" guy was hunched over doing Mr. Toad the entire time,
interacting with children in line, adults in line... It was great. I have
a background in theatre, so it was very natural, and very convincing. I
talked as if I was Mr. Toad and how sad I was to be kicked out of my home
AGAIN.
I could go on and on about what I did, but just use your imagination. You
name it, I did it in that line... I was afraid i was going to get thrown
out of the park... but everybody took it in good humor.
From: Rebecca L. VanPatten <beckyv@ctlnet.com>
Just got back from Disney...
I walked with my head hung low by what was formerly known as Toad Hall.
I coudn't even bring myself to ride the Pooh ride that so sadly replaced
such an important part of my childhood. If they really needed to replace
something, why not the Hall of Presidents (does anyone actually sit
through that thing anyway?)
What's next? Replacing Space Mountain? Pirates? Haunted Mansion?
Let's destroy all the classics... isn't that what dear old Walt would have
wanted?
From: andthatsal@aol.com
I dont know what to say. Mr Toads Wild Ride was my favorite. I cried when
i heard about toad. Pooh is great do not blame him. I used to think Disney
was perfect but when i heard about your final chapter i realized Disney
was not as magic as it claimed.
From: nkohlerk@kent.edu
I think it would be absolutely horrible for Walt Disney World to destroy
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. I can't even begin to comprehend it. The only theme
park that Disney will have left to visit to gain the true Disney
experience will be Disneyland. I think that they should leave the classics
alone and add the Pooh ride somewhere else--like they don't have enough
room.
From: CSE <command65@aol.com>
I loved your website...and so too lament the passing of JTT...
I have an old Land Rover...toad green...license "WYLDRYD"...
From: Andra Chumas <marmac@discover-net.net>
I just returned from Disney World tonight. I had not been there since the
closing of dear Toad. I debated about going on The Many Adventures Of
Winnie The Pooh for quite some time as I am a big Pooh fan. I decided to
give the ride a chance. The ride is good but in my opinion, Mr. Toads Wild
Ride was better. I guess I would encourage those of you who want to give
the ride a try to do so. The bad side of the ride is the dump at the end
into the gift shop. If you are going to ride Pooh, don't give in to buying
merchandise from the Pooh Shop. For big Pooh fans: There is an all Pooh
Shop at Downtown Disney called Poohs Thoughtful Spot, try there instead.
From: Chris Haskins <delberth@webtv.net>
I'm glad I found some people that feel the same way about the Mr. Toads
Wild Ride. I've been going too Disney World since the age of 5 that was in
1975 I recently went Thanksgiving weekend 1999 and what a s--t experience
it sure did suck !! No Mr. Toad what the f--k!! What about the New
Tomorrowland look's f--king silly ....... el crap-o......dodo. I even
think Mr. Walt Disney would think the same. I heard they where turning the
Haunted Mansion into a karaoke bar.
From: mongo5166@netzero.net
When was the last time Eisner rode one of the rides in the park? C'mon
Mikey... Give the customers their do, keep the Toad and dump the
Pooh!!!!!!!!!!!!
From: jnike12@aol.com
I think Mr. toads ride is the best or close to the best ride in Disney
World, even though i only rode it once! why can't they just tear do a
restrauant or put it where 20000 leagues under the sea was, or they could
put it in an empty space duh?! Like they don't already have enough of
that!,The toads memory will last let's hope it' will not just be a memory-
BRING BACK MR. TOADS WILD RIDE, OR I WILL GO WILD JUST LIKE HIM!!!!
From: Aaron Bodtcher <aaron.bodtcher@hksystems.com>
Thanks so much for your efforts and site. I sent the following letter to
Ms. Disney Miller and thought I would pass it along to you. Basically, I
think if Disney wants to replace all the old rides, I think they should.
IF they will create a NEW place to put the old stuff. A museum park for
Toad, Horizons, Submarines, Tiki Room and any thing else that is discarded
by the parks.
I would like to send this to the attention of Diane Disney Miller: I am
sitting here at work hoping no one comes by my desk, because tears are
streaming dowm my cheeks. I just read through Walt's story on my lunch
break and once again am filled with feeling toward your father. I feel
about him as if he were a part of my family. For some time now I have been
wondering about a way to keep alive some of the childhood memories many of
us have about your father and his creations, and a search led me to the
Family Museum site. Having already lost such things as Mr. Toad's Wild
Ride, I have been wondering if there isn't a way, or possibly a place,
that these things could be preserved. A museum park, Disney Island if you
will, could be a wonderful way to preserve rides, props, and memorabelia
that the Parks deem no longer usable. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a
place where trains, the submarine ride, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, the Tom
Sawyer Rafts, the Tiki Room and others could have a home? A place where
so very many of us who want so desperately to hang on the memory of what
Walter Disney did and dreamed could experience these memories with our
children? Rather than scrap these wonderful old rides and memories, isn't
there a way for us to preserve them? If you could tell me who I might talk
to about this, please let me know.
Thank you so much.
Aaron Bodtcher
From: Richard Tingle <rttingle@webtv.net>
It's not easy being green and I'm fairly upset I was never able to get one
last ride of Toad - which was my favorite ride.
From: Jeremy Fassler <jeremy1491@mediaone.net>
I have been viewing your site alot lately. I'm here listening to the song
on my computer as I write you this letter. I wish Toad was still there!
If it was, I would go a million times. I also love the video you made
with the parts of the ride like the Ice guy, and the Chicken coop. The
site is excellent.
From: Alex <xoalibabiox@aol.com
I returned from the Walt Disney World Resort. I have been a toad
supporter from the begining. When I went for the millenium I knew I would
have to face pooh because my sister likes him. While my parents and her
went on I waited to the side. The lady there was like why don't you want
to go on. I go I'm a toad supporter and she was like Oh. Then a guy
working there asked me the same question and I replied the same. He was
like good for you. So anyway we were walking down main street and we went
into this building and there were two toad cars there. I have pics. of it.
It was a great sight.
From: Donna <theatre4me@yahoo.com>
I am quite sure no one ever thanks you enough for fighting the fight and
continuing to update us on Toad memorabelia and events. So, in light of
this oversight, I would like to thank you. Even though we lost the ride, I
still enjoy knowing there are others out there who miss the experience.
From: surfsupdon@aol.com
BRING BACK TOAD!!!
From: Marie Stevens <m.stevens@t-online.de>
Thank you very much for the effort you have put into your webpage about
Mr. Toad. I managed to get a video copy of "The Wind in the Willows", but
it took me two weeks only to locate a company that sells the video. I
think it is really a shame because the film is absolutely wonderful and
could become a big success if only...
I think you have done a wonderful job and I really, really hope that you
will get somewhere with it.
From: cathettemom@aol.com
How could you??? Everone I know loves Mr. Toad, AND his wild ride! I even
named my son THADDEUS! Just a coincidence you say? Well... how many other
kids have been named that? Come on guys, bring the ride back... Pooh and
Mr. Toad can live together, why not let them!
From: Derek Spain <derek.spain@libertymutual.com>
It's been some time since I've reviewed your site, but my recent trip
reminded me of the loss.
Thank you for taking a stand and making one hell of an effort (yeah I know -
just words...).
From: William Moorhouse <wmoorhouse@d1.uscg.mil>
i'm devastated that it's gone.
thanks for trying.
From: Anonymous <address withheld by request>
I've consistently enjoyed Disneyland over DW's Magic Kingdom primarily
because of the classic rides. There is something about history, about
seeing the spots that Walt Disney used to stand in front of on his old TV
show, seeing Wally Boag at the Golden Horseshoe with the steamboat horn
going off in the distance. I remember the Haunted Mansion sitting closed
for years and years during the sixties (it truly seemed haunted!)gPrior
to it actually becoming a ride it was first a breakfast house sponsored by
the local egg association and then a pancake house. When the pancake
house moved across the street it sat closed with an announcement that it
would open as the Haunted Mansion. It sat unopened during the sixties and
we as kids used to sneak in the fence and try to peak in the windows
without an employee finding us. We never saw anything inside but had fun
trying. One time a Disney employee had hid behind a tree and began
moaning and we thought we had actually discovered ghosts. The employee
scared us by jumping out and we ran like the dickens. We couldn't find
our way out and our hearts were pumping faster than ever in our lives.
Today parents would look at that as an opportunity to sue. For us it was
a memory to cherish. The employee turned out to actually be the employer
...Walt Disney himself. Looking back, he seemed to relish in the moment.
History like that cannot be duplicated at EuroDisney.
It's A Small World has a magnificent structure with gold trim that rises
at the end of a long avenue behind Fantasyland that was built to resemble
the tower that stood in front of the ride when it debuted at the New York
World's Fair. Remember the scene on TV where Walt Disney stood amongst a
delegation of "children from around the world" pouring water into the
"river?" There really is only one It's A Small World and it has to do
with the building, the magical clock, the topiary, the history, and the
people who have ridden it, not just the ride itself.
Some new attractions at least tried to update the old. Big Thunder
replaced horse back riding (probably not appropriate today) and the mine
train (based on the series of Disney nature short subjects it rambled
through the Living Desert, Bear Country, Beaver Valley, and Olympic Elk).
Big Thunder is faster, wilder, shorter, and less of an experience.
Imagine replacing Pirates of the Caribbean with a Pirates Wet and Wild
Water Slide and you'll get the idea. Big Thunder actually kept the old
west town backdrop. If you look closely into the windows of the town
buildings you might spot real live cats, descendants of cats brought to
Disneyland Park in the fifties to keep the mice population down (don't
tell Mickey!). Big Thunder was able to save some of the history.
Disneyland's original name was Disneyland Park, a peaceful place where
families could have fun together. There were exciting attractions ("E"
ticket rides) as well as educational exhibits (Moments with Mr. Lincoln,
science exhibits, astronauts blasting off with jet packs) and peaceful
attractions (motorboats, the steamboat, dixieland bands). Did you ever
ride the Keelboats? It is such a charming, intimate ride complete with
conversation with the "captain" as you cruise around the river, that you
forget it is a ride and just enjoy the experience. Maybe kids don't
connect that way anymore. Too bad. Who didn't enjoying playing "Indian"
while paddling a canoe and looking out for ol' Davy Crocket on Mickey
Mouse Club Island (later Tom Sawyer's Island). Ride? Virtual reality?
It was reality! I don't think you could convince me that kids don't have
fun doing that today.
Original Tomorrowland turned out TO BE tomorrow. It was the first place
we saw monorails and people movers. It was the first place we saw the
picture phone. Carousal of Progress was the first place we saw a VCR,
refrigerator with water and ice in the door, and dimmer lights. It
introduced us to Super Sonic air travel. What at New Tomorrowland do we
expect to see applied to real life thirty years from now? Nothing.
Because Walt hired real scientists, engineers, and futurists and Eisner
hires amusement park and video game manufacturers. Have you been to
Epcot? Walt Disney's "Community of Tomorrow" was suppose to be an actual
living-working community not an amusement park. It's all video games now.
George Lucas does not develop robots for practical use...he is a movie
maker who markets cute robots for T-shirts. Walt Disney was a futurist
who sought to educate as well as entertain. Michael Eisner is an
entertainment mogul.
Tear down Mr. Toad's Wild Ride? Why not tear down all of Fantasyland?
It's just a version of midway rides that used to populate the eastern
seaboard the first quarter of the 1900's. Isn't that a merry-go-round in
the center? Tsk. Tsk. So old-fashioned. But wait! Look at the kids.
They're smiling, they're laughing, they're having a good time! And the
rides don't even cost that much to make or operate. I wonder if kids from
a hundred years ago could possibly have as much fun as kids today. They
didn't have millions of dollars of entertainment. But those kids on the
Carousel are. Do you think perhaps Master Pooh is replacing Mr. Toad
because Master Pooh is more fun or do you think because Master Pooh is one
of the biggest marketing tools today?
It's not about fun. It's about cross marketing. Disneyland Park had
sponsors who showed up "World's Fair style" showing us what they invented.
Disneyland Amusement Park has sponsors who show up "mall style" showing us
what they have for sale.
I'm not buying. I'm content with my memories. I'm going to Knott's Berry
Farm. What? They've been sold to an amusement park company too? Here we
go again, I remember Knott's Berry Farm in the sixties...
From: Molly <address withheld by request>
I almost cried when I heard that they were going to replace my beloved
toad with some dorky little Pooh ride. Nothings the matter with Pooh, I'm
just a little upset with him for taking the place of the best kiddie ride
ever created. You know what I mean? I'm not totally against Pooh, but I've
decided to boycott the ride. Not all Pooh products, just the ride. I hope
that maybe someday we will get our beloved Toad Hall back.
From: Bryan J. Bindman <sketch105@aol.com>
Lately, every time I heard about Toad, I've been feeling a little down. I
remember back in August of 1998, currently unaware that two of my fave
rides would be closing forever. I looked for Mr. Toad, but for some
reason, my instincts failed me. I went past him. I saw the teacups, I saw
the lagoon, I saw the nearby stand, but I couldn't find the entrance with
Toad's statue out in front. The annoying fact was that I had a feeling the
whole time that they would probably close it down. I had a feeling, but I
ignored it. I can't believe that an huge purple building in a very
distinctive part of Fantasyland with a huge line out front was just
disappeared. I don't remember much, but seeing the Teacups, and seeing a
wall. And no, it could not have been a wall from Pooh, because this was a
month before, and Mr. Toad was still in the guide (you'd think that they
would at least put in "LAST MONTH OF OPERATION" or some sort of bull to
warn all of us out there who didn't know). Now I have a damn pamplet from
the last month of Toad's operations, wrecked from my riding BTM (what, are
they going close that one down too? Huh? go ahead! try us!) and Splash
Mountain. Then, when I arrived home and checked my computer in Sept, Mr.
Toad and Journey into Imagination had closed. So when I went down to WDW
this year, I said to myself "I'm going on all the Fantasyland rides ASAP.
I stood in line for Snow White and Peter Pan, and the reopened Skyway (it
wasn't opened in 98 for some reason when I went) which I knew were classic
rides but could be closed at any moment. Then I went on Pooh. The ride was
good, but I wish I could relive my very young years, especially the one
moment I went on Mr. Toad. I remember doors flying open in the dark room,
the antique cars roaming around, and of course the train light which I
remember pretty good. These two images fly through my head, but they are
not too vivid. Meanwhile, the only photo evidence is a pic of me when I
was 6 at the wheel, and the a memory of the Wind in the Willows Mural. I
know that if I could go back in time, I would go back to August 1998 and
get on Toad and Journey before they closed forever. Now, I come to a close
to ask this question: What Disney attraction is next? Snow White? Peter
Pan? They destroyed Mr. Toad, Mr. Nemo (my fave too) and Mr. Dreamfinder
(a personal fave for me which I also missed on the August 98. I was down
in 99 and nobody could tell me anything about it.). I miss Toad by the
day.. Thanks Figment for the memories, and thank you Mr. Nemo for all the
memories...
[Addition]
These days I have a strong passion to re-create a Mr. Toad like
experience. With the ride gone, I have picked up any Toad merchandise left
at Disney. I even bought the video The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
and I enjoy watching it, seeing all the elements of the ride live in
action and enjoy singing the "Nowhere in Particular" song in public. I
have even taken the Motormania is NOT a Crime flyer and taped it to my
car.
My next step: Painting my room to look like cheap blacklight hell from the
last room on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. I am planning on becoming a ride
designer for Disney and hope to one day re-create a Toad-like experience
featuring cheap tools yet having updated effects mixed in. I hope to
create the ultimate dark ride experience but without the overload visual
layout of Spider man at IOA, but include the charming and lovable
characteristics of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. While there is no substitute for
the ride itself, I hope to revoke some memories.
From: Amy Schneider <toe028@aol.com>
I'll do anything possible to save Mr. Toad's Wild Ride! It was the best
ride ever, and I hope with all my heart it comes back.
From: Chris Julian <cjulian26@hotmail.com>
Thanks for all you have done to preserve Walt's legacy!
From: Ricky <thericky@usa.net>
i was at disney world in august and rode mr toad's wild ride with the
mindset that i would be able to ride it again next time i went...
obviously i was wrong... i just went to your web page and found out about
the terrible news... i am deeply saddened by it... mr toad's wild ride was
one of the few ounces of pure excitement in disney world... i wish i had
attended the toad-in... i would have stuck by you guys til the end...
that's awful that winnie the pooh would replace such a classic ride...
From: John Bow <ankerman@aol.com>
If I rode Mr. Toad for the last time and knew that I'd never see Toad Hall
again, I would definitely cry too. Maybe when they take down the
construction wall, they'll surprise us and have a whole new re-furbished
Toad instead of Pooh! Maybe the whole thing was just a farce! That would
be nice.
"We're merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily on our way to nowhere
in particular..."
From: dizneepop@email.com
I read the final days of Mr. Toad and I was touched, it was one of the
first rides me and my daughter went on alone (her mom was pissed, but oh
well) any way if you could keep in informed I would appreciate it
From: Patricia McClain <terries@home.com>
I live in Surrey, B.C., Canada and I share your views on Mr. Toad's Wild
Ride. I too feel that they should have left it alone and put the Winnie
the Pooh ride elsewhere. The ride was such a fun, wacky ride and it made
me laugh in all of the 4 times I've been to Disneyland. It makes me so
angry what the head people at Disney have been doing to Disneyland. First
they got rid of America Sings, then the Submarine Voyage, and now Mr.
Toad's Wild Ride! If the head folks at Disney keep this up, the Disneyland
we all know will be completely destroyed.I had hoped to be able to show my
future kids (when I have them) the Disneyland I know and love, but at this
rate I will have to tell them the Disneyland I knew doesn't exist anymore.
And I agree with you that there are more important things than the
almighty dollar. Walt Disney made Disneyland to be "The Happiest Place on
Earth" not a temple dedicated to money. I think Walt would be rolling over
in his grave if he knew what was being done to his Disneyland. I even sent
an e-mail to Michael Eisner protesting what he has been doing to
Disneyland, but I don't think he really read it because in his reply he
made no comment on my protests and he even called my complaints about his
having done away with the before-mentioned rides and my comments on the
plans for the Haunted Mansion "suggestions". I really wish Michael Eisner
and the other head folks at Disney would stop being so concerned with
money and stop destroying Disneyland.
From: Matt <mikymania@aol.com>
Your flyers of Tell Pooh to Go To Hell now adorn the door to my room. I
believe this is the rightful home of Pooh, for I have never enjoyed Pooh
or his 100 Acre wood friends.
Long Live Mr. Toad.
From: Chris Griggs <cgjg24@aol.com>
I am so glad to see what you have done to save Mr. Toad. It was my
favorite ride. To this day.. just thinking about the experience brings a
smile to my face. Today I found out that it was gone. A great injustice
has been done, but I applaud you for all your efforts! I only wish that I
knew of your campaign earlier. At least I can say that I was a passenger
in his car and I was one of the fortunate people to experience his wild
ride. Thanks for trying to save him.
From: gogglenews@aol.com
Toad on!
From: A Disney Employee <address withheld by request>
I worked as a tour guide in the animation studios at MGM... in our break
room there was a drawing someone made of a maniacal looking Pooh driving a
steam roller, chasing Mr. Toad. There was lots of support from Cast
Members for Mr. Toad.
From: Michael P. Kuzma <michael.kuzma@celebration.fl.us>
I was at the end of the left side. I was sure you were going to be there
but I couldn't seem to identify exactly who you were. I truly thought
that they would have had some ceremony similar to the Disney land one you
mentioned. Oh well.
Your communication of that rainy afternoon was extremely accurate you
seemed to capture the feelings that were in the air in your words. I
chuckled also at the security people in the ride.
Very nice, professional, respectable effort you put forward!
From: Rob <casadelrob@aol.com>
well i couldnt make it for the Toad In, but i went down to the kingdom
last saturday, and rode Pooh. For starters, they closed the ride for
about a hour, while we were waiting on line, and some kid vomited while he
was standing around. The entire atmosphere prob. made him sick...
Anyways, all Pooh seems to be is a warm up for another merchandising ploy
by disney. Get you into that Fat bear, and then force you to drag your
kids through the shop before you exit. How SAD.
Long Live The Toad.
From: Stacy <oreo@npcc.net>
We recently heard about Disney World ending Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and were
very disappointed. My family and I loved it are sad to see how a
wonderful ride can just be replaced by something new.
Thank you for all the time and effort you put into trying to save one of
our favorites!
From: Robert M. Dowhan <rdowhan@home.com>
Just came across your website and have to tell you that I really enjoyed
reading the Toad Ins. I will miss Toad and we can only hope that there
are no plans to close it at Disneyland. I am just sorry that I was not
able to add my two cents prior to the closing but I am glad there was
someone like you to protest.
From: nivek415@aol.com
Great site. I had no idea that happened and I feel the world has lost a
great experience. How could they do that? Heaven forbid they should take
out "It's a Small World," the ride of annoying music and toxic water but,
oh no, let's take out a classic that's been here for almost three decades.
Geez, I hate Disney for that.
All hope is not lost however, I went to Disneyland in L.A. in April of
1999 and the Wild Ride was in perfect working order. I rode it,
completely ignorant of the fact that there was now one less of these rides
in the world.
I empathise completley with you and your fellow supporters of the
almighty Toad.
From: Kevin G. Welch <kevin@welch.net>
You've got a great website, and fought a wonderful cause.
I was wondering if you ever thought of trying to get a new Mr. Toad's Wild
Ride built.
From: Kirk Boemmel <kirk@mail.usachoice.net>
I would like to say that I've been to WDW only 3 times...twice in the
past 2 years.
I only rode Toad once...I remember missing it in 1988...when I was only
12...and riding it 2 years ago...it was so fun! My girlfriend has never
been to WDW so we were planning a trip for January of 2000 (it's been
pushed back from September of 1999). I hyped her about Toad and she
couldn't wait to ride it, or Figment for that matter too. They're GONE!!!
Now she is a huge Pooh fan, but at the expense of Toad...NO WAY!!!
From: spongeweed@aol.com
My son is very upset, that was his favorite ride. I didn't know
Imagination was gone too. That stinks; he liked that too.
From: Lynn Lonergan <jloner2485@aol.com>
I miss Toad!! It was my daughter's favorite (left side) and she is 32 and
still rode it whenever she went. I much prefer Milne's Pooh to Disney's;
but that's another story!!
From: rocketrod4@aol.com
I saw some pics of the pooh ride and i think it sucks!
I think toad's wild ride was the best!
From: Christopher <rkellough@aol.com>
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is the first ride I ever remember going on. This site
brought back these memories that have faded in the last year or so. When I
was 4 I visited WDW twice and one of those times rode MTWR. Ever since
then, even after the specific memories of the ride left me, I remembered a
fantastic adventure with hairpin turns, rampaging through walls and into a
TNT shed, and slamming head first into an oncoming train. I started to
wonder if this was a dream I had come up with in my head, but after
revisiting WDW several years ago I realized that Toad's was the ride I had
dreamed of. I will sorely miss this fantastic journey.
From: Gregory Wright <daliseurat@aol.com>
I enjoyed reading your final toad-in report. It was very moving. Even
though I have never been all that fond of the Toad ride, your diligence
and dedication has given me a tremendous appreciation for this classic.
I'm sad that I won't get to take another ride in it this holiday season.
At least the Toad building isn't meeting the pathetic fate of the subs.
That big empty lagoon ticks me off everytime I see it. I got to ride the
subs at Disneyland this summer, and now they're closed. Anyway, you have
my undying respect for your efforts, and gratitude for sharing your
exploits.
From: David Lee Goss <dlgoss@lucent.com>
I want to thank you for all your efforts, successful or not. I wish I
could have been there that last day to see The Ride, then you wouldn't
have been the only one with tears in your eyes. At least from your
efforts, many people got to see the ride and hopefully document it so we
can relive the memories forever. I know that in a few years when we return
to Disney World, I will not be in line for Pooh. If only somehow we could
get GM to sponsor the new Pooh ride - that would be the kiss of death!! I
can see the headlines now: "Pooh ride delayed again - citing safety
concerns of honey pots hitting each other" or "Pooh still having problems
- only 3 pots can run at once" or "Pooh ride - coming soon!" (whatever
that means, a la Test Track)
Anyway, thanks for fighting the good fight, I hope you don't regret 1
minute of time spent fighting for The Ride. In my opinion, and surely many
others, it was well worth it.
From: Sarah Szymankiewicz <rms@gs.verio.net>
I just got back from dworld today. I rode the winnie the poop ride on
Friday. It really was pretty bad. The loading time was horrendously slow
and when we finally got up to the front we had to ride hunny pots that we
couldn't even steer. The bouncing that was supposed to be the best part
just made me sea sick and the very beginning of the ride is really hot
which stinks after being in line for so long. It was such a waste to
remove toad for this. There is no suspense like the train or anything.
From: Jessica Roop <rainqueen1228@yahoo.com>
I used to live in Florida and I went to Disneyworld quite frequently and
I'll have to say, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride was one of my favorites. It's a
horrible shame that it was closed! I hope that somehow it will be revived.
Who knows, maybe with all of the efforts, we'll get a new, better, Mr.
Toads Wild Ride. :)
From: Johanne Kelly <yumaratz@aol.com>
I grew-up on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and even had the chance to take my two
boys on it. The were very upset about what happened to the ride. My mother
was hurt also.
From: Fabrice Tombini <tombinif@wanadoo.fr>
I do really want to save him : he's my favourite character in Disney
World.
Thank U
You have my entire support
From: Jason Zeller <jasonthebold@lycosmail.com>
My mom and dad had their honeymoon at Walt Disney World back in the 70's
and growing up I always heard that their favorite ride was Mr. Toad's Wild
Ride,, well my family was kind enough to send me to Disney World for a
week as a belated graduation present this fall,, and going down there I
was looking forward to going on the tower of terror and all the other
stuff,, but the one thing I was really looking forward to was Mr. Toad's
Wild Ride,, all I had heard of it was stories my parents had told me,,
needless to say when I finally got there and learned that there was no
more Mr. Toad's... I was a little pissed!
From: Steve Meyer <freestyleg@aol.com>
I'd just like to say that this is a great thing that you're doing here.
Keep up the good work :]
From: Brian Carlson <bbc97001@uconnvm.uconn.edu>
I was sad to hear on NPR that Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is indeed closing,
TONIGHT. I thought Disney had changed its mind since I had heard nothing
in some time.
I hope you enjoy your final ride. R.I.P. Mr. Toad!
From: A Disney Employee <address withheld by request>
I too miss the ride!
Since I've been working at Disney for the last eight years, lots of things
have changed, and many of those changes are for the worst.
From: Brad Peach <peach@adelphia.net>
Thanks so much for all your efforts. We are now anti-Pooh!
From: Josh Vetter <joshjv@yahoo.com>
your page is great, its too bad they had to stop such a great ride.
From: Jonathan <jn2wesley@aol.com>
I love and miss the toad! :-(
From: Janice <epcotgirl@aol.com>
Why can't they just open a Pooh ride someplace else in the park? Build a
new building. How about over in Mickey's Starland/Birthdayland/whatever
it is now. They've got plenty of room. Tell me all those buildings are
even needed over there.
From: Sam Irvin <sirvinprod@aol.com>
I discovered your site only today. I wish I could have helped earlier!
From: Mary <pansoph@pansophist.com>
Thanks, JT, for all your work. You are still right, it's Disney who's wrong.
From: Debra <debswebs84@aol.com>
I loved that ride so much. My brother and I got stuck on it once and we
were talking. We got stuck on the part where you get run over by the
train. My brother used to talk about it all the time, how much he loved
the ride. He told me about the "final letter." It touched my heart when
you described your experience. I admire you for still trying to the very
end. Never change.
From: Timothy Houston <timhouston@hotmail.com>
I am saddened to hear that they did decide to close the ride.
In our own way, we keep Toad alive!
From: Michelle Ousley <michelle8282@yahoo.com>
Hi. This is Michelle- my friends Sarah and Dikla, and I are on your web
page-remember the "exuberant teenage girls" on May 17 on the bridge near
Splash Mountain? Anyways, thanks for putting the picture up, and I'm very
sorry and upset the ride closed. It was my favorite ride at Disney.
I never really thought they would actually take it down, and I was
extremely upset when I checked your page and found out they had.
From: Shanda Campos <shanda.campos@trw.com>
About a month ago my sister-in-law got engaged at Disneyland. Her fiancé
wanted the moment to be memorable and chose to propose to her on Mr.
Toad's Wild Ride.
From: Lea Montgomery <weavrinn@humboldt1.com>
Thanks for fighting the good fight.....
Save Mr. Toad!
From: Claude Jaillet <jaillet@warwick.net>
i like that ride!
From: A Disney Employee <address withheld by request>
I think you did an awesome job with the whole "Save Toad" thing. I was
working the Toad rotation during two of the toad-in's, and we really got a
kick out of all of the protesters! Even the CM's that were glad to see
Toad go thought it was really cool how devoted you guys were!
Great job and thanks again!
From: Eric Rzeszut <erzeszut@uab.edu>
Love your site, growing up in Orlando, Mr. Toad was always one of my
favorites.
Thanks for all your hard work.
From: Don R. <dr428@aol.com>
I too have become concerned at Disney's recent culture shift from family
entertainment to political correctness and penny-pinching.
MTWR is certainly an adventure for the family. I didn't really get upset
when I first read about the plan to close the attraction, but my feelings
changed as I thought about the fun my family had in WDW, and especially
the way the kids and my wife "carried-on" during the MTWR!
I truly hope the Disney suits find that they were in fact born with
spines, and can embrace traditional entertainment (MTWR) without caving
in to the potentially incremental dollars that a Pooh ride could bring in
its place. Build Pooh in another spot in the park. There's room, just
look around! They could even create a section of WDW themed after the
"hundred acre woods" with several Pooh attractions. I'd really like to
see that before the MTWR is touched.
Well, that venting felt good; so I won't even get into the politically
correct caving-in Disney did on the Pirates ride!
Long live MTWR!!!
From: Thomas Cummins <olneyassc@aol.com>
Thank you for all your hard work. I just missed Toad's closing by 5 days
(we planned the vacation a year before and could not change it). While
riding in the sky ride over Mr. Toad, we could see roll-away dumpsters
filled with the Toad decorations, mostly just the painted walls.
I have been to the MK many times and my wife thought I was a nut when I
insisted on riding Mr. Toad on both sides on our last visit (1996).
Little did I know that it would be my last time. By the way, Journey into
the Imagination was my wife's favorite ride, so she will be in mouring
also. Thank you again for your hard work and good luck.
From: James K. Smith <jim.smith@hok.com>
I just found out about the fate of J. Thaddeus from your website. I feel
as though a close family friend has turned up in the obituaries. I first
rode the toad in Anaheim in 1965. I grew up about 1 mile from the Harbor
Blvd. gate and was quite the frequent visitor to the park in those days.
Matterhorn schmatterhorn. Nothing could compare to the Toad. Even when the
Pirates docked in '67, motormania was king. My family loves to recall when
I recreated MTWR in our darkened garage for all the neighborhood kids.
They were lined up to the end of the drive. If I had only sold C tickets.
I am saddened by the loss of this piece of magic at WDW. I guess I'll have
to take my little girls to the coast to experience one of the great rides
in Disney lore.
I commend your efforts to save this attraction.
Pooh doesn't even drive!
From: Christina Meagher <smeaghe@ibm.net>
thanks for the effort
From: Bear Wolfpack <bearwolfpack@webtv.net>
I live in the Puget Sound region and heard it announced on the radio
Tuesday afternoon. I think the station was KIXI. Then didn't mention any
one by name, but there was mention of Toad Ins, And even a mention about a
plane with a banner. I haven't been paying attention to the TV lately, so
am not sure if it's been on our local new yet.
My friends and I will miss Toady and his pals. We were hoping to be able
to attend a Toad In during our up coming trip to WDW, but that's not til
October. So we will have to wish Toady a fond farewell without having
another ride. We would like to thank you for all your hard work and time
in trying to save Toady.
From: Rachel <fatretch@aol.com>
i wonder, will the same fate happen to the ride at disneyland? if so, i am
on your band wagon! and why the heck cant we get t-shirts anymore? i would
die for one. thanks!
it will be sad when i return to disney world for the first time since 92
and the toad isnt there - that was me & my best friends favorite ride and
the first and the last we went on while there :-( thanks again
From: Kate Eddon <kate_eddon@internetway.com>
Can't believe Toad's Wild Ride is over. I've been frequenting it since 1977.
Wish I knew in time to petition.
From: Rose Ricciuto <mangorose@webtv.net>
Currently, Disney is only family friendly with the family's wallet. Bottom
line is their prime concern which should be evident from the attitude of
their employees. In 1982, I would have been happy to be hired as a post
parade horse pooper scooper, but over the years I've decided not to even
apply there cause things just ain't the same! If you get too big, too fast
you forget where you came from. Don't know if Walt would've expanded so
quickly and with such variety, but I often think he's rolling over in his
cryogenic capsule. Although it's nice to leave reality behind from time to
time, I often leave the MK with a feeling of sadness for how things used
to be. That feeling extends to the touring public as well. Maybe the
changes we feel are as much a result of the loss of common courtesy
rampant in the world as in the greed of Mr. Eisner.
From: sketch105@aol.com
Damn me for not doing it earlier.. I have come to the conclusion that
Disney could close any ride at anytime. I missed out on riding Mr. Toad at
Disney in 98..back in August.. just a couple of weeks before it closed!!!
The strange thing was.. I could not find it... I hate myself... I knew
exactly where it was, and I could not f.....ing find it!! Then it closed,
and I hate myself. I haven't rode that ride in years.. All I have is a
picture of me on it when I was six, in the car in the queue area, and I
feel bad I missed my chance. Had I only looked harder..but anyway, I went
back in 99. Pooh is great, but I miss Mr. Toad. So I went on Snow White
and Peter Pan...Just in case any plans to replace them pop up...and seeing
my fave lagoon sitting there too (you know the one) without a ride in it
disappoints me.. I loved that ride too, and I hated going there in 95,
finding it was closed and a damn character festival took its queue area...
So I made sure this time I hit all the attractions just in case they
decide to plow something else over...
From: Scott Machado <scott@tahoe-4-u.com>
I'm a fellow Toad-man myself, and am "Shocked and Changrined" over this
fiasco. I don't know how Pooh all of a sudden got SOOOOOOOO popular.
Poof- Pooh everywhere!
Anyway, I firmly support your cause and, even though it's really too late.
Thanks for your time, and may Cyril Proudbottom gallop happily through our
memories...
From: Christopher McGuirk <ralph50@mindspring.com>
I think you did a great job in getting the word out about the dilemma with
Disney and Mr. Toad. It's a shame to see such a great experience just let
go to the curb like trash after so many fun filled years. It was my
favorite ride also at Disney. I last experienced the ride on Sept. 6th.
'98. I took lot's of picks of the ride and videotaped it also. I recently
went to Disneyland in California, which still has Mr. Toad's Wild Ride,and
a couple of employees said their's wasn't going to last too long either.I
took lots of pictures of that ride also for my Mr. Toad Collection.
From: Paris CDA <pariscda@kih.net>
The wild ride is the greatest dark ride ever.
From: graffspee@aol.com
I think you have done a good job trying to spare Mr. Toads life. I went to
Disney over the weekend and it is just not the same without the Toad.
From: anewb32174@aol.com
I think it's absurd to close this ride. With all the space Disney has they
should build it somewhere else. I love Winnie the Pooh but I grew up with
Mr. Toad!
From: Melissa Penkert <kstevens@webzone.net>
Thank you for sharing the Toad "Cause" with me. I have been to Disneyworld
twice. I loved Toad. Be grateful you got to ride the last ride. I can't
believe they are damning Figment too. My dear brother loved Figment.
From: John Cooper <coopkid@nalu.net>
I'd just like to say that I'll really miss that ride, it was the first I'd
ever ridden at WDW
From: Eric Paddon <ep993185@oak.cats.ohiou.edu>
I first rode Mr. Toad's Wild Ride in 1975 when I was six. The thing that
always frightened me the most wasn't Hell, but the train light rushing
towards you just before. I used to get nightmares for years afterwards
about being run over by trains, and for years afterwards I always shut my
eyes at that part even when I was 21! Only by my last ride on Mr. Toad in
1993 did I finally conquer the old phobia.
Shame on Disney for severing another link to my childhood memories of
trips down I-95 from New Jersey to Disney World in the 70s and cramped
flights on defunct People's Express Airlines in the 80s and the joy of
going to all my old favorites upon arrival. "If You Had Wings"--long
gone. The Hall Of Presidents now defaced by the Clinton robot's speech.
And now Mr. Toad. RIP old friend.
From: zilla7582@aol.com
SAVE THE DAMN FROG DAMN IT!
From: Robert Amar <robert_amar@bc.sympatico.ca>
They came for the Gypsies and I said nothing. They came for the Jews and I
said nothing. The Catholics were next and nothing was said. Tiennamen
Square came and went with no word. Mr. Toad was taken from WDW and voices
came up. Please let even more voices sound out if Disneyland's Wild Ride
is threatened !!! :-)
From: mandm54981@aol.com
This Christmas, I visited the "Magic Kingdom." Upon arrival, I thought of
all of the things I had done when I was four. One, that I most remember
was the ride with the frogs, known as Mr. Toad. The day I went, I made it
a priority to go on that ride first thing and sadly enough I arrived to
find a Painted Fence saying "Soon to Come" Winnie the Pooh. It made me
mad and I hope Disney will reconsider its destruction.
From: Terri Lyon <terril@cavallicribbs.com>
I'm so sad about Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.
My husband and I think Mr. Toad is the best ride at DisneyWorld and
DisneyLand.
From: Jenna McFeely <mmlynarczyk@earthlink.net>
I LIVE IN L.A. AND AM A BIG FAN OF DISNEYLAND....I'D CRY MY EYES OUT IF
THEY TOOK MR. TOAD AWAY HERE.
From: Gil G. Silberman <gil@brittonlaw.com>
My first Toad experience was about ten years ago, and it's left a big
impression on me. Once, riding in the passenger seat of my
then-girlfriend's giant old Buick, I told her she drove like Mr. Toad, and
it sort of stuck. From then on, it wasn't as scary to let her drive as it
had been before, because at least I had a way to think about it...
My wife and I went to Disney World not long after we got married. Having
come across your web page, I knew that the ride was closing, so we made a
point of going on it... at the very last minute, the last ride of the day,
after the fireworks.
It would be nice to have a tee shirt so we can remember.
Thanks.
From: Cat Clark <toadmom@webtv.net>
You may have noticed that this login name is "ToadMom." It's my mother's
acount. My father's is "ToadAbode." We are, you have probably guessed,
loyal fans of James Thaddeus. I have another pal from college nicknamed
"Toad" after the same character (he's also a Disney superfan). We are all
very upset about the destruction of Wild Ride.
From: Mark Horn <hornm@enter.net>
I had no idea, living in PA. I'm going down there and I am extremely
disappointed Mr. Toad is closed.
From: smashmo79@aol.com
Ever since my first visit to Disney, I can remember Mr. Toad as being a
"Must-Ride" Attraction for me. I would always promise myself to never
leave the park until I rode it at least twice. I practically knew
everything in the ride right up to what every street sign said, I loved
that ride. But now the ********* (<-- hint: it rhymes with "gasholes") at
Disney have only thought of money a-g-a-i-n and closed it. I am hereby
boycotting Disney entirely (movies, parks, even the Disney Store) until
they see the error of their ways!
From: Chuck Mitchell <chosipian@aol.com>
I just wanted to say thank you for fighting the good fight.
From: Kevin G. Welch <livn4golf@geocities.com>
I never realized how much the ride really meant to me until I just read
your report of the Final Toad-In. It was great. As I read, I felt like I
was about to cry the whole time, now that I look back on all the happy
memories I have of such a great ride, I almost puked.
I just want to know if you have officially "thrown in the towel," because
I know that there is not a Disney fan out there that will not support you
if you ask for it. I think you ought to work even harder this time to get
the ride back, or something to let Disney know that they did not win.
I'll do just about anything in my power to help, and will now go write a
letter to Eisner telling how I hope he suffers in the same hell depicted
at the end of Mr. T's. I think you ought to contact webmasters of other
WDW fan sites and ask for them to get their visitors to assist you in
anyway you can. I know that Walt would support us.
From: Doug Smidebush <cloudcity@rocketmail.com>
"I know it's over
Still I cling...
I don't know where else I can go..."
-The Smiths
I just wanted to thank you for all the work you did on behalf of Mr.
Toad's Wild Ride. It was one of the best rides in the park, as I'm sure
you're all to well aware. I only found your web site today, as I was
looking up Disney World info in expectation of my trip there next week.
Too late! I have a vision of myself falling to my knees before the
construction and crying out "You bastards!" a la Charlton Heston in Planet
of the Apes.
I was just at Disneyland three months ago, and got to ride Mr. Toad there.
I know it's not the same as having it just a few hours from your home, but
try to take some solace in the fact that Mr. Toad lives on in California
(for now, at least).
"Be fair. EVERYONE wants Mr. Toad's Wild Ride!"
-Brodie from "Mallrats"
From: Jon Auten <honestbob@prodigy.net>
You should try getting a statue or something put up as a memory. It would
at least be something. Loved how you wrote the final chapter, very very
moving.
From: John Konrad <jck16101@csun.edu>
Why are they getting rid of my favorite ride? It is so fun. I'm really mad
at Disney. What are they going to put in place of it?
From: Chris Murray <funtype@earthlink.net>
I just recently spotted your site and saw all the work that went in to it
and the fight to retain a classic ride. I've been going the the Orig
disneyland out here in CA since I was a wee tot. Twice a year, (Xmas and
Summer) I'm 34 now and have been goin on passes since they started
offering them.
We see changes, some good some sad. This park has had more recent
"Dissappearing Acts" then they can print on a nationwide milk carton
circulation. My favorites The skyway & people mover, which offered the
most beautiful slow view of the park EVER, and the Keel Boats all falling
victim to the modern demands. Skyway can't handle the handicapped, and
couldn't meet newer saftey requirements. Keel boats just plain vanished,
the random excuses were "seasonal close down" sometimes never to return
and the rocket rods are now speeding on the same peoplemover track.
At least some of them did get attention, Circle vision ran the original
60's movie for a month or so, that was cool. But we ran into Tony Baxter
(Disney Head) while The new tomorrowland was being gussied up and I asked
back then if there were any plans for the Subs to be included, to make 'em
like the Leagues and he said they had some plans but nothing was definite
no hint of total closure.
I asked about the fact that so many people get upset about the "updates",
He said that he tries the strike a balance, by having something to replace
it while somthing goes out. He likes the old stuff just as much, and his
big projects were the addition of big thunder and the rebuild of
fantasyland, both which incorporate old and new!
He also led a crusade to stick as many old items into the new tomorrowland
and did. The old monorail, skyway, people mover and drawings of the
rocket jets, atomobiles and other former T-land transportation is
Museumized in the revamp, old cars are in the stores.
Meanwhile, in that time short frame the closing of the subs was bearly
publicly notified until it was axe time. Yes, they had a going away party,
but look at how many others just vanished with a poof in under a half a
decade.
I applaud all your team effort and offer you the insight that there are
some that work behind the scenes that try to keep the faith. I don't work
for disney, I'm just a fan of the original park that pushed the envelope,
and hope that the future "closedowns" will be thought out and treated with
a little more reverance.
After all, when they announced the "last season" of the electrical parade,
they made more money by taking away a treasure, than they did when they
opened the techinical wonder/problem of Indiana Jones and I believe the
same for the new "rocket rods" and tomorrowland.
I have heard from time to time, over many years, that they have considered
closing the jungle cruise, but exit polls have kept it going??? How's that
for personal favoritisim.
Well I have said enough, again, sorry that the fight fell on deaf ears.
We do what we can as fans and patrons, but things change and it is a
business that they run, not a scrapbook. But it is OUR memories that can't
be removed.
From: kyle5555@aol.com
I loved Mr. Toad. Why didn't they put that dumb Pooh ride where 20000
Leagues under the Sea was? I hope they bring Mr. Toad back.
From: Amber Clisura <amberclisura@earthlink.net>
I was just looking for something on the web and stumbled on your site!
GET RID OF MR. TOAD'S RIDE?!?!?!??!?! What are they. . .
MAD?????!!!!!
I know of at least 10 people who hold Mr. Toad's as dear to their hearts
as I.
From: Kathy Valentino <pinevlley@aol.com>
I've been riding Mr. Toad since I was a little kid and it breaks my heart
to see it torn down in the name of Disney "progress."
From: Judith Brand <judith3@ix.netcom.com>
I am very mad about this!!!!
I would love to help to save Mister Toad's wild ride!
From: Elizabeth Trynosky <dreamer583@aol.com>
I love that ride and i appreciate all that u r doing to help it.
thank u sooo much
From: slappy9@ibm.net
Unfortunately, I think most people didn't realize Mr. Toad's Wild Ride was
gone or going. I didn't realize myself until I went to Disney World a few
months ago. Thank you for fighting against this and documenting it.
You will probably get hits on your site for many years as people realize
their favorite ride is gone.
From: Jennifer Mains <fljennifer@aol.com>
I'm so disappointed to know that all I have of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride are
the memories...
From: Francis Howley <frank_howley@3com.com>
You made the San Jose Mercury News yesterday and I was alerted to the
crisis brewing in Orlando. Like you, I have nearly a lifelong passion for
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and I am appalled at the prospect of Disney World
removing the ride in place of Pooh!
Thanks for doing all that you have done to save this important American
institution!
From: Andrea L. Sligh <alsligh@southernco.com>
I saw a sentence on the CNN ticker this morning that the efforts to Save
Toad have failed. I'm very sorry to hear about this. I won't be able to
be there for the last hoorah, but I am glad that I was able to visit The
Ride one last time earlier this summer.
From: Bart <hiawatha@mail.dma.be>
First of all: I love your site!
About the Mr. Toad ornament: it is AMAZING!!!
From: Keith May <hkmay@aol.com>
My friends and I would love to help. We have memories tied up in that ride.
Save Mr. Toad's Wild Ride!
From: Kenny <batken@mci2000.com>
This is really disappointing news. I guess we can still catch Toad in
Disneyland. I have been to WDW 6 times, once to the one in California.
A friend of mine just came back from Disneyland and says that Mr. Toad is
still there and still a lot of fun. If you are ever in Anaheim, CA you
can still go to Fantasy Land and ride Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. Me, living in
New York, it isn't convenient -- then again neither is WDW in Florida (but
I try to make it there about once every three years). Be well.
From: Jeanette Beland <jeanette.beland@us.pwcglobal.com>
As a former Disneyland employee, I was so bummed when I heard what they
were doing with Toad's ride. Don't think they could get away with it as
easy in CA. But then again, they took out our submarine ride here.
I am so bummed.
From: Mike Kemmerrer <mikekemmerrer@ibm.net>
I just learned of your website. I am now a broken man that I am seemingly
too late to add my name to the voices of protest as it seems Mr Toad is
done for at Disneyworld. I fear that the same may now happen at the
hallowed grounds of Disneyland Anaheim? I want to purchase a shirt from
you.
I want to be able to wear the shirt at Disneyland to not only bring
attention to the atrocity occuring on the other side of our country, but
to make visitors and CM's, aware of the horrible potential of losing Mr
Toad-Anaheim to plushy doll induced hysteria over Winnie the Pooh.
Plus, GASP, it may one day be all I have left of my wonderful memories of
MTWR.
From: Sarah J. McGovern <sarah.mcgovern@gte.net>
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride was my favorite ride. I'm going to Disney World in
the beginning of January and was really disappointed to hear of its
closing. I'm sorry I didn't find your web site until now, but I would've
supported the cause if I knew of it before hand. I'll say hi to the old
Toad Hall for you while I'm there.
From: Eric Levin <amejr999@earthlink.net>
I sent a letter to Al Weiss and I got a handwritten response:gWe did a
lot of research before making this decision. With who, your
accountants???????!!!!!!!!!!
From: T. Menzel <tylerman13@aol.com>
Hey I'd like to help make a difference!
Lets help stop The Man!
From: Sharon Ellenberger <shenner@aol.com>
my kids will join you in your fight..........yeah!!!!!! (ps. sorry i dont
think we are going to win .....but we will mess up their perfect plan)
From: Kristie Watts <flippie62@aol.com>
This is absolutely one of my favorite adventures at Disney World.
From: Danny Martinez <lennon@icanect.net>
I strongly support your project.
Save Mr. Toad!
From: Kathryn Rodriguez <krodr00@mail.fc.peachnet.edu>
I never even heard about the ride getting closed.
Save Toad!
From: Nan <nan161@aol.com>
OMG!! My husband is a HUGE, HUGE fan of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride!!
He sent me this web site and is very, very sad at the thought!!
From: Ruth Daughters <ruth_daughters@netscape.com>
I'll happily join the ranks of those fighting to save Mr. Toad's Wild
ride!!!
From: Pam Greenfield <spgreenfield@stratos.net>
After looking forward to conquering Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (my 15 yr. old)
we were horrified by the sight of plywood barricades in front of it last
week as we visited Disney for the first time since 1989. Unfortunately,
we live in Ohio, and didn't know of the controversy of the ride and its
removal. Had I known, I would have joined the fray and sported a shirt
during our visit. My 15 yr. old had been anticipating her visit for the
sole purpose of conquering her bad memories from her ride on Mr. Toad at
the age of 5. Her disappointment was overwhelming. I have already
e-mailed Disney from your site...(too little too late) to share with them
our views, and also point out that it may be a scary ride for small
children, but for elementary ages and wimpy adults, it's a great
replacement for roller coasters. I don't like heights, but jerking around
doesn't bother me. There are NO other rides that I could see that were
the same caliber as "Mr. Toad." As we sought to identify the ride, a
wonderful gentleman working a cart next to it told us of your web site.
You obviously have friends everywhere. It didn't look like anything had
been done to the ride as of when we saw it, just boarded up. Is it
possible that there's still hope??????
From: John Johnson <jax@abar.com>
My Dad who is 73 years old loved Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. It was always the
first attraction he would go to anytime he went to Disneyland or
Disney World.
He is a huge Mr. Toad fan and has been since 1962 and his first trip to
Disneyland.
Save Mr. Toad!
From: Paul Dressler <dresslerd@pro-online.net>
i am very angry about the closing of Mr. toad's wild ride. i've gone to
disney world three times, and the first time i went i was 4 years old and
i loved the ride, it was my favorite ride there. now every time i've gone
back i ride it. the next time i go back, it won't feel the same.
From: Kyle and Casey Dodson <kjdirish@aol.com>
Dear Disney,
Please keep Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and put Winnie the Pooh somewhere else.It
was our favorite ride. My name is Kyle. I am 9 years old. I've ridden it
8 times altogether.
Dear Disney,
I am 5 years old and I rode Mr. Toad's Wild Ride 3 times. That is the
only time I've been to Disney World. My name is Casey. Please keep Mr.
Toad's Wild Ride.
Sincerely,
Two Sad and Unhappy Kids Named Kyle and Casey Dodson
From: Jill Donahue <jdonahue@skypub.com>
My fiance and I are going to Disney this Christmas. He has never been, but
I have been lots. I would hate to think that he would miss Mr. Toad by
just a few months, and lets not forget the kids we plan on having. It is a
great ride, an important ride, and the best ride. I talk so much about it,
especially while riding the subways of Boston. If Disney can afford to buy
and build new parks and expand the newer parks, then there is no reason
why anything in the original parks should be torn down!
From: P, C, and K Silvia <psilvia@gis.net>
Bring Back Mr Toad!
Good luck in getting the ride reinstated!
From: Anthony Tomassi <ranma2@ix.netcom.com>
I can't believe it. This is truly a sad day.
Thanks for your hard work. It was never in vain.
From: Thomas Gingras <micks@shaw.wave.ca>
My name is Thomas Gingras, and I LOVE DISNEY, but WHAT WERE THEY
THINKING??!!! I'm just 15, and I can remember being 4 years old on my
first trip to WDW!!! It was my first ride. I don't know if I'll ever
forget what they're doing, but I'll bet they WILL regret it!!!
From: Timothy J. Rector <trector_97@yahoo.com>
Thank you for all your efforts. I'm afraid it is all for naught but
perhaps our perseverance will pay off over time. I hope that you enjoy
your new pass to Islands of Adventure, I'm afraid that somewhere along the
line they to are likely to disappoint. Corporate America isn't always
interested in the consumer but rather in the bottom line! Thanks again for
your efforts.
From: Glenn Huber <gle1968@aol.com>
cannot believe this!!!!! wild toad ride gone forever??? hell no i say!!!
send me a card so i can protest!!! hell no wild toad cant go!!!
From: harvsatan@aol.com
Once again Disney drops the ball! I love Toad! What next Peter Pan? Snow
White? Not fast enough Mr. Eisner? Uncle Walt wasn't about all speed and
no substance! Keep yer grubby mitts outta Fantasyland! I love the old
rides! (I'm 37) and still ride them,happily! My neices and nephews insist
on them! Sure add new attractions, but not at the cost of beloved
favorites!
No killa da Toad!
From: corymm33@aol.com
Don't tear it down!!!!!!!!!! I've only been on the ride once........but i
know when i have kids.....they will love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From: Tom Keefe <tomkeefe@camasnet.com>
I weep salty tears to learn of the demise of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. He was
a hero for two generations of my family (myself, and my three children),
all of whom thrilled at the experience of careening through the byways of
the ride, on the road with Mr. Toad! Where must we now turn to experience
the thrill of a ride in a "hot" car without fear of prosecution?
From: Jim Gray <cosmo@america.net>
So sorry, I've loved Toad since I was 8 years old and saw the movie 40
Pounds of Trouble, which had some Wild Ride footage in it.
From: Sierra Van Why <princessr@webtv.net>
I was at Disney World when I was three and now I'm ten. But I don't
remember any thing about this ride but please don't tear it down. What if
a Mother tells her child about this ride EVERY night. This child might be
traveling 150 miles to get there, and they're going to start traveling in
a month and you plan to tear it down in a week and build something like a
stand or just a pond, you will tear this child's heart a part. I've had my
heart torn at a park a month ago. We were going to go on a Wet and Wild
ride but when we went to go on it, it was closed. So please don't tear it
down.
From: Stephanie Hackney <shackney@sbahn.com>
Thanks for all your efforts in saving this adult's all-time favorite ride!
From: Dawn Davis <mikptrsfan@webtv.net>
I want to thank you for all the hard work you've been doing. I just found
out about this whole mess today. I still can't believe it. It's like
someone ripping out the pages of my childhood.
I just wish I would have known about this sooner. But it sounds like they
planned it that way.
From: Chelsea Browning <chelseabrowning@email.msn.com>
Keep up the good work!
Save Toad!
From: A Disney Employee <address withheld by request>
Loved your web page. I work at the Magic Kingdom, and I dig what you are
doing. We all saw that airplane with the banner a couple months ago, and
upon realizing it was Al Weiss' phone number, we were busting up
laughing!
Go TOAD!
Also, having just toured Islands of Adventure twice, Pooh does not compare
with other rides like Cat in the Hat, or Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin (at
Disneyland) for that matter.
From: Scott Smith <scott@leghorn.orl.lmco.com>
My girlfriend works at WDW and hates the idea of losing Mr. Toad.
Thanks!
From: Alan Ababon <hawkeye25@msn.com>
I too enjoyed the toad. However, all good things must end. From what
I've heard and my sources are very reliable Mr. Toad's Wild ride will be
transferred to Disney's Animal Kingdom and will be recreated as a
miniature version of Countdown to Extinction in Dinoland. Here's another
way that Disney is doing some cost cutting measure eventhough they don't
really need it. Disney is going down the hill they just haven't realized
it yet.
Long live the toad!!!!!
From: Desbiens Family <desbiens@ns.technonet.com>
Just letting you know that you made the Jacksonville FL news last night,
keep up the great work!!
I heard about the plans to also close Mr. Toad in DL and replace with
Pooh. I love Pooh and he has a place in WDW, I wish they put him in
Toontown -or whatever they call it now -that land needs more!!! I hate
seeing everything being replaced, what's next? It's a Small World or the
Jungle Cruise (which I know they have several different plans for).
I was heartbroken when Horizons closed (our family favorite in EPCOT)!!
Futureworld is in a mess IMHO. What's up!? If they are not careful
US/IOA will take over as the number 1 parks.
Just IMHO anyways... Keep up the great work and I'll keep writing
letters.
From: moriartyfl@aol.com
I just wanted to let you know I've always loved Mr Toad, ever since I was
a little kid, as we all have. I used to be terrified of the ending -
going to Hell and all, and I seriously didn't dare open my eyes at the
vision of Satan until I was in my teens.
The ride shut down. I didn't know about these protests, or else I
would've been there, I assure you, and I heard about this group for the
first time on the radio. The DJ spoke about the opening of the Pooh
(BAH!) ride, and the protest, and closed with, "These people need to get a
life!" I shouted at the radio, and I think I should give him a call and
yell at him.
It's tomorrow at noon. I wish I could be there. Eleven and a half hours
from now... I could make the drive, in theory, if my car doesn't break
down, and I think I should... If I wind up not showing up, then I
apologize, but damn... It could happen...
Thank you.
From: Andre Picard <ajp.99@worldnet.att.net>
Toad Hall was my favorite ride since I was 10!!! I don't know where you
live but I live in Florida and we have a Disney, with a Toad Hall (err, a
used-to-be-a Toad Hall) and they tore it down. That makes me darn
mad!!!!!!!! Plus we have Epcot and their gonna tear down Journey Into The
Imagination!! That's way too far!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From: Allison Forgus <allisonf@msn.com>
I recently bought the new copy of Ichabod and Mr. Toad. It is great to see
the short movie and hear the music and see the scenes from the ride. I'm
still mad at Disney for not listening to or caring about what the fans
wanted. I haven't been back to Disney since.
From: Brandon Gale Smith <smithg@uwec.edu>
that amazing historical ride holds much sentimental value for me. please
let me know when i can be of any help. keep up the good work.
From: John Hume <hummer1@gte.net>
I can't believe Disney would get rid of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. I'm
thankful that I got to ride it a couple of times. Disney should be
ashamed of itself...Mr. Toad is a classic. Long live the frogs and toads
of the world. (You can't possibly tell that I'm a frog and toad lover,
can you?)
From: Barry <elroy192@aol.com>
I grew up in Miami and attended the park's Grand Opening in 1971. As a
wild eyed little eight year old, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride captured a special
place in my heart. The crazy music, the jerky buggy ride, the lights, the
train! When I went to Disney in October of 1988, I was shocked to see that
my childhood ride had been boarded up and was "being refurbished for my
future enjoyment". Whatta crock! It's a shame that the consumers of WDW
couldn't save this ride, that the WDW bigwigs really don't care what the
fans and purchasers of their products think. Thanks for caring! Toad fans
unite!
From: Robert Scumaci <scumaci@wzrd.com>
Just heard this story tonight on the news. Hey, I am a Pooh fan like
anyone else, but...Mr Toad is vintage childhood memory! Who has ever been
on a Pooh ride?? Give me a break. Disney is making a huge mistake.
Now with more than 1150
submissions from Toad fans all over the world.
(Comments are not in chronological order. Not
even close.)
(Click here to read the first 500 Electronic Toad
Hall entries.)
(Click here to read the second 500 Electronic
Toad Hall entries.)
(Click here to read the most recent Electronic
Toad Hall entries.)
We are no longer accepting new comments.
Thanks to everyone who participated.
The views and opinions expressed on this page are strictly those of the
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