Here’s a corner of Fantasyland that never called to me as a child.

While I spun in elephants, floated through Neverland skies, and braved the Wicked Queen’s forest, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride was simply… there. A funny little façade tucked beside the Mad Hatter shop, more curious than compelling. I wasn’t drawn to it like I was to Snow White, Dumbo, or Peter Pan. I don’t recall waiting in line with my parents or rushing to board a motorcar. My earliest memories simply skipped Toad Hall.

But something changed.

In recent years — maybe with age, or maybe with intention — I’ve grown to love the charm of this delightfully unhinged attraction. I admire its unapologetic absurdity, its bold storytelling, and the way it refuses to slow down, even for a moment.

💚 Discovering Mr. Toad Again
The last time I visited Disneyland, I hopped into a motorcar with my brother I used the Disney app to capture a ridiculous video short of me mid-ride. (It’s posted [here] if you'd like a laugh!)

Though I don’t have vintage snapshots inside the vehicle or with my parents at this attraction, I do have that video. And laughter. And that counts for something special. I’ve come to see Mr. Toad not as an old ride I missed — but as a newfound favorite I finally met.

📰 The Tabloid of Toad Hall
There’s something delightful about the ride’s premise:
A wealthy amphibian playboy, obsessed with speed, goes joyriding in a stolen car and lands himself in court... and eventually in hell.
It’s so absurd, it becomes genius.

Mr. Toad was there opening day Juy 17,1955. One of my favorite visuals tied to this story is a fictional newspaper headline that reads:
“TOAD ARRESTED”
“Speed Mania” Lands Wealthy Playboy in Toils of the Law”

🐇 Up Next: The Hall Above Wonderland
What many guests don’t realize is that Toad Hall is perched directly above Alice in Wonderland — the two attractions share a building and a bit of quiet Fantasyland magic. While Mr. Toad barrels into mayhem, Alice descends into a dream.
And that — the madcap upstairs/downstairs pairing — deserves its own moment.

So in Part 2, I’ll take you through my lifelong connection to Alice in Wonderland, my favorite spots in the queue, and why I believe these two rides — wild and whimsical — belong side-by-side.

🎩 A Toad Worth Honoring
No childhood memory? That’s okay.
Some characters you grow up with. Others you grow into.
Mr. Toad is the kind of friend you don’t realize you need until he swerves into your lane — monocle askew, arms wide open, ready to take the wheel… and then crash it.

Happy 70th, Toad. You’re one of a kind.

Tucked away in a quaint corner of Fantasyland, this fairytale eatery straight out of the enchanted countryside in Beauty and the Beast offers casual French cuisine. Serving  breakfast, lunch or dinner. You can enjoy magnifique quick-service meals that transport you to Belle’s provincial village.

Tame your inner beast with a juicy burger served with a side of potato bites or mandarin oranges or indulge in an artisanal pepperoni flatbread. Then, toast your good fortune with specialty beverages to match the season.

Veggie lovers looking for a healthy alternative can dig into the Salade du Jardin, Petales de Pepperoni Flatbread or the Candelabra's Flaming Burger. And little ones can quell rumbling tummies with a kid-friendly burger or chicken tenders.

Typically open 8:30 AM to 12:00 AM (or at park closing).
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Try THE GREY STUFF - it's delicious!

Grey Stuff Gâteau $6.29
Cookies and Cream Mousse and Red Velvet Cake with a Raspberry Center.

When we dined, they had the green stuff for St. Patricks. Green whipped frosting, mint chocolate cake.

Adjacent to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is the Enchanted Chamber located inside Fantasyland. A collection of gowns, tiaras and sashes fit for a princess as well as prince costumes can be purchased.

Storybook Land Canal boats has welcomed guests since Disneyland opened its gates on July 17th 1955. To take this journey you needed a "D" ticket and you could pick it up at the ticket booth shaped like a lighthouse. The lighthouse served this special purpose until 1982, when a new passport system was adopted and allowed access to all attractions for an increased entry fee. Most of the ticket booths were removed except a handful like the lighthouse. It was closed up, refreshed and left at the entrance of the attraction to continue welcoming visitors. It remains there is a piece of history often forgotten but in plain sight for everyone to enjoy.

A lot has changed in Disneyland, here is a look at Storybook Land Canal boats and the area around it from the early park years. Now the Mad Hatter Tea Party takes it the space where the sitting area was and behind it now, the Fantasyland theater and Mickey's Toontown. The park continues to grow and change and photos like this show the simple beginnings of this amazing park.

Casey Junior Circus Train has been in Disneyland since opening day July 17th 1955. Casey even had its own ticket booth, designed with the idealized look of an old train station. Guests could purchase their individual ticket here for a fun train ride. Once the ticket booth was introduced in October 1955, Casey required a "B" ticket to ride. By 1982 ticket booths were phased out and the booth no longer served its original purpose. It wasn't removed though and was instead refurbished and left next to the queue of the attraction a reminder of the Disneyland of yours past hiding in plain sight.