Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway
Zip away on a zany adventure with Mickey and Minnie through a cartoon universe crammed with surprises.
Updated: 2026-01-16
Composite Review (4.7 / 5)
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is widely celebrated as a vibrant, highly immersive, and technologically advanced dark ride that has quickly become a must-do attraction for families visiting Walt Disney World. It earns high marks for its visual splendor, innovative ride system, and joyful, all-ages appeal.
The Experience: Stepping Inside a Cartoon
The central theme of the ride—being pulled directly into the chaotic world of a Mickey Mouse cartoon—is universally praised as flawlessly executed. Reviewers consistently note the “stunning visuals” and “vibrant colors” that make riders feel like they are truly “stepping into a cartoon.”
- Positive Takeaways: Many guests describe the attraction as the “most ‘feel good’ ride in all of Disney World,” offering a charming and humorous story full of “pure pandemonium” in the classic cartoon style. The ride vehicle’s journey through scenes like a tropical island, a wild twister, and Daisy Duck’s dance studio is filled with so much detail that guests say it has “high reride value,” requiring multiple trips to catch everything. One guest noted, “I was laughing all the way through, it was so much fun, and wowed by the whole ride.”
- The Pre-Show: The transition from the theater’s screen to the ride itself is frequently mentioned as an amazing “wow moment,” with one family stating that the screen transforming had both children and adults “gasping in amazement—genuinely one of Disney’s best pre-show special effects.”
Technology and Innovation
The attraction is considered a prime example of modern Disney Imagineering, leveraging a combination of cutting-edge technology:
- Trackless Ride System: The use of trackless ride vehicles is a major highlight, allowing each train car to separate and take different, unpredictable paths through the large show scenes. Reviewers call the technology “UNBELIEVABLE” and “cutting-edge,” creating a smooth, free-flowing adventure.
- Visuals: The seamless integration of physical sets, animatronics, and insanely sharp projection mapping is lauded, with many admitting the use of screens is masterfully done. As one guest stated, “The work on lighting, color grading and projection calibration is truly mind boggling.”
Successor to a Classic
The ride occupies the space of the beloved “Great Movie Ride,” a point of contention among some long-time fans. However, many reviews acknowledge that the new attraction is a worthy replacement:
- A New Era: One reviewer put it simply: “Was sad to see the Great Movie Ride leave, but Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a worthy successor and is absolutely something Walt and his group of Imagineers would’ve built.” It’s often viewed as a “celebration of Disney’s legacy, innovation, and the endless joy that Mickey and Minnie have brought to millions.”
Considerations and Minor Criticisms
While the praise is overwhelming, a few minor notes appeared in the reviews:
- Wait Times: The ride is “incredibly popular,” so expect long waits, especially during peak seasons.
- Sensory Issues: A few guests noted the ride can be “reaaaally loud.”
- Contrasting Views: A small minority of reviewers felt the attraction relied too heavily on screens or did not fully utilize the freedom of the trackless vehicles, arguing that the ride’s fast-paced, “chaotic” nature felt “unmemorable” compared to its predecessor.
Reference
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/hollywood-studios/mickey-minnies-runaway-railway/