It seems forever ago that Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway was announced, and the classic Great Movie Ride closed to make way. Opening in Spring 2020, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will immerse guests into a Mickey and Minnie Mouse cartoon short. But that’s about all we knew about it. Until now…….
Yesterday, My Mickey Vacation Travel was given some insight into what the attraction will look like (or sound like) when it opens. The foundation of the attraction is that of an old time cartoon short. With that, you can expect much of the sights and sounds to mirror those of the original cartoon animation shorts.
First, all of the sound effects will be produced in the same way they were prior to computers and synthesizers. They will be produced by humans and gadgets, much the same way that Jimmy McDonald did when he created sounds for Walt Disney himself. Disney is going “old school” with the sound effects used in this show.
In fact, one of the scenes in the attraction will be of a train, which of course, will blow its whistle. But Disney won’t use any ordinary whistle for this sound effect. No, they brought out the original whistle used in the making of Steamboat Willie to create the sound effect. So, when you are riding this attraction, it will be as authentic a sound effect as possible, as both this presentation and Steamboat Willie used the exact same whistle.
Another fun element of the attraction will be the absence of using “reflection” as a tool to create depth. Just as in a cartoon, what you see is what you get, so with a lot of 3d printing and real painting (yes, a brush and paint), the scenes are as authentic as can be possibly made.
And finally, expect the story you see to be completely original, and not an adaptation of another cartoon or movie. There is no Mickey Mouse short film like this.
Oh, the soundtrack song will be catchy, and will likely stay with you all day.
Outside, the Chinese Theater is getting a new marquee for the attraction. You can expect it to be similar to the neon lights seen at a movie premiere in keeping with the Hollywood theme.
Again, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Train will open in early 2020. It seems that this will be a perfect mix of ride technology, and old school animation and film making techniques to bring the perfect story to life.