Disneyland 70th: Celebrating Mickey’s Toon Town
As we enter 2026 we continue our celebration of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary with a look at Mickey’s Toon Town. One of the newer places on the map, this little corner beyond Fantasyland is filled with whimsy and charm. We share with you how the concept came about, due in large part to three major influences of that time–Including Snoopy! We look at the original Toon Town and compare it to how it looks today, to include the addition of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Train. It’s the same attraction as the one at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but it isn’t because of an amazing queue. We’ll talk all about that, and other little details of this town built on celluloid. Join us during Disneyland’s 70th anniversary where we celebrate Mickey’s Toon Town!
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Toon Town Topics
Origins of Mickey’s Toon Town
There were three major influences on Mickey’s Toon Town:
- Camp Snoopy at Knott’s Berry Farm

2. Mickey’s Birthdayland at Magic Kingdom

3. Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Mickey’s Toon Town Comparisons
Let’s look at both versions of Mickey’s ToonTown:

Subsequent Toon Towns
Tokyo Disneyland has its own Toon Town, nearly identical but flipped.

If any land in Disneyland has Easter Eggs and even Hidden Mickeys it would be Mickey’s Toon Town. Let me share a few of my favorites. Let’s start with Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
Bullina in a China Shop

The earliest recorded use of “a bull in a china shop” is in Frederick Marryat’s novel, ‘Jacob Faithful’ (1834). It’s believed that the phrase originated from actual real-life scenarios. In the 17th century, cattle were often brought into the market area of London. Sometimes they would get loose and stray into shops that sold delicate goods, like fine china. They would wreak havoc on the shop’s wares.

Mickey Through the Ears Presented by the Toon Town Hysterical Society at El CapiTOON Theater

Theater Lobby



Early Ears


Golden Ears


Modern Eara


El Capitoon Concession Stand


Attraction Preshow

Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGET Coaster: The Dog and Pony Show


How Many Mickeys are There?


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Thanks for joining us for this podcast. Know that as in the title of Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about performance. Find the second star to the right, and keep going straight on till you reach it. Follow the compass of your heart, and know that with a smile and a song, a little faith, effort and pixie dust, your dreams can come true. After all, if we can dream it, we can do it. Until next time, bright suns, we’ll see you real soon!
