10:28 - The reason Mr. Toad went to hell is because Walt felt Toad's recklessness was without consequence. He didn't want the ride encouraging bad behaviour. Disney historian Jim Korkis wrote about this in one of his "Vault of Walt" books. The only thing I can find online is a conversation that former imagineer Bob Rogers had with Korkis: "Some attractions tell cautionary tales. For instance, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride was a cautionary tale. It basically said that if you were reckless as a driver, you were going to Hell. It was that simple."
@@KeepCalmContemplateYourChoices Walt really said what’s a reasonable punishment for someone who stole a car and seems to be DUI, not a couple years in prison no. How about eternal suffering?
@@jeitler1045 You could say that about almost any sin - yes, bad, but does it deserve *eternal* suffering? That's the whole basis of Unitarian-Universalism, the "universal" is for universal salvation, meaning no one goes to Hell *forever*.
Mr. Toad's Hell scene always made sense when it was explained to me by a cast member. "It's a simple morality tale! Steal cars, taunt cops, break out of jail, drive recklessly, die, end up in Hell! It's what you deserve!" Seen in the light that Disney is teaching you not to do this stuff or you face eternal consequences makes sense. Especially when you think back to the horrific Lampwick turns into a donkey scene in Pinocchio.
Just go on a forum and ask current or former Disney Cast Members for those. I have plenty from working in quick service at DHS, and I'll probably walk away with twice as many after doing Attractions this summer.
I am SO glad you mentioned the Tower of Terror movie. It’s honestly really good, and definitely my favorite DCOM. definitely check it out if you haven’t seen it y’all!
Big thunder There was a gold rush and loads of people rushed over there and started mining the mountain this angered the mountain gods and cursed big thunder leaving the mountain empty and the train driving the tracks on its own. The queue you wait in is the old ghost town where the miners lived
Pandora: The World of Avatar has a HUGE backstory to the land also! It's really interesting and ties in really well to the movies that are coming out. Only the people that work there are really told about it, but there's a wealth of hidden secrets and interesting facts about the land that we're taught about :)
The backstory behind phantom manor that i heard was pretty similar, except there was no earthquake, but Henry hung Melanie’s fiancé the night before the wedding, and Melanie died of a broken heart
Maria and Enzo's is modeled after the Marine Air Terminal at JFK Airport - that's why you sea air boats as a motif. The terminal originally had both land-based and sea-based plane gates.
When you first enter the haunted mansion to the stretching room, lots of people don't always look up and pay attention, but there is a hanging body above when lightning flashes. Suppose to be the husband of the bride.
I never knew mr toad went to hell and now his tombstone sounds even more morbid! I loved wind in the willows when I was little and the fact he was basically killed off is horrifying
The section of Disney Springs where the Boathouse, Morimoto Asia and Raglan Road are located had originally been the old Pleasure Island nightlife area, which had a massive backstory of being a former industrial area owned and redeveloped by S.E.A. member Merriweather Pleasure.
Hey AJ, did I miss one? I counted 9 (1--Jungle Cruise, 2--Little Man in the Tree, 3--Tower of Terror, 4--Typhoon Lagoon, 5--Blizzard Beach, 6--Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, 7--Chester & Hester, 8--Maria & Enzo's, 9--Haunted Mansion)--what did I miss???
Ummm, OK, first, I actually love your videos. But, I feel I have to point out that Hong Kong's Mystic Manor also has a completely different back story. According to Walt Disney Imagineer Mark Schirmer, the Executive Creative Director of Mystic Manor along with Mystic Point: Both Mystic Point and Mystic Manor share a common story. One does not exist without the other as they were all created, as the story goes, by the eccentric explorer Lord Henry Mystic. It’s a name unfamiliar to fans, new to the Disney universe. But anyone who steps foot onto the grounds created for him at Hong Kong Disneyland will quickly become acquainted with him - and his curious little monkey. Schirmer said it all started when Imagineers decided on the topic of world travel and exploration. “I think that set the stage for us to go forward and really get into the backstory of Mystic Point. Using that, obviously developing the character Lord Henry Mystic, […] and setting it back in 1908, is the essence where we’re taking you back,” explained Schirmer. From there, the backstory of Mystic Point was developed, as Schirmer tells it: On one of his expeditions he basically fell in love with this location - this uncharted tropical wilderness - and wanted to stake his claim, make his home there. So he cleared out part of the jungle along the river bank and built this Victorian manor. He’s obviously a well to-do British gentleman and he wanted a little bit of home in this tropical wilderness. He started with the essence of a Victorian manor but of course wanted to embellish it with all the different places that he’s been. So it’s this eclectic Victorian manor sitting in this cleared out jungle along the river. While he was there, that’s where he met and actually rescued his traveling companion, a young monkey that he named Albert, after one of his beloved uncles. Between finding this location and meeting his now lifelong pal and companion Albert, this is really the essence of Mystic Point. Continuing that idea through, we wanted to tell the story about his collection. Anyone willing to make this hard journey and stumble on or find Mystic Point, he - being kind of a philanthropic character - wanted to open the doors of his home to showcase his collection. And that’s what guests are coming to Mystic Point for, to showcase and be able to view the collection and also meet Lord Henry and Albert.
Chester & Hester's store used to have all kinds of specific merchandise that was themed - I think I remember we bought a few Mickey Mouse replica tin toys, cool stuff like that. Still love the store but miss the days when the stores didn't all have the same merchandise.
That makes sense when you remember that the original ride was built during the days of the Motion Picture Production Code of 1936 where you couldn't show criminals getting away with it.
Love this. I miss Disney World. I was a CP when I was there, so I didn't get to enjoy "playing" much. Wish I could go for about two weeks. You have a cool job.
The Tower of Terror is my absolute favorite. Though the ride is not very exciting (after the first time I might add), its ambience is great, they recreated the Twilight Zone vibe to perfection. I bought a Kitty Kat clock after seeing it in the library of the Terror hotel and it freaked me out. It still works to this day.
You know what is so weird is that I have a VIVID memory of walking through the haunted mansion attraction in WDW as a child. My parents always have said no this never happened and this is the first time I have ever heard anyone else say anything about a walk through ride. Specifically I remembered walking though in my dad’s arms at the top of the banister and looking down at the ghosts dancing. I know it did not happen but it’s such a vivid memory. Weird.
If y'all want a more in-depth backstory for Phantom Manor, (which I guess most of you already know but I'm lookin' out for the newbies here) this is it: During the mid-1840s, Henry Ravenswood discovers gold in Bug Thunder Mountain. He sets up a small mining company called the Big Thunder Mining Co. Eventually, a boomtown grows around Big Thunder Mountain, called Thunder Mesa. Henry marries and has a daughter named Melonie. Melonie grows up to be a beautiful young woman. Multiple men get engaged to Melonie, but Henry disapproves of the relationship. Mysteriously, all of these suitors disappear. Turns out, Henry killed all of Melonie's suitors in various gruesome ways. The gold in BTM was growing scarce, forcing miners to dig deeper into the mountain. Natives warned Henry about the thunderbird, a spirit who lived deep within BTM, whose power could be materialized in a terrible earthquake. Henry did not believe in these stories. Melonie eventually got engaged to a train engineer, named Jake. Jake promised Melonie that he'd take her far away from the gloom of Thunder Mesa, much to the dismay of her father. However, Henry and his wife, along with many others in Thunder Mesa were killed in a terrible earthquake. Could it be that the thunderbird had been reawakened? No matter, as a few years later and Melonie's wedding day arrived. Whilst preparing in her room, a mysterious phantom, unbeknownst to anyone. He lured Jake up to the attic and hanged him by the rafters. Melonie sat alone, waiting for her groom. Hours went by, and guests slowly left, leaving Melonie alone with the house staff. Melonie kept telling herself that her groom would return someday. So she never took off her dress or dropped her bouquet. She wandered the house, singing songs of love. Meanwhile, the phantom invited his demonic, ghostly friends to enter the house in an eternal party. It's not known if Melonie is still alive, but sometimes, during the middle of the night, you can hear Melonie singing, the phantom's laugh, and see flickering lights.
I was in Disneyland last week and rode Mr Toad (haven't ridden since it was in WDW!!) - Hell was the best part because it was SO WARM! Hahaha! It was a bit chilly in So Cal! :)
I think this is the first time that I've heard that Constance is the lady in the stretching room portrait.....?? Makes sense to tie her in that way but I guess I've missed that detail all this time....thank u AJ!
Was anyone else traumatized as a child by the hell portion of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride? I vaguely remember going on as a child and crying and covering my eyes the entire time... To be fair I'm pretty sure a cast member DID warn us that it might be too scary for me but I was a stubborn kid.
To add another quirky fact, George the husband of Constance Hatchaway last name is actually Hightower... and he is supposedly the brother of Harrison Hightower from Tower of Terror at Tokyo DisneySea
I've found some other videos on youtube but I'd love it if you would do a DFBGuide style "running path" for the different resorts. I have to prep for all the calories I'll be eating while in the parks!
I enjoy your videos so much A.J! Could you do a haunted Disney video? There are so many fun/interesting "ghost" stories throughout the parks. It would be so fun! 😅
'Mr Toad's Wild Ride', because everyone wants to get on a Disney attraction... and be flung into hell :) Im not sure what the imagineers were thinking, or drinking when they designed the ride, but methinks they got to the point they didn't know how to end the attraction any better than sending us all to the underworld for ever TRUSTING a toad to drive in the first place...so, we kind of had it coming *snickers* Thanks for the backstories AJ, these are fun little things to think about and keep in mind, and yes impress your friends with, on your next trip to Disney! :)
Ok now I really want the little golden boom with the leprechaun to give to my niece before she goes to DL !!! Thanks for this vlog and I can’t wait to see the others !!
Chester and Hesters also has a sort of tongue in cheek back story is that the is sort of like that 192 area that build all those cheesy attraction that are on the other side of the street from Disney. If you notice there is a street that goes down the middle, that is to represent Highway 192 in Kississimee
I'll never forget the first time we took our kids on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride about 10 years ago. Our youngest, who was 5 at the time, was horrified that you end up in hell. Every time we even mentioned the ride after that, he would yell, "Unholy!" It's still a running joke in our family every time we go to Disneyland. :D
I remember when my family would go to Disneyland back in the late 1960s, while my Marine father was stationed at Camp Pendleton and deployed twice to Vietnam. They used to have "Camp Pendleton Nights" when the park would be open all night for military personnel and their dependents for a reduced price, and not having to deal with the old A-E ticket system. I had forgotten how the Haunted Mansion loomed over the park, silently mocking us while not yet open, with the caption on the the big foldout map of "Future Attraction". It finally opened two months after my dad was transferred to to the Pentagon. As a result, we didn't have a chance to enjoy it until our first to Walt Disney World years later. (Same thing for Space Mountain.)
Could have discussed the different backstory of Mystic Manor in Hong Kong Disneyland, too. It has no ghosts at all for cultural reasons, so instead all the supernatural/paranormal activities are the product of an enchanted music box unearthed by Henry Mystic, a member of - you guessed it - the Society of Explorers and Adventurers.
Love these stories! Actually, the backstory for Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride does exist! Ken Anderson and Claude Coats intended for Mr. Toad to get sent to Hell as consequence for his bad choices but then be redeemed to heaven. However, many of the people who they had test the ride before opening didn’t like that Disney depicted heaven in a ride. So, they cut that part out of the ride having you instead escape to Fantasyland. Not exactly as clear as the original intent, but that’s what we got. Haha! You can find the story in Paul Anderson’s book about Ken and we recently covered it in a video on our channel about Ken’s dark rides. :-)
In the book of Wind in the Willows Mr Toad is sentenced for a long time in prison, not so much for stealing cars and recklessly driving them, but by being sassy to a police officer. I think he gets 20 years, but he escapes. Come to think of it he never really gets his just deserves in the book. So I gets hell is where he belongs, but what a strange sinister ride. Glad it's not running anymore.
Love watching your videos to get through the day! My husband and I are going to Disney World for the first time this upcoming October for my birthday and your videos have really helped me plan my trip so far! Do you guys have a podcast as well or just the listed social media accounts above?
I rode Mr. Toad's wild ride as a kid, and I had no idea how to steer so my cousin and I were constantly hitting the rails. When I finally started driver's ed training, I remembered how bad I "drove" on that ride and was afraid I'd always be a bad driver 😂
I always heard that you either fall off the roof from fear, or you JUMP off, bc they say there's no way out of the mansion but to join them....so you gotta become a ghost!
I always assumed the hellish end of Mr. Toad was a nod to the classic carnival dark-rides/spook-houses on which the track was based. But that's just a guess.
adding to your backstory on phantom manor in paris, the miner was getting ready to marry Henry's daughter when the ghost of Henry rises from the grave dressed as a black phantom and hangs the miner from the ceiling. either the daughter killed herself or grew old while the mansion became more haunted and always wearing her wedding dress until she throws herself from the attic and joins the graveyard scene.
Yay!! Hope you have a wonderful first visit! Don't forget to pick up a first visit pin in your hotel (if you're staying on property) or at Guest Services in a park :)
Enjoy Nick. Disney World is a different experience and requires a lot more planning. It's also much better in my opinion, that's no criticism of Paris, more a reflection of how great Disney World is.
I heard there was a different story to Phantom Manor in Disneyland Paris. The young bride went to Mari the wealthy owner of the house, but he turns out to be an evil spirit and he holds her captive. In her means to escape, she finds herself trapped in a hellish version of the town that surrounds her.
Great video! I wonder if there is a particular favorite book or website with the backstories that AJ and team may have read or recommend to research more on our own? Does anyone have a rec here in the comments for that?
I think the reason on why Mr. Toad goes to hell is kinda a common saying towards bad drivers. As in if someone cuts you off you may reply "go to hell" which was taken quite literally I'm guessing....
Serious question: How does the Disney Haunted Mansion film tie into the backatory of the ride? Because part of the reason I would assume the grave purportedly belonging to the owner is the owner is the owner is because that is the storyline of the film
Fun fact! There’s actually a JUNGLE CRUISE MOVIE! it’s gonna be based off the ride and it’s coming next year. After it comes out there’s a rumor that might be true. After the movie come out the rumor is that jungle cruise will get a make over!
Hey DFB, could you do a video about tips for the best honeymoon at WDW? We're planning on honeymooning there but want to make it slightly more unique compared to our other normal Disney holidays. Thank you xx
Hi AJ and the DFB gang! Thanks for all of ur great content! I liked the movie, and loved the ride, until it was taken from us(which I’ll never understand)! Who knows exactly what the imagineers were thinking, one can only speculate the obvious. Knowing Disney though, it could be something totally out of left field! I do know that when I was really young, I thoroughly enjoyed the entire ride. When we got to “Hell”, I wasn’t scared, but more reserved. Without knowing it, Mr. Toad’s was reaffirming what my Catholic school education was teaching-lol! Sort of like Pinocchio and Pleasure Island....but then Disney built a real Pleasure Island, and I loved it! I must’ve not been thinking of that lesson too much then. Oh well, no harm done. I never did enough to turn into a donkey! Thanks again guys! Keep up the awesome work!
I don’t remember all the details about Castaway Cay but supposedly a group of people on a ship washed up on shore and built the buildings there. The runway was made in hopes they would be rescinded. The barbecue pavilion was made by the chef, Cookie, and is named after him to this day
Your thoughts... Ever since I saw the newly added Constance Hatchaway character to the HM, my theory was that her named came from the fact that even though you see several wedding photos of her with her deceased husbands, she is the only "constant" person in all of them!
The Haunted Mansion in The Magic Kingdom was based on the Harry Packer Mansion in Jim Thorpe, PA. If you see it, you can see where they got some of their ideas!
