​

There has been a bit of much anticipated Disney magic underway at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World, and on March 4th of this year, it finally made it’s big reveal. I’m talking about Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, of course! While some of us are still licking our wounds over the Great Movie Ride, I for one am so excited to experience this adorable attraction filled with the classic Disney characters that are the backbone and inspiration behind all of the Disney everything we know and love today – the fab five! Without Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, and Donald Duck, Disney wouldn’t be the lighthearted nostalgia dreamland that it is. More importantly than  their silly catchphrases and unique voices is what each character represents in the hearts and minds of kids ages one to 100 (and beyond!). Join me as we celebrate this ragtag funsquad, the ultimate BFFs in honor of their much awaited debut animated attraction!

The ultimate power couple

We’d be remiss not to mention the stars of the show right off the bat! Mickey and Minnie have been a symbol of love, kindness, romance and endurance throughout the years; their love has truly stood the test of time, and something tells me it will continue to do just that. What I love so much about this attraction is what I love about so many experiences in Walt Disney World; Disney’s ability to place you in the experience as a character yourself. In Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, you literally become part of the animation as a cast member instructs you to walk into the cartoon. In the beginning, you see the dynamic duo packing a picnic lunch for a romantic day date, and while things may go a little off the rails, so to speak, the lighthearted couple withstand the challenges they’re met with and come full circle to represent that same pure and wholesome love so many eyes, hearts and minds have been gushing over for nearly a century. 

We all know the dog is the star

What is any group of pals without their furry sidekick? While Pluto may not speak traditionally, those sweet puppy dog eyes, jovial tail wag, and the way he watches over, almost protects Mickey and Minnie, make this one of the most precious representations of pure, unadulterated loyalty  throughout the ages. While I must admit, I’m not a huge fan of man’s best friends not having a spot in the convertible with his best buds on the way to the picnic sight in the new attraction (Pluto is stuffed in the trunk with the blueberry pie!), they kind of make up for it by taking Pluto with them basically everywhere they go. The bottom line is that Pluto is more than happy to be in any situation, as long as he is in the company of his best friends in the whole world. 

Everyone’s favorite duck!

We don’t see quite as much of Donald Duck in Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway as we do the other four pals (though his gal Daisy has her own conga dancing animatronic!), but that doesn’t mean his representation of quirky, quacky joy doesn’t make its mark in the attraction. Anytime I see Donald in any capacity, I can’t help but smile from ear to ear – he is truly an embodiment of charisma and being true to yourself, no matter how different you are from your friends. He also has me relating big time to him with his frenzied anxiety as the result of looking after his friends, nephews and loved ones. Donald Duck is an empathetic force and one that we will always come back for again and again, whether it be Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway or a good old fashioned character meet and greet with everyone’s favorite Disney duck!

Comic relief (and so much more) at it’s finest

While Mickey and Minnie may be the stars of the show on their very own runaway railway, it’s Goofy who kicks things off in the preshow, and essentially the reason you get to step into the animated world of the fab five. Even if it is a bit… explosive. Goofy may seem like simply a well, goofy character, but the substance and heart Disney has breathed into this loveable creature is shown in attractions and films alike. He may be a bit of a knucklehead from time to time, but his role as a single father in A Goofy Movie literally had me in tears as he drove across the country in an effort to bond with his son. What Goofy represents to me is so much more than a slipping on banana peels kind of comic relief. He is guileless, pure of heart and loves his buddies and family in an unwavering, incomparable way. Goofy is the embodiment of unconditional love. 

There are countless spots throughout the Disney parks, resorts and on the  big screen that you can see the fab five in all their glory, but it is particularly special when they all come together and grace our presence with their combined attributes and friendship goals. Mickey and Minne’s Runaway Railway has given us a classic peak into the relationship of the five best friends anyone could have, and an even closer look into what each character individually represents to each and every one of us. From the timeless love of Mickey and Minnie, the quirky joy of Donald Duck, the undying loyalty of Pluto, and last but not least, the unconditional love and sillies of Goofy, the fab five is finally here all together in a much deserved attraction that we know will be just as beloved as its predecessor.