Mouseheads may forgive — but they don’t forget.
Disney World execs recently had fans fuming over the unwelcome news that the Magic Kingdom would be losing three iconic attractions — but some theme park junkies appear to be still getting over a closure that took place more than a decade ago.
Aficionados of America’s marquee amusement park have lately been indulging in a steamboat-sized helping of nostalgia on Reddit, remembering the long-gone Mickey’s Toontown — once a staple of the Orlando resort.
“Who else remembers Mickey’s house in Disney World?” the lively conversation kicked off.
Mickey’s Toontown Fair officially closed on February 11, 2011, to make room for the Magic Kingdom’s now-expanded Fantasyland.
Many attractions were removed and demolished at the time — and some parkgoers are still recovering from the shock.
“That’s where I met my wife. We were both Mouseketeers!” one person shared.
“The first time I went to Disney World was 1993 and I was only 5. Due to a non-traumatic brain injury at 14, I have very few memories of my life prior to that age, but this one has always remained. Absolutely blew my mind as a kid!” another wrote.
“I miss it so much. Toontown was so much better than Storybook Circus,” someone said, referring to the repurposed remains of the long-gone area.
One added, “I went there as a kid. I wish they had kept it.”
Toontown was the home of Mickey’s Country House and other attractions — and was treasured by many who grew up going to the parts in the 1990s and early 2000s.
The much-missed attraction originally opened on June 18, 1988, as Mickey’s Birthdayland in commemoration of Mickey’s 60th birthday, according to Disney Wiki.
Mickey’s Country House was a colorful interactive home with a walk-through experience that brought guests into the life of the iconic mouse — and often finished with character meet-and-greets.
There were plenty of photo opportunities throughout, where visitors could touch and explore every corner of Mickey’s house, including his bedroom, living room, kitchen, backyard, garage and bathroom. In Mickey’s backyard was Pluto’s doghouse as well as the movie barn.
The walk-through ended at Toontown’s Judge’s Tent, where guests could meet Mickey Mouse, and sometimes Minnie Mouse and other characters as well.
“I have a pic of my dad and I standing on the porch. My dad is waving like he’s waving from his own porch to the neighbor’s. I was 17 and a year and one day later he died in an accident. It’s one of my favorite photos. Dad waving from a place he considered one of his homes,” one user shared.
“I remember being a kid and going to Toontown and I wondered why Mickey and Minnie were in separate houses, and was worried they got divorced until my mom said that ‘It was just so that Pluto doesn’t get dog hair all over Minnie’s couch,’” one Reddit user remembered.
The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm was another loved attraction in Toontown. The junior rollercoaster appeared to be an airplane school taught by Goofy, according to Disney Wiki.
“I miss Toontown so much, I have so many pictures of younger me in the houses or in front of them,” someone wrote on Reddit.
“Such great memories with my then, Little one. I wish they still had it.. a great way for some Calm time during busy hectic Disney days,” another wrote.
“I miss it. I had the best memory during my first visit in Minnie’s house,” one shared.
“I miss Toontown! I only have very vague memories of it since it changed when I was a kid, but man, I loved it,” a user commented.
“i have Minnie’s house saved in my Pinterest future house board. Had no idea it was a Disney attraction and not a real persons fantastic home until recently,” one person admitted.
