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Mickey’s Something-land…

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When I want to Disney World as a kid (back in the late 1970’s), I don’t remember ever seeing Mickey’s Toontown Fair. When did that open?

“Mickey’s Toontown Fair” was never meant to be. No, really.

For Mickey Mouse’s 60th birthday, Walt Disney World planned a celebration beginning in 1998, which included adding an entirely new land to the Magic Kingdom. Known as “Mickey’s Birthdayland,” it even forced the creation of a new station for the Walt Disney World Railroad, as well as the shortening of Tomorrowland’s Grand Prix Raceway track.

It opened on June 18, 1988, with Cindy Williams, from the 80’s TV show, “Laverne & Shirley,” cutting the ribbon for the land’s Grand Opening.

The land was themed as a “surprise party” for Mickey, and you could catch a train from Main Street Station right to it. “Mickey’s Birthdayland Express” traveled to the new land, located between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, and you could see figures of other Disney characters on their way to the party. Once you got to Mickey’s Birthdayland, you would head on over to Mickey’s house, where three large tents housed a waiting area with Disney cartoons, the show tent (set in Minnie’s kitchen), and a third, standing room only tent with another short show starring Disney characters. After the “party,” guests could wander around the town of Duckburg (from the “Duck Tales” television show). Not all of the current attractions were there, but you could pet live animals at Grandma Duck’s petting farm, and see a show called “Minnie’s Surprise Party.”

However, the new land was only supposed to be a temporary addition to the Magic Kingdom, and was going to be removed at the end of the 60th birthday celebration. In 1989, the decision was made to keep the new area. A new show was added, and on May 26, 1990, the land was renamed “Mickey’s Starland”

In 1996, to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Walt Disney World, the area was refurbished once again and renamed “Mickey’s Toontown Fair.” The name change also brought about the addition of Minnie’s Country House, Donald’s Boat, and the Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm roller coaster.

On January 24, 1993, “Mickey’s Toontown” opened at Disneyland with many more attractions than what could be found in WDW, including the Chip and Dale Treehouse, Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, Gadget’s go Coaster, as well as three different dining options.

Currently, Mickey’s Toontown Fair, WDW’s Magic Kingdom’s newest land, contains these attractions: Mickey’s Country House, the Toontown Hall of Fame Tent, the Judge’s Tent, Minnie’s Country House, the Walt Disney World Railroad, Donald’s Boat, and The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm. You can also get fresh fruit and snacks at the Toontown Market.

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About Lou Mongello

Lou Mongello is a former attorney who left the practice to pursue his passion, and is now a recognized Disney expert, author, speaker, and host of WDW Radio. Learn more…

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