Continuing with my trip report, today's post is all about the Fantasyland Dark Rides. Just in case you've never been on them and don't like scene spoilers, then this post is not for you! It doesn't matter how many times I've been on Peter Pan's Flight or how old I am, I still get a thrill boarding the ship and beginning my journey through the nursery, where you can see Peter Pan's name in the toy blocks on the floor.
The biggest thrill is next when your ship soars over London.
Big Ben looks beautiful with the UV light!
And then your ship circles around Neverland.
Don't get too complacent from the scenic tableaus; Captain Hook is just around the corner, causing mayhem to Wendy and the children.
This is not Wendy's favorite view:
Even Smee seems nervous; is he afraid of Peter Pan's wrath?
A brief vision of the natives:
Never fear, the scary part of your journey is almost over as Peter and the children get ready to sail home:
With a little help from Tinker Bell, of course!
Meanwhile, poor Smee is left to tend to Hook.
Have you ever seen more jaded mermaids?
A rear view of Hook's (former) ship and the pixie dust that helps it go to the Darling home.
Next up: Mr. Toad! What a journey this is; that fried chicken sure looks good! Wish I had time to grab it.
Watch our for falling armor:
Can't miss an opportunity to shoot this light fixture!
I think I've seen this cop before; he's not good for my insurance rates.
What is this guy trying to tell me?
There's a joke in here somewhere about sheep being nervous, but I'll skip it.
A bumpy ride through London at night:
More mayhem caused by Toad:
What a great effect! Gets me every time.
GUILTY! That thunderous sound bite must scare the crap out of the young'uns.
Feels like a sauna; this must be the Hell portion of the attraction.
Look at those little flaming devils!
Do you think he's vegetarian?
More dark rides tomorrow!
See more vintage & current Disneyland Fantasyland photos on my Fantasyland web page.
You've done an amazing job on these photos! These are the best Mr. Toad interior pics I've ever seen. The train light effect still gets me every time too. All great!
ReplyDeleteWell I think by far the most charming ride in the entire park is Peter Pan, and I too, adore soaring over London in the night sky. Makes my heart go pitty pat! All the other rides are 'fun'...but Peter Pan allows me to suspend disbelief and return to childhood for a few magical moments. And hasn't that been the purpose of the story all along?
ReplyDeleteThe dark rides are such a special experience. I remember dark rides in other parks, but none are done so well as these. Peter Pan with the sensation of flight and the tantalizing glimpses of the other ships floating in the distance, with their mesmerized passengers, too busy looking down to see you watching them.
ReplyDeleteMr Toad's epic journey to H#ll and back, which always perplexed me, since it's not in the book or the movie... where did that idea come from? Glad it survived the remake in the 80's.
It sounds odd, but I now try to time my visits to these rides so I have a little wait time in the queue, not a walk-on. Now that my children are grown, part of the fun for me now is watching the young parents with their kids and re-living my youth in the process. I think that was part of the inspiration of the Park to begin with.
I don't know how you get such wonderful photos, Dave, but I am glad you do.
JG
Love the dark rides! Excellent photos. Mr. Toad's Wild Ride has always been my favorite, though I've wondered about the hell scene as well. Peter Pan always seems to have a wait!
ReplyDelete