Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (facts about the popular trackless ride)

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a trackless family-friendly attraction centering around classic Disney characters, Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, and Pluto.

It’s a popular ride at Hollywood Studios and for good reason. Not only do guests to board a “runaway railway” and step inside a Mickey cartoon short, but the storyline is super fun and the effects are quite impressive.

In this article

Quick Facts

Location: Hollywood Studios, Hollywood Boulevard
Height Requirement: None
Description: A 2-1/2D attraction that puts guests inside of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short.
When to Visit: Typically at opening/within the first hour
Recommended: Definitely
Tip(s): If there’s a long wait at park opening, the wait time usually lessens near park closing.
Genie+, Individual Lightning Lane Selection, or Virtual Queue: During busier times of the year, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is available with Genie+. During slower times of the year, you can purchase as an Individual Lightning Lane selection.
Scheduled Refurbishments

Everything You Need To Know About Runaway Railway

Location

You can find Runaway Railway at the end of Hollywood Boulevard inside the Chinese Theatre. Here’s the location on the map.

Height Requirement

There isn’t a height requirement for Runaway Railway. If you want to check them out, we have guides on other WDW thrill rides and height requirements for attractions at other theme parks and water parks.

Rider Switch & Single Rider

You cannot use Rider Switch for Runaway Railway, nor is there a Single Rider Line available.

History

Runaway Railway is one of the newest attractions at Hollywood Studios. It first opened on March 4, 2020. This is the first ride-through attraction in Disney history starring Mickey and Minnie.

With the opening of Runaway Railway also came the closing of the beloved and iconic attraction The Great Movie Ride on Aug. 13, 2017.

The Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Runaway Railway was first announced during the 2017 D23 Expo, along with the official closing date of The Great Movie Ride.

Even though the rides are very different, several Great Movie Ride remnants remain, including the Chinese Theatre itself and the handprints, footprints, and autographs of famous figures outside the theatre.

Also, once you’re on the actual ride, make sure you listen for the train whistle. This is the exact same tri-tone boat whistle used in Steamboat Willie.

Queue

The Runaway Railway queue is located both outdoors and indoors. There is also a fun pre-show, but keep in mind that it isn’t always running.

Once you get inside, the queue also has fun themed-Mickey cartoon posters that change, so keep your eyes peeled!

There is an interactive queue that guests can enjoy courtesy of the Play Disney Parks app. Make sure your smart device is charged and ready to go!

Motion Sickness

The trackless ride vehicle for Runaway Railway goes backwards and forwards and has some short bursts of rapid movements. There’s also a certain simulator-type scene that could cause motion sickness. We have a guide on motion sickness that’s filled with information and tips.

Ride Vehicles

The ride vehicle is representative of a railroad car and each row can fit about three to five individuals.

As for the entire ride vehicle, about six to 10 guests can fit in each individual railcar. There is one singular pull-down lap bar that covers all guests in a row for safety purposes.

Is It Kid-Friendly?

Runaway Railway is kid-friendly. There are a few fast and thrilling moments that could frighten little ones, but, overall, it’s a fun ride for the entire family.

We have a full guide on several other things that might scare little ones at WDW.

PhotoPass/On-Ride Photos

Your photo isn’t taken on Runaway Railway.

If you want more information on this, be sure to check out our PhotoPass and how Memory Maker works guides.

Video

Watching a ride-through video of Runaway Railway doesn’t compare to the real-life experience, but if you want an idea of what the ride is like, here you go. Also, don’t watch if you want to avoid ride spoilers.

Other Fun Details

Easter Eggs: A super fun hidden detail is that throughout the entire ride you can spot Pluto with a picnic basket in the background. In the first scene, you’ll see four passengers on a bike that represent The Dapper Dans. Keep your eyes peeled during the carnival scene for a poster titled “The Great Moving Ride” that obviously is in honor of The Great Movie Ride.
Play Disney Parks: Yes. This free mobile app is only available for select attractions and allows guests to pass the time as they play games, trivia, and earn achievements along the way.
Movie Connections: Runaway Railway isn’t based on any Disney movies.