Toad's Newfangled Motorcar

Outside of Toad Hall in Fantasyland, one bright red motorcar beckons guests toward the madcap, out-of-control adventures of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.

The charming little auto provides a great photo opportunity and adds another touch of storytelling to the setting. One can almost imagine J. Thaddeus Toad bursting out through his mansion's front door and scrambling to take a spin in his beloved new contraption.

The Toad cars get my vote for second-best vehicle design in the parks, second only to the awesome Alice Caterpillars. They're simple, yet completely believable. Inside the attraction, the false front wheels never touch the floor, allowing for the amazingly tight turns that give Mr. Toad's Wild Ride its unique flavor of recklessness as the cars swerve and zig-zag their way toward disaster.

The cars are all named after characters from the film: Mr. Toad, Toady, MacBadger, Ratty, Moley, Cyril, Weasel and Winky. Everyone waiting to board, of course, hopes to ride one of the two Toad cars. Why do I always get Winky?

NOTE: This week's Fish Heads & Crumbs will be posted Tuesday...if the drawing software behaves itself...

The Alice Caterpillars: Best Ride Vehicles Ever?

Hop in before he changes his mind!

When it comes to picking my favorite ride vehicles at Disneyland, one top choice leaps (or crawls) straight (or in a zig-zagging pattern) to mind; the Alice in Wonderland caterpillars.

The caterpillars seem to merely "tolerate" our presence

They're a work of art -- wonderful little sculptures full of personality, giving off a heap of attitude.

Down the rabbit hole

They're fun from every angle, too, and are as delightful to watch as they are to ride. Even with the temporary fences in place on the upper level (can't wait for the upcoming fix), their in-and-out zig-zagging turns the ride's exterior into one big, wonderful kinetic work of art.

Before the safety fences

Surprisingly, there are only two other rides in Disneyland Park with character vehicles: Dumbo and Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin. Both are great, but they can't top a journey to Wonderland.