Credit: DisneyNews: Did Disneyland just ban the use of cellphones? Yes, at least for certain guests who decide to ride this popular attraction.
Disneyland News: Cellphones Are Not Allowed While Enjoying This Certain Experience
A quiet murmur turned into audible gasps as guests stepping into Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disneyland noticed something unusual—walls, shades, and a full view of backstage areas that completely broke the magic of Toontown. For frequent visitors, it was jarring: the beloved immersive queue experience that had transported guests into Mickey and Minnie’s cartoon world was interrupted by the stark reality of offices, rooftops, and other show buildings just beyond the ride’s boundary.
It’s a small change with a huge impact. This extended backstage queue, once a temporary workaround during early ride operations, has returned for the first time in over two years, and it comes with stricter rules on personal items, including cell phones. Guests are now discovering that what may have seemed like minor adjustments are actually part of a broader strategy by Disney to improve safety and streamline ride operations—while challenging fans to adapt to a slightly less immersive experience.
For Disney enthusiasts and theme park strategists alike, understanding these updates is key. Whether you’re planning your next visit or just following the latest park news, knowing how to navigate this extended queue and new rules will save you time, prevent frustration, and help you get the most out of one of Disneyland’s newest attractions.
What’s New at Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
The extended queue for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is back in action. First introduced during the ride’s early days in January 2023, it was used briefly when virtual queues were temporarily paused. The queue closed shortly after but has reopened in the last month, offering guests an outdoor holding area shielded by shades and surrounded by tall walls with lights. An emergency exit sits in one corner for safety, but there are no decorations, leaving guests with a full view of backstage show buildings—including offices atop the Runaway Railway queue, “it’s a small world,” Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, the Matterhorn, and even the Team Disney Anaheim building.
Alongside the queue change, Disney has implemented a strict new policy regarding personal items. Guests are no longer permitted to hold cell phones, cameras, or other loose items while riding. Signs in the queue now read:
“Secure all personal belongings prior to boarding. Hand-held or loose items, including cell phones, are not permitted to be held while riding.”
Cast Members actively monitor compliance, and witnesses report rides being temporarily stopped to ensure guests follow the rule. This adjustment follows Disney releasing an official POV video of the ride on Disney+, highlighting the company’s intent to protect the ride experience and guest safety.
How to Experience the Queue Smoothly
If you plan to visit, arriving early remains key. The extended queue opens outdoors, so bringing a hat or light rain jacket is recommended depending on the weather. Cast Members suggest using the Disneyland app to check ride wait times, and those hoping to skip long lines should time their visit just after parades or character meet-and-greet events, which often cause brief lulls in crowd levels.
Guests should also make sure to secure any personal items in lockers, backpacks, or pockets that zip closed. Even small items like smartwatches or lanyards may need to be secured, as Cast Members are diligent about enforcing the rule.
Insider Secrets and Hidden Hacks
Frequent visitors know a few insider tips that make the experience smoother:
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Queue Photography: While you can’t take photos or videos on the ride, snapping a quick pic before entering the outdoor holding area can still capture the unique backstage perspective.
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Alternate Viewing: For fans interested in the ride’s infrastructure, the queue provides an unusual behind-the-scenes peek that many find fascinating.
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Ride Timing: Visiting during the first hour after park opening can reduce wait times, giving you more space in the queue to observe the details without feeling crowded.
Why This News Matters to Disneyland Fans
For Disney fans, the reopening of the extended queue is more than just a line—it’s a reminder of how immersive experiences are carefully orchestrated, and how small operational changes can impact the magic. Social media reactions highlight mixed emotions: some appreciate the transparency and the peek behind the curtain, while others lament the loss of complete thematic immersion.
Historical attendance data shows that ride popularity remains strong, suggesting that even with the change, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway continues to be a must-visit attraction.
Disneyland visitors now face a choice: embrace the minor disruption and enjoy one of the park’s most imaginative rides, or adapt strategies to navigate the new queue efficiently. Either way, knowing the rules, timing your visit, and preparing for the outdoor queue area ensures a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable experience.
Source: WDWNT