Disney Cast Members share first impressions of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

The official opening for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway isn’t until March 4th, but it appears things have progressed far enough with testing the ride system that the park has opened the attraction to previews for the opening cast. They were joined by new Walt Disney World President Josh D’Amaro.

Here’s the first feedback from cast members who were able to journey abord Runnamuck Railroad.

Cast Member previews are often use by the ride operations team to help work out any bugs in the system and make sure that the load and unload procedures are firmed up before they encounter paying guests for the first time.

“As an Imagineer, we’re always being challenged to do things that no one has ever done before,” said Project Engineer, Antony Capstick. “For this attraction, you are going to be in the cartoon world and anything is possible.”

With March 4th more than two weeks away, I would not be surprised if there was one or two days of soft openings to the general public before it closes again to get ready for the official opening and press previews on March 3rd.

Disney does not usually don’t make official announcements for soft openings and even if they do have some, it’s not guaranteed the attraction will stay open for more than a brief period of time. However, soft openings also serve as a way to build early word of mouth for a great attraction.

I was actually in the park on the day this preview ride was held and saw a group of the cast members in the Chinese Theater courtyard afterward. The cast members all looked really proud of their new role and some stopping to pose for photos in front of the marquee.

Previously: Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Marquee lights up for first time. Plus our Interview with an Imagineer and our sneak peek early thoughts.