The Steering Wheel Has Lost Its Power
After a month-long refurbishment in May 2026, Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin in Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland has officially reopened. While guests were excited to see Lenny the Cab back on the streets of Toontown, they quickly noticed a significant change to the ride’s mechanics. The iconic manual spinning feature—which allowed riders to steer and rotate their vehicle throughout the attraction for over 30 years—is no longer functional.
While the steering wheels remain inside the ride vehicles, they now serve as props rather than controls. The wheel spins freely in your hands, but it no longer influences the movement of the car. Instead, the vehicles are now programmed to spin automatically at specific points during the experience. This transition from guest control to automated motion has sparked plenty of conversation among frequent visitors who enjoyed the interactive nature of the original design.
Why Disney Made the Change
Whenever a classic attraction undergoes a fundamental change, there is usually a very practical reason behind it. Disney officials have confirmed that this modification serves two primary purposes:
- Increased Accessibility: By removing the manual spinning mechanism, Disney is now able to offer lap sitting for younger children. Previously, the steering column and the force of the spin made this safety configuration difficult. This change makes the attraction accessible to a wider range of families with toddlers.
- Reliability and Maintenance: The individual spinning mechanisms in each vehicle were a frequent source of technical downtime. By automating the motion, Disney aims to improve the ride’s “uptime” and ensure more guests can experience it daily without unexpected closures.
What the Ride Experience Looks Like Now
For those worried that the “spin” has been completely removed from the Car Toon Spin, you can rest easy. The ride vehicles still rotate, but the timing is now dictated by the attraction’s programming. Reports from early riders suggest that the cars spin approximately three times during the course of the journey. The rest of the time, the vehicles turn automatically to point toward specific scenes, much like the Omnimover system found in the Haunted Mansion.
However, some guests have noted that because the cars are now on a set rotation path, you might find yourself facing backward during sections of the ride that were previously experienced head-on. It is a different perspective that might take some getting used to for long-time fans.
Other Updates to Mickey’s Toontown
The spinning change wasn’t the only update during this refurbishment. Imagineers also took the time to refresh several visual elements within the attraction. The Dipmobile has been fully repaired and is functional once again, and new colored LED lighting has been added to the fireworks crates to give the scenes a more vibrant, modern glow. The portable hole version of Roger Rabbit also received a fresh coat of paint and detailing.
If you’re planning a visit to Mickey’s Toontown soon, remember that Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin remains a popular choice for Lightning Lane Multi Pass. Even without the manual spinning, it remains a cornerstone of the land’s lineup, offering a whimsical trip through the world of the 1988 film.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.