Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Equatorial Africa: The World Showcase pavilion that we almost got

While wandering around Mouse Surplus’ new warehouse, Jeff Lange comes across an early Epcot map. Which reminds him of the African pavilion that was supposed to open to the public in late 1983, but ultimately got tripped up by budget problems & politics

Published

18 years ago

June 12, 2006

Jeff Lange

During my recent visit to Mouse Surplus‘ new Tradeport Drive location, I chanced upon Brian Ramsey’s great collection of Disney theme park maps. And while I admit that it was somewhat bizarre to find the sublime (Disneyland Paris) hanging right next to the ridiculous (Hong Kong Disneyland) …

Photos by Jeff Lange

… I still loved looking at these early maps. Getting a sense of how far we’ve come (I.E. The 1971 version of WDW‘s Magic Kingdom). More importantly, how far some Disney theme parks (I.E. Disney’s California Adventure) still have to go in order to be truly worthy of the Disney name.

Photos by Jeff Lange

But of all the Disney theme park maps that Brian has on display at his new warehouse, I think the one that I enjoyed the most was the one of EPCOT Center circa October of 1983.

Photo by Jeff Lange

“Why October of 1983?,” you ask. Well, the way this particular theme park map was drawn, it showed what the Imagineers hoped EPCOT Center would look like one year after this science & discovery park officially opened to the public. Which is why — if you look in the upper lefthand corner of this map — you’ll find …

Photo by Jeff Lange

… Nestled between the China & Germany pavilions along the shores of World Showcase Lagoon is that theme park’s proposed Equatorial Africa pavilion.

Okay. I admit it. That close-up of that EPCOT Center map isn’t the greatest. Let me see what else I’ve got in my archives … Alright. How about a close-up of an early Epcot concept painting?

Or — better yet — a photograph of an EPCOT Center model …

Where — if we zero in on the upper lefthand corner of World Showcase …

… You can get a pretty look at the model of EPCOT’s Equatorial Africa pavilion.

As for the pavilion itself … Well, the Imagineers wanted Equatorial Africa to really stand out from the crowd. And what better way was there for this proposed pavilion to literally rise above all of its World Showcase neighbors than to have the centerpiece of this Epcot addition be a massive treehouse?

You can’t really see the treehouse in this overhead view of the Equatorial Africa pavilion …

… So how’s about we head out on the water? See what the view would have been from World Showcase Lagoon?

In the center above concept painting, you can see Equatorial Africa’s treehouse … Towering some 60 feet in the air, this imposing structure would have been set in the uppermost branches of an enormous fake ficus tree. Were World Showcase visitors to make their way to the top of the treehouse, they would have been able to look down into one of the more amazing illusions the Imagineers had ever cooked up.

Let me try to set the stage here: Guests arriving at the top of the treehouse stairs would have found themselves entering a recreation of a authentic African wildlife observation platform. If these WDW visitors were to stand at the center of the platform and look down, they would have glimpsed an eerily lifelike image of animals gathering at a waterhole just after dusk.

So how were the Imagineers going to pull off this amazing illusion? This set-piece was supposed to have made use of rear projected 70mm live action footage that Disney cinematographers had taken of actual African animals drinking at a waterhole in the jungle. The 20 foot tall screen would then have been framed by an elaborate diorama filled with authentic looking fake trees, vines and rockwork. Though the use of the Mouse’s patented 3D sound systems as well as smellizer technology, the very sights, sounds and smells of African would seemingly have surrounded the guests.

When all of these elements were combined, the illusion would have been complete. Epcot visitors would have stared down into this set-up and sworn to themselves that they were actually out in the jungle, looking down at the real thing.

Leaving the treehouse, World Showcase guests would have found themselves among a large set of kojpes (I.E. giant granite boulders). This roughly sculpted rockwork was to have formed a natural looking outdoor amphitheater where the African musicians and dance troupes that Disney had hired to appear at Epcot would have performed daily.

Next to the kojpes outdoor amphitheater, there was supposed to have been an enormous thatched hut. Inside this building, Epcot visitors would have been able to enjoy the “Heartbeat of Africa” show — an unique entertainment that used the history of the drum to offer some entertaining insights into the distinct music and rhythms of Africa.

What was the “Heartbeat” show supposed to be like? Well, guests entering the show building could have made themselves comfortable by leaning against some very large colorful recreations of African tribal shields. From these unusual seats, guests could have then looked up at the dozens of native musical instruments that lined the walls and ceiling.

Once the lights went down, the drums lining the walls of the “Heartbeat of Africa” theater would magically begin playing — all by themselves. With each beat of the drum, a colorful light would emanate from inside the instrument. As the rhythm of the piece being performed got more and more complex and more instruments joined in on the fun, the audience would have been surrounded by a colorful display of music and light.

Exiting the “Heartbeat of Africa” theater, Epcot visitors would have then entered the pavilion’s heritage and cultural display area. This piece of the pavilion would have included a shopping area that offered native crafts as well as a permanent museum space with a regularly rotating collection of authentic African art.

More adventurous guests could have then pushed on and explored the African pavilion’s Sound Safari. Just like with the watering hole illusion back up in the treehouse, the Sound Safari would have made use of Disney’s then-new 3D sound technology. As WDW guests wandered down an overgrown path, they would have passed through invisible infra-red sensors, which would have then triggered the sound of trumpeting elephants, laughing hyenas and grunting hippos — seemingly just out of sight behind the thick foliage.

To reinforce this illusion, the Imagineers wanted to set up a system of simple but extremely effective special effects along the Sound Safari trail. This would have caused some of the bushes in this attraction to rustle in perfect synchronization with the sound of the out-of-sight jungle animal — giving WDW guests the impression that there really was something alive and ferocious lurking out there in the bush.

So how did Epcot’s Sound Safari climax? After sending guests across a rickety suspension bridge over a thick jungle that seemed to be full of vicious beasts, the only path to safety for these Epcot visitors was through a darkened cave that echoed with the sound of lions fighting over a fresh kill.

Sounds kind of intense, doesn’t it?

Thankfully, the African pavilion’s next attraction was a much more sedate, civilized show. Entitled “Africa Rediscovered,” this wide screen film presentation was deliberately designed to dispel the myth that the dark continent was just some vast jungle filled with wild beasts and savages. (Which — at least to my way of thinking — puts this show in direct contrast with the “Sound Safari” attraction right next door. But I digress … )

“Roots” author Alex Haley — who personally researched all the stories that were to be used in the script for this show — was to have served as host of “Africa Rediscovered.” Haley had hopes that this 15 minute film would teach Epcot visitors that Africa wasn’t actually a primitive, primeval place but rather a country with a rich and illustrious history.

Among the highlights of this proposed World Showcase show would have been:

Hannibal, the black ruler of Carthage (Called the “Greatest general in history” by Napoleon Bonaparte), urging his troops up over the Alps as they prepare to mount a surprise attack on Rome. While riding elephants!

Haley visits the ruins of Kush, a once mighty Nubian civilization. Through movie magic, the long-dead city is suddenly restored to its former glory and Alex gets a taste of what life must have been like in this long forgotten African kingdom circa 750 B.C.

The film was also supposed to have included vignettes on “The City of Gold,” Timbuktu; the slave prisons of Senegal as well as the bronze works of Benin.

Alex obviously took great pride in all the work that he’d done on Epcot’s Equatorial Africa pavilion. Which perhaps explains why Haley agreed to take part in a CBS TV special which was broadcast on October 23, 1982 to hype the recent opening of Disney World’s second theme park.

In fact, one of the real highlights of the “EPCOT Center’s Grand Opening” program was the moment where Haley and legendary entertainer Danny Kaye (I.E. This TV special’s host) stood with a scale model of the Equatorial Africa pavilion right in front of the very parcel of land where this World Showcase addition was to have been built. Danny first ooohs and aaahs over the model. Then – after firmly shaking Haley’s hand – Kaye says something to the effect of “Well, I’ll see you back here in one year’s time, Alex, so that we can tour the real thing together.”

Ah, if only that had been the case …

“So if this EPCOT Center addition was really this far along, then why wasn’t the Equatorial Africa pavilion ever built?,” you ask. Two reasons, actually. Politics & money.

The way I hear it, the only African-based corporations that were willing to come forward to underwrite the construction costs of Epcot’s Equatorial Africa pavilion were based out of South Africa. And given that the early 1980s were a time when the world was particularly upset with South Africa’s apartheid policies … There was just no way that the Mouse was willing to accept that sort of money to fund the construction of this World Showcase addition.

Then — when you factor in the constant political upheaval in this corner of the world … Well, every time that the Mouse had thought that it had lined up a country to serve as the host nation for this proposed EPCOT Center addition, there’s suddenly be a coup or a war. And the government official that Disney had been dealing with would suddenly be pushed out of power or sent into exile.

Which is why — over time — the construction schedule for Epcot’s Equatorial Africa pavilion kept getting pushed further and further back … Until finally this proposed World Showcase addition was scrubbed entirely. And all that really remains of this pavilion today is the image on this early EPCOT Center map.

If you’d like to see this map for yourself … Well, you’re probably going to have to make a trip to Mouse Surplus. Just remember though that Brian recently shut down the old Spruce Avenue office and has moved the whole operation over to 1500 Tradeport Drive.

For further information on Mouse Surplus, its constantly changing inventory as well as the new warehouse’s operating hours, I suggest that you call 407-854-5391 and/or click on this link to visit the MouseSurplus.com website.

FYI: In addition to being JHM’s official photographer & archvist, Jeff Lange also produces a best-selling series of Disney theme park DVDs. Among his more recent titles is a three disc collectors edition that covers this year’s “Star Wars Weekends” at Disney-MGM Studio theme park. For further information on this DVD as well as all of the other titles in Jeff’s catalog, please follow this link.

History

The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown

Published

3 months ago

February 7, 2024

Jim Hill

Disneyland in Anaheim, California, holds a special place in the hearts of Disney fans worldwide, I mean heck, it’s where the magic began after all. Over the years it’s become a place that people visit in search of memorable experiences. One fan favorite area of the park is Mickey’s Toontown, a unique land that lets guests step right into the colorful, “Toony” world of Disney animation. With the recent reimagining of the land and the introduction of Micky and Minnies Runaway Railway, have you ever wondered how this land came to be?

There is a fascinating backstory of how Mickey’s Toontown came into existence. It’s a tale of strategic vision, the influence of Disney executives, and a commitment to meeting the needs of Disney’s valued guests.

The Beginning: Mickey’s Birthdayland

The story of Mickey’s Toontown starts with Mickey’s Birthdayland at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Opened in 1988 to celebrate Mickey Mouse’s 60th birthday, this temporary attraction was met with such overwhelming popularity that it inspired Disney executives to think bigger. The idea was to create a permanent, immersive land where guests could step into the animated world of Mickey Mouse and his friends.

In the early ’90s, Disneyland was in need of a refresh. Michael Eisner, the visionary leader of The Walt Disney Company at the time, had an audacious idea: create a brand-new land in Disneyland that would celebrate Disney characters in a whole new way. This was the birth of Mickey’s Toontown.

Initially, Disney’s creative minds toyed with various concepts, including the idea of crafting a 100-Acre Woods or a land inspired by the Muppets. However, the turning point came when they considered the success of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” This film’s popularity and the desire to capitalize on contemporary trends set the stage for Toontown’s creation.

From Concept to Reality: The Birth of Toontown

In 1993, Mickey’s Toontown opened its gates at Disneyland, marking the first time in Disney Park history where guests could experience a fully realized, three-dimensional world of animation. This new land was not just a collection of attractions but a living, breathing community where Disney characters “lived,” worked, and played.

Building Challenges: Innovative Solutions

The design of Mickey’s Toontown broke new ground in theme park aesthetics. Imagineers were tasked with bringing the two-dimensional world of cartoons into a three-dimensional space. This led to the creation of over 2000 custom-built props and structures that embodied the ‘squash and stretch’ principle of animation, giving Toontown its distinctiveness.

And then there was also the challenge of hiding the Team Disney Anaheim building, which bore a striking resemblance to a giant hotdog. The Imagineers had to think creatively, using balloon tests and imaginative landscaping to seamlessly integrate Toontown into the larger park.

Key Attractions: Bringing Animation to Life

Mickey’s Toontown featured several groundbreaking attractions. “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin,” inspired by the movie “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” became a staple of Toontown, offering an innovative ride experience. Gadget’s Go-Coaster, though initially conceived as a Rescue Rangers-themed ride, became a hit with younger visitors, proving that innovative design could create memorable experiences for all ages.

Another crown jewel of Toontown is Mickey’s House, a walkthrough attraction that allowed guests to explore the home of Mickey Mouse himself. This attraction was more than just a house; it was a carefully crafted piece of Disney lore. The house was designed in the American Craftsman style, reflecting the era when Mickey would have theoretically purchased his first home in Hollywood. The attention to detail was meticulous, with over 2000 hand-crafted, custom-built props, ensuring that every corner of the house was brimming with character and charm. Interestingly, the design of Mickey’s House was inspired by a real home in Wichita Falls, making it a unique blend of real-world inspiration and Disney magic.

Mickey’s House also showcased Disney’s commitment to creating interactive and engaging experiences. Guests could make themselves at home, sitting in Mickey’s chair, listening to the radio, and exploring the many mementos and references to Mickey’s animated adventures throughout the years. This approach to attraction design – where storytelling and interactivity merged seamlessly – was a defining characteristic of ToonTown’s success.

Executive Decisions: Shaping ToonTown’s Unique Attractions

The development of Mickey’s Toontown wasn’t just about creative imagination; it was significantly influenced by strategic decisions from Disney executives. One notable input came from Jeffrey Katzenberg, who suggested incorporating a Rescue Rangers-themed ride. This idea was a reflection of the broader Disney strategy to integrate popular contemporary characters and themes into the park, ensuring that the attractions remained relevant and engaging for visitors.

In addition to Katzenberg’s influence, Frank Wells, the then-President of The Walt Disney Company, played a key role in the strategic launch of Toontown’s attractions. His decision to delay the opening of “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin” until a year after Toontown’s debut was a calculated move. It was designed to maintain public interest in the park by offering new experiences over time, thereby giving guests more reasons to return to Disneyland.

These executive decisions highlight the careful planning and foresight that went into making Toontown a dynamic and continuously appealing part of Disneyland. By integrating current trends and strategically planning the rollout of attractions, Disney executives ensured that Toontown would not only capture the hearts of visitors upon its opening but would continue to draw them back for new experiences in the years to follow.

Global Influence: Toontown’s Worldwide Appeal

The concept of Mickey’s Toontown resonated so strongly that it was replicated at Tokyo Disneyland and influenced elements in Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland. Each park’s version of Toontown maintained the core essence of the original while adapting to its cultural and logistical environment.

Evolution and Reimagining: Toontown Today

As we approach the present day, Mickey’s Toontown has recently undergone a significant reimagining to welcome “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway” in 2023. This refurbishment aimed to enhance the land’s interactivity and appeal to a new generation of Disney fans, all while retaining the charm that has made ToonTown a beloved destination for nearly three decades.

Dive Deeper into ToonTown’s Story

Want to know more about Mickey’s Toontown and hear some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, then check out the latest episode of Disney Unpacked on Patreon @JimHillMedia. In this episode, the main Imagineer who worked on the Toontown project shares lots of interesting stories and details that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s full of great information and fun facts, so be sure to give it a listen!

History

Unpacking the History of the Pixar Place Hotel

Published

3 months ago

January 30, 2024

Jim Hill

Pixar Place Hotel, the newly unveiled 15-story tower at the Disneyland Resort, has been making waves in the Disney community. With its unique Pixar-themed design, it promises to be a favorite among visitors.

However, before we delve into this exciting addition to the Disneyland Resort, let’s take a look at the fascinating history of this remarkable hotel.

The Emergence of the Disneyland Hotel

To truly appreciate the story of the Pixar Place Hotel, we must turn back the clock to the early days of Disneyland. While Walt Disney had the visionary ideas and funding to create the iconic theme park, he faced a challenge when it came to providing accommodations for the park’s visitors. This is where his friend Jack Wrather enters the picture.

Jack Wrather, a fellow pioneer in the television industry, stepped in to assist Walt Disney in realizing his dream. Thanks to the success of the “Lassie” TV show produced by Wrather’s company, he had the financial means to build a hotel right across from Disneyland.

The result was the Disneyland Hotel, which opened its doors in October 1955. Interestingly, the early incarnation of this hotel had more of a motel feel than a hotel, with two-story buildings reminiscent of the roadside motels popular during the 1950s. The initial Disneyland Hotel consisted of modest structures that catered to visitors looking for affordable lodging close to the park. While the rooms were basic, it marked the beginning of something extraordinary.

The Evolution: From Emerald of Anaheim to Paradise Pier

As Disneyland’s popularity continued to soar, so did the demand for expansion and improved accommodations. In 1962, the addition of an 11-story tower transformed the Disneyland Hotel, marking a significant transition from a motel to a full-fledged hotel.

The addition of the 11-story tower elevated the Disneyland Hotel into a more prominent presence on the Anaheim skyline. At the time, it was the tallest structure in all of Orange County. The hotel’s prime location across from Disneyland made it an ideal choice for visitors. With the introduction of the monorail linking the park and the hotel, accessibility became even more convenient. Unique features like the Japanese-themed reflecting pools added to the hotel’s charm, reflecting a cultural influence that extended beyond Disney’s borders.

Japanese Tourism and Its Impact

During the 1960s and 1970s, Disneyland was attracting visitors from all corners of the world, including Japan. A significant number of Japanese tourists flocked to Anaheim to experience Walt Disney’s creation. To cater to this growing market, it wasn’t just the Disneyland Hotel that aimed to capture the attention of Japanese tourists. The Japanese Village in Buena Park, inspired by a similar attraction in Nara, Japan, was another significant spot.

These attractions sought to provide a taste of Japanese culture and hospitality, showcasing elements like tea ceremonies and beautiful ponds with rare carp and black swans. However, the Japanese Village closed its doors in 1975, likely due to the highly competitive nature of the Southern California tourist market.

The Emergence of the Emerald of Anaheim

With the surge in Japanese tourism, an opportunity arose—the construction of the Emerald of Anaheim, later known as the Disneyland Pacific Hotel. In May 1984, this 15-story hotel opened its doors.

What made the Emerald unique was its ownership. It was built not by The Walt Disney Company or the Oriental Land Company (which operated Tokyo Disneyland) but by the Tokyu Group. This group of Japanese businessmen already had a pair of hotels in Hawaii and saw potential in Anaheim’s proximity to Disneyland. Thus, they decided to embark on this new venture, specifically designed to cater to Japanese tourists looking to experience Southern California.

Financial Challenges and a Changing Landscape

The late 1980s brought about two significant financial crises in Japan—the crash of the NIKKEI stock market and the collapse of the Japanese real estate market. These crises had far-reaching effects, causing Japanese tourists to postpone or cancel their trips to the United States. As a result, reservations at the Emerald of Anaheim dwindled.

To adapt to these challenging times, the Tokyu Group merged the Emerald brand with its Pacific hotel chain, attempting to weather the storm. However, the financial turmoil took its toll on the Emerald, and changes were imminent.

The Transition to the Disneyland Pacific Hotel

In 1995, The Walt Disney Company took a significant step by purchasing the hotel formerly known as the Emerald of Anaheim for $35 million. This acquisition marked a change in the hotel’s fortunes. With Disney now in control, the hotel underwent a name change, becoming the Disneyland Pacific Hotel.

Transformation to Paradise Pier

The next phase of transformation occurred when Disney decided to rebrand the hotel as Paradise Pier Hotel. This decision aligned with Disney’s broader vision for the Disneyland Resort.

While the structural changes were limited, the hotel underwent a significant cosmetic makeover. Its exterior was painted to complement the color scheme of Paradise Pier, and wave-shaped crenellations adorned the rooftop, creating an illusion of seaside charm. This transformation was Disney’s attempt to seamlessly integrate the hotel into the Paradise Pier theme of Disney’s California Adventure Park.

Looking Beyond Paradise Pier: The Shift to Pixar Place

In 2018, Disneyland Resort rebranded Paradise Pier as Pixar Pier, a thematic area dedicated to celebrating the beloved characters and stories from Pixar Animation Studios. As a part of this transition, it became evident that the hotel formally known as the Disneyland Pacific Hotel could no longer maintain its Paradise Pier theme.

With Pixar Pier in full swing and two successful Pixar-themed hotels (Toy Story Hotels in Shanghai Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland), Disney decided to embark on a new venture—a hotel that would celebrate the vast world of Pixar. The result is Pixar Place Hotel, a 15-story tower that embraces the characters and stories from multiple Pixar movies and shorts. This fully Pixar-themed hotel is a first of its kind in the United States.

The Future of Pixar Place and Disneyland Resort

As we look ahead to the future, the Disneyland Resort continues to evolve. The recent news of a proposed $1.9 billion expansion as part of the Disneyland Forward project indicates that the area surrounding Pixar Place is expected to see further changes. Disneyland’s rich history and innovative spirit continue to shape its destiny.

In conclusion, the history of the Pixar Place Hotel is a testament to the ever-changing landscape of Disneyland Resort. From its humble beginnings as the Disneyland Hotel to its transformation into the fully Pixar-themed Pixar Place Hotel, this establishment has undergone several iterations. As Disneyland Resort continues to grow and adapt, we can only imagine what exciting developments lie ahead for this iconic destination.

If you want to hear more stories about the History of the Pixar Place hotel, check our special edition of Disney Unpacked over on YouTube.

Stay tuned for more updates and developments as we continue to explore the fascinating world of Disney, one story at a time.

History

From Birthday Wishes to Toontown Dreams: How Toontown Came to Be

Published

3 months ago

January 14, 2024

Jim Hill

In the latest release of Episode 4 of Disney Unpacked, Len and I return, joined as always by Disney Imagineering legend, Jim Shull. This two-part episode covers all things Mickey’s Birthday Land and how it ultimately led to the inspiration behind Disneyland’s fan-favorite land, “Toontown”. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. It all starts in the early days at Disneyland.

Early Challenges in Meeting Mickey

Picture this: it’s the late 1970s and early 1980s, and you’re at Disneyland. You want to meet the one and only Mickey Mouse, but there’s no clear way to make it happen. You rely on Character Guides, those daily printed sheets that point you in Mickey’s general direction. But let’s be honest, it was like finding a needle in a haystack. Sometimes, you got lucky; other times, not so much.

Mickey’s Birthdayland: A Birthday Wish that Came True

Fast forward to the late 1980s. Disney World faced a big challenge. The Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park was under construction, with the company’s marketing machine in full swing, hyping up the opening of Walt Disney World’s third theme park, MGM Studios, in the Spring of 1989. This extensive marketing meant that many people were opting to postpone their family’s next trip to Walt Disney World until the following year. Walt Disney World needed something compelling to motivate guests to visit Florida in 1988, the year before Disney MGM Studios opened.

Enter stage left, Mickey’s Birthdayland. For the first time ever, an entire land was dedicated to a single character – and not just any character, but the mouse who started it all. Meeting Mickey was no longer a game of chance; it was practically guaranteed.

The Birth of Birthdayland: Creative Brilliance Meets Practicality

In this episode, we dissect the birth of Mickey’s Birthdayland, an initiative that went beyond celebrating a birthday. It was a calculated move, driven by guest feedback and a need to address issues dating back to 1971. Imagineers faced the monumental task of designing an experience that honored Mickey while efficiently managing the crowds. This required the perfect blend of creative flair and logistical prowess – a hallmark of Disney’s approach to theme park design.

Evolution: From Birthdayland to Toontown

The success of Mickey’s Birthdayland was a real game-changer, setting the stage for the birth of Toontown – an entire land that elevated character-centric areas to monumental new heights. Toontown wasn’t merely a spot to meet characters; it was an immersive experience that brought Disney animation to life. In the episode, we explore its innovative designs, playful architecture, and how every nook and cranny tells a story.

Impact on Disney Parks and Guests

Mickey’s Birthdayland and Toontown didn’t just reshape the physical landscape of Disney parks; they transformed the very essence of the guest experience. These lands introduced groundbreaking ways for visitors to connect with their beloved characters, making their Disney vacations even more unforgettable.

Beyond Attractions: A Cultural Influence

But the influence of these lands goes beyond mere attractions. Our episode delves into how Mickey’s Birthdayland and Toontown left an indelible mark on Disney’s culture, reflecting the company’s relentless dedication to innovation and guest satisfaction. It’s a journey into how a single idea can grow into a cherished cornerstone of the Disney Park experience.

Interested in learning about Jim Shull’s original idea for a Winnie the Pooh ride? Here’s concept art of the attraction proposed for the original Toontown in Disneyland. More on [Disney Unpacked].

Unwrapping the Full Story of Mickey’s Birthdayland

Our two-part episode of Disney Unpacked is available for your viewing pleasure on our Patreon page. And for those seeking a quicker Disney fix, we’ve got a condensed version waiting for you on our YouTube channel. Thank you for being a part of our Disney Unpacked community. Stay tuned for more episodes as we continue to “Unpack” the fascinating world of Disney, one story at a time.