Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Disney Legend Harriet Burns: A model (maker) of a mother

Todd James Pierce talks with Pam Burns-Clair, co-author of “Walt Disney’s First Lady of Imagineering, Harriet Burns,” a brand-new book which will make its debut this Sunday at the NFFC-Disneyana Fan Club’s Show and Sale

Published

14 years ago

January 14, 2010

Todd James Pierce

If you ask Pam Burns-Clair to describe her mother, she’ll tell you that Disney Legend Harriet Burns was not your typical 1950s housewife.

“When I was a girl, the shows on TV were Ozzie & Harriet, Leave It to Beaver and I Love Lucy. These women were very much stay-at-home moms with the chocolate chip cookies
and the apron and the pearls.” Pam remembered. “And well, my mom, she had the pearls. But no apron. And no chocolate chip cookies either. I did sometimes wish that she was at home more. But I was also really excited about the projects as they came to pass. Such as the Tiki Room. My mom’s Tiki Room.“

Yeah, June Cleaver couldn’t claim to be the first woman to ever work at WED. But Harriet Burns could. Which is why – to honor her mother’s memory – Pam recently partnered with Disney historian Don Peri to create “Walt Disney’s First Lady of Imagineering, Harriet Burns” (The Downing Co., January 2010), a brand-new book which makes its debut at the NFFC-Disneyana Fan Club All Disneyana Show and Sale. Which will be held this Sunday at the Anaheim Crowne Plaza Resort in Garden Grove, CA.

Harriet Burns and Pam Burns-Clair together at The Walt Disney World Resort in 2001

And if you look back over Burns’ career as an Imagineer, you’ll see that Harriet had her hand in some pretty amazing projects for the Disney Parks.

Like what? Well, she sculpted a working model of the Matterhorn — a model that structural engineer Don Edgren used as his primary reference when building the actual Matterhorn. Burns also help build many of the miniatures that are on display in Storybook Land. She even created and colored the various fish & mermaids for the original Submarine Voyage.

And yet – though she spent her days at WED working with ban saw and soldering irons – Harriet always wore a stylish dress or an elegant blouse, which she then covered with her work apron. Burns was also known for her quick sense of humor and her enthusiasm for her job — an enthusiasm so great that she often brought home discarded projects.

Take – for example – Candy Mountain. Back in 1956, Walt toyed with the idea of adding an enormous peak made of lollypops & gumdrops to Storybook Land. Candy Mountain was to have
serve a dual purpose. The Casey Jr. Circus Train was to have chug-chug-chugged around its exterior, while the Storybook Land Canal Boats would to have sailed into the mountain itself. Where – as they passed through a series of caves – Disneyland visitors were to have encountered Dorothy & the characters from Oz.

Unfortunately, this Fantasyland addition never made it past the model phase. Once this project was abandoned entirely, one of the models for Candy Mountain — a smaller, preliminary
version of this proposed Storybook Land addition — came home with Harriet.

Her daughter, Pam, still has it.

The “Happy Retirement from WED” card that Claude Coats created for Harriet. Photo by Pam Burns-Clair

Pam remembered her mom explaining how this project was canceled by Walt: Walt brought art
director John Hench to look at the final model that was filled with specialty candies they had ordered from all over the world. When Walt asked John what he thought, he responded, “Well when you eat dinner you have your meat and potatoes and vegetables, and then you have dessert. This is all dessert — I think it’s too much.” Walt agreed and said something to the effect
of, “We’re not doing it. Call it off.” And with that, the project was done. So they wheeled the large, final model out into the parking lot outside the WED building and let the birds pick out the nuts from the chocolates.

But even from the large, final model, Harriet took a souvenir. “My mom brought home a
treasure: a box of rock candy,” Pam explained. “Much of it she turned into hanging Christmas ornaments that looked like stalactites, a few of which surfaced in Mom’s basement after she passed away. But I took it upon myself in the third grade to bring a box of rock candy to school and hand out samples at recess. I think I did this without permission — I was surely
the most popular kid that day.”

Over the years, Harriet brought home dozens of items discarded from WED.“There were rubber-cast arms from the cavemen (created for the 1964 New York World’s Fair) and more from
Pirates. And a big cave bone. One pair of those arms was cast from my mom. I used those at Halloween one year. I was dressed as a witch. I carried the wiggly hands in my hands (hidden beneath extra-long sleeves from an oversized bathrobe) to make my hands long and jiggly. Beyond that, there were also rubber masks. A China man’s mask. A Neanderthal mask. They fit over my head, and boy, were they hot and smelly.”

Some of the rubber-casts that Harriet Burns hand-carried home from WED. Photo by Pam Burns-Clair

The China Man’s mask, I explained to Pam, was likely the talking Confucius, another abandoned idea for an attraction at Disneyland. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Walt Disney played with the idea of opening a Chinese restaurant at Disneyland, with a talking, automatronic Confucius who would offer words of wisdom. An attraction that, apparently, in part, became one of Burns-Clair’s childhood playthings.

“I didn’t realize, growing up, how unusual and ‘over the top’ she was,” Pam continued. “In the extensive process of remodeling our 50’s style house into something modern and ‘edgy’ at the time, she cast her own fiberglass doorknobs for her wall-to-wall bedroom closet doors. I helped her do this one weekend. They were about six-inches round in diameter and the mold was sort of a stylized flower mandala that she then painted to look aged. Another project was replacing the dining room ceiling with gold-leafed glass panes that she hand-applied … so tablets of tissue thin gold leaf were among our household paraphernalia. My dad secured the panes into the ceiling with little plastic flower shaped brackets in the corners. It didn’t come down in the earthquake in the 70’s!”

Burns-Clair had such an unusual childhood that – after her mother passed on in 2008 — Pam decided to honor Harriet’s memory by creating a book. Which is why she sought out Disney historian Don Peri to serve as her co-author. Pam also recruited her daughter Chelsea to serve as the designer of “Walt Disney’s First Lady of Imagineering, Harriet Burns.”

Obviously this was a labor of love. But at the same time, as Burns-Clair & Peri collected stories from many longtime Imagineers and artists about this Disney Legend, Pam was surprised by how much she learned about Harriet.

“I found (out) a lot of things about my mother while (writing) this book,” Pam told me. “Readers will be interested to learn about this dichotomy between her as the pristine lady who dressed well (with scarves, hairdos, and make-up just so) and her bawdy side with the guys.
She worked with chemicals, asbestos, lead, toxic glues, and power saws. Readers will enjoy learning about her sense of humor. Also how into people she was. There are some intriguing, amusing stories and some heartwarming stories as well.”

If you’d like to be among the first to own “Walt Disney’s First Lady of Imagineering, Harriet Burns,” then you should definitely plan on attending the NFFC-Disneyana Fan Club’s All Disneyana Show and Sale. You see, the reason that you need to drop by the Anaheim Crowne Plaza Resort this Sunday is that Pam, Don & Chelsea will be on hand. Which means that the co-authors & designer will be able to personalize any copy of this new Downing Company publication that you purchase.

Chelsea Clair, designer, and Pam Burns-Clair, author of “Walt Disney’s First Lady of Imagineering, Harriet Burns”

Not only that … But — given that Harriet’s scarves were her trademark at WED — Burns’ Imagineer Jim Sarno has created a commemorative silk scarf in her honor. And this sure-to-be-sought-after collectible (which features caricatures of Harriet by Disney Legend Blaine Gibson and Burns’ Imagineer colleague Julie Svendsen) will only be available at book signings / sales events for “Walt Disney’s First Lady of Imagineering, Harriet Burns.”

Mind you, there is a limit of the number of these commemorative scarves that one can purchase (i.e. two scarves per person). And these stylish souvenirs will go for $29 apiece ($64 total when you factor in that autographed copy of Pam, Don & Chelsea’s book).

If – on the other hand – you can’t make out to Garden Grove this coming weekend … Not to worry. You can still order a copy through the official Harriet Burns website. Which is well worth checking out, given all the info that you’ll find there about this mother of a model maker.

Your thoughts?

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

4 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

4 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.