History

“To Infinity and Beyond!” is an entertaining look back at Pixar’s first two decades

Jim Hill reviews Karen Paik’s inspired (more importantly, inspiring) new history of Pixar Animation Studios. Which offers a lot of insight about how John Lasseter became the Big Kahuna of the CG world

Published

16 years ago

November 28, 2007

Jim Hill

There’s this genuinely eerie passage in Karen Paik’s “To Infinity and Beyond! The Story of Pixar Animation Studios” (Chronicle Books, November 2007), which talks about how a single book basically changed the course of John Lasseter’s life.

In ninth grade, Lasseter was searching the art section of the school library for a book to write a report on when he came across a battered old copy of “The Art of Animation,” Bob Thomas’s history of the Disney Studios.

Copyright 1958 Simon & Shuster / Walt Disney Productions

“There’s a handful of little moments in my life that I could look back to and say were key to me following the path that I’ve ended up on,” said Lasseter. “Finding that book was one of them. I read it cover to cover, and it dawned on me: People make cartoons for a living. They actually get paid to make cartoons! Right then, right there, I knew that was what I wanted to do.”

“Why would you think that that passage was eerie?,” you ask. Well, because I have this uneasy feeling that — in the years ahead — would-be animators are going to come across copies of “To Infinity and Beyond!” and have the exact same epiphany that Lasseter did. As they page through this beautiful coffee table book, aspiring artists will be startled to discover that some people actually earn a living from making cartoons. And that — if they work hard — these future toonsmiths could someday land a job just like John has.

Of course, as Paik details in this handsome 320-page hardcover (Which — FYI — is the companion volume for Leslie Iwerks’ great new documentary, “The Pixar Story”), Lasseter may have an advantage over all of those other would-be animators back in the 1970s. In that John’s mom continually encouraged her son to draw. Even going so far as to bring along pads of paper whenever she took the family to church. So that young Lasseter — rather than just sitting there in the pew, being bored out of his gourd — could then scribble away during the sermon.

And clearly — as Karen points out — that extra pencil time paid off. For John won his very first award (i.e. a $15 grand prize for drawing the Headless Horseman from Disney’s “The Adventures of Ichabod & Mr. Toad“) at the tender age of 5.

John in the back of the Lasseter family station wagon with his brother,
sister and his beloved Casper the Friendly Ghost doll.
Copyright 2007 Chronicle Books

“To Infinity and Beyond!” does a great job of tracking Lasseter’s career in animation. Which basically started when he was accepted at the California Institute of the Arts and wound up being a member of CalArts’s very first character animation class.

Though it may be hard to recognize them under all that long hair and bad skin, there’s a pretty formidable group of animators assembled in the above photo. You’ll find John Lasseter at the top, with a pencil in teeth. “Ratatouille” director Brad Bird is seated in the middle row with his right elbow resting on his knee, while “The Little Mermaid” & “Aladdin” co-director John Musker is seated in front on the right.

And — sure — Lasseter is smiling in the above photo. But he wasn’t grinning once John graduated and actually got hired by Disney. Once he arrived in Burbank, this passionate young filmmaker began butting heads with Walt Disney Feature Animation’s calcified middle management. Which — as Ms. Paik recounts from her interviews with Mr. Lasseter — was extremely resistant to anything that might upset the status quo at the studio.

One conversation in particular remained vivid in Lasseter’s memory over thirty years later. “This guy said to me, ‘So, you want to be creatively in charge here? I’ll tell you how to be in charge. You sit down and do in-betweens for twenty years, then you can be in charge.’ I remember walking away and deciding right then that if I was ever creatively in charge of anything, I’d never say to a young artist what that guy had just said to me. In that one exchange he killed all the enthusiasm I had to help make the project better.”

John Lasseter hard at work on Disney’s “The Fox and the Hound.”
Copyright 2007 Chronicle Books

So you can just imagine how the old guard at Disney Feature Animation reacted when John began talking up computer animation as the wave of the future. With the blessing of Tom Wilhite, the then-head of Motion Pictures and TV production for the Walt Disney Studios, Lasseter began development of a few CG-based projects. One was a hybrid featurette (Which was to have combined hand drawn & computer animation to bring to life Maurice Sendak‘s much beloved picture book, “Where the Wild Things Are“) while the other was a full-blown CG feature based on Thomas M. Disch’s “The Brave Little Toaster.”

But as Karen explains, it was John’s obvious enthusiasm for “Toaster” film that wound up burning a lot of bridges for this young animator at Disney.

John Lasseter’s own designs for the characters to be featured in
Disney’s never-produced version of “The Brave Little Toaster.”
Copyright 1981 Walt Disney Productions / 2007 Chronicle Books

Shortly after Lasseter returned (to the studio), he was notified that “The Brave Little Toaster” had to be pitched to Ron Miller, the head of (Disney Studios), and Ed Hansen, the manager of the animation department, immediately. This made Lasseter uneasy — he believed in the project, but he also perceived some coolness in Hansen’s manner after Wilhite had given Lasseter’s experiments the go-ahead. When Miller walked into the pitch looking grim, Hansen by his side, Lasseter knew it was going to be a tough sell. After the pitch, Miller stood up and asked how much the project would cost. When Lasseter said it would cost no more than a regular film, Miller replied that there was no point in using computer animation unless it would make things “faster or cheaper.” With that, he walked out of the room. At first, Lasseter was too perplexed by what had happened for his disappointment to fully register. But there was more to come.

“About five minutes later,” Lasseter said. “I got a call from Ed Hansen. I went down to his office, and he said, ‘Well, John, your project is now complete, so your employment with the Disney Studios is now terminated.’ “

“I couldn’t believe it. I had just been fired.”

Of course, the upside of this story is — if Ed Hansen hadn’t gone out of his way to try & torpedo young John Lasseter’s career at Disney Feature Animation — he’d have never been in a position to accept Ed Catmull‘s offer. Which was to come up to Marin and help the guys at Lucasfilm’s computer division with a little project that they were working on. Which turned out to be “The Adventures of Andre & Wally B.” The SIGGRAPH short that — through its skillful mix of character comedy & cutting-edge technology — provided the template for every Pixar project that followed.

That’s what (me personally) I think that Karen Paik does best with “To Infinity and Beyond! The Story of Pixar Animation Studios.” She makes you keenly aware of all the baby steps that eventually led up to those huge successes like “Toy Story” and “Monsters, Inc.”

So is “To Infinity and Beyond!” a perfect book? Well … I could have done without Paik glossing over the fact that — during all those years when Pixar was genuinely struggling to break through — Steve Jobs was continually shopping the company around. Looking for someone — anyone ! — to take this money pit of an animation studio off his hands.

(L to R) Steve Jobs, Jane Eisner and John Lasseter all enjoy a cocktail
in Pixar’s most exclusive club, the Love Lounge.
Copyright 2007 Chronicle Books

But on the other hand, I loved how Karen takes you into places where Pixar visitors seldom get to go, like that animation studio’s super-secret “Love Lounge.” Or when she reveals fun little factoids like how “Toy Story” wasn’t actually supposed to be Pixar’s first full-length feature. How — if John Lasseter had had his druthers (More importantly, if author Roald Dahl had just agreed to sell this animation studio the movie rights to one of his more popular books back in 1989) — “James and the Giant Peach” would have been Pixar’s first big production.

Plus Paik tries to give her readers some sense of the real human costs involved in the production of their favorite CG films. Take — for example — the …

… nine months of almost nonstop work (on “Toy Story 2“) with a keyboard and mouse, (which resulted in) nearly one in three employees (at Pixar developing) a repetitive-stress injury. (With) one person (being) permanently disabled and (forced) to leave the (CG) field altogether.

Bob Iger stands in front of the staff of Pixar Animation
Studio staff in January of 2006, as the details of
the Disney acquisition deal are announced.
Copyright 2006 Disney / Pixar & Chronicle Books

As for this book’s other flaws … Yeah, it’s somewhat frustrating that — after quickly touching on the Disney acquisition and “Cars” — “To Infinity and Beyond!” basically runs out of gas. With “Ratatouille” only receiving a single fleeting reference in this entire coffee table book. (Though — to be fair — if you’d like to learn more about this critically acclaimed Brad Bird film, you should probably pick up Karen Paik’s other Chronicle Book for 2007. Which is “The Art of Ratatouille.”)

But — that said — there’s still an awful lot of history and inspiration to be found in “To Infinity and Beyond! The Story of Pixar Animation Studios.” So if you’re looking for something extra special for that aspiring animator on your holiday shopping list, then you might want to consider giving this new Chronicle Books publication a look-see.

And speaking of the holidays … Tis the season, folks. And if you’d like to show your appreciation for all the great stories that you regularly read here on this website, then why not start out your next Amazon shopping spree by clicking on the banner above? That way, JHM gets a tiny chunk of what you spend.

Happy Holidays!

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.