Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

How the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights made its way from Arkansas to Walt Disney World

Published

13 years ago

November 27, 2011

Picture this: It's late June of 1995. And the folks in charge of Disney-MGM Studios are racking their brains, trying to come up with some
sort of signature holiday event for that theme park.

"The Magic Kingdom had Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
and Epcot had its Candlelight Processional," John Phelan, show director for Disney
Creative Entertainment remembered. "We wanted to stage something similar at the
Studios, give people a really strong reason to come out to that theme park
during the holiday season. But we just couldn't come with a workable hook for
this proposed seasonal show."

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Until Bruce Laval (who – at that time – was Executive Vice
President of Theme Parks at the Walt Disney World Resort) came into work one
day and mentioned something that he'd seen on CNN the night before. Which was
this brief news story about how the Arkansas Supreme Court had just ordered that
some homeowner in Little Rock couldn't put up his over-the-top holiday lights
display this year.

"So Bruce says to me 'Maybe
we could do something with this. I think you should give this guy a call,'"
Phelan continued.

So John then picks up the phone and eventually gets ahold of
the Arkansas Research Medical Testing Center. Which is the business that
Arkansas philanthropist Jennings Osborne owned.

The 1993 version of the Osborne Family's Christmas Lights Display in Little Rock, AR.
Photo by Danny Johnston / Associated Press

"It was a relatively quick phone call," Phelan recalled. "Jennings
didn't quite understand what I was proposing. So he told me to put it in letter
form and then send it to his attorney. So I did that and then I headed out for
my annual vacation."

And when John got back into the office two weeks later, he
found this huge box sitting on his desk which was full of Christmas lights, press
clippings, candy canes and cookies.

"Jennings' attorney had gotten my letter and – realizing that
client was a huge Disney fan – immediately forwarded my proposal to him," John
laughed. "And when Jennings realized that it was THE Walt Disney Company that
was looking to display his family's holiday lights at MGM … Well, that's when Jennings
insisted that I immediately come on down to Little Rock and see what he had to
offer."

The view from the street of the Osborne Family home during 1993's holiday season.
Photo by Danny Johnston / Associated Press

And that's how – just a week or so later — Phelan found himself
standing in Osborne's driveway with Disney-MGM's technical director, as
Jennings then took them on a tour of all the storage sheds that he used to
house his three million holiday lights. As these two WDW employees then tried
to get a sense of what the Osborne Family had created could then be successfully
translated to Residential Street on the Disney-MGM Studio backlot.

"You have to understand that Osborne – in an attempt to
silence his neighbor's complaints about his family's annual holiday lights
display – had actually purchased the houses on either side of his home. And
each of these houses then had storage sheds in their backyards that were just crammed
full of Christmas lights," John continued.

And as Phelan and his assistant looked over all of the
elements that Osborne had collected over the past 9 years – the 70 foot-tall
Christmas tree, the two rotating carousels, the 100 angels with flapping wings,
plus the steam train which was driven by Mickey Mouse – and then heard the
story about how this holiday lights display had gotten started (i.e. Back in 1986,
Jennings' then-six-year-old daughter, Breezy had asked her father if they could
please put some Christmas lights on their house. Osborne responded by draping
their home with 1000 red lights that holiday season. And things kind of
snowballed from there … ), John kind of got a vision of what Disney could do
with the Jennings Family's holiday display.

Another angle of the Osborne Family Home on Cantrell Road in Little Rock, AR during
the 1993 holiday season. Photo by David Gottschalk

"You have to understand that most of this stuff was the kind
of holiday lights that you'd buy at your local store. Just 50 to 100 bulbs to a
strand," Phelan explained. "But if we were to use all of these elements to decorate
the houses on Residential Street and then kind of recreate what Jennings had
done in Little Rock, MGM would then be home to the ultimate Americana Christmas
display."

So the Walt Disney Company quickly cut a deal with Osborne.
And the next thing you know, four 18-wheel Mayflower Moving Vans loaded with
Christmas lights are headed back to Orlando. Where – for a while there, anyway –
it was pretty touch-and-go whether this display would actually be up in time
for the 1995 holiday season.

"These lights didn't actually arrive on property 'til
November 4^th. Which is why we then had to have three teams of
technicians working 'round the clock for three weeks straight to try and get
all of those lights up along Residential Street," John said. "Jennings even
sent four of his own guys down to help us out that first year, show us how the bigger
pieces like the carousel went together."

Walt Disney World lighting technician Dan Summers
prepares toy soldiers for the Osborne Family
Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Copyright
Disney Enterprises, Inc. All
rights reserved

On the night of November 24, 1995, WDW officials threw the
switch and the first Guests walked down Disney-MGM's Residential Street and
experienced the Osborne Lights. And right from that very first night, Phelan
knew that they had a holiday hit on their hands.

"I was standing behind this family who were standing under
that huge canopy of red lights which Jennings had created. And I watched as the
mother in this family turned to her young son and said 'Merry Christmas,' "
John explained. "And you just knew – from the sound of this woman's voice –
that this was this Mom's very first 'Merry Christmas' of the holiday season. That
being surrounded by the Osborne Lights like that had just filled this woman
with the holiday spirit."

And given the overwhelmingly positive reaction that the
Osborne Lights got from WDW Guests during the 1995 holiday season, Disney-MGM
quickly made plans to make this display a perennial. And with each new edition
of the Osborne Lights, Disney's techs kept just what Jennings did. Which was
add a few more lights every year until this display was eventually made up of more
than 5 million lights.

"And when Residential Street gave way to Lights, Motors,
Action! … Well, we just told our Guests that – just like the Osborne Lights got
too big for Little Rock – MGM's holiday lights display outgrew Residential
Street. Which is why we then had to move it to the Big City," Phelan continued.

And every year, Jennings and his family would come on down
to Disney World so that they could once again enjoy all of the lights that used
to decorate their homes.

"That was part of our deal with the Osborne Family. Jennings
didn't want any money for the use of his lights. But he and his family would
always come down to Disney World December 23^rd through January 1^st.
And we'd then treat them to a suite at the Grand Floridian. And Jennings and
his family would come over to the Studios for one night of their visit. And we'd
then have this special ceremony where Jennings & Breezy would turn on the
lights for that night," John recalled.

In a 2006 photo, Mickey Mouse and Jennings Osborne join the captains of the University
of Arkansas football team to turn on the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.
Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved

The Osborne Family's visit for the 2011 holiday season is
going to be especially poignant, given that Jennings passed away this past
July.

"We've made a point of working a couple of tributes to
Jennings into this year's version of the Osborne Lights. Like the single
all-white angel who flies over the Streets of America's central square and that
flat-screen we've set up in one of the storefront's windows which tells the
whole story of how the Osborne Family Lights made the trip from Arkansas to
Walt Disney World," Phelan stated. "But there's just no way that you can
replace someone who was as kind and as generous as Jennings Osborne was."

Which brings me to John's favorite Jennings Osborne story.
Which was when he asked one of the technicians who worked on the original
Little Rock, AR version of this holiday display why they positioned their
red-canopy-of-lights so low to the ground.

"And this tech explained to me that Jennings wanted to give
people the feeling that they were actually inside the lights. That they were completely
surrounded by the holidays, which would then hopefully fill them up with the
holiday spirit. And that's what we now to try to do every year at Disney's
Hollywood Studios," Phelan concluded. "Especially with our Streets of America
version of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. We try and completely
surround our Guests with the holidays. Just like Jennings Osborne used to do back
in Little Rock with the original version of this display."

So how many of you JHM readers have made a special trip to Disney's
Hollywood Studios just to see the Osborne Lights? More importantly, how many of
you have made a holiday tradition out of searching this display for Mitzi's
purple cat?

Special thanks to the nice folks at Pixie Vacations for sponsoring today's JHM column.

Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Disney’s Forgotten Halloween Event: The Original Little Monsters on Main Street

Published

2 months ago

September 22, 2024

Jim Hill

When most Disney fans think of Halloween in the parks, they immediately picture Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World or the Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland Resort. But before those events took over as the must-attend spooky celebrations, there was a little-known event at Disneyland called Little Monsters on Main Street. And its origins? Well, they go all the way back to the 1980s, during a time when America was gripped by fear—the Satanic Panic.

You see, back in the mid-1980s, parents were terrified that Halloween had become dangerous. Urban legends about drug-laced candy or razor blades hidden in apples were widespread, and many parents felt they couldn’t let their kids out of sight for even a moment. Halloween, which was once a carefree evening of trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, had suddenly become a night filled with anxiety.

This is where Disneyland’s Little Monsters on Main Street came in.

The Origins of Little Monsters on Main Street

Back in 1989, the Disneyland Community Action Team—later known as the VoluntEARS—decided to create a safe, nostalgic Halloween experience for Cast Members and their families. Many schools in the Anaheim area were struggling to provide basic school supplies to students, and the VoluntEARS saw an opportunity to combine a safe Halloween with a charitable cause. Thus, Little Monsters on Main Street was born.

This event was not open to the general public. Only Disneyland Cast Members could purchase tickets, which were initially priced at just $5 each. Cast Members could bring their kids—but only as many as were listed as dependents with HR. And even then, the park put a cap on attendance: the first event was limited to just 1,000 children.

A Unique Halloween Experience

Little Monsters on Main Street wasn’t just another Halloween party. It was designed to give kids a safe, fun environment to enjoy trick-or-treating, much like the good old days. On Halloween night in 1989, kids in costume wandered through Disneyland with their pillowcases, visiting 20 different trick-or-treat stations. They also had the chance to ride a few of their favorite Fantasyland attractions, all after the park had closed to the general public.

The event was run entirely by the VoluntEARS—about 200 of them—who built and set up all the trick-or-treat stations themselves. They arrived at Disneyland before the park closed and, as soon as the last guest exited, they began setting up stations across Main Street, Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. The event ran from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., and by the time the last pillowcase-wielding kid left, the VoluntEARS cleaned everything up, making sure the park was ready for the next day’s operations.

It wasn’t just candy and rides, though. The event featured unique entertainment, like a Masquerade Parade down Main Street, U.S.A., where kids could show off their costumes. And get this—Disneyland even rigged up a Cast Member dressed as a witch to fly from the top of the Matterhorn to Frontierland on the same wire that Tinker Bell uses during the fireworks. Talk about a magical Halloween experience!

The Haunted Mansion “Tip-Toe” Tour

Perhaps one of the most memorable parts of Little Monsters on Main Street was the special “tip-toe tour” of the Haunted Mansion. Now, Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion can be a pretty scary attraction for younger kids, so during this event, Disney left the doors to the Stretching Room and Portrait Gallery wide open. This allowed kids to walk through and peek at the Haunted Mansion’s spooky interiors without actually having to board the Doom Buggies. For those brave enough to ride, they could, of course, take the full trip through the Haunted Mansion—or they could take the “chicken exit” and leave, no harm done.

Growing Success and a Bigger Event

Thanks to the event’s early success, Little Monsters on Main Street grew in size. By 1991, the attendance cap had been raised to 2,000 kids, and Disneyland added more activities like magic shows and hayrides. They also extended the event’s hours, allowing kids to enjoy the festivities until 10:30 p.m.

In 2002, the event moved over to Disney California Adventure, where it could accommodate even more kids—up to 5,000 in its later years. The name was also shortened to just Little Monsters, since it was no longer held on Main Street. This safe, family-friendly Halloween event continued for several more years, with the last mention of Little Monsters appearing in the Disneyland employee newsletter in 2008. Though some Cast Members recall the event continuing until 2012, it eventually made way for Disney’s more public-facing Halloween events.

From Little Monsters to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary and Oogie Boogie Bash

Starting in the early 2000s, Disney began realizing the potential of Halloween-themed after-hours events for the general public. These early versions of Mickey’s Halloween Party and Mickey’s Halloween Treat eventually evolved into today’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Oogie Boogie Bash. Unfortunately, this also marked the end of the intimate, Cast Member-exclusive Little Monsters event, but it paved the way for the large-scale Halloween celebrations we know and love today.

While it’s bittersweet to see Little Monsters on Main Street fade into Disney history, its legacy lives on through these modern Halloween parties. And even though Cast Members now receive discounted tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary and Oogie Boogie Bash, the special charm of an event created specifically for Disney’s employees and their families remains something worth remembering.

**The Merch: A Piece of Little Monsters History**

For Disney collectors, the exclusive merchandise created for Little Monsters on Main Street is still out there. You can find pins, name tags, and themed pillowcases on sites like eBay. One of the coolest collectibles is a 1997 cloisonné pin set featuring Huey, Dewey, and Louie dressed as characters from Hercules. Other sets paid tribute to the Main Street Electrical Parade and Pocahontas, while the pillowcases were uniquely designed for each year of the event.

While Little Monsters on Main Street may be gone, it’s a fascinating piece of Disneyland history that played a huge role in shaping the Halloween celebrations we enjoy at Disney parks today.

Want to hear more behind-the-scenes stories like this? Be sure to check out I Want That Too, where Lauren and I dive deep into the history behind Disney’s most beloved attractions, events, and of course, merchandise!

Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

The Story of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: From One Night to a Halloween Family Tradition

Published

2 months ago

September 7, 2024

Jim Hill

The spooky season is already in full swing at Disney parks on both coasts. On August 9th, the first of 38 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) nights for 2024 kicked off at Florida’s Magic Kingdom. Meanwhile, over at Disney California Adventure, the Oogie Boogie Bash began on August 23rd and is completely sold out across its 27 dates this year.

Looking back, it’s incredible to think about how these Halloween-themed events have grown. But for Disney, the idea of charging guests for Halloween fun wasn’t always a given. In fact, when the very first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party debuted on October 31, 1995, it was a modest one-night-only affair. Compare that to the near month-long festivities we see today, and it’s clear that Disney’s approach to Halloween has evolved considerably.

A Not-So-Scary Beginning

I was fortunate enough to attend that very first MNSSHP back in 1995, along with my then 18-month-old daughter Alice and her mom, Michelle. Tickets were a mere $16.95 (I know, can you imagine?), and we pushed Alice around in her sturdy Emmaljunga stroller—Swedish-built and about the size of a small car. Cast Members, charmed by her cuteness, absolutely loaded us up with candy. By the end of the night, we had about 30 pounds of fun-sized candy bars, making that push up to the monorail a bit more challenging.

Mickey’s Halloween Treat 1996 – Photo: Disney

This Halloween event was Disney’s response to the growing popularity of Universal Studios Florida’s own Halloween hard ticket event, which started in 1991 as “Fright Nights” before being rebranded as “Halloween Horror Nights” the following year. Universal’s gamble on a horror-themed experience helped salvage what had been a shaky opening for their park, and by 1993, Halloween Horror Nights was a seven-night event, with ticket prices climbing as high as $35. Universal had stumbled upon a goldmine, and Disney took notice.

A Different Approach

Now, here’s where Disney’s unique strategy comes into play. While Universal embraced the gory, scare-filled world of horror, Disney knew that wasn’t their brand. Instead of competing directly with blood and jump-scares, Disney leaned into what they did best: creating magical, family-friendly experiences.

Thus, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party was born. The focus was on fun and whimsy, not fear. Families could bring their small children without worrying about them being terrified by a chainsaw-wielding maniac around the next corner. This event wasn’t just a Halloween party—it was an extension of the Disney magic that guests had come to expect from the parks.

Disney had some experience with seasonal after-hours events, most notably Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which had started in 1983. But the Halloween party was different, as the Magic Kingdom wasn’t yet decked out in Halloween decor the way it is today. Disney had to create a spooky (but not too spooky) atmosphere using temporary props, fog machines, and, of course, lots of candy.

A key addition to that first event? The debut of the Headless Horseman, who made his eerie appearance in Liberty Square, riding a massive black Percheron. It wasn’t as elaborate as the Boo-to-You Parade we see today, but it marked the beginning of a beloved Disney Halloween tradition.

A Modest Start but a Big Future

That first MNSSHP in 1995 was seen as a trial run. As Disney World spokesman Greg Albrecht told the Orlando Sentinel, “If it’s successful, we’ll do it again.” And while attendance was sparse that night, there was clearly potential. By 1997, the event expanded to two nights, and by 1999, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party had grown into a multi-night celebration with a full-fledged parade. Today, in 2024, it’s a staple of the fall season at Walt Disney World, offering 38 nights of trick-or-treating, character meet-and-greets, and special entertainment.

Universal’s Influence

It’s interesting to reflect on how Disney’s Halloween event might never have existed without the competition from Universal. Just as “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” forced Disney to step up their game with “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge,” Universal’s success with Halloween Horror Nights likely spurred Disney into action with MNSSHP. The friendly rivalry between the two parks has continually pushed both to offer more to their guests, and we’re all better off because of it.

So the next time you find yourself trick-or-treating through the Magic Kingdom, watching the Headless Horseman gallop by, or marveling at the seasonal fireworks, take a moment to appreciate how this delightful tradition came to be—all thanks to a little competition and Disney’s commitment to creating not-so-scary magic.

For more Disney history and behind-the-scenes stories, check out the latest episodes of the I Want That Too podcast on the Jim Hill Media network.

History

The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown

Published

9 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!