Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

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

Published

12 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.

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

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.