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Why Clint Eastwood was a last minute addition to Disney-MGM’s “Great Movie Ride”

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Greetings from the woods of Northern Georgia.

Nancy and I are still down in this neck-of-the-woods. Her Dad’s funeral was on Monday, so we’re still in the process of dealing with a lot of family obligations. And given that my laptop went belly-up on Super Bowl Sunday … Well, filing new stories for this site has become even more challenging.

Which is why — until Nancy can get the chance to properly format the Samsung Notebook that we purchased yesterday — I thought that I might reach back into JHM’s archives and resurrect a Why For column from February of 2005 that (given that Clint Eastwood is back in the news, thanks to his somewhat controversial “It’s Halftime in America” commercial) is somewhat newsworthy. So here goes:


Copyright 2012 Chrysler Group LLC. All rights reserved

Jim —

I really enjoyed Thursday’s story about how the Disney-MGM Studio theme park may be forced to change its
name this summer. I was wondering: Will the expiration of Disney’s
agreement with MGM/UA also result in “The Great Movie Ride” being
shut down too?

Rich G.


Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved

Dear Rich G.

Actually, no. Don’t worry about it. The rights to use
the various movie scenes and characters that you see in “The Great Movie
Ride” were actually acquired under a separate series of agreements that
involved a number of different movie studios. Not just MGM/UA.

Take — for example — the “Alien” sequence in TGMR.
Disney got the rights to use those characters and that oh-so-spooky
setting by cutting a deal with 20th Century Fox, the studio that
actually produced this Ridley Scott film back in 1979. The “Raiders of the Lost Ark” Well of Souls scene? The Imagineers actually had to
approach two different companies — Paramount Pictures and Lucasfilm
Ltd.
— in order to get permission to make AA versions of Indy &
Sallah.


Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved

That process sounds kind of involved, don’t you think? Wait. It gets worse.

In addition to getting permission from the individual
studios in order to recreate a character and/or a setting from a
particular motion picture, WDI often times had to also persuade the
surviving members of a performer’s family to sign off on the likeness
of that AA figure as well. Otherwise Disney’s lawyers wouldn’t allow the
Imagineers to install the robotic version of that star in “The Great
Movie Ride.”

This is what actually happened with the Lee Marvin Audio
Animatronic that was supposed to be installed in the Western sequence
of that Disney-MGM ride. Directly across from the John Wayne figure.


Copyright 1965 Columbia Pictures. All rights reserved

“Wait a minute, Jim,” you sputter. “You’re telling me
that there was supposed to be a Lee Marvin AA figure in the ‘Great Movie
Ride’? How did that deal fall through? What exactly happened here?”

Well, to put it bluntly, Lee Marvin’s kids refused to sign WDI’s release
form. They were deeply offended that — out of all the roles their Dad
had played over the course of his 35-year-long career — Disney had
chosen to make a robotic version of Kid Shelleen (AKA The drunken
gunslinger that Marvin had played in the 1965 comic western, “Cat Ballou“).

Now it didn’t seem to matter to Marvin’s children that
their father had actually won an Academy Award for playing Kid
Shelleen. Or that many people had thought that Lee’s performance in “Cat
Ballou” was the very best thing that the late actor (Marvin died of a
heart attack in August of 1987) had ever done.


Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Frank Wells, Michael Eisner, Goofy and Donald
Duck. Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved

All they knew was that everyone who ever rode
Disney-MGM’s “Great Movie Ride” was going to see — for years &
years yet to come — was a robotic version of their dad, drunk. This
was a concept that Lee Marvin’s kids just couldn’t live with. Which is
why they flat-out refused to sign WDI’s release form.

This — as you might understand — left the Imagineers
who actually were in charge of completing this attraction in a bit of a
lurch. These guys knew that they needed two well-known film legends in
order to properly fill out the performance space that had been built
into the Western section of “The Great Movie Ride.” And now that the Kid
Shalleen AA figure had to be pulled out of TGMR … Well, that left one
hell of a big hole.

Luckily, Frank Wells was able to come to WDI’s rescue.
He told the Imagineers: “Look, I’m personal friends with Clint Eastwood.
I was his attorney for a while. And — back when I was in charge of
Warners — I actually greenlit a number of Eastwood’s pictures. Which is
why I’m sure that he’d get a real kick out of seeing himself inside the
‘Great Movie Ride.’ So why don’t you work up an Audio Animatronic
version of him? And I’ll then get Clint to sign your release form.”


Copyright 1964 United Artists. All rights reserved

This WDI did almost immediately. They fabricated that AA
figure in record time. Of course, given the limited amount of time that
the Imagineers were working with here … Well, I guess you can
understand now why the GMR’s “Man with No Name” robot has such limited
movement.

Anyway … WDI quickly produces an Audio Animatronic
Clint Eastwood. The figure’s then sent east and quickly installed in
“The Great Movie Ride.” But — because Disney’s lawyers insisted that
the public wasn’t actually allowed to see this particular AA figure ’til
after Eastwood officially signs that release form … During the “Great
Movie Ride” ‘s entire test-and-adjust period, the “Man with No Name”
stood stoically in that doorway with a paper bag over his head.

Meanwhile, the Imagineers keep calling Frank Wells’
office, asking the Disney Company’s president: “Did you get Clint to
sign that release form yet.” But Wells is busy running the Mouse House.
And Eastwood was working on “Pink Cadillac.” So neither of
these guys really has a hole in their schedule. And meanwhile the date
of Disney-MGM’s grand opening keeps getting closer and closer and closer


Bernadette Peters and Clint Eastwood in “Pink Cadillac.” Copyright 1989
Warner Bros. All rights reserved

Finally in April of 1989 (Less than 10 days before the
studio theme park was due to open to the public ), Wells persuades Clint
to get on a plane with him. So that the two of them can then fly on down
to Florida and go check out Disney’s newest theme park.

Mind you, Eastwood really isn’t a theme park kind of
guy. More importantly, he’s not all that crazy about planes. So it takes
an awful lot of weedling on Wells’ part to finally get Clint on
Mickey’s corporate jet. But eventually Eastwood does agree to go to
Orlando.

So Clint & Frank finally arrive at Disney-MGM and
begin touring the theme park. And this whole time, the Imagineers
assigned to the GMR are sweating bullets. They keep thinking about what
could to happen if Wells is wrong. What if Eastwood absolutely hates the “Man with No Name” AA figure? What will they do then?


Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc.
All rights reserved

Finally, the two old friends get on board the “Great
Movie Ride.” They’ve got an entire theater car all to themselves. And —
as it quietly slides out of the attraction’s load area — a very
nervous lead picks up his walkie-talkie and says: “They’re on their way.
You can remove the paper bag now.”

And that’s literally what happens. Just seconds before
the theater car that’s carrying Clint and Frank rolls into the “Great
Movie Ride” ‘s Western section, an Imagineer sprints on stage and rips
the paper bag right off of the “Man with No Name” ‘s head. Then — bag
in hand — he slips back into the shadows, holds his breath and watches
what happens next.

The doors leading from the attraction’s gangland
shooting sequence now swings open. The theater car slides into the next
room. Eastwood spies the “Man with No Name” AA figure leaning against
that building. A big, very un-Dirty-Harry-like smile spreads across his
face. He turns to Wells and says: “Hey, that’s me!”


Right across from the Clint Eastwood AA figure is one of John
Wayne, recreating this Hollywood icon’s classic role in John
Ford’s “The Searchers.” Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc.
All rights reserved

Frank turns to Clint and says: “You like?” Eastwood says: “Yeah. Sure.” Wells then whips out WDI’s release form and says: “Okay. Then sign this, please.”

And literally — right in the middle of the action
portion of the GMR’s Western sequence (I.E. After the robber has tossed
the dynamite into bank. Which is why all those flames are belching out
of the windows) — Clint initials and then signs that release form.
Thinking that his old pal, Frank, had gone to such elaborate lengths to
try & amuse and surprise him.

To my knowledge, Eastwood has never learned about all
the problems that the Imagineers were having with Lee Marvin’s kids. Or
that his “Man with No Name” AA figure was really just a last minute
substitute for the Kid Shalleen Audio Animatronic that the Imagineers
had originally planned on installing in this attraction.


Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved

Which is why I’m kind of hoping that this story never
gets back to Clint. I’d hate to think that — by posting this tale on
JHM (Which was told to me by the very same Imagineer who reportedly
raced on stage and ripped that paper bag off of the robotic Eastwood’s
head) — that this will somehow undermine what must be a pretty fond
memory of the late Frank Wells.

Jim Hill

Jim Hill is an entertainment writer who has specialized in covering The Walt Disney Company for nearly 40 years now. Over that time, he has interviewed hundreds of animators, actors, and Imagineers -- many of whom have shared behind-the-scenes stories with Mr. Hill about how the Mouse House really works. In addition to the 4000+ articles Jim has written for the Web, he also co-hosts a trio of popular podcasts: “Disney Dish with Len Testa,” “Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor” and “Marvel US Disney with Aaron Adams.” Mr. Hill makes his home in Southern New Hampshire with his lovely wife Nancy and two obnoxious cats, Ginger & Betty.

Jim Hill is an entertainment writer who has specialized in covering The Walt Disney Company for nearly 40 years now. Over that time, he has interviewed hundreds of animators, actors, and Imagineers -- many of whom have shared behind-the-scenes stories with Mr. Hill about how the Mouse House really works. In addition to the 4000+ articles Jim has written for the Web, he also co-hosts a trio of popular podcasts: “Disney Dish with Len Testa,” “Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor” and “Marvel US Disney with Aaron Adams.” Mr. Hill makes his home in Southern New Hampshire with his lovely wife Nancy and two obnoxious cats, Ginger & Betty.

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History

The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown

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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!

Jim Hill

Jim Hill is an entertainment writer who has specialized in covering The Walt Disney Company for nearly 40 years now. Over that time, he has interviewed hundreds of animators, actors, and Imagineers -- many of whom have shared behind-the-scenes stories with Mr. Hill about how the Mouse House really works. In addition to the 4000+ articles Jim has written for the Web, he also co-hosts a trio of popular podcasts: “Disney Dish with Len Testa,” “Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor” and “Marvel US Disney with Aaron Adams.” Mr. Hill makes his home in Southern New Hampshire with his lovely wife Nancy and two obnoxious cats, Ginger & Betty.

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History

Unpacking the History of the Pixar Place Hotel

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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.

Jim Hill

Jim Hill is an entertainment writer who has specialized in covering The Walt Disney Company for nearly 40 years now. Over that time, he has interviewed hundreds of animators, actors, and Imagineers -- many of whom have shared behind-the-scenes stories with Mr. Hill about how the Mouse House really works. In addition to the 4000+ articles Jim has written for the Web, he also co-hosts a trio of popular podcasts: “Disney Dish with Len Testa,” “Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor” and “Marvel US Disney with Aaron Adams.” Mr. Hill makes his home in Southern New Hampshire with his lovely wife Nancy and two obnoxious cats, Ginger & Betty.

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History

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

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Mickey's Birthday Land

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.

Jim Hill

Jim Hill is an entertainment writer who has specialized in covering The Walt Disney Company for nearly 40 years now. Over that time, he has interviewed hundreds of animators, actors, and Imagineers -- many of whom have shared behind-the-scenes stories with Mr. Hill about how the Mouse House really works. In addition to the 4000+ articles Jim has written for the Web, he also co-hosts a trio of popular podcasts: “Disney Dish with Len Testa,” “Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor” and “Marvel US Disney with Aaron Adams.” Mr. Hill makes his home in Southern New Hampshire with his lovely wife Nancy and two obnoxious cats, Ginger & Betty.

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