Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Roy spreads the word

Mouseketrips’ Scott Liljenquist was out in Garden Grove, CA. this past weekend to catch Roy Disney’s speech at the N.F.F.C. convention. Read all about Scott’s impressions of Roy’s talk with the Disneyana faithful.

Published

21 years ago

January 20, 2004

Scott Liljenquist

So, what’s up with Roy Disney being fired from Disney? Did he really get fired? How can a Disney get fired from Disney? Did he just give up? What’s so wrong with Michael Eisner?

If you’re unfortunate enough to serve as the unofficial source of Disney rumor and gossip verification among your friends and family, perhaps you too have been asked these questions over and over again during the past few weeks. While I have had my own theories about Roy Disney and Stanley Gold’s departure from the Disney board of directors, I wasn’t entirely sure what was really going on. Especially after seeing the original savedisney.com website, which a friend of mine described as “looking like it was done by a 5th grader.” However, after having a chance to hear Roy Disney speak in person at a NFFC (an organization for Disneyana enthusiasts) convention this past Saturday, I can now firmly say that I’m a believer in his course and in his cause.

I was fortunate enough to have been able to attend this presentation, and took copious notes so I could provide a detailed report to you, the loyal readers of JHM. Roy’s speech itself was very short as he chose to spend most of his time answering questions submitted by those in attendance, which I thought was a very nice touch. Throughout the address he joked repeatedly with the audience and had a very jovial, energetic, and upbeat demeanor. It’s very obvious that he’s from a family of showmen.

Disney began his speech by acknowledging the presence of his own son Roy, and stating the importance of his family’s support. He said that he called a family meeting shortly after his resignation where it was decided that the fight for the future of the Disney company “…. is just too important not to work together as a family.”

Roy then referenced the address of his savedisney.com website and detailed its latest improvements. In fact, he referred back to the website over and over again during his address. He stated that the new, improved savedisney.com site would be updated daily, and all news and information regarding his efforts would be promptly posted. He asked the audience for their support, and encouraged everyone to sign up at the website for future updates.

Roy then thanked the audience for attending, and said that he knew everyone in the room embraced “…the Disney idea, which you know as well as I do stands for quality, stands for families, stands for getting your money’s worth, and it stands for a lot of innovative and new and creative ideas that make things fun whenever you visit a park or go to a film. One of the reasons for my leaving, other than the fact that they fired me, is that I saw that quality slipping away from us.”

Asked about favorite memories of his father, Roy O. Disney, Roy said that he was most proud of him at the opening of Walt Disney World in 1971. Walt Disney died in 1966, and left behind all sorts of ill-defined plans for the huge parcels of land just purchased in Florida. Apparently Walt and Roy O. were having a bit of an argument at the time, with Walt wanting to build his city of the future, Epcot, and Roy O. wondering how that would make them any money. Roy O. maintained that a new Magic Kingdom and some resort hotels were needed first. “It happened that Walt died during that argument, so dad sort of won it by default. He [Roy O.] was about to retire, but put his heart and soul into opening Walt Disney World in Florida.”

Disney was next asked what his #1 concern for the future of the Walt Disney Company is. “That’s a hard question to answer without libel laws getting in the way. We need to do everything we do better than we do it, and I mean everything. And we can’t do it until we make up our minds that investing in the business to make things better is how we got where we got in the first place. We can’t undercut everything we do by skimping on maintenance, skimping on gates, skimping on films.” Roy continued, “And let me say this, there isn’t a person at the company, other than the few we know the names of who don’t believe that too – who would kill to make it better if they could. They don’t have the budgets and they don’t have the manpower, and the work is not appreciated. The people who are responsible for the quality and the upkeep aren’t there enough. [They] don’t understand the problems and don’t appreciate the hard work that goes into maintaining the parks as what they are and the films as what they are.”

Roy spent the next few minutes discussing the dismal cast member morale and what it would take to make improvements. “Everybody has, if given a chance to have it, pride in their work. There’s an enormous history in this company of people coming to work with us because it was a place where they could create a sense of well-being, fun, and unity. That needs to be reinforced again. Also, patting people on the back is not such a bad thing to do – I’ve certainly seen it in my own walking around the parks or walking around any part of the company at all. You know, just walk into a room, find out what they do, and be interested in complimenting them on their work. Part of anybody’s reward for what they do is what they bring home inside of them.”

Disney was asked about the fun side of his father – did he have to be serious all the time while Uncle Walt got to play around? “They all played around,” he said. “Dad was certainly the more serious of the two. Walt was like a big kid all his life, he loved to have fun.” Roy O. Disney was a man known for his fiscal care and sense, and for being the force that reigned in Walt’s over-active imagination and his subsequent dangerous spending habits. Roy continued, “You’re certainly going to read about me at some point – Roy just wants to go back to the past and all he wants to do is spend a lot of money. I certainly, having grown up with my father, know that you’re going to get what you pay for. But also that value created by investment is what makes our company grow.”

Then came the question I was hoping would be asked: We know you have lots of support, Roy, but there is, among your supporters, somewhat of a feeling of futility due to the position of power enjoyed by Michael Eisner and current management. Disney replied, “The main message right now that I can give everybody is that it may take a while. We’ve got to figure out how to keep the ball in the air and keep the heat on these people. They’re a little nervous; they’re saying rather strange things behind our backs. We’ll have some recommendations for those of you who are shareholders on how to deal with this upcoming annual meeting March 3rd in Philadelphia. Which is kind of a strange place for the Disney Company to meet, there’s a little escapism going on there. We will at some point, shortly, let you know at least how we’re going to vote – I guess you could probably guess.”

The next question, a follow-up, asked how those who are non-Disney stockholders can. “Register with us on the website and stay with us there,” Disney said. “We’ve just installed some software that will enable us to get back to everyone who registers on the website with information as it comes along.”

Then, just to make Jim Hill feel good after having devoted his entire web site to this issue for most of last week, Roy discussed the WDFA-F closure. Disney said, “I feel horrible about what happened in Florida. It was a series of things…that happened, all the result of unbelievably bad management. The main thing I feel about it is that all they’ve done is thrown out the baby and the bath water. These are the people who made Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, and Brother Bear. They were hard at work on the next one which I continue to think would have been a really cute movie, and were abruptly told that it wasn’t going to go on and they should look for another line of work. There’s a few, some 30 of 250, who are under contract and will probably move to L.A.” He continued, “To me, it’s a failure of management to figure out what to do with creative people. At the heart of it [is] a failure to recognize that creativity is the basis of this company; what it was founded on. Every time we’ve ever been successful at anything it’s because we’ve been creative people who have found new ways to do things…new ways to entertain…and certainly ways to get all of you who have cares, everyone of us have cares, ways to get you out of that for a few hours in your life. I think that is our mission. We should be, and forgive me for saying ‘we’ even though I don’t work there anymore, in a creative business. We’re not as creative as we were once.”

Continuing on the topic of WDFA-F Disney said, “It was the people I used to work with that made the job fun. I know, going there now, everybody’s looking over their shoulders, being careful what they say – you might get fired for saying that, or for having a different opinion or [for] voicing it. One of the reasons I’m here right now is because the board of directors was told never to speak about company business outside the boardroom without Michael Eisner’s permission. It came to a point, which is now, where the only way you could say what you think was to get out of there. And I promise you there’s an awful lot of people who would say the same thing I’m saying if they thought they could, and I find that…um….awful. That’s why things aren’t as good as they used to be. Because if you can’t have fun, and you’re supposed to make other people have fun, how the hell do you do that?

The final question asked Disney – Do you still visit Disneyland park and what changes have you noticed? “Well, I have to pay to get in now, that’s one big change. I have found, both here and in Florida, that the maintenance isn’t what it used to be. I see more and more junk on the ground that didn’t get picked up when that was like a reflex action. We’ve seen some of the bathrooms not as clean as they used to be, and light bulbs out and paint falling off, so we’ve seen a lot of change that’s not all good. There’s some good stuff, too…Matt Ouimet has come to replace Cynthia Harris as manager of Disneyland. I like Matt a lot, I think he’s a really good guy. Given the opportunity for him – that’s the hard part – to do his job the way he sees to do it, things will get better. There’s a lot of wonderful people who are like horses trying to get out of the corral, and we’re just going to try and let them out.

With that, Roy concluded his remarks to a loud and sustained standing ovation.

So, I gotta tell you folks – this guy is the real deal. I was mightily impressed by what I saw and heard. There’s hope indeed for the Walt Disney Company yet if Roy and Stanley can keep on track, keep the fire held to the feet of the current management team, keep working their plan, and continue to enjoy the support of thousands of Disney fans. This man understands, perhaps better than anyone else, what the Disney name means and what it stands for.

Roy knows what a beating it has taken under the current regime, and has taken the steps he has in order to restore it to its former glory. Most of you probably already know that he resigned from the Disney board once before – when he lead the 1984 ouster of then company president (and Walt’s son-in-law) Ron Miller. It was Roy (and Stanley Gold) that were instrumental in installing Michael Eisner and Frank Wells at the top of the Disney company, a move that saved the company in the eyes of most people. He’s been there, done that.

That’s not to say, of course, that he doesn’t have a long, uphill battle. Michael Eisner is firmly entrenched, and has surrounded himself with sympathetic supporters. The company is seeing improved financial results, and the stock price has been steadily climbing. Roy’s stock holdings are not at the level they were in 1984, and the company is not in near the precarious position that it was back then. But if anyone can pull this off, based on what I saw and heard last Saturday, it is the man whose name is still on the building.

Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

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

Published

4 weeks 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

1 month 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

8 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!