Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Universal Orlando has the tech it takes to make “Skull Island: Reign of Kong” trackless

Published

9 years ago

March 15, 2016

When Universal Studios Florida first opened its doors in June of 1990, the way they wowed theme park goers was with an animatronic E.T. Who — thanks to the 5800 names this mechanical alien had in his data base — could greet most people by name. Not to mention that 39 foot-tall animatronic King Kong. Who — thanks to his 54 foot arm span — could reach right out into “Kongfrontation” ‘s ride path and then send a tramload of tourists hurtling toward the ground.

“Mind you, that was over 25 years ago,” said Steve Blum, the Senior Vice President of Engineering & Safety at Universal Creative. “And while the technology that we used to power ‘Kongfrontation’ was — for its time — cutting edge, these days you have more computing power in your iPhone than we had in that entire show building back in 1990.”

Right from the beginning, that was Universal’s goal with its Florida theme parks. Create ground-breaking attractions which really pushed the boundaries when it came to technology. Place their guests right in the middle of their favorite movies & stories and then give these folks a visceral yet intimate experience.

It was with the May 1991 opening of “Back to the Future – The Ride” that Universal Creative showed how far they were willing to go to deliver a genuinely intimate ride experience to its guests. Rather than do what Disney had done with its first motion-based simulator attraction (i.e., 1989’s “Star Tours.” Which crammed upwards of 40 guests in the cabin of each Starspeeder), Universal decided to create a ride vehicle that looked just like the Delorean featured in that Robert Zemeckis movie which then sat 8 passengers.

Of course, just like every other theme park attraction on the planet, “Back to the Future – The Ride” had to be able to entertain a huge number of guests every hour in order to be considered an operational success. Universal Creative was able to achieve this goal using these seemingly low capacity ride vehicles by first building two Omnimax domes inside of a huge show building. And then — inside of each of these two domes (on which concave surface the “BTTF-TR” ride film would be screened) — they placed 12 different 8 passenger Deloreans.

“We configured these ride vehicles in such a way — on three different levels, four Deloreans per level — inside of each of these projection domes that the guests really couldn’t see the other cars. From their point of view, they were the only ones having this experience,” explained Thierry Coup, Senior Vice President of Universal Creative. “Using our motion-based technology in this manner not only allowed us to add a high capacity thrill ride to Universal Studios Florida, it also gave our guests a ride experience that was both intimate & visceral.”

More to the point, Universal Creative has made use of the advances in in-park effects and ride control systems that have been made over the past 25 years in order to make its theme park attractions seems that much more immersive & exciting.

“It kind of blows my mind when I look back at how far we’ve come just in the past 20 years. I mean, back in April of 1996 — when we first opened ‘T2-3D: Battle Across Time’ — it was a very big deal that we were able to send a trained stuntman riding on a mechanical motorcycle seamlessly through a movie screen every 30 minutes or so,” Blum recalled. “That was a very tough effect to pull off at that time. But these days on our ‘Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts’ attraction, we give our guests almost the exact same experience. We seamlessly send them through a screen aboard this mine cart that’s being pulled by a dragon. And we do that for a new group of guests every 32 seconds.”

Speaking of The Boy Who Lived, it was with the June 2010 opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade that people really began to sit up & take notice of Universal’s innovative use of technology. Though those who were dazzled by all those flying benches that were whizzing through the halls of Hogwarts castle may have missed some of the biggest challenges that Universal Creative faced on this project.

“Looking back on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I’d have to say that the biggest challenge we faced on that project was how do you bring all of that magic to life. I mean, when it comes to doing magic in the movies, recreating what J.K. Rowling had described in the ‘Harry Potter’ books, the filmmakers could always fall back on CG or cuts. Whereas what we had to do was turn Hogwarts castle & Hogsmeade Village into these physical places that you could actually visit. Where all this magic then had to happen right in front of your eyes,” Thierry said.

“So a lot of seemingly small things, these little touches in ‘Forbidden Journey’ ‘s pre-show like those moving portraits, they took a lot of development. We actually had to create the technology which was used to make those portraits look like moving paintings,” Coup continued. “There’s a whole portfolio of patents that Universal filed just with the creation of this attraction.”

And speaking of patents, there are sure to be a few dozen more filed by the time “Skull Island: Reign of Kong” opens its doors later this summer.

“And what’s so technologically innovative about the soon-to-open Universal’s Islands of Adventure attraction?,” you ask. Well, let’s start with the “Skull Island” ride vehicle. Which — just like Kong — is a true behemoth.

Weighing 17 tons each, the five expedition trucks that will roll through this 3 million cubic foot show building are genuinely massive. Standing 13 feet tall, these 40 foot-long ride vehicles can carry 72 passengers at a time.

“And the best part is — thanks to the pre-visualization technology that we can now use while we’re designing new rides for the parks — we were able, prior to the actual construction of these expedition trucks, to virtually sit in every seat of this ride vehicle. That way, we were able to make sure that every guest who climbs aboard one of these expedition trucks gets a great view of the action,” Blum enthused.

And what sort of action should Universal Orlando visitors anticipate once their ride vehicle rolls past that 80 foot-tall wall which is supposed to contain all of Skull Island’s prehistoric inhabitants? Mike West — the executive producer of “Skull Island: Reign of Kong” — stressed that this multi-sensory, multi-dimensional experience is a very different animal from any of the “Kong” -based attractions Universal Creative has produced.

“Previously, we took Kong away from Skull Island and brought him into our world. Well, with ‘Reign of Kong,’ we’re bringing our guests to Skull Island. Their entire experience takes place in Kong’s neighborhood,” West said. “This story actually takes place before the events in the ‘King Kong’ movie. The expedition that our guests will be going on has actually beaten Carl Denham and his team to Skull Island. So they’ll really be the first to experience the wonders & the terrors that can be found behind that massive wall.”

And then — when you factor in that “Skull Island: Reign of Kong” will be the first time that a trackless ride system has been used in a Universal theme park (More to the point, no one in the themed entertainment industry has ever attempted to do a trackless vehicle of this size before) — Universal Orlando’s tradition of using cutting edge technology to provide its guests with genuinely immersive experiences just keeps going & going.

And the best part is that it’s not just the new rides that get to make use of all this bleeding edge tech. Even opening day attractions like the “E.T. Adventure” get regular upgrades. Take — for example — the new software package that was just installed which now allows this animatronic alien that’s found at the end of the ride to finally move beyond the 5800 names E.T. was previously allowed to say.

More to the point, those state-of-the-art digital projectors which are now being installed in “The Simpsons Ride” (which replaced “Back to the Future – The Ride” back in May of 2008) that will give guests a far clearer picture of what Krustyland looks like.

“When we first opened Universal Studios Florida back in June of 1990, the catchphrase that was associated with this theme park was ‘Ride the Movies,’ ” Coup said. “Well, these days, thanks to all the cutting edge technology we use here at the parks, we no longer limit our guests to just riding their favorite films. They can now live them. We can place them inside of immersive environments like Diagon Alley.”

“And that’s all because there’s no hesitation or trepidation at this company when it comes to deploying technology in order to deliver on some story point,” Blum concluded.

This article was originally posted on the Huffington Post’s Entertainment page on March 15, 2016

For more info checkout “Behind the Scenes at Reign of Kong and Diagon Alley” Disney Dish podcast here.

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!