Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Knott’s Berry Farm pays tribute to flavors from its past in fun new ways with its annual Boysenberry Festival

Published

7 years ago

April 21, 2017

Visit any retailer this week and you’ll discover the remnants of Easter. Half-priced Peeps and the like.

But holidays that are already in the rear mirror don’t interest Russ Knibbs. As the Vice President of Food & Beverage at Knott’s Berry Farm, he’s always more concerned with occasions that are still months away. Take – for example – how America’s first theme park plans on celebrating Christmas in 2017.

“We’re already talking about Knott’s Merry Farm, which runs at our park in November, December and part of January,” Knibbs admitted during a recent phone interview. “My culinary team and I are already discussing some fun new seasonal food items that we may offer at this year’s event. Likewise Haunt. We always like to be able to spring a new Treat on all those guests who come out for our annual Halloween event.”

Russ Knibbs, VP of Food & Beverage at Knott’s Berry Farm, poses with Bobby Obezo, that theme park’s Executive Chef. Copyright CFEC / Cedar Fair Parks.

Which isn’t to say that – even though Russ & his crew are right in the middle of planning menu items for events that are still months away – these folks also can’t still live in the moment. Which – given that this is the final weekend of Knott’s Boysenberry Festival – is a pretty tasty time to visit this theme park.

“This is our fourth year,” Knibbs enthused. “And people just love coming out to this event because – as you know – the boysenberry is what first put Knott’s on the map back in the late 1920 & early 1930s. People would come to buy those berries that Walter had for sale here. And once his wife Cordelia began selling her fried chicken dinners … Well, that good food, those strong flavors are why people kept coming back to Buena Park. And with Knott’s Boysenberry Festival, we’re always looking for new ways to showcase all that good food & strong favors.”

And given that Mrs. Knott was celebrated not only for her fried chicken but also for her fresh boysenberry pies, one has to assumed that she’d have been okay with the boysenberry chicken wings which are offered at this event. But that said, what would Cordelia have made of the break-thru item at the 2017 Boysenberry Festival? Which is – if you can believe it – boysenberry pizza.

“Which – I know – when you first hear that name, you think ‘What the heck?’, ” Knibbs laughed. “But it’s got layers & layers of great ingrediants. We start with boysenberry cream cheese and then top that with some ham & some sauteed onions. Then a nice mild boysenberry sauce that goes on top on that. And then – once this pizza comes out of the oven – we drizzle it with arugula & olive oil. And then we top it with some tossed almonds and goat cheese.”

“And that – if you can believe it – is one of the real favorites at this year’s event. People who come to Knott’s for this festival just can’t get enough of our boysenberry pizza,” Russ continued. “They also love our boysenberry ravioli. Which isn’t actually sweet. Because these raviolis are made with boysenberry ricotta cheese, they’ve got more of a savoury taste to them. We have this white wine cream sauce that we put the raviolis on top of and then we sprinkle them with parmesan cheese & diced tomatoes. They’re incredible and you can only get them here during our Boysenberry festival.”

Which isn’t to say that – were you to visit Knott’s Berry Farm over this coming weekend – you’d only be able to find Boysenberry-flavored foods. Russ insists that – no matter what time of year you visit this theme park – your old favorites are still being served. More importantly, are just as you remember them.

“I always tell people that – when it comes to the food that we serve at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant – that I’m just the caretaker of that menu. It’s my job to make sure that we stick to the recipes that have made this place famous since 1934. Those farm-fresh tastes,” Knibbs stated. “Which is why – every day – we go through cases & cases of Yukon Gold potatoes at the restaurant. We grow our own fresh cabbage. We bring in real rhubarb to make our cherry rhubarb. With our classics – the chicken pot pie right through to the dumplings – we’ve always used Mrs. Knott’s recipes.”

Which isn’t to say that – were you to drop by Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant – that you wouldn’t notice a few changes. Like – for example – the lack of line outside its entrance.

“On a typical day, there used to be 200 or 300 people standing in line outside, waiting to get in. But on the heels of our recent renovation of the restaurant, we began using OpenTable. And what that means is you can now call in or make a reservation online,” Russ said. “Or – if you prefer – you can just come in to the host stand and we’ll then take your cell number down. After that, you’re free to go off and explore the 15 shops we’ve got here in the California MarketPlace. And we’ll then text you as soon as your table is ready.”

Mind you, once you return to Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Restaurant, while there will be a number of things that will look familiar (EX: the family chinaware that Cordelia served her first meals on is still on display out in the pantry), there are some brand-new features. Take – for example – the full-service bar that replaced this eatery’s Garden Dining Room.

“This is where we’ve been able to showcase some of our new boysenberry-flavored adult beverages. We have a boysenberry mojito, a boysenberry lemon drop. Not to mention boysenberry wine and boysenberry beer. Which is the No. 1 beer that we sell in-park and out of the park,” Knibbs said. “And to accompany those adult beverages, you can order up some appetizers like Mrs. Knott’s famous chicken sliders. And in a few weeks, we’ll be introducing handmade farm-fresh chicken meatballs that will be served with a marinara sauce. I’m looking forward to those.”

But now that Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant has successfully come through its rehab, Russ and his culinary team has turned their attention to other eateries around property that really needed a refresh. Chief among these being Boardwalk Barbeque at Knott’s Soak City Water Park.

“We actually torn that restaurant down. We took it all the way down to the cement slab and then rebuilt it,” Knibbs recalled. “When Boardwalk Barbeque re-opens later this Spring / early this Summer, it’ll basically be a brand-new facility. But the food that we serve there will be just as great as it ever was. Pulled pork, tri-tips, ribs, rotisserie chicken. It’s all going to be amazing.”

The window from the Knotts homestead that was recovered during the renovation of the Chicken Dinner Restaurant can be seen in the upper right hand of this photograph. Copyright 2017 CFEC / Cedar Fair Parks

What’s kind of intriguing about these sorts of tear-down projects is … Well, you never know what you’re going to find. Take – for example – what Russ and his team discovered during last year’s renovation of Mrs. Knott’s Chick Dinner Restaurant.

“As we were knocking down the walls, we actually found one of the original windows from Walter’s homestead. Which we now have hanging out in the pantry,” Knibbs recalled.

So what with this year’s Boysenberry festival coming to a close on Sunday, does Russ (who obviously a guy who loves to plan ahead) already have something in the works for 2018 ? Something that might prove to be as popular as boysenberry pizza? Or – for that matter – the Fun Bun (which was introduced at Knott’s 2015 Boysenberry Festival and consisted of a cinnamon bun that was first dipped in funnel cake batter, deep-fried and then slathered with boysenberry cream cheese) or the Fun Stick (which debuted in 2016. This high caloric beauty was made up of a slab of boysenberry cheesecake which – after being dipped in funnel cake batter & deep-fried – was then dusted with powered sugar)?

“I don’t want to give away anything in advance,” Knibbs said. “But what we will tell you is that we’re back in the kitchen all year developing these menu items. Not only for the Boysenberry Festival, but also for Haunt and Knott’s Merry Farm.”

“Which reminds me: We’ve got a churro factory here onsite at Knott’s. No one else makes home-made churros. They buy the frozen ones,” Russ concluded. “But all of ours are always hand-made.”

And as Knibbs obviously put his mind to how he & his culinary team could make those churros Merry (or at least suitable for serving during this year’s run of Knott’s Merry Farm), our food-filled phone call came to a close.

This article was originally published by the Huffington Post on Friday, April 21, 2017

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!