History

Would these little story changes really have made that big a difference (box office-wise) with Disney’s “Dinosaur”?

It’s “Might-Have-Been Monday” here at JimHillMedia.com. Where we talk about various Disney movies and theme park attractions that could have turned out very differently … if the Imagineers and/or animators working on these particular projects had opted to follow their original instincts.

Published

21 years ago

May 2, 2004

Jim Hill

Well, Disney’s last (for a while, anyway) traditionally animated feature — “Home on the Range” — continues to hang in there. After four weeks in release, this film has managed to pull in $45.5 million.

Which (admittedly) isn’t a smash hit by any stretch of the imagination. But — at the same time — given that HOTR continues to chug along at the box office (More importantly, given that this Walt Disney Pictures release has yet to fall out of the 10 Top. Would that the Mouse could say the same about its $107 million flop, “The Alamo.” Anyway …), this suggests that “Home” at least has some nice word-of-mouth going for it. Which bodes well for the film when it turns up on video and DVD later this year.

But still … when a new Disney animated feature doesn’t automatically cross over into blockbuster territory (I.E. grossing over $100 million during its domestic release), there are always those within the Mouse House who begin second-guessing. Who wonder aloud “Would this film had done better at the box office if we’d just stuck to our original choices?”

Which — in “Home on the Range”‘s case — would have meant sticking with “The Jeffersons” vet Ja’Net Dubois as the actress that WDFA originally hired to provide vocals for Maggie as well as “Sex and the City”‘s Sarah Jessica Parker — who was the performer that the Mouse first hired to do Grace’s voice.

Of course, given how many people have seemed to have enjoyed Roseanne Barr’s performance as Maggie (as well as Meg Tilly’s off-kilter crooning as Grace the Cow), it would appear that the folks over at Disney Feature Animation made the right choice in letting Dubois and Parker go and then bringing Barr and Tilly on board with the project. But still … there are always those who second-guess decisions like this.

People who puzzle at the seemingly little changes that could have made a really big difference at the box office.

Take — for example — “Dinosaur.” Disney Feature Animation’s Summer 2000 release. Which — as I mentioned in a recent “Why For” column — is actually a much better film than most people remember it to be.

But could “Dinosaur” have been an even better film, one that performed much better at the box office (This Summer 2000 WDFA release reportedly cost $127.5 million to produce and another $28 million to promote. Which — given that “Dinosaur” only pulled in $137 million during its domestic release as well as an additional $216 during its overseas run — means that this movie wasn’t exactly a major money maker for the Mouse), if the film makers had just gone ahead with some of the ideas that they had originally come up with for the movie. Weird little touches like:

FEATHERS ON THE RAPTORS. While “Dinosaur” was in production, an archaeologist discovered what he thought to be evidence of feathers on a skeleton he was excavating. This find has been seen by many as conclusive proof that modern birds did — in fact — evolve from dinosaurs.

Over at the Mouse House, this intriguing bit of news lead to some lively discussions about what to do with the prehistoric creatures featured in “Dinosaur.” Since Disney was striving to create the most realistic dinosaurs that had ever been done on film, didn’t that mean that they now had to start sticking feathers on the monsters in their movie?

Wanting to at least appear to be scientifically accurate, Disney ordered their development people to work up some sketches of dinosaurs with feathers. What the Mouse hoped would happen is — with the creative use of plumage — the creatures in Disney’s “Dinosaur” would look more majestic or menacing.

That didn’t happen, kids. Based on the test sketches, the ancient reptiles featured in Disney’s “Dinosaur” just sort of looked goofy when you stuck feathers on them. Particularly disappointing was the impact that plumage had on the movie’s pack of raptors. The film’s design team had hoped that the clever use of feathers would make these ferocious predators look like some Cretaceous street gang. No such luck. With feathers stuck all over them, the raptors just looked like a bunch of pretty p*ssed off chickens.

So — historically accurate or not — the idea of features on the creatures in Disney’s “Dinosaur” was plucked before this idea could really take root. It’s just too bad that someone didn’t do this with the movie’s original opening sequence. And — speaking of which …

THE PONDEROUS PROLOGUE. “Dinosaur” didn’t always open with that amazing sequence you see now (I.E. All those scenes where you see Aladar’s egg have these brushes with death before finally arriving safely at Lemur Island). Very early on, the animators at Disney had a very different opening for this film in mind.

Picture — if you will — Space. Deep, dark, mysterious. Suddenly looming out of the darkness is the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs. As the camera whips around this rock, we see that it is huge, horrible, menacing.

The camera now whips across the universe at warp speed — quickly showing all the constellations and planets that lie between the asteroid and Earth. It finally comes to a stop on the Cretaceous era Earth, when dinosaurs still happily roamed the planet.

The idea behind this sequence? To re-enforce to moviegoers that the characters that they were watching were already in great peril. That this huge horrible asteroid is already on its way to smite them.

The animators had hoped that this sequence would cause movie-goers to immediately feel sympathy for the characters in “Dinosaur.” After all, how can you not feel sorry for these guys? Their world, their whole way of life is doomed … But they don’t know it yet?

Well, test audiences didn’t respond all that well to “Dinosaur”‘s original opening. Disney actually found that those scenes with the asteroid lead viewers to keep some emotional distance from the film’s characters. I mean, why bother getting involved? You knew Aladar and his kind were doomed even before you met them.

So — with the hope that this would increase the audience’s sympathy and emotional involvement with the characters in “Dinosaur” — Disney dropped the film’s asteroid-in-deep-sapce intro entirely. In its place, the Mouse opted to extend the “Aladar’s Amazing Egg-scape” sequence. Which would hopefully now start this film off right, giving movie-goers someone to root for right from the get-go.

A PREHISTORIC MOSES? By the way, it’s no co-incidence that Aladar’s egg makes part of its journey by bobbing along in the current. The animators hoped — by using this imagery — the audience might get the idea that Aladar was the dinosaur equivalent of Moses: a creature that — through some sort of divine intervention — made it through many hardships just so someday that he could serve a higher purpose.

Okay, admittedly that sounds like sort of a loopy idea. But — if you look closely at the finished film — you’ll notice that “Dinosaur” borrows quite a few story ideas from Cecil B. Demille’s “The 10 Commandments.”

EX: Aladar — just like Moses — is separated by his true people and raised by strangers.

EX: It’s Aladar who eventually leads his “people” to the Promised Land. AKA the Nesting Grounds.

But it was that last story idea that the “Dinosaur” team came up with that Disney management absolutely put its foot down about. That made Mouse House managers say: “You just can’t do that. If you state that clearly in this movie, Creationists and the Religious Right will have us for breakfast.”

What story idea am I talking about? The concept that mankind wouldn’t exist at all today if Aladar hadn’t brought his Lemur family with him to the Nesting Grounds. That — because of this one gesture of kindness on the iguandon’s part (I.E. making sure that the lemurs survived the asteroid strike, then bringing his “adoptive family” with him all the way to the one place that escaped being damaged) — that our “ancestors” were able to evolve and eventually out-live the dinosaurs.

As you might imagine, creating a film that would obviously upset Creationists was not what the Walt Disney Company had in mind. Which is why “Dinosaur” ended up with its somewhat ambigious ending. Which suggested that the dinosaurs and the lemurs had both survived the big asteroid strike. Which meant …

Well, obviously this meant is that the Walt Disney Company had hoped that “Dinosaur” would be a huge financial success. Which meant that audiences worldwide would be anxiously crying out for a sequel. So — by leaving Aladar et al alive — that made it that much easier for “Dinosaur II” to pick up right where Disney’s original “Dinosaur” film left off.

But — alas — that never happened. In the Mouse’s eye, “Dinosaur” performed so poorly that the Walt Disney Company eventually disbanded the WDFA unit that was credited with the film’s creation, the Secret Lab. But that’s a story for another time …

These are just three of the ideas that the folks at Feature Animation eventually discarded on their way to completing production of “Dinosaur.” If you’d like to learn even more about these discarded concepts for this film (As well as many other exciting ideas that got left by the wayside. Like “Dinosaur”‘s dramatic river crossing sequence, or the death of Aladar’s grandparents, or even a test for the version of the movie where the creatures in “Dinosaur” never actually spoke, but communicated through some form of telepathy), then I suggest you chase down a copy of the 2-disc “Collector’s Edition” of the “Dinosaur” DVD. You’ll find a number of the scenes I’ve mentioned in this article — as well as many other exciting ideas — among the disc’s extra features.

History

The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown

Published

10 months ago

February 7, 2024

Jim Hill

Disneyland in Anaheim, California, holds a special place in the hearts of Disney fans worldwide, I mean heck, it’s where the magic began after all. Over the years it’s become a place that people visit in search of memorable experiences. One fan favorite area of the park is Mickey’s Toontown, a unique land that lets guests step right into the colorful, “Toony” world of Disney animation. With the recent reimagining of the land and the introduction of Micky and Minnies Runaway Railway, have you ever wondered how this land came to be?

There is a fascinating backstory of how Mickey’s Toontown came into existence. It’s a tale of strategic vision, the influence of Disney executives, and a commitment to meeting the needs of Disney’s valued guests.

The Beginning: Mickey’s Birthdayland

The story of Mickey’s Toontown starts with Mickey’s Birthdayland at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Opened in 1988 to celebrate Mickey Mouse’s 60th birthday, this temporary attraction was met with such overwhelming popularity that it inspired Disney executives to think bigger. The idea was to create a permanent, immersive land where guests could step into the animated world of Mickey Mouse and his friends.

In the early ’90s, Disneyland was in need of a refresh. Michael Eisner, the visionary leader of The Walt Disney Company at the time, had an audacious idea: create a brand-new land in Disneyland that would celebrate Disney characters in a whole new way. This was the birth of Mickey’s Toontown.

Initially, Disney’s creative minds toyed with various concepts, including the idea of crafting a 100-Acre Woods or a land inspired by the Muppets. However, the turning point came when they considered the success of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” This film’s popularity and the desire to capitalize on contemporary trends set the stage for Toontown’s creation.

From Concept to Reality: The Birth of Toontown

In 1993, Mickey’s Toontown opened its gates at Disneyland, marking the first time in Disney Park history where guests could experience a fully realized, three-dimensional world of animation. This new land was not just a collection of attractions but a living, breathing community where Disney characters “lived,” worked, and played.

Building Challenges: Innovative Solutions

The design of Mickey’s Toontown broke new ground in theme park aesthetics. Imagineers were tasked with bringing the two-dimensional world of cartoons into a three-dimensional space. This led to the creation of over 2000 custom-built props and structures that embodied the ‘squash and stretch’ principle of animation, giving Toontown its distinctiveness.

And then there was also the challenge of hiding the Team Disney Anaheim building, which bore a striking resemblance to a giant hotdog. The Imagineers had to think creatively, using balloon tests and imaginative landscaping to seamlessly integrate Toontown into the larger park.

Key Attractions: Bringing Animation to Life

Mickey’s Toontown featured several groundbreaking attractions. “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin,” inspired by the movie “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” became a staple of Toontown, offering an innovative ride experience. Gadget’s Go-Coaster, though initially conceived as a Rescue Rangers-themed ride, became a hit with younger visitors, proving that innovative design could create memorable experiences for all ages.

Another crown jewel of Toontown is Mickey’s House, a walkthrough attraction that allowed guests to explore the home of Mickey Mouse himself. This attraction was more than just a house; it was a carefully crafted piece of Disney lore. The house was designed in the American Craftsman style, reflecting the era when Mickey would have theoretically purchased his first home in Hollywood. The attention to detail was meticulous, with over 2000 hand-crafted, custom-built props, ensuring that every corner of the house was brimming with character and charm. Interestingly, the design of Mickey’s House was inspired by a real home in Wichita Falls, making it a unique blend of real-world inspiration and Disney magic.

Mickey’s House also showcased Disney’s commitment to creating interactive and engaging experiences. Guests could make themselves at home, sitting in Mickey’s chair, listening to the radio, and exploring the many mementos and references to Mickey’s animated adventures throughout the years. This approach to attraction design – where storytelling and interactivity merged seamlessly – was a defining characteristic of ToonTown’s success.

Executive Decisions: Shaping ToonTown’s Unique Attractions

The development of Mickey’s Toontown wasn’t just about creative imagination; it was significantly influenced by strategic decisions from Disney executives. One notable input came from Jeffrey Katzenberg, who suggested incorporating a Rescue Rangers-themed ride. This idea was a reflection of the broader Disney strategy to integrate popular contemporary characters and themes into the park, ensuring that the attractions remained relevant and engaging for visitors.

In addition to Katzenberg’s influence, Frank Wells, the then-President of The Walt Disney Company, played a key role in the strategic launch of Toontown’s attractions. His decision to delay the opening of “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin” until a year after Toontown’s debut was a calculated move. It was designed to maintain public interest in the park by offering new experiences over time, thereby giving guests more reasons to return to Disneyland.

These executive decisions highlight the careful planning and foresight that went into making Toontown a dynamic and continuously appealing part of Disneyland. By integrating current trends and strategically planning the rollout of attractions, Disney executives ensured that Toontown would not only capture the hearts of visitors upon its opening but would continue to draw them back for new experiences in the years to follow.

Global Influence: Toontown’s Worldwide Appeal

The concept of Mickey’s Toontown resonated so strongly that it was replicated at Tokyo Disneyland and influenced elements in Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland. Each park’s version of Toontown maintained the core essence of the original while adapting to its cultural and logistical environment.

Evolution and Reimagining: Toontown Today

As we approach the present day, Mickey’s Toontown has recently undergone a significant reimagining to welcome “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway” in 2023. This refurbishment aimed to enhance the land’s interactivity and appeal to a new generation of Disney fans, all while retaining the charm that has made ToonTown a beloved destination for nearly three decades.

Dive Deeper into ToonTown’s Story

Want to know more about Mickey’s Toontown and hear some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, then check out the latest episode of Disney Unpacked on Patreon @JimHillMedia. In this episode, the main Imagineer who worked on the Toontown project shares lots of interesting stories and details that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s full of great information and fun facts, so be sure to give it a listen!

History

Unpacking the History of the Pixar Place Hotel

Published

11 months ago

January 30, 2024

Jim Hill

Pixar Place Hotel, the newly unveiled 15-story tower at the Disneyland Resort, has been making waves in the Disney community. With its unique Pixar-themed design, it promises to be a favorite among visitors.

However, before we delve into this exciting addition to the Disneyland Resort, let’s take a look at the fascinating history of this remarkable hotel.

The Emergence of the Disneyland Hotel

To truly appreciate the story of the Pixar Place Hotel, we must turn back the clock to the early days of Disneyland. While Walt Disney had the visionary ideas and funding to create the iconic theme park, he faced a challenge when it came to providing accommodations for the park’s visitors. This is where his friend Jack Wrather enters the picture.

Jack Wrather, a fellow pioneer in the television industry, stepped in to assist Walt Disney in realizing his dream. Thanks to the success of the “Lassie” TV show produced by Wrather’s company, he had the financial means to build a hotel right across from Disneyland.

The result was the Disneyland Hotel, which opened its doors in October 1955. Interestingly, the early incarnation of this hotel had more of a motel feel than a hotel, with two-story buildings reminiscent of the roadside motels popular during the 1950s. The initial Disneyland Hotel consisted of modest structures that catered to visitors looking for affordable lodging close to the park. While the rooms were basic, it marked the beginning of something extraordinary.

The Evolution: From Emerald of Anaheim to Paradise Pier

As Disneyland’s popularity continued to soar, so did the demand for expansion and improved accommodations. In 1962, the addition of an 11-story tower transformed the Disneyland Hotel, marking a significant transition from a motel to a full-fledged hotel.

The addition of the 11-story tower elevated the Disneyland Hotel into a more prominent presence on the Anaheim skyline. At the time, it was the tallest structure in all of Orange County. The hotel’s prime location across from Disneyland made it an ideal choice for visitors. With the introduction of the monorail linking the park and the hotel, accessibility became even more convenient. Unique features like the Japanese-themed reflecting pools added to the hotel’s charm, reflecting a cultural influence that extended beyond Disney’s borders.

Japanese Tourism and Its Impact

During the 1960s and 1970s, Disneyland was attracting visitors from all corners of the world, including Japan. A significant number of Japanese tourists flocked to Anaheim to experience Walt Disney’s creation. To cater to this growing market, it wasn’t just the Disneyland Hotel that aimed to capture the attention of Japanese tourists. The Japanese Village in Buena Park, inspired by a similar attraction in Nara, Japan, was another significant spot.

These attractions sought to provide a taste of Japanese culture and hospitality, showcasing elements like tea ceremonies and beautiful ponds with rare carp and black swans. However, the Japanese Village closed its doors in 1975, likely due to the highly competitive nature of the Southern California tourist market.

The Emergence of the Emerald of Anaheim

With the surge in Japanese tourism, an opportunity arose—the construction of the Emerald of Anaheim, later known as the Disneyland Pacific Hotel. In May 1984, this 15-story hotel opened its doors.

What made the Emerald unique was its ownership. It was built not by The Walt Disney Company or the Oriental Land Company (which operated Tokyo Disneyland) but by the Tokyu Group. This group of Japanese businessmen already had a pair of hotels in Hawaii and saw potential in Anaheim’s proximity to Disneyland. Thus, they decided to embark on this new venture, specifically designed to cater to Japanese tourists looking to experience Southern California.

Financial Challenges and a Changing Landscape

The late 1980s brought about two significant financial crises in Japan—the crash of the NIKKEI stock market and the collapse of the Japanese real estate market. These crises had far-reaching effects, causing Japanese tourists to postpone or cancel their trips to the United States. As a result, reservations at the Emerald of Anaheim dwindled.

To adapt to these challenging times, the Tokyu Group merged the Emerald brand with its Pacific hotel chain, attempting to weather the storm. However, the financial turmoil took its toll on the Emerald, and changes were imminent.

The Transition to the Disneyland Pacific Hotel

In 1995, The Walt Disney Company took a significant step by purchasing the hotel formerly known as the Emerald of Anaheim for $35 million. This acquisition marked a change in the hotel’s fortunes. With Disney now in control, the hotel underwent a name change, becoming the Disneyland Pacific Hotel.

Transformation to Paradise Pier

The next phase of transformation occurred when Disney decided to rebrand the hotel as Paradise Pier Hotel. This decision aligned with Disney’s broader vision for the Disneyland Resort.

While the structural changes were limited, the hotel underwent a significant cosmetic makeover. Its exterior was painted to complement the color scheme of Paradise Pier, and wave-shaped crenellations adorned the rooftop, creating an illusion of seaside charm. This transformation was Disney’s attempt to seamlessly integrate the hotel into the Paradise Pier theme of Disney’s California Adventure Park.

Looking Beyond Paradise Pier: The Shift to Pixar Place

In 2018, Disneyland Resort rebranded Paradise Pier as Pixar Pier, a thematic area dedicated to celebrating the beloved characters and stories from Pixar Animation Studios. As a part of this transition, it became evident that the hotel formally known as the Disneyland Pacific Hotel could no longer maintain its Paradise Pier theme.

With Pixar Pier in full swing and two successful Pixar-themed hotels (Toy Story Hotels in Shanghai Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland), Disney decided to embark on a new venture—a hotel that would celebrate the vast world of Pixar. The result is Pixar Place Hotel, a 15-story tower that embraces the characters and stories from multiple Pixar movies and shorts. This fully Pixar-themed hotel is a first of its kind in the United States.

The Future of Pixar Place and Disneyland Resort

As we look ahead to the future, the Disneyland Resort continues to evolve. The recent news of a proposed $1.9 billion expansion as part of the Disneyland Forward project indicates that the area surrounding Pixar Place is expected to see further changes. Disneyland’s rich history and innovative spirit continue to shape its destiny.

In conclusion, the history of the Pixar Place Hotel is a testament to the ever-changing landscape of Disneyland Resort. From its humble beginnings as the Disneyland Hotel to its transformation into the fully Pixar-themed Pixar Place Hotel, this establishment has undergone several iterations. As Disneyland Resort continues to grow and adapt, we can only imagine what exciting developments lie ahead for this iconic destination.

If you want to hear more stories about the History of the Pixar Place hotel, check our special edition of Disney Unpacked over on YouTube.

Stay tuned for more updates and developments as we continue to explore the fascinating world of Disney, one story at a time.

History

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

Published

11 months ago

January 14, 2024

Jim Hill

In the latest release of Episode 4 of Disney Unpacked, Len and I return, joined as always by Disney Imagineering legend, Jim Shull. This two-part episode covers all things Mickey’s Birthday Land and how it ultimately led to the inspiration behind Disneyland’s fan-favorite land, “Toontown”. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. It all starts in the early days at Disneyland.

Early Challenges in Meeting Mickey

Picture this: it’s the late 1970s and early 1980s, and you’re at Disneyland. You want to meet the one and only Mickey Mouse, but there’s no clear way to make it happen. You rely on Character Guides, those daily printed sheets that point you in Mickey’s general direction. But let’s be honest, it was like finding a needle in a haystack. Sometimes, you got lucky; other times, not so much.

Mickey’s Birthdayland: A Birthday Wish that Came True

Fast forward to the late 1980s. Disney World faced a big challenge. The Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park was under construction, with the company’s marketing machine in full swing, hyping up the opening of Walt Disney World’s third theme park, MGM Studios, in the Spring of 1989. This extensive marketing meant that many people were opting to postpone their family’s next trip to Walt Disney World until the following year. Walt Disney World needed something compelling to motivate guests to visit Florida in 1988, the year before Disney MGM Studios opened.

Enter stage left, Mickey’s Birthdayland. For the first time ever, an entire land was dedicated to a single character – and not just any character, but the mouse who started it all. Meeting Mickey was no longer a game of chance; it was practically guaranteed.

The Birth of Birthdayland: Creative Brilliance Meets Practicality

In this episode, we dissect the birth of Mickey’s Birthdayland, an initiative that went beyond celebrating a birthday. It was a calculated move, driven by guest feedback and a need to address issues dating back to 1971. Imagineers faced the monumental task of designing an experience that honored Mickey while efficiently managing the crowds. This required the perfect blend of creative flair and logistical prowess – a hallmark of Disney’s approach to theme park design.

Evolution: From Birthdayland to Toontown

The success of Mickey’s Birthdayland was a real game-changer, setting the stage for the birth of Toontown – an entire land that elevated character-centric areas to monumental new heights. Toontown wasn’t merely a spot to meet characters; it was an immersive experience that brought Disney animation to life. In the episode, we explore its innovative designs, playful architecture, and how every nook and cranny tells a story.

Impact on Disney Parks and Guests

Mickey’s Birthdayland and Toontown didn’t just reshape the physical landscape of Disney parks; they transformed the very essence of the guest experience. These lands introduced groundbreaking ways for visitors to connect with their beloved characters, making their Disney vacations even more unforgettable.

Beyond Attractions: A Cultural Influence

But the influence of these lands goes beyond mere attractions. Our episode delves into how Mickey’s Birthdayland and Toontown left an indelible mark on Disney’s culture, reflecting the company’s relentless dedication to innovation and guest satisfaction. It’s a journey into how a single idea can grow into a cherished cornerstone of the Disney Park experience.

Interested in learning about Jim Shull’s original idea for a Winnie the Pooh ride? Here’s concept art of the attraction proposed for the original Toontown in Disneyland. More on [Disney Unpacked].

Unwrapping the Full Story of Mickey’s Birthdayland

Our two-part episode of Disney Unpacked is available for your viewing pleasure on our Patreon page. And for those seeking a quicker Disney fix, we’ve got a condensed version waiting for you on our YouTube channel. Thank you for being a part of our Disney Unpacked community. Stay tuned for more episodes as we continue to “Unpack” the fascinating world of Disney, one story at a time.