Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Take The Train To Disneyland?

Partnering with another company is no big thing in today’s competitive travel market. But back in the Fifties? That’s another story, and Roger Colton has a look at how Disneyland was just the right destination at the right time

Published

19 years ago

October 26, 2005

Roger Colton

Seems like every time we turn around today, another company is offering a deal on travel. Even supermarket chains offer shoppers discounts on vacation packages or airline fares. And even Disneyland multiple day passports can be purchased at the same time as the family’s weekly groceries.

It hasn’t always been the case. Looking back before the days of jet airliners and automobiles on the Interstate highway system, the chance to grab the disposable income of consumers was just as important. And the competition for that dollar was every bit as fierce as then it is now.

The period after the Second World War is often referred to as the “Golden Age” of rail travel. In efforts to lure the traveling public back aboard their trains, the railroads began programs to modernize their railroad operations. Some had taken steps to start this process before the war. As the nation was coming out of the Depression, people were looking to enjoy themselves and had the cash to do so again. Bright colors and modern design attracted travelers in those short years before the war. New trains such as the Southern Pacific’s “Daylight” (in orange, red and black), the Union Pacific’s “City of Los Angeles” (in armour yellow and harbor mist grey) and the Santa Fe’s “Super Chief” (in gleaming stainless steel) all brought passengers to sunny Southern California in record numbers.

But in the mid-Fifties, some of that allure had worn off. With the rise of faster airline service across the state and the nation, accompanied by an all-time high in ownership of automobiles and improving highways nation wide, people were not riding those long distance passenger trains at the rate they had in those first years after the War. It was only natural that the railroads look for ways to attract travelers that went beyond simply transporting passengers. Most of them had experience in offering vacation packages. For examples, the Union Pacific took travelers to National Parks across the states it served in the West. The Santa Fe owned hotels at the Grand Canyon that were, of course, served daily by passenger trains from both the East and the West Coasts.

Disneyland was the answer to the problem faced by the railroads. A destination that families all across the nation would want to visit was the perfect solution for them. The Santa Fe (that’s short for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe) may have had the best jump on the competition. As a Disneyland sponsor, they took the lead and promoted the Park to passengers, shippers and employees even before Opening Day. One very early example was a pocket-sized folded brochure complete with a map of what potential travelers might expect.

A map of Disneyland tempts potential passengers.

This little black and white brochure offered a very early glimpse into what they might expect. It also has views of Santa Fe passenger and freight trains along with a map showing all of the possible routes available to reach Disneyland.

Another larger brochure produced by the Santa Fe right before Disneyland’s Opening Day has more to tempt those undecided travelers. The cover offers views of the brand new “Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad, while the interior has the scoop on what awaited them at the Park.

How could we resist? Steam trains and Disneyland!

This is DISNEYLAND!
LOCATED: 1313 Harbor Boulevard, bordering Santa Ana Freeway, in Anaheim, California
OPENING: Monday, July 18, 1955 at 10 a.m.
HOURS: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week during the summer. Open six days a week – closed Mondays – starting in the Fall.
Size: Total area 160 acres. 60 acres in park.
PARKING: 12, 175 car capacity in 100-acre parking lot. An “elephant train” transports guest from the parking lot to Main Gate.
FOOD: Twenty restaurants in the different lands, including snack bars and stands, will serve approximately 8,000 persons hourly.
LANDS: Disneyland consists of four “lands” plus Main Street. The lands are Frontierland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland and Fantasyland.
DISTANCE: A minimum walking distance of 1.4 miles to visit every land.
RIDES: Peter Pan, Snow White, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, King Arthur Carousel, Mad Tea Party, Dumbo, Casey Jr., Canal Boats of the World, Disneyland Street Railway, Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad; Disneyland Fire Dept., Disneyland Autopia,; TWA Rocket to the Moon; Space Station X-1; Conestoga wagons; surreys, buggies, buckboards; explorer’s boat ride through tropical rivers of the world, Speed boats, the “Mark Twain,” a 105-foot river boat; mule pack rides; and the Disneyland Stage line.
VISITORS: 5,000,000 visitors expected the first year. Disneyland is designed to handle a maximum of 60,000 daily.
ADMISSION: $1.00, including tax, for adults and 50c, including tax, for children under 12.

The tri-fold brochure further describes the rides and amusements by land including more details on the rides. It also describes how to reach Disneyland including the passenger trains and connections from downtown Los Angeles including Tanner Gray Line Motor Tours (that’s tour busses to us), Metro-Lines (public transit busses) and Rent-A-Car Service from Tanner Tours including limousine service with liveried chauffeurs. It also mentions the Disneyland Hotel scheduled to open “about” August 15.

Finally, the Santa Fe’s marketing, er… passenger sales staff, really lays it on thick:

“Every child should see Disneyland – Santa Fe has special Family Fares to make it cost less for your family trips.”

Not to be outdone, the other railroads serving Southern California added Disneyland as a favored destination later that year. The Southern Pacific offered packages including hotels and transportation (including from your hotel to Disneyland and back again). A friend of mine took one of these for his first Park visit along with his mother and still has all of the documents from the railroad (including the Greyhound bus ride from home to San Francisco for the trip on the train to Los Angeles).
The Union Pacific also offered passengers the opportunity to visit the Park with it’s own dramatic flair. It used some wonderful images of Disneyland on various items including calendars, post cards and dining car menus.

An early view of Disneyland’s Town Square.
Dining Car Menu from the Domeliner City of St. Louis, June 1965.

Not far by Freeway from Los Angeles, at Anaheim, is never to be forgotten Disneyland, where you’ll find a new experience in wonderful entertainment. Each segment of this sixty-five acre wonderland is an adventure in itself… on MAIN STREET take an omnibus rise past early-century stores and shops… in ADVENTURELAND explore the mysterious world of the tropics… visit FRONTIERLAND and transport yourself back into pioneer times… relive childhood’s happy hours of Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan in FANTASYLAND and last but not least, in TOMORROWLAND view the future in a rocket ship, travel aboard the streamlined trains of the Disneyland-Alweg monorail System, sail beneath the seven seas in an Atomic-Submarine or race in a bobsled down the “snow-capped” slopes of the Matterhorn Mountain replica.
All this, and much more, is DISNEYLAND… hours or days of wonderful family entertainment.
From East Los Angeles station, Union Pacific bus, for cities on the Anaheim branch, will deliver patrons direct to Disneyland Hotel, a regular stop. Other nearby resort motels can be reached by taxi from the Disneyland Hotel. Likewise on the return trip the bus for East Los Angeles will pick up at the Disneyland Hotel. Patrons using the Domeliners “City of Los Angeles” or the “City of St. Louis” may avail themselves of this service.

A view from the menu shows the Union Pacific Bus
and Monrail Blue both serving the Travelport
at the Disneyland Hotel.

The bus connection and the use of the Disneyland images continued right up until the end of passenger service by the railroad in 1971. And one of the busses survives today as part of the collection of the California State Railroad Museum. It even makes occasional trips to special events around the state. Now that would be interesting to see back to Disneyland for a visit! Don’t know about that long ride from Sacramento…

Although Amtrak did not continue to provide service on all of the routes that had brought passengers to Los Angeles and Disneyland, it did continue the use of Disneyland in it’s own promotional literature. Somewhere buried in storage, I have Amtrak postcards for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Today, Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner trains stop at Fullerton and Anaheim with transportation available to and from Disneyland.

Fantasy in the Sky fireworks blossom over Disneyland’s
“Sleeping Beauty Castle” — as seen on the cover of
a Dinner menu aboard the Union Pacific’s
“City of Los Angeles” in January 1971.

Hope that you enjoyed seeing these items as much as I enjoyed sharing them with you. I’m always on the look out for more of this kind of thing, so feel free to drop me a note if you find some.

Thanks to everyone who has supported the victims of Katrina and Rita. It does make a difference. The American Red Cross does good work every time they are called upon. Every bit helps, all the time. Any donation is greatly appreciated.

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!