Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

A Mouseketrips Mouseke-tip: Explaining Disneyland’s “Good Neighbor” hotel program

Are you thinking about taking a trip to the Disneyland Resort anytime soon? Then let Scott Liljenquist walk you through your many Anaheim area lodging alternatives.

Published

20 years ago

August 1, 2004

Scott Liljenquist

It’s well known that one of Walt Disney’s chief frustrations with the Disneyland Resort property in Anaheim, California, was the lack of real estate he had to work with. The 160 acres of former orange grove that now make up the Disneyland Resort was all that Walt could afford to purchase back in 1953, and the lack of space to expand and imagine was a continual sore spot with Walt and continues to be a concern for the Walt Disney Company to this day.

One of the most poignant indicators of this lack of space is the limited number of Disney owned and operated hotels at the Disneyland Resort. While Walt Disney World in Florida currently boasts 22 different Disney owned and operated resort hotels and an RV/campground resort, the Disneyland Resort is home to only three Disney owned hotels:

The original Disneyland Hotel, which opened in 1955 (well, actually it was the much smaller Disneyland Motel that opened in 1955 before it was dramatically expanded to become the Disneyland Hotel. Also, it was originally built, owned, and operated by the Wrather Corporation under a somewhat desperate 1955 agreement made between a cash-starved Walt Disney and Jack Wrather. Disney didn’t gain ownership and control of the hotel until 1989. Anyway…)
Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel (which used to be owned by the Pan Pacific Hotel chain and was called the Pan Pacific Anaheim-Disneyland. Disney purchased this hotel 1996 and renamed it the Disneyland Pacific Hotel, and then renamed it again with the opening of DCA and Downtown Disney to Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel),
The crown jewel of the Disneyland Resort hotels – Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel (which was built at the same time as DCA and is still the only resort hotel to reside inside a Disney theme park).

While these are all wonderful properties, they certainly cannot by themselves handle the huge crush of guests that visit the Disneyland resort. Disney realized long ago that it could not possibly accommodate everyone who wanted a hotel room for a visit to Disneyland, and thus created the Good Neighbor Hotel program.

The Disneyland Good Neighbor hotel program recommends accommodations at non-Disney owned hotels that surround the Disneyland Resort. In order to be included in the Good Neighbor program, hotel properties have to adhere to a standard of quality in appearance, lodging, and service as set by Disney. Every property is regularly inspected by Disney, and will be removed from the Good Neighbor program if any of the standards are found lacking.

While they certainly do not have the quality of service of the Disney hotels, these properties have worked extremely hard to earn Good Neighbor status and put a huge amount of effort into maintaining the designation. Why for? Good Neighbor hotels can be booked directly through Disney reservations and can include the Good Neighbor Magic vacation package that adds park passes, priority seatings, and other special perks not available to travelers not booking through Disney. As you can well imagine, this is a huge benefit to the owners of these properties, and they’ll do anything they can to earn and maintain a Good Neighbor designation.

Good Neighbor hotels are divided into four classifications based on the size and/or quality of accommodations: Superior, Moderate, Economy, and Suites.

Superior hotels offer the best service and accommodations. Rooms are generally larger and better appointed. Most properties offer amenities such as room service, concierge, and complimentary transportation to the Disney parks.

Moderate properties, by far the largest category, offer good quality rooms at more moderate prices. These hotels have upgraded furnishings and amenities, and offer a very good value for the money. Most offer the advantage of close proximity to the parks, with many in walking distance.

For those just looking for a good, clean, comfortable place to sleep, the Economy properties are a very good choice. They are short on services and amenities, but are perfect for the traveler who plans on spending the maximum amount of time in the parks and just wants a place to crash.

Suite properties offer the convenience of sleeping up to 8 people in one room and are generally more upscale and desirable hotels. It’s often wise to look at a suite property if you are traveling with a large family or group – the cost per person for a suite can come out to be less than the cost of several individual hotel rooms at an Economy hotel and you get the advantages of the more upscale hotel.

As part of my trip to Disneyland for the latest round of Jim Hill Media Disneyland tours last month, I had the opportunity to visit most of the Good Neighbor hotel properties. In addition, we have been collecting comments and experiences from our clients for quite some time. As a benefit to you, our loyal readers, we’ve condensed all of this information into a list of our favorite Good Neighbor hotels.

Superior

These properties are all name brand, national chain hotels that I’m sure you’ve heard of. You can’t really go wrong with any of them, as each offers quality accommodations and they all seem to work hard to maintain their company image.

Mouseketrips recommends:

Crowne Plaza Resort – Anaheim-Garden Grove — This is a very nice hotel located about a mile and a half south of Disneyland. It is located in a pleasant hotel/shopping district and is surrounded by several good restaurants. It’s not really within walking distance to Disneyland but does offer a complimentary shuttle to the parks.

Moderate

A wide variety of properties in this category offer something for every traveler. Some offer convenience over quality with locations right across the street from Disneyland. Some offer higher quality service and accommodations at a lower price. Most properties will offer some sort of complimentary breakfast.

Mouseketrips recommends:

Candy Cane Inn — This is our favorite moderate hotel (and one of our favorite hotels in any class), and it is usually quite difficult to get a reservation here. A wonderful property with fantastic landscaping, a good pool, and very nice rooms, it’s also a very short walk to the Disney parks.
Hilton Garden Inn — Located south of the Candy Cane Inn, this is a new property located in a very nice hotel district about 3/4 mile south of the parks.
Holiday Inn Anaheim Resort Area — You’d never guess this is a Holiday Inn by looking at it. It’s a very upscale-looking 8-story property situated a little over a mile southeast of Disneyland. It has many features and amenities that are not normally found at a moderate property such as interior hallways, a fantastic pool, room service, concierge, and free self-parking. A great deal for the price.
Economy

These properties are what they are – a clean, comfortable place to rest your head between park visits. They don’t pretend to be the Ritz in any way, but they are a very good value and can’t be beat if you’re on a budget.

Mouseketrips recommends:

Ramada Inn Maingate — This is a motel-style property located right across the street from Disneyland. It doesn’t look like much from the street, but once inside it has a nice pool in an interior courtyard/parking area. The location is fantastic.
Red Roof Inn Anaheim-Maingate — This is a 4-story hotel located about 3/4 mile from the resort. It’s walkable, but it is a pretty good hike. It has a fairly nice pool in an interior courtyard, and doesn’t look like an economy hotel from the outside.

Suite

These hotels offer everything from junior suites, which are a large standard hotel room with a half-wall separating the “bedroom” area from the “living” area, to full 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom suites with kitchen facilities.

Mouseketrips recommends:

Hyatt Regency Orange County— Located about a half-mile south of the parks, this large property has good rooms, good service, and a good location. The Hyatt Kids’ Suite is always a big hit with our clients – it features a separate room with bunk beds, a TV with the Disney channel, and an activity table.
Residence Inn — There are actually two Residence Inns in the area, and we can recommend them both. The Residence Inn Anaheim is located about ½ mile east of the resort, and features a large complex of 2-story condominium-style buildings in a wonderfully landscaped setting. The Residence Inn Anaheim Resort Area is located about ½ mile south of the parks, and is a new 8-story all suite property. Both feature great pools but are a long walk to the parks.
Staybridge Suites — This 7-story property is located right next to (and shares its pool and some common areas with) the Holiday Inn Anaheim Resort Area. It is a very nice, new hotel with large suite-type rooms, including the very popular 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom suites.

So there you have it – Disneyland Resort’s Good Neighbor hotels. When visiting Disneyland, our first preference and recommendation is, of course, to stay at one of the Disney hotels. There’s just nothing like the magic and atmosphere of being immersed in the Disney magic 24 hours per day. However, if availability or budget doesn’t allow a Disney resort for your vacation, the Good Neighbor hotels are a great second choice.

Scott Liljenquist is co-owner of Mouseketrips.com, the web’s best Disney-only travel agency. A graduate of the College of Disney Knowledge, he suffers from a serious Disney Obsession Disorder. Unhappy unless he’s either on a WDW vacation or planning the next one, he can usually be found scouring the ‘net for the latest Disney news, rumors, and gossip. For further information on the sorts of trips and tours that Mouseketrips offers, visit the Mouseketrips web site.

History

The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown

Published

6 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

6 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

6 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.