Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

A Special Wednesday edition of Ruminations

Folks in the San Francisco Bay Area have always managed to find some interesting places for assorted diversions and amusements. This week, Roger is kicking off a series of columns that will take us to look at them – past, present and maybe even the future. So get comfy and read along…

Published

20 years ago

June 1, 2004

Roger Colton

It’s that time of year again. Weather is generally nice and folks head off to their favorite places for a bit of rest and relaxation. Sometimes, it’s a weekend or longer, but most likely is the day trip. Up this way in Northern California, that’s been something of a tradition for a long number of years. As diverse as the population of the area has been, there have also been amusements and attractions that these people found enjoyable.

Some are gone, others are still with us today, and even a few are in the works for the coming years. And there are more than you might suspect that never made it beyond the planning stages. All in all, it’s a series of tales worth telling, so I’ll be sharing them with you every other week for the coming months.

Now, if you have visited Disneyland in the last couple of years, I would guess that you might have visited the Paradise Pier area of Disney’s California Adventure. The Golden State has had it’s fair share of seaside amusements, and those were the inspirations upon which Imagineering drew from. The Bay Area has been lucky enough to have more than a couple of these, but one continues to be a perennial favorite. So that’s where we will begin this journey.

The climate here in the Bay Area during the summer months tends to be fairly straight forward. Well inland, the mercury often climbs above the century mark. Closer to the Bay, it can still get toasty now and then. But it is that glorious coastal fog that manages to be the salvation of the entire area, when it sails in and cools things off from San Francisco to Sacramento and beyond.

I’ve lived in three distinct microclimates here. Out here in Livermore, mid to high Nineties are the rule. Along the Bay in Mountain View, Seventies and Eighties were about as much as we would expect. On the coast in Pacifica, it seemed like there were days when the fog was there permanently. I’ve heard tales of some residents shrieking in fear when a white ball would appear in the sky, as they didn’t know what it was…

But out here in the Tri-Valley, the presence of fog is nothing short of miraculous. When the wind comes from the West instead of the North or East, life simply becomes more bearable. Folks tend to calm down as the temperature drops. Opening the doors and windows, you can even sleep without the air conditioning running all night long. Pacific Gas & Electric (or Pacific Greed & Extortion as some call it) manages to take less out of our wallets when the fog rolls in from the coast.

That has been the case here for a long time. And as long as there have been people in the area, they have looked for relief from the heat. Archeologists have found artifacts from some of the tribal groups that roamed the area along the coast as well as by the bay. The Spaniards built many of their settlements along the coast as well. The Mission Trail from San Diego north managed not to be too far inland. When the Gold Rush drew more people to San Francisco, they also took advantage of cooler temperatures by the Bay, rivers, lakes and the coast.

One enterprise that came out of those days was the South Pacific Coast Railroad. From a ferry slip on the Bay in Alameda, trains carried passengers and freight along the shore of the East Bay to Santa Clara and then over the Coast Range of mountains to Santa Cruz . (And just to keep things interesting, the railroad was begun in 1876 as a project of Bonanza King James Fair, who you might remember from one of my previous tales of San Francisco. He was one of the folks from the Nevada Bank that helped bring down Billy Ralston and the Bank of California. Another great example of how Comstock silver and gold were put to use developing the state of California.)

It was quite the accomplishment as passengers could ride from San Francisco to Santa Cruz in just under four hours and that included a ferry ride from San Francisco to Alameda. Advertisements heralded the facts of the trip including forty miles less than other routes between the two points and that the journey was made without having to change trains or cars. The Santa Cruz Mountains presented their own challenge to cross, but offered benefits to be reaped in the form of timber and agricultural products. Now these could be expedited to market and profits shared.

The Mountains also offered a great location for relaxation. Resorts and vacation communities sprang up along the line. People from all over the Bay Area could make the journey here with relative ease and in moderate comfort, in those pre-automotive days. In 1887, the railroad was purchased by the Southern Pacific but continued operations unchanged. The new century saw plans for the line to be upgraded from the original three-foot gauge (that’s the distance between the two rails) to the standard or four feet, eight and one half inches gauge used by the Espee. A minor event on April 18, 1906 slowed those plans considerably. The San Francisco earthquake did it’s share of damage here including dislocating the railroads summit tunnel (which has the misfortune to cross the San Andreas Fault in it’s middle). Repairs and the conversion to standard gauge were completed in 1909.

During the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition in San Francisco, the Southern Pacific took advantage of the scenic wonders offered by the route over the mountains and detoured all of it’s mainline passenger trains between Los Angeles and the City through Santa Cruz. A special stop was often made to view the giant coastal redwoods at Big Trees (near Felton). In 1927, the railroad began operation of it’s “Suntan Specials”, putting coaches from commute service between San Francisco and San Jose to work on the Sunday’s. The service proved so popular that it was not uncommon for the train to operate as many as four sections, carrying as many as 5,000 people.

Mother Nature played her own tricks on the railroad over the mountains for much of the existence of the line. The biggest one came January of 1940 as heavy rains (which are actually very common in this part of the California Coast) washed away the railroad through the mountains in many places. By that time, what passenger and freight service remaining on the line had been rerouted from another connection at Watsonville. With the growth in popularity of the automobile and the construction of a highway across the mountains from San Jose, there was no reason to invest in what was sure to be an expensive rebuilding. With the coming of World War II, priorities shifted elsewhere on the Espee system.

Mary Lee Washburn doing her part to entice riders to ride the “Suntan Special” in 1948. From the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Photo Gallery.

1947 saw the return of the “Suntan Specials” but not over the mountain. Trains now ran from San Francisco to San Jose and then to Watsonville and on to Santa Cruz. This link has some views of those trains. The last “Suntan” ran in the mid-Fifties. In the last ten years, occasional excursions have returned to the line in an effort to create support for a resumption of passenger service to Santa Cruz. That’s an attractive alternative at times to the slow and overcrowded Highway 17 from San Jose.

So why have so many folks chosen to make the trek to Santa Cruz? Well, there are a number of reasons. Some of the best beaches for surfing are in the area, and the city is a bit of a haven for some of the counter-culture that California is known for. The University of California at Santa Cruz has the banana slug as its mascot . Now, that’s one item you won’t find at Paradise Pier in Disney’s California Adventure; but it would make a great addition, don’t you think? Get your official slug t-shirt right here!

But, most of those people have chosen the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk as their destination. This photo from 1889 shows the railroad (which is still carrying passenger trains in the same location today and the beach as popular place to enjoy the day. The natural sandy beach still attracts visitors.

The turn of the Twentieth Century saw the popularity of the beach grow and the construction of permanent facilities, under the direction of local real estate promoter Fred Swanton. His vision was to create a Coney Island of the west. In 1904, “Neptune’s Casino” opened for visitors. As an ornate “pleasure casino” it was the highlight of a visit. However, twenty-two months later, the structure burned. A new boardwalk facility opened in 1907 and still greets guests today.

For coaster junkies, this is nirvana. The classic wooden “Big Dipper” was built in 1907 – in only seven days! I first saw it on a visit in the mid-Sixties and have enjoyed some great rides in the years since. If you want to see what inspired DCA’s “California Screamin'”, then this is it! With all the motion you would expect from a wooden coaster, and a great ocean view, this is one not to miss if you are in the area. (That means you, Jim – worth the side trip on your VES visit next month!)

The Boardwalk has seen it’s fair share of history over it’s lifetime. The “Cocoanut Grove” Grand Ballroom was a favorite stop for all of the big bands during the Swing Era. The revival of interest in that style of dancing hasn’t hurt either as it now hosts occasional swing dance parties among other events.

A series of free concerts on the beach are a great way to spend a Friday evening during the summer. One of the bands scheduled to appear this year (August 13), Papa Doo Run Run , has a Disneyland connection. They were one of the “Celebrity House Bands” appearing the Park between 1975 and 1990. With their brand of California surfing music, they’ve been a popular attraction all over the place, even in Hawaii. Their concert at Santa Cruz has also been something of a fixture as they have been playing the middle Friday night in August for the last fourteen years. (Heck, I even remember this bunch playing for dances at my high school back in the mid-Seventies!)

There’s plenty more to keep you occupied including an aerial tramway or skyway that travels above the boardwalk from one end to the other. There are 34 rides and attractions in all including a 1911 Looff Carousel — complete with brass (actually now steel) rings and a 342 pipe band organ. Check this link for all the details. Tickets range from individual rides and or attractions to an all day or all season pass.

The usual way to get from San Jose to Santa Cruz is to driver over Highway 17 across the mountains. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority offers a connecting bus service from either Amtrak or Caltrain. The Highway 17 Express or Route 970 travels from the Diridon train station in downtown San Jose to the Santa Cruz Metro Center – a short walk from the Beach.

But, my favorite way – short of direct rail service from San Jose via Watsonville that hasn’t materialized just yet – is to ride the Santa Cruz, Big Trees and Pacific from Felton down to the Boardwalk. While you may have to drive part of the way from San Jose over the mountains to Felton, there are several options, Highway 9 being an interesting diversion. But once in town, you can park at Roaring Camp (a $6 charge regrettably) and ride the train down the hill. Along the way, you travel through the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (passing the station of Big Trees – the site of a presidential visit by Theodore Roosevelt) and then along the San Lorenzo River Gorge right down to the station stop of Casino. The “Suntan Specials” used to make the same stop right in front of the Boardwalk. Timing it correctly, you can depart from the Roaring Camp depot at 10:30 a.m. and arrive at the Beach about an hour later. A late afternoon return is possible with a departure from Casino at 4:30 p.m. and be back in Felton an hour later. The railroad occasionally carries carloads of freight as well, offering a rare opportunity to ride on a mixed train (freight and passenger service combined). The roundtrip fare is $20 for adults and $15 for children. Check the railroad’s web pages for details. A three-hour roundtrip between the two points is also available.

So there you have it! The first in the series of amusements in the Bay Area. Coming next week, more scoop on “Rex Steele: Nazi Smasher” and other assorted goodies. And down the road, there are more installments as I’ll show you more of those favorite diversions. Stay tuned!

I’m revising my donation pages and want to thank everyone for their support – personally and for the Jim Hill Media message boards. As long as you keep reading ’em, I’ll keep on writing ’em…

Now over on the Jim Hill Media Message Boards, it sure would be nice if a couple of folks would each kick in a single dollar to help us reach our goal and pay for the boards for a few more months. We’re about two-thirds of the way there, so help make it happen! That’s less than the price of that Starbucks latte…

Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

The Story of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: From One Night to a Halloween Family Tradition

Published

1 week 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

7 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

8 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.