History

Walt Disney and Norman Rockwell

JHM columnist Wade Sampson is back with another great column about two great American artists and how their respective careers were intertwined.

Published

20 years ago

April 29, 2004

Jim Korkis

“The view of life I communicate in my pictures excludes the sordid and ugly. I paint life as I would like it to be.”
– Norman Rockwell

This is a philosophy that mirrors Walt Disney’s beliefs as well.

Rockwell’s obituary in TIME magazine, in 1978, read: “Rockwell shared with Walt Disney the extraordinary distinction of being one of two artists familiar to nearly everyone in the U.S., rich or poor, black or white, museum go-er or not, illiterate or Ph.D.”

Walt and Norman Rockwell shared many of the same honors. The Silver Buffalo Award for distinguished service to youth from the Boy Scouts of America was given to both Norman Rockwell and Walt Disney. The Silver Buffalo Award is presented annually to adults who generously dedicate their time and resources for the benefit of youth. This award, Scouting’s highest commendation for service to youth, recognizes the invaluable contributions American men and women have made to our nation’s young people. Walt and Rockwell also share space in the Art Director’s Hall of Fame.

In the minds of many, THE SATURDAY EVENING POST and Norman Rockwell are synonymous. His legendary association with the magazine spanned forty-seven years, from 1916 to 1963. During his forty-seven year affiliation with the publication he produced 323 SATURDAY EVENING POST covers. (He produced cover work for another ten years for LOOK magazine.)

THE SATURDAY EVENING POST cover of March 1, 1941 illustrated by Rockwell is entitled GIRL READING THE POST (also called DOUBLE TAKE) and depicts a coming-of-age school girl in bobby sox, saddle shoes, and a plaid skirt with her face hidden, engrossed in a fictitious issue of THE POST, whose cover features a close-up head shot of an elegant lady the bobby soxer is hoping to become.

THE POST’s legions of avid readers demanded to see the face behind the imaginary magazine, and, in a subsequent issue, THE POST printed a photo of Rockwell’s sixteen-year-old model, Millicent Mattison. Costumed and striking a pose similar to the original, the smiling face of the Arlington, Vermont, girl was seen looking around the left of the issue featuring GIRL READING THE POST.

Millicent Mattison Riker (who also posed for HAT CHECK GIRL and other Rockwell illustrations) now living in Georgia remembered, “Well, I was used to posing for Norman Rockwell. It seems everyone in Arlington did. Even though he only paid something like twenty-five cents an hour, he was always so very nice. But, oh, I was very surprised at the nationwide clamor to see my face.”

Rockwell gave GIRL READING THE POST to Walt Disney in 1943, during the illustrator’s short residence in Alhambra, California. The original oil is inscribed, “To Walt Disney, one of the really great artists, from an admirer, Norman Rockwell.” In appreciation, Walt wrote to Rockwell: “I can’t begin to thank you…my entire staff have been traipsing up to my office to look at it…minutely they inspect it…to all of them, you are some sort of god.” To accompany the note, Walt sent the illustrator a set of ceramic figurines featuring characters from PINOCCHIO, BAMBI and FANTASIA. GIRL READING THE POST hung in Disney’s office for decades, then later, in the home of his daughter, Diane.

In August, 2001, Diane Disney Miller donated GIRL READING THE POST to the Norman Rockwell Museum: “I visited your museum last year, loved it, and am pleased to know that the painting will hang where it belongs.”

“Our appreciation for her kind, significant, historic gift is as boundless as the esteem that Rockwell and generations of Americans have had for her father’s work,” said Norman Rockwell Museum Director Laurie Norton Moffatt. “We are so grateful to Mrs. Miller for her extremely generous gift. GIRL READING THE POST is an important addition to our collection.”

Founded in 1969 with the help of Norman and Molly Rockwell, the Norman Rockwell Museum (9 Glendale Rd. Stockbridge, MA 01262 (413) 298-4100) is dedicated to the enjoyment and study of the work of one of America’s favorite artists. The Museum houses the world’s largest and most significant collection of Rockwell’s work, including 574 original paintings and drawings. The Museum also houses the Norman Rockwell Archives, a collection of more than 100,000 items, including working photographs, letters, personal calendars, fan mail, and business documents. Internationally renowned architect Robert A. M. Stern (who also designed the Walt Disney World Casting Building and the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts) designed the Museum gallery building.

Walt’s brother-in-law and Disney Studio storyman, Bill Cottrell remembered Walt’s first meeting with Norman Rockwell: “We were traveling in New England and stopped for lunch in a little tea room. It had pictures by Norman Rockwell all over the walls. Walt said, ‘Rockwell lives around here, doesn’t he?’ The waitress answered that he did and told him to go back three miles down the road and turn at the covered bridge. Walt and I, along with our wives, ended up spending a couple of hours with Rockwell. We just dropped in on him-it was nothing formal. He was mowing the grass when we drove up. He told us how he photographed people of the village and used them in his painting as he needed them. He showed us SATURDAY EVENING POST covers and several other paintings. Later, he did a commissioned portrait of Walt’s daughters.”

Amusingly, the name of the creator of Mickey Mouse was not recognized by Rockwell’s cook and he initially refused admittance to Walt and his entourage. This incident probably explains why some of Disney’s correspondence to Rockwell is humorously signed: “Walt WHO?”

Diane and Sharon did sit for portrait sketches that Rockwell did for Walt and Lillian and for many years those sketches hung side by side in Walt’s formal office. When asked about it, Diane laughed, “I was about ten years old and a real brat about it.”

In one of the letters that Walt Disney wrote to Norman Rockwell, he stated that: “I thought your FOUR FREEDOMS were great. I especially loved FREEDOM OF WORSHIP and the composition and symbolism expressed in it.”

In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave a speech about the “Four Freedoms” everyone should have: freedom from fear, freedom from want, freedom of speech, and freedom of worship. Norman Rockwell painted these FOUR FREEDOMS. These paintings in a touring exhibition succeeded in raising almost $133 million in war-bond purchases. Norman Rockwell said the FOUR FREEDOMS were “serious paintings which sucked the energy right out of me, leaving me dazed and thoroughly weary.”

However, the most remembered Walt and Rockwell connection took place over a decade after Walt’s death.

Rockwell’s TRIPLE SELF PORTRAIT was painted by the artist when he was sixty-six years old and is one of his most famous paintings. (Yes, that is a glass of Coca-Cola sitting there on the chair.) Norman Rockwell admired the work of other artists, among them Durer, Rembrandt, Picasso, and Van Gogh. Their self-portraits are tacked to Rockwell’s canvas for inspiration. While self-portraits are common, multiple self-portraits are not. This is a glimpse of not only how Rockwell saw himself but how millions of Americans thought of him as friendly and unpretentious. The patriotic color scheme also emphasizes that American influence in his many paintings.

For the cover of the Summer 1978 issue of BACKSTAGE magazine for Disneyland cast members, Creative Services Department artist Charles Boyer created WALT’S SELF PORTRAIT as an homage to Rockwell’s famous painting.

Charles Boyer began his Disney career in 1960 as a portrait sketch artist at Disneyland Park. His work was so well received that after just six months he was transferred to Marketing to conceptualize and create all phases of graphics for the Park. In the thirty-nine years he was with Disneyland, he produced nearly fifty collectible lithographs as well as a diverse range of artwork for magazine covers, flyers, in-Park packaging, merchandise and corporate sponsored oil portraits for retiring employees. His tremendous work earned him the title of Disneyland’s first full-time illustrator and subsequently was elevated to the Park’s only Master Illustrator. On June 18, 1999 he officially retired and on Disneyland’s 44th birthday on July 17,1999, artist Charles Boyer got his window on Main Street at Disneyland which states: “Partners Portrait Gallery. Charles Boyer, Master Illustrator.”

WALT’S SELF PORTRAIT was so popular that it was made into a limited edition lithograph to be sold to Disney cast members and instantly sold out. The original painting is on display at Walt Disney Hall at the exclusive Smoke Tree Ranch, Walt’s Palm Spring Vacation home.

The popularity of the painting resulted in Boyer doing another variation, MICKEY’S SELF PORTRAIT, which was later merchandised on postcards, embroidery kits and sculptures. A three-dimensional window display based on the original painting was showcased at the Suspended Animation store at Pleasure Island when it opened in 1989. That display was later replaced with a display based on another of Boyer’s inspirational “borrowings” from Rockwell, BARBERSHOP QUARTET.

History

The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown

Published

3 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

3 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

4 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.