Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

An all-Disneyland edition of Why For

As we wrap up our week-long salute to the Anaheim theme park’s 50th anniversary celebration, Jim Hill answers several of your Disneyland-related trivia questions. Like where to find John Hench’s name in Space Mountain, who was supposed to be lying under that giant patchwork quilt you see toward the back of the Storybook Canals, and what else almost got built inside of Main Street’s Opera House.

Published

19 years ago

September 1, 2005

Jim Hill

First up in Cory F. Who writes in to say:

Dear Jim:

I’ve really been enjoying Jeff Lange’s photos this week of Disneyland’s 50th anniversary celebration. I was wondering if Jeff attended the Space Mountain rededication back in July. And if he did, does he have any pictures of that ceremony to share?

Thanks,

Cory F.

I also keep hearing about this tribute to John Hench that’s supposedly hidden somewhere inside of Space Mountain. Would you or Jeff know where I should look to find this?

Dear Cory F.

Sorry. But Jeff doesn’t have any shots of the Space Mountain rededication ceremony to share with JHM. You see, back in July, Disneyland’s Publicity Department was somewhat stingy when it came to awarding press credentials to those websites that really wanted to cover the various events surrounding the theme park’s 50th birthday. And — since JHM wasn’t one of the four sites chosen — we missed out on getting decent pictures of the Space Mountain rededication ceremony, astronaut Mickey’s appearance with Neil Armstrong, etc.

But the upside is … I do know what you’re talking about when it comes to that John Hench tribute that the Imagineers have supposedly put into the recently renovated Space Mountain.

To be honest, I think that it’s great that the guys at WDI decided to honor John’s memory in this way. After all, if it hadn’t been for the late Mr. Hench, there might not even have been a Space Mountain.

Copyright The Walt Disney Company

You see, it was John who — back in the mid-1960s — actually came up with the idea of the “cartilaginous” (That’s Hench’s word for describing the extreme of Space Mountain, not mine) structure rising up out of the center of Tomorrowland. This vast building that — thanks to its size and shape — hinted at the future & space travel.

So — in honor of John’s contribution to this projection — the Imagineers honored his memory by hiding his name in plain site. You know those stark white faux future structures that you find scattered along the queue?

Photo by Jeff Lange

Sometimes it pays to pay close attention to what’s written inside of these things.

Photo by Jeff Lange

Next up, Liz E. writes in to say that:

Jim —

I love all of the Disneyland 50th photo montages that Jeff & Nancy put together for this week. You should make those available to JHM readers so that they can then use those images as wallpaper on their computers.

There was one shot from Wednesday’s article that I was particularly interested in. It showed Casey Jr. rolling past that large patchwork quilt-like flower garden you see toward the back of the Storybook Canal ride. Years ago, I had a friend who actually worked at Disneyland tell that there was a reason that that garden looked the way it did. That Walt had specific plans for that part of Fantasyland but never got around to building what it was he wanted to build back there.

Do you have any idea what Disney wanted to do with this part of the Storybook Canal ride?

Liz E.

Dear Liz E.

Yeah, I do know what your friend was actually talking about. And it’s always seemed a shame to me that the Imagineers have never actually gone forward with adding this proposed addition to the Storybook Canal boat ride.

The giveaway of what Walt wanted to do back here is the flower bed itself. Which — as you can see from this photograph of the greenery behind the miniature version of Agrabah– is deliberately designed to look like a giant patchwork quilt.

Photo by Jeff Lange

Well, who better to sleep under a giant patchwork quilt than a giant?

Photo by Jeff Lange

What Disney wanted to do in this part of this Fantasyland attraction was recreate a gag toward the end of the 1938 Mickey Mouse short, “The Brave Little Tailor.” Where the breath of this unconcious giant (who’s been knocked out by the Mouse in an epic battle) is now being used to spin the arms of a windmill. Which — in turn — is then being used to power a merry-go-round that Mickey & Princess Minnie are riding.

That’s why that windmill in this concept painting has been placed so close to the giant’s mouth. So that — each time a snore would echo out of his enormous mouth — the arms of the windmill on his chest would spin just a little bit faster. Neat gag, don’t you think?

Photo by Jeff Lange

Of course, the hostesses in the canal boats were also supposed to get in on the act. As they approached the sleeping giant, they’d have asked everyone in their boat to please be quiet. So as not to awake the sleeping behemoth.

Given that Disneyland’s landscaping department has faithfully maintained the patchwork quilt portion of the Storybook Canal ride, I have always hoped that — at some point — the Anaheim theme park would eventually get around to installing that oversized giant’s head. So that they could then finally pay off a joke that Walt himself had set up nearly 50 years ago.

Mind you, Disney had a number of things that he wanted to eventually have installed in Disneyland’s Storybook Canal ride. Like the Big Rock Candy Mountain (Which was to have featured a miniature version of the Emerald City from “The Wizard of Oz” inside). But — as the late 1950s gave way to the early 1960s — Walt’s attention was drawn to other things. Like the creation of Audio Animatronics as well as the development of “Project Sunshine” for Florida.

Still, given that more than half the work for this particular addition to the Storybook Canal ride has been done for decades now, I keep hoping that someday I’ll see a sleeping giant’s head poking out from under that enormous patchwork quilt. So who knows? It may happen yet, Liz.

And — finally — Cookie S. drops me a line to say:

Mr. Hill

My family and I just got back from our vacation to Disneyland. Where we really enjoyed that historic display in the lobby of the Main Street Opera House.

When we got back home to Tulsa, I was telling my uncle about our visit and all the memorabilia that was on display. And he recalled that, when he visited that same building at Disneyland back in the 1960s, that there was a different sort of display in there. One that supposedly promoted some Santa Claus movie.

Do you know anything about this other Opera House exhibit? Or is my uncle just having a “senior moment”?

Many thanks for your help,

Cookie S.

Dear Cookie —

Actually, your uncle is right. From December of 1961 through September of 1963, Disneyland’s Main Street Opera House was home to a pretty elaborate display of the props & sets from Walt Disney Productions’ 1961 release, “Babes in Toyland.” And given that this Jack Donohue film does rather prominently feature the home of the Toymaker (I.E. A character played by Disney favorite Ed Wynn, who supposedly made all of the toys that Santa then distributed on December 24th), it’s easy to understand why your uncle might have remembered this particular display as being about some ” … Santa Claus movie.”

Disneyland’s Main Street Opera House actually has a very interesting history. It was one of the very first structures to rise up out of the orange groves in the Ball Road development. You see, the Opera House was Disneyland’s lumber mill. So much of the wood that was used to build the rest of this theme park started out in this structure. Where it was then cut to length, then plained.

Mind you, the Imagineers didn’t envision the Main Street Opera House as always being Disneyland’s lumber mill. As you can see from this late 1954 / early 1955 era map for the theme park’s Main Street U.S.A. area, you can see that the wizards of WED are already toying with the idea of building International Street.

Photo by Jeff Lange

But if you’ll look closely toward the bottom of this drawing, you’ll see that Disneyland’s Opera House …

Photo by Jeff Lange

… was where the Imagineers initially thought about setting up a display of sets & props from “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” From this concept drawing, you can also see that Disney toyed with the idea of putting a cartoon studio inside of this building. Along with an “M.P. Museum.”

“And what’s an ‘M.P. Museum?,” you ask. Well, if you were to jump to the obvious conclusion — a “Mary Poppins” museum — think again. Walt Disney Productions’ wouldn’t actually acquire the rights to make any movies based on the P.L. Travers books for another five years yet. So if he didn’t have the rights to those characters yet, why then would Walt build a “Mary Poppins” museum?

So you see that theory doesn’t really pan out … Which brings us back to Square One and that most important of questions: What exactly is an “M.P. museum”? “Motion Picture”? “Movie Production”?

Do you folks have any suggestions? If so, drop me a line okay and we’ll then share your ideas with JHM readers next week.

Speaking of next week … In honor of the Labor Day Weekend, JHM won’t be updating again ’til this coming Tuesday morning. So that the staff at this site can take a well-deserved break.

So you folks have a great three-day-weekend, okay? And we’ll see you all again here again, bright & early, on Tuesday morning.

Til then, you take care, alright?

jrh

Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

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

Published

1 day 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

7 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.