Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Another Year, Another Show…

Remember a while back? Roger dropped us off for a look at Further Confusion (a furry convention). Well, now he’s got someone from that bunch to share what it’s like to be part of a small press effort at the annual San Diego Comic-Con. So pull up a chair and listen in…

Published

21 years ago

July 30, 2003

Roger Colton

… or Here Comes a (Furry) Fan Girl Wearing the Cranky Pants
a tale from the road by Dasha Ariel Clancey

Once a year the anthropomorphic fanzine Yarf! makes their annual pilgrimage to the sunny San Diego bay area in an effort to promote and sell their recent and not so recent efforts. An unusual small press ‘zine, their print run is 250 done by a professional printer instead of with a laser printer and copiers. These little guys have been printing their fanzine for fourteen years, producing an average of four issues a year. They can’t pay their artists and contributors, but instead provide them free issues. And their fanbase supports them by buying issues and subscriptions.

The destination is the thirty-fourth annual Comic-Con International. Originally, this was a convention of two hundred people to trade comic books and fanzines, and held in one of the area’s many hotels. The precise date or weekend has changed a few times over the years. This year the July weather is warm without being hot, humid without being sticky, and slightly overcast as the fog rolls above the Pacific Ocean in the distance, way out on the horizon. The road is speckled with sightings of the ocean, naval and military installations, and the railroad. The music today is the soundtrack to Spirited Away. Occasionally an aircraft carrier or Aegis cruiser is seen in the bay as you drive past, and the red trolleys chime as they run through San Diego south to San Ysidro and the Mexico border.

This year, as in recent years past, Comic-Con is held in the San Diego Convention Center — a half-mile long building of cement and glass that features a section of the roof that is made of nothing but white canvas ‘sails’ in a tented ‘teepee’-like configuration. No one is here yet, except for those (like the folks from Yarf!) who are setting up their tables or booths in the dealer’s room. Entrance today is only gained from the underground parking garage, which isn’t crowded yet, and the only noise is the sump pumps doing their due diligence to keep the San Diego Bay out of the convention center.

It’s the San Diego Convention Center.
Photo by Dasha Ariel Clancey.

The interior is dark and interrupted by the messy assortment of beeping forklifts and supervisors in electric go-carts. Most of the convention center is the dealer’s room. From first glance you wonder how on Earth a large half-mile room will ever be filled up, but time slowly begins to demonstrate the reality. Carpets are laid out forming aisleways, as tables and chairs are arranged in rows. Small metal bars and stands are erected with sheets of cloth to create barriers between aisles. Signs are hung, denoting the numbers of the aisles. The cavernous half-mile room is transformed into its eventual form — a half mile of big and small corporations, all assembled to share their goods for a price.

As Yarf! arranges their assortment of old and new issues on their small six-foot table, New Line Cinema erects their thirty foot table model of the Tower of Isengarde with inset movie posters for Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and the giant 16-screen TV to play movies of marching elves to encourage purchase of it’s latest DVD product. DC Comics has a large aluminum and cloth booth featuring fifteen-foot Batman logos and figures to sell. While Yarf! sets up their small Apple laptop to track their sales and inventory, EA Games has erected four columns with various computers in them to allow people to try out their complete line of Lord of the Rings games. Disney, nearby, erects several plasma-screen displays over computers so that the young and young-of-heart can sample the computer game for the Haunted Mansion movie which has not even been released yet.

The wall of marching elves to promote the DVD release of “LOTR: The Two Towers.”
Photo by Dasha Ariel Clancey.

The dark cavern becomes a half-mile of palace of commercial greed. Perhaps a better title — instead of Comic-Con International — would be the “Annual San Diego Popular Culture Trade Show and Exhibition”. Where once the comic book was king, today it is only a minor player in the bigger media drama.

The room is divided into a few distinct sections, but is mostly dealer’s room. There are two artist’s alleys where the popular and well-known artists draw. Many of these are elderly and in wheelchairs, as the artist’s alley manager coos and coddles them much to their chagrin. The smaller artists, still young and trying to make their break in the industry are in the second artist’s alley (stashed in a far dark corner where few paying customers will dare to venture). Then there is the art show, where art from many artists is available to view and bid on. No cameras or bags are allowed in this area. That’s okay, the barrier is only waist-high so you can see a lot of it from outside with your camera and bags in your hands.

All these people can’t be going for milk?
Photo by Dasha Ariel Clancey.

As the show opens, fans of all kinds fill the aisles as they run to their favorite booth at break-neck speed. There are the young ones who line up for the fun of fake gunshot wounds painted on their foreheads in promotion of the Freddy Vs. Jason movie. Or the young boys that go from table to table pointing to everything for sale and asking, “Is this free? Is this free? Is this free?” Every mother and father are entering to win that Eddie Bauer SUV or stretched Hum-Vee. Meanwhile, not far away, large vendors are selling copies of the first printing of J.R.R. Tolkein’s works sealed in plastic for $1000 a shot. Newer copies are available with photos from the movie, to which newer readers look at and are heard to say: “Oh look! A movie novelization!”

So, where are the comics anyway? There are any number of comic vendors to sell you the most popular anime-style X-Men comics from Marvel to the most obscure and limited-run episodes of The Wasp imaginable. Open up your wallet, and they will be happily sold to you at a hundred bucks a shot. But they may be willing to make you a deal… After all greed on both sides of buying and selling is what keeps many folks coming back, year after year, after year, after year…

In the day, comic books were the major focus of the gathering. Today, that is decidedly more of the overall media in scope. In the Golden Era of comics, there were only the major players such as Marvel, DC and Harvey. That changed with the growth of small press publications. The variety of subjects and art styles is something enjoyed by many of the folks coming through the door year after year.

Small press tables face large corporate booths like Hasbro, so that those viewing overpriced toys will be encouraged to look at the young lady’s booth who is trying to vend her first comic that she drew and wrote herself. Thousands of people pass these small tables, but only a small few stop and look and even fewer buy these low-run comics and fanzines. After all, why would you want some small anthropomorphic fanzine when you can enter to win a stretch Hum-Vee? How can funny animals hope to compete against all that power, flashy lights, and chrome detailing?

The altar of retail greed in all it’s glory! The showfloor with sales at the ready.
Photo by Dasha Ariel Clancey

Comic-Con features more than just the dealer’s room. There is great programming about art and writing and movie making with big-name figures to sit with you and tell you all about it. But oddly enough one notices the audiences in these panels to be very sparse and thin. Most of the paid audience is in the dealer’s room partaking at the fount of commercial greed. Gaming continues long into the night if you sign up in advance; if you don’t mind it all being dominated by Dungeons and Dragons players from the Role Play Gaming Association (Anyone interested in Role Playing Games other than D&D? Perish the thought!) And don’t forget there are hall costumes, the masquerade, and all sorts of fun to be had for the whole family (and then some).

As for our small anthropomorphic fanzine, they sit back and talk with other small press dealers, play computer games on the laptop, and generally tide their way through four days in a busy and noisy room. The socializing out weighs the sales in many aspects.

They consider themselves successful to have paid for their table in sales, and are glad to have less material to schlep home than they came with, So they head off, with the fog rolling in now after four days of sun, to spend the next year wondering if they’ll be back for another crack at it. All to the soundtrack of Cowboy Bebop.

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.