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Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Around the World in Eighty Bites

Tums in hand, JHM columnist Seth Kubersky makes a trek around Epcot’s World Showcase lagoon to sample all of the killer cuisine offered at this year’s Food and Wine Festival. As well as giving us an update on the status of “Mission: Space.”

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October is my favorite time of year to live in Orlando. During the blistering summer heat, when hordes of tourists swarm like locusts, I curse this town. In the spring, when the daily 4 p.m. monsoons come through, turning I-4 into a flooded parking lot, I wonder how soon I can move back to Jersey. But each October, I’m reminded why I love this place.

The weather is perfect, with clear days in the 80s and mild nights in mid-60s. Tourism drops off until Thanksgiving, making it the perfect time of year to ditch work for an afternoon and ride some rides. There are many fantastic Halloween events to explore, making Orlando a horror fan’s paradise.

But my favorite thing about Orlando in October is Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival. Running from October 18th through November 16th, this year’s Food and Wine Fest is the largest yet. Anyone in town with an appreciation for the culinary arts, or just a desire to eat and drink themselves into a coma, owes it to themselves to pay a visit.

There are several facets to the Festival, many of which are included at no extra charge with your Epcot admission. There are exhibits on subjects like Australia wineries, South African culture, and Italian chocolate. There are cooking demonstrations and craft projects for the kids. Every day of the festival features a different lineup of seminars and demonstrations, featuring chefs and wine experts from Disney and around the world. There is the “Eat to the Beat” concert series, featuring nostalgia acts such as Sister Sledge, Three Dog Night, and Chubby Checker. And there are the sold-out “Party for the Senses” events, which combine VIP seating for the concerts and Illuminations with gourmet food and wine (for a hefty $85 on top of admission).

But the heart of the Food and Wine Festival is the International Marketplace. This year, 26 different kiosks have been arranged around the World Showcase lagoon. Each features appetizer-sized samples of regional food and drink, priced from $1 to $4.50. There are stands for each of the nations represented by the World Showcase pavilions, such as China and Germany. There are also stands representing cuisine from nations like Australia, Spain, and Russia, as well as specialty beer and wine gardens.

Each stand offers an average of 3 kinds of food and 4 beverages to sample. In total, there are over 70 different foods to try, and over 110 different beverages. No human could try everything, or even sample one item from each stand, in one visit. At least not without needing serious medical attention afterwards. My technique is to work my way around the lagoon, trying one or two items from each stand. I can visit half a dozen stands in a visit, and by the end of the month-long event I’ve made 4 or 5 trips and sampled something from every stand. By that time I’m a couple hundred dollars poorer, and a few pounds heavier. What sacrifices we make for culture!

There are legitimate criticisms to be leveled at the Festival, and many of my friends don’t like the event. For one, it can be very expensive. Though each item is less than $5, and many are only $2 or $3, eating your way around the world can quickly add up. It’s easy to spend $50 before you know it, and the addition of credit card readers has made this event even more dangerous to the wallet. It’s also easy to become intoxicated before you realize it. The wine and beer are served in samples that are half the size of a normal glass, so it’s easy to toss back half a dozen samples and find yourself in over your head.

So be sure to drink plenty of water, especially if it’s a warm day, and ride Mission: Space before you start imbibing. The food samples themselves can be a bit hit-or-miss. The recipes are sometimes more ambitious than what the kitchens can deliver, and some of the portions can be a bit small. This is not an event for bargain hunters, and you will be better of at one of the park’s fast food eateries if you want to fill up for $10.

All these minor gripes pale next to the huge variety offered by the festival. You may be able to find any one dish at the Festival at a restaurant in your hometown, better prepared and at a cheaper price. But there is nowhere else on Earth where you will find all of these different items, in such a beautiful setting, at a price that encourages grazing for hours on end. If the items on offer at one stand don’t appeal to you, just walk a dozen yards and you’ll find a whole new menu. Combine this with the fascinating cooking demonstrations, free concerts, and all the other attractions on offer in the park, and you have a gourmet’s (or gourmand’s) dream come true.

On my first visit to this year’s Festival, I sampled from half a dozen stands between the Mexico and Germany pavilions. I started with a delicious Floridian seafood stew, a generous portion of shrimp, clams, and fish in a rich tomato broth, and washed it down with a refreshing grapefruit wine. The Greek souvlaki was less successful; a meager skewer of overdone meat with a tasty onion-and-yogurt tzatziki sauce, and the Boutari Kretikos red wine was nothing special. The tacos and quesadillas on offer at Mexico care run-of-the-mill, but the watermelon water is delicious. So is the meade at the Ireland stand. If you have never tried this sweet wine made from honey, give it a try. It goes great with the potato and leek soup, or the whiskey flan custard.

One of my favorite items was the cold poached salmon from Scandinavia. The firm, flaky slice of fish is topped with a tangy mustard sauce and accompanied by a fantastic marinated cucumber salad. From China I tried scallion pancakes, which were filling but a bit bland, and a tasty glass of plum wine. I only wish they would bring back the dim sum steamed meat buns from years past. My final sample was an Australian lamb chop. The Australia stand was the only one with a significant line, probably because they offer shrimp on the barbie and BBQ beef tenderloin. The chop was a little well done for my taste (I like my lamb still bleating) but well seasoned. It came with a delicious side of caramelized onions, and it paired well with a glass of Black Label cabernet.

This represents only a tiny fraction of the samples available. On my next visit, I’m looking forward to trying the American corn and lobster chowder, tuna tataki from Japan, New Zealand mussels, and Canadian cheddar cheese soup. There are some more unusual offerings, like the French frog leg chowder and “bulls blood” wine from Eastern Europe. And how can you go wrong with white chocolate mousse and a glass of champagne?

As I stumbled happily out of World Showcase, I stopped by Mission: Space and was shocked by what I saw. The ride advertised a 25-minute wait, with fast passes being distributed for less than 2 hours in the future. By comparison, Test Track right next door had a 120-minute wait (60 minutes for single riders) with all Fast Passes gone for the day. I discovered that the actual wait at Mission: Space was even shorter, as I got through the single rider line in less than 10 minutes.

I had heard rumors that the ride had been toned down recently in response to guest reactions. I’m happy to report that those rumors appear to be false. I have been on the ride over a dozen times since it’s first public soft-open testing during the summer, and the G-forces seem unchanged. A manager I spoke to confirmed that the spinning has not been turned down since the internal testing was completed months ago. A friend of mine who works in the Epcot custodial department tells me they continue to have as many as 30 “protein spills” to clean up after each day.

Mission: Space has been the subject of a massive media campaign, with television commercial saturation reaching its peak right now. The apparent guest antipathy towards this expensive new attraction may be a result of the mixed messages that Disney is sending. The ad campaign for M: S highlights the thrill aspect, calling it the most intense ride in Disney history. One commercial features hidden-camera footage of guests on the ride screaming, “I can’t feel my face!” and “Daddy, are we still in the building?” Even the cover of the current park guide map shows a family with bug-eyed grimaces of terror straight out of “A Clockwork Orange”.

If all this doesn’t put off guests, they are confronted with newly-installed warning signs outside the attraction. These are the direst warning signs I have ever seen in any park. One states you may experience headaches, nausea, and dizziness even if you have never had motion sickness on any ride before. You are warned to be well rested and hydrated before entering. One might think you were about to climb Mt. Everest, not ride a glorified Gravitron.

It seems only the most die-hard thrill seekers are making it past the warnings into the ride. Many of those who do are probably agitated by the repeated warnings, and I witnessed more than one person bail out after watching the preshow safety briefing. As I’ve said in the past, going into the ride with fear and trembling only makes it more likely that you will become ill, and all the guests I’ve ridden with who went in with a positive attitude came out fine.

There seems to be a real disconnect between the target audience for this ride, and the demographic that Epcot normally focuses on. The older, more affluent crowd that would be attracted to the Food and Wine Festival is exactly the opposite of the crowd that would flock to an intense thrill ride. I have a feeling that if Mission: Space had been themed to a science-fiction film and dropped in the Disney/MGM Studios next to Tower of Terror and Rock N’ Roller Coaster, it would be doing twice the numbers that it is now. If it was built in a thrill park like Six Flags, there would be a line around the block. But in Epcot it seems out of place, and even the guests who queue up for hours at Test Track seem to be staying away.

Well, that’s all the time I have for today. I hear a seafood paella and a glass of sangria calling to me!

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Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Disney’s Forgotten Halloween Event: The Original Little Monsters on Main Street

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When most Disney fans think of Halloween in the parks, they immediately picture Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World or the Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland Resort. But before those events took over as the must-attend spooky celebrations, there was a little-known event at Disneyland called Little Monsters on Main Street. And its origins? Well, they go all the way back to the 1980s, during a time when America was gripped by fear—the Satanic Panic.

You see, back in the mid-1980s, parents were terrified that Halloween had become dangerous. Urban legends about drug-laced candy or razor blades hidden in apples were widespread, and many parents felt they couldn’t let their kids out of sight for even a moment. Halloween, which was once a carefree evening of trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, had suddenly become a night filled with anxiety.

This is where Disneyland’s Little Monsters on Main Street came in.

The Origins of Little Monsters on Main Street

Back in 1989, the Disneyland Community Action Team—later known as the VoluntEARS—decided to create a safe, nostalgic Halloween experience for Cast Members and their families. Many schools in the Anaheim area were struggling to provide basic school supplies to students, and the VoluntEARS saw an opportunity to combine a safe Halloween with a charitable cause. Thus, Little Monsters on Main Street was born.

This event was not open to the general public. Only Disneyland Cast Members could purchase tickets, which were initially priced at just $5 each. Cast Members could bring their kids—but only as many as were listed as dependents with HR. And even then, the park put a cap on attendance: the first event was limited to just 1,000 children.

A Unique Halloween Experience

Little Monsters on Main Street wasn’t just another Halloween party. It was designed to give kids a safe, fun environment to enjoy trick-or-treating, much like the good old days. On Halloween night in 1989, kids in costume wandered through Disneyland with their pillowcases, visiting 20 different trick-or-treat stations. They also had the chance to ride a few of their favorite Fantasyland attractions, all after the park had closed to the general public.

The event was run entirely by the VoluntEARS—about 200 of them—who built and set up all the trick-or-treat stations themselves. They arrived at Disneyland before the park closed and, as soon as the last guest exited, they began setting up stations across Main Street, Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. The event ran from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., and by the time the last pillowcase-wielding kid left, the VoluntEARS cleaned everything up, making sure the park was ready for the next day’s operations.

It wasn’t just candy and rides, though. The event featured unique entertainment, like a Masquerade Parade down Main Street, U.S.A., where kids could show off their costumes. And get this—Disneyland even rigged up a Cast Member dressed as a witch to fly from the top of the Matterhorn to Frontierland on the same wire that Tinker Bell uses during the fireworks. Talk about a magical Halloween experience!

The Haunted Mansion “Tip-Toe” Tour

Perhaps one of the most memorable parts of Little Monsters on Main Street was the special “tip-toe tour” of the Haunted Mansion. Now, Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion can be a pretty scary attraction for younger kids, so during this event, Disney left the doors to the Stretching Room and Portrait Gallery wide open. This allowed kids to walk through and peek at the Haunted Mansion’s spooky interiors without actually having to board the Doom Buggies. For those brave enough to ride, they could, of course, take the full trip through the Haunted Mansion—or they could take the “chicken exit” and leave, no harm done.

Growing Success and a Bigger Event

Thanks to the event’s early success, Little Monsters on Main Street grew in size. By 1991, the attendance cap had been raised to 2,000 kids, and Disneyland added more activities like magic shows and hayrides. They also extended the event’s hours, allowing kids to enjoy the festivities until 10:30 p.m.

In 2002, the event moved over to Disney California Adventure, where it could accommodate even more kids—up to 5,000 in its later years. The name was also shortened to just Little Monsters, since it was no longer held on Main Street. This safe, family-friendly Halloween event continued for several more years, with the last mention of Little Monsters appearing in the Disneyland employee newsletter in 2008. Though some Cast Members recall the event continuing until 2012, it eventually made way for Disney’s more public-facing Halloween events.

From Little Monsters to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary and Oogie Boogie Bash

Starting in the early 2000s, Disney began realizing the potential of Halloween-themed after-hours events for the general public. These early versions of Mickey’s Halloween Party and Mickey’s Halloween Treat eventually evolved into today’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Oogie Boogie Bash. Unfortunately, this also marked the end of the intimate, Cast Member-exclusive Little Monsters event, but it paved the way for the large-scale Halloween celebrations we know and love today.

While it’s bittersweet to see Little Monsters on Main Street fade into Disney history, its legacy lives on through these modern Halloween parties. And even though Cast Members now receive discounted tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary and Oogie Boogie Bash, the special charm of an event created specifically for Disney’s employees and their families remains something worth remembering.

The Merch: A Piece of Little Monsters History

For Disney collectors, the exclusive merchandise created for Little Monsters on Main Street is still out there. You can find pins, name tags, and themed pillowcases on sites like eBay. One of the coolest collectibles is a 1997 cloisonné pin set featuring Huey, Dewey, and Louie dressed as characters from Hercules. Other sets paid tribute to the Main Street Electrical Parade and Pocahontas, while the pillowcases were uniquely designed for each year of the event.

While Little Monsters on Main Street may be gone, it’s a fascinating piece of Disneyland history that played a huge role in shaping the Halloween celebrations we enjoy at Disney parks today.

Want to hear more behind-the-scenes stories like this? Be sure to check out I Want That Too, where Lauren and I dive deep into the history behind Disney’s most beloved attractions, events, and of course, merchandise!

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Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

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

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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
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.

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History

The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown

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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!

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