Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment
Cast of Universal Studios Florida’s new Superstar Parade spent weeks rehearsing by starlight
When you're someone like Lora Wallace (i.e. the show
director of Universal Studios Florida's new Superstar Parade) , and you've
spent weeks in the pre-dawn darkness teaching your young, energetic cast the
proper way to move through that theme park … It's kind of ironic that the
light at the end of your tunnel turns
out to be the sun.
Photo by Nancy Stadler
"Yeah, the rehearsal phase — when it comes to the
launch of a new parade — can be pretty brutal," Wallace admitted when the
two of us talked this past Saturday night. Which was the very first time that
Universal's Superstar Parade had ever been performed in daylight and in front
of the paying customers.
"Our parade talent would typically arrive at the park
at 11 o'clock at night. We'd all get warmed up backstage and then get costumes
on. So step-off might be at 12:45. And once
that parade rehearsal had moved through the park, we'd then do another whole
different step-off at 3 o'clock in the morning. Which means that we'll be here
'til 5 o'clock in the morning," Lora explained. "But that's our
schedule for weeks at a time when we're in rehearsal mode on a new parade. The
cast typically did two full parades every night inside of an empty theme park."
Photo by Nancy Stadler
But all of that dedication & determination definitely
paid off this past Saturday night as Wallace and her team got to watch
Universal's Superstar Parade roll through the New York section of that theme
park and then down Hollywood Boulevard. Where this parade then performed one of
their two in-park show stops. Where many of the characters from
"Despicable Me," "SpongeBob SquarePants," "HOP" and "Dora the Explorer" came off of
their respective floats and began boogieing to the beat.
That moment was especially gratifying to Lora. Given that
she has been involved with the Superstar Parade project back before there were
any floats or colorful costumes. Back when this entire project was just a blank
sheet of paper.
Photo by Nancy Stadler
"Two years ago, we were tasked by Universal management to
come up with a parade that the entire family could enjoy, a show that would
appeal to both the littlest person as well as the oldest," Wallace
recalled. "Creating something that would cut across that many
demographics was kind of a tall order. But we jumped right in and then began talking
about which characters & franchises we should build this show around."
And to hear Jim Timon, the Senior Vice President of
Entertainment for the Universal Orlando Resort, an awful lot of thought went
into coming up with just the right mix of characters for Universal's Superstar
Parade.
Photo by Nancy Stadler
" That was an interesting process. We had a lot of
discussions about which characters should actually be in this parade. Who's got
that high level of kid awareness & family awareness. While — at the same
time — which characters would make great show. Who's interactive and got that
level of energy that we're looking for," Timon remembered.
The first set of characters that Jim & Lora settled on
were from Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment's 2010 CG family
comedy, "Despicable Me."
Copyright 2012 Universal Studios. All rights reserved
"Obviously 'Despicable Me' is a huge property for us right
now and everyone just loves the Minions. So that one was kind of natural,"
Timon stated. "Given that Universal Studios has this great partnership
with Illumination Entertainment and Chris Meledandri, 'Despicable Me' and its
characters were part of this parade from Day One."
Likewise a certain cartoon character who lives in a
pineapple under the sea was a very early add to the line-up of Universal's Superstar
Parade.
Copyright Universal Studios. All rights reserved
"Everybody loves SpongeBob. I mean, you can't go wrong
with adding a character like that to your parade. The demographic that SpongeBob
cuts across is absolutely huge," Jim stated." Given that he's already
so popular with our Guests, SpongeBob SquarePants just had to be part of this parade
along with all of the other residents of Bikini Bottom."
A similar sort of decision was made when it came to putting
the Dora & Diego characters in Superstar Parade. Folding those Nickelodeon
characters into this show then made sure that this parade had elements which
appealed to the youngest members of the family. Which brings us to
"HOP."
Copyright Universal Studios. All rights reserved
" 'HOP' was added to the Superstar Parade line-up
fairly late in our creative process," Timon admitted. "But as soon as
that Universal and Illumination Entertainment film came out last Spring, we
immediately saw the potential. We could use this movie and its characters as a
way to bring a lot of energy and color into our parade. So we quickly got to
work designing that float."
But for Lora Wallace … Well, when she saw E.B. drumming in
"HOP" (the movie), she immediately saw a way to drop a piece of her
past into this production.
Photo by Nancy Stadler
"I was a drummer in high school. I played marching
snare drum, so I know from personal experience how drums can fire up a crowd.
Which is why I felt that it was really important for our E.B. character — when
the Guests see him in this parade — that he be playing a drum set live just
like we saw that character do in the 'HOP' movie," Wallace said.
"Those auditions were kind of tough. We were looking for drummers with
lots of enthusiasm. Because we knew that — once we threw them in that costume
— they'd have so much fun with this part."
Speaking of fun … The crowd at USF this past Saturday
night genuinely seemed to be having fun as they took part in the soft opening
of Universal's Superstar Parade. Which isn't to say that there weren't some Guests
complaints about this new piece of live entertainment. With the chief one being
that … Well, Universal's Superstar Parade is kind of on the short side. Just
four highly themed floats and their supporting vehicles. Even with those two
three-and-a-half-minute-long show stops in New York and along Hollywood
Boulevard, Universal's Superstar Parade moved pretty quickly through that theme
park.
Photo by Nancy Stadler
In Universal Orlando's defense, these parade floats and the
characters that we see riding & dancing upon them aren't just going to be
glimpsed once a day. Universal Entertainment has decided to something pretty
bold with these new creative assets. Which is to regularly roll individual parade
floats out into the park over the course of the day and then park them in the
street. In essence, making them rolling stages for mini-shows that will then be
presented several times daily.
"That mini-show idea is something that we workshopped
back in November. Once we saw that it was viable, we pressed ahead with
developing four different mini-shows," Wallace explained. "Take —
for instance — the Dora & Diego mini-show. Where we're going to teach our
Guests to count in English and Spanish by making use of these light-up
butterflies that float as props. Or when the
'Despicable Me' float comes onstage and then parks in front of Mel's and the
Pantages Theatre. After Gru and Vector get into out there in the street for a
bit, the minions and the girls will then come out and invite the Guests to come
dance to 'Boogie Fever.'"
Photo by Nancy Stadler
So when you take into consideration those new mini-shows
that will be going on all around Universal Studios Florida over the course of
the day … Universal's Superstar Parade then becomes, in essence, a victory
lap. The Guests' one last chance to see and interact with the characters that
they've been playing with all day.
Which then brings us to the big question. If you've gotta
pick a part of Universal Studios Florida to catch this parade's show stop in,
which should you choose : New York or Hollywood Boulevard?
Photo by Nancy Stadler
"That all depends on the type of Guest experience that
you're looking to have," Lora said. "Hollywood Boulevard is a far tighter
street. So if you want to get up-close and personal with the characters, have
them be right there in front of you, Hollywood Boulevard is where you want to
be. Whereas in New York, the street is a lot wider in that part of the theme
park. So that's where you can stand in one location and — by looking up and
down the street — see more of the show. So if you want the full panorama of
performers & floats & performances, New York is probably where you want
to be."
Just be aware that — in the coming weeks — now that
Universal's Superstar Parade has shifted from its after-hours rehearsal
schedule to being performed daily in front of Guests in the park that this live
show may change as Wallace and her team make tweaks.
Photo by Nancy Stadler
"It's one thing to roll a parade through an empty theme
park or perform your show stops in front of an invited group of Universal
employees — who kind of know what to expect in regards to interaction from parade
performers — and quite another to now perform in front of the public. Who
don't know what to do or where to look," Lora said. "So we'll be
making all sorts of adjustments as we go along so that we can then deliver the
very best Guest experience."
But what will make Wallace's life a whole lot easier to deal
with is that — now that Universal's Superstar Parade is officially in soft
opening mode — these tweaks & changes can finally be made in daylight.
Photo by Nancy Stadler
"It was good today to actually be able to watch the
people watching this parade. To hear the reaction of the real Guests, not only
to the parade but also to the interactive stuff," Lora concluded.
"Don't worry. Our parade performers are just going to get better &
better as they go along here. Especially now that they no longer have to live
like vampires and can finally begin catching up on their sleep."
Your thoughts?
Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment
Disney’s Forgotten Halloween Event: The Original Little Monsters on Main Street
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!
Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment
The Story of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: From One Night to a Halloween Family Tradition
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.
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
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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