Connect with us

Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Did the original version of “Star Tours” predict how the Star Wars Saga would play out in “The Force Awakens” & “The Last Jedi” ?

Published

on

The original version of Star Tours (which – because the initial iteration of this thrill ride opened at Disneyland Park back on January 9, 1987 – is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year) was many things:

Copyright Disney / Lucasfilm. All rights reserved

  • A ground-breaking theme park attraction.
  • A skillful mix of immersive storytelling & (for that time, anyway) cutting-edge technology.
  • Such a densely-packed piece of entertainment that – no matter how many times you’d previously boarded a StarSpeeder 3000 – there are always some fun new detail, something that you’d never noticed before that would then suddenly pop out at you as you watched the original “Star Tours” ride film.

Copyright Disney / Lucasfilm. All rights reserved

And speaking of things you may not have noticed before … Did this long-ago collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering & Lucasfilm actually foreshadow that First-Order-is-determined-to-crush-the-Resistance-and-then-bring-the-New-Republic-to-its-knees storyline which was introduced with 2015’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and is expected to continue with “The Last Jedi” come December.

Let’s review the evidence: The original version of “Star Tours” (which – FYI – was almost called “Cosmic Winds” ’til then-Disney CEO Michael Eisner came up with an even worse name for this motion-based simulator attraction. Which was “Star Rides”) was supposed to be set in the post-“Return of the Jedi” universe.

That’s actually why C-3PO & R2-D2 (according to the back story that the Imagineers cooked up for “Star Tours”) had sought employment at the Tomorrowland Spaceport. After the Rebel Alliance had defeated the Galactic empire at the Battle of Endor, these two droids were now out of a job. Which is why they then wound up working as astromechs in some maintenance bay repairing StarSpeeder 3000s.

Copyright Disney / Lucasfilm. All rights reserved

And the dialogue that C-3PO & R2-D2 would spiel in this section of the original version of “Star Tours” would clearly back up this narrative conceit. Take – for example – what the gold-plated droid would say after that giant video screen in the maintenance bay would run an ad for ” … exclusive tour packages to Hoth.” In response to this video (which mentioned that galactic tourists would soon have the chance to visit ” … the famed Echo Base of the Rebellion forces”), C-3PO was heard to exclaim “Well, you’ll never get me to go back to that iceberg.”

Likewise when an ad for the Endor Express ran on that same giant video screen, the animatronic version of 3PO would either say “Endor? Things have certainly changed since we were last there. I thought we were doomed for sure” OR “I really don’t understand why they’re not sending me on the Endor tour. After all, I am something of a legend with the Ewoks. What with my magic and all.”

And then – when a commercial for “Star Tours” Trek to Tatooine ran – C-3PO was emphatic. “Well, that’s one tour they can keep!,”  this droid would state. “I have no intention of getting another case of dust contamination.”

Copyright Disney / Lucasfilm. All rights reserved

As you can see, by having 3PO reference places & events that “Star Wars” fans would have only seen / be familiar with if they’d previously watched “A New Hope,” “The Empire Strikes Back,” and “Return of the Jedi,” Walt Disney Imagineering & Lucasfilm were clearly establishing that “Star Tours” was set post- “Jedi.”

More to the point, given that – in that Special Edition of “Return of the Jedi” which George Lucas had released in theaters in 1997 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the original release of “Star Wars: A New Hope” – people on Bespin, Coruscant, and Tatooine were seen celebrating the defeat of the Empire, it would appear that the Galactic Civil War is now over and that peace has finally come to this outer space place which is so ” … far far away.”

Another interesting little side-note here: According to the back story that the Imagineers created for “Star Tours” backstory, one of the main reasons that this intergalactic travel agency started up in the first place is that – now that the galactic war is finally over – it’s once again safe to travel among the stars. Which is why Star Tours has just begun selling vacation packages / offering excursions to some of the more picturesque planets & moons around the galaxy.

Copyright Disney / Lucasfilm. All rights reserved

But – again — if the galaxy is really now at peace … Why then – in the original version of “Star Tours,” after we barely manage to escape that massive comet after RX-24 blasts our StarSpeeder 3000 right out through its icy side – do we suddenly find ourselves caught in a Star Destroyer’s tractor beam as X-wings & TIE fighters battle all around us?

So what’s the deal with this deep space battle (which will soon have Rex saying “I’ve always wanted to do this” as he joins a ragtag group of Republic pilots who are making a run on the Death Star III. So that – just like Luke Skywalker did – they can then & take out this planet-sized killing machine by firing two proton torpedoes down its exhaust port) ? If peace has now come to the entire galaxy thanks to the fall of the Empire, why then does Red Leader – after he sees your StarSpeeder 3000 caught in that Star Destroyer’s tractor beam – say “Star Tours?! What are you doing here? This is a combat zone! it’s restricted!”

So what exactly is going on here? Why this deliberate deviation from the conclusion that George Lucas had so carefully crafted for the original “Star Wars” trilogy? Long story short: The Imagineers wanted “Star Tours” to recreate some of the more memorable moments from “A New Hope,” “The Empire Strikes Back,” and “Return of the Jedi.” And the No. 2 choice on WDI’s wish list for this attraction was to give Guests the sensation of ” … riding along with Luke as he flies through that trench and tries to blow up the Death Star.”

Copyright Disney / Lucasfilm. All rights reserved

“And what was WDI’s No. 1 choice?,” you ask. According to Mark Eades (i.e., the Imagineering vet who was not only media producer on the original version of “Star Tours” but also the person who did much of the initial research when Disney was first considering adding motion-based simulator attractions to its theme parks), the Star Wars-related experience that the Imagineers most wanted to give Disneyland guests was to put them in the Millennium Falcon and then give them the chance to fly along with Han Solo & Chewbacca.

Better yet, to cap off this experience, WDI wanted people to be able to exit the Falcon and then find themselves in that cantina in the Mos Eisley Spaceport. Where – if they liked – these theme park visitors could then grab a drink with the residents of that ” … wretched hive of scum and villainy.”

Mind you, back in the early 1990s, this Millennium Falcon-based ride idea got dropped largely because of hourly capacity concerns. That’s actually why the Imagineers came up with the concept of the StarSpeeder 3000. Which was basically this space bus which allows 40 people at a time to travel to Tatooine, Endor, or Hoth. Which is what then solved WDI’s hourly capacity concerns for this “Star Wars” -inspired attraction.

Copyright Disney / Lucasfilm. All rights reserved

Interestingly enough, one of the centerpiece attractions that the Imagineers have designed for those Star Wars Lands that are now being built at Disneyland Park & Disney’s Hollywood Studios (and – if all goes according to plan — should open to the public in the late Spring / early Summer of 2019) is a ride that will then allow theme park visitors to fly the Millennium Falcon. So as you can see, no good idea ever really dies at WDI.

Anyway … So why then did “Star Tours” step away from that peace-has-finally-come-to-the-galaxy storyline that George Lucas had initially established with the ending of the original 1983 version of “Return of the Jedi” and then re-enforced with the Special Edition of that Richard Marquand movie in 1997? It was largely done because the Imagineers wanted Disneyland Guests to feel the thrill of flying thru that trench on the Death Star, doing just as Luke did in “A New Hope.” And because Lucas had been a long-time fan of the Happiest Place on Earth (How long? George’s family first visited Disneyland Park on July 18, 1955. Which was the very first day that this theme park was open to the public), he decided to disregard the storyline that he’d already established for the Star Wars Saga and let WDI have its way with this motion-based simulator ride.

Mind you, the purists always grumbled about this departure from Star Wars canon. Until – of course – “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” arrived in theaters back in December of 2015. And what did this J.J. Abrams movie reveal? A galaxy that looked an awful lot like the one that Disney theme park visitors had previously seen whenever they’d ridden the original version of “Star Tours.” Where the Galactic Empire – now reconstituted as the First Order – continued to do battle with the Rebel Alliance.

Copyright Disney / Lucasfilm. All rights reserved

So should Disney’s Imagineers be applauded for having predicted where the Star Wars Saga might go in the future? Or did the guys at WDI just catch a lucky break when they were crafting a storyline for the original version of “Star Tours” ?

I’ll leave that for the truly hardcore Star Wars fans — who are no doubt celebrating today (May 4th AKA Star Wars Day. As in “May the Fourth be with you”) by knocking back a glass of blue milk – to decide that one.

This article was originally published by the Huffington Post on Thursday, May 4, 2017

Jim Hill

Jim Hill is an entertainment writer who has specialized in covering The Walt Disney Company for nearly 40 years now. Over that time, he has interviewed hundreds of animators, actors, and Imagineers -- many of whom have shared behind-the-scenes stories with Mr. Hill about how the Mouse House really works. In addition to the 4000+ articles Jim has written for the Web, he also co-hosts a trio of popular podcasts: “Disney Dish with Len Testa,” “Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor” and “Marvel US Disney with Aaron Adams.” Mr. Hill makes his home in Southern New Hampshire with his lovely wife Nancy and two obnoxious cats, Ginger & Betty.

Jim Hill is an entertainment writer who has specialized in covering The Walt Disney Company for nearly 40 years now. Over that time, he has interviewed hundreds of animators, actors, and Imagineers -- many of whom have shared behind-the-scenes stories with Mr. Hill about how the Mouse House really works. In addition to the 4000+ articles Jim has written for the Web, he also co-hosts a trio of popular podcasts: “Disney Dish with Len Testa,” “Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor” and “Marvel US Disney with Aaron Adams.” Mr. Hill makes his home in Southern New Hampshire with his lovely wife Nancy and two obnoxious cats, Ginger & Betty.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

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

Published

on

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!

Jim Hill

Jim Hill is an entertainment writer who has specialized in covering The Walt Disney Company for nearly 40 years now. Over that time, he has interviewed hundreds of animators, actors, and Imagineers -- many of whom have shared behind-the-scenes stories with Mr. Hill about how the Mouse House really works. In addition to the 4000+ articles Jim has written for the Web, he also co-hosts a trio of popular podcasts: “Disney Dish with Len Testa,” “Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor” and “Marvel US Disney with Aaron Adams.” Mr. Hill makes his home in Southern New Hampshire with his lovely wife Nancy and two obnoxious cats, Ginger & Betty.

Continue Reading

Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

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

Published

on

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.

Jim Hill

Jim Hill is an entertainment writer who has specialized in covering The Walt Disney Company for nearly 40 years now. Over that time, he has interviewed hundreds of animators, actors, and Imagineers -- many of whom have shared behind-the-scenes stories with Mr. Hill about how the Mouse House really works. In addition to the 4000+ articles Jim has written for the Web, he also co-hosts a trio of popular podcasts: “Disney Dish with Len Testa,” “Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor” and “Marvel US Disney with Aaron Adams.” Mr. Hill makes his home in Southern New Hampshire with his lovely wife Nancy and two obnoxious cats, Ginger & Betty.

Continue Reading

History

The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown

Published

on

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!

Jim Hill

Jim Hill is an entertainment writer who has specialized in covering The Walt Disney Company for nearly 40 years now. Over that time, he has interviewed hundreds of animators, actors, and Imagineers -- many of whom have shared behind-the-scenes stories with Mr. Hill about how the Mouse House really works. In addition to the 4000+ articles Jim has written for the Web, he also co-hosts a trio of popular podcasts: “Disney Dish with Len Testa,” “Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor” and “Marvel US Disney with Aaron Adams.” Mr. Hill makes his home in Southern New Hampshire with his lovely wife Nancy and two obnoxious cats, Ginger & Betty.

Continue Reading

Trending