Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Discoveryland U.S.A. — Part 1

Never mind Disneyland’s late, lamented “Tomorrowland 2055” (the coolest proposed retheming of a Disney theme park land to never make it off the drawing board at WDI). Jim Hill now offers up photographic proof of the snazzy New Tomorrowland that Walt Disney World almost got.

Published

22 years ago

August 18, 2002

Jim Hill

Beth from Elmira, NY writes:

Jim –
I just wanted to drop you a quick note to welcome you back to the Web. I also wanted to mention how much I enjoyed the first installment of your “Tower Tales” series over at Tower-of-Terror.com. I find it just fascinating that WDI once planned to recreate Nemo’s secret lair inside on EDL’s Discovery Mountain. But – when I read about stuff like this – I also get sort of sad.
Why? Well, Jim, I can’t help but think: Why is it that the Imagineers never try to build something as wildly imaginative as Nemo’s Secret Lair – or Discoveryland, for that matter – back here in the United States?

Ah, but they did try, Beth. They really did.

Don’t believe me? Then take a gander at these pictures (kindly provided by the Jeff Lange photo archives). These are shots of a model of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom that used to be on display in the post-show area of “The Walt Disney Story” during the resort’s 20th anniversary.

The area that we’re going to zero in on today reveals what the Imagineers were thinking of doing with WDW’s Tomorrowland circa October 1991. Which – as you’ll see – is quite different than “The Future That Never Was” that we ended up with in 1994. How so? Well, for starters, let’s take a look at the new name that WDI had hoped to hang on this side of the park: Discoveryland.

That’s right. Discoveryland. NOT Tomorrowland, but Discoveryland.

You see, even though it was a full six months before Euro Disneyland would open its gates to the world, the Imagineers already knew that they had a winner with EDL’s Discoveryland. Which is why the WDI was anxious to bring some of this land’s core concepts & design ideas back to the states.

The only problem was, given that design work was already well underway on Disneyland’s “Tomorrowland 2055” project, the Anaheim theme park wasn’t really in a position to benefit from any of EDL’s Discoveryland’s snazzy designs & ideas. But Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom – and its extremely tired Tomorrowland – was. Which is why the Imagineers set to work. Trying to find ways to take their very best concepts from the company’s soon-to-be-opening theme park in France and make them work over here in Orlando.

Of course, given that this was supposed to be just a revamping of WDW’s Tomorrowland area (rather than a brand new, built-from-the-ground-up section of the park), this proposed Magic Kingdom redo had its own unique set of problems. Disney Company management expected the Imagineers to work within the parameters of their somewhat generous budget to retheme the entire area as well as address some of the decades-old flaws in the original Tomorrowland’s design.

What sorts of flaws? Well, let’s start with the obvious: Which is finding a way to gracefully ease WDW guests into this bold new take on Tomorrowland. For years now, WDI veterans had been bothered by the abrupt transition that Magic Kingdom visitors had been expecting to make as they moved from Main Street U.S.A. to the original Tomorrowland. Which is why they wanted to use this proposed Discoveryland redo to finally address that problem.

But how do you go about easing someone from turn-of-the-century America to the far off future? To the Imagineers’ way of thinking, the easiest way to do this was to ditch Tomorrowland’s bland Plaza Pavilion fast food joint and replace it with … The Astronomer’s Club.

And what exactly was the Astronomer’s Club? Well, do you know the Adventurer’s Club over at WDW’s Pleasure Island? Well, picture an environment just like that … only you get to eat inside of this place. The funky-but-fun décor of this restaurant was supposed to have been dominated by this enormous antique telescope which was aimed at the heavens. There was also supposed to have been this tiny stage just below the eyepiece of the telescope. And – every half hour or so – a streetmosphere performer dressed as Galileo or Leonardo DaVinci was to have entered the restaurant and entertained the crowds there by telling these wild tales of science and discovery.

“But, Jim … How did Galileo and Leonardo da Vinci end up as entertainers inside a Disney theme park restaurant?” Well, please remember that the Plaza Pavilion / proposed Astronomers Club restaurant location actually backs up against WDW’s old Circlevision theater location. Where an Americanized version of EDL’s “From Time to Time” attraction was soon supposed to have opened.

Well, the proposed back story for the Astronomer’s Club was that the Timekeeper and Nine Eyes – in addition to giving Jules Verne a glimpse of the future as part of the storyline of their “From Time to Time” show – would occasionally grab some other great minds of the past and bring them back to Walt Disney World to get a brief look at today’s world.

These scientists and explorers would then supposedly wander out of the “From Time to Time” theater building and interact with guests inside the Astronomer’s Club. That is – of course – until Nine Eyes and/or the Timekeeper appeared (via an overhead television monitor, of course) and told Galielo, DaVinci or whomever that it was time for them to re-enter the theater and return to the past.

I know, I know. This sounds like a really odd place to dine, doesn’t it? Well, while it wasn’t exactly “The Restaurant at the End of the Universe,” the Astronomer’s Club was supposed to have had a sort of a loopy Douglas Adams feel to it. A place where the past and the future didn’t exactly collide but – rather – peacefully co-existed side by side.

According to the Imagineers who designed it, The Astronomer’s Club really had a threefold purpose. A) Its vaguely Victorian / Machine Age trappings were supposed to have served as a graceful transition from Main Street U.S.A. to Discoveryland. 2) The constant references to the “From Time to Time” characters and storyline would hopefully significantly up attendance levels for the new Circlevision 360 show next door. 3) By doing this elaborate retheming of WDW’s Plaza Pavilion restaurant, Disney could now get away with charging a hell of a lot more for the cheeseburgers and fries that they’d be serving up at this revamped Tomorrowland dining facility. So, it sounds like a win / win / win situation all around, doesn’t it?

Alright, enough with the Astronomer’s Club. Now let’s talk about what the rest of WDW’s Discoveryland was supposed to have looked like. Well – if you’ve ever seen any pictures of Disneyland Paris’ Discoveryland – you already have a pretty good idea of what the theming and the color scheme of the Disney World version of this land would have looked like. Picture a lot of burnished copper and rivets. A place that Captain Nemo and H.G. Wells would both supposedly have been happy to call home.

As for the proposed assortment of attractions for WDW’s version of Discoveryland … Well – as you can see by the picture below – even back then, “Alien Encounter” was supposed to have been part of the mix in this area …

As was the “Astro Orbiter.” (Though – in this incarnation – the revamped Tomorrowland Star Jets ride did have a different name: The “Kinetic Jets.”)

WDW’s Autopia was (unfortunately) supposed to have remained pretty much as it was. Though there was reportedly some talk at WDI about redoing all the cars for the attraction so that they would then have a swoopy sci-fi-ish feel to them. (Think big fins and overly chromed grillwork. Just like the classic cars of the 1950s had.)

WDW’s Skyway was also (in this proposed version of the Tomorrowland / Discoveryland redo, anyway) to have basically remained the same. Offering guests the same old scenic view of the Magic Kingdom from above.

This L-shaped building with the “Future Projects” label on it above represents the Discoveryland terminus for WDW’s Skyway. (For those of you who haven’t already figured that out.)

Space Mountain was also to have remained pretty much the same. Oh, sure. The classic white spired roof would have probably gotten a new paint job. Something that reflected the new burnished copper look of the rest of Discoveryland. But the interior of this classic WDW thrill ride wasn’t supposed to have been touched …

Whereas the “Carousel of Progress” … Well, sad as it is to say, this classic Disney theme park show would have disappeared forever if WDW’s Discoveryland had actually gone forward. But – in its place – there would have been a revamped version of a long lost Disneyland attraction. A ride that Disneyana fans had thought was gone forever … but secretly hoped that they’d get the chance to ride again someday.

The Flying Saucers.

Yep, the Flying Saucers. The idea here was that the Imagineers were going to gut WDW’s Carousel of Progress theater-go-round building and then redress its exterior to look like an enormous UFO. Guests – upon entering this extrarestrial craft – would learn that this show building was actually a training facility for would-be flying saucer pilots. The ceiling and walls of the interior would have been painted with stars, moons, comets. Far-flung galaxies. The very sorts of things that a guest would supposedly have encountered if they had actually been out tooling around the cosmos in their very own UFO.

By building this new version of Disneyland’s “Flying Saucers” indoors (Rather than outside, exposed to the elements, as the original Anaheim version of the ride had been), it was hoped that Walt Disney World’s operations staff would be able to avoid many of the maintenance headaches that had bedeviled DL’s technical crew back in the early 1960s. Plus this new set-up for this old Disneyland favorite meant that – even when it was raining cats and dogs at the Magic Kingdom – something that occurs with amazing frequency on hot summer afternoons in Central Florida – this Discoveryland attraction could still be up and running.

WDW’s Discoveryland sounds like a pretty snazzy place to spend the day, doesn’t it?

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.