Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Disney Theme Park Emergency Plan is simple as A, B, C

Ever wonder what it must have like to be at Disney World on 9/11? Jim Hill shares some of the details, plus filling you in on the various procedures that the Disney theme parks follow in emergency situations

Published

19 years ago

March 1, 2006

Jim Hill

Martin L. writes in to ask:

Jim —
This may seem like kind of a weird question to ask. But I was wondering if you had any stories about what really happened in the Disney theme parks on 9/11? How did Disney break the news to all those guests that something horrible had just happened and that — as a result — they would have to close the parks that day? Was there panic? Did people rush to the exits, crowd onto the boats and the monorail?
What really happened that morning?

To be honest, Martin, there’s not a lot to tell.

Disneyland on September 11, 2001

I mean, given the time difference, Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure hadn’t really opened for the day as this national tragedy was unfolding. I’m told that only a handful of people (Who had been allowed early entry into the Anaheim theme park via the “Magic Mornings” program) had actually made through the turnstiles when the decision was made in Burbank to close the parks for the day. So it wasn’t really all that big a deal to quickly escort those folks out.

Walt Disney World on September 11, 2011

Whereas at the Walt Disney World Resort … There were literally thousands of people inside of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studio theme park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom when the call came down to close.

Being Inside a Disney Theme Park on September 11th

So what was it like to actually be inside those theme parks on that day?

I’m told that — on the surface — it seemed like a fairly typical Tuesday. The only hint that something odd was happening was that — between the hours of 10 – 11 a.m. — a large number of cast members were seen scurrying around the parks, quietly but earnestly conferring with one another.

Then — at 11 a.m. — the P.A. system suddenly came on in all four theme parks. I’ve been told that it was then-Disney CEO Michael Eisner that supposedly made this announcement. But — to be honest — I’ve never actually been able to confirm that part of the story.

Anyway … This announcement goes out over the P.A. system simultaneously in all four of the WDW theme parks that a national tragedy has occurred in Washington D.C. and New York City. And that — as a direct result of this and because of the Walt Disney Company’s concern for the safety of its guests — that the Florida theme parks would be closing that day at noon.

All in all, it was a very brief announcement. It allegedly closed out with one final instruction for the guests. Which was to please follow the directions of the nearest cast member.

And — after that — most people left the parks quickly & quietly. They recognized that something truly significant must have happened. Otherwise the Walt Disney Company wouldn’t have made the extraordinary move of closing its theme parks for the day. So these folks were anxious to get to their hotels, to find out what was really going on.

Oh, sure. There were a handful of idiots who immediately stormed into the various Guest Relations offices at the four WDW theme parks. Who complained loudly about how Disney had just ruined their family’s vacation. Who insisted on free passes and/or some other form of compensation to make up for the inconvenience. The folks at Guest Relations did what they could with these boobs. But — given that they were under orders to have the parks cleared of all guests and locked up tight by noon — there wasn’t really a lot of time for niceties.

But — in the end — Disney World’s cast members were actually able to do it. When 12 noon arrived, all the guests had been safely escorted out of the four WDW theme parks. And all of the rides, shows and attractions had been cycled down and locked up tight. The employees who were there that day said that — afterwards — they had this odd sense of professional satisfaction. In that they had actually been able to do what Disney had trained them to do. Which was — without undo fuss or panic — quickly clear out the parks.

Of course, that feeling of accomplishment was coupled with the sense that something truly terrible had just happened in New York City and Washington D.C. … Plus the unease about what sort of longterm impact these tragic events might have on the Walt Disney World Resort … Well, let’s just say that WDW cast members (just like the rest of us) didn’t know how to feel that day.

Accelerated Close at Walt Disney World – Emergency Plan A

Now, to be specific, what Disney World did on 9/11 is actually called an accelerated close. Meaning that cast members directed guests to quickly leave the theme parks through the exit normal routes. (EX: Out through the turnstiles in front of the train station at the Magic Kingdom, out through both the main entrance as well as the International Gateway at Epcot, etc.)

But an accelerated close is only the first of three very different approaches that Disney cast members are supposed to take when dealing with emergency situations inside the theme parks. In fact, in-house, the accelerated approach is known as “Plan A.”

Plan B – Normal Routes are Blocked

“Plan B” only applies to situations where the normal routes out of the theme parks (for some reason or another) are blocked or impassable. Under those circumstances, cast members are then instructed to direct guests to the best possible route to quickly get out of that theme park.

In this case, that would mostly mean funneling WDW guests into backstage areas. In this situation, that would involve a manueveur like throwing open the vehicle gates in the Town Square area of the Magic Kingdom. Then instructing visitors in that part of the park to quickly exit by walking out behind Tony’s Town Square Restaurant and/or the Car Barn.

So “Plan B” (obviously) emphasizes the best possible route that’s then available for leaving that particular theme park.

Plan C – Taking Shelter

Whereas “Plan C” … Well, that’s mostly about seeking cover. In that most dire of situations at a Disney theme park, where both the normal and secondary routes are blocked, cast members would then lead guests to the nearest shelter. Once there, these employees would try and keep the WDW visitors in their care safe & calm while awaiting further instruction from a designated leader.

Cast Members Training on Plans A, B, C at Disney Theme Parks

This “A, B, C” emergency plan has supposedly been drilled into the heads of WDW cast members. And — should Disney World employees ever forget what they’re supposed to do in any of these situations — emergency instructions are prominently displayed in all backstage areas. They’re also printed (in handy pocket-sized form) as part of the weekly “Tell-A-Cast” info crib sheet that’s then distributed to all cast members who work in the parks.

This is probably why that things weren’t all that dramatic or memorable in the Disney theme parks on 9/11. When that announcement came over the PA that day, WDW employees knew the jobs that they were supposed to do and then immediately did them.

Additional Security After 9/11 in Disney Theme Parks

Of course, in the weeks and months that folded, additional security precautions were quickly put into place at the Disney theme parks. Like the mandatory bag checks at the entrances to all the parks. Some of these precautions (EX: Closing Disneyland’s “Sleeping Beauty” walk-through attraction on October 7, 2001. Reportedly out of concern that this Anaheim icon may now be just too tempting a target for terrorist organizations) may have seemed a bit extreme. While still others (EX: Installing heavy-duty vehicle barriers at each of the backstage entrances to the theme parks. To serve as a deterent for car bombs) — in today’s world, anyway — seems sadly necessary.

“But are they actually necessary?,” you ask. “Does the Walt Disney Company really need to take precautions like this in order to keep its theme parks safe?

Ahmed Ressam – December 1999 Incident

Well … How many of you remember that story from December of 1999? You know, the one where Ahmed Ressam was stopped by U.S. Customs officials after crossing the Canadian border?

As you may recall … After searching this 32-year-old Algerian man’s car, officials found ten 110-pound plastic bags of urea (I.E. A legal substance used in fertilizer that can also be used to make explosives) hidden in the tire well. Inside the car, they also found two plastic bags full of the absorption agent sulfate as well as four small black boxes containing timers.

According to one former U.S. intelligence official, that was enough raw materials here to make four or more bombs.

Now it wasn’t until 14 months later — as part of the pre-trial investigative phase — that details finally began to leak about what Ressam’s intentions had supposedly been. Given that Ahmed had reservations for a hotel that was only five blocks away from Seattle‘s Space Needle, it’s now believed that this terrorist (Allegedly working under orders from Osama Bin Laden) intended on bombing that 52-story-high structure on New Year’s Eve. When some 50,000 people were expected to be crowded around & under the Space Needle as part of that city’s millennium celebration.

Mind you, if the Space Needle hadn’t been accessible, Ressam reportedly had several other fall-back targets lined up along the West Coast. And — according to security officials familar with the materials that were taken out of Ahmed’s car — Disneyland was supposedly one of those targets. A map of Southern California with a circle around the Anaheim theme park was one of the items that this 32-year-old Algerian allegedly had with him while crossing the border at Port Angeles, WA.

I’m told that the FBI made a point of making Disney Company officials aware of Ressam’s intentions. More importantly, that map. Which may have been one of the reasons that the Mouse moved so quickly on September 11, 2001 and — strictly as a precautionary measure — shut down all of its stateside theme parks that day.

Anyway … That’s all I know about what Disney did on 9/11, Martin. Maybe some Jim Hill Media readers were actually in the park on that day. Perhaps — after they’ve read today’s article — they’ll now come forward and share their own memories of what it was like to be at Disneyland or Disney World on September 11th.

Your thoughts?

Related Topics:Disneyland Walt Disney World

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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.

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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

Published

1 day ago

September 7, 2024

Jim Hill

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

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

Published

7 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

7 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.