Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Don’t wear Green & Gold to Universal Orlando’s Jurassic Park unless you want the raptors there to see red

Published

9 years ago

September 14, 2015

Just a bit of advice to all your Green Bay Packers fans out
there: On the heels of yesterday’s season opener (when the Packers traveled to Chicago’s
historic Soldier Field (and then beat the Bears 31 to 23), you’re probably
feeling pretty proud right about now. Which is why — most likely — you’re
wearing Green & Gold today.

Well, if that’s really the case and you’re currently on
vacation in Central Florida, you may want to steer clear
of the Jurassic Park
section of Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Because there’s a velociraptor
puppet inside of that theme park’s new Raptor Encounter who just hates the
Green Bay Packers. And if she sees you wearing Green & Gold, this 9
foot-tall faux raptor is sure to see red. And she’ll then definitely go off on
you.

Which — I know — sounds a trifle bizarre. But according to
Patrick Braillard — a Creative Development director & show writer at
Universal Orlando Resort — this particular puppet’s persona is all part of
making Islands of Adventure‘s Raptor Encounter the sort of experience that
theme park guests can then repeat.

“When it comes to the Team Members who are working with
these velociraptor puppets, we have actively encouraged them to develop
different personalities for each of these creatures. That way, whenever guests
visit the Raptor Encounter, they can
never quite be certain how this creature which is barely contained inside of
its paddock is going to react,” explained Braillard. “So there are
certain things that each Team Member has chosen which — once they see them —
will then set their velociraptor off. Take — for example — the raptor puppet
that can not stand selfie sticks. She reacts violently and absolutely refuses
to have her picture taken with anyone who’s holding a selfie stick.”

And what’s ironic about that velociraptor puppet’s
particular quirk is that this new Islands of Adventure attraction was actually
created to help people be able to send their friends & family the ultimate
selifie. One that shows them smiling while this vicious predator looms in the
background, getting ready to bite their head off.

Mind you, this isn’t the first time that Universal Orlando
has gotten its guests up-close with a prehistoric creature. Back in 1996,
Universal Creative hired Spar Aerospace — the Canadian company that built the
huge robotic arm which the Space Shuttle used to snatch satellites straight out
of the sky — to build Cera, Chris & Topper, this trio of 24 foot-long, 10
foot-tall animatronic dinosaurs. When these massive robotic beasts were
unveiled as the centerpiece of the Triceratops Encounter attraction back in the
Spring of 1999, guests marveled at how lifelike these three appeared.

“And what exactly made Cera, Chris & Topper seem
real?,” you ask. Thanks to all of the gizmos that Spar Aerospace crammed
into each of these 7.5 ton creations, the toes on these robotic dinosaurs
curled, their nostrils flared and their skin twitched. Their over-sized
buttocks even clenched & unclenched as the stars of the Triceratops
Encounter stomped their feet and shifted their weight.

Then when you factor in some of the more natural / somewhat
unseemly things that live animals do which Spar Aerospace then programmed Cera,
Chris & Topper to replicate (To quote Tom Williams at the ribbon cutting
for the Triceratops Encounter attraction: “It sneezes, it snorts, it
urinates, and goop comes out of its nostrils”), you had some of the most
lifelike robotic dinosaurs ever created.

The only problem was that — while this opening day Islands
of Adventure attraction was impressive at first glance — it wasn’t exactly a
repeatable experience.

“And why was that?,” you query. To be honest, it
was because the folks at Spar Aerospace had done almost too much good of a job
of bringing one of these large, lumbering creatures from the Cretaceous period
back to life. Because the whole conceit behind
the Triceratops Encounter show
was that Cera, Chris & Topper had been sedated and brought into the paddock
for their annual physical … Well, that meant that these tourists were lining
up to get a close encounter with this drugged up, slow moving dinosaur.

Which — in that pre-cell phone / decade-before-the-selfie
era — was fun to do once. Which is why when guests returned to this theme park
on their next Central Florida vacation, they tended to
take a pass on watching Cera, Chris & Topper pass gas in their paddock yet
again. Which is why Triceratops Encounter closed in 2003. And why — after a
brief attempt at re-opening & rebranding this part of Jurassic
Park as the Triceratops Discovery
Trail — it shuttered for good in 2010.

Now jump ahead to 2014. And Patrick Braillard — just like
every other Jurassic Park
fan on the planet — knows that Universal Pictures is producing “Jurassic
World.” Which — it is hoped — will reboot the popular film franchise
based on Michael Crichton‘s 1990 best seller, “Jurassic
Park.”

More to the point, Patrick is aware that both Universal
Studios Singapore & Universal Studios Japan have been entertaining their
guests with raptor puppets that Michael Curry Design has designed & built
for those theme parks. And that these USS & USJ visitors are then tweeting
out pictures of their terrifying-but-fun encounters with these prehistoric
carnivores.

Now Braillard knows that the primo piece of theme park real
estate that the Triceratops Encounter used to occupy is just standing empty.
Patrick also knows that Universal Orlando has been looking for a way to cash in
on the selfie craze. Combing these three bits of information, Braillard then
decides to use Curry’s velociraptor puppets as the inspiration for a possible
brand-new experience for Islands of Adventure’s Jurassic
Park section.

Using the way Chris Pratt’s raptor whisperer character
interacts with his trio of terrors in “Jurassic World” as his
jumping-off point, Patrick then submitted a one page proposal for a Raptor
Encounter attraction to Mike Aiello, the director of Entertainment – Creative
Development at the Universal Orlando Resort.

“What I basically said was we already have these raptor
puppets that we use at Universal theme parks on the other side of the world.
And that if we were to bring those puppets here and then create a themed performance
space for them to appear within the old Triceratops Encounter paddock that our
guests could have this experience just as ‘Jurassic World’ was opening in
theaters … Well, that would then be this wonderful synergistic opportunity. A
way to take everything that people already knew about our version of Jurassic
Park and then make it new for them
again by tying it in to this new Universal Pictures release. Not to mention
giving our guests a place where they could then get a one-of-a-kind
selfie,” Braillard stated. “And to Mike’s credit, once he said ‘Yes,’
it was a very quick turnaround. We went from greenlight to our very first
rehearsal with our brand-new raptor puppets that Michael Curry’s crew built for
us in less than 4 months.”

Speaking of Michael Curry … Because these were the third
or fourth generation of raptor puppets
Curry & Co. had built, they were outfitted with some pretty impressive
features like onboard audio.

“That’s why — when you see online videos of Guests
doing a selfie with one of our velociraptors and the creature suddenly screams
at them — these people jump and often
run away. The sound that’s coming out of those raptor puppets is the exact same
roars & cries that these creatures make in the ‘Jurassic
Park’ movies and ‘Jurassic
World’,” Patrick continued. “The folks who work at Universal Pictures
were kind enough to get us all of the appropriate sound files. Just as John
Hammond might say, we’ve spared no expense to make this new Islands of
Adventure attraction seem just as authentic as we possibly could.”

And based on the number of YouTube videos, Vines, Tweets and
pictures that have been e-mailed and/or been popping up on Tumblr since the
Raptor Encounter officially opened back on May 22nd, it’s clear that all of
Braillard’s hard work & ingenuity has paid off. Though — that said —
Patrick is quick to credit the talented Universal Orlando Team Members who
actually operate these velociraptor puppets for making this new Jurassic
Park show the success that it is
today.

Patrick Braillard shares a selfie he took with one of the velociraptors who’s
now on the prowl inside of Jurassic Park’s new Raptor Encounter
at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

“Anyway, these Team Members are the ones who have
really embraced the raptor mindset. They’re the ones who come onstage thinking
‘I’m an apex predator. And everyone else here is food.’ But what’s great is
that each & every one of these performers has their own personal take on
the proper way to portray a velociraptor. We have some raptors that are very
aggressive and very alpha and don’t take kindly to being told what to do. And
then we’ve got other ones that are more like a puppy. They just want to come out
and play.”

“Those sorts of behaviors are the kinds of things that
you’ll see on a daily basis if you’re dealing with real live animals. This wide
range of personality & emotion that can change in an instant based on how
that creature’s day is going or what’s happening in the environment around
them,” Braillard concluded. “That’s why we’ve encouraged the
performers who operate these velociraptor puppets in our Raptor Encounter
attraction to behave just like real animals. So that the guests never know
what’s going to set these prehistoric creatures off.”

Except for that Green Bay Packers thing. Seriously, folks.
Unless you really want to get on the wrong side of a velociraptor as you’re
trying to get that selfie, don’t wear Green & Gold when you go to experience
the Raptor Encounter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Photo by Priyanka Patel

This article was originally posted on the Huffington Post’s Entertainment page on Monday, September 14, 2015

History

The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown

Published

5 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

5 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.