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“Everything by Design” offers a detailed look at the development of Disney World’s never-built Mediterranean Village Resort

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Jody R. tossed me a note over this past weekend, praising
last Tuesday's "Building Tall" story, saying that …

… it's articles like this that keep me coming back to Jim
Hill Media, that keep me listening to that podcast you do with Len Testa. Your
ability to continually uncover pieces of information about the Disney Company
that I had never heard before.

Thanks for your kind words, Jody. But to be honest, I'm not the
only one out there who's doing this sort of stuff. Have you seen the stories
that Todd James Pierce has been posting lately over on the Disney History
Institute
website? Pierce's recent piece about that California Living project
which Walt wanted to build right next door to Disneyland
in the early 1960s is not to be missed. And the same goes for Todd's terrific
"Walt Disney and Riverboat Square"
series
.


Copyright Disney History Institute. All rights reserved

Whenever we get together at various Disney functions (If I'm
remembering correctly, the last time I saw Mr. Pierce in person was at that
Destination D – Disneyland 55 event which D23 staged at the Disneyland Hotel
back in September of 2010), Todd and I compare notes about stories we've heard
(we share a fascination for "The Master Builder of Disneyland,"
wheeler-dealer extraordinaire C.V. Wood). And what Mr. Pierce & I have both
noticed is that — often — the very best stories about The Walt Disney Company
can often be found in books or magazine articles that aren't really about the
Mouse.

Case in point: "Everything
by Design: My Life as an Architect

" (St. Martin's
Press, October 2007) by Alan Lapidus. Nowadays, Alan is probably best known as
the guy who designed the Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino in Atlantic
City and/or the Broadway
Crowne Plaza
in Manhattan. Or — better yet —
for being the son of architecture legend Morris Lapidus, who designed the
Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach.

Now strictly judging a book by
its cover, at first glance, you wouldn't think that "Everything by
Design" wouldn't have a lot to offer Disney history buffs. But that's
where you'd be wrong. You see, Alan had a hand in designing the Mediterranean
Village Resort, a themed hotel for the Walt Disney World Resort whose main
claim to fame (at least among Mouse House history buff) is that this project
never quite made it off Disney's drawing boards.


Copyright St. Martin's Press. All rights reserved

But just because the Mediterranean
Village Resort (which was supposed to have built alongside Seven Seas Lagoon
near the Ticket & Transportation) never made it past the blueprint &
model phase doesn't mean that this proposed Disney World hotel doesn't have a
fascinating history. Which — to hear Alan tell the tale — began with a …

… phone call … from Mouse Central.


It came in 1979, when the Walt Disney Company was about to
start planning a new eight-hundred-room theme hotel at Disney World in Orlando,
Florida. The hotel would be the first new
one in the park since it opened eight years earlier, and Disney executives had
decided to look outside from Disney headquarters in Glendale,
California, wanted to know whether I would
be interested in making a presentation to the board of directors.



Proposed construction location for Disney's Mediterranean Resort


Youbetcha!


Disney's new resort was to be called the Mediterranean
Village. I was handed a site plan
and the program — meaning, how many rooms, suites, restaurants, conference and
meeting rooms and the like there were to be. I was also given many photos of
the site itself, showing a parcel of totally unremarkable middle Florida
land. No one mentioned a budget.


I also had to sign one of the oddest legal documents of my
career, which stated that I could never let anyone know that I had designed
this structure; I could not use it in my brochure or in any form of publicity.
The Mouse had its own architectural license, and all the documents would list
the architect as WED Engineering. In short, I was to be a nonentity. The
company would even provide me with preprinted sheets of drawing paper,
identifying WED Engineering as the architect, which I would use to produce the
construction documents. This policy was reversed several years later, during
the Eisner regime, when Disney decided to start publicizing its hiring of
prominent outside architects.


Copyright Disney Enteprises, Inc. All rights reserved

Lapidus had worked for some large corporations (Not to mention
some colorful characters. These included Bob Guccione, Aristole Onassis, and
Donald Trump) before. But none of his previous work experience had prepared him
for the way that The Walt Disney Company (at least back in the late 1970s) did
business. Alan was absolutely fascinated by the Mouse's sky's-the-limit /
anything-is-possible approach to the project. Which became clear from Lapidus'
very first meeting …

… with John Hench and a couple of talented young
architects from WED Engineering. At our first session, I asked which type of
Mediterranean architecture they were thinking of — Spanish Mediterranean,
Greek Mediterranean, Italian Mediterranean? John Hench looked at me with an
amused gleam in his eye, laced his finger together, turned his palms out,
extended his arms, and replied in an amused tone, "Alan, we want Disney
Mediterranean!"

"John, if I am doing a Mediterranean
Village, it really should be a sort
of fishing village."


Disney Legend John Hench. Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc.
All rights reserved

"I think so too."

"But then we have to have a seaport."

"Absolutely."

"But a seaport has to have a sea."

"We'll build one."

"And a fleet of colorful fishing boats."

An assistant was soon on hand with several books of pictures of colorful
Mediterranean-type fishing vessels.


Marty Sklar (L) and John Hench at WED Enterprises back in the 1970s.
Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved



"You pick them and we'll build them."

"How about some windmills?"

Books of windmills were produced.

This was fun!

During this whole process, no one ever mentioned a budget. And no idea was ever
dismissed as being impractical, unattainable, or undoable. In those days,
Disney truly was a world to itself, an asylum run by the inmates.


Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved

Working within The Walt Disney Company's truly unique design
parameters, Alan began dummying out the Mediterranean
Village.

The resort began to take shape as a series of streets with
multicolored waterfront "houses" (actually, rows of hotel rooms of
various heights). There was a waterfront walkway with a mosaic serpentine
design, a harbor entrance with a lighthouse, windmills, a breakwater, a
marketplace, olive groves, and trellis-cover walkways leading to streets of
"tavernas," market squares, and many hidden courtyards with a variety
of fountains and outside cafes.

Doesn't that sound like a terrific place to stay. So why
didn't Disney go forward with construction of the Mediterranean
Village? Well, as it turns out, a
similar sort of project was being prepped for a piece of property on the other
side of Seven Seas Lagoon


Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved

During the course of my work (on the Mediterranean
Village), I observed the Imagineers
designing a companion hotel to mine. It was just as large, and it looked great.
Called the Grand Floridian, it was quite a bit more elaborate, with such inside
architectural reference as the Addison Meisner Room, in honor of an architect
who established the classic 1920s Palm Beach
architecture that symbolized the good life to the F. Scott Fitzgerald
generation. Meisner was not exactly a household name, but it would be
perpetuated by some very clever folks.


Seven months after I began, my design for the hotel was
finished and Disney enthusiastically approved it.


It never got built.


Then newly-installed Disney CEO Michael Eisner
Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc.
All rights reserved

After Michael Eisner took over as CEO in 1984, it was a
whole new ballgame. The people I had been working with told me Eisner had
decided to delay the Mediterranean Village
until the Grand Floridian was up and running and ad a year or so to demonstrate
whether it would be a success. No one ever told me the village project wasn't
going forward, just that it was being put on hold. Two or three years later, by
the time the Grand Floridian had opened and started performing well, the
Mediterranean Village had long since been forgotten.

Which had to have been frustrating for Alan. Both on a
professional & personal level. But on the other hand, Lapidus had some very
memorable experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort while he was on property
doing onsite survey work for the Mediterranean
Village project:

After many months, while I was attending some meetings in Florida,
someone up the chain of command judged that I was worthy of being let in on the
innermost secret of the Magic Kingdom.
Like a mother who has decided to tell her pubescent daughter about sex, Dick
Vermillion announced that he had authorization to show me "the tunnels."
Trembling with excitement, I was led around to the back of the park, to what
looked like a hole in the side of a large earthen mound. Once we passed the
security checkpoint, my jaw dropped. There was a world beneath the World: an
underground city straight out of a science fiction film.


Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved


The first thing I saw were three Goofy characters walking
side by side. In the (tunnels), a fleet of maintenance trucks constantly
cruised along. Since the roof of this structure was actually the subfloor of
the park, all of the piping, electrical conduits, sewer lines, and other
utilities were hung in plain view of the repair vehicles. All these lines were
being constantly monitored, inspected, maintained, fixed or replaced from
below, so nothing disturbed the peace and tranquility of the kingdom up above.


(Just above the tunnels), a vast network of hidden entrances
to the park was concealed in various aboveground structures and landscape
features. This is why you never see any of the employees go on break. Mickey or
Goofy or Donald ducks into a building and then quickly reappears — except it's
a new Mickey or Goofy or Donald. The setup also makes it possible for emergency
vehicles to reach any part of the complex unseen by the vacationeers above. A
medical emergency can be attended to swiftly, without the ambulance having to
navigate through the crowds or alarm the kiddies. I was dumbfounded.


"Dick, this is the most brilliant piece of urban
planning I have ever seen. Why hasn't the company shown this as an example of
what is possible?"


Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved

He looked at me as he would at a slow child. "Alan, this is the Magic
Kingdom, and magicians never give
away their secrets."


This is why I strongly suggest you pick up a copy of "Everything
by Design: My Life as an Architect." Alan Lapidus (who's an absolutely
magician of a memoirist) isn't afraid when it comes to revealing secrets.
Especially The Walt Disney Company's secret.

I mean, in what other book are you going to be able to read about that time
when construction mogul  John L. Tishman
(best known in Disneyana fan circles as the guy who supervised the construction
of EPCOT Center
for Tishman Realty & Construction) …



(L to R) Michael Graves, John L. Tishman, Micheal Eisner and Frank Wells check out
the model for the Dolphin & the Swan hotels. Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc.
All rights reserved


… sued Disney! For $2 billion! Not only did (Tishman) sue
(The Walt Disney Company), but he also brought a RICO charge. RICO is the
federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, originally enacted
by Congress in 1970 as a tool to use against organized crime … The
possibility that the Mouse would become a convicted felon was enough to bring
Eisner back to the table.


 

This is the sort of juicy stuff that you'll only be able to
find in a book like "Everything by Design." Which offers some really
great insights & observations on The Walt Disney Company and how it
operates all because this really isn't supposed to be a book about the Mouse.
So go pick up a copy if you're looking for a juicy, business-related Summer
read.


 

Your thoughts?

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.

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Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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History

The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown

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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.

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