History

From “Planes” to “Show Boat,” “Fernwood 2 Tonight” to “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” Fred Willard looks back on his storied career

Published

10 years ago

November 6, 2014

Ol' Man River,
he just keeps rollin' along …

As does Fred Willard. You'd think — given that this veteran
actor / comedian turned 75 back in September — that Willard would finally
begin to slow down at this point.

Well, think again. For this Fall has been full of firsts for
Fred. Take — for example — last month, when Willard made his daytime drama
debut on "The Bold and the Beautiful." Fred appeared in four episodes
of this long-running CBS soap opera back in October and loved every minute of
it.

Fred Willard on the set of "The Bold and the Beautiful" with
John McCook. Copyright CBS Inc. All rights reserved

"I've always wanted to be on a soap opera,"
Willard admitted during a recent phone interview. "Because I started my
career in improv, performing with Second City and the Ace Trucking Company, I
always enjoy being in situations where — as an actor — you have to think fast
& be light on your feet. And when you're working on a soap opera where
every scene is like this quick one-act play and you have to learn all of your
lines and the blocking on the fly … Boy, you really do have to work
fast."

Mind you, Fred finds himself in a similar situation this
week at Lincoln Center's
Avery Fisher Hall. Where — after a very limited amount of rehearsal — Willard
is playing the part of Cap'n Andy in an all-star concert production of Jerome
Kern & Oscar Hammerstein II's "Show Boat," which the New York
Philharmonic is presenting now through November 8th.

"I have to admit that I was a little nervous about this
one," Fred said. "I mean, I was initially tickled to be offered this
opportunity. But at the same time, in this production, I'll be sharing the
stage with some really amazing actors and singers. People like Jane Alexander
& Vanessa Williams. Which is why I thought that I'd better do some prep
prior to playing Cap'n Andy. So I then went out and rented all three different
movie versions of 'Show Boat.' Which — as it turns out — wasn't as helpful as
I thought it might be, given that the three movie versions of 'Show Boat' all
have different plots and go off in different directions. Luckily, this concert
production that I'm appearing in is kind on an amalgamation, a best-of version
of 'Show Boat.' So hopefully some of the prep that I've done will eventually pay
off."

Fred Willard performing with the cast of the New York Philharmonic's staged concert
version of "Show Boat." Photo by Chris Lee. All rights reserved

So does Willard do this kind of prep for every part that he
plays? Take — for example — the Secretary of the Interior as a car. Which is
the character Fred voiced in Disney "Planes: Fire & Rescue" (FYI:
The Blu-ray & DVD version of this recent Disneytoon Studios production hit
store shelves on Tuesday).

"In this particular case, I honestly didn't have to do
a lot of prep. Mostly because I've been playing these sorts of stuffy
bureaucratic characters since back in the H.R. Haldeman days. People hire me to
play politicians because — thanks to my background in improv — I can usually put
a comic spin on acting stiff & straight," Willard explained.

"But what was kind of interesting this time around was
— when I first went in to record on 'Planes: Fire & Rescue' — the part of
the Secretary of the Interior was fully scripted. So they didn't really want me
to improvise. They showed me a rough sketch of what my character would look
like and then asked me to read the lines as written. But a week or so later,
Disney called me again and said 'Now John Michael Higgins is coming in. And
we'd like to have you also come in and then get the two of you to kind of
banter back & forth. See what you guys could improvise while you're in
character," Fred said.

Fred Willard as the Secretary of the Interior. Copyright Disney
Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved

"Now when you work on an animated film, it's pretty
unusual to have two people in a recording booth at the exact same time. Most
for technical reasons. You don't want the two voice actors overlapping their
dialogue or stepping on each other's lines," Willard continued. "I
love John Michael and we had a lot of fun at that particular recording session.
And I guess that what we improvised in character that day must have been okay.
Because when I saw the finished version of 'Planes: Fire & Rescue,' I
honestly couldn't tell the difference between what John Michael & I had
improvised and what had been previously scripted. It all fit together pretty seamlessly."

So which does Fred prefer doing these days? Working onstage?
Getting behind the mike and doing voice-acting? Or perhaps it's appearing in
sitcoms. Obviously his peers appreciate what Willard has been doing on the
television side of things. Given that — in recent years — he's received three
Emmy nominations for his performance as Robert Barone's father-in-law on CBS's
long-running hit sitcom, "Everybody Loves Raymond." Not to mention an
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series Emmy nod that Fred got for playing
Phil Dunphy's father, Frank on that ABC smash, "Modern Family."

"I love working with Ty Burrell. You know, he and I
actually worked together on a TV series a year or so prior to 'Modern Family.'
It was this Kelsey Grammar show set in a news room called 'Back to You.' I played sports anchor Marsh McGinley while
Ty played Gary Crezyzewski, the field reporter on that show. He was the guy that
the news director would send out to cover snowstorms or freeway chases. And I
would just laugh & laugh at everything that Ty did. He's this extremely
talented, very sweet guy," Willard remembered.

Fred Willard and Ty Burrell working together on Fox's "Back to You."
Copyright Fox. All rights reserved

Well, "Back to You" only lasted a single season.
But given that Steven Levitan & Christopher Lloyd — the creators &
executive producers of that Fox sitcom — so enjoyed working with Fred & Ty
that when they got "Modern Family" set up at ABC, Levitan & Lloyd
immediately invited Willard & Burrell to come be part of that show as well.

"I really enjoy working on 'Modern Family'. The only
problem with playing Frank Dunphy is that — according to that show's storyline
— Frank lives in Florida while
the rest of the Dunphy clan lives in California.
So given the geographic challenges, it's sometimes tough for the writers to
come up with a logical new story-driven reason to bring Frank back on the
show," Fred explained. "Of course, the nice thing about today's
technology is that Phil & Frank can sometimes communicate via Skype. That's
what we wound up doing last year on that episode where we did that fun parody of
'Apollo 13' where my character — via video chat — had to walk Phil, Manny and
Luke through how to repair Jay's lunar module model. Of course, when I was on
Skype, I wasn't actually down in Florida.
I was just one room over. But that's the magic of television."

Anyway, when I pressed Fred about what his absolute favorite
gig was, Willard's answer kind of surprised. It wasn't his break-thru role,
announcer / sidekick Jerry Hubbard on "Fernwood 2 Night." Nor was it
any of those semi-improvised parts that he'd played in Christopher Guest
mockumentaries like "Waiting for Guffman," "Best in Show,"
"A Mighty Wind" and "For Your Consideration." But — rather
— the 100+ skits that he did with Jay Leno for NBC's "The Tonight
Show."

"Honest to God, that was my favorite job. Appearing on
'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno' was like an actor's dream because you'd come
in and just rehearse each sketch once. It'd be just me and Jay up onstage and
we'd go over the bit, joke by joke," Willard recalled. "And Jay? In
real life, he was just like you'd expect him to be. I mean, no one knows more
about comedy than Jay Leno. But when we were going through the script for each
sketch, Jay would actively seek out my input. He'd say things like 'That bit,
Fred? Do you think it's funny?' and I'd say 'Jay, I think that that's going to
get a laugh.' So it was very much a collaborative process."

"And the very best part is that — while I was
backstage, getting ready to go on — the producer of the 'Tonight Show' would
come up to me and then say 'Now try to make Jay laugh. Feel free to ad-lib.' So
to have that level of trust with the people who are producing this huge network
show, to have them actively encouraging me to go off-script, that was an
absolute thrill," Fred continued. "So you'd do the sketch and then go
home. And by 11 o'clock that night,
there it was on national television. There were no notes afterwards. No second
take. No 'Let's come back tomorrow and try to make this better.' No waiting six
months to see if what you'd done was any good. I loved the immediate
gratification of it all. I found the whole experience to be very
fulfilling."

Given how generous Leno was with Willard … Well, that's
why Fred was thrilled to hear that Jay had recently been honored with the Mark
Twain Prize for American Humor in a ceremony which was held at the Kennedy
Center in Washington,
D.C. "Jay's a wonderful guy. Long overdue for this sort of
professional recognition," Willard said.

Fred Willard at the world premiere of Disney "Planes:
Fire & Rescue." Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc.
All rights reserved

Of course, one might say the same thing about Fred Willard.
But to Fred's way of thinking, that the casting people are still reaching out
and offering him opportunities to do things that he's never before — like soap
operas and concert performances of classic Broadway musicals — is a reward
unto itself.

"Which isn't to say that I'm not willing to repeat
myself sometimes. Like if Disney wants to make another 'Planes' movie. I had a
great time doing 'Fire & Rescue.' Plus I love the message that this motion
picture tried to put across. So if Disney wants me to come back and do the
voice of the Secretary of the Interior again or voice an entirely different
car, I would totally be up for doing that," Willard concluded.

This piece was originally posted on the Huffington Post's Entertainment page on November 6, 2014

History

The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown

Published

10 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

11 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

11 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.