Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment
Further thoughts on Walt Disney Studios theme park
Andrea “Mickey Fantasmic” Monti returns with an interesting follow-up to his earlier article this week. In which Andrea offers up a spirited defence of this beleagured little theme park.
Okay. While I appreciated a number of the comments that Eric J. Craven made in yesterday’s story about CineMagique, I need to clear up a few misconceptions that JHM readers may have about m take on Walt Disney Studios. A theme park where (I feel, anyway) that most of the park’s problems lie on the outside. NOT in the attractions themselves.
Alright. I will admit that — as part of Tuesday’s “What’s Next for EuroDisney SCA?” article — I said that:
“… This small movie-themed theme park is arguably is the least attractive as well as the worst received park in Disney history.”
But — that said — that doesn’t mean that I don’t have some real affection for Walt Disney Studios. After all, I was lucky enough to be there on the night the theme park opened. So WDS is kind of special to me. Which is why — in spite of all its shortcoming and flaws — I still find myself visiting this movie-themed theme park quite often.
“Why go back to a flawed theme park?,” you ask. Well, to be honest, I don’t believe that DLRP’s second gate is really a fatally flawed theme park. I have told various friends and associates (and I will continue to tell them) that I think that Walt Disney Studios has the potential to become a truly great theme park. The key to that happening is … both EuroDisney SCA and the Walt Disney Company have to really get behind this troubled park. Make a serious investment.
And — when I say “investment” — I mean in both a monetarily and creative way. To date, Walt Disney Studios doesn’t have an E Ticket. Mind you, the theme park already has — in its “Moteurs Action Stunt Show Spectacular” and “CineMagique” — two solid D-tickets. But no real E Ticket to call its own. To help get the public truly excited about going to WDS.
(Now, you’ll notice that I’m not including “Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster” as part of my discussion of this theme park’s attraction. That’s because — while RNRC is an E Ticket — it’s a clone of a Disney-MGM E Ticket. Which means that this thrill ride really doesn’t help give Walt Disney Studios its own identity.
Likewise, I’m not taking the “Art de l’animation Selon Disney” exhibit into consideration because this too is a clone of sorts. A redo of Disney’s California Adventure’s “Disney Animation” exhibit … minus the grandeur of that lovely lobby area in this Hollywood Pictures Backlot attraction. Where classic pieces of Disney animation art tower over you like stained glass windows in a cathedral. WDS could obviously have used a bit more of the magic that this DCA attraction has … in spades.)
Getting back to “Moteurs Action Stunt Show Spectacular” … this really is a killer attraction. So much so that — when Jay Rasulo was made president of Disney’s theme park division — one of his very first acts was to okay the cloning of the WDS stunt show. So that guests at Disney-MGM in Florida could experience some of the thrills that DLRP visitors have been enjoying since Walt Disney Studios first opened back in March 2002.
Speaking of thrills … they really come in big and small sizes here at WDS. Take — for example — Animagic. The Walt Disney Studios stage show that really makes clever use of the old European traditional of mixing puppetry and theatre. Plus this is one show where people actually GO IN humming the score (which features many classic Disney songs).
Speaking of music … even before entering Walt Disney Studios, the music that you hear on the theme park’s loop as you approach the gates really does a great job of setting the mood. Those of you who have been to Disney-MGM have heard the American version of this music. But — at WDS — the selection of songs appears (at least to me) to be much eclectic. With the mix sliding smoothly from the “A Bug’s Life” theme to “Maria” from “West Side Story” to Ennio Morricone’s great theme song from “Once Upon a Time in the West” to “Amelie” ‘s theme to “Bella Notte” from “Lady and the Tramp.” This music just puts you in the mood for a visit to a movie-themed theme park.
And the architecture for WDS’s Front Lot is pretty snazzy as well. Did any of you European Disneyana buffs ever notice that the “Studio 1” building’s conish is actually a copy of Walt Disney’s original Hyperion studio? Don’t believe me? Then just check any photo of the original Hyperion avenue studio building design. You’ll then be forced to tip your hat to Paul Osterhaut and the rest of the Imaginers who worked on Walt Disney Studios theme park, for taking the time to actually try and recreate the place where “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and many of the more memorable shorts that Disney ever turned out were made.
The rest of WDS’s front lot is actually pretty clever as well. Sure, it’s starting to get obvious that WDI is working with a fairly limited budget here. But the inside of Studio One! How can you NOT enjoy this replica of a “working” Hollywood street set. This really sets the stage for a fun day at a Disney theme park …
It’s just too bad that the theme park that you find just beyond this building seems so meager. With the two dimensional facades for “Armageddon,” “Rock n Roller Coaster” and even that (admittedly temporary) WDS tram tour station giving guests the unfortunate impression that alt Disney Studios theme park is … well … flat.
This (perhaps) explains the unfortunate joke that’s been going around about WDS. People come to the “Partners” statue and see that the Walt figure seems to be pointed back toward the park’s entrance. “You seem,” say the DLRP wags, “Even Walt Disney is saying ‘Run! Get out while you still can!'”
You see what I’m saying here? There’s a lot of great little touches to be found at Walt Disney Studios theme park. Lot of witty design as well as some fairly interesting attractions. But no big “Wows!” And — let’s face it, folks — people go to Disney theme parks expecting to see at least a few big “Wows!”
I mean, I really love all the witty touches in the park. That “raining” umbrella that you find in front of a recreation of the shop façade that Gene Kelly danced in front of in “Singing in the Rain.” That’s a really magical thing to stumble upon. People love to have their picture taken there … But witty touches like that do not a truly successful theme park make.
But the way I see it is … the basics are there. The bare bones … on which a truly great theme can be built. IF EuroDisney SCA and the Walt Disney Company actually rise to the challenge.
Would a European version of “Twilight Zone Tower of Terror” help this situation. I know that a lot of Disneyana fans seem to think so. But — based on some conversations that I’ve had with some Imagineers — I’m not so sure myself. These WDI guys seem to think that — by placing a highly detailed TOT right in the middle of WDS (which is a very lightly themed theme park) — an attraction like that might throw the whole place out of balance. So the end result might be — instead of making the place better — a “Twilight Zone Tower of Terror” might actually make Walt Disney Studios seem worse than it already is.
That’s why I think that the management team at the Disneyland Paris resort needs to move very carefully now. Carefully consider its next move at Walt Disney Studios theme park. WDS does really have the potential for greatness. But only if they work with what already works at the theme park. Not just start throwing E Tickets into Walt Disney Studios, with the hope that something like that will finally make the public embrace WDS.
To be honest, you know I think Walt Disney Studios needs? A little self confidence. To realize that the park actually has some potential. And then (hopefully) to have EuroDisney SCA and the Walt Disney Company actually act of WDS’s potential.
Anyway, I hope that this defense will now make it that much easierv for many of you to enjoy Walt Disney Studios theme park.
That’s it for this time. TTFN!
Andrea “Mickeyfantasmic” Monti
Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment
Disney’s Forgotten Halloween Event: The Original Little Monsters on Main Street
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!
Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment
The Story of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: From One Night to a Halloween Family Tradition
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.
This Halloween event was Disney’s response to the growing popularity of Universal Studios Florida’s own Halloween hard ticket event, which started in 1991 as “Fright Nights” before being rebranded as “Halloween Horror Nights” the following year. Universal’s gamble on a horror-themed experience helped salvage what had been a shaky opening for their park, and by 1993, Halloween Horror Nights was a seven-night event, with ticket prices climbing as high as $35. Universal had stumbled upon a goldmine, and Disney took notice.
A Different Approach
Now, here’s where Disney’s unique strategy comes into play. While Universal embraced the gory, scare-filled world of horror, Disney knew that wasn’t their brand. Instead of competing directly with blood and jump-scares, Disney leaned into what they did best: creating magical, family-friendly experiences.
Thus, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party was born. The focus was on fun and whimsy, not fear. Families could bring their small children without worrying about them being terrified by a chainsaw-wielding maniac around the next corner. This event wasn’t just a Halloween party—it was an extension of the Disney magic that guests had come to expect from the parks.
Disney had some experience with seasonal after-hours events, most notably Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which had started in 1983. But the Halloween party was different, as the Magic Kingdom wasn’t yet decked out in Halloween decor the way it is today. Disney had to create a spooky (but not too spooky) atmosphere using temporary props, fog machines, and, of course, lots of candy.
A key addition to that first event? The debut of the Headless Horseman, who made his eerie appearance in Liberty Square, riding a massive black Percheron. It wasn’t as elaborate as the Boo-to-You Parade we see today, but it marked the beginning of a beloved Disney Halloween tradition.
A Modest Start but a Big Future
That first MNSSHP in 1995 was seen as a trial run. As Disney World spokesman Greg Albrecht told the Orlando Sentinel, “If it’s successful, we’ll do it again.” And while attendance was sparse that night, there was clearly potential. By 1997, the event expanded to two nights, and by 1999, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party had grown into a multi-night celebration with a full-fledged parade. Today, in 2024, it’s a staple of the fall season at Walt Disney World, offering 38 nights of trick-or-treating, character meet-and-greets, and special entertainment.
Universal’s Influence
It’s interesting to reflect on how Disney’s Halloween event might never have existed without the competition from Universal. Just as “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” forced Disney to step up their game with “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge,” Universal’s success with Halloween Horror Nights likely spurred Disney into action with MNSSHP. The friendly rivalry between the two parks has continually pushed both to offer more to their guests, and we’re all better off because of it.
So the next time you find yourself trick-or-treating through the Magic Kingdom, watching the Headless Horseman gallop by, or marveling at the seasonal fireworks, take a moment to appreciate how this delightful tradition came to be—all thanks to a little competition and Disney’s commitment to creating not-so-scary magic.
For more Disney history and behind-the-scenes stories, check out the latest episodes of the I Want That Too podcast on the Jim Hill Media network.
History
The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown
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!
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