Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

History of the Reedy Creek Improvement District: Part 1

Published

2 years ago

April 8, 2022

A lot of us base our affection & nostalgia for Epcot-the-City on that 25-minute-long film that Walt shot back in October 27, 1966, just seven weeks before he passed away. This is the one where he’s standing in front of that map which shows the 43 square miles of property that Walt Disney Productions discreet acquired in Central Florida in 1964 & 1965. This is the film where Walt boasts that “ … According to this scale, I am six miles tall.”

People today forget why this movie was actually made.

The Epcot film was created to persuade the people of Florida to contact their State representatives up in Tallahassee and make sure that they actually supported that piece of legislation that was chugging through those chambers.

Which would then make it possible for Walt Disney Productions to turn those 27,443 acres that it had bought on the sly into a “ … vacation kingdom.”

That’s the thing that people forget nowadays. How initially tentative the Disney Company was about Project Florida.

Project Florida: Florida Welcomes Walt Disney

I mean, everyone’s seen those photographs of Walt & Roy O. Disney from November 15, 1965. The ones that show the Disney Brothers at the Cherry Tree Plaza Hotel in Orlando. They’re seated at the head table alongside then-Governor Hayden Burns with a big “Florida Welcomes Walt Disney” banner hung behind them.

This is where Walt first spoke to reporters about Project Florida. He spoke in pretty general terms about what his Company was planning on building out there in the swamps of Central Florida. Just to be clear here: The Company’s founder was definitely in “Kindly Old Uncle Walt” mode that day. He charmed the pants off of all of the reporters in the room that day.

What often doesn’t get talked about is the meeting that was held BEFORE this press conference. Governor Hayden Burns then hosted Walt & Roy at a reception that was held in Orlando. Where members of the Disney organization then met with the Governor’s staff and 750 of Florida’s top state officials, dignitaries and business leaders.

Now you have to understand that the news that Walt Disney was planning something big in Florida was only weeks old at this point. The Orlando Sentinel had only just run its “We Say ‘Mystery’ Industry is Disney” story on the front page on October 21, 1965. Just three & a half weeks earlier.

Florida’s Land Boom and Real Estate Market Collapse

Just some 40 years earlier — Florida had experienced a land boom. Which was the state’s first real estate bubble. This was the period between 1924 & 1926 where — keying off of the construction of then-entirely new cities like Coral Gables, Hialeah, Miami Springs & Miami Shores, property values all over the State suddenly shot up. Speculators then jumped into the State’s real estate market and convinced thousands of people to invest their life’s savings in get-rich-quick schemes.

The sudden collapse of Florida’s real estate market in 1926 (which largely occurred because so many of these homes were supposed to be built on unreclaimable swamp land) financially ruined thousands of investors & property owners. More to the point, it crippled the local economy out ahead of the Great Stock Market Crash of 1929. It took the Florida real estate market decades to recover from this one-two punch. Only after World War II did things start to turn around.

So you can understand why all of those Florida officials who were attending this reception with Walt, Roy & Governor Burns were both excited & nervous. Central Florida — because it had no beaches to power a tourism-based recovery — had lagged behind much of the State when it came to property values recovering for Florida’s land boom & bust of the 1920s. That’s why so much of the property in Orange & Osceola County was used for cattle grazing. Based on its low real estate value, that’s all this acreage was really good for.

Walt Disney Productions Annual Report (1965)

So what Walt & Roy were talking about doing here would really be throwing this part of the State a lifeline. Which is why — I’m quoting from Walt Disney Productions’ annual report of 1965 (which was published on December 15^th of that same year.

Just one month after the Disney Brothers met with the press at Cherry Tree Plaza Hotel in Orlando):

Governor Burns assured Walt at that time of the State’s cooperation and outlined the problems facing Walt Disney Productions. He then explained how these considerations are being handled.

“Walt Disney has proposed a truly unique project in terms of size, scope, purpose, imaginative concepts and all other aspects. at a press conference to discuss Project Florida,” Burns told the group. “This fact makes it impossible to fit their enterprise into any of the usual new-industry categories. Therefore, it requires careful attention and cooperation on the state and local government levels.”

“Mr. Disney and his representatives have sought clarification of certain existing laws and statues that pertain to their planned project,” the Governor continued. “They have also asked for our help in obtaining reasonable and logical assurances of cooperation for the proposed undertaking.”

Governor Burns said that all requests by Walt Disney Productions were being handled through existing Florida law and precedents. He emphasized that Walt Disney Productions had not asked nor had been granted any special privileges.

The governor gave his pledge to work with the Florida state legislature in matters requiring legislative action.

Calling him Florida’s “Man of the Decade,” the governor then introduced Walt, who was given a standing ovation.

Walt outlined his preliminary ideas for the new Disney World and concluded by expressing his “deep appreciation” to Governor Burns and the people of Florida for their interest and enthusiasm in the project. He also thanked all levels of government for the speedy action and exceptional cooperation in dealing with the various matters that had to be resolved.

Following the business session, Walt, Roy and Governor Burns met with representatives of the news media in what was said to be the largest and friendliest press conference in Florida’s history. More than 350 reporters, photographers and television newsman were present for this session.

Florida Project Cost Estimates and Timelines

It was at this press conference that Walt revealed that it would take — based on preliminary estimates that WED had done — “at least a year and a half to design” the vacation kingdom portion of Disney World and then “at least another year-and-a-half to build” the thing. “But we’ve still got a lot of work to do before we can even begin to think about starting construction.”

But the numbers that Walt had dangled in that business session prior to this press conference had just dazzled those Florida representatives. A $100 million project which would eventually lure 6.2 million people a year to Central Florida. Never mind about the 3000 – 4000 employees who’d eventually be hired to work at Project Florida. In the ten years after Disney World had opened, this vacation kingdom was expected to generate $1.3 billion in revenue for the communities surrounding Project Florida in Orange & Osceola County.

It all seemed too good to be true. And it was. Because Walt Disney Productions officials revealed — in that very same annual report in 1965 — that they had already managed to turn a profit on Project Florida.

How Much Florida Land Did Walt Disney Productions Purchase in 1965?

By October of 1965, Walt Disney Productions had put together 27,443 acres — almost 43 square miles — at a cost of just over $5 million. (Adjusted for inflation, that’s approximately $44,750,000 in 2022 dollars).

To this date, the Company has accomplished a major and important real estate acquisition. Negotiating for purchase and clearing title for each individual parcel required nearly two years time. Because this has been accomplished, the value of the land has increased significantly. The Company’s investment would be a successful one simply as a massive real estate venture.

Long story short: Disney didn’t have to actually build Project Florida to come out ahead in this deal. They could just sell off all of the property they had acquired in all of those surreptitious land deals in Central Florida and turn a very tidy profit.

Glimpse of how much land Walt Disney World Productions purchased and what that has been transformed into over the last 50+ years (Map 2014) Credit: Time

Walt Disney’s Mineral King Project

The other thing that concerned Florida officials was that — in December of that same year — it was revealed that Walt Disney Productions’ bid to develop a recreation facility high up in the mountains surrounding Mineral King, CA had been accepted by the United States Forest Service.

At full build-out in 1976, this ski area / resort would potentially accommodate 15,000 – 19,000 skiers at one time. Plans called for 14 different ski lifts, a village that contained a chapel, an ice skating rink, a conference center, restaurants, convenience stores, low cost lodgings. All for $35 million. Which was a third of what Walt Disney Productions was planning on spending in Centra Florida to turn all of that swampland into a vacation kingdom.

The less-than-subtle message that was then passed along to Florida legislators was … We can already turn a profit by selling off all of the land we acquired. Plus we have another outdoor recreation project, one that will be equally profitable as Project Florida’s vacation kingdom. Remember how Governor Burns said “ … that Walt Disney Productions had not asked nor had been granted any special privileges.”

That was all about to change.

Learn More about General Joe Potter and The History of Reedy Creek Improvement District: Part 2

This article is based on research for The Disney Dish Podcast “Episode 369”, published on April 11, 2022. The Disney Dish Podcast is part of the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network.

History

The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown

Published

3 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

3 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

4 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.