History

Is everything on display in DCA’s “Blue Sky Cellar” actually going to get built? Maybe. Maybe not

In this week’s “Why For,” Jim Hill looks back over the history of the Disney Parks & Resorts at the rides, shows and attraction (some of them announced by Walt Disney himself) that ultimately didn’t get built

Published

16 years ago

October 24, 2008

Jim Hill

Anne L. writes in to ask:

“This past week, I couldn’t help but notice that — out of all the major Disneyana sites on the Web — JHM is the only one that hasn’t mentioned DCA‘s Blue Sky Cellar yet. Why is that?”

To be honest, Anne, you kind of answered your own question. Given that everyone else out there seemed to be posting pieces about this admittedly neat display of Imagineering concept art & models, it just didn’t make sense to follow the crowd. So I deliberately went in a different direction. Seeing if it might be possible to do a week’s worth of stories that didn’t mention Anaheim or Orlando.

Well, I made it as far as Friday.

Anyway … That’s what I find so frustrating about some members of the online Disneyana community. Their definition of what a good Disney-related news story just seems to be so narrow. If an article doesn’t touch on a new ride, show or attraction for a Disney theme park, then it’s not worth reading.

And as someone who likes writing about the entire Walt Disney Company — not just the Parks & Resorts but also Walt Disney Animation Studios, Disney Consumer Products, Disney Press, Disney Theatrical, ESPN et al — an attitude like that can just be maddening. The very idea that people only want to talk a single aspect of this huge corporation. Especially when there are so many fascinating things going on right (EX: Disney’s ambitious global expansion plans, where they plan on using super-hot franchises like “High School Musical” & “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” to help the company try and connect with billions of new consumers overseas) that are going unreported.

Besides … For those of us who have been writing about the Mouse for a while now, we’ve learned the hard way that it’s sometimes dangerous to get too over-excited about any new rides, shows and attractions that have been announced for the Disney Parks. Because these plans have this nasty habit of changing.

Don’t believe me? Okay. Then let’s set the Wayback Machine for September 1954. And let’s join Louis Berg — the “This Week” movie editor for the Los Angeles Times — as he’s being led around the Disney lot by Walt himself.

Now what’s interesting about this is that Berg was really the first reporter to get a detailed look at the early plans for Disneyland. Walt took Louis through the soundstages where the rides were being fabricated, showed him the models & blueprints. Disney even took Berg out to the Anaheim construction site and let him watch as they dug the wells that would be used to fill the Rivers of America, the Jungle Cruise as well as the moat around Sleeping Beauty Castle.

And once Berg got back to the Los Angeles Times, he wrote a feature story entitled “Walt Disney’s New Ten Million Dollar Toy.” ” Why ’10 Million Dollar Toy’ ?,” you ask. Well, as Louis explained in his article:

Nine million dollars is the official budget for the project, but it is clear to everyone concerned, including Disney, that the actual cost (of this theme park) will be 10 million or over.

When I asked Disney if he could stick to the budget — already twice expanded — he exploded in mock wrath.

“I can stick to the budget all right. It’s the fool people working for me who keep coming up with new ideas.”

Copyright 1954 Walt Disney Productions. All Rights Reserved

And some of those “new ideas” that Walt discussed with Louis never actually made it into Disneyland. Take — for example — the initial plans for Frontierland (Which — according to Berg’s interview with Disney — was Walt’s favorite “land” in the Park). Which called for live actors portraying Pecos Bill, Daniel Boone and other legendary pioneers to regularly interact with Guests in this part of Disneyland. Not to mention at least one pretty politically incorrect attraction. Here’s Disney description:

“We’ll have shooting galleries, but no ordinary ones. The shooting stand’s liable to be a prairie schooner from which a kid can take pot shots at replica Indians, wired for sound, circling the wagon, yipping and yelling.”

Or — better yet — how about the walk-thru version of Disneyland’s “Alice in Wonderland” attraction that Walt described to Louis. Where …

… You’ll be offered a soft drink and find yourself reduced in size, in a room with giant furnishings. Or a sip from another bottle will make you a giant moving in a miniature world.

Now keep in mind that everything that Berg was shown was in the blueprint and model stage. And that these plans would undoubtedly change as Disneyland moved through its construction phase.

But, me personally, what I find fascinating is how these plans kept changing. Take — for example — this December 10, 1954 story. Again from the Los Angeles Times. Which describes the International Street section that was (at least according to this article) already under construction at Disneyland.

International Street will be one of the most colorful segments of the fabulous center Walt Disney is constructing near Anaheim, members of the Los Angeles Foreign Trade Association learned yesterday.

Details of the international aspect of Disneyland were furnished at the association’s luncheon in the Biltmore by Robert H. Burns, merchandise manager of the 160-acre playland project.

Nine types of foreign architecture will feature the exhibits and shops of 14 European nations along the street. Typical foreign products will be on sale, Burns explained.

Burns said one of the purposes of the project, which is scheduled to open July 15, is to promote international good will and simulate international trading.

From what I’ve been told by veteran Imagineers, International Street really was supposed to have been one of Disneyland’s “lands” on Opening Day. It was only Walt’s last minute decision (which supposedly came in late December / early January) that his theme park needed a Tomorrowland that forced International Street on to the back burner.

So you see what I’m saying here, folks? Plans change. Even if something has been announced in the newspaper and seems like a “Go” project, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s actually going to happen.

Still don’t believe me ? Okay. Then let’s take a look at a story from the January 12, 1973 edition of the New York Times, where …

Walt Disney Productions, Inc. announced yesterday it had agreed in principle to acquire the Wrather Corporation’s Disneyland Hotel and related facilities in Anaheim, Calif. for 187,061 Disney common shares and $100,000 cash.

The shares will be paid after the effective date of Disney’s scheduled stock split, which would make them worth approximately half their current value. Disney’s stock closed at $223 a share on the New York Stock Exchange yesterday, so the total value of the stock to be would be more than $21 million.

“And what’s wrong with that article?,” you query. “The Walt Disney Company did in fact acquire the Disneyland Hotel from the Wrather Corporation.”

Yes, it did. But not in January of 1973. But — rather — in March of 1988.

Why did it take another 15 years for the Mouse to finally get its hands on the Disneyland Hotel? Long story short, the Oil Embargo of 1973 caused stagflation. Which made Disney execs seriously reconsider all of their ambitious future plans for the corporation. Which (at that time) included the acquisition of the Disneyland Hotel as well as construction of Epcot (the city, not the theme park).

And in the face of those hard financial times, Disney officials had to make some very tough decisions. Including (as the New York Times reported in its January 11, 1974 edition)

Walt Disney Productions has laid off 630 permanent employees in its Disney World park in Orlando, Fla., the company said yesterday. In addition about 70 part-time employees have been let go as well as 1,000 college students who worked the two-week Christmas season.

James Stewart, administrative assistant to the president, E. Cardon Walker, in Burbank, Calif. said the company had done the same thing last year, but employment was higher a year ago than it is now. The park employees about 11,000 at the peak of attendance during the Christmas season.

The company said that lower attendance this year was the result of rainy weather in both Florida and California and a shorter Christmas period in California. It held that the energy crisis was not a primary reason for the lower attendance.

In the quarter to Dec. 31, attendance at Walt Disney World totaled 1.95 million and was down 4.8 percent from the year before. Attendance at Disneyland was 1.72 million and was off 3.9 per cent.

So long story short, folks: Even though I — like every other Disneyana fan on the planet — like looking at all the pretty pictures & models currently on display in DCA’s Blue Sky Cellar, I can’t help but think about all of the other rides, shows or attractions — not to mention entire theme parks & resorts — that ultimately didn’t get built due to tough economic times and/or circumstances that were beyond the control of the Walt Disney Company.

So just keep that in mind, okay? And then — if you really want all of this new stuff for DCA to get built — hope & pray that our economy turns around sooner rather than later.

Your thoughts?

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

10 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

10 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.