History

Jack Lindquist’s “In Service to the Mouse” is an unvarnished view of Disneyland history

Published

14 years ago

January 11, 2011

There are two types of behind-the-scenes books that you typically
see coming out of The Walt Disney Company. The first type is the highly
scrubbed history (EX: Bob Thomas' "Disney's Art of Animation: From Mickey Mouse to Beauty and the Beast" [Disney Editions, October 1992]) which deliberately
steps around some of the more embarrassing moments that are associated with a particular
production.

The second kind of behind-the-scenes book usually comes
years after the fact (EX: Charles Solomon's "Tale as Old as Time: The Art and Making of Beauty and the Beast" [Disney Editions, August 2010]). Which –
because they don't tend to gloss over a lot of the hiccups that can happen along
the way – tend to be far more interesting reading.

Which is why – if you're
a theme park history buff and really want to know how the Happiest Place on
Earth made it through that shaky first year & then went on become one of
the world's most popular tourist destination – you owe it to yourself to pick
up a copy of Jack Lindquist's memoir, "In Service To The Mouse: My Unexpected Journey to Becoming Disneyland's First President" (Neverland Media LLC.
December 2010).

Why For? Because this 248-page hardcover (which Lindquist wrote
with Melinda J. Combs) gives you Disneyland's real history. Told by a guy who first
visited the park in April in 1955, back when this theme park was still a
construction site. Hired in September of that same year by Disneyland's first
director of public relations. Ed Ettinger, Jack had then a front row seat to a
lot of Mouse House history. Which he now shares with "In Service to the Mouse."

"What sort of history?," you ask. Well, how about the real
reason that Club 33 got built at Disneyland? Which – according to Lindquist –
can actually be traced back to the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair.

As the fair ended, GE expressed a desire to move the (Carousel
of Progress) to Disneyland. Discussions began with WED, and everything was
moving along splendidly until an unexpected hitch occurred. GE insisted that a
VIP lounge, like the one they'd had at the New York's World Fair – with a bar –
be part of their pavilion in Disneyland. GE was told that alcohol was not
allowed in Disneyland, but they insisted. We refused. A critical impasse had
been reached. For awhile, it looked like the whole project would crumble.
Neither party would budge. Then a compromise was proposed. Disney would
construct a private club in New Orleans Square, a new area within the park just
under construction at that time.

Image courtesy of Roger Colton

Entrance to the park club would be limited to park sponsors and
their guests, complimentary memberships approved by Walt Disney's office. These
included all sorts of VIPS, like the presidents of the United States; governors
of California; U.S. senators from California; Otis Chandler and William
Randolph Hearst Jr. (both newspaper / publishing magnates); Leonard Goldsenson,
who was head of ABC; the city of Anaheim and Orange County VIPs; plus a select
group of Walt's friends.

This private facility would serve liquor but only with
meals. No separate bar. GE and all the other participants accepted the
compromise. Thus, the Carousel of Progress was built exactly as debuted at the
New York World's Fair. It became an instant classic at Disneyland.

Club 33 immediately became a big hit, giving Disneyland
lessees a place to entertain their customers, sales staffs, PR executives and
for employee recognition events, etc. Club 33 also became a place where
Disneyland executives could entertain business associates, visiting
dignitaries, and other groups. The name, Club 33, came about because Walt
seemed to like the number 3 and also because Disneyland's physical address is
1313 Harbor Boulevard.

Image courtesy of Roger Colton

That's half the fun of "In Service to the Mouse." Jack gives
you the unvarnished version of Disneyland history. He writes not as the loyal employee
(Lindquist worked for The Walt Disney Company for 38 years). But – rather – as the
longtime president of Disneyland. Who was often frustrated in his attempts to
keep this theme park fresh & relevant.

Take – for example – "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln." To
Lindquist's way of thinking, anyway …

… is not a repeat
ride. Guests see it once and that's it. It (is) a show that played for 15 to 20
years to approximately 5 to 8 percent of its capacity. We had a theater with a
capacity of around 500, with only 35 people in it. But every time we talked
about closing that show, we had backlash; we would receive 2,000 to 3,000
letters saying, "You can't take it out. It's what Disneyland is all about. It's
our favorite attraction."

Jack is a person with very strong opinions, especially when
it came to the Disney theme parks. And he wasn't afraid of experiencing those
opinions.

Take – for example – when he got into it with Michael
Eisner, the then-CEO of The Walt Disney Company about which characters should
appear in what parks.

I was very opposed to any Disney characters in Epcot because
the characters belonged at the Magic Kingdom. Everything should be in its
place. If we wanted characters for Epcot, then Epcot characters needed to be
developed. Putting Mickey in Japanese robes for the Japanese Pavilion or
Lederhosen for the German Pavilion is wrong. Michael and I argued about that
for about two years.

Mickey and Minnie in their Italian garb at last year's grand opening of World
Showcase's new Via Napoli restaurant. Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc.
All rights reserved

"We're going to have Disney characters in Epcot," he
insisted.

"Fine, you're the man," I told him. "But you're wrong."

People don't go to Epcot without going to the Magic Kingdom
at Walt Disney World, so having Mickey at Epcot isn't going to bring people
there. If they want Mickey Mouse, they can go where he is.

I think some characters lost their uniqueness through
merchandising and overexposure. We were unsophisticated merchandisers … People
still buy the merchandise but there's just too much, store after store after
store. Maybe the merchandise is done differently in various places, but the overkill
still exists.

So again, when we try to apply K-Mart or Wal-Mart
merchandising standards to Disneyland, I can say it's overkill, but when we
look at the bottom line, people are buying. That gets back to the image, and to
two questions: Does it mean as much today to have something with the Mouse on
it as when it was harder to find?

No.

And should the Mouse be everywhere, like in the German
Pavilion near the beer garden?

Hell no.

As Mickey's chaperone for a half-century, I would never let
my charge be frivolously exploited.

Jack Lindquist proudly wears a set of Mickey Mouse ears at Disneyland's 50th
anniversary celebration. Photo by Adrienne Helitzer. Copyright Disney
Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved

Never thought you'd ever hear a member of senior management
of The Walt Disney Company talk like that? Well, that's why you really owe to
yourself to purchase a copy of "In Service to the Mouse: My Unexpected Journey
to Becoming Disneyland's First President." So that you can then read all of Jack
Lindquist's terrific tales.

Like the time when – while attempting to recruit sponsors
for Epcot's World Showcase – Lindquist was actually threatened with beheading. How did that happen? Well …

… We went to Morocco for help with their pavilion at Epcot
but didn't have any success initially. We brought a model on our first visit and
left it there. However, a year-and-a-half later, we established ties with a new
minister of Tourism. When we returned and started negotiating again, WED
Enterprises wanted the old model back because they didn't want to have to start
from scratch.

After we told them that we needed to get the model back to
the United States, somebody let us know that the model was at the palace in the
prince's quarters. We were told that we had to speak to the king, who then told
us to retrieve it from the prince's room.

When we walked into the prince's room, we found our model
with an electric train running through it. The 10-year-old prince had turned it
into a toy. When we started to take out the model, the prince threw a royal
hissy-fit.

He said to all of us, "I'll have you all beheaded."

More people came in to help us and stop the fit. They
finally scooted the prince out of the room, and we took our model.

Trust me, folks. The stories that I've excerpted above are
just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to "In Service to the Mouse." So if
you want to read a radically different but still genuinely entertaining take on
Disneyland history, get ahold of Jack Lindquist & Melinda J. Combs' book
ASAP.

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

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.