Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment
“Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast” is a blast for theme park fans
Want to ride the hippest, funniest theme park ride that Jim Hill has been on in years? Then forget about heading to Disney and instead make plans now to visit Universal Studios Florida and check out this recently revamped attraction …
I’ll say this much for the folks at Universal. They obviously learn from Disney’s mistakes.
Don’t believe me? Then take, for example, all the negative publicity that the Mouse generated due to the awkward way the Walt Disney corporation handled the closure of WDW’s “20,000 Leagues” submarine attraction as well as “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.”
Watching Mickey place his foot in his mouth one too many times may explain why — late last year — Universal actually went out of its way to make annual passholders aware that it would soon be shutting down their “Kongfrontation” attraction. The Central Florida theme park even went so far as to invite APers and the media to attend a special “Say ‘So Long’ to Kong” event — where annual passholders were actually allowed to stay in the park after hours to make their “Goodbyes” to the big ape. They were even given a free gift for taking part in the “Kong” event.
The way that Universal chose to handle its “King Kong” closure — being extremely upfront about their intentions, putting a proactive and positive spin on the whole event by actually inviting APers to come out to the park to “Say ‘So Long’ to Kong” — generated tons of positive publicity for the theme park. Not to mention whetting people’s appetite for the mysterious “Mummy”-themed roller coaster that would soon appear in “Kongfrontation”‘s place.
All in all, the whole situation was handled with considerable style and class … a skill that Mickey really used to have, but seems to have forgotten in his rush to put a gift shop in the post-show area of every single new and/or revamped version of every WDW attraction.
Such was the case with WDW’s controversial redo of Epcot’s “Journey in Imagination” ride. Disney was so determined to add additional retail space to this once beloved Future World attraction that it actually ripped out the last third of the ride track for this whimsical attraction to make room for additional t-shirt racks as well as image capture equipment. The end result was a revamped attraction that was so reviled by WDW visitors that the Imagineers were actually forced to reverse course. They had to go back to Orlando and radically rework the previously revamped attraction.
The third version of this Future World ride — “Journey into Imagination with Figment” — recaptured much of the spirit and fun of the original. (And it’s a real tribute to the talents of David Mumford, that — given the extremely limited resources that this WDI vet was working with — that he was still able to pull together such a fun attraction.) But even today, as guests exit that Future World ride and make their way through Kodak’s retail gauntlet, they can be heard to remark “Well, that was nice … but it’s still not nearly as good as the original ‘Imagination’ ride.”
This message — that you can’t replace an attraction with an inferior ride — has clearly been heard by the folks at Universal Creative. Which is why they just replaced the somewhat dated — but still fun — “Funtastic World of Hanna Barbera” with the outrageously entertaining “Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast.”
How good is “Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast?” Last Tuesday afternoon, inside of an hour, I rode the attraction three times. The very next day, when Nancy was meeting with reps of the DAVE school (she’s giving some semi-serious thought to taking some computer animation classes in Central Florida), I actually went back to Universal Studios Orlando and rode “Jimmy” six more times. And — each time I experienced the attraction — I caught more witty touches, more wildly funny moments.
Now please understand that I was one of those guys who actually liked “The Funtastic World of Hanna Barbera.” Given that I’m a bit of a baby boomer (born in 1959), I’m actually old enough to have seen “The Flintstones,” “The Jetsons,” and “Scooby Doo, Where Are You?” on their original network runs (or — at the very least — to catch these programs during their first series of off-network reruns).
So it was always sort of cool (at least for me) to stand there in the pre-show of this Universal Florida attraction and see *** Dastardly and Muttley kidnap Elroy. (I always got a kick out of watching Joseph Barbera — as he made his exit in the pre-show film — pull a Snagglepuss-esque “Exit Stage Right” maneuver.)
Then to enter the main theater and have Yogi Bear pilot our craft through a CGI version of Bedrock, a spooky old castle as well as an out-of-this-world amusement park … was sheer bliss. At least for this baby boomer. I always marveled at the nice job that Rhythm & Hues had done with this ride film. Even though “The Funtastic World of Hanna Barbera” was created ‘way back in 1990, I always thought that this Universal simulator attraction had held up nicely. (Would that we could say the same about Epcot’s “Body Wars” ride. But that’s a story for another time …)
Anyway … as they say, “All good things must come to an end.” And — as attendance began to dwindle for “The Funtastic World of Hanna Barbera” in the late 1990s — Universal Creative began looking for a way to revamp this attraction. Create a ride that wouldn’t just appeal to bloated baby boomers like me, but could really connect with kids of today.
Of course, given that Universal already had a relationship with Nickelodeon, it just made sense for the theme park to rework the ride film for its Central Florida “Hanna Barbera” facility around that Nickelodeon’s set of characters. Create an attraction that would fly Universal guests off to a whole new set of worlds.
But the key difference between the Disney and Universal approach was that — even though Universal Creative was also working with a somewhat limited budget — they were also still determined to deliver a high quality product. A show that — while still being affordable — would still go out of its way to top the “Funtastic World of Hanna Barbera.”
So how did they do this? By being smart. First up, folks who have previously visited the pre-show and main theater areas of “The Funtastic World of Hanna Barbera” will note — as they enter “Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast” — that minimal changes have been made to these areas. A new paint job here, a few new atmospheric props there. But beyond that, these spaces are virtually unchanged.
Of course, given that Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius is the star of this new Universal Studios ride, changes to these spaces were really unnecessary. The over-sized screens in the pre-show — as well as the odd flying machines in the main theater — look just like something Jimmy would have cooked up in his secret lab.
That’s the real brilliance of Universal Creative’s approach to this particular show change-out; they didn’t change anything that they didn’t have to change. They spent the money where it really counted … and in this case, where it really counted was creating a balls-out funny new ride film for this attraction.
So how would I describe the ride film for “Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast?” Densely fun. Immensely entertaining. This may be the very first theme park attraction that I would truly describe as being “hip.” There are so many great gags buried inside this movie, so many surprise appearances by Nick characters, so many wonderful touches hidden away in corners … that I was still catching new things on my 9th trip through this revamped Universal attraction.
The story actually gets underway on the Jimmy Neutron soundstage on the Nicktoon Studio lot. As the pre-show begins, Jimmy is putting the finishing touches on his latest invention – the Mark IV, a hand crafted two person rocket ship. As Neutron’s nerdy pal, Carl, and his cybernetic canine, Goddard, look on, Jimmy gives the folks in the queue all the backstory they need to fully enjoy “Nicktoon Blast.” As is:
Jimmy reveals that the soundstages and/or free standing sets where “Hey, Arnold!,” “Rugrats,” “The Fairly Oddparents,” and “Spongebob Squarepants” are all located relatively nearby.
The Mark IV personal rocket ship was preceded by several other prototypes. The Mark III (which seems to have met some dreadful fate … when Carl asks Jimmy what became of the Mark III, Neutron’s succinct reply is “Don’t ask”), the Mark II and the Mark I.
It’s at this point in the pre-show that Ooblar, the evil Yolkian agent (who — while masquerading as a typical Central Florida tourist — has managed to sneak on to the Nicktoon Studio backlot) reveals himself. He’s come all the way from Yolkus (the Yolkian home world) to steal the Mark IV. The Yolkians plan to copy Jimmy’s latest invention as the model for a huge new invasion fleet. Which Ooblar and his egg-shaped cronies will then use to enslave the earth.
With a maniacal laugh, Ooblar flies the Mark IV out through the massive hole that he’s just blown in the side of Jimmy’s soundstage. Neutron then turns to the audience members that are standing in the show’s pre-show area and asks for our help in recovering his latest invention. It’s then decided that Jimmy, Carl and Goddard will chase after Ooblar in the Mark II, while we’ll follow along in the Mark I.
Carl doesn’t have all that much enthusiasm for this plan. He turns to the boy genius and says “I thought you said that the Mark I was somewhat unreliable.”
Jimmy’s response: “Well, it’s not totally unreliable.”
That’s the Reader’s Digest version of the pre-show. What my bare-bones description doesn’t do is capture a lot of the snarky wit and left-handed charm that this portion of the “Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast” has. EX: Ooblar’s oily introduction, when he calls Neutron “… his old nemesis.” Carl’s response? “I hope ‘nemesis” means ‘buddy.'”
Or that wonderful moment when Carl tries to explain to Jimmy why he so quickly handed the Mark IV’s remote control over to Ooblar after the Yolkian had threatened to “hurt” the nerd: “I think he used one of those alien mind meld things on me.”
(Truth be told, Carl is probably my favorite character in “Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast.” Certainly, this heavyset nerd has the lion’s share of the best lines in this Universal Studios attraction.)
With a quietly whimpered “Mommy” from Carl, we’re now on our way into the main theater in “Nicktoon Blast.” As I mentioned earlier, the ride vehicles here look pretty much as they did back in the day of “The Funtastic World of Hanna Barbera.” A new paint job here, a vacuum cleaner canister hot-glued there. But beyond that, it’s pretty much the same set-up.
But as for the ride film itself … picture the old “Hanna Barbera” ride film on steroids. With dozens of cartoon character cameos whizzing by at light speed, with gag piled upon gag upon gag … you’re going to have to ride “Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast” at least twice before you catch even a 10th of the jokes that the folks at Universal have crammed into this revamped attraction.
But here (without spoiling too many of “Jimmy”‘s numerous surprises) are a few highlights of this new Universal attraction:
Just seconds after we blast off out of Neutron’s soundstage, our rocket zooms through the streets of Nicktoon Studios. You really don’t want to blink during this section of the attraction. Otherwise, you’ll miss the quick-as-a-bunny cameo appearances by the cast of “Rocket Power,” “Rocco’s Modern World,” “The Wild Thornberrys” and even “Ren & Stimpy!”
Our next stop — after we sideswipe the slime tower (which unleashes a brief water effect inside the theater) — is the street where “Where’s Arnold” is filmed. As Jimmy, Carl, and the audience continue their pursuit of Ooblar, we interrupt a stickball game. (Watch as Goddard makes an amazing mid-air catch.)
From here, the trio of rocket ships just manage to squeeze through the rapidly closing doors of the “Rugrats” soundstage. The next thing we know, we’re flying over, around and through the Pickles’ homestead. With Angelica — who suddenly finds herself tethered to Ooblar’s ship — cussing out the members of the audience, calling us “dumb diaperheads.” (Keep a sharp eye out for Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, Lil & Dill … as well as the next door neighbor’s dog, who has an unfortunate run-in with a fence.)
After blasting through the wall of Tommy’s bedroom (and dumping Angelica unceremoniously on the bed), our rockets zoom over toward the soundstage where “The Fairly Oddparents” are filmed. Only this time, the doors to that soundstage aren’t open. But that doesn’t stop Jimmy, Ooblar or us as we blast through the wall to discover …
“Fairies!” Carl squeals. Sure enough, Cosmo and Wanda are flying alongside Neutron’s rocket ship. “Jimmy appeals to Cosmos, crying “Help us!” Cosmo mis-hears Neutron’s request as “Elvis,” which is why he changes Ooblar into an egg-shaped Elvis Presley. This transformation causes Jimmy to bring his rocket ship up short, which causes Carl to smack his forehead on the side of the vessel. The nerd moans “Oh, my achin’ head.” Cosmo once again mis-hears this request (“Bacon Head”), which is why Carl’s hair suddenly learns into fresh, crispy bacon.
Elvis Presley. Fresh, crispy bacon. Do I have to draw you a map? It’s a bizarrely funny moment that you’ll certainly never see in a Disney theme park, as Ooblar hungrily pursues Carl as the nerd squeals “Please don’t let him eat my head, Jim!”
To help Jimmy, Carl, and Goddard defeat Ooblar, Cosmo lends his magic wand to the panicked nerd. Carl waves the wand at the Mark VI, screaming “Go away!” In a burst of fairy dust, Ooblar and his ship do disappear. Jimmy then reminds Carl that “We have to follow that ship.” “Sounds like a wish,” says Wanda. With a wave of her wand, she sends Jimmy, Carl, Goddard and us to …
Yolkus! The Yolkian home world that Nicktoon fans may be familiar with if they’ve already seen the “Jimmy Neutron” theatrical feature and/or caught the recent Nickelodeon TV special, “The Egg-pire Strikes Back.” As the Mark II barrel rolls over this bleak planet, Carl reminds Jimmy (and the audience) that they “… don’t exactly like us here.” As a sly nod to various Lucasfilm projects, as our rockets zoom down toward the Yolkian capital city, Carl says “I got a funny feeling. And this time, I don’t think it’s gas.”
From here, it’s a slapstick-filled sequence. With Jimmy flying after Ooblar and both of their rockets wrecking havoc on the city. In addition to the broader, more obvious jokes (As in: When Ooblar flies through the Yolkian Bowlarama and accidentally mows down a bunch of bowlers in “Perfect Strike” fashion), pay attention to the smaller, subtler touches (EX: The film titles at the Yolkian multiplex: “Yolk Story II.” The egg-shaped newsboy hawking papers with Jimmy’s picture on them, crying “Rocket boy returns!”)
Our ship stays close behind Jimmy and Ooblar’s rockets. We zoom into the Yolkian throne room where the King of Yolkus reveals that we’ve fallen right into his trap. “How good to see you again, Neutron …” the King cackles. And — in an inspired lift from “The Wizard of Oz”- – the egg-shaped monarch turns to the audience and says “… and your little friends too!”
And — speaking of friends — the King of Yolkus re-introduces Neutron to another old acquaintance: Poultra, the Godzilla-sized three-eyed chicken that seems determined at eat Jimmy, Carl, Goddard, and us. We rocket out of the palace and just miss being crushed by Poultra’s Buick-sized feet. (There’s some real nice use of in-theater effects here. Every time one of Poultra’s feet strike the ground, our ride vehicles jump. Every time Poultra breathes fire at us, smoke comes surging out from under the screen.)
We escape Poultra only to have the Mark II’s engine flame out. As Jimmy — in the midst of a brain blast — tries to quickly jury-rig a fix on his rocket, he asks Carl to take off his pants. But the nerd has had enough. Wailing “I wanna go home!,” Carl waves Cosmo’s wand over his head and …
WHAM! We’re now high over the Earth’s surface. As our vehicle follows Jimmy’s rocket as it freefalls back toward Florida, Neutron says “Uh oh.” Carl’s response: “I was kind of hoping that ‘Uh oh” is a piloting term.” We now zoom down toward the miniature ocean in the backmost corner of the Nicktoon Studio lot, where we splash down into …
Bikini Bottom! Home to Spongebob Squarepants and all his crazy aquatic friends. We’re zooming over the Jellyfish Fields as Patrick points us out to his porous pal. “A rocket powered jellyfish!” Spongebob squeals. With that, Squarepants is in hot pursuit of the Mark II. With jellyfish net in hand, Spongebob flings himself off of a cliff. He then lands on Neutron’s ship and crams his net over Jimmy’s head.
Neutron cries “I can’t see!” With that, our wild ride through Bikini Bottom begins. Jimmy’s rocket ship spins out of control around Spongebob’s house. (The end result: Squarepant’s pineapple-shaped house ends up getting cut into large ring-shaped pieces. Which are immediately float down into a gigantic canned pineapple can.) While this is going on, our vehicle flies through the window at Squidward’s house, interrupting his clarinet practice.
From here, it’s a trip through the heart of Bikini Bottom. With Squarepants happily greeting his friends as he whizzes along on with Jimmy’s rocket ship. “Hello, Mrs. Puff! (Watch as the much beleaguered driving instructor “puffs” with surprise when she spies Spongebob) Hello, Sandy! Hello, Larry! (And perhaps my favorite line out of the entire attraction) Hello, secondary characters!”
As actual bubbles drift down from the ceiling of the theater, Neutron’s rocket flies through the front door of the Krusty Krab. As Mr. Krab and a handful of customers cling to Squarepants (who’s now waterskiing in the wake of Neutron’s rocket ship), Jimmy pilots the Mark II right into a metallic drain he spies at the bottom of the ocean. “Aw, barnicles!” Spongebob cries as he, Mr. Krab and all of those Krusty Krab customers are knocked off the rocket ship and left behind in Bikini Bottom.
From there, we find ourselves right back where we started. The Mark I and II come up through a drain in the floor of Jimmy’s soundstage. It seems like the attraction is over. Until the King of Yolkus arrives! Snatching the remote control out of Neutron’s hand, the evil Yolkian turns toward the audience and orders that …
No! I can’t do it. I can’t spoil what is truly the most surprising, truly delightful moment in “Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast.” Where your ride vehicle does something that you’d never expect it to do. Something you’ve never, ever experienced before … unless, of course, you’d been to one too many really cheesy weddings.
Let’s just say this moment in the show is fall down funny. And that — with this one particular ballsy bit of business — Universal has seriously raised the bar for all motion-based theatrical theme park shows. Disney’s going to have to come up with something really stunning if it ever hopes to top this show-stopping moment in “Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast.”
So how does it end? Well, let’s not forget that Carl still has Cosmo’s magic wand. With a wave of the wand, Carl cries out “High powered laser dealie!” A lethal-looking green laser now ricochets around the theater over the heads of the audience before it strikes the Yolkian King. Reducing the ruler of Yolkus to … well … a pile of yolk.
With the villain finally defeated and the Mark IV returned to where it belongs, Jimmy thanks for the audience for taking part in his adventure. Meantime, in the background, Carl (who — according to the mythology of the “Jimmy Neutron” TV show — has always been obsessed with llamas) is using Cosmo’s magic wand to quickly conjure up a herd of llamas. In what is perhaps the most bizarre gag in a truly bizarre theme park show, keep your eye on the righthand side of the screen. Where — just before the steel door closes and Neutron says “Gotta blast!” — you’ll see a very special llama make a surprise appearance.
I know, I know. This is an incredibly detailed description of the “Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast” show. But — strange as this may seem — this description really only touches on about a 10th of the gags and crazy things that happened in this new Universal Studios attraction. You’d have to watch “JNNTB” at least a dozen or more times before you could safely say that you’ve seen the whole show.
And let’s not forget about the fun to be had in the post-show area: the Nicktoon Control room. Where you can use your very own video camera to shoot some on-location footage at Bikini Bottom. Or that neat Chalkzone area. Or the various interactive attractions to be found here. The whole “Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast” experience — from the silly film clips that run in the exterior queue to the revamped gift shop — is a winner. At least to my way of thinking.
And you want to know the best part? Universal DIDN’T use the revamping of the old “Hanna Barbera” facility as an opportunity to increase the size of the ride’s post-show gift shop area. That store — which now features a wide variety of Nickelodeon-themed merchandise — remains exactly the same size … another clear sign that Universal learns from Disney’s mistakes.
You want my advice about the very best way to experience “Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast?” First ride inside one of the in-theater vehicles that swing and sway in sync with the ride film. THEN get back in line for “Nicktoon Blast” and — this time around — opt to sit down front in the stationary seats. That way, you have a better chance to catching some of the quicker cameos that the other Nicktoon characters make in this ride film. Not to mention that you’ll be in a primo spot to watch the rest of the audience as they …
NO! Must be strong! Must not totally blow the big surprise in “Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast!”
You know the best part of this whole situation is? “Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast” is the first of three truly strong major new rides and shows to make their debut at Universal Studios Orlando. Later this month, “Shrek 4D” also debuts. And that film — particularly the Central Florida version with its elaborate witty queue — is a real winner.
Not to mention the “Mummy”-themed roller coaster that Universal will be unleashing on the public next year, which will skillfully mix show scenes, elaborate special effects, thrills, chills, and a finale that’s sure to …
No! Must not spoil that ride’s surprises either.
Let’s just say that — for the past year or so now — Universal has been taking advantage of all the lessons that they’ve been learning from the Mouse’s mistakes. So don’t you think it’s finally time that the Walt Disney Company to start learning from Universal Studio’s successes.
Your thoughts?
Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment
Disney and Macy’s 90-Year Thanksgiving Day Parade Partnership: From Mickey’s First Balloon to Minnie’s Big Debut
Now, folks, if you’re like me, Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be the same without a coffee, a cozy seat, and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on the TV. And if you’re really like me, you’re watching for one thing: Disney balloons floating down 34th Street. Ever wondered how Mickey, Donald, and soon Minnie Mouse found their way into this beloved New York tradition? Well, grab your popcorn because we’re diving into nearly 90 years of Disney’s partnership with Macy’s.
The Very First Parade and the Early Days of Balloons
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade goes way back to 1924, but if you can believe it, balloons weren’t part of the festivities until 1927. That first lineup included Felix the Cat, a dragon, and a toy soldier, all towering above the crowds. Back then, Macy’s had a pretty wild idea to end the parade: they would let the balloons drift off into the sky, free as birds. But this wasn’t just Macy’s feeling generous. Each balloon had a message attached, offering a $100 reward (about $1,800 in today’s dollars) for anyone who returned it to the flagship store on 34th Street.
And here’s where it gets interesting. This tradition carried on for a few years, right up until 1932, when Felix the Cat almost took down a plane flying over New York City! Imagine that—you’re flying into LaGuardia, and suddenly, there’s a 60-foot balloon drifting toward your wing. Needless to say, that was the end of Macy’s “fly away” stunt, and from then on, the balloons have stayed firmly grounded after the parade ends.
1934: Mickey Mouse Floats In, and Disney Joins the Parade
It was 1934 when Mickey Mouse finally made his grand debut in the Macy’s parade. Rumor has it Walt Disney himself collaborated with Macy’s on the design, and by today’s standards, that first Mickey balloon was a bit of a rough cut. This early Mickey had a hotdog-shaped body, and those oversized ears gave him a slightly lopsided look. But no one seemed to mind. Mickey was there, larger than life, floating down the streets of New York, and the crowd loved him.
Mickey wasn’t alone that year. He was joined by Pluto, Horace Horsecollar, and even the Big Bad Wolf and Practical Pig from The Three Little Pigs, making it a full Disney lineup for the first time. Back then, Disney wasn’t yet the entertainment powerhouse we know today, so for Walt, getting these characters in the parade meant making a deal. Macy’s required its star logo to be featured on each Disney balloon—a small concession that set the stage for Disney’s long-standing presence in the parade.
Duck Joins and Towers Over Mickey
A year later, in 1935, Macy’s introduced Donald Duck to the lineup, and here’s where things got interesting. Mickey may have been the first Disney character to float through the parade, but Donald made a huge splash—literally. His balloon was an enormous 60 feet tall and 65 feet long, towering over Mickey’s 40-foot frame. Donald quickly became a fan favorite, appearing in the lineup for several years before being retired.
Fast-forward a few decades, and Donald was back for a special appearance in 1984 to celebrate his 50th birthday. Macy’s dug the balloon out of storage, re-inflated it, and sent Donald down 34th Street once again, bringing a bit of nostalgia to the holiday crowd.
A Somber Parade in 2001
Now, one of my most memorable trips to the parade was in 2001, just weeks after the 9/11 attacks. Nancy and I, along with our friends, headed down to New York, and the mood was something I’ll never forget. We watched the start of the parade from Central Park West, but before that, we went to the Museum of Natural History the night before to see the balloons being inflated. They were covered in massive cargo nets, with sandbags holding them down. It’s surreal to see these enormous balloons anchored down before they’re set free.
That year, security was intense, with police lining the streets, and then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani rode on the Big Apple float to roaring applause. People cheered his name, waving and shouting as he passed. It felt like the entire city had turned out to show their resilience. Even amidst all the heightened security and tension, seeing those balloons—brought a bit of joy back to the city.
Balloon Prep: From New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium to California’s D23 Expo
Each year before the parade, Macy’s holds a rehearsal event known as Balloon Fest at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This is where handlers get their first crack at guiding the balloons, practicing with their parade masters, and learning the ropes—literally. It’s an entire production unto itself, with dozens of people rehearsing to make sure these enormous inflatables glide smoothly down the streets of New York on parade day.
In 2015, Macy’s took the balloon show on the road, bringing their Buzz Lightyear balloon out to California for the D23 Expo. I was lucky enough to be there, and watching Buzz get inflated piece by piece in the Anaheim Convention Center parking lot was something to behold. Each section was filled with helium in stages, and when they got around to Buzz’s lower half, well, there were more than a few gas-related jokes from the crowd.
These balloons seem to have a personality all their own, and seeing one like Buzz come to life up close—even outside of New York—had all the excitement and anticipation of the real deal.
Mickey’s Comeback as a Bandleader and Sailor Mickey
After a long hiatus, Mickey Mouse made his return to the Macy’s parade in 2000, this time sporting a new bandleader outfit. Nine years later, in 2009, Sailor Mickey joined the lineup, promoting Disney Cruise Line with a nautical twist. Over the past two decades, Disney has continued to enchant parade-goers with characters like Buzz Lightyear in 2008 and Olaf from Frozen in 2017. These balloons keep Disney’s iconic characters front and center, drawing in both longtime fans and new viewers.
But ever wonder what happens to the balloons after they reach the end of 34th Street? They don’t just disappear. Each balloon is carefully deflated, rolled up like a massive piece of laundry, and packed into storage bins. From there, they’re carted back through the Lincoln Tunnel to Macy’s Parade Studio in New Jersey, where they await their next flight.
Macy’s Disney Celebration at Hollywood Studios
In 1992, Macy’s took the spirit of the parade down to Disney-MGM Studios in Orlando. After that year’s parade, several balloons—including Santa Goofy, Kermit the Frog, and Betty Boop—were transported to Hollywood Studios, re-inflated, and anchored along New York Street as part of a holiday display. Visitors could walk through this “Macy’s New York Christmas” setup and see the balloons up close, right in the middle of the park. While this display only ran for one season, it paved the way for the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, which became a holiday staple at the park for years to come.
Minnie Mouse’s Long-Awaited Debut in 2024
This year, Minnie Mouse will finally join the parade, making her long-overdue debut. Macy’s is rolling out the red carpet for Minnie’s arrival with special pop-up shops across the country, where fans can find exclusive Minnie ears, blown-glass ornaments, T-shirts, and more to celebrate her first appearance in the Thanksgiving Day Parade.
For those lucky enough to catch the parade this year, you’ll see Minnie take her first float down 34th Street, decked out in her iconic red bow and polka-dot dress. Macy’s and Disney are also unveiling a new Disney Cruise Line float honoring all eight ships, including the latest, the Disney Treasure.
As always, I’ll be watching from my favorite chair, coffee in hand, as Minnie makes her grand entrance. The 98th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade airs live on NBC, and it’s a tradition you won’t want to miss—whether you’re on 34th Street or tuning in from home.
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.
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