Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Knott’s Berry Farm offers two takes on its historic Ghost Town for the Summer of 2017

Published

7 years ago

July 7, 2017

How do you like your Ghost Town? Virtual or extra-lively?

Because – this summer — Knott’s Berry Farm actually gives you options. You can either experience a VR version of this theme park’s historic Old West section (where you’ll then get to battle robots in an immersive 360 shooter). Or you can explore Ghost Town Alive! where the streets of Calico are filled with dozens of performers dressed in authentic western garb. Who then – with the help of Guests who are visiting the farm for the day – then play out an 8-hour-long piece of interactive, immersive, theater.

Why did “America’s First Theme Park” opt to take on such an ambitious two-pronged project? To hear Ken Parks – the Vice President of Entertainment for Knott’s Berry Farm – talk, this all dates back to when Cedar Fair Entertainment was looking for a unique way to commemorate Ghost Town’s 75th anniversary.

“Over the past few years, Cedar Fair has been plussing various rides around this theme park. Taking Knott’s favorites like the Calico Mine Train & the Timber Mountain Log Ride and – while preserving what people already loved about these classic attractions – improving them, updating them,” Parks explained during a recent phone interview. “Well, Raffi Kaprelyan – he was the general manager of the park at that time – he wanted to do the same thing with Ghost Town. That area that Walter Knott had started back in 1940 and that the rest of this theme park had grown-up around.”

But even though Kaprelyan had many conversations with Lara Hanneman (i.e., Knott’s Creative Director) about this topic, these two couldn’t quite get a handle on how the park should go about plussing Ghost Town. But all that changed one day when Raffi stopped by the blacksmith’s shop in Calico and asked the employee who worked there year-round how he was doing.

“And this guy replied by saying ‘I’m always doing great because I’m the richest man in town.’ And since that response really intrigued Raffi, he asked the blacksmith to elaborate. And this guy then spun out this amazing tale about how – because the people of Calico were constantly coming to him for nails & horseshoes – the blacksmith was always busy. He always had money coming in,” Ken continued. “This guy then pointed to some hinges that he’d forged for Calico’s jail. And he said ‘I’m the person who really keeps the prisoners in their cells, not the Sheriff. After all, I’m the one who made those hinges.’ “

And Raffi so enjoyed his talk with the employee who worked in Ghost Town’s blacksmith shop that he wondered: What if Calico was filled with characters like this? People who were dressed in authentic period garb who all had interesting points-of-views, fun stories that they could then share about what was going on in town. Wouldn’t that make visiting this part of the park a lot more entertaining?

“So he & Lara began talking about this idea,” Parks added. “These two knew that they didn’t want to dress people up in period costumes and then just cut them loose in Calico as some sort of photo op. Raffi & Lara wanted characters that the Guests could actually interact with. Authentic characters who had a real reason for being in town that day. This is when they brought me in. I was working for Knott’s as a consultant at the time. And over the next year and a half, we crafted this interactive story with an authentic set of characters that – with the help of our Guests – would then play out over the course of a single day.”

Of course, doing something like this (EX: Hiring & then training the 42 performers that Knott’s would need if Calico were supposed to have 24 different citizens wandering its streets seven days a week for an entire Summer) wasn’t going to be cheap. In order to give these performers places where they could all interact with Guests, not to mention props that could then hand off to those people which these performers had persuaded to play a part in that day’s interactive narrative … Well, that meant that Knott’s parent company – Cedar Fair Entertainment – was going to have to pony up a lot of dough in advance.

“But what really helped us was the timing of this project. Knott’s Berry Farm was coming up on the 75th anniversary of when Walter Knott founded Ghost Town. And Cedar Fair had already committed to refurbishing this part of the park so that Calico could then look as good as possible for that anniversary,” Ken continued. “So – in the end – Ghost Town Alive! and Calico’s refurbishment all became part of the same big package. It was a huge capital investment on Cedar Fair’s part. But they were willing to gamble that investing this much money in the oldest part of the park would eventually pay off.”

Luckily for Lara, Raffi and Ken, Cedar Fair’s investment in Calico paid off in spades. When Ghost Town Alive! opened at Knott’s Berry Farm back in June of 2016, it immediately became a hit with both the day guests and the annual passholders for that theme park. Kids and adults alike got a kick out of helping Sheriff Wheeler keep an eye on Ike, Fluke, Scruff, Clay, Tiny, Pitt & Ox. Who were all members of the notorious Mayfield gang.

“But it wasn’t just the law-and-order aspect of this day-long interactive story that our Guests enjoyed. They also got caught up in the regular day-to-day activities in Calico. These people did things like deliver packages for the local Pony Express office or help gather information for the editor of the town newspaper. Which is how their names then wound up in the latest edition of the Calico Gazette. And all the while, they’re interacting with the citizens of Calico and then getting drawn deeper & deeper into this immersive experience,” Parks enthused.

Ghost Town Alive! wound up being so popular with visitors to Knott’s Berry Farm (Ken shared with me that – according to an in-park survey of Guests which an outside marketing firm did for this theme park – on a scale of 1 to 5, Knott’s interactive role-playing immersive entertainment experience received a 4.98 rating) that they then decided to bring it back for the Summer of 2017.

Mind you, 2017 was also the year when Knott’s Berry Farm was planning on unveiling “VR Showdown in Ghost Town.” Which this untethered virtual reality additional charge attraction that had been built inside of this theme park’s Boardwalk Arcade.

“Now what’s fun about this VR experience is that we actually tied it into the mythology of Knott’s old ‘Kingdom of the Dinosaurs’ ride. Longtime fans of Knott’s may recall that – back when that attraction was up & running in this theme park’s Roaring 20’s section – your ride vehicle first had to pass through Professor Well’s lab before you were then sent back to the age of the dinosaurs,” Parks said. “With ‘VR Showdown,’ we’re allowing our Guests to return to Professor Well’s lab for another time-travel adventure. Only this time, we’re sending you into the future to do battle with robots that Professor Well’s assistant has created which are now trying to take over Ghost Town.”

What’s especially fun about this 360 shooter is that – thanks to the cutting-edge technology that powers this virtual reality experience – upwards of four people can play together at the exact same time.

“So you can play opposite your friends in ‘VR Showdown.’ You’ll be able to see their avatars inside of this attraction with you,” Ken said. “More importantly, you’ll be able to directly compete with them and see who then winds up with the highest score.”

What’s kind of ironic about all this is that Knott’s Berry Farm went into completely opposite directions when it came to how these two Ghost Town-related attractions were pulled off. “VR Showdown in Ghost Town” (which is the first and only permanent full motion virtual reality experience in a U.S. theme park) is powered by state-of-the-art electronics. Whereas Ghost Town Alive! is mostly powered by people & paper. Kids who draw wanted posters of the bandits that they just saw rob the Miners Bank & Gold Exchange. Or those ballots that visitors to this theme park use to vote when the town is deciding whether Bryce Wheeler or Tiny Mayfield should now be the Sheriff of Calico.

“And what’s great about that moment in this day-long interactive show is that the way that people vote actually does have an impact on how that day’s version of Ghost Town Alive! plays out. What happens at the Hoedown in Calico Square,” Parks said. “That’s why so many of our annual passholders keep coming back to Calico over the course of the summer. They want to experience all of the variations, see for themselves all of the twists & turns that this immersive tale can take.”

Just so you know (because Knott’s décor team does eventually have to get this theme park ready for its annual transformation into Knott’s Scary Farm. Which typically gets underway during the latter part of September), Ghost Town Alive! will be wrapping up for the Summer 2017 season on September 4th.

On the other hand, “VR Showdown in Ghost Town” will continue in Knott’s Boardwalk Arcade for the foreseeable future. That said, unlike “Ghost Town Alive!,” this virtual reality multiplayer experience is not included as part of your standard admission to Knott’s Berry Farm. More to the point, “VR Showdown” is not recommended for children of 12 & under.

This article was originally published by the Huffington Post on Friday, July 7, 2017

History

The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown

Published

3 months ago

February 7, 2024

Jim Hill

Disneyland in Anaheim, California, holds a special place in the hearts of Disney fans worldwide, I mean heck, it’s where the magic began after all. Over the years it’s become a place that people visit in search of memorable experiences. One fan favorite area of the park is Mickey’s Toontown, a unique land that lets guests step right into the colorful, “Toony” world of Disney animation. With the recent reimagining of the land and the introduction of Micky and Minnies Runaway Railway, have you ever wondered how this land came to be?

There is a fascinating backstory of how Mickey’s Toontown came into existence. It’s a tale of strategic vision, the influence of Disney executives, and a commitment to meeting the needs of Disney’s valued guests.

The Beginning: Mickey’s Birthdayland

The story of Mickey’s Toontown starts with Mickey’s Birthdayland at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Opened in 1988 to celebrate Mickey Mouse’s 60th birthday, this temporary attraction was met with such overwhelming popularity that it inspired Disney executives to think bigger. The idea was to create a permanent, immersive land where guests could step into the animated world of Mickey Mouse and his friends.

In the early ’90s, Disneyland was in need of a refresh. Michael Eisner, the visionary leader of The Walt Disney Company at the time, had an audacious idea: create a brand-new land in Disneyland that would celebrate Disney characters in a whole new way. This was the birth of Mickey’s Toontown.

Initially, Disney’s creative minds toyed with various concepts, including the idea of crafting a 100-Acre Woods or a land inspired by the Muppets. However, the turning point came when they considered the success of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” This film’s popularity and the desire to capitalize on contemporary trends set the stage for Toontown’s creation.

From Concept to Reality: The Birth of Toontown

In 1993, Mickey’s Toontown opened its gates at Disneyland, marking the first time in Disney Park history where guests could experience a fully realized, three-dimensional world of animation. This new land was not just a collection of attractions but a living, breathing community where Disney characters “lived,” worked, and played.

Building Challenges: Innovative Solutions

The design of Mickey’s Toontown broke new ground in theme park aesthetics. Imagineers were tasked with bringing the two-dimensional world of cartoons into a three-dimensional space. This led to the creation of over 2000 custom-built props and structures that embodied the ‘squash and stretch’ principle of animation, giving Toontown its distinctiveness.

And then there was also the challenge of hiding the Team Disney Anaheim building, which bore a striking resemblance to a giant hotdog. The Imagineers had to think creatively, using balloon tests and imaginative landscaping to seamlessly integrate Toontown into the larger park.

Key Attractions: Bringing Animation to Life

Mickey’s Toontown featured several groundbreaking attractions. “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin,” inspired by the movie “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” became a staple of Toontown, offering an innovative ride experience. Gadget’s Go-Coaster, though initially conceived as a Rescue Rangers-themed ride, became a hit with younger visitors, proving that innovative design could create memorable experiences for all ages.

Another crown jewel of Toontown is Mickey’s House, a walkthrough attraction that allowed guests to explore the home of Mickey Mouse himself. This attraction was more than just a house; it was a carefully crafted piece of Disney lore. The house was designed in the American Craftsman style, reflecting the era when Mickey would have theoretically purchased his first home in Hollywood. The attention to detail was meticulous, with over 2000 hand-crafted, custom-built props, ensuring that every corner of the house was brimming with character and charm. Interestingly, the design of Mickey’s House was inspired by a real home in Wichita Falls, making it a unique blend of real-world inspiration and Disney magic.

Mickey’s House also showcased Disney’s commitment to creating interactive and engaging experiences. Guests could make themselves at home, sitting in Mickey’s chair, listening to the radio, and exploring the many mementos and references to Mickey’s animated adventures throughout the years. This approach to attraction design – where storytelling and interactivity merged seamlessly – was a defining characteristic of ToonTown’s success.

Executive Decisions: Shaping ToonTown’s Unique Attractions

The development of Mickey’s Toontown wasn’t just about creative imagination; it was significantly influenced by strategic decisions from Disney executives. One notable input came from Jeffrey Katzenberg, who suggested incorporating a Rescue Rangers-themed ride. This idea was a reflection of the broader Disney strategy to integrate popular contemporary characters and themes into the park, ensuring that the attractions remained relevant and engaging for visitors.

In addition to Katzenberg’s influence, Frank Wells, the then-President of The Walt Disney Company, played a key role in the strategic launch of Toontown’s attractions. His decision to delay the opening of “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin” until a year after Toontown’s debut was a calculated move. It was designed to maintain public interest in the park by offering new experiences over time, thereby giving guests more reasons to return to Disneyland.

These executive decisions highlight the careful planning and foresight that went into making Toontown a dynamic and continuously appealing part of Disneyland. By integrating current trends and strategically planning the rollout of attractions, Disney executives ensured that Toontown would not only capture the hearts of visitors upon its opening but would continue to draw them back for new experiences in the years to follow.

Global Influence: Toontown’s Worldwide Appeal

The concept of Mickey’s Toontown resonated so strongly that it was replicated at Tokyo Disneyland and influenced elements in Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland. Each park’s version of Toontown maintained the core essence of the original while adapting to its cultural and logistical environment.

Evolution and Reimagining: Toontown Today

As we approach the present day, Mickey’s Toontown has recently undergone a significant reimagining to welcome “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway” in 2023. This refurbishment aimed to enhance the land’s interactivity and appeal to a new generation of Disney fans, all while retaining the charm that has made ToonTown a beloved destination for nearly three decades.

Dive Deeper into ToonTown’s Story

Want to know more about Mickey’s Toontown and hear some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, then check out the latest episode of Disney Unpacked on Patreon @JimHillMedia. In this episode, the main Imagineer who worked on the Toontown project shares lots of interesting stories and details that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s full of great information and fun facts, so be sure to give it a listen!

History

Unpacking the History of the Pixar Place Hotel

Published

3 months ago

January 30, 2024

Jim Hill

Pixar Place Hotel, the newly unveiled 15-story tower at the Disneyland Resort, has been making waves in the Disney community. With its unique Pixar-themed design, it promises to be a favorite among visitors.

However, before we delve into this exciting addition to the Disneyland Resort, let’s take a look at the fascinating history of this remarkable hotel.

The Emergence of the Disneyland Hotel

To truly appreciate the story of the Pixar Place Hotel, we must turn back the clock to the early days of Disneyland. While Walt Disney had the visionary ideas and funding to create the iconic theme park, he faced a challenge when it came to providing accommodations for the park’s visitors. This is where his friend Jack Wrather enters the picture.

Jack Wrather, a fellow pioneer in the television industry, stepped in to assist Walt Disney in realizing his dream. Thanks to the success of the “Lassie” TV show produced by Wrather’s company, he had the financial means to build a hotel right across from Disneyland.

The result was the Disneyland Hotel, which opened its doors in October 1955. Interestingly, the early incarnation of this hotel had more of a motel feel than a hotel, with two-story buildings reminiscent of the roadside motels popular during the 1950s. The initial Disneyland Hotel consisted of modest structures that catered to visitors looking for affordable lodging close to the park. While the rooms were basic, it marked the beginning of something extraordinary.

The Evolution: From Emerald of Anaheim to Paradise Pier

As Disneyland’s popularity continued to soar, so did the demand for expansion and improved accommodations. In 1962, the addition of an 11-story tower transformed the Disneyland Hotel, marking a significant transition from a motel to a full-fledged hotel.

The addition of the 11-story tower elevated the Disneyland Hotel into a more prominent presence on the Anaheim skyline. At the time, it was the tallest structure in all of Orange County. The hotel’s prime location across from Disneyland made it an ideal choice for visitors. With the introduction of the monorail linking the park and the hotel, accessibility became even more convenient. Unique features like the Japanese-themed reflecting pools added to the hotel’s charm, reflecting a cultural influence that extended beyond Disney’s borders.

Japanese Tourism and Its Impact

During the 1960s and 1970s, Disneyland was attracting visitors from all corners of the world, including Japan. A significant number of Japanese tourists flocked to Anaheim to experience Walt Disney’s creation. To cater to this growing market, it wasn’t just the Disneyland Hotel that aimed to capture the attention of Japanese tourists. The Japanese Village in Buena Park, inspired by a similar attraction in Nara, Japan, was another significant spot.

These attractions sought to provide a taste of Japanese culture and hospitality, showcasing elements like tea ceremonies and beautiful ponds with rare carp and black swans. However, the Japanese Village closed its doors in 1975, likely due to the highly competitive nature of the Southern California tourist market.

The Emergence of the Emerald of Anaheim

With the surge in Japanese tourism, an opportunity arose—the construction of the Emerald of Anaheim, later known as the Disneyland Pacific Hotel. In May 1984, this 15-story hotel opened its doors.

What made the Emerald unique was its ownership. It was built not by The Walt Disney Company or the Oriental Land Company (which operated Tokyo Disneyland) but by the Tokyu Group. This group of Japanese businessmen already had a pair of hotels in Hawaii and saw potential in Anaheim’s proximity to Disneyland. Thus, they decided to embark on this new venture, specifically designed to cater to Japanese tourists looking to experience Southern California.

Financial Challenges and a Changing Landscape

The late 1980s brought about two significant financial crises in Japan—the crash of the NIKKEI stock market and the collapse of the Japanese real estate market. These crises had far-reaching effects, causing Japanese tourists to postpone or cancel their trips to the United States. As a result, reservations at the Emerald of Anaheim dwindled.

To adapt to these challenging times, the Tokyu Group merged the Emerald brand with its Pacific hotel chain, attempting to weather the storm. However, the financial turmoil took its toll on the Emerald, and changes were imminent.

The Transition to the Disneyland Pacific Hotel

In 1995, The Walt Disney Company took a significant step by purchasing the hotel formerly known as the Emerald of Anaheim for $35 million. This acquisition marked a change in the hotel’s fortunes. With Disney now in control, the hotel underwent a name change, becoming the Disneyland Pacific Hotel.

Transformation to Paradise Pier

The next phase of transformation occurred when Disney decided to rebrand the hotel as Paradise Pier Hotel. This decision aligned with Disney’s broader vision for the Disneyland Resort.

While the structural changes were limited, the hotel underwent a significant cosmetic makeover. Its exterior was painted to complement the color scheme of Paradise Pier, and wave-shaped crenellations adorned the rooftop, creating an illusion of seaside charm. This transformation was Disney’s attempt to seamlessly integrate the hotel into the Paradise Pier theme of Disney’s California Adventure Park.

Looking Beyond Paradise Pier: The Shift to Pixar Place

In 2018, Disneyland Resort rebranded Paradise Pier as Pixar Pier, a thematic area dedicated to celebrating the beloved characters and stories from Pixar Animation Studios. As a part of this transition, it became evident that the hotel formally known as the Disneyland Pacific Hotel could no longer maintain its Paradise Pier theme.

With Pixar Pier in full swing and two successful Pixar-themed hotels (Toy Story Hotels in Shanghai Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland), Disney decided to embark on a new venture—a hotel that would celebrate the vast world of Pixar. The result is Pixar Place Hotel, a 15-story tower that embraces the characters and stories from multiple Pixar movies and shorts. This fully Pixar-themed hotel is a first of its kind in the United States.

The Future of Pixar Place and Disneyland Resort

As we look ahead to the future, the Disneyland Resort continues to evolve. The recent news of a proposed $1.9 billion expansion as part of the Disneyland Forward project indicates that the area surrounding Pixar Place is expected to see further changes. Disneyland’s rich history and innovative spirit continue to shape its destiny.

In conclusion, the history of the Pixar Place Hotel is a testament to the ever-changing landscape of Disneyland Resort. From its humble beginnings as the Disneyland Hotel to its transformation into the fully Pixar-themed Pixar Place Hotel, this establishment has undergone several iterations. As Disneyland Resort continues to grow and adapt, we can only imagine what exciting developments lie ahead for this iconic destination.

If you want to hear more stories about the History of the Pixar Place hotel, check our special edition of Disney Unpacked over on YouTube.

Stay tuned for more updates and developments as we continue to explore the fascinating world of Disney, one story at a time.

History

From Birthday Wishes to Toontown Dreams: How Toontown Came to Be

Published

3 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.