Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Knott’s Berry Farm pays tribute to flavors from its past in fun new ways with its annual Boysenberry Festival

Published

7 years ago

April 21, 2017

Visit any retailer this week and you’ll discover the remnants of Easter. Half-priced Peeps and the like.

But holidays that are already in the rear mirror don’t interest Russ Knibbs. As the Vice President of Food & Beverage at Knott’s Berry Farm, he’s always more concerned with occasions that are still months away. Take – for example – how America’s first theme park plans on celebrating Christmas in 2017.

“We’re already talking about Knott’s Merry Farm, which runs at our park in November, December and part of January,” Knibbs admitted during a recent phone interview. “My culinary team and I are already discussing some fun new seasonal food items that we may offer at this year’s event. Likewise Haunt. We always like to be able to spring a new Treat on all those guests who come out for our annual Halloween event.”

Russ Knibbs, VP of Food & Beverage at Knott’s Berry Farm, poses with Bobby Obezo, that theme park’s Executive Chef. Copyright CFEC / Cedar Fair Parks.

Which isn’t to say that – even though Russ & his crew are right in the middle of planning menu items for events that are still months away – these folks also can’t still live in the moment. Which – given that this is the final weekend of Knott’s Boysenberry Festival – is a pretty tasty time to visit this theme park.

“This is our fourth year,” Knibbs enthused. “And people just love coming out to this event because – as you know – the boysenberry is what first put Knott’s on the map back in the late 1920 & early 1930s. People would come to buy those berries that Walter had for sale here. And once his wife Cordelia began selling her fried chicken dinners … Well, that good food, those strong flavors are why people kept coming back to Buena Park. And with Knott’s Boysenberry Festival, we’re always looking for new ways to showcase all that good food & strong favors.”

And given that Mrs. Knott was celebrated not only for her fried chicken but also for her fresh boysenberry pies, one has to assumed that she’d have been okay with the boysenberry chicken wings which are offered at this event. But that said, what would Cordelia have made of the break-thru item at the 2017 Boysenberry Festival? Which is – if you can believe it – boysenberry pizza.

“Which – I know – when you first hear that name, you think ‘What the heck?’, ” Knibbs laughed. “But it’s got layers & layers of great ingrediants. We start with boysenberry cream cheese and then top that with some ham & some sauteed onions. Then a nice mild boysenberry sauce that goes on top on that. And then – once this pizza comes out of the oven – we drizzle it with arugula & olive oil. And then we top it with some tossed almonds and goat cheese.”

“And that – if you can believe it – is one of the real favorites at this year’s event. People who come to Knott’s for this festival just can’t get enough of our boysenberry pizza,” Russ continued. “They also love our boysenberry ravioli. Which isn’t actually sweet. Because these raviolis are made with boysenberry ricotta cheese, they’ve got more of a savoury taste to them. We have this white wine cream sauce that we put the raviolis on top of and then we sprinkle them with parmesan cheese & diced tomatoes. They’re incredible and you can only get them here during our Boysenberry festival.”

Which isn’t to say that – were you to visit Knott’s Berry Farm over this coming weekend – you’d only be able to find Boysenberry-flavored foods. Russ insists that – no matter what time of year you visit this theme park – your old favorites are still being served. More importantly, are just as you remember them.

“I always tell people that – when it comes to the food that we serve at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant – that I’m just the caretaker of that menu. It’s my job to make sure that we stick to the recipes that have made this place famous since 1934. Those farm-fresh tastes,” Knibbs stated. “Which is why – every day – we go through cases & cases of Yukon Gold potatoes at the restaurant. We grow our own fresh cabbage. We bring in real rhubarb to make our cherry rhubarb. With our classics – the chicken pot pie right through to the dumplings – we’ve always used Mrs. Knott’s recipes.”

Which isn’t to say that – were you to drop by Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant – that you wouldn’t notice a few changes. Like – for example – the lack of line outside its entrance.

“On a typical day, there used to be 200 or 300 people standing in line outside, waiting to get in. But on the heels of our recent renovation of the restaurant, we began using OpenTable. And what that means is you can now call in or make a reservation online,” Russ said. “Or – if you prefer – you can just come in to the host stand and we’ll then take your cell number down. After that, you’re free to go off and explore the 15 shops we’ve got here in the California MarketPlace. And we’ll then text you as soon as your table is ready.”

Mind you, once you return to Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Restaurant, while there will be a number of things that will look familiar (EX: the family chinaware that Cordelia served her first meals on is still on display out in the pantry), there are some brand-new features. Take – for example – the full-service bar that replaced this eatery’s Garden Dining Room.

“This is where we’ve been able to showcase some of our new boysenberry-flavored adult beverages. We have a boysenberry mojito, a boysenberry lemon drop. Not to mention boysenberry wine and boysenberry beer. Which is the No. 1 beer that we sell in-park and out of the park,” Knibbs said. “And to accompany those adult beverages, you can order up some appetizers like Mrs. Knott’s famous chicken sliders. And in a few weeks, we’ll be introducing handmade farm-fresh chicken meatballs that will be served with a marinara sauce. I’m looking forward to those.”

But now that Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant has successfully come through its rehab, Russ and his culinary team has turned their attention to other eateries around property that really needed a refresh. Chief among these being Boardwalk Barbeque at Knott’s Soak City Water Park.

“We actually torn that restaurant down. We took it all the way down to the cement slab and then rebuilt it,” Knibbs recalled. “When Boardwalk Barbeque re-opens later this Spring / early this Summer, it’ll basically be a brand-new facility. But the food that we serve there will be just as great as it ever was. Pulled pork, tri-tips, ribs, rotisserie chicken. It’s all going to be amazing.”

The window from the Knotts homestead that was recovered during the renovation of the Chicken Dinner Restaurant can be seen in the upper right hand of this photograph. Copyright 2017 CFEC / Cedar Fair Parks

What’s kind of intriguing about these sorts of tear-down projects is … Well, you never know what you’re going to find. Take – for example – what Russ and his team discovered during last year’s renovation of Mrs. Knott’s Chick Dinner Restaurant.

“As we were knocking down the walls, we actually found one of the original windows from Walter’s homestead. Which we now have hanging out in the pantry,” Knibbs recalled.

So what with this year’s Boysenberry festival coming to a close on Sunday, does Russ (who obviously a guy who loves to plan ahead) already have something in the works for 2018 ? Something that might prove to be as popular as boysenberry pizza? Or – for that matter – the Fun Bun (which was introduced at Knott’s 2015 Boysenberry Festival and consisted of a cinnamon bun that was first dipped in funnel cake batter, deep-fried and then slathered with boysenberry cream cheese) or the Fun Stick (which debuted in 2016. This high caloric beauty was made up of a slab of boysenberry cheesecake which – after being dipped in funnel cake batter & deep-fried – was then dusted with powered sugar)?

“I don’t want to give away anything in advance,” Knibbs said. “But what we will tell you is that we’re back in the kitchen all year developing these menu items. Not only for the Boysenberry Festival, but also for Haunt and Knott’s Merry Farm.”

“Which reminds me: We’ve got a churro factory here onsite at Knott’s. No one else makes home-made churros. They buy the frozen ones,” Russ concluded. “But all of ours are always hand-made.”

And as Knibbs obviously put his mind to how he & his culinary team could make those churros Merry (or at least suitable for serving during this year’s run of Knott’s Merry Farm), our food-filled phone call came to a close.

This article was originally published by the Huffington Post on Friday, April 21, 2017

History

The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown

Published

6 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

6 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

6 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.