Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Marvelous Mechanized Magic Kingdom event dispelled many myths about Audio Animatronics

Published

13 years ago

April 25, 2011

There are many myths associated with Audio Animatronics.
With the biggest one being that these mechanized marvels can do just about
anything that the Imagineers can dream up.

Not so says Imagineer Darrin Hughes. Who’s spent the past 20
years programming AA figures for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. Truth be
told, even the most state-of-the-art Audio Animatronic can only replicate 2% of
human expression.

“No matter how much effort we put into them, all of the
talent that’s involved, AA figures can only do a few things very well. My guess
of about 2% is probably pretty generous,” Hughes stated at last year’s
Marvelous Mechanized Magic Kingdom event. “So the trick is to design Audio
Animatronics figures so that they then do these few things very well and that’s
all we show. “

Image courtesy of Ape Pen Publishing. All rights
reserved

In some cases, it’s actually the lights, sets or costumes that make Disney’s AA
figures seem far more lifelike than they actually are. Take – for example – the
picture above. Which shows Darrin and his team reprogramming the Greek Teacher
in Epcot‘s Spaceship Earth ride.

“Unfortunately, you’re not seeing his full costume here. The
Greek Teacher had a beautiful red costume, which really made a huge difference
because — when this AA figure moved his arms — the sleeves would then move a little bit in
the breeze,” Hughes continued. “And by doing that, the movement of the costume
then provides this Audio Animatronic with a little natural motion. And that then
absorbs a little bit of the non-natural motion that I – as the programmer —
have a hard time getting past due to the mechanical nature of the Greek Teacher
AA figure.”

It was this sort of stuff that made Darrin’s Marvelous Mechanized Magic Kingdom
presentation so fascinating. The glamor of being an Imagineer who went to
exotic places like Hong Kong and then programmed AA figures in the field …

Image courtesy of Ape Pen
Publishing. All rights reserved

… quickly gave way to the harsh reality of what it was
actually like to program all of the mechanical animals that you see while floating
along on Hong Kong Disneyland‘s Jungle River Cruise.

Image courtesy of Ape Pen Publishing. All rights
reserved

“This photo was taken just as the monsoon was arriving. The rain’s coming at
about a 45 degree angle here. But as you can see, I’m still on the job. Working
under that blue & white plastic tarp, trying to keep the rain from
electrocuting me as it shorts out my control system,” Hughes recalled. “What
that photo also fails to convey is the giant cockroaches that were flying
straight at me. As they tried to get out of the rain by seeking shelter under
my tarp.”

“And why was Darrin working in the pouring-down rain?,” you
ask. Because – as Hughes explained as part of his Marvelous Mechanized Magic
Kingdon presentation – he and his crew of AA figure programmers never ever have
enough time to do all of the work that they’re supposed to.

“One of the painful realities of working on a multi-million dollar project like
a theme park ride is opening day. That thing never, ever moves. It never moves
because there’s a project manager standing next to that date with a shotgun,”
Darrin smirked. “There is a project plan, a schedule that stretches from here
to San Diego. But the actual animation of the AA figures is the very last thing
on that schedule. I try to make the scheduled animation time as big as it can
possibly be. But it’s never enough. So I try and manage things as best I can.”

Eric Swapp working on programming the AA figures in Spaceship Earth’s
new computer room sequence. Image courtesy of Ape Pen
Publishing.
All rights reserved

Which means that Hughes and his teams have to be pretty ingenious sometimes when
it comes to the way they get their programming equipment in and out of the
various show buildings that they work. Take – for example – the photo above.

“This was taken while Eric Swapp and I were working inside
of Spaceship Earth. Now you may notice that the mobile programming desk that
Eric is using looks remarkably like a wheelchair. Well, that’s because it is a
wheelchair,” Darrin stated. “You see, Spaceship Earth has a long and winding
track. And given the tight working conditions we were working under back then,
we had to come up with a way to move our programming equipment quickly from
show scene to show scene. And a wheelchair seemed like the smartest way to go.”

And it’s not just that the working conditions that Hughes and his crew deal
with regularly are tight. They can also be extremely dangerous. As part of his
presentation, Darrin revealed that one member of the “ExtraTERRORestrial Alien
Encounter” show installation team was badly
injured because of a mistake that was made in the field while they were
programming that Tomorrowland attraction.

Steven Kosakura working in a pretty tight spot while installing an
animatronic in the field. Image courtesy of Ape Pen Publishing.
All rights
reserved

“You see this picture of my friend, Steven Kosakura? This was taken while we
were installing an enormous animatronic figure at a non-Disney park,” Hughes
explained. “Now if I had accidentally pressed the wrong button while I was
programming this figure, a big steel thing will come straight up through the
hole where Steve is sitting in this picture. Likewise, if I pressed a different
wrong button, the thing that this animatronic is holding would have come crashing
down and crushed Steve’s head. The field can be extremely dangerous. Which is
why we always have to be super-aware of what’s going on around us, the show
environment, etc.”

But even with all the hassles & the
risks involved, Darrin is still obviously a fan of this commercial art form.
More to the point, he is quick to praise this form of commercial entertainment.
Especially those Disney Legends like Wathel Rogers who actually pioneered the
development of AA figures.

“But it’s not just the pioneers who developed Audio Animatronics. I also need
to pay tribute to the other people I work with regularly. The art directors,
the effects people, the figure finishers, the guys who handle the lighting
inside of the rides, the writers who create the scripts for these attractions,”
Hughes continued. “If they haven’t done their job to the best of their
abilities, given me everything that I need in order to bring that figure to
life … Well, the Guests aren’t going to see this figure come to life either.”

Image courtesy of Ape Pen
Publishing. All rights reserved

Besides, thanks to advances in technology, Darrin no longer
always has to go to the field to do all of the programming for the Audio
Animatronics that he’s working. Take – for example – Mr. Potato Head from “Toy
Story Mania!“

“Because we were able to do pre-programming of Mr. Potato
Head in the computer, I didn’t actually have to go down to California Adventure
except to put the data onto the real figure. I was able to work in my office,
Which was really cool. I’d like to be able to do more of that,” Darrin said.

Unfortunately, not all of the Audio Animatronics that Hughes works on are
NextGen like Mr. Potato Head. Which means – in order to get them to work
properly, to get the sort of performance out of this figure that will really
enhance the ride, get some sort of emotional response out of the audience that’s
viewing this attraction … Well, that means hours & hours of work. Often under
in some pretty difficult and frustrating working conditions.

Pre-programming the Stitch figure for the revamped version of Tokyo
Disneyland’s “Enchanted Tiki Room.” Image courtesy of Ape Pen
Publishing. All rights reserved

“You have to understand that – when we’re doing the initial
installation — is that everybody wants to be on that figure. The costumers
want to be making changes, as they try & figure out why their costume is twisting
funny whenever this figure moves. There are mechanical problems that invariably
need to be fixed. Plus the ride guys keep kicking me out for whatever reason,”
Hughes explained. “So it’s really hard under those sorts of conditions to stay
on the figure and just keep working.”

Which is why – whenever possible – Darrin likes to get some
time with the AA figure that he’s supposed to be working on before it’s
actually sent to the field and then hole up in some airplane hangar or warehouse
on the WDI campus and do as much
animation in advance as he possibly can.

“Sometimes we’ll do a full mock-up. In the case of Sindbad,
we built all of the sets. It kind of depends on the show. How many risks we’ve
identified, what we need to prove,” Hughes said. “That’s why you always want to try and do as
much programming as you can in advance. So that you don’t find yourself in the
field having a big problem. It’s mostly about managing risks in my mind.”

Darrin Hughes speaking at Last year’s Marvelous Mechanized Magic
Kingdom event. Image courtesy of Ape Pen
Publishing.
All rights reserved

Given all of the complex issues that Darrin usually deals
with whenever he’s programming a new Audio Animatronic (FYI: That’s pretty much
how Hughes describes his job. He doesn’t see himself as a figure programmer.
But – rather – as a guy who manages complexity. Someone who – before he gets
the chance to do his job well – first has to ” … get as much done early on to help mediate
risks and talk to all of the other disciplines.) … Well, the fanboy view of the
Disney theme parks then becomes kind of laughable. While some may insist that all
the Imagineers need to do to change the “Under New Management” show in the
Sunshine Pavilion at WDW’s Magic Kingdom is upload the old “Enchanted Tiki Room”
programming and then hit a few switches … After hearing Darrin Hughes talk, you
realize that this simply isn’t the case.

In fact, I wish that every Disney fan who has ever
complained about the Yeti in “Expedition Everest” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
could listen to Darrin Hughes’ talk about the herculean effort that it takes to
install, program and then maintain an Audio Animatronic figure.

Come to think of it, they actually can. On May 1^st,Ape Pen Publishing will be releasing a new 2-DVD set. Which will not only feature the
presentations that Darrin Hughes gave at this Marvelous Mechanized Magic
Kingdom event, but also captures the insights that Disney Legends like X
Atencio, Alice Davis, Kathryn Beaumont, Bob
Gurr and Floyd Norman shared about the early, early days of AA figures. Not to
mention what Hughes’ contemporaries – Imagineers like Larry Nikolai, Ethan Reed
and Josh Shipley – have to say about this form of commercial entertainment.

Image courtesy of Ape Pen
Publishing. All rights reserved

So if you’d like to learn more about the realities of
working with Audio Animatronics, rather than the fanboy fantasies that you’ll
find on the Web … Might I suggest that you pick up a copy of Ape Pen Publishing’s
Marvelous Mechanized Magic Kingdom DVD. Which goes on sale May 1^st.

Your thoughts?

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.