Connect with us

Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

More Big Changes at WDW

With just weeks ’til Disney World officially unveils its latest additions, JHM columnist Seth Kubersky heads over to EPCOT to check out the new rides, shows & exhibits there.

Published

on

With the imminent celebration of Disneyland’s 50th, Florida’s Walt Disney World resort is seeing its biggest expansion since Animal Kingdom opened. Last month I reported on some of the new additions to the Magic Kingdom and the Disney/MGM Studios. This week, we head over to Epcot to see what’s new there.

Soarin’ at The Land

For the past couple weeks, “Soarin'” has been the best-kept secret at Epcot. When this clone of the hit California Adventure attraction officially opens in May, you can be sure that long lines will fill its elegant queue. But the lucky few who knew to line up near the service gate behind “Imagination!” during the afternoons this past week were treated to a guided tour of the soon-to-open attraction, including a mostly wait-free ride. The ride is now closed to the public, but I was able to get in a few rides, which was enough for me to know I’ll be returning again and again, full queue or no. Soarin’ will be a major hit, and deservedly so.

Our tour started with a visit to the backstage area behind “Imagination” and “The Land.” Braving the sulfurous aroma in the air, we were given a brief introduction to the attraction by a cast member in an electric blue blazer. The new costumes are “inspired” by airline flight crews, and the queue takes its cue from airports like Chicago’s O’Hare, Paris’ Charles DeGaulle, and Orlando International (I detect a touch of Orlando’s upscale new Mall at Millenia, as well).

Photo by Seth Kubersky

After passing a circular reception desk (also home of the greenhouse guided tours) and the FastPass and “Single Flyer” lines, we wound through the beautiful steel and wood-appointed atrium. The ceiling rises to 5 five stories, and the largest wall is dominated by enormous backlit images of the Earth’s various environments – desert, tropical, mountain, forest, and arctic. Beneath each is a video screen displaying trivia questions. Though the overall design is tastefully ultra-modern, something about the inspiring music, curved neon lights, and polyestertastic costumes give the whole thing a wonderfully retro old-EPCOT feel.

The line splits, directing us to one of two “bays”, each serving up to 89 guests per show. Guests at each bay are dived into 3 sections, and then subdivided into 3 rows of 10 each (one row has 9, for accessibility I believe). Before entering the ride proper, there is a brief safety video featuring Patrick Warburton (“The Tick,” “The Emperor’s New Groove“) as a flight attendant. The safety briefing is standard-issue, but Warburton’s ironic dumb-lug persona makes it amusing (for the first couple viewings).

Upon entering the show bay, you are directed to one of the 9 long benches suspended from above. The seats are made of springy webbing, like a high-end office chair, and there are seatbelts instead of lap bars or harnesses. Once everyone is strapped in, the lights dim and you are hoisted up and over the railing to hang over what’s our guide billed as “the largest curved IMAX screen in the world”.

I don’t know that it’s really that much bigger than the screen at Universal’s “Back to the Future,” but the proximity and lack of obstruction below you makes it almost completely fill your field of view. The first time I rode I was in the middle row, and found the legs of the people above me a little distracting (but not fatally). Later, I rode from the front, and if you’re not bothered by the extra height, it’s the only way to go. No matter where you sit, when the film begins and you soar above the Golden Gate Bridge, the effect is absolutely stunning.

For the next four and a half minutes, you glide over the visual highlights of California. From the mountains and forests to the desert to nighttime L.A., the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. There are surprising and humorous moments, like when you narrowly miss a golf ball, and others that inspire simple joy, like skimming over a wave breaking in the Pacific surf. What really struck me is how gentle the ride is. It makes the subtlest of movements, mildly dipping and banking without ever feeling jerky or aggressive. The feeling of dramatic yet graceful flight is greatly enhanced by the wind effects. This is truly a simulator your grandmother would ride (provided she’s not scared of heights).

I found this hyper-evolved Circlevision travelogue to be thrilling and beautiful. It gives a feeling of freedom and exhilaration that is unique among simulator rides, and I look forward to riding it for years to come. There are however some minor criticisms. While I don’t mind the lack of plot or narration, I would like some way of knowing where the beautiful locations featured are. The orange scent sprayed as you glide over the citrus groves made me pleasantly nostalgic for “Horizons,” but the rotting Pinesol odor gives Stitch’s chili breath a run for its money as “worse attraction smell ever.”

My biggest gripe is with the editing. Scenes cut abruptly from one scene to the next, momentarily jarring your suspension of disbelief. I wish that cleverer editing and/or CGI could have been used to make it a seamless flight. Hopefully an upgraded film will address that in the future; Epcot’s 25th birthday isn’t far off, and would be the perfect occasion for a less California-centric ride film.

Mostly, I just worry if “Soarin'” has the capacity to handle the huge crowds it will justifiably draw. With approximately 178 people cycling every 7 to 10 minutes, they’ll be pressed to push through 1200 people an hour. California Adventure, where the original was the park headliner until Tower of Terror was imported, only gets a fraction of the crowds that Epcot does. Be prepared to work those FastPass and single rider systems, because “Soarin'” is certain to be mobbed all summer long.

Turtle Talk with Crush at The Living Seas

For many years, “The Living Seas” was the phantom pavilion for me. Between the interminable preshow film, the cheesy Hydrolators, the broken SeaCabs, and the creaky exhibits, I found no reason to pay a visit. But recently, “The Living Seas” has seen a bit of a resurrection, thanks to some CGI talking fish. The stars of Pixar’s much-loved “Finding Nemo” are gradually being added to SeaBase Alpha, with mixed results. The first few additions were simple museum displays, themed around Bruce the Shark and the like, that are barely worth a single visit. But the newest addition is a technological and creative wonder that once again makes this pavilion a must-see.

As a child, one of my favorite places was “The Land of Make Believe“, a small family amusement park still operating in Hope, NJ . While I loved the roller coaster and was terrified of the haunted house, what fascinated me most was Cornel Corn, the “famous” talking scarecrow. As a young kid, I didn’t figure out that it was just stuffed shirt rigged with a microphone and camera, and an operator hiding nearby. I was enthralled by the idea of an inanimate object that interacted with me like a living person. My current favorite expression of this concept is the Enchanted Fountain outside the Sinbad stadium at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The combination of an abusively sarcastic actor and high pressure water jets can keep me entertained for hours.

“Turtle Talk with Crush” is the major new step in the evolution of interactive characters. Small groups of guests are loaded into a theatre (adults on low benches, kids on the floor down front). Jim wrote an excellent article on the show last year so I won’t repeat it. I’ll just point out that for all the amazing technology used, the real magic is in the actor pulling the strings. From the spot-on vocal impersonation to the ability to wink at the parents without being condescending to their kids, this is a performance that deserves a standing ovation.

Hong Kong Disneyland Preview Center at the China pavilion

Tucked into a small exhibit room attached to the “Temple of Heaven” lobby is a preview of the new Disneyland park being built in Hong Kong. The Chinese park, opening this September, has been criticized for being under-built, in the not-so-grand tradition of Disney Studios Paris and California Adventure. Disney’s counter-argument is that the Chinese prefer picture taking and sightseeing over thrill rides, so the deficit of E-Ticket attractions is culturally appropriate. I can’t speak to the cultural issue. But — to my eyes — the preview makes the park look pleasant but underwhelming.

As previously reported, there are only 4 lands, and each has only a handful of attractions. Anyone looking for Big Thunder or Splash Mountain, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, or most other classic E-Tickets will be disappointed. Space Mountain is there, a clone of the track currently being installed in California. The highlight of the park looks to be the Jungle Cruise, which dominates an enlarged Adventureland. In addition to the classic scenes from the original, the ride features a climactic battle between the Tiki gods of fire and water. The rest of the park is filled by clones of minor rides like Dumbo, Teacups, and the Oribitron. The clone of Pooh is rumored to be weaker than the Florida version, the Buzz Lightyear better, and Philharmagic should be the same.

Photo by Seth Kubersky

The only unique attraction seems to be the Fantasy Gardens, which is simply a landscaped area with 5 gazebos where guests can take pictures of costumed character. More or less the same as the character trail in Camp Minnie-Mickey at Animal Kingdom. There appears to be good attention being paid to detail in the design and landscaping, and there are some pleasant touches like the Snow White Grotto. The adjacent hotels are beautiful, connected by a promenade with a character-filled performing fountain. The integration with Hong Kong’s mass transit makes me wish Orlando would finally build its long-proposed light rail. But overall the park is decidedly on the small size (good thing there’s room for it to grow).

Likewise, the preview center is equally underwhelming, with nothing but simple static displays. A video of construction footage or Imagineering rendering would go a long way towards livening it up. Still, it’s worth a visit for Disney diehards, if you’re in the park already. And with all the other great new additions, you know you will be!

Seth Kubersky

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Disney’s Forgotten Halloween Event: The Original Little Monsters on Main Street

Published

on

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!

Jim Hill

Jim Hill is an entertainment writer who has specialized in covering The Walt Disney Company for nearly 40 years now. Over that time, he has interviewed hundreds of animators, actors, and Imagineers -- many of whom have shared behind-the-scenes stories with Mr. Hill about how the Mouse House really works. In addition to the 4000+ articles Jim has written for the Web, he also co-hosts a trio of popular podcasts: “Disney Dish with Len Testa,” “Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor” and “Marvel US Disney with Aaron Adams.” Mr. Hill makes his home in Southern New Hampshire with his lovely wife Nancy and two obnoxious cats, Ginger & Betty.

Continue Reading

Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

The Story of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: From One Night to a Halloween Family Tradition

Published

on

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.

Mickey’s Halloween Treat 1996 – Photo: Disney
Mickey’s Halloween Treat 1996 – Photo: Disney

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.

Jim Hill

Jim Hill is an entertainment writer who has specialized in covering The Walt Disney Company for nearly 40 years now. Over that time, he has interviewed hundreds of animators, actors, and Imagineers -- many of whom have shared behind-the-scenes stories with Mr. Hill about how the Mouse House really works. In addition to the 4000+ articles Jim has written for the Web, he also co-hosts a trio of popular podcasts: “Disney Dish with Len Testa,” “Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor” and “Marvel US Disney with Aaron Adams.” Mr. Hill makes his home in Southern New Hampshire with his lovely wife Nancy and two obnoxious cats, Ginger & Betty.

Continue Reading

History

The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown

Published

on

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!

Jim Hill

Jim Hill is an entertainment writer who has specialized in covering The Walt Disney Company for nearly 40 years now. Over that time, he has interviewed hundreds of animators, actors, and Imagineers -- many of whom have shared behind-the-scenes stories with Mr. Hill about how the Mouse House really works. In addition to the 4000+ articles Jim has written for the Web, he also co-hosts a trio of popular podcasts: “Disney Dish with Len Testa,” “Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor” and “Marvel US Disney with Aaron Adams.” Mr. Hill makes his home in Southern New Hampshire with his lovely wife Nancy and two obnoxious cats, Ginger & Betty.

Continue Reading

Trending