Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment
Never mind about the $1.1 billion Disney just spent on its DCA redo. Why For isn’t anyone talking about the billions Mickey has poured into WDW over the past 3-to-5 years?
Brian K. dropped me a line on September 3rd to say:
Hey Jim!
I can't get enough of your site and I literally feel like I
"grew up" reading your insight into the parks and attractions, so
thanks! I feel like I already know the answer to this, but do you think we
might ever see a major investment in Walt Disney World's four parks? I know
none are near as fundamentally flawed as DCA was, but what about an announced
"five year plan" for the resort, divvying another $1 billion between
the four parks over the course of a half-decade? Indiana Jones at the Magic
Kingdom; elements of Project: Gemini in Epcot; Cars Land at the Studios;
whatever big project (in my opinion, Beastly Kingdom) or an all-encompassing
World of Color fountain show in Discovery River at Animal Kingdom… With an
arguably "better" place to start than DCA had, even $250 million per
park could do wonders at WDW, and even just one major E-ticket per park could
really enliven things. If marketing plays it right, it could be an exciting
promotion.
Concept art for Disney's Animal Kingdom's never-built Beastlie Kingomme area.
Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved
Keep it up, and thanks!
Brian K.
Thanks for the kind words, but … When you talk about The
Walt Disney Company making a major investment in WDW, you do understand that —
were you take a step back and take a cold-blooded look at what's been going on in
Lake Buena Vista over the past 3-to-5
years — you'd see that the Mouse have already made / is making a DCA-sized
investment in The Walt Disney World Resort.
The original concept art of the Fantasyland expansion at WDW's Magic Kingdom theme
park (Please note the massive Cinderella / Sleeping meet-n-greet show building at the
very center of this image as well as the never-built Pixie Hollow area in the upper
right hand corner). Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved
I mean, seriously, Brian K. Think about it: The Fantasyland
expansion project? Depending on who you talk to, that's $380 – $400 million
right there (I'm told that the $250 – $300 million ceiling that had originally
been set on this project got blown through once Tom Staggs, the newly installed
Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts decided to swap those elaborately
themed Cinderella & Sleeping Beauty meet-and-greet areas out for a Seven
Dwarfs Mine Train ride). Now fold in all of the design & construction costs
associated with taking that never-finished wing of Disney's Pop Century hotel
and then turning that abandoned worksite
into the highly themed Disney's Art of Animation Resort PLUS those Villas at
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa that DVC is building right now. Then factor in
the cost of all of the road widening that's
been going on lately along Buena Vista Drive between DHS's back entrance
and Victory Way, the Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort project, the reimagining of Test
Track, that new "Phineas and Ferb & You: A Brand New Reality" at
Downtown Disney, the revamp of the Magic Kingdom's "The Magic, the
Memories and You!" show, the costs involved with developing those
"Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom" & "Agent P's World Showcase
Adventure" games … and we're now
up to a billion dollars worth of additions
being added / improvements being made at The Walt Disney World Resort without even
breaking a sweat.
And then when you consider all of the time, money and
research that the Company has already poured into WDW's Fast Plus Pass project (which — FYI — begins
its second round of onsite field testing at the Magic Kingdom later this month)
… Well, that's another $100 million plus right there. And should these tests
go well and The Walt Disney Company then opt to go forward with full-blown implementation
of its NextGen program for the Walt
Disney World Resort … Between all of the
actual physical changes which the Imagineers will need to make in & around
this 43-square mile piece of property (EX:
Doing things like changing the Rose Gardens off the Hub at the Magic Kingdom
into a gated fireworks viewing area. Not to mention significantly upgrading the
WDW Resort's overall wireless capabilities so that it can then actually support
& serve all of those Guests who'll now be trying to make dinner
reservations & book Fast Passes through their iPhones and Droids) … Well,
spread over four theme parks and 20+ onsite hotels, that'll easily be another
billion right there.
Which brings us to the real issue here. A concept that some Disney fanbois seem to have real trouble
grasping: The Walt Disney World Resort isn't
the Disneyland Resort.
Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved
By that I mean: When you pour a billion dollars into the 510
acres that make up the Disneyland Resort, you can immediately see where most of
that money went. The changes that have been made to the Disneyland Hotel, not
to mention DCA's two new "lands" and all of the other rides, shows &
attractions that have been added to that theme park since its redo was
initially announced back in 2007 have been dramatic.
Conversely when you take a billion dollars and then try &
spread that across the 30,500 acres that make up the Walt Disney World Resort,
that seemingly huge amount of amount doesn't travel quite so far and/or have as
nearly huge an impact. At first glance, anyway
That doesn't negate the fact that Disney has in fact been
aggressively reinvesting in WDW over the past 3-to-5 years. But when you
compare road widening along Buena Vista Drive to — say — Disney California
Adventure getting Cars Land and/or Universal Orlando building the Wizarding
World of Harry Potter … Spending money on improving resort infrastructure (which
is absolutely essential. Given the tens of thousands of people who travel those
roads every day) isn't quite as sexy or exciting as building another Radiator
Springs Racers and/or coming up with an attraction that can possibly rival Harry
Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and copy-
written by Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter publishing rights copy-
wright JKR. Copyright 2010 Universal Orlando Resort. All rights reserved
But to certain Disney fanbois, none of this sort of
reinvestment ever really matters. They just laser focus in on the chipped paint and/or
continue to moan about how the Disneyland Resort gets all of the cool stuff,
even though there's still $300 – $400 million worth of new rides, shows and
attractions about to be unveiled at the Magic Kingdom. If you
listen to these folks, the Fantasyland expansion (which none of us have actually
experienced yet) is already in the rear view mirror. These people (if you sample
various discussion boards around the Web) are already bitching about the budget
cuts that have reportedly been made to WDW's version of Radiator Springs Racers
which is reportedly in the works for Disney's Hollywood Studios. Or they're chortling about how
James Cameron and the Imagineers now appear to be having creative
differences when it comes to the "World of Avatar" project.
My advice is just ignore people like this. If Walt Disney Parks
and Resorts only built E Tickets in Orlando from here on in, these very same
fanbois would still somehow find something else to complain about. That's just the way that they're wired. These people can't
help themselves. All they can ever see (and all they're ever going to see) are Disney's supposed shortcomings.
More to the point, when you're talking about a 30,500-acre
piece of property, you really have to take that 30,000-foot view. Take in the
property as a whole. And from that height / with that perspective, Brian K., you'll then clearly be able to see that Disney has been
pouring a ton of money into WDW over the past 3-to-5 years. But that amount has been
spread out over 43 square-miles. Not focused in on two relatively tiny little
areas like the Disneyland Hotel and the Disney California Adventure theme park.
The new monorail-themed water slide which was just added to the pool area at the
Disneyland Hotel. Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved
Don't get me wrong. Would I love to see some major new
attraction being added to Disney's Hollywood Studios in the not-so-distant
future? Absolutely. But having said that, I also have to acknowledge that —
just last year — DHS did, in essence, get a brand-new ride with the arrival of
"Star Tours: The Adventures Continues" and the new multi-branching
version of that simulator's ride film.
Does saying / writing something like this make me a Disney
apologist? Nah. I prefer to think of myself as a Disney realist. Someone who
realizes that The Walt Disney Company is now a publicly held, multi-national
corporation with a board of directors who then have to answer to the Company's
shareholders and the investment community. I mean, Disney just
isn't the same Company that it was back in the early 1960s when Walt was
calling the shots. When it was only one man's taste, interests & fascinations that determined which films Walt Disney Studios made and/or which rides,
shows and attraction were added / subtracted at his theme park.
That said, I still have to admit that I can't quite
understand why the folks running Downtown Disney felt it was so urgent to gut
Pleasure Island back in September of 2008 and have since done nothing with that
piece of property. I mean, I know. The Global Financial Meltdown scared away a lot of the would-be lessees who were supposed to come on board as part of the Hyperion Wharf redo … But that was four years ago
now. Even taking into account the somewhat tentative nature of the U.S. 's
financial recovery (More importantly, given how the spending patterns of Guests who visit Disney World these days have changed. These people just aren't buying plush and pins the way that they used to back in 2006 & 2007) it just seems
bizarre to me that so many of the shops & restaurants that used to do a
halfway decent business in & around Pleasure Island have since been boarded
up and/or torn down.
Hyperion Wharf concept art which gives some indication of how this Downtown Disney
redo was at least supposed to fit in with the West Side of this shopping / dining
complex. Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved
I mean, if you take into consideration the primo location
that the now-basically abandoned Pleasure Island complex occupies at Downtown
Disney (i.e. between the West Side and the original WDW Shopping Village), it's
like having a smile where the front teeth have been knocked out. The folks
running the Walt Disney World Resort really need to address this issue.
Which I suspect they already know. But when you're managing
a 30,500 acre parcel of land which — just last year — was reportedly visited
by over 25 million people … Well, you're always going to have one hell of a
"To Do" list. And — yes — I will admit that it is high
profile, big ticket attractions like "Expedition Everest" which drive
attendance at the theme parks & put heads-in-beds at the Resorts. But as
the balky Yeti AA figure in that DAK attraction has proven, you can't stint on
back-of-the-house stuff like maintenance. Especially during this social
media-driven age where bad news travels at light speed.
Sorry, Brian K. But what started out as a short answer to your
Why For question somehow morphed into this lengthy lecture about Walt Disney World. To be
specific, how a certain segment of the Disney fan community just can't seem to see that
the Company has continually been pouring huge amounts of money into
maintaining, upgrading and improving the Florida property. Given the blinders
that these guys wear, if the Mouse isn't spending money on mega-attractions for
the Parks like Radiator Springs Racers, it doesn't count for some reason. Which
(to my way of thinking, anyway) is silly.
Discovery River, Disney's Animal Kingdom's somewhat over-grown
central waterway. Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc.
All rights reserved
Anywho … To answer at least one of your questions, Brian
K: Don't look for a version of DCA's World of Color to be built in Disney's
Animal Kingdom's Discovery River area anytime soon. In order to keep the illuminated
thousand fountains that actually drive this nighttime show working properly, they
need to be placed inside of a closed water system that's regularly / heavily
filtered. And given that DAK's Discovery River is supposed to resemble a
natural body of water which is somehow winding its way in and around that
theme park … Well, those really-for-real lily pads that you
see floating in the image above are an essential part of pulling off this thematic
illusion. And since all this floating flora would obviously regularly clog up
the high pressure nozzles which are used for dramatic effect in World of Color
…
You get the idea, right? It's kind of an either / or proposition. If
DAK wants to bring in World of Color, it needs to change Discovery River into a
closed-off, highly filtered body of water like DCA's Paradise Bay. Which means
that you then lose all of the weeds & grass lining its shoreline. Which
help make Discovery River look like this living thing, when then helps to re-enforce
the overall theme of this theme park (i.e. that Disney's Animal Kingdom is a place that celebrates all animals. Living,
extinct and imaginary).
So — knowing that — I can't honestly see World of Color ever
being built in DAK's Discovery River area. But that said, that doesn't mean
that we won't then be seeing this DCA show (or — to be specific — some of the
technology & effects used to power this nighttime extravaganza) being
folded in to new & improved editions of DHS's Fantasmic! and/or Epcot's
Illuminations.
Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved
EDITOR'S NOTE: I'm sorry if yesterday's article about Sony
Pictures Animation's 10th anniversary threw off the momentum of JHM's week-long
experiment with doing a daily Why For column. But I wanted to make sure that
JHM's Southern Californian readers got a shot at those tickets for next week's
"Surf's Up" screening on SPA's Culver City campus. Which is why I
thought it was essential to first get an article out there that talked up this
event before I then began JHM's ticket giveaway.
I'm now going to push ahead with production of two more Why
For columns to round out the week. So if you have any Disney, animation or
theme park-related questions that you'd like to see answered in a story which
will be posted on this site, please send them along to whyfor@jimhillmedia.com.
Your thoughts?
Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment
Disney’s Forgotten Halloween Event: The Original Little Monsters on Main Street
When most Disney fans think of Halloween in the parks, they immediately picture Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World or the Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland Resort. But before those events took over as the must-attend spooky celebrations, there was a little-known event at Disneyland called Little Monsters on Main Street. And its origins? Well, they go all the way back to the 1980s, during a time when America was gripped by fear—the Satanic Panic.
You see, back in the mid-1980s, parents were terrified that Halloween had become dangerous. Urban legends about drug-laced candy or razor blades hidden in apples were widespread, and many parents felt they couldn’t let their kids out of sight for even a moment. Halloween, which was once a carefree evening of trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, had suddenly become a night filled with anxiety.
This is where Disneyland’s Little Monsters on Main Street came in.
The Origins of Little Monsters on Main Street
Back in 1989, the Disneyland Community Action Team—later known as the VoluntEARS—decided to create a safe, nostalgic Halloween experience for Cast Members and their families. Many schools in the Anaheim area were struggling to provide basic school supplies to students, and the VoluntEARS saw an opportunity to combine a safe Halloween with a charitable cause. Thus, Little Monsters on Main Street was born.
This event was not open to the general public. Only Disneyland Cast Members could purchase tickets, which were initially priced at just $5 each. Cast Members could bring their kids—but only as many as were listed as dependents with HR. And even then, the park put a cap on attendance: the first event was limited to just 1,000 children.
A Unique Halloween Experience
Little Monsters on Main Street wasn’t just another Halloween party. It was designed to give kids a safe, fun environment to enjoy trick-or-treating, much like the good old days. On Halloween night in 1989, kids in costume wandered through Disneyland with their pillowcases, visiting 20 different trick-or-treat stations. They also had the chance to ride a few of their favorite Fantasyland attractions, all after the park had closed to the general public.
The event was run entirely by the VoluntEARS—about 200 of them—who built and set up all the trick-or-treat stations themselves. They arrived at Disneyland before the park closed and, as soon as the last guest exited, they began setting up stations across Main Street, Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. The event ran from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., and by the time the last pillowcase-wielding kid left, the VoluntEARS cleaned everything up, making sure the park was ready for the next day’s operations.
It wasn’t just candy and rides, though. The event featured unique entertainment, like a Masquerade Parade down Main Street, U.S.A., where kids could show off their costumes. And get this—Disneyland even rigged up a Cast Member dressed as a witch to fly from the top of the Matterhorn to Frontierland on the same wire that Tinker Bell uses during the fireworks. Talk about a magical Halloween experience!
The Haunted Mansion “Tip-Toe” Tour
Perhaps one of the most memorable parts of Little Monsters on Main Street was the special “tip-toe tour” of the Haunted Mansion. Now, Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion can be a pretty scary attraction for younger kids, so during this event, Disney left the doors to the Stretching Room and Portrait Gallery wide open. This allowed kids to walk through and peek at the Haunted Mansion’s spooky interiors without actually having to board the Doom Buggies. For those brave enough to ride, they could, of course, take the full trip through the Haunted Mansion—or they could take the “chicken exit” and leave, no harm done.
Growing Success and a Bigger Event
Thanks to the event’s early success, Little Monsters on Main Street grew in size. By 1991, the attendance cap had been raised to 2,000 kids, and Disneyland added more activities like magic shows and hayrides. They also extended the event’s hours, allowing kids to enjoy the festivities until 10:30 p.m.
In 2002, the event moved over to Disney California Adventure, where it could accommodate even more kids—up to 5,000 in its later years. The name was also shortened to just Little Monsters, since it was no longer held on Main Street. This safe, family-friendly Halloween event continued for several more years, with the last mention of Little Monsters appearing in the Disneyland employee newsletter in 2008. Though some Cast Members recall the event continuing until 2012, it eventually made way for Disney’s more public-facing Halloween events.
From Little Monsters to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary and Oogie Boogie Bash
Starting in the early 2000s, Disney began realizing the potential of Halloween-themed after-hours events for the general public. These early versions of Mickey’s Halloween Party and Mickey’s Halloween Treat eventually evolved into today’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Oogie Boogie Bash. Unfortunately, this also marked the end of the intimate, Cast Member-exclusive Little Monsters event, but it paved the way for the large-scale Halloween celebrations we know and love today.
While it’s bittersweet to see Little Monsters on Main Street fade into Disney history, its legacy lives on through these modern Halloween parties. And even though Cast Members now receive discounted tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary and Oogie Boogie Bash, the special charm of an event created specifically for Disney’s employees and their families remains something worth remembering.
The Merch: A Piece of Little Monsters History
For Disney collectors, the exclusive merchandise created for Little Monsters on Main Street is still out there. You can find pins, name tags, and themed pillowcases on sites like eBay. One of the coolest collectibles is a 1997 cloisonné pin set featuring Huey, Dewey, and Louie dressed as characters from Hercules. Other sets paid tribute to the Main Street Electrical Parade and Pocahontas, while the pillowcases were uniquely designed for each year of the event.
While Little Monsters on Main Street may be gone, it’s a fascinating piece of Disneyland history that played a huge role in shaping the Halloween celebrations we enjoy at Disney parks today.
Want to hear more behind-the-scenes stories like this? Be sure to check out I Want That Too, where Lauren and I dive deep into the history behind Disney’s most beloved attractions, events, and of course, merchandise!
Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment
The Story of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: From One Night to a Halloween Family Tradition
The spooky season is already in full swing at Disney parks on both coasts. On August 9th, the first of 38 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) nights for 2024 kicked off at Florida’s Magic Kingdom. Meanwhile, over at Disney California Adventure, the Oogie Boogie Bash began on August 23rd and is completely sold out across its 27 dates this year.
Looking back, it’s incredible to think about how these Halloween-themed events have grown. But for Disney, the idea of charging guests for Halloween fun wasn’t always a given. In fact, when the very first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party debuted on October 31, 1995, it was a modest one-night-only affair. Compare that to the near month-long festivities we see today, and it’s clear that Disney’s approach to Halloween has evolved considerably.
A Not-So-Scary Beginning
I was fortunate enough to attend that very first MNSSHP back in 1995, along with my then 18-month-old daughter Alice and her mom, Michelle. Tickets were a mere $16.95 (I know, can you imagine?), and we pushed Alice around in her sturdy Emmaljunga stroller—Swedish-built and about the size of a small car. Cast Members, charmed by her cuteness, absolutely loaded us up with candy. By the end of the night, we had about 30 pounds of fun-sized candy bars, making that push up to the monorail a bit more challenging.
This Halloween event was Disney’s response to the growing popularity of Universal Studios Florida’s own Halloween hard ticket event, which started in 1991 as “Fright Nights” before being rebranded as “Halloween Horror Nights” the following year. Universal’s gamble on a horror-themed experience helped salvage what had been a shaky opening for their park, and by 1993, Halloween Horror Nights was a seven-night event, with ticket prices climbing as high as $35. Universal had stumbled upon a goldmine, and Disney took notice.
A Different Approach
Now, here’s where Disney’s unique strategy comes into play. While Universal embraced the gory, scare-filled world of horror, Disney knew that wasn’t their brand. Instead of competing directly with blood and jump-scares, Disney leaned into what they did best: creating magical, family-friendly experiences.
Thus, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party was born. The focus was on fun and whimsy, not fear. Families could bring their small children without worrying about them being terrified by a chainsaw-wielding maniac around the next corner. This event wasn’t just a Halloween party—it was an extension of the Disney magic that guests had come to expect from the parks.
Disney had some experience with seasonal after-hours events, most notably Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which had started in 1983. But the Halloween party was different, as the Magic Kingdom wasn’t yet decked out in Halloween decor the way it is today. Disney had to create a spooky (but not too spooky) atmosphere using temporary props, fog machines, and, of course, lots of candy.
A key addition to that first event? The debut of the Headless Horseman, who made his eerie appearance in Liberty Square, riding a massive black Percheron. It wasn’t as elaborate as the Boo-to-You Parade we see today, but it marked the beginning of a beloved Disney Halloween tradition.
A Modest Start but a Big Future
That first MNSSHP in 1995 was seen as a trial run. As Disney World spokesman Greg Albrecht told the Orlando Sentinel, “If it’s successful, we’ll do it again.” And while attendance was sparse that night, there was clearly potential. By 1997, the event expanded to two nights, and by 1999, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party had grown into a multi-night celebration with a full-fledged parade. Today, in 2024, it’s a staple of the fall season at Walt Disney World, offering 38 nights of trick-or-treating, character meet-and-greets, and special entertainment.
Universal’s Influence
It’s interesting to reflect on how Disney’s Halloween event might never have existed without the competition from Universal. Just as “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” forced Disney to step up their game with “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge,” Universal’s success with Halloween Horror Nights likely spurred Disney into action with MNSSHP. The friendly rivalry between the two parks has continually pushed both to offer more to their guests, and we’re all better off because of it.
So the next time you find yourself trick-or-treating through the Magic Kingdom, watching the Headless Horseman gallop by, or marveling at the seasonal fireworks, take a moment to appreciate how this delightful tradition came to be—all thanks to a little competition and Disney’s commitment to creating not-so-scary magic.
For more Disney history and behind-the-scenes stories, check out the latest episodes of the I Want That Too podcast on the Jim Hill Media network.
History
The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown
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!
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Disney’s Forgotten Halloween Event: The Original Little Monsters on Main Street
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The Story of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: From One Night to a Halloween Family Tradition