Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Never mind “Captain EO” — what about “Captain Eeyore” ???

In a follow-up story to a somewhat controversial question in last week’s “Why For?” Jim Hill shines a spotlight on a little known but still quite funny Disneyland-cast-member-produced film. (Now try and find a copy of THIS ONE up for sale on eBay!)

Published

21 years ago

August 10, 2003

Jim Hill

You know, it’s getting harder and harder to predict what’s going to set you guys off.

Take — for example — Last Friday. As part of my most recent “Why For” column, I answered a reader’s question about “Captain EO.” To be specific: A query about whether this 17-minute long 3D spectacular was ever going to be available for purchase in the home video or DVD format.

My reply to this JHM reader was that I thought it extremely unlikely that “Captain EO” would ever be available for purchase here in the states. Due mostly to the extremely convoluted deals that the Walt Disney Company had had to cut with Michael Jackson, Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas in order to have this particular project go forward.

Which was when the e-mails began pouring from all these JimHillMedia.com readers who — while they seemed to like the site — seemed positively eager to point two things that they felt that I’d gotten wrong in my answer to that particular question:

1. “Captain EO” actually aired once on VH1 back in the mid-to-late 1990s.

2. That there were at least three copies of seemingly authorized “Captain EO” videos and DVDs currently available for purchase/up for bidding on eBay.

Soooo … does this mean that I should now start doing my Commander Blogg impression? (You remember Commander Blogg, don’t you? That officious character that the late comic *** Shawn played in “Captain EO?” The one who was unable to see all of the chaos that had erupted on board Captain EO’s ship when that vessel came under attack … because Hooter — the obnoxious little elephant-like alien in this film — had flung a fried egg unto Blogg’s hologram, thereby blocking the commander’s view.)

Nah. There’s no need for me to wipe egg from my face. Not this time, anyway.

You see, I was answering that JHM reader’s question about whether “Captain EO” would ever be available for purchase. Not whether this 3D film had ever aired on network television. Had I actually been asked that question, I would have talked about how it was Michael Jackson himself who had supposedly negotiated a deal with the Walt Disney Company, Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas. Paying each of the parties a pretty hefty fee just so that “Captain EO” could air — for one time only — on VH1.

If I’m remembering correctly, this was done as part of the promotion for Michael’s “History” album. The gimmick here was supposed to be that — in one marathon-length TV special — all of the music videos that Jacko had ever appeared in would be shown back-to-back. (This was done with the hope that — by showing VH1 viewers all of Jackson’s previous hits — this might compel them to rush on out and buy copies of “History.” Which would hopefully drive up domestic sales of the King of Pop’s newest album to “Thriller”-esque levels. It’s just too bad that that’s not actually how things went down …)

Anyway … I’m not exactly sure why Michael felt that “Captain EO” had to be included as part of this music video marathon. Perhaps it was because Jacko lumped this theme park project in with his longer form projects like “Thriller” and “Ghosts.” Whatever the reasoning involved here, what is certain is that — sometime in the mid-to-late 1990s, well after “Captain EO” had stopped being shown in Disneyland and Walt Disney World (“EO” ended its run at Epcot’s Imagination” pavilion on June 6, 1994; the Disneyland version of the 3D movie didn’t shut down ’til April 6, 1997) — this film aired on VH1 … which was when (evidently) a large number of JHM readers decided to make a tape of this particular 3D movie.

Near as I can figure, at least 50 of you set up your VCRs that night specifically so you could tape “Captain EO.” Which brings us to the second part of the equation: all those “Captain EO” videos and DVDs that are currently up for sale/up for bid on eBay.

My apologies if this next bit sounds like I’m splitting hairs. That I’m deliberately trying to be slippery. But — honestly, folks — I thought that the JHM reader who was writing in last week was asking if there’d ever be an AUTHORIZED home video or DVD version of “Captain EO” up for sale.

You see, near as I can figure, all of those “Captain EO” videos and DVDs that are currently for sale/up for bid on eBay are knock-offs. Cleverly packaged and admittedly very professional looking. But — in the end — they’re still knock-offs. Illegal copies of a film that hasn’t yet officially been released in the home video and DVD format.

Based on conversations that I’ve had over the past weekend with representatives from Buena Vista Home Entertainment, I can say (with some amount of certainty) that “Captain EO” has never officially been issued in the home video and/or the DVD format. At least here in the U.S. Mind you, I’ve still got people overseas checking to see if this Michael Jackson 3D movie was ever up for sale at Disneyland Paris and/or Tokyo Disneyland. When they finally get back to me, I’ll pass along the definitive report. But — as of right now — that seems kind of unlikely as well.

Which — again — points to these various versions of “Captain EO” that are currently for sale/up for bid on eBay as being knock-offs. Which — given the vast differences in the additional features that are offered on each of these tapes and discs — sort of makes sense now.

Take — for example — an “EO” VHS that’s currently up for bid. This tape includes four different versions of the movie: A director’s cut of “Captain EO,” a standard version, a widescreen version as well as a widescreen work print version that still has the time codes embedded in the film. This tape also includes a copy of the “Making of ‘Captain EO'” TV special (hosted by Whoopi Goldberg) as well as the attraction’s grand opening celebration at Disneyland (a parade which was hosted by “Family Ties” Justine Bateman).

Meanwhile, that DVD version of “Captain EO” … well, this auction item includes the 3D movie in standard and wide screen and a copy of the “Making Of” TV special. But — in addition — this disc includes the “Another Part of Me” promo video. Plus the seller is throwing in a CD of the attraction’s soundtrack, which features “… edits and arrangements of ‘We Are Here to Change the World’ and ‘Another Part of Me.'”

Mind you, this particular version of the “Captain EO” DVD is only available in the PAL format. Which — once again — has me wondering if a Disney authorized edition of “EO” actually was available for sale for some point in video or DVD format in Europe and Asia. Just not here in the Americas. (Hey, stranger things have happened, kids. Please remember that “Song of the South” has been available for sale in Japan for nearly a decade now. While — back here in the States — Buena Vista Home Entertainment keeps telling consumers that the Walt Disney Company has placed a permanent moratorium on “SOTS.” Meaning: We’ll only pull this title out of our library and up for sale after we run out of other things to sell.)

But — as I look over all the additional features listed on these (perhaps bogus) “Captain EO” videos and DVDs on eBay — I never see the extra feature that I’m really looking. Which is a copy of “Captain Eeyore.”

“What’s ‘Captain Eeyore’?” you ask? Surely, some of you know about the films that Disneyland cast members used to make to amuse themselves. Typically, these productions were put together — with management approval, mind you — as entertainment that could be shown at area parties. You know, when the crew that worked in Fantasyland and/or Tomorrowland would gather at the end-of-the-summer season for a beer blast or after Christmas for a “We Actually Survived the Holiday Season at Disneyland” celebration.

Over the past 15 years, I’ve been lucky enough to see a number of these admittedly-amateurish-but-still-somewhat-entertaining movies. As you might expect, there are some films that are better than others. I recall one that was built around Frontierland and Adventureland employees lip-syncing to Prince songs — a gimmick that got old real fast — that still had its moments. There was also one that featured the crew from Disneyland’s old “Skyway” attraction that was pretty funny. Particularly when these cast members began singing their version of “Ole Man River.” AKA “Ole Man Skyway.”

But the best — by far — was “Captain Eeyore.” Which is a dead-on spoof of the theme park’s $15 million 3D extravaganza. Starring Pooh’s old pal — that terminally depressed donkey, Eeyore — as Captain Eeyore.

As one watches this video, one can’t help but wonder “How did these Disneyland cast members ever get permission to do this?” For — you see — the central gag behind this film is that you have Disneyland walk-around characters standing in for the various characters from the “Captain EO” 3D film. And the members of the “Zoo Crew” who are wearing these costumes are behaving in a very undignified (or is that “unDisneyified”) manner.

So — instead of the Geex, that furry two-headed creature from the original “Captain EO” 3D film that was called Idy and Ody — you have Tweedledum and Tweedledee. And — instead of the metallic Major Domo — you have Tigger in a Future World-ish space suit. And — instead of Hooter — you have Pooter. That’s right. Our old pal, Winnie the Pooh.

Mind you, “Captain Eeyore” features a Disneyland cast member performing in the old version of the park’s Winnie the Pooh costume. You know, the one that was notorious among “Zoo Crew” members because — due to the restrictive way that this costume was constructed — the person who was stuck inside had virtually no use of his arms. Which meant that — should a performer trip and fall down while they were wearing this particular Pooh costume — they were screwed. They were forced to stay sprawled on the ground until another cast member came along to help them back onto their feet.

Given the horrible reputation that this particular character costume had, “Captain Eeyore” attempts to mine a lot of humor out of that Pooh suit. Some of you may recall that scene in “Captain EO” where Hooter has to jump and strain in order to reach the button that will pull in the spaceship’s sails. Well, in “Captain Eeyore,” the cast member who’s stuck in the Winnie the Pooh suit has the same assignment. Only — in this version of the film’s story — you get to see Pooh failing away with his useless arms, trying to hit that button. You even get to see the human inside the suit — straining to reach that button — by reaching his hand out of the “Hunny” pot that sits on top of Pooh’s head.

Tweedledum and Tweedledee also provide a lot of humor in this picture. But only if you realize that — for a number of years — Disney CEO Michael Eisner insisted that these “Alice in Wonderland” characters no longer be allow to appear in the theme parks. Why for? Because Eisner evidently thought that the rounded facial features of these walk-around characters made Tweedledum and Tweedledee looked too much like mongoloids. So — since Uncle Michael didn’t want the Walt Disney Company to ever be accused of making fun of retarded children — he ordered that these character costumes could no longer be used in the park.

Of course, the operations staff at Disneyland and Walt Disney World immediately obeyed Michael’s orders. And these characters were indeed kept from appearing in the parks for a number of years … until people began to realize that — given how rarely Eisner ever actually walks through the theme parks — the Disney Company’s CEO would never know if they were using Tweedledee or Tweedledum again. So the ops people put these “Alice in Wonderland” walk-around characters (which had always been quite popular with the guests, by the way) back in the parks a couple of years ago. And Uncle Mike has never caught on that his expressed order was now being deliberately ignored.

Anywho … there’s this gag in “Captain Eeyore” that actually manages to makes fun of both Michael Jackson and Michael Eisner in one single dialogue exchange. As the crew of Captain Eeyore’s ship stands cowering before the Supreme Leader (You know, the spider-like alien that Angelica Huston played in the original “Captain EO” film? Well — this time around — the villianess is this particularly demented looking version of Minnie Mouse), Tweedledum turns to Tweedledee and asks:

Tweedledum: Who’s that?

Tweedledee: The Supreme Leader.

Tweedledum: What? Diana Ross?

Tweedledee: (exasperated sigh, then …) You really are a mongoloid!

These sorts of in-jokes abound in “Captain Eeyore.” Take for example, the punishments that the Supreme Leader metes out to Captain Eeyore and his crew. “You (pointing to Pooh, Tigger, Tweedledum and Tweedledee) turn them into photo characters. While you (pointing at Eeyore) a hundred years of torture in the Inn Between.”

Now — in order to get those gags — you have to understand that Disney “Zoo Crew” members consider being assigned work as photo characters (where you have to stand in the hot sun all day being overly nice to tourists as they each get a picture of you posing with their children) as sheer torture. And that the Inn Between is the cast-members-only cafeteria that’s located right behind the Plaza Inn on Disneyland’s hub.

But it’s Captain Eeyore himself that truly makes this film a must-see. Mind you, I don’t know the name of the performer who’s trapped inside of that donkey suit. (Sadly, the version of “Captain Eeyore” that I saw didn’t have any production credits.) But clearly this guy (or was it this girl?) could dance. He made Michael Jackson’s trademark moves down cold. But there’s something that’s just fall down funny about seeing this six-foot-tall donkey trying to moonwalk. Or — better yet — Eeyore doing Jackson’s infamous pelvic thrusts.

Yeah, “Captain Eeyore” isn’t exactly a family film. And — admittedly — a number of its jokes are just a bit too inside for most members of the public to get. (EX: At one point, Commander Bob — “Captain Eeyore”‘s version of Commander Blogg — spies Tweedledum and Tweedledee sitting down inside the spaceship. Bob barks at the characters: “Hey! No sitting in costume!” Which always gets a big laugh from Disneyland cast members. But not so much as a snicker from foamers like you and I.) But — that said — this movie is still worth seeking out.

After all, how many times do you get the chance to see:

Eeyore leading a troupe of 24 professionally trained dancers (supposedly the cast of Disneyland’s “Videopolis” stage show) performing an exact copy of the “We Are Here to Change the World” number from “Captain EO.”

The Seven Dwarfs, wielding spears, goose-stepping their way toward the dancing donkey.

Two Queen of Hearts, each cracking a bullwhip, moving in to attack Captain Eeyore.

Clearly, a lot of time and effort went into this project. Given the size of “Captain Eeyore”‘s cast (as well as the large number of official Disneyland walk-around character costumes that were used in the making of this movie), it’s pretty hard to believe that Disneyland officials didn’t know that this movie was in production. More than likely, the managers in Anaheim were well aware of what was going on and that — provided that these Disneyland cast members made their film on their own time — they didn’t really have a problem with the project.

Now, what I find interesting is … I’ve seen several of these Disneyland-cast-member-produced movies from the 1980s … but I’ve never ever seen any cast-members-only films from the 1990s or the 2000s surface. Which begs the question: After Michael Eisner came to power and proved himself to be a fairly humorless individual, did Disneyland management begin to actively discourage this film-making practice? Out of fear that some of the somewhat pointed jokes that Anaheim’s amateur movie makers were making at Disney Studio’s expense might piss off someone powerful back in Burbank … which perhaps might result in someone (or maybe even several someones) getting their butts fired from Disneyland.

Which — if that’s what actually happened here — is really a shame. For these cast-members-produced movies don’t come across as being anything really malicious. They’re just films made by a bunch of kids who are blowing off a little steam. Poking fun at their supervisors and/or the silly attractions that they work on. After all, Disneyland is supposed to be “The Happiest Place on Earth,” isn’t it? So shouldn’t the employee who work there occasionally be allowed to poke fun at the place?

Evidently not. Or — at least — not anymore. Which is a shame. For — given the strides that have been made over the past 10 years in digital photography and editing technology — I’m betting that Disneyland cast members out there could turn out some home-grown epics right now that would really put “Captain Eeyore” to shame.

Anyway … should Disney ever actually get around to putting together an authorized version of the “Captain EO” film that could be sold here in the states, here’s hoping that they fold “Captain Eeyore” into that DVD’s extra features. After all, how many times in life do you get to see a film that features an exchange like this:

TIGGER: So how do we find the Supreme Leader?

TWEEDLEDUM: Follow the Yellow Brick Road?

TWEEDLEDEE: (Pulling a Moe Howard) Why, I oughta …

Your thoughts?

Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

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

Published

5 days ago

September 7, 2024

Jim Hill

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

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

Published

7 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

8 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.