History

Playing with Toys — Part III: “So where was the dog ?”

Animation legend Floyd Norman continues his brand-new series for JHM about the production of “Toy Story 2.” In today’s installment, Floyd talks about how a cheesy direct-to-video sequel went through some ruff …er … rough patches and eventually became an animated masterpiece

Published

18 years ago

January 22, 2007

Floyd Norman

Picking up from last week …

As usual, I decided to sit in the rear of the theater at Pixar Animation Studios. It was the day of the John Lasseter screening of “Toy Story 2,” and I decided it was best to remain out of sight. This was nothing new for me. I learned this back in the sixties at the Disney studio when attending meetings with the Old Maestro. All the “important” people had to sit up front with John. Much the same way the old guys had to face Walt. On days like this, I figured it’s good not to be important.

The movie, still mainly in story reel, was pretty much complete — except for the wrap up. When the film ended, and the lights came up, everyone in the room waited for Lasseter’s reaction to the screening. And, if I recall correctly, it was a long time in coming. There were a fair number of”ahh-hhs.” as John pondered the movie’s problems — and then he went right to the issues in the story.

I would probably be correct in saying I was the only person in the room that had attended story meetings with both Walt Disney and John Lasseter. And, I’ll have to admit that Lasseter — like Walt — was able to pinpoint the problems in the film. Being older, I was never part of the ’70’s Cal Arts gang. And perhaps this gave me a different perspective. However, it was on this day that I realized John Lasseter was the real deal, and his story instincts were solid. Could Lasseter have been channeling Walt, I wondered? Not one to gush over leaders, I confess I was impressed.

It’s been another long day, and we’re beat. That’s story manager Renee
Jensen, co-head of story Dan Jeup and me

Armed with Lasseter’s notes, (I still have them, by the way) the writers and board crew went back to work fixing the story problems. New people had come on board as “Toy Story 2” began to pick up momentum. Dan Jeup was our new Head of Story, and David Salter joined Edie Bleiman in Editorial. Over time, more artists and animators would join the crew as they spun off of “A Bug’s life.”

Co-director Ash Brannon asked me to put together a story reel of Jessie the Cowgirl using the voice track of actress Holly Hunter. I thought this a perfect casting choice. Who better than Holly Hunter to play a rough & tumble cowgirl? I admit I was somewhat taken aback when Ash told me he had cast Joan Cusack instead of Ms. Hunter for the role. Was this a mistake, I wondered? My fears were abated once I heard Joan Cusack’s voice tracks. Her performance was wonderful, as she pushed Jessie in a whole new direction. Jessie the Cowgirl is a real nut case, as well as being totally warm and lovable. My office at Pixar was near editorial, so I could hear Joan’s tracks throughout the day as I worked. The animators did a terrific job, but it was Joan Cusack who brought Jessie the Cowgirl to life.

I forgot to mention that all this time I was shuttling back and forth between Burbank and Point Richmond on weekends. I still had a life to maintain down south, and I often needed to grab stuff from my office at Disney. One Saturday while in the animation building I saw my old friend, Chris Sanders working on a presentation for a new film. It looked really cool, and I hoped that somebody would be smart enough to let him make it. He called the movie “Lilo & Stitch.”

Back up in Richmond the boarding on the movie continued hot and heavy, and we begin to wonder how we would wrap up this exciting story. Somebody suggested a locomotive chase through the toy store. After all, Nick Park had already done a nifty train chase in one of the Wallace & Gromit films, and it was hilarious. Eventually, that idea was scrapped, but we did manage to pull off a “train chase” at the airport with the luggage carts as the “train.” Speaking of airports, did you know that we sent a video camera through the luggage system at San Francisco International airport to get a “toy point of view” as the toys searched for Woody and Jessie? I still can’t believe the airport authorities allowed us to do that. Such a request today would probably land all of us in jail.

My sketch of the Prospector. He turned out to be more
“Frasier” than Gabby Hayes, but it seemed to work better.

Since “Toy Story 2” would welcome back the original voice cast, we only had to cast a few new characters. David Ogden Stiers had been cast earlier as the prospector, and I thought he was an excellent choice. However, Kelsey Grammer eventually replaced the very talented Stiers. Known for his role as a pompous snob on television’s “Frasier,” Grammer seemed a better fit for the scheming, self-important prospector Stinky Pete. At one point, comedian Don Knotts was considered for Bullseye the Horse. But Ash decided Woody’s faithful steed would play better as a non-speaking character.

The movie still had a long way to go, but I couldn’t help feel a sense of validation when Disney announced in February 1998 that “Toy Story2” was now a theatrical feature. I had been annoying poor Janet Healy for months about our little direct-to-video movie getting an upgrade. Jane was the Disney development executive attached to our film, and I sincerely doubt anything I said changed Disney’s mind. However, I continued to make a nuisance of myself each time I saw her. We had screenings on a regular basis at the Burbank studio, and in time, the mouse house executives began to see the movie’s potential. One afternoon we showed what we had to the Disney chiefs at the Northside facility near Burbank’s Bob Hope Airport. When the lights came up, I overheard one executive remark, “That film is gonna make us a lot of money.”

In spite of the good news, things still had a way to go. The second act was still wonky, and not focused. Jessie’s back-story was still unclear, and Buzz Lightyear’s dealing with his alter ego needed to be addressed. We were working with an excellent premise but the second act of our story still left a lot to be desired.

The storyboards extend out into the hallway. You can bet there were
a lot of storyboards on this film.

One evening, local elementary school children were given a tour of Pixar. The kids seemed to like our drawings, and all were fans of the original movie. However, they caught us off guard when they asked a very important question. “Where’s the dog?,” they inquired. If you recall the first film, it wraps up at holiday time with Woody and Buzz finally the best of buddies. Our two heroes had proven themselves able to deal with anything that might come their way. Then, we hear a dog bark — they look at each other — and the movie ends. Perfect, right?

So where was the dog? We suddenly realized that — in our effort to make a great little film — we had totally overlooked a very important character in our story. And it took a bunch of kids to bring it to our attention.

By summer of 1998, I was back at Disney in Burbank doing visual development for a new animated film. Co-director Ash Brannon and co-producer Helene Plotkin were in Studio B on the Disney lot. They were recording new dialogue with Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Jodie Benson. I received a call from my former bosses to get over to Stage B. I arrived in time to watch Jodie Benson record the dialogue for the “Barbie” sequence. Though seven months pregnant, the lovely Ms. Benson was great as she did her ever-so-cute shtick as Barbie. While recording her tour guide spiel (Something we’ve all experienced at Disneyland), someone had the bright idea that Jodie repeat her dialogue in Spanish. All of a sudden, there were disagreements over how the line should be read from those who spoke Spanish. One guy even stopped the recording session to call his mother because she spoke fluent Spanish. Finally, someone retrieved a recording of the actual Disneyland spiel from Disney artist Scott Tilley.

Our storyboard sketches were kept simple because we had to do them quickly.
No need to fuss over “pretty” drawings when doing story. Something the
Disney studio in the ’90s must have forgotten.

Now that we had Barbie speaking Spanish correctly, we asked Jodie to give us a series of syrupy sweet “goodbye lines” we could use in the movie. You can hear all the “buh-byes” Ms. Benson recorded for us on the “Toy Story 2” DVD. The session was done, and I looked over to see my exhausted producer with her head down and her dark hair spilling over the desk. It had been a long day. As we headed out of the stage and onto the Disney lot, my former bosses finally told me the reason they had sent for me. The movie — although making progress — still had a lot of rough spots. Would I consider coming back to Pixar?

I’ll let you know my decision in the final installment of this series.

Did you enjoy today’s story about “Toy Story 2” ‘s origins. Well, that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the many stories that Floyd Norman has to tell. Many of which you’ll find in the three books Floyd currently has the market. Each of which take an affectionate look back at Norman’s career in animation.

These include Floyd’s original collection of cartoons and stories — “Faster! Cheaper! The Flip Side of the Art of Animation” (which is available for sale over at John Cawley’s cataroo.com) as well as two follow-ups to that book, “Son of Faster, Cheaper” & “How the Grinch Stole Disney.” Which you can purchase by heading over to Afrokids.com.

So if you want to please any animation fan that are on your holiday shopping list, you might want to consider getting them copies of Floyd Norman’s great books.

History

The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown

Published

6 months ago

February 7, 2024

Jim Hill

Disneyland in Anaheim, California, holds a special place in the hearts of Disney fans worldwide, I mean heck, it’s where the magic began after all. Over the years it’s become a place that people visit in search of memorable experiences. One fan favorite area of the park is Mickey’s Toontown, a unique land that lets guests step right into the colorful, “Toony” world of Disney animation. With the recent reimagining of the land and the introduction of Micky and Minnies Runaway Railway, have you ever wondered how this land came to be?

There is a fascinating backstory of how Mickey’s Toontown came into existence. It’s a tale of strategic vision, the influence of Disney executives, and a commitment to meeting the needs of Disney’s valued guests.

The Beginning: Mickey’s Birthdayland

The story of Mickey’s Toontown starts with Mickey’s Birthdayland at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Opened in 1988 to celebrate Mickey Mouse’s 60th birthday, this temporary attraction was met with such overwhelming popularity that it inspired Disney executives to think bigger. The idea was to create a permanent, immersive land where guests could step into the animated world of Mickey Mouse and his friends.

In the early ’90s, Disneyland was in need of a refresh. Michael Eisner, the visionary leader of The Walt Disney Company at the time, had an audacious idea: create a brand-new land in Disneyland that would celebrate Disney characters in a whole new way. This was the birth of Mickey’s Toontown.

Initially, Disney’s creative minds toyed with various concepts, including the idea of crafting a 100-Acre Woods or a land inspired by the Muppets. However, the turning point came when they considered the success of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” This film’s popularity and the desire to capitalize on contemporary trends set the stage for Toontown’s creation.

From Concept to Reality: The Birth of Toontown

In 1993, Mickey’s Toontown opened its gates at Disneyland, marking the first time in Disney Park history where guests could experience a fully realized, three-dimensional world of animation. This new land was not just a collection of attractions but a living, breathing community where Disney characters “lived,” worked, and played.

Building Challenges: Innovative Solutions

The design of Mickey’s Toontown broke new ground in theme park aesthetics. Imagineers were tasked with bringing the two-dimensional world of cartoons into a three-dimensional space. This led to the creation of over 2000 custom-built props and structures that embodied the ‘squash and stretch’ principle of animation, giving Toontown its distinctiveness.

And then there was also the challenge of hiding the Team Disney Anaheim building, which bore a striking resemblance to a giant hotdog. The Imagineers had to think creatively, using balloon tests and imaginative landscaping to seamlessly integrate Toontown into the larger park.

Key Attractions: Bringing Animation to Life

Mickey’s Toontown featured several groundbreaking attractions. “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin,” inspired by the movie “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” became a staple of Toontown, offering an innovative ride experience. Gadget’s Go-Coaster, though initially conceived as a Rescue Rangers-themed ride, became a hit with younger visitors, proving that innovative design could create memorable experiences for all ages.

Another crown jewel of Toontown is Mickey’s House, a walkthrough attraction that allowed guests to explore the home of Mickey Mouse himself. This attraction was more than just a house; it was a carefully crafted piece of Disney lore. The house was designed in the American Craftsman style, reflecting the era when Mickey would have theoretically purchased his first home in Hollywood. The attention to detail was meticulous, with over 2000 hand-crafted, custom-built props, ensuring that every corner of the house was brimming with character and charm. Interestingly, the design of Mickey’s House was inspired by a real home in Wichita Falls, making it a unique blend of real-world inspiration and Disney magic.

Mickey’s House also showcased Disney’s commitment to creating interactive and engaging experiences. Guests could make themselves at home, sitting in Mickey’s chair, listening to the radio, and exploring the many mementos and references to Mickey’s animated adventures throughout the years. This approach to attraction design – where storytelling and interactivity merged seamlessly – was a defining characteristic of ToonTown’s success.

Executive Decisions: Shaping ToonTown’s Unique Attractions

The development of Mickey’s Toontown wasn’t just about creative imagination; it was significantly influenced by strategic decisions from Disney executives. One notable input came from Jeffrey Katzenberg, who suggested incorporating a Rescue Rangers-themed ride. This idea was a reflection of the broader Disney strategy to integrate popular contemporary characters and themes into the park, ensuring that the attractions remained relevant and engaging for visitors.

In addition to Katzenberg’s influence, Frank Wells, the then-President of The Walt Disney Company, played a key role in the strategic launch of Toontown’s attractions. His decision to delay the opening of “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin” until a year after Toontown’s debut was a calculated move. It was designed to maintain public interest in the park by offering new experiences over time, thereby giving guests more reasons to return to Disneyland.

These executive decisions highlight the careful planning and foresight that went into making Toontown a dynamic and continuously appealing part of Disneyland. By integrating current trends and strategically planning the rollout of attractions, Disney executives ensured that Toontown would not only capture the hearts of visitors upon its opening but would continue to draw them back for new experiences in the years to follow.

Global Influence: Toontown’s Worldwide Appeal

The concept of Mickey’s Toontown resonated so strongly that it was replicated at Tokyo Disneyland and influenced elements in Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland. Each park’s version of Toontown maintained the core essence of the original while adapting to its cultural and logistical environment.

Evolution and Reimagining: Toontown Today

As we approach the present day, Mickey’s Toontown has recently undergone a significant reimagining to welcome “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway” in 2023. This refurbishment aimed to enhance the land’s interactivity and appeal to a new generation of Disney fans, all while retaining the charm that has made ToonTown a beloved destination for nearly three decades.

Dive Deeper into ToonTown’s Story

Want to know more about Mickey’s Toontown and hear some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, then check out the latest episode of Disney Unpacked on Patreon @JimHillMedia. In this episode, the main Imagineer who worked on the Toontown project shares lots of interesting stories and details that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s full of great information and fun facts, so be sure to give it a listen!

History

Unpacking the History of the Pixar Place Hotel

Published

6 months ago

January 30, 2024

Jim Hill

Pixar Place Hotel, the newly unveiled 15-story tower at the Disneyland Resort, has been making waves in the Disney community. With its unique Pixar-themed design, it promises to be a favorite among visitors.

However, before we delve into this exciting addition to the Disneyland Resort, let’s take a look at the fascinating history of this remarkable hotel.

The Emergence of the Disneyland Hotel

To truly appreciate the story of the Pixar Place Hotel, we must turn back the clock to the early days of Disneyland. While Walt Disney had the visionary ideas and funding to create the iconic theme park, he faced a challenge when it came to providing accommodations for the park’s visitors. This is where his friend Jack Wrather enters the picture.

Jack Wrather, a fellow pioneer in the television industry, stepped in to assist Walt Disney in realizing his dream. Thanks to the success of the “Lassie” TV show produced by Wrather’s company, he had the financial means to build a hotel right across from Disneyland.

The result was the Disneyland Hotel, which opened its doors in October 1955. Interestingly, the early incarnation of this hotel had more of a motel feel than a hotel, with two-story buildings reminiscent of the roadside motels popular during the 1950s. The initial Disneyland Hotel consisted of modest structures that catered to visitors looking for affordable lodging close to the park. While the rooms were basic, it marked the beginning of something extraordinary.

The Evolution: From Emerald of Anaheim to Paradise Pier

As Disneyland’s popularity continued to soar, so did the demand for expansion and improved accommodations. In 1962, the addition of an 11-story tower transformed the Disneyland Hotel, marking a significant transition from a motel to a full-fledged hotel.

The addition of the 11-story tower elevated the Disneyland Hotel into a more prominent presence on the Anaheim skyline. At the time, it was the tallest structure in all of Orange County. The hotel’s prime location across from Disneyland made it an ideal choice for visitors. With the introduction of the monorail linking the park and the hotel, accessibility became even more convenient. Unique features like the Japanese-themed reflecting pools added to the hotel’s charm, reflecting a cultural influence that extended beyond Disney’s borders.

Japanese Tourism and Its Impact

During the 1960s and 1970s, Disneyland was attracting visitors from all corners of the world, including Japan. A significant number of Japanese tourists flocked to Anaheim to experience Walt Disney’s creation. To cater to this growing market, it wasn’t just the Disneyland Hotel that aimed to capture the attention of Japanese tourists. The Japanese Village in Buena Park, inspired by a similar attraction in Nara, Japan, was another significant spot.

These attractions sought to provide a taste of Japanese culture and hospitality, showcasing elements like tea ceremonies and beautiful ponds with rare carp and black swans. However, the Japanese Village closed its doors in 1975, likely due to the highly competitive nature of the Southern California tourist market.

The Emergence of the Emerald of Anaheim

With the surge in Japanese tourism, an opportunity arose—the construction of the Emerald of Anaheim, later known as the Disneyland Pacific Hotel. In May 1984, this 15-story hotel opened its doors.

What made the Emerald unique was its ownership. It was built not by The Walt Disney Company or the Oriental Land Company (which operated Tokyo Disneyland) but by the Tokyu Group. This group of Japanese businessmen already had a pair of hotels in Hawaii and saw potential in Anaheim’s proximity to Disneyland. Thus, they decided to embark on this new venture, specifically designed to cater to Japanese tourists looking to experience Southern California.

Financial Challenges and a Changing Landscape

The late 1980s brought about two significant financial crises in Japan—the crash of the NIKKEI stock market and the collapse of the Japanese real estate market. These crises had far-reaching effects, causing Japanese tourists to postpone or cancel their trips to the United States. As a result, reservations at the Emerald of Anaheim dwindled.

To adapt to these challenging times, the Tokyu Group merged the Emerald brand with its Pacific hotel chain, attempting to weather the storm. However, the financial turmoil took its toll on the Emerald, and changes were imminent.

The Transition to the Disneyland Pacific Hotel

In 1995, The Walt Disney Company took a significant step by purchasing the hotel formerly known as the Emerald of Anaheim for $35 million. This acquisition marked a change in the hotel’s fortunes. With Disney now in control, the hotel underwent a name change, becoming the Disneyland Pacific Hotel.

Transformation to Paradise Pier

The next phase of transformation occurred when Disney decided to rebrand the hotel as Paradise Pier Hotel. This decision aligned with Disney’s broader vision for the Disneyland Resort.

While the structural changes were limited, the hotel underwent a significant cosmetic makeover. Its exterior was painted to complement the color scheme of Paradise Pier, and wave-shaped crenellations adorned the rooftop, creating an illusion of seaside charm. This transformation was Disney’s attempt to seamlessly integrate the hotel into the Paradise Pier theme of Disney’s California Adventure Park.

Looking Beyond Paradise Pier: The Shift to Pixar Place

In 2018, Disneyland Resort rebranded Paradise Pier as Pixar Pier, a thematic area dedicated to celebrating the beloved characters and stories from Pixar Animation Studios. As a part of this transition, it became evident that the hotel formally known as the Disneyland Pacific Hotel could no longer maintain its Paradise Pier theme.

With Pixar Pier in full swing and two successful Pixar-themed hotels (Toy Story Hotels in Shanghai Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland), Disney decided to embark on a new venture—a hotel that would celebrate the vast world of Pixar. The result is Pixar Place Hotel, a 15-story tower that embraces the characters and stories from multiple Pixar movies and shorts. This fully Pixar-themed hotel is a first of its kind in the United States.

The Future of Pixar Place and Disneyland Resort

As we look ahead to the future, the Disneyland Resort continues to evolve. The recent news of a proposed $1.9 billion expansion as part of the Disneyland Forward project indicates that the area surrounding Pixar Place is expected to see further changes. Disneyland’s rich history and innovative spirit continue to shape its destiny.

In conclusion, the history of the Pixar Place Hotel is a testament to the ever-changing landscape of Disneyland Resort. From its humble beginnings as the Disneyland Hotel to its transformation into the fully Pixar-themed Pixar Place Hotel, this establishment has undergone several iterations. As Disneyland Resort continues to grow and adapt, we can only imagine what exciting developments lie ahead for this iconic destination.

If you want to hear more stories about the History of the Pixar Place hotel, check our special edition of Disney Unpacked over on YouTube.

Stay tuned for more updates and developments as we continue to explore the fascinating world of Disney, one story at a time.

History

From Birthday Wishes to Toontown Dreams: How Toontown Came to Be

Published

6 months ago

January 14, 2024

Jim Hill

In the latest release of Episode 4 of Disney Unpacked, Len and I return, joined as always by Disney Imagineering legend, Jim Shull. This two-part episode covers all things Mickey’s Birthday Land and how it ultimately led to the inspiration behind Disneyland’s fan-favorite land, “Toontown”. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. It all starts in the early days at Disneyland.

Early Challenges in Meeting Mickey

Picture this: it’s the late 1970s and early 1980s, and you’re at Disneyland. You want to meet the one and only Mickey Mouse, but there’s no clear way to make it happen. You rely on Character Guides, those daily printed sheets that point you in Mickey’s general direction. But let’s be honest, it was like finding a needle in a haystack. Sometimes, you got lucky; other times, not so much.

Mickey’s Birthdayland: A Birthday Wish that Came True

Fast forward to the late 1980s. Disney World faced a big challenge. The Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park was under construction, with the company’s marketing machine in full swing, hyping up the opening of Walt Disney World’s third theme park, MGM Studios, in the Spring of 1989. This extensive marketing meant that many people were opting to postpone their family’s next trip to Walt Disney World until the following year. Walt Disney World needed something compelling to motivate guests to visit Florida in 1988, the year before Disney MGM Studios opened.

Enter stage left, Mickey’s Birthdayland. For the first time ever, an entire land was dedicated to a single character – and not just any character, but the mouse who started it all. Meeting Mickey was no longer a game of chance; it was practically guaranteed.

The Birth of Birthdayland: Creative Brilliance Meets Practicality

In this episode, we dissect the birth of Mickey’s Birthdayland, an initiative that went beyond celebrating a birthday. It was a calculated move, driven by guest feedback and a need to address issues dating back to 1971. Imagineers faced the monumental task of designing an experience that honored Mickey while efficiently managing the crowds. This required the perfect blend of creative flair and logistical prowess – a hallmark of Disney’s approach to theme park design.

Evolution: From Birthdayland to Toontown

The success of Mickey’s Birthdayland was a real game-changer, setting the stage for the birth of Toontown – an entire land that elevated character-centric areas to monumental new heights. Toontown wasn’t merely a spot to meet characters; it was an immersive experience that brought Disney animation to life. In the episode, we explore its innovative designs, playful architecture, and how every nook and cranny tells a story.

Impact on Disney Parks and Guests

Mickey’s Birthdayland and Toontown didn’t just reshape the physical landscape of Disney parks; they transformed the very essence of the guest experience. These lands introduced groundbreaking ways for visitors to connect with their beloved characters, making their Disney vacations even more unforgettable.

Beyond Attractions: A Cultural Influence

But the influence of these lands goes beyond mere attractions. Our episode delves into how Mickey’s Birthdayland and Toontown left an indelible mark on Disney’s culture, reflecting the company’s relentless dedication to innovation and guest satisfaction. It’s a journey into how a single idea can grow into a cherished cornerstone of the Disney Park experience.

Interested in learning about Jim Shull’s original idea for a Winnie the Pooh ride? Here’s concept art of the attraction proposed for the original Toontown in Disneyland. More on [Disney Unpacked].

Unwrapping the Full Story of Mickey’s Birthdayland

Our two-part episode of Disney Unpacked is available for your viewing pleasure on our Patreon page. And for those seeking a quicker Disney fix, we’ve got a condensed version waiting for you on our YouTube channel. Thank you for being a part of our Disney Unpacked community. Stay tuned for more episodes as we continue to “Unpack” the fascinating world of Disney, one story at a time.