Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

PR professionals pay tribute to Disney Legend Charlie Ridgway, Magic Kingdom Press Agent

Published

8 years ago

January 26, 2017

It’s been over a month now since we lost Charlie Ridgway. And for those of us who were lucky enough to know and/or work with this Disney Legend, this is a wound that will take a while to heal.

“And why exactly is that?,” you say. Well, I could go on & on about my own dealings with Charlie over the past three-plus decades. What a genuine pleasure he was to work with because Mr. Ridgway was that rarer-than-rare thing: A PR guy who actually liked working with reporters.

But if I did that, I’d then wind up hogging the spotlight at a time when the focus should really be on Charlie. So here. Rather than having me talk about the handful of times that he & I collaborated on a Disney-related story, I’m going to let the people who were lucky enough to work with Charlie on a day-to-day basis share their memories of this man.

First up is John Dreyer, the former head of Corporate Communications for The Walt Disney Company.

It was Charlie who helped John get his start at the Mouse House back in 1976 by hiring him to work as a publicist for The Walt Disney World Resort. And …

… we’ve been friends ever since.

I think everyone who ever met Charlie has been friends from that moment on.

For those of us who worked for Charlie, he was our Peter Pan. He led us on fantastical adventures.

Charlie had an infectious enthusiasm for life and a boundless curiosity about everything. And he was passionate about all things Disney.

Charlie Ridgway supervises a photo shoot with Clarence “Ducky” Nash (i.e., the original voice of Donald Duck) as Walt Disney World gets ready to celebrate Donald Duck’s 50th birthday. Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved

He loved big ideas. For Donald Duck’s 50th birthday, he concocted the idea of hatching 50 ducklings and imprinting them on the costumed Donald so that they would follow him in the park. They rode on a float with Donald in the daily parade wearing Disney name tags and birthday hats.

Charlie loved directing publicity shoots and is well known for unintentionally photo-bombing his own shoots. For the opening of Disneyland Paris, he organized a shoot of all the Disney characters on Main Street with the castle behind them. There was a flock of media photographers. The shot we all love appeared on the cover of a major European magazine with all of the Disney characters including Charlie.

Those of us who worked for Charlie in the days of typewriters remember fondly Charlie’s editing process. Charlie would call you into his office or come to your desk and sit at your typewriter. With you over his shoulder, he and you would do the rewrite. Charlie would cross out sections you had written and he had written and you had written together. He would move graphs around by cutting them out and then stapling the sections together. At least one release that was two pages in its final form was six feet long in its finished draft.

As I said earlier, Charlie made friends for life. When Charlie started sending me on trips to South America that he had previously taken, virtually every journalist I called on first asked me, “Where’s Charlie? Is he ok?” And when I said he was fine, they told me to tell him they sent their regards.

Charlie struck up a friendship with many notable journalists, among them Walter Cronkite. And when Walter had his sailboat on the Florida east coast, he would invite Charlie to come over and spend time on it.

Pam Brandon – who’s now a highly regarded public relations consultant – also has extremely fond memories of the man who helped launch her career:

When I was a 20-something tourism reporter for Orlando Magazine in the 1980s, I was always a little afraid of big, bold Charlie Ridgway. I wanted to be sure I had my facts straight and told a solid story when reporting anything Disney.

Imagine my trepidation when he called me one day out of the blue and offered me a job on the Disney “Press & Publicity” team that operated out of a tiny office above City Hall in the Magic Kingdom. Charlie and Bob Mervine drove to Winter Park to interview me, and over soft drinks, made me an offer on the spot.

Charlie chats with a reporter from Orlando’s own Channel 6 as Walt Disney World’s 25th anniversary celebration gets underway back in October of 1996. Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved

At the time, I wondered just what a publicist did; I was a journalist by trade and had no training in PR. But that was Charlie’s secret weapon in the 1970s and 1980s – he never hired a PR person, he hired journalists, both print and broadcast, who had newsroom experience – that was a prerequisite. He assembled a team of the best of the best, and always told us to never pitch a weak story idea, and never to expect coverage – if we got a positive story, that was wonderful; if not, we had nurtured an important relationship.

I’ve never forgotten that, perhaps his greatest lesson: to treat the media with integrity. And that has served me well. A small group of us from those days celebrated Christmas every year with a lunch with Charlie, and over the years I’ve realized just how much “big, bold Charlie” cared about every one of us. We will miss his fierce love of all things Disney.

And given all those years that Ridgway worked (I’m quoting now from the subtitle of Charlie’s 2007 memoir, “Spinning Disney’s World”) as a Magic Kingdom Press Agent … Well, is it really all that surprising to learn that some of that Disney magic seemed to have rubbed off on Ridgway. Witness Rick Sylvain (who’s now a retired director of Walt Disney World PR)’s tale of that time when Charlie popped up in the most unlikely spot.

Rick recalled that – 10 years ago – he and two colleagues, Bob Jenkins and Rich Grant …

… were tooling around England following a travel writer’s convention in Manchester. I had talked the boys into driving to Ulverston, birthplace of Stan Laurel (I’m a L&H buff).

Anyhow, all was going well until it came time, in a little country village, to fuel up our rental van. Rich merrily poured unleaded petrol into the tank. Not 200 yards from the station the van coughed, sputtered and limped to a dead halt. Villagers clued us in, pointing to the little sticker on the gas cap. “Diesel Only” it read. Our hearts sank, thinking we had just ruined an expensive vehicle and the thousands we would be out.

Mechanics came and 90 minutes later we were in the cab of a truck towing our very lifeless van to a Chrysler dealership in a town an hour’s drive away. While technicians drained the tank dry of the wrong fuel, I went around to the front of the dealership to a convenience store.

There stood, to my utter amazement, Charlie Ridgway. He was also touring around after the same convention and had stopped at this store in this town on this day at this hour at this minute – for a candy bar. What were the odds?

The photograph that captures Rick & Charlie’s extremely unlikely meeting at that car dealership in the UK back in 2007. Image courtesy of Rick Sylvain.

Flabbergasted, I had my mates come round to the front of the dealership; I had a surprise for them. Jaws dropped, smiles widened and Rich snapped the photo. I loved Charlie’s expression in this photo.

Guess our Disney ditto is right – it is a small world, after all.

Epilogue of sorts: our day of sightseeing was pretty much spent at an English car dealership, at a service bay. We never got to Ulverston. Another fine mess!

Charlie, meantime, drove merrily on his way.

And that – in a nutshell – is one of the main reasons that I’ve put off posting this tribute to Mr. Ridgway for so long now. If I actually type the words – that, on December 24, 2016, Charlie Ridgway passed away at his home in Longwood, FL at the ripe old age of 93 – Well, that then means Charlie is no longer out there ” … merrily on his way.” Which means that I’m never again going to bump into him at some Disneyana event. Which is where Charlie would invariably share some heretofore untold tale about what REALLY happened behind-the-scenes at the grand opening of some theme park ride, show or attraction.

So for strictly selfish reasons, I’m now going to take a page out of the Ridgway playbook and do a quick rewrite. In my new stapled-together version of this story (which has the Disney-style happy ending that I know Charlie would have approved of), he’s now on his way to go sailing again with Walter Cronkite.

I just hope that there’s room on that sloop for the 50 white ducks that Ridgway’s bringing along.

This article was originally published by the Huffington Post on Thursday, January 26, 2017

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.