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Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

“Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon” combines high speed tour of NYC with affectionate celebration of the history of NBC’s “Tonight Show”

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Ask baby boomers about Certs and their immediate response will be (thanks to having watched ‘way too much television commercials in their youth) that ” … it’s two (click) two (click) two mints in one.”

So why mention this breath mint (No, it’s a candy mint) at the very start of an article about “Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon” ? Because this recent addition to Universal Studios Florida is kind of the Certs of attractions. In that it’s not just a thrilling simulation of a high-speed trip thru NYC. It’s also a museum that honors the history of NBC‘s “The Tonight Show.” Not to mention being a fun approximation of what it’s actually like to visit 30 Rock and then attend a taping of the Jimmy Fallon edition of this late-night institution.

As confetti rained down on USF’s New York backlot, “Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon” officially opened to the public on April 6, 2017. Photo by Nancy Stadler 

And to hear Jason Surrell (i.e., who was creative director on the “Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon” project) talk, this was all done deliberately. Not just because of the many different types of people who vacation at Universal Orlando Resort and then visit its two (but soon-to-be three) theme parks. But also because Fallon insisted upon it.

“Jimmy has long been an active collaborator on this project,” Surrell explained. “In fact, he was the one who actually reached out to us back in 2009 with an idea for a ride. Jimmy had just started as the new host of NBC’s ‘Late Night‘ in March of that same year. And as a long-time theme park enthusiast … Well, he just wanted to let Universal Creative know that he was ready & willing to work with us.”

Unfortunately for Fallon, since Universal Creative (i.e., the arm of NBCUniversal that actually designs & develops all of the attractions for the Universal theme parks) was busy at that time getting the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter ready for its June 2010 opening when he initially reached out. Which is why they then had to politely take a pass on his proposition. But given Fallon’s obvious eagerness to have some sort of role on the theme park side of NBCUniversal … Well, that’s how Jimmy wound up as the “Virtual Studio Tour Guide” of the Universal Studios Hollywood‘s tram tour back in June of 2011.

Copyright Universal Studios Hollywood. All rights reserved

We now jump ahead to February of 2014. Which is when Fallon succeeds Jay Leno as the host of “The Tonight Show.” Jimmy decides to return this NBC institution to its roots by moving production of this television program back to NYC. To be specific, to Studio 6B at 30 Rock. Which is where Jack Parr & Johnny Carson taped “The Tonight Show” from 1960 – 1972.

And just about the same time that the new based-in-New-York-City version of ‘The Tonight Show’ is shooting to the top of the ratings, Universal Creative decides to replace “Twister … Ride It Out.” Based on Universal Pictures’ summer 1997 blockbuster, this physical effects-filled show has been entertaining Universal Studios Florida visitors since May of 1998. But it’s now time for a whole new experience that (it is hoped) will then be a far better fit for the New York backlot portion of this theme park.

“So what with ‘The Tonight Show’ once again taping in New York City and a prime piece of real estate opening up right at the entrance to the New York-themed section of Universal Studios Florida, we knew that the time was right to reach out to Jimmy. So we said ‘If you’re still interested in doing something for the parks, we think we’ve now got the perfect spot for just such an attraction.’ And he readily agreed. Which is when we then began development of ‘Race Through New York,’ ” Jason stated.

Copyright Universal Orlando. All rights reserved

Now please note that this recent Universal Studios Florida addition is NOT called “The Tonight Show Ride.” But – rather – “Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon.” And that has a lot to do with the large number of international travelers who regularly vacation at Universal Orlando Resort.

“When we initially began developing this attraction, one of the things that we immediately had to take into account was that a lot of our international guests wouldn’t be familiar with “The Tonight Show’ or Jimmy Fallon. But New York City, they’d know,” Surrell explained. “And Jimmy – to his credit – embraced this reality. More to the point, given all those years that he spent in the City while appearing on ‘Saturday Night Live‘ and now ‘The Tonight Show,’ Jimmy feels that he owes a lot of his success to the people & the city of New York. Which is why he was totally on board with the idea that this attraction would somehow celebrate the City.”

But how exactly would this ‘Tonight Show’ -inspired ride go about paying tribute to the Big Apple? As their jumping-off point for this experience, Surrell and his team decided to use something that was already a key component of the Fallon version of this NBC institution. Which was all of those wacky games that Jimmy plays with his celebrity pals.”

Copyright Universal Orlando. All rights reserved

“This competition element was already a well-established piece of the DNA of the Jimmy Fallon version of ‘The Tonight Show.’ But instead of competing with some celebrity, Jimmy’s now decided to challenge his entire studio audience to a race. The ultimate race through New York City,” Jason continued. “Jimmy would be using a custom vehicle called the Tonight Rider (EDITOR’S NOTE: Which Surrell eventually admitted was an affectionate nod to “Knight Rider,” that David Hasselhoff show that aired on NBC back in the early 1980s) while our guests would be participating in the world’s first flying theater.

Mind you, to properly set the scene for “Race Through New York,” the team of Universal Creative took the old “Twister … Ride It Out” show building and completely gutted it. Turning the interior & exterior of this 6-stories tall structure into a faithful recreation of 30 Rock (i.e., that historic building in Rockefeller Plaza that has been home to NBC Studios since the early 1930s).

“Jessica Iaconis, Tom Geraghty, and I carefully studied 30 Rock and then did everything we could to replicate its look & feel. Right down to the distinctive way the floors were done in that building,” Jason enthused. “We even made sure that Universal Orlando team members who work at this attraction are dressed exactly like the real NBC pages are dressed up in New York City.”

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Asked what his favorite part of this project was, Surrell – who’s long been a late-night television aficionado – was quick to talk about History Hall. Which is the first floor section of “Race Through New York” that celebrates all of the entertainment legends who hosted this show prior to Mr. Fallon.

“This was the portion of the attraction that Jimmy felt most passionate about. He wanted to make sure that this ride had an area that honored all of those great performers who hosted ‘The Tonight Show’ before him. So we’ve got display cases here that pay tribute to Steve Allen, Jack Paar, Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, even Conan O’Brien,” Jason stated. “And me personally, one of the most gratifying things is to be down on the first floor and see little kids with their faces pressed up against the glass looking at that Carnac the Magnificent turban and then getting a sense of who Johnny Carson was.”

Photo by Nancy Stadler

Of course, if you’re more of a fan of today’s “Tonight Show,” not to worry. The second floor of “Race Through New York” is a celebration of the current era of this late-night institution. Here, you’ll be treated to live performances by the Ragtime Gals and/or the easily exhausted Hashtag the Panda. You’ll also have time to sprawl on some comfortable couches, play some “Tonight Show” -themed games and/or send a few Jimmy Fallon-esque “Thank You” e-mails off to friends & family members before you then experience this attraction.

“Jimmy has said that ‘… ‘The Tonight Show’ is all about fun & positivity & laughter & putting a smile on your face.’ And we really worked hard to bring his vision to life with this new USF attraction,” Surrell said. “I know that when someone says ‘late night TV show,’ you don’t automatically think ‘thrill ride.’ But here with ‘Race Through New York,’ we put as much time & attention into getting the details right with 30 Rock and Studio 6B as we did with Hogwarts and Diagon Alley.”

And Surrell is right when he talks about sweating the details on “Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon.” Take – for example – how he mapped out the route that Fallon would follow as he drove the Tonight Rider through the City.

Copyright Universal Orlando. All rights reserved

“I sat with a giant map of Manhattan in my office. And I said to myself ‘If Jimmy were running this as a real race, he’d first get out of 30 Rock, then go down 5th Avenue, take a left on Broadway so that he could then go Downtown.” I worked out the precise route and then handed it off to ILM, who produced the amazing ride film that we use in ‘Race Through New York,’ ” Jason recalled. “Mind you, their response – when they got the route that I’d mapped out through the City – was ‘You do realize that we’ve only have 4 minutes of screen time, right?’ So as ILM was producing our ride film, I’d periodically get messages where they’d say ‘We just blew out another six blocks of Mid-town.’ And I’d be like “Oh my gosh. The New Yorkers are just going to flip out.’ “

Yeah, residents of the Big Apple probably are going to flip out when they experience ‘Race Through New York with Jimmy Fallon.’ But not because of anything that Jason Surrell & his team got wrong. But – rather – because of everything that they got right (right down to the distinctive smell of New York pizza. A slice of which Fallon sends whizzing by your head before he then takes to the sky aboard the Tonight Rider for a rendezvous with the Statue of Liberty).

Copyright Universal Orlando. All rights reserved

This article was originally published by the Huffington Post on Thursday, April 20, 2017

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

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Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

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

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When most Disney fans think of Halloween in the parks, they immediately picture Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World or the Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland Resort. But before those events took over as the must-attend spooky celebrations, there was a little-known event at Disneyland called Little Monsters on Main Street. And its origins? Well, they go all the way back to the 1980s, during a time when America was gripped by fear—the Satanic Panic.

You see, back in the mid-1980s, parents were terrified that Halloween had become dangerous. Urban legends about drug-laced candy or razor blades hidden in apples were widespread, and many parents felt they couldn’t let their kids out of sight for even a moment. Halloween, which was once a carefree evening of trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, had suddenly become a night filled with anxiety.

This is where Disneyland’s Little Monsters on Main Street came in.

The Origins of Little Monsters on Main Street

Back in 1989, the Disneyland Community Action Team—later known as the VoluntEARS—decided to create a safe, nostalgic Halloween experience for Cast Members and their families. Many schools in the Anaheim area were struggling to provide basic school supplies to students, and the VoluntEARS saw an opportunity to combine a safe Halloween with a charitable cause. Thus, Little Monsters on Main Street was born.

This event was not open to the general public. Only Disneyland Cast Members could purchase tickets, which were initially priced at just $5 each. Cast Members could bring their kids—but only as many as were listed as dependents with HR. And even then, the park put a cap on attendance: the first event was limited to just 1,000 children.

A Unique Halloween Experience

Little Monsters on Main Street wasn’t just another Halloween party. It was designed to give kids a safe, fun environment to enjoy trick-or-treating, much like the good old days. On Halloween night in 1989, kids in costume wandered through Disneyland with their pillowcases, visiting 20 different trick-or-treat stations. They also had the chance to ride a few of their favorite Fantasyland attractions, all after the park had closed to the general public.

The event was run entirely by the VoluntEARS—about 200 of them—who built and set up all the trick-or-treat stations themselves. They arrived at Disneyland before the park closed and, as soon as the last guest exited, they began setting up stations across Main Street, Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. The event ran from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., and by the time the last pillowcase-wielding kid left, the VoluntEARS cleaned everything up, making sure the park was ready for the next day’s operations.

It wasn’t just candy and rides, though. The event featured unique entertainment, like a Masquerade Parade down Main Street, U.S.A., where kids could show off their costumes. And get this—Disneyland even rigged up a Cast Member dressed as a witch to fly from the top of the Matterhorn to Frontierland on the same wire that Tinker Bell uses during the fireworks. Talk about a magical Halloween experience!

The Haunted Mansion “Tip-Toe” Tour

Perhaps one of the most memorable parts of Little Monsters on Main Street was the special “tip-toe tour” of the Haunted Mansion. Now, Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion can be a pretty scary attraction for younger kids, so during this event, Disney left the doors to the Stretching Room and Portrait Gallery wide open. This allowed kids to walk through and peek at the Haunted Mansion’s spooky interiors without actually having to board the Doom Buggies. For those brave enough to ride, they could, of course, take the full trip through the Haunted Mansion—or they could take the “chicken exit” and leave, no harm done.

Growing Success and a Bigger Event

Thanks to the event’s early success, Little Monsters on Main Street grew in size. By 1991, the attendance cap had been raised to 2,000 kids, and Disneyland added more activities like magic shows and hayrides. They also extended the event’s hours, allowing kids to enjoy the festivities until 10:30 p.m.

In 2002, the event moved over to Disney California Adventure, where it could accommodate even more kids—up to 5,000 in its later years. The name was also shortened to just Little Monsters, since it was no longer held on Main Street. This safe, family-friendly Halloween event continued for several more years, with the last mention of Little Monsters appearing in the Disneyland employee newsletter in 2008. Though some Cast Members recall the event continuing until 2012, it eventually made way for Disney’s more public-facing Halloween events.

From Little Monsters to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary and Oogie Boogie Bash

Starting in the early 2000s, Disney began realizing the potential of Halloween-themed after-hours events for the general public. These early versions of Mickey’s Halloween Party and Mickey’s Halloween Treat eventually evolved into today’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Oogie Boogie Bash. Unfortunately, this also marked the end of the intimate, Cast Member-exclusive Little Monsters event, but it paved the way for the large-scale Halloween celebrations we know and love today.

While it’s bittersweet to see Little Monsters on Main Street fade into Disney history, its legacy lives on through these modern Halloween parties. And even though Cast Members now receive discounted tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary and Oogie Boogie Bash, the special charm of an event created specifically for Disney’s employees and their families remains something worth remembering.

The Merch: A Piece of Little Monsters History

For Disney collectors, the exclusive merchandise created for Little Monsters on Main Street is still out there. You can find pins, name tags, and themed pillowcases on sites like eBay. One of the coolest collectibles is a 1997 cloisonné pin set featuring Huey, Dewey, and Louie dressed as characters from Hercules. Other sets paid tribute to the Main Street Electrical Parade and Pocahontas, while the pillowcases were uniquely designed for each year of the event.

While Little Monsters on Main Street may be gone, it’s a fascinating piece of Disneyland history that played a huge role in shaping the Halloween celebrations we enjoy at Disney parks today.

Want to hear more behind-the-scenes stories like this? Be sure to check out I Want That Too, where Lauren and I dive deep into the history behind Disney’s most beloved attractions, events, and of course, merchandise!

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Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

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

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The spooky season is already in full swing at Disney parks on both coasts. On August 9th, the first of 38 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) nights for 2024 kicked off at Florida’s Magic Kingdom. Meanwhile, over at Disney California Adventure, the Oogie Boogie Bash began on August 23rd and is completely sold out across its 27 dates this year.

Looking back, it’s incredible to think about how these Halloween-themed events have grown. But for Disney, the idea of charging guests for Halloween fun wasn’t always a given. In fact, when the very first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party debuted on October 31, 1995, it was a modest one-night-only affair. Compare that to the near month-long festivities we see today, and it’s clear that Disney’s approach to Halloween has evolved considerably.

A Not-So-Scary Beginning

I was fortunate enough to attend that very first MNSSHP back in 1995, along with my then 18-month-old daughter Alice and her mom, Michelle. Tickets were a mere $16.95 (I know, can you imagine?), and we pushed Alice around in her sturdy Emmaljunga stroller—Swedish-built and about the size of a small car. Cast Members, charmed by her cuteness, absolutely loaded us up with candy. By the end of the night, we had about 30 pounds of fun-sized candy bars, making that push up to the monorail a bit more challenging.

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

This Halloween event was Disney’s response to the growing popularity of Universal Studios Florida’s own Halloween hard ticket event, which started in 1991 as “Fright Nights” before being rebranded as “Halloween Horror Nights” the following year. Universal’s gamble on a horror-themed experience helped salvage what had been a shaky opening for their park, and by 1993, Halloween Horror Nights was a seven-night event, with ticket prices climbing as high as $35. Universal had stumbled upon a goldmine, and Disney took notice.

A Different Approach

Now, here’s where Disney’s unique strategy comes into play. While Universal embraced the gory, scare-filled world of horror, Disney knew that wasn’t their brand. Instead of competing directly with blood and jump-scares, Disney leaned into what they did best: creating magical, family-friendly experiences.

Thus, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party was born. The focus was on fun and whimsy, not fear. Families could bring their small children without worrying about them being terrified by a chainsaw-wielding maniac around the next corner. This event wasn’t just a Halloween party—it was an extension of the Disney magic that guests had come to expect from the parks.

Disney had some experience with seasonal after-hours events, most notably Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which had started in 1983. But the Halloween party was different, as the Magic Kingdom wasn’t yet decked out in Halloween decor the way it is today. Disney had to create a spooky (but not too spooky) atmosphere using temporary props, fog machines, and, of course, lots of candy.

A key addition to that first event? The debut of the Headless Horseman, who made his eerie appearance in Liberty Square, riding a massive black Percheron. It wasn’t as elaborate as the Boo-to-You Parade we see today, but it marked the beginning of a beloved Disney Halloween tradition.

A Modest Start but a Big Future

That first MNSSHP in 1995 was seen as a trial run. As Disney World spokesman Greg Albrecht told the Orlando Sentinel, “If it’s successful, we’ll do it again.” And while attendance was sparse that night, there was clearly potential. By 1997, the event expanded to two nights, and by 1999, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party had grown into a multi-night celebration with a full-fledged parade. Today, in 2024, it’s a staple of the fall season at Walt Disney World, offering 38 nights of trick-or-treating, character meet-and-greets, and special entertainment.

Universal’s Influence

It’s interesting to reflect on how Disney’s Halloween event might never have existed without the competition from Universal. Just as “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” forced Disney to step up their game with “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge,” Universal’s success with Halloween Horror Nights likely spurred Disney into action with MNSSHP. The friendly rivalry between the two parks has continually pushed both to offer more to their guests, and we’re all better off because of it.

So the next time you find yourself trick-or-treating through the Magic Kingdom, watching the Headless Horseman gallop by, or marveling at the seasonal fireworks, take a moment to appreciate how this delightful tradition came to be—all thanks to a little competition and Disney’s commitment to creating not-so-scary magic.


For more Disney history and behind-the-scenes stories, check out the latest episodes of the I Want That Too podcast on the Jim Hill Media network.

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History

The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown

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

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

The Beginning: Mickey’s Birthdayland

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

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

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

From Concept to Reality: The Birth of Toontown

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

Building Challenges: Innovative Solutions

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

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

Key Attractions: Bringing Animation to Life

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

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

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

Executive Decisions: Shaping ToonTown’s Unique Attractions

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

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

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

Global Influence: Toontown’s Worldwide Appeal

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

Evolution and Reimagining: Toontown Today

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

Dive Deeper into ToonTown’s Story

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

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