History
Rubbing elbows with some Disney Legends
How lucky can one Disney dweeb be? Earlier this month, JHM columnist Dan Viets got to spend time with Virginia Davis and Floyd Norman as well as correspond with Diane Disney Miller and Hayley Mills. Dan now shares the details of that one remarkable weekend.
Last weekend, I got to serve as host and/or trade messages with four Disney greats. Here’s how that happened.
The previous weekend in Kansas City, Missouri a not-for-profit group called Thank You Walt Disney, Inc. held its annual fundraising party and auction, “Cocktails and Cartoons”, to support the effort to preserve and restore the building where the first Walt Disney Company operated. In that edifice, Walt set the pattern for his entire filmmaking career and met the mouse who inspired Mickey.
Photo by Dan Viets
Our special guests for the event were two talented people who were with Walt at the beginning and at the end of his work as a movie maker. Virginia Davis starred when she was only four years old in the last cartoon Walt made in Kansas City and in the first 13 installments of his first cartoon series in Hollywood, the “Alice Comedies.”
Photo by Dan Viets
Floyd Norman began work as an artist and story man at the Disney Studio in February, 1956. He continued there through 1966, the last year of Walt’s life, and still works for the Walt Disney Company today on special projects.
Photo by Dan Viets
My wife Sheila and I met Virginia at the airport Friday evening and checked her and ourselves into a fine old downtown Kansas City establishment, the Hotel Phillips. We dined on Kansas City strip steaks at the hotel’s excellent restaurant while she brought us up to date on her life and continuing work with the Company. Four of her Disney films will be featured on a new DVD package in the Walt Disney Treasures limited-edition series to be released soon. These include the “pilot” episode from Kansas City, “Alice’s Wonderland,” which was also on the two-disc Masterpiece Edition of “Alice in Wonderland” released in 2004.
A lot of people missed that one because it is not even mentioned anywhere on the outside of the packaging. You have to look closely at the Disc 2 Main Menu to find that gem as well as the previously-unreleased-in-any-format-and-also-very-historically-important first Disney television program, “One Hour in Wonderland.” That show was broadcast on Christmas day, 1950 and features Edgar Bergen, Charlie McCarthy, Mortimer Snerd, Kathryn Beaumont, Diane and Sharon Disney and, of course, Walt, showing off his new Lilly Belle steam engine.
Photo by Dan Viets
Floyd and Adrienne arrived late Friday night. They were up early the next morning exploring the upscale shops of the Country Club Plaza, said to be the first shopping center in America. It consists of several blocks of stores in Spanish-style architecture. It began to develop in 1923, the year Walt left Kansas City.
We all met at the hotel for lunch and I was in heaven. Among them, Virginia, Floyd and Adrienne know just about everyone who ever worked for the Walt Disney Company and many who worked elsewhere in the business. They all have strongly-held and well-founded opinions about the Company’s past and future.
After lunch, Virginia and Sheila worked on preparations for the big event that evening, while I had the great pleasure of taking Floyd and Adrienne on a guided tour of the Disney history of Kansas City, Missouri. We visited the Disney family home, the building where Walt attended six years of grade school, the location of his first job in the movies at the Kansas City Slide Company, the bank where Roy worked for several years, the library where Walt and Ub Iwerks checked out books on animation, the beautifully-restored Union Station where Walt showered while living in his studio and the Laugh-O-Gram Studio building itself.
Photo by Dan Viets
“Cocktails and Cartoons” was held at the Screenland building, a recently-remodeled ice plant which now houses the Screenland Theater as well as many offices, all in a classic-film themed ambiance. My friend, fellow attorney and co-conspirator, Butch Rigby, owns the building and hosted the party.
In the large, ground-floor gallery, many of the silent-auction items were displayed. While about 200 attendees perused those, they sipped wine and other libations and snacked on hors d’oeuvres.
Many took advantage of the opportunity to visit with Virginia, Floyd and Adrienne and to pick up autographed copies of Virginia’s 8×10 photos and Floyd’s latest book of cartoons, “How the Grinch Stole Disney.”
Photo by Dan Viets
Outside the building, my 30-feet tall TWA Moonliner rocket ship was displayed. In 1956, it stood on top of the TWA building only a couple of blocks from Screenland, back when Howard Hughes was running the airline which sponsored the Rocket to the Moon attraction in Disneyland. Just as it was then, it is now illuminated through each porthole and cockpit window, as well as by floodlights at its base. I was amazed and very pleased to find that while my friend, rocket scientist Don Jourdan and I, worked to restore this Hughes/Disney icon here in Missouri, Bruce Gordon, Tony Baxter and other Imagineers with a respect and appreciation for Disney history were recreating a nearly identical rocket for the new Tomorrowland in California.
Photo by Dan Viets
The Walt Disney Family Foundation’s excellent biographical film, “Walt: The Man Behind the Myth“, featuring interviews with both Virginia and Floyd, was shown in the Screenland theater, before the live auction. As that event began, both Virginia and Floyd were introduced and thanked for their contributions to the Disney legacy.
Virginia had been presented with a lifetime achievement award by our group during a previous visit to Kansas City. That night we announced that we were naming the award for her. I had the honor of presenting to Floyd Norman the first “Gini” award for his work with the Disney Company and for his help with the effort to save Disney history in Kansas City, Missouri.
Among the many items sold at the live auction was a copy of the November 17, 1956 Saturday Evening Post featuring a painting of Walt on his backyard steam train with Disney characters riding along behind. The cover announces the first installment of the serialization of the book, “The Story of Walt Disney,” written by Diane Disney Miller and Pete Martin, in that issue. The painting is by Gustav Tenggren who did concept art for Disney on “Snow White” and “Pinocchio.” The copy we auctioned was prominently autographed by Diane Disney Miller.
I had accumulated some copies of that magazine and sent them to Diane a few days before the auction after confirming with her son, Walter Elias Disney Miller, that his mom would be happy to sign them for us. Unfortunately, they had not arrived back from Diane in time for the auction. But since we had announced that one would be sold, we went ahead and sold it, even though it was not present to be viewed. It brought nearly $200.
The next evening, Don and I went to see Hayley Mills. What an amazing coincidence that she was performing in Kansas City that weekend. I had met Hayley and her father, actor John Mills, (the father in “Swiss Family Robinson” among many great roles) on October 16, 1998 (I.E. the 75th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company) at the Studio, on the day that both Hayley and Virginia were inducted as Disney Legends on the newly-created Courtyard of the Legends in front of the Team Disney building in Burbank.
I had sent Hayley a copy of the book I co-authored for the Kansas City Star, “Walt Disney’s Missouri,” the previous week. I reminded her of our previous meeting and suggested that we would be glad to show her the town’s Disney history. I had not heard back from her by Sunday evening, but that did not diminish my enjoyment of her performance at Kansas City’s New Theatre Restaurant where she is appearing in “Two Can Play,” a clever romantic comedy, through the end of October.
Photo by Dan Viets
Monday morning, I took Virginia to the airport, met with Don to help get the rocket prepared for blastoff back to Mid-Missouri and went back to meet Sheila and pack our things (which now included a few auction items) and head home, back to reality.
On Friday, Sheila called to tell me I had gotten two letters that day. Hayley Mills had written a very sweet note thanking me for the book and apologizing for being unavailable to do the Disney history tour on Monday. She said she would call if she found time to do it before leaving Kansas City. If that happens, you can count on another article covering the tour.
The other letter was from Diane Disney Miller, thanking us for our work on behalf of the Laugh-O-Gram building. Along with it were the Saturday Evening Posts, each with a big, red, felt-tipped pen autograph just above her name on the cover.
Just another typical week of fun here in Missouri, the boyhood home of Walt Disney.
Editor’s note: Dan Viets is the author of arguably one of the better Disney history books to be published in the past few years, “Walt Disney’s Missouri: The Roots of a Creative Genius.” So if you’d like to learn more about Walt’s formative days in Marceline & Kansas City (Not to mention detailed information about Disney’s aborted indoor theme park project, “Riverboat Square”), then I urge you to pick up a copy.
History
The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown
Disneyland in Anaheim, California, holds a special place in the hearts of Disney fans worldwide, I mean heck, it’s where the magic began after all. Over the years it’s become a place that people visit in search of memorable experiences. One fan favorite area of the park is Mickey’s Toontown, a unique land that lets guests step right into the colorful, “Toony” world of Disney animation. With the recent reimagining of the land and the introduction of Micky and Minnies Runaway Railway, have you ever wondered how this land came to be?
There is a fascinating backstory of how Mickey’s Toontown came into existence. It’s a tale of strategic vision, the influence of Disney executives, and a commitment to meeting the needs of Disney’s valued guests.
The Beginning: Mickey’s Birthdayland
The story of Mickey’s Toontown starts with Mickey’s Birthdayland at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Opened in 1988 to celebrate Mickey Mouse’s 60th birthday, this temporary attraction was met with such overwhelming popularity that it inspired Disney executives to think bigger. The idea was to create a permanent, immersive land where guests could step into the animated world of Mickey Mouse and his friends.
In the early ’90s, Disneyland was in need of a refresh. Michael Eisner, the visionary leader of The Walt Disney Company at the time, had an audacious idea: create a brand-new land in Disneyland that would celebrate Disney characters in a whole new way. This was the birth of Mickey’s Toontown.
Initially, Disney’s creative minds toyed with various concepts, including the idea of crafting a 100-Acre Woods or a land inspired by the Muppets. However, the turning point came when they considered the success of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” This film’s popularity and the desire to capitalize on contemporary trends set the stage for Toontown’s creation.
From Concept to Reality: The Birth of Toontown
In 1993, Mickey’s Toontown opened its gates at Disneyland, marking the first time in Disney Park history where guests could experience a fully realized, three-dimensional world of animation. This new land was not just a collection of attractions but a living, breathing community where Disney characters “lived,” worked, and played.
Building Challenges: Innovative Solutions
The design of Mickey’s Toontown broke new ground in theme park aesthetics. Imagineers were tasked with bringing the two-dimensional world of cartoons into a three-dimensional space. This led to the creation of over 2000 custom-built props and structures that embodied the ‘squash and stretch’ principle of animation, giving Toontown its distinctiveness.
And then there was also the challenge of hiding the Team Disney Anaheim building, which bore a striking resemblance to a giant hotdog. The Imagineers had to think creatively, using balloon tests and imaginative landscaping to seamlessly integrate Toontown into the larger park.
Key Attractions: Bringing Animation to Life
Mickey’s Toontown featured several groundbreaking attractions. “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin,” inspired by the movie “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” became a staple of Toontown, offering an innovative ride experience. Gadget’s Go-Coaster, though initially conceived as a Rescue Rangers-themed ride, became a hit with younger visitors, proving that innovative design could create memorable experiences for all ages.
Another crown jewel of Toontown is Mickey’s House, a walkthrough attraction that allowed guests to explore the home of Mickey Mouse himself. This attraction was more than just a house; it was a carefully crafted piece of Disney lore. The house was designed in the American Craftsman style, reflecting the era when Mickey would have theoretically purchased his first home in Hollywood. The attention to detail was meticulous, with over 2000 hand-crafted, custom-built props, ensuring that every corner of the house was brimming with character and charm. Interestingly, the design of Mickey’s House was inspired by a real home in Wichita Falls, making it a unique blend of real-world inspiration and Disney magic.
Mickey’s House also showcased Disney’s commitment to creating interactive and engaging experiences. Guests could make themselves at home, sitting in Mickey’s chair, listening to the radio, and exploring the many mementos and references to Mickey’s animated adventures throughout the years. This approach to attraction design – where storytelling and interactivity merged seamlessly – was a defining characteristic of ToonTown’s success.
Executive Decisions: Shaping ToonTown’s Unique Attractions
The development of Mickey’s Toontown wasn’t just about creative imagination; it was significantly influenced by strategic decisions from Disney executives. One notable input came from Jeffrey Katzenberg, who suggested incorporating a Rescue Rangers-themed ride. This idea was a reflection of the broader Disney strategy to integrate popular contemporary characters and themes into the park, ensuring that the attractions remained relevant and engaging for visitors.
In addition to Katzenberg’s influence, Frank Wells, the then-President of The Walt Disney Company, played a key role in the strategic launch of Toontown’s attractions. His decision to delay the opening of “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin” until a year after Toontown’s debut was a calculated move. It was designed to maintain public interest in the park by offering new experiences over time, thereby giving guests more reasons to return to Disneyland.
These executive decisions highlight the careful planning and foresight that went into making Toontown a dynamic and continuously appealing part of Disneyland. By integrating current trends and strategically planning the rollout of attractions, Disney executives ensured that Toontown would not only capture the hearts of visitors upon its opening but would continue to draw them back for new experiences in the years to follow.
Global Influence: Toontown’s Worldwide Appeal
The concept of Mickey’s Toontown resonated so strongly that it was replicated at Tokyo Disneyland and influenced elements in Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland. Each park’s version of Toontown maintained the core essence of the original while adapting to its cultural and logistical environment.
Evolution and Reimagining: Toontown Today
As we approach the present day, Mickey’s Toontown has recently undergone a significant reimagining to welcome “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway” in 2023. This refurbishment aimed to enhance the land’s interactivity and appeal to a new generation of Disney fans, all while retaining the charm that has made ToonTown a beloved destination for nearly three decades.
Dive Deeper into ToonTown’s Story
Want to know more about Mickey’s Toontown and hear some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, then check out the latest episode of Disney Unpacked on Patreon @JimHillMedia. In this episode, the main Imagineer who worked on the Toontown project shares lots of interesting stories and details that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s full of great information and fun facts, so be sure to give it a listen!
History
Unpacking the History of the Pixar Place Hotel
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
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.
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.
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