Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment
Ruminations
Ah… another week and another column from Roger. Apologies as the promised topic is set back a few weeks, but it will be a bit more in depth when it finally appears. Fandom’s that crossover in the night or something like that. In its place, another all over the map, and even some minor Cranky Pants moments.
Well, looks like we renewed our Disneyland Premium Annual Passports just in the nick of time. Seems that, surprise! Last Sunday, the suits at TDA figured they could sneak out a price increase all around for guests.
Now I’m not insensitive to the foibles of business and that from time to time, an increase in admissions may be the right thing to do. But in the middle of spring break and with lots of construction ongoing, you can be easily forgiven for asking, “What in heck are they thinking?”
Seems that there are those genius Accountanteers who feel that too many of us may be leaving the parks with funds unspent. So this is their easiest or least resistant method of extorting, eh, streamlining that extra moolah from our pockets. Never mind the poor folks who staff the ticket booths and the grief they will get for the next six months over it. Why they’re damn lucky to have jobs! They should pay Disney for the privilege of taking that abuse from those unhappy “Guests”.
It seems odd that these financial weasels didn’t decide to go for the gusto and eliminate the Southern California resident passes altogether. Those cheap passes are the baby-sitting answer for the bored teenagers of the southland. Drop ’em off in the morning and be back in the evening to collect. Works like a charm, right? Doing away with this demographic group would have several positives results for other “Guests”, in this writer’s humble opinion. Fewer angsty, chain-smoking Goth wanna-be’s dragging their butts about the parks and less whining about how much they hate the place, and why isn’t the food cheaper here, and on and on and on… It shouldn’t take an MBA with a PDA doing surveys to see that local residents spend less per visit than the folks who live farther from the parks and hence don’t enjoy the Mickey & Friends parking structure to the point where they know the Cast Members who work the rows and trams on a first name basis.
Watching how prices for AP’s have gone up over the years is definitely amusing. I do not mind spending more, but sure hope there is something offered in return. Instead, we will likely see discounts and or benefits refined to the point of extinction, if some of the cubicle vermin have their ways with the program. Got to say, the genie was out of the bottle long before they started work on “Aladdin” in Burbank. There’s not much chance of going back to the way things were before a one-price for all activities. And if you’re willing to place a wager about prices going down for admissions, I think I can find someone in Vegas to give you long odds on it ever happening. In other words, save those pennies to get through the gate for the next trip.
Over the years, I’ve always looked at an AP as the equivalent of a multi-day pass. Now, the Premium AP (at $279.00) is equal to about five and one half daily admissions to one of the two parks. So far, I’ve already covered a day and a half. That leaves four more days to enjoy to feel that it’s amortized.
All righty then. Enough of the AP rant, okay? Time to change from the Cranky Pants.
Quietly sneaking in under the radar, in the news earlier this week was the decision of the judge in the lawsuit over the rights to the profits from Disney’s “Winnie-The-Pooh” empire. This link from the SF Chronicle sums up the story pretty well.
“Superior Court Judge Charles W. McCoy Jr. ruled Monday that the owner of those rights unlawfully obtained confidential documents from Disney offices and trash.
McCoy dismissed the suit with prejudice, meaning Pooh rights owner Stephen Slesinger Inc. cannot sue again on the claim.”
Of course now there will be never ending appeals (after thirteen plus years so far) unless the two sides quietly reach a settlement. But it is a definite victory for Disney as they stood to pay out one heck of a lot from the sales of all that popular “Pooh” merchandise from t-shirts to plush to DVD’s, etcetera…
So, the next time you buy something at Wal-Mart with a “Pooh” connection, rest assured it’s doing its bit for that mythical thirty percent return Mikey, eh, Michael Eisner promised in Philadelphia.
(And I thought it ironic how the alleged W.C. Fields epitaph didn’t come out during all that. “All things considered. I’d rather be in Philadelphia.” But why stop there? Here’s another one of note: “Never mind what I told you–you do as I tell you.”)
Well, dipping into the well of rumors, I’ve heard that the Disneyland Dinner Train concept is still alive and kicking. Seems that this came from outside Disney to TDA from a dinner train operator. There is even a plan to have cars purpose built by a company that does the same for major players in the tourism industry. No word about motive power for this fantasy train. As the locomotives of the fleet have their hands full with the current consists, it will be amusing to see where this ends up. Not to mention where such a train would be stored. Maybe they would revive the original railroad buildings and spur. Look for the boarded-over tunnel on the left side of the track between Frontierland and Toontown on your next ride. Lot’s of photos showing trains here once upon a time. Last time I looked the building was still there as well, but I don’t know what it’s being used for now.
Still, I think the whole concept is out of place for Disneyland. Disney World would be a much better place and the locomotive fleet there has bigger and better power to put to use for such a concept. Dinner trains need big capacity to serve as many diners as possible. If TDA does bite, I predict the operation would flop, and they would look to sell off the train set just to cut their losses, as quick as they could. Or like the Fort Wilderness Railroad, they might shove it out back somewhere under tarps until it’s all forgotten.
This isn’t the first dining experience that’s been dreamed up along the way. One plan had guests boarding the Mark Twain for dinner cruises. (Of course that would be difficult with Fantasmic show operations.) It’s been done elsewhere in a similar fashion. Glen Bell, the man behind Taco Bell, had his own theme park on the former Westside Lumber Company mill property in Tuolumne here in California’s Gold Country. The scheme there involved dinner boats (small motorized barges) that took passengers from a dock on a cruise around the former lumber mill pond. The boats docked again for each new course, and finally to put passengers ashore. It was a pleasant way to spend an evening. (The Westside & Cherry Valley lasted about 7 years in operation before closing in the mid eighties for a variety of reasons. Now it’s an Indian gaming location, and the railroad part of the place may come back to life.)
Still, one can only hope that saner thinking will prevail and this Dinner Train idea will just go away for good. Things can be interesting enough with parade route crossings and fireworks slowing and stopping trains during an evening. If Disney truly wants another upscale dining operation, by all means build one, but think fixed plant versus mobile. It’s just one heck of a lot easier on everyone concerned.
Spring training is coming to an end, and the Major League Baseball season is already underway as the Yankees and Devil Rays are playing in Japan. This year will be interesting as it’s the first year Disney does not have an interest in the Angels. Will Disney still be offering those value- priced tickets to games at nearby Edison Field? Guess we’ll have to wait and see. The Chronicle had a look at that baseball staple, the hot dog. One of my favorite sci-fi movie moments is from “2010” with John Lithgow and Roy Scheider discussing ball park hot dogs.
Heywood Floyd: I miss a hot dog.
Walter Curnow: Astrodome. Good hot dogs there.
Heywood Floyd: Astrodome? You can’t grow a good hot dog indoors. Yankee Stadium. September. The hot dogs have been broiling since opening day in April. Now that’s a hot dog.
Walter Curnow: The yellow mustard or the darker kind?
Heywood Floyd: The darker kind.
Walter Curnow: Very important.
I’m off on a trip this weekend to take in some baseball from a different perspective — Baltimore. It promises to be very interesting in more ways than I can think of, and you’ll read all about it right here next week. But ballpark food isn’t what it used to be, and that’s no joke. Where once a hot dog was about all you could expect, now it’s crab cakes and BBQ. The diet is gonna bend a bit this week…
I don’t know if Disney had any part in this, but here in San Francisco, about 2200 kids got a rare treat. “The Lion King” musical is in town and producer Carol Shorenstein Hays sprang for one heck of a great field trip for them. And the free (and the tax write-off for “supporting the schools”) publicity for the show doesn’t hurt either, with the cost of tickets valued somewhere in the neighborhood of $100,000 plus free (as opposed to $4 each) water bottles for the wee folks. (And you thought water at Disneyland was expensive!)
So, don’t forget to turn those clocks ahead this weekend, and change those smoke detector batteries while you’re at it anyway. Remember, it’s a jungle out there. May the farce be with you…
Once more, Roger wants to shovel out a pitch for you all to support the Message Boards by either a donation or accepting one of the offers. EZBoard keeps the ads coming if we don’t. So with over 925 folks registered for them, it’s really won’t hurt all that much if a few folks drop a buck in the slot to keep them advertising free. Please?
Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment
Disney’s Forgotten Halloween Event: The Original Little Monsters on Main Street
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!
Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment
The Story of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: From One Night to a Halloween Family Tradition
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.
This Halloween event was Disney’s response to the growing popularity of Universal Studios Florida’s own Halloween hard ticket event, which started in 1991 as “Fright Nights” before being rebranded as “Halloween Horror Nights” the following year. Universal’s gamble on a horror-themed experience helped salvage what had been a shaky opening for their park, and by 1993, Halloween Horror Nights was a seven-night event, with ticket prices climbing as high as $35. Universal had stumbled upon a goldmine, and Disney took notice.
A Different Approach
Now, here’s where Disney’s unique strategy comes into play. While Universal embraced the gory, scare-filled world of horror, Disney knew that wasn’t their brand. Instead of competing directly with blood and jump-scares, Disney leaned into what they did best: creating magical, family-friendly experiences.
Thus, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party was born. The focus was on fun and whimsy, not fear. Families could bring their small children without worrying about them being terrified by a chainsaw-wielding maniac around the next corner. This event wasn’t just a Halloween party—it was an extension of the Disney magic that guests had come to expect from the parks.
Disney had some experience with seasonal after-hours events, most notably Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which had started in 1983. But the Halloween party was different, as the Magic Kingdom wasn’t yet decked out in Halloween decor the way it is today. Disney had to create a spooky (but not too spooky) atmosphere using temporary props, fog machines, and, of course, lots of candy.
A key addition to that first event? The debut of the Headless Horseman, who made his eerie appearance in Liberty Square, riding a massive black Percheron. It wasn’t as elaborate as the Boo-to-You Parade we see today, but it marked the beginning of a beloved Disney Halloween tradition.
A Modest Start but a Big Future
That first MNSSHP in 1995 was seen as a trial run. As Disney World spokesman Greg Albrecht told the Orlando Sentinel, “If it’s successful, we’ll do it again.” And while attendance was sparse that night, there was clearly potential. By 1997, the event expanded to two nights, and by 1999, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party had grown into a multi-night celebration with a full-fledged parade. Today, in 2024, it’s a staple of the fall season at Walt Disney World, offering 38 nights of trick-or-treating, character meet-and-greets, and special entertainment.
Universal’s Influence
It’s interesting to reflect on how Disney’s Halloween event might never have existed without the competition from Universal. Just as “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” forced Disney to step up their game with “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge,” Universal’s success with Halloween Horror Nights likely spurred Disney into action with MNSSHP. The friendly rivalry between the two parks has continually pushed both to offer more to their guests, and we’re all better off because of it.
So the next time you find yourself trick-or-treating through the Magic Kingdom, watching the Headless Horseman gallop by, or marveling at the seasonal fireworks, take a moment to appreciate how this delightful tradition came to be—all thanks to a little competition and Disney’s commitment to creating not-so-scary magic.
For more Disney history and behind-the-scenes stories, check out the latest episodes of the I Want That Too podcast on the Jim Hill Media network.
History
The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown
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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