Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Ruminations

A year ago, you enjoyed a column from Roger that described a trip down to the Disneyland Resort by Jet Blue. This piece complements that one in a roundabout way. Yes, it’s kind of a cop-out, a last minute column to fill this week’s page. But why not? Better than empty space! So here we go!

Published

21 years ago

November 13, 2003

Roger Colton

Apologies right off to those tuning in today expecting the promised column on San Francisco amusements. It’s lurking about, but I got distracted and didn’t finish it for today. I’ll save it for some time later.

If everything goes as planned, I’m off for a visit to the Disneyland resort for the weekend of December 7 and 8. It turns out that Michele is off a day before that for a travel congress event that is being held at the Disneyland Hotel, so this seemed like the right time to visit as well. And as my mom joined the ranks of the Annual Passholder a visit or two back, she’s interested as well.

Michele will do her trip on the company dime, and that leaves my mom and I to fend for ourselves. So we’re cogitating the possibilities… Jet Blue looks like a winner, but we’re not sure about when. And as much as we would enjoy another stay at the Grand Californian, we won’t have the great discount rates we have enjoyed in the past. So we’re looking for something a bit more on the humble side.

When I was much younger, there was a usual plan for a visit to Disneyland. It was something that only happened every other year, and during the summer months. If memory serves, my first off-season was during an Easter-week vacation from parochial school. Imagine Sherman’s March to the Sea, and you somewhat have a typical trip from the North to the South. All seven of us in the Ford Country Squire Station Wagon, making the long drive from the Bay Area out to Riverside where we would stay with family. In summer, it was a challenge to air-conditioning for the Ford, and more often than not, a losing battle.

From that first visit in the summer of 1965, there would be six more until the summer of 1978. Often they were two or maybe three day affairs with at least one late night, as we grew older. And they were often punctuated by my father’s announcement that it was three o’clock and time to leave for the day. In all fairness, I think he dreaded the hour plus drive back out to Riverside from Anaheim (not much fun even then, and all the more annoying today).

I took advantage of the crowded situation in the Country Squire to seek an easier transit, first by flying on Air Cal out of San Jose to Ontario, and then in the summer of 1977 by riding Amtrak from San Bernadino to Los Angeles and then up the coast to Martinez. That train trip was memorable for a number of reasons. It was my first visit to Los Angeles Union Station, then a pale imitation of what it had been during the golden days of rail travel. Since then, it has been revived as a major transit hub and sees more rail travel than it has since the days of the post World War II rush.

The train ride was memorable as well. My mother recalls having traveled to and from San Luis Obispo by train to visit her grand parents. From the glory days of the Southern Pacific, the old station in San Luis Obispo was still much as it had been, and that Amtrak train had one of the railroad’s home built dome lounge cars in it’s consist.

Amtrak had the misfortune to have hired a color consultant (who must have been color blind) with questionable taste in its early days. This led to unusual color combinations in décor such as brown and purple, blue and orange, and on and on. One such poor choice was to carpet the floor in this particular dome lounge with the same dark blue both under the seats in the dome as well as the recessed floor from which you walked down to the lower level of the lounge. On this particular trip I rode, that was well demonstrated as an elderly woman suffered a bad injury from a fall due to not being able to see the recessed floor. The train had to make an unscheduled stop to have her taken off to a hospital.

I was met at the station in Martinez by Michele and other friends. I was somewhat smitten in those days, and a big hug made up for a lot of the separation. Somewhat ironically, nine years later, Michele and I rode the Coast Starlight from Martinez to Los Angeles and back on our honeymoon.

Another trip in the summer of 1978 was a bit more professional, if it was made by car driving down the I-5. Michele and I were part of a group that was assisting with a stage illusion based on Star Trek’s transporter system. We had done so at several conventions and were all set to do so again at Space Con 6 to be held at the Anaheim Convention Center. The trip coincided with the reopening of Disneyland’s Matterhorn attraction with the addition of the Abominable Snowman. Things didn’t go as planned on a number of accounts.

The folks planning Space Con didn’t take into account another big sci-fi con going on in LA the same weekend and they didn’t get the attendance they had counted on. The stage illusion didn’t make it out of the trailer from the parking lot as the Convention Center required union folks to do the work of set-up or have a full union crew paid if we did it without them. The same was true for even using us as door monitors or ticket takers for Space Con as the Convention Center has their own staff to handle that duties.

Things were not much better at Disneyland as the Snowman and the Matterhorn weren’t ready for show yet. So we, among many, got free passes to use on a future visit.

That trip was unique for another reason, the first time we used a “Pay One Price” pass. The Magic Kingdom Club was offering them at a reasonable price. It was kind of neat flashing your pass to the folks at the attractions, while most people still were handing over tickets. Made you feel like a VIP of sorts, even if you were not.

So we enjoyed an interesting, almost free weekend in Anaheim.

Over the years since, I’ve had annual passes off and on. During the Parks 35th anniversary celebration, I think I was in the park more than thirty times (one day for all of three minutes in and out total), usually to see if I had won a prize of note (which I didn’t). I was there all day on July 17, 1990 from open to close with two other friends including festivities in front of the Castle with the dreaded cake.

In recent years, I took advantage of passes from friends either through Club 33 visits or CM gate passes. The end of that revived my purchase of an AP, and since then I’m comfy with a visit or three a year as the budget allows.

In the area of hotels/motels, I think I’ve managed to stay at a good variety of places. I’ve gone from the budget specials to the top of the line and back again. I’ve yet to stay at the Paradise Pier and haven’t been back to the Disneyland Hotel since the Downtown Disney changes. I did my share of “roach” or “no-tell” motels over the years, and really am glad that some of them are no longer with us, as I hope you are as well!

As well, there will always be a certain amount of nostalgia for the old parking lot, trams, gates and signs. Likely not from CM’s who were out and about in all kinds of weather, day and night, year round.

Yes, things have changed. Frankly, I think for the better. The Anaheim Resort District is one thing we got out of the Westcot project that actually works! Standards for signs and plants, streets and sidewalks all make sense and give the area a true appearance of being a unified community, even if it isn’t. I think now that Walt would have appreciated today’s lack of clutter that used to be the architecture de jour along Harbor Blvd and Katella Avenue. Even the fluffy, new, off and on ramps from the Five all around the place make a difference.

Again, this is all tainted by the ramblings of someone with an over-appreciation of the whole place…

Maybe it all comes down to what some people I know keep reminding me:

It’s not the years. It’s the miles.

Based on that, I’m well over due for that million-mile tune up.

So, another effort out of the keyboard. Thanks again to everyone who drops a nickel or twenty into Roger’s Amazon Honor System Paybox, now and then. It may not add up to much, but it helps keep him in Diet Coke’s lately…

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.