Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment
Ruminations
Back again? Some people never learn! Well, Roger is not one to disappoint, so here we go with another of Roger’s ruminations …
On the Road
or
If it’s Friday, this must be Reno?
Wasting no time, I’m taking a page from the Editor’s book and have placed my series on various Bay Area amusements on hiatus. It will be back, but not for a couple of weeks, I think…
I’m in Reno today attending the memorial service for a great-uncle. He had managed to beat some tough medical challenges, but things eventually caught up with him as they must with us all. So it’s not a funeral, but a celebration of his life that I am looking forward to sharing with family and friends.
It’s no secret that the success of Las Vegas and Indian gaming in California has had an impact on Reno. Yet things change. And for the better. This link from the San Francisco Chronicle has the story of some of the efforts to bring folks back to downtown Reno. And it seems to be working. While casino hotels like the El Dorado, Silver Legacy and Circus-Circus (all conveniently linked so you never need to venture out the door. Hey, you might spend your money some place else!) have managed to get by, it’s the other part of downtown, south of the tracks that seems to have bigger challenges. The big guys (a.k.a. Harrah’s) can handle it better than the smaller folks (such as Cal-Neva). But the new development along the Truckee River, noted in the article from the link, is a positive step. Even if downtown is divided by ongoing construction (of a trench to divert the trains of the Union Pacific and Amtrak), people have a real reason to venture out and see what is happening.
Now if you’re in the mood, Reno (and Sparks!) still has it’s fair share of entertainment to tempt you into visiting. How about some of these folks in the coming month? Don Rickles, Ronnie Milsap, Kenny Loggins and more at the Nugget in Sparks. (Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood will be there in mid-September!) Or downtown at the Silver Legacy? The line up of shows there includes Smokey Robinson, Clay Walker, LeAnn Rimes, Albert Humperdinck and the Beach Boys. Here’s another link with more information on all of the hotel casinos and their entertainment.
And don’t forget these big events in town. Hot August Nights runs from July 31st through August 8 this year. Classic cars of all kinds hit the streets here in what is without a doubt the most popular event in town. That’s when the Beach Boys will be at the Silver Legacy, too! The Nugget hosts what has become a Labor Day weekend staple, “The Best In The West Rib Cook-Off!”, September 2nd through 6th in Sparks. And in the skies over Reno, September sees first, “The Great Reno Balloon Race” on the 10th through the 12th, and then the fastest event in motor sports, “The National Championship Air Races and Air Show” on the 16th through the 19th. All together a busy and fun time in the Reno/Sparks area!
Rex Steele! Is there anything this guy can’t do? Last Sunday, at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, Student Academy Awards, “Rex Steele: Nazi Smasher” and director Alex Woo was recipient of the 2004 Gold Medal Award for Animation (and a $5,000 prize from the Academy). Pixar’s Pete Docter (a former Student Academy Award winner and three-time Oscar nominee) was the presenter of the awards in the Alternative and Animation categories.
Alex shared that there is more good news as Kodak will be showing “Rex” in Cannes at the 2005 Film Festival, and the film now becomes eligible for 2005 Oscar consideration as an animated short subject. “Woo-Hoo!”
Here’s an updated schedule for future showings near you:
10th Annual Directors Guild of America Awards
Date: September 21st, 2004 6:30PM
Location: DGA Theater, 110 W 57th Street, New York, New YorkRex Steele wins the 10th Annual East Coast DGA (Director’s Guild of America) Asian American Student Film Award! To be presented there!
2004 Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention
Date: August 15th, 2004
Location: Shrine Auditorium Expo Center, Los Angeles, California2004 San Diego Comic Con
Date: July 23rd, 2004 5:20pm-6:00pm
Location: Room 4 Upper Level of San Diego Convention Center, San Diego,California2004 Fantasia Film Festival
Date: July 8th – 31st, 2004
Location: Montreal, Canada2004 Boston International Film Festival
Date: June 26th, 2004 9am-11am
Location: Heinz Center (BWAY 7 Theatre) Boston, Mass2004 Oxford Film Festival
Date: June 17th-20th, 2004
Location: University, Mississippi
And as if that wasn’t enough, “Rex” is coming to DVD shortly from Monkeysuit Press. You can pre-order this two disc set and get a coupon for two bucks off the upcoming “Rex Steele” comics collection, too! In addition to the animated short, the set will include a wealth of goodies including commentaries, “making of” documentaries, pencil tests, animatics, 3D designs, and a soundtrack disc with the great soundtrack by Ryan Shore and the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. Such a deal for only $15.99!
Speaking of DVD’s, I got my copy of the first season of “Quantum Leap” last week. On the whole, worth the discounted price from Amazon. Sound is great, and the transfers look good, except for an interesting amount (now and then) of dirt and other things on the prints that were used as source materials. Call me picky, but I hope that future seasons (and yes, we want the remaining four!) will not have that problem. Likewise it would have been nice to have seen more features or behind the scenes “goodies”. How about a gallery of promotional photos or other artwork for the show such as scene designs or even some of the costume sketches by Jean Pierre Dorleac? If you’re gonna ask a premium price, it would be nice to receive more bang for the buck. I’ve seen enough stuff floating around on fan videos, and own my share of it to know that with some work on clearances, etc., this stuff should be on the future volumes. Nice to see Scott and Dean (and Don, too) chat about the show, but again let’s hear from others such as writers/producers Deborah Pratt or Chris Rupenthal who made major contributions to the show’s success.
Now for fans of another “cult” television favorite, “Dark Shadows” almost made a comeback on the WB. Seems how there was a pilot episode produced but the network passed on it. Here’s a link with information on all of the various incarnations of this Dan Curtis project. Much like it’s central character, it refuses to stay dead…
“Things change.” Actually a great little David Mamet movie. Although the action in the film is supposed to take place at the South Shore of Lake Tahoe, it’s the opposite. The casino/hotel in the film? It’s Cal-Neva Resort at Crystal Bay. And just as the name implies, it straddles the state line with the casino on the Nevada side and the show room on the California side. At one time it was owned by Frank Sinatra and was quite the Rat Pack hangout. Here’s another link with some history.
The area at Crystal Bay also did duty as the U.S. and Canada border for the 1954 film, “Johnny Dark” with Tony Curtis and Piper Laurie. State Highway 28 between the Nevada Lodge and the Crystal Bay Club was the starting line for the fictional auto race. Scenes of mountain racing were filmed on the Mount Rose highway as well as climbing the Geiger Grade (the road between Reno and Virginia City). Here’s another link with views from the film on Lobby Cards. Depending on your point of view, the film being not on video (tape or DVD) may or may not be a blessing. Even with the stars, it’s a typical “B” picture of the 50’s…
Now there is one Tony Curtis film on video (VHS tape only, so far) that Disneyland fans might remember. “40 Pounds of Trouble” has a great set of scenes (including a slapstick chase) of Disneyland in 1962. My favorite line has Tony Curtis claiming that the whistle of the Mark Twain is actually his new hi-fi! It’s also interesting to note that this was not a Disney picture, but actually a Universal production. Gotta wonder who approved that one or “what favor was being redeemed” by allowing the filming at the Park. Would be fun to see this on DVD someday. Maybe Jim can relate some tidbit about it on one of those upcoming tours?
Speaking of those, next week? Well, I’m off to Anaheim to join this edition of the Jim Hill Disneyland tours. Promises to be an interesting weekend of merriment and misadventures!
And if you like what you’ve been reading, drop a buck into the Jim Hill Media box and keep the frontiers of electronic communication plugging along. It’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it! Why not you?
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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