Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Ruminations

In today’s column, Roger Colton turns the dial and looks back at some classic radio.

Published

21 years ago

May 1, 2003

Roger Colton

One of my all time favorite lines:

“You know, you have the perfect face for radio!”

Somewhere along the way, I’m guessing we all have listened to or looked at someone on radio or television, and said, “Hey! I could do that!”

Considering the number of people who try and make a living by being a part of the Fourth estate, you would probably be right in thinking that too many of us try to bring such a dream to life. Let’s face it. For everyone who thinks they should be knocking ’em dead in a major market such as LA or NYC, more folks are just getting by in places like Peoria or Stockton. More demos have probably ended up in landfills, thanks to heartless programming directors, than have ever provided employment for their benefactors. But, that’s the breaks, right?

Turn back the clock to the Bicentennial summer. June of 1976 to be precise. My junior year in high school is coming to a close and I’m looking for something to keep me busy for the months before the senior year starts. A guidance counselor suggests an occupational intern program. I don’t recall seeing a railroad listed among the various choices, but there was a summer intern program at a radio station in San Francisco.

So what made it interesting enough to choose something in San Francisco rather than something local? Well, I had a passing interest in radio at the time. I had helped out with our high school version of radio, the morning announcements during that last year. And it didn’t hurt that this particular station was one I actually listened to from time to time. And it had a history, too. Back in the 30’s and 40’s, it had been one of the local stations that offered live broadcasts of all kinds of music and other programs for it’s listeners. Here’s a link to those days.

Back then I was somewhat stunted in my musical choices. I had only discovered the Beatles and the Beach Boys, and occasionally listened to Top 40 on another San Francisco AM station. FM was largely unexplored territory, but that would change. While I had my driver’s license, the Ford station wagon I was driving had only an AM radio. Good for news, sports, top 40 and easy listening. Country was out there, but small. Jazz and big band were something of interest to me, and this particular station used to play songs from those from time to time. So, why not?

I was off to meet with the folks at the station to see what it was all about. The commute from Walnut Creek to San Francisco was no big deal, as I had been riding the train off and on since it opened a year or so earlier. The City represented more of a pleasure than a challenge. I wish I had taken more advantage of it than I did.

The radio station was KSFO, 560 on the AM dial. It had a long history in the City and was once the top station in this market. That summer it was still popular, but it’s decline and fall was inevitable.

The station was located in the basement (well, close enough, if not actually) of the Fairmont Hotel, at the corner of California and Powell, where the cable car lines crossed, on Nob Hill. So after a train ride from the East Bay, it was a quick ride (at all of nine miles per hour) up California Street on a cable car from outside the Hyatt Regency (Ever seen Mel Brooks “High Anxiety”? That’s the Hyatt.) to the Fairmont. A short walk and I introduced myself to the receptionist who called Bruce Hunter, (the head engineer for the station) who would be my mentor during those months.

We met and he showed me around the station and explained the various departments to me. A nicer bunch of folks you could not find, and I would get to know many of them during those next three months.

The on-air personalities of that time were:

Jim Lange of “Dating Game” fame (working the morning drive-time)

Gene Nelson (from nine to noon)

Buddy Hatton (from noon to three)

Rick Cimino (doing the evening drive until seven)

John Gilliland (doing old-time radio until midnight)

Russ “The Moose” Syracuse also known as the Prince of Darkness (he worked the graveyard shift)

The station also had a great news staff, and was the flagship of the Giants radio network. Back then, KSFO was part of Golden West Broadcasting, and was owned by former singing cowboy legend, Gene Autry. Gene also owned the Anaheim Angels baseball team as well. In Los Angeles, the sister station to KSFO was KMPC and it’s own legend in Gary Owens.

My time at the station was Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 p.m. so I got a chance to work with most of the staff on and off the air. Among the engineering crew were some other talented folks, who had worked in other areas of the country before coming to KSFO. Gary Mora had come from South Lake Tahoe where he had gotten noticed by doing interviews with the talent who came to work the South Shore casinos.

This was pretty typical at that time. San Francisco was and is a major market for the media. To get a job at a radio station there meant that you had been popular somewhere else and shown a programming director that you had what it took and would be right for that station in this market. While the crew on then was fairly well established they all had come up through the ranks across the country to get where they were.

While I had a good time learning how a radio station worked, and what jobs did what, it was pretty obvious to me that these folks were not going to open the door for me there. Nothing wrong with that. They had all done what had to be done to get where they were, and they were good at it. (A few years later, I heard from a group of television folks the same thing in a more direct way. As they put it, while they were glad we had the interest in television, they were not going to step aside to give us a chance. It’s nothing personal, but they would protect what they had. You would too if you were in their positions.)

Over the next few months, I got to help select songs for airplay by going through the record library on occasion. I spent my fair share of hours rewriting news wire stories to see if I could make them sound more interesting. One or two may even have made it on the air, if my memory serves correctly. I even helped produce the news by recording stories from field reporters on tape carts and then playing them back on the air.

There were four events that summer of particular note. The first was perhaps the most exciting. Seems that the station was doing a remote broadcast on a coming weekend, and they needed to rent some equipment from a supplier in the area south of Market Street. Back then, it was an industrial area, not the trendy office lofts it is today.

So over the lunch hour, they needed someone to go down and get this load of equipment. They asked me if I could drive, and indeed I could. However, driving in the City can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before. Not for me that day! I just drove like everyone else, and was back in less than an hour with the goods. Boy, did I feel good that afternoon! Talk about meeting the challenge!

The second event came over the Fourth of July holiday. One of the news reporters had flown out to board an aircraft carrier as it came through the Golden Gate and docked along the San Francisco waterfront. I was asked to meet him dockside and then take him back to the Alameda Naval Air Station where his car was. Again the station was pretty bold trusting a teenager to drive one of their cars (you can bet that wouldn’t happen today!) through the City and over the Bay Bridge. A highlight of that was to catch the San Francisco Belt Railway moving railway equipment for a display along the waterfront for the weekend. One of the state’s oldest steam locomotives was being moved by barge from Richmond and then towed by the State Belt for display. It was quite a surprise to find it travelling the rails under the Embarcadero freeway that afternoon.

The third event was a Police Athletic League softball fundraising game between a team from KSFO and a local restaurant. Both sides had their own favorites, sports stars, and politicians. My participation was to wear a large pink elephant costume and to try to shake up the players both on and off the field. (Yes, another fursuit experience!) I wasn’t alone as the son of one of the station’s on-air talents was doing his part in another costume. We did our job admirably, if not humorously, as the game was played in the auditorium at the Cow Palace (home of the Grand National Rodeos). My fondest memory is looking for something cold to drink after almost an hour in that costume, only to find nothing but cold beer. Only one, but boy did it go down good!

The last event was a once in a lifetime opportunity to see a San Francisco Giants game from the broadcast booth at Candlestick Park. I’d been a Giants fan years before, but had switched allegiances to the Oakland A’s now that I lived on the other side of the Bay. Still, that would not detract from the fine time. It was a real treat, again driving a station car down from the Sutter Stockton Garage to the game complete with special Press parking pass. That afternoon, I enjoyed the play-by-play of Lon Simmons (a true gentleman in the world of sports announcing!) and Al Michaels (who left the station after that season to go onto a great career with ABC sports (including calling the memorable US and Russia hockey upset at the Lake Placid Winter Olympics). Rich Smalley was their engineer. Another man whose name escapes me was the color announcer for the game. I can’t recall the score or who won, but it was memorable none the less.

That summer came to an end, and I went back to school. The station gave me more than enough records that they had no interest in using. I shared them that fall with others as giveaways for the morning announcements.

While I enjoyed my internship, I guess I had my eyes opened when it came to radio. We never really talked what kind of money folks in the different roles were making. But it had become obvious that I wouldn’t be starting a career there soon.

I kept in touch with the folks at the station off and on for a year or two. Eventually, KSFO was sold to another company, and the format changed to oldies from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Today, it’s owned by Capital Cities and is an all talk radio station (a bit too far to the left for me) — part of the Disney media empire.

Here’s another link back to more of the history of KSFO as I knew and loved it.

Roger actually did give further thought to a career in broadcasting during the junior college years with a bunch of classes in the communications arena. Later on, he managed to do some community access video productions, do some magazine items (photo’s and an op ed piece), before settling here with these weekly pages. Truth be told, “WKRP” is a lot closer to reality than anyone in radio wanted to admit — then or now!

Coming along this summer: More on Nevada off the beaten path, just who is “Rat Fink” and why you should be interested in him, a surprisingly affordable one-day private car trip, tales from the convention world, and what ever else he can dredge up to amuse you.

But, it would be darn nice of you, if you could show your support and click on the link for his Amazon Honor System Paybox and throw a few million Turkish lira (1 dollar equals 1,595,100 lira) his way to keep him plugging along at the keyboard. To quote Homer Simpson, “Oooooh, how convenient.”

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.