Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Ruminations

In today’s column, Roger Colton looks at a true San Francisco treasure who was always the one to remind us of the many pleasures and perils of living along the northern end of the San Andreas Fault…

Published

22 years ago

April 17, 2003

Roger Colton

Historical note: 5:13 a.m. April 18, 1906. Lest we forget those who perished and the City along with them. Today’s column looks at a true San Francisco treasure who was always the one to remind us of the many pleasures and perils of living along the northern end of the San Andreas Fault…

Three Dot Journalism
An appreciation by Roger Colton

This image is displayed on the Herb Caen web pages of the San Francisco Chronicle,
recreating as it appeared atop his columns for many years.

For me, as well as many other folks here in Northern California, there is the City. And it has been called that since the Gold Rush days of 1949. It’s a place you either love or hate. Usually there is no room for middle ground on the subject.

If one person could have been called the voice of San Francisco, it was and always will be Herb Caen. From humble beginnings with a first printed column on July 5, 1936, a kid from Sacramento made good.

Along the way, he bemused and amused readers six days every week for too many years. When most of his contemporaries had retired or gone to their rewards, his loyal Royal typewriter still produced columns that kept his readers coming back for more and more.

The Chronicle still maintains a page in his honor on their web site. It’s a good look back at the career as seen through his own words as well as some of his colleagues and contemporaries.

I discovered his column in June of 1976. A high school program got me on as an intern at radio station KSFO (worth telling this story as well in a future effort!) in San Francisco. Along with that came a Monday through Friday commute by train from the East Bay into the City. Somewhere during one of those rides, I picked up a discarded page from the San Francisco Chronicle and chuckled my way through the column just to the left of the full-page Macys advertisement.

Another column of note appeared on the pages of the Chronicle that same summer. It correctly lampooned all that was the City, including Herb Caen. Armistead Maupin’s “Tales of the City” brought it larger than life for the folks who actually lived it as well as those who wished they had.

Now if you’ve ever watched one of the mini-series adaptations, you get a good idea of what life was like back in Seventies San Francisco. A mention in one of Herb’s columns was worth its weight in gold. A watering hole getting a quick nod of approval or a restaurant getting the cold shoulder could make or break a business. But this man knew of whence he wrote!

He was known by a number of nicknames, but perhaps “Mister San Francisco” put it best. Touring the City either in his white Jaguar (a.k.a. the White Rat) or on foot, you never knew where he might show up next. A smart cocktail at Trader Vic’s, a quick snack at Original Joe’s, catching the latest and greatest in up and coming comedians at the Holy City Zoo, enjoying jazz in any one of the small clubs, or just passing Fifth and Mission (home of the Chronicle). But you could be sure that anything or anyone he might view on one of those sojourns would be fodder for his next magnum opus.

The link above offers a whole bunch of his columns as well as an archive of his pieces from 1995 through 1997. All too few, in my humble opinion.

Newspaper columnists come and go with somewhat amazing regularity. But he was there through it all. As he put it, “Hookers are “turned out” and newspaper people are “broken in” but otherwise there isn’t much difference, hence the term presstitute.” Yet, he managed to capture the pulse, pleasures, follies and foibles of what he loved to call “Baghdad-By-The-Bay” in a way that no one has done since.

Thankfully, his daily except Saturday efforts (well, one does need at least a day a week to rest, right?) have been printed in book form for us to enjoy once again. Some twenty books at least have his name linked to them. Even a children’s book, entitled “The Cable Car and The Dragon” told a tale of San Francisco in the Caen way.

Long before Disney coined the term “little souvenir” for it’s Cruise Line ad campaign, Herb Caen considered him self the same after a visit by his parents to the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition in San Francisco. Born and raised in Sacramento, he got his first newspaper job there. In 1936 he started with the Chronicle writing a radio column, and that transmogrified into his daily oeuvre to the city he loved. A look back at his columns is as much a walk through the past as it is a look at a City that still knows how. He suffered gladly from “terminal nostalgia” and was definitely a carrier, infecting his readers at least once a week, usually in his Sunday pieces.

Among many accomplishments, he’s credited with coining the term “Beatnik”, in his column on April 2, 1958. Here’s an excerpt with the reference:

“. . . Look magazine, preparing a picture spread on S.F.’s Beat Generation (oh, no, not AGAIN!), hosted a party in a No. Beach house for 50 Beatniks, and by the time word got around the sour grapevine, over 250 bearded cats and kits were on hand, slopping up Mike Cowles’ free booze. They’re only Beat, y’know, when it comes to work . . . “

In April of 1996, he was awarded a special Pulitzer Prize, only the fifth time such had been done for newspaper and magazine writers. As the Chronicle proudly reported, “In conferring the rare honor, the Pulitzer board said the prize recognizes Caen’s extraordinary and continuing contribution as a voice and a conscience of his city.”

Some of my favorites from the era of his later efforts included the saga of the March 1983 visit of Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip, Ron and Nancy Reagan (and their entourage of lackeys, lookers-on and security minions) to Trader Vics on Cosmo Alley in San Francisco. He correctly reported on what Their Royal Majesties enjoyed in the way of a cocktail — Tanqueray gin martinis over ice. (His competition at the Examiner or “Brand X” as frequently referred to, erroneously had reported they consumed something as pedestrian as margaritas. Really!) On more somber occasions he recalled the lives and legends of favorite sons and daughters of the City. Everyone from “Trader” Vic Bergeron to pal Benny Goodman (from his radio column days) to madame Sally Stanford to social column pariah Lucius Beebe to radio bad boy Don Sherwood all got the Caen treatment upon his or her demise. But it was his Sunday efforts that more than often ventured into the City of the past, present and future or an element of all three. Everything from cable cars to sewers to the Port to the fashionable and not so all could be and were fodder for that little space, slightly to the left of Macy’s.

One particular column I have saved is all about a weekend at the Lake. It was and always will mean Tahoe, not any other one. It has been the place, winter or summer, to truly get away from the City. Favored by generations for different reasons, it was the place for my family to enjoy a more laid back and less complicated time. While our accommodations may have been somewhat plebian as compare to those enjoyed by the money crowd, we knew how to have a good time none the less. That one column hit the nail right on the head for me. The trek up I-80 or back in the day, US 40, was and is always something to be looked forward to on a Friday night, and then dreaded for the ride home on a Sunday afternoon. A dip in the 60 degree sky-blue water or a ride at speed on your boat of choice (ah, Garwood’s… another column — wooden motorized boats!) from one scenic bay to another, finishing the day at a long savored night spot for a fine meal and appropriate beverages.

His columns just caught the flavor of the topic that folks enjoyed. The people who came after him try, but don’t seem to be able to capture the knack of his style and polish. He wrote columns right up to the end of a battle with cancer. His last column was on January 10, 1997, and he passed away a short time later on Saturday, February 1, 1997.

Since then, things have changed. The Chronicle’s long time owners sold it to the competition (the Hearst family who owned the “Brand X” — whose papers I once delivered — and who sold that paper to another family, only to watch it deteriorate into oblivion. No longer does the City have separate morning and afternoon papers!) and then divested their local NBC television affiliate (only to have NBC pull their affiliation and change it to a network owned station in San Jose!). I don’t doubt that the circulation of the Chronicle dropped as well, after his passing. If I pick up the paper, it’s a rare day indeed, and I was once a daily subscriber.

Now, I’m sentimental about the City for my own reasons. Family history and all that not withstanding, my appreciation for the place simply wouldn’t be what it is had it not been for those columns. It’s a love of cable cars, streetcars (another Caen term — “The Roar of the Four” referred to the four streetcar tracks on Market Street), ferryboats, good food and smart cocktails, local sports teams, entertainers and entertainment’s, amusements and bemusements, neighborhoods and districts, downtown and the avenues…

I don’t get into the City as much as I did in years gone by when my mothers parents lived just outside of Seacliff (where the radio adventures of “One Man’s Family” took place or where Robin Williams now calls home). But without too much difficulty, I’m easily taken back to summer afternoons with the blanket of fog rolling into to the soundtrack of distant foghorns from the Bay.

You’ve probably noted my use of these three little guys…

Hi, my name is Roger, and along with many other things, I am addicted to three-dot journalism.

It’s all his fault!

So that’s this weeks tale. Hope you enjoyed another glimpse into the City and the man who was it’s voice for almost 60 years. The next time we get on Jim for his tardiness on a piece, just remember the Herculean efforts of Herb Caen, and realize just how hard it is to get a column out every day, let alone once in a while!

Next week? Ah, now that would be telling? Something from those promised topics, no doubt…

So? Like what you’ve been reading here in Roger’s columns? Well, here is one way to show your support! You can use his Amazon PayBox to keep him plugging along on more tales.

Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Disney’s Forgotten Halloween Event: The Original Little Monsters on Main Street

Published

4 weeks ago

September 22, 2024

Jim Hill

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

Published

1 month ago

September 7, 2024

Jim Hill

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.

Mickey’s Halloween Treat 1996 – Photo: Disney

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

Published

8 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!