Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment
Ruminations – More “Mouse-cellaneous” Updates
From recent columns, Roger has more to share about the Disneyland Railroad, the Firehouse Five and “Your First Disneyland Visit” memories.
Well, here we are. Eleven days away from the 50th anniversary of Disneyland’s Opening Day. Now wait, I hear all of you out there saying that Disneyland had its opening day on Sunday, July 17, 1955. You have those great DVD’s from the Vaults with all of the festivities as televised on ABC in the “Dateline: Disneyland” program.
True enough, it was a day to remember for many reasons. But it was on the following Monday morning – the 18th – that Disneyland actually opened the gates to the public for the first time. The festivities on Sunday were for the invited (and not so) guests. Things pretty much wound down after the television broadcast ended. Next time you watch the DVD, note the time of day (especially on the clock tower of the Main Street Railroad Station) during the program. Earlier in the day, there had been several interesting rehearsals to prepare for the live broadcast.
And also check out just how relieved Walt looks in the closing moments! That day was over and the real fun started the following morning. Many of the “special challenges” of that Sunday were still waiting to be tackled. Yet, the Cast Members did just that and well, you know the rest of the story…
Since I last mentioned the Disneyland Railroad and the new steam locomotive, #5, the “Ward Kimball”, things have been steaming along nicely. There was a quiet ceremony before the Park opened on Thursday, June 23rd with all of the people from TDA and Boschan Boiler who participated in the project.
Matt Ouimet poses with the proud TDA crew and the “Ward Kimball” at the Main Street Station.
During the brief ceremony, Matt thanked everyone who made it happen. He also commented on potential projects for the railroad, including the restoration of the railroad’s private car, the “Lilly Belle”. Paul Boschan replied, “We do coaches, too!” So who knows what the next few months may see along the Disneyland Railroad
The “Ward Kimball” did enter service the following Saturday; as the second train out of the roundhouse. From what the crews have been telling passengers, they are very happy to have this new locomotive as part of the Disneyland Railroad fleet.
Now for today’s trivia question: What do the Disneyland Railroad and the Submarine Voyage have in common? Check for the answer further down the page…
If you are interested in Disney railroad collectibles, check out the offerings from Silver Trail Graphics — fine cloisonné pins for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Rail. Some nice items for your favorite locomotive there…
Thanks also to everyone who shared their enjoyment of the Firehouse Five Plus Two. It is a pleasure to see that their music continues to entertain so many of us today. Among the comments, I learned that another compact disc of their music is being produced in England. No details yet, but as soon as I hear some, I promise to share them.
A wonderful find related to the FH5+2 was learning about the “Firehouse Stompers”. These Southern California musicians (including a few who have played at Disneyland over the years) perform Dixieland jazz in the style of the FH5+2, among others.
The leader of the band, Robert Butler, shared a few tidbits about the Stompers and some of the members of the FH5+2:
“I was a friend of Ward Kimball (he called me his little buddy in Cypress) and visited him several times at his GFRR and I had many, many humorous and informative conversations with him. He gave me his permission to use the Firehouse name. When I asked him, he said “Well, that’s ok, go ahead.” He gave me the complete GFRR tour and I got to try on the FH5 +2 helmet #2, which was Probert’s. I could always call up Ward anytime I wanted to ask more FH5+2 questions and I’ll always cherish those conversations and visits.
I talk with George Probert (FH5+2 alumni 1954-1971 on soprano sax) pretty much every day and he has guest starred with us several times.
I became friends with Frank Thomas (FH5+2 alumni pianist) and called him every month for more FH5+2 stories. He had hundreds of them and he was very nice and had a sharp memory of everything.
K.O. Eckland (who took over for Frank on piano in the early 1960’s) sat in with us twice.
I got to visit with Eddie Forest (FH5+2 drummer) just months before he passed away.
Clarke Mallory’s nephew came to one of our FH5+2 tributes and gave me a copy of the last known photo of Clarke.
I got to visit with John Lucas (FH5+2’s original trumpet player). Such a sweet man. His family gave me one of his horns, his two (rare) metal derby mutes and some wonderful early FH5 photos.
This November, at the Ocean Shores, Washington Jazz Festival, Don Kinch (FH5+2 alumni on trumpet and tuba) just might come and guest star with us. He’s 86 and in great health.
I played at Ward’s memorial, with George Probert, John Kimball and other FH5+2 enthusiasts at the L.A. Sweet & Hot Jazz Festival. The entire Kimball Family came. They brought the FH5+2 red & gold banner and several of the FH5 helmets. They gave George his #2 helmet and I got to wear Ward’s #1 helmet.
I have spent nearly twenty years collecting everything Firehouse Five Plus Two (all of their recorded material, pirated material, T.V. shows and movie footage, movie prop, etc) and I’ll always be sad that I didn’t have a spare $3,000 plus to buy the FH5+2 helmet on eBay.
I could just go on and on and on but I’ll spare you too much more. I was just thrilled to come across your article, that you took the time (and the interest) to do such a nice piece on the FH5+2. I’m also glad that Disneyland took the time and energy to acknowledge the FH5+2 for their 50th anniversary. I wish that that could have been us, however playing the music of the FH5. Yes, we do “those special tunes” that the FH5+2 did: Firehouse Stomp,Brass Bell (Frank Thomas wrote it and gave us permission to record it), Lassus Trombone, Anvil Stomp, Fireman’s Lament along with Muskrat Ramble, so many others and that ol’ Tiger Rag.”
If you want to catch them in the act, so to speak, you can do just that at the El Patio Restaurant in Anaheim on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month. Check out their web page for more details (and other performance dates and locations) – including their compact disc, “Leaving Our Mark”.
Now about those first Disneyland visit memories I have been asking you all to share…
Well, it turns out that someone noticed that column. And that someone was the staff of “The Noon Edition”, a radio interview and audience call-in program of CBC Radio One in Saskatchewan. From the Canadian Broadcasting Company studios in the capital city of Regina, the program covers a wide range of topics.
And one of those topics, in upcoming weeks? You guessed it. First visits to Disneyland. On Friday, July 15th, from Noon to 1 pm Pacific Daylight time, I will be a guest on the program – live from Disneyland. You can listen in live while as I share memories of my 1966 visit and some of yours too. Check the links on their web pages for a week of archived programs as well as the live broadcasts.
So, it is not too late for you to drop me that e-mail and tell the tale of your first Disneyland visit. Thanks to everyone who has responded so far with a great cross section of experiences. It is not going to be an easy task to pick the winners!
Now for the answer to that trivia question: What do the Disneyland Railroad and the Submarine Voyage have in common?
Would you believe… The new Disneyland Railroad steam locomotive, the “Ward Kimball”, has two of the fold-down seats from one of the Disneyland submarines. Check out the photo below. Note the fireman sitting in the doorway. His seat is one of the two mounted in the cab. Now that is something Ward would have gotten a good laugh out of!
Thanks to J.C. Allan for the Disneyland Railroad views.
Be sure to check in next Friday for your “First Disneyland Visit” memories and all of the details of Roger’s guest appearance on CBC Radio One’s “Noon Edition” that same day.
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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