Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Ruminations: The past really is prologue when it comes to the Presidio

This week, Roger takes a look at one of San Francisco’s more historic locales. Where the future is now looking a whole lot bright, thanks to George Lucas and the Letterman Digital Arts Center.

Published

19 years ago

September 28, 2005

Roger Colton

It is the home of San Francisco’s first inhabited areas. Native Americans are known to have lived there thousands of years ago. As early as the United States, dating back to 1776 when the Spanish soldiers and Franciscan missionaries arrived. It has a view unrivaled of one of the most recognized structures on the face of the planet. It has seen men and women play their parts in many of our nation’s conflicts, with many now at rest.

Any visitor to San Francisco inevitably sees the Golden Gate Bridge. Many will drive across it and pass right through this historic area without ever stopping. Today it is the keystone of one of the lesser-known gems of the National Park system. And now, it has an important role in the next chapter of the tale of an entertainment industry powerhouse.

It is the Presidio of San Francisco.

A spectacular sunset from the Presidio on December 6, 2003.
Photo from the NPS Presidio of San Francisco web site, and in the public domain.

This is a location that is as different as night and day. From the uninhabited shoreline of the Golden Gate to the hustle and bustle of any city in the world, the Presidio has seen everything in between. Situated on the far northwest corner of the San Francisco peninsula, it has places that have managed to remain unchanged over the passing of years.

Rather than give you a full lesson in California history, let me share a few highlights of the Presidio:

Researchers have found artifacts that offer proof of Native American communities in this area dating as far back as 470 A.D. — primarily by a group known as the Ohlone or Costanoan. From the NPS web pages:

“Groups moved annually between temporary and permanent village sites in a seasonal round of hunting, fishing, and gathering. Periodic burning of the landscape was conducted to promote the growth of native grasses for seed gathering and to create forage for deer and elk. The world view and spirituality of the Ohlone/Costanoan people was expressed in a complexly woven tapestry of stories, myth, song, dance, and ritual.”

The Spanish came to Neuva Espana in 1769 as an effort to thwart possible colonization by the Russians or the English. Again from the NPS web pages:

“Seven years later, Juan Bautista de Anza led a Franciscan priest, 193 colonists and soldiers, and 1,000 head of livestock from Sonora, Mexico to the San Francisco Bay. They arrived on June 27, 1776 to establish a presidio [garrison] at the bay’s entrance and a religious mission a few miles inland.”

Presidio de San Francisco and Mission San Francisco de Assisi became the northernmost bastion of a network of presidios, missions, and pueblos that extended from Mexico and formed the foundation of Spanish colonization strategy. Presidios were fortified military villages that secured and policed frontier areas. Pueblos were communities designed to spread Spanish culture. Missions were religious and agricultural centers where native people were gathered and indoctrinated into Catholicism and the colonial state.”

The Spanish presence eventually became a Mexican one after the revolutions of the early 19th century. During the war with the United States in 1846, the Presidio was occupied by American troops. The territory that became California was surrendered under the treaty that ended that war in 1848.

The US military presence had its beginnings with the discovery of gold in California. It became a military reservation at the order of President Millard Fillmore in November of 1850. That presence continued for almost 140 years, until the Army closed the base in 1989. (For more details on various actions the garrison was involved with, check this link.)

For much of its history, a vital mission of the Presidio was the defense of the coastal areas and access to San Francisco Bay via the Golden Gate. Starting with Spanish guns and fortifications in 1776 (six of those guns remain today on display) up to the Nike missile complexes decommissioned in 1974, it was a mission “well” completed, without a shot fired in anger.

The Presidio has two rather special moments in its history. The first was definitely unplanned (even if some advanced disaster planning had been done by both the City and the Army) – the 1906 Earthquake and Fire. Soldiers from the garrison were involved in many capacities from rescue to demolition (using dynamite to destroy structure creating a fire break) to policing the City to the distribution of relief supplies for month afterward.

The Presidio was also part of happier planned event, the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition. Some of the area was used for facilities for the fair — including a wooden race track for automobiles. Today, the restored Palace of Fine Arts complex sits just east of the Presidio.

The Palace of Fine Arts – from the 1915 PPIE.
Photo from the NPS Presidio of San Francisco web site, and in the public domain.

One of the missions the Presidio was involved with more during its history than any other was that of a medical nature. Letterman Hospital and its associated facilities helped treat returning service men and women from most of the US military campaigns during it’s history (from 1898 to 1989). It was named for Major Jonathan Lettermen, medical director of the Army of the Potomac from 1862 to 1864, later San Francisco coroner and Surgeon General for the State of California. Many of his techniques for field medicine and organization were responsible for the survival of many wounded Civil War soldiers.

Looking over many of the memories submitted to the NPS web pages, the time spent at Letterman is one that people of all ages have to share. From those who were born there to those who were healed there, it seems to have been a part of very special place.

The Presidio is also home to The San Francisco National Cemetery.

This is the final resting place for many men and women who gave their lives in the service of their country as well as Indian, Spanish and Mexican soldiers.

The Presidio was and is a very unique place. As a military installation, it was part of one of the most vibrant cities in the country, if not the world. When its closure was recommended, there was a great deal of trepidation about what its future might hold. Some saw it as the greatest real estate redevelopment opportunity of the 20th Century. Others envisioned it as the largest urban park, complete with a wide history and culture all its own. It was to be a long and challenging road to decide on a future.

The final decision placed its future in the hands of The Presidio Trust. “The Presidio Trust’s mission is to preserve and enhance the natural, cultural, scenic, and recreational resources of the Presidio for public use in perpetuity, and to achieve long-term financial sustainability.” That goal of financial stability? Reached 8 years ahead of schedule and still going strong. Read this piece from the San Francisco Chronicle by Dan Levy from June of this year for more details.

Among the many re-uses of the property, there are two worthy of noting today. The first is a $15 million dollar proposal by Diane Disney Miller and the Walt Disney Family Foundation to create a museum in a 40,000 square foot red-brick barracks building at 104 Montgomery Street on the former Main Post, the Presidio’s signature area.

Interestingly enough, the Walt Disney Family Foundation has been a tenant in the Presidio since 2001. The proposal for the Museum was announced on November 17, 2004. That day, the public was invited to a preview of the museum and an open house for the rehabilitation project. Diane Disney Miller was among the speakers and the guests were given the opportunity to ask more about the plans for both.

The overall project has been described as a “museum and research center, providing a permanent source of information on Disney, his accomplishments, and the period of American history that he greatly influenced. The museum would include a permanent exhibit on the life of Walt Disney, a traveling exhibit space, a learning center and an archive, as well as foundation and museum offices.”

Presidio Trust project manager Cynthia East Skovlin offered the following comments about the project. “The Walt Disney Family Foundation has an extensive collection of drawings, photographs, letters, documents, and artifacts that tell the story of Walt Disney’s amazing life. The collection of objects and the impressive archive of digital images, films and interviews tells the story of Walt Disney’s life as it closely weaves through and mirrors many of the important stories of 20th century America.”

Since then, work has been ongoing in the environmental and historic compliance reviews for the site. Once that process has been completed, construction will begin. A date for the museum opening will likely be announced at that time.

The second project of note is the creation of the Lucas campus on the former site of Letterman Hospital. That structure was doomed by the costs of earthquake and other needed retrofitting. Where once there was a pile of concrete and steel, today is a gleaming series of structure amongst a manicured landscape that seems entirely at home in the Presidio. Now known as the Letterman Digital Arts Center, it promises to gather the various companies of the Lucas empire together in one exciting location.

The Letterman Digital Arts Center as it opened in June of 2005.
Photo from the NPS Presidio of San Francisco web site, and in the public domain.

And that is exactly what it is. 23 acres including 17 acres of public park space. The complex consists of four low-rise office buildings, 865,000 square feet, on the remaining 6 acres. From the view seen above, you get the idea how the new structures will mix well with the historic structures elsewhere in the Presidio. Take note of these construction and design facts from the Lucasfilm website describing the project:

The Letterman Digital Arts Center is designed to be 33 percent more energy efficient and 30 percent more water efficient than conventional buildings
The campus is slated to receive a Gold Certified Rating from the U.S. Green Building Council for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
Much of the demolished Letterman Hospital — and its 13-acre asphalt parking lot — was recycled or reused in the construction of the Letterman Digital Arts Center, including steel, piping and crushed concrete
The building incorporates operable windows to capitalize on the Presidio’s mild bayside climate, reducing energy use and providing natural ventilation
Central, naturally lit staircases help promote a more active workplace and reduce the use of elevators and artificial lighting
Underfloor air delivery throughout the buildings reduces energy use and provides greater comfort to employees
All existing trees on the site were saved and incorporated into the landscape design, including one 80-year old oak tree that was relocated from one location on the site to another
More than 90,000 yards of concrete was manufactured on site, reducing truck traffic entering and exiting the park during construction.

How about these facilities for all of the happy workers?

Dining commons, operated by Guckenheimer, a leader in work place dining; fitness center operated by BaySport, a pre-eminent Bay Area fitness center operator; childcare center that will accommodate over 100 children with environmental learning areas, water feature, growing garden and play structures, operated by Bright Horizons; 300-seat theater, two 65-seat screening rooms and 1,500 underground parking spaces.

Tie it all together with landscaping that matches the rest of the area including approximately 500 trees, shrubs, vines and perennials; a creek and lagoon; walkways and sitting areas. The irrigation system uses primarily reclaimed water to keep it all nice and green.

Sounds like a mighty nice place to work. And work they do! According to the web pages, the crew at Industrial Light and Magic are currently at work on effects sequences for Disney/Walden Media’s “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” and Warner Bros. “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.” They’re also doing FX work on the two “Pirates of the Caribbean” sequels that the Mouse has in the works. .

I hope to be able to share more about both the Disney Museum as well as the LDAC with you soon. The potential awaiting both projects promises to keep us entertained for some time to come.

Just as the Ohlone or Costanoan peoples expressed themselves “in a complexly woven tapestry of stories, myth, song, dance, and ritual” thousands of years ago, who knows what the talents that work here now will bring forth for the rest of us to enjoy and learn from in the coming years.

With such a wonderful heritage to call upon for inspiration, perhaps the past really is the prologue for this special part of San Francisco.

Earlier this year, you all generously helped out by supporting the efforts toward relief of the victims of the Tsunami. If you can see your way to doing so again, the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita now face many of the same daily challenges for basic necessities. The need is every bit as real and as serious. Consider a donation to the American Red Cross if you can. Every bit helps, even more now…

Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

The Story of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: From One Night to a Halloween Family Tradition

Published

3 days 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

7 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

7 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.