Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment
Ruminations: West Coast Update
Following up on some earlier “Ruminations” columns, Roger Colton shares info on several upcoming events in Northen & Southern California that JHM readers may want to check out
![](https://jimhillmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/jim-hill-media-featured-1200x675-1.png)
Last week, my e-mail offered up a few updates on some topics that I thought might be of interest to the loyal readers of this space.
First up, the folks at E-Ville Press are hard at work finishing their next collaboration with Afterworks 2. From their blog, the following update:
“Afterworks 2 is going to be published by IMAGE comics! The full color book is well underway and here’s the rundown of awesome artists that will be contributing stories to the anthology.
Mark Andrews, Scott Morse, Brian Larsen, Peter Sohn, Nate Stanton, Anthony Wong, Jennifer Chang, Angus Maclane, Bill Presing, Ted Mathot, Rob Gibbs, Louis Gonzales, Nate WraggMatt Majers, Josh Cooley, Derek Thompson, Jeff Pidgeon and Mark Holmes.
And here’s the cover design done by designer extraordinaire Mark Holmes.”
Jeff Pidgeon, one of the story veterans at Pixar, also shared the first panel of the story he and wife Anita Coulter have finished for this issue.
Looks like another great book to add to the collection!
Speaking of Pixar folks, thanks to Jerry Beck and the folks at Cartoon Brew for alerting everyone to an upcoming show in San Francisco at the Canvas Gallery.
“…Combined Weight, a collection of work by artists from Pixar Animation Studios, “produced in their spare time to show the world through their eyes”. Artists include Daniel Arriaga, Enrico Casarosa, Janet Lucroy, Jennifer Chang, Liz Holmes, Lori Klocek, Mark Holmes, Nate Stanton, Noah Klocek, Paul Topolos, Rich Quade, Robert Kondo, Robin Cooper, Ronnie Del Carmen, Simon Dunsdon, Steve Pilcher, and Steve Purcell. Opening reception is next Thursday April 27th, from 7pm – 12am. The exhibition runs from April 27 through May 22nd at The Canvas Gallery, 1200 9th Ave. at Lincoln, San Francisco.”
And while you’re in the City, the Cartoon Art Museum has a few things of note that you might want to stop by and check out, too.
From press releases from the Museum:
Earthquake!!!
Bay Area Cartoonists Look at 1906, 1989 and Beyond
April 15 – June 25, 2006
In 1906, The Great San Francisco Earthquake and Fire devastated the entire city. The Bay Area experienced a second major quake in 1989, as the Loma Prieta leveled houses and bridges, causing over $6 Billion in damages. In the event of a third major disaster, San Francisco is completely prepared for anything that Mother Nature can throw at us…or is it
Earthquake!!! features the works of two-dozen local cartoonists as they reflect on the long history of natural disasters in the San Francisco Bay Area. Artists reflect on the 1906 earthquake, provide first-hand accounts of the 1989 earthquake and speculate on a wide variety of current topics, from the modern day San Franciscan’s preparations for “The Big One” to life on the West Coast in the aftermath of the next major disaster.
This exhibition includes works from a wide array of Bay Area cartoonists including Mark Bode (Heavy Metal), Phil Frank (Farley), Jon “Bean” Hastings (Mad Science), Keith Knight (the ‘K’ Chronicles), Steve Lait (The Oakland Tribune), Paul Madonna (All Over Coffee) and Trina Robbins (The Great Women Cartoonists) and more.
The Cartoon Art Museum
Participating in Macy’s Community Shopping Day
Friday, May 12th, 2006, 10am to 10pm
Buy your $10 ticket today and help support
The Cartoon Art Museum
The Cartoon Art Museum is proud to participate for its third year with Macy’s Union Square for their Community Shopping Day Benefiting the Arts on Friday, May 12th, 2006. This event raises thousands of dollars for local small to medium sized arts organizations.
Community Shopping Day is an all-day shopping event dedicated to raising funds for local nonprofit organizations. By purchasing a Macy’s Community Shopping Day ticket directly from The Cartoon Art Museum, ticket bearers will help raise funds to support The Cartoon Art Museum’s community programs, plus enjoy exclusive 15-20% savings at Macy’s, exciting entertainment and events, special samplings from event sponsors, and the chance to win a $500 Macy’s shopping spree.
In addition to The Cartoon Art Museum’s efforts to sell tickets, Macy’s employees and Union Bank of California will be involved in the fundraising event by selling tickets to their customers three weeks prior to Community Shopping Day. Macy’s will split all funds raised by their employees among participating charities.
The Cartoon Art Museum supporters who are unable to attend Community Shopping Day or who want to avoid the crowds are invited to pre-shop beginning on May 6th. Items purchased through pre-selection may be picked up beginning the day of the event and ending Friday, May 26th, 2006.
For more information about The Cartoon Art Museum’s participation in Macy’s Community Shopping Day, to purchase your $10 ticket or to volunteer to sell tickets contact Summerlea Kashar at 415-227-8666 ext. 300 or via email at office@cartoonart.org.
Cartoon Tunes: Capturing Music in Comics
May 9 – October 15, 2006
Opening Reception Tuesday, May 9, 2006
from 7:00 – 9:00pm
Comics are, by nature, a pairing of two mediums more often kept apart: pictures and words. For many cartoonists, that pairing so often provides a vantage on yet another medium: sound. The Cartoon Art Museum’s latest exhibition, Cartoon Tunes: Capturing Music in Comics, examines the ongoing love affair between comics and music through more than 40 pieces of original artwork on themes from the unabashed love of the legendary rock band Led Zeppelin to Bob Dylan as he might have been imagined by legendary comic book creator Jack Kirby, and musical tastes from classic rock to classical and from opera to hip-hop.
Featured artists include R. Crumb, Gene Deitch, Justin Green, Ellen Forney, Dylan Horrocks, Megan Kelso, David Lasky, Jim Mahfood, Tony Millionaire, R. Sikoryak and Carol Tyler. Among the musicians included in this exhibition are Prince, Run DMC, Philip Glass, Jenny Lind (“The Swedish Nightingale”) and They Might Be Giants.
The majority of the work has never been exhibited before, and reflects a wide range of output by largely alternative or indie comic artists. Although “music” is the common theme uniting these artists, the individual entries cover subjects including biography, musicology, illustrated lyrics, abstract meditations on sound and humorous autobiographical reminiscences. Many of the pieces on display in this exhibit originally appeared in Pulse! magazine and its sister publication, Classical Pulse! , between 1992 and 2002.
Cartoon Tunes: Capturing Music in Comics is co-curated by artist Keith Knight, creator of the syndicated comics The K Chronicles and (th)ink, and Marc Weidenbaum, the Editorial Director of the manga magazine Shonen Jump and former editor of the Pulse! comics.
The opening reception for this exhibition takes place on Tuesday, May 9, 2006, from 7:00-9:00pm. The reception is free and open to the public.
About the Cartoon Art Museum
Founded in 1984, the Cartoon Art Museum was started by a group of cartoonists and collectors who wanted to share their appreciation of this unique art form with the rest of the world. The Museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation, study and exhibition of original cartoon art in all forms to benefit historians, cartoonists, journalists, artists, collectors and the general public. For more information, please visit http://www.cartoonart.org/
And if that isn’t enough from Northern California to keep you going, the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa has a fascinating summer event planned:
The Summer of Woodstock
June 3 through October 23, 2006 – Snoopy’s feathered friend takes center stage at the Charles M. Schulz Museum and in Santa Rosa’s Summer of Woodstock (100 statues of Woodstock will be placed throughout the community, read about it at www.peanutsonparade.com). The first birds that Schulz drew were very realistic, but over a ten-year period they gradually became more abstract and stylized. A single bird was separated from the flock in 1967, but he wasn’t given his name, Woodstock, (yes, he was named after the great counter-culture event!) until June 22, 1970.
The exhibition looks at the many roles that Woodstock filled from Legendary Sidekick to Snoopy’s Secretary. Woodstock’s distinct, if non-birdlike, personality will also be examined including his difficulty in flying and his directional dyslexia, as well as his unfortunate attempts to participate in sports
Because he was such a popular Peanuts character, Woodstock began to make appearances in many products in the 1970s. On display in the exhibition will be four decades of Woodstock-themed products. In addition, the visitor will be taken behind the scenes to learn how the Woodstock statutes were manufactured and then decorated by local artists.
Finally, if you were thinking about attending the “Cars” premiere at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway, in Charlotte, North Carolina and haven’t found the time to get tickets, then you might want to check back next week to find how you can win two of them right here…
And speaking of “Cars”, folks on the west coast aren’t being left out entirely. The El Capitan Theater in Hollywood is now selling tickets for an 11:59 p.m. showing of the film on Thursday, June 8th. Sounds like a great way to be one of the first to see this movie!
Finally, Disney railroad fans might want to mark their calendars for two events in California on the same weekend in May – the 6th & 7th. First up, Fullerton Railroad Days takes place in the area around the Amtrak station with a great collection of events and displays. This year, the Disneyland Railroad joins in the festivities as the “E.P. Ripley”, steam locomotive #2 of the fleet travels down Harbor Boulevard to greet admirers.
Somewhat further up the coast line, The Pacific Coast Railroad Roundup is being held in Santa Margarita. This is where the coaches of the original Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad have found a home. This special event is a rare opportunity to see them in service carrying passengers as Walt Disney intended. Pulled behind vintage steam locomotives, guests will be able to enjoy the ride along a stretch of railroad through the Central California Coastal mountains. And it all goes for a good cause as this event benefits the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum.
So there you have it — a full plate of exciting opportunities, just waiting to be taken advantage of… Here’s hoping you get the chance to enjoy one or more of them soon!
Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment
The Story of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: From One Night to a Halloween Family Tradition
![](https://jimhillmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/boo-to-you-halloween-parade.jpg)
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](https://jimhillmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mickeys-treat-halloween-1024x576.jpg)
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
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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
![](https://jimhillmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/toontown-disneyland.jpg)
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.
![](https://jimhillmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/building-toontown-1024x576.jpg)
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.
![](https://jimhillmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/gadget-go-coaster-1024x576.jpg)
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.
![](https://jimhillmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/dinseyland-imagineer-team-1024x576.jpg)
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
![](https://jimhillmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Disney-Unpacked-YouTube-Thumbnail.jpg)
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.
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