Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Set the “Way Back” machine…

There’s nothing wrong with admitting you liked Disneyland the way it was once upon a time.

Published

22 years ago

October 16, 2002

What ever it was that made is special for you; it is something to be recalled fondly. If you can still enjoy that classic experience today, that’s fine as well.

But what if you tend to be like me and have seen much of those “classic moments” fade away?

Well, you could be like a group of older gentleman I saw at the LA Farmers Market complaining about all the changes and how you can’t get a decent cheesecake here. Old farts… save a seat for Al, he’ll be along shortly.

Or you can share what made that special. Let others know what you feel the way you do about it.

Case in point: I’m a fan of Disney and it’s railroads. (Gee, how did that happen?) When I first came to the Park, there was more than a fair share of railroad attractions. Start with the Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad, still running it’s original passenger and freight trains, almost like they had been over ten years before on Opening Day. The Natures Wonderland Railroad carried passengers out to the Painted Desert from Rainbow Ridge. The Main Street Horsecars still go up and down from the Station to the Hub, too! Casey Junior carries circus animals (I was and am always partial to the Wild Animal cages.) around the hills of the Storybook canals. And perhaps most importantly, the Alweg monorail system still allows adults to get a quick cocktail just outside the Park!

Throw in a quick glimpse into Walt’s backyard railroad, the Carolwood Pacific, with the steam locomotive, “Lilly Belle” on display at the Main Street Station of the Disneyland Railroad, and you’re pretty well covered.

So what’s not to like? Well, how about everything that’s not like it was? The Santa Fe dropped its sponsorship in 1972 (after giving up passenger service to Amtrak), and the passenger train was quietly retired to sit in the back of the Roundhouse, gathering dust and wood rot. One car was renovated in 1976 as a private car for VIPs and named the “Lilly Belle”.

But how about the Freight Train? It still runs today, very much like it always has, complete with the cupola caboose bringing up the rear end markers. Ask nice and the Conductor might even let you ride inside. Just like old times…

Give you that one. But what about the end of the line for the Nature’s Wonderland Railroad? No more Mine Train ride. No, just the “wildest ride in the wilderness”! Big Thunder Mountain may be just a roller coaster in drag to some, but for this rider, it is a runaway train. Now as much as I’ve had my share of railroad experiences, a real runaway train is something I cannot count among them. But I do know several guys who can, and one of them loves Big Thunder even more than I do!

At the time of his real-life run-away train incident, it was one of those moments when you check your shorts and thank your maker you’re still breathing. Years later, it’s one of the most humorous tales he and I know. * (Not to make light of run-away trains and the severity of the consequences, I assure you. I know far too many where the result was tragedy, not comedy.)

Some of the things I will miss I can say I was lucky enough to enjoy while they lasted. Taking folks for a ride with the steam locomotive engineers and fireman was always welcomed. A once in a lifetime trip aboard the “Lilly Belle” around the Park with good friends was another classic moment — complete with an angered woman shouting, jumping up and down, and waving at us as we passed the Small World plaza! We still laugh about it.

So, shall we save you a seat so you can carp and whine about “your” beloved Disneyland? Or can you try to make every trip worth it’s own memories? It’s the latter for this writer.

* The story of the Runaway Train…

An eccentric gentleman had a great fondness for the good old days of steam power. So much so, that he bought an old sawmill and built a railroad to serve it, complete with steam locomotives. Up in the woods of California’s north coast, there was a place somewhat unspoiled, where this guy found the right piece of property for his dreams.

It would be a challenge, but that’s what he liked. It would be a real up and down railroad with steep grades that his steam locomotives had been built for. (They were a Heisler and a Shay — both geared for greater pulling power on steep grades at slow speeds).

The railroad actually had been part of a lumber company railroad once upon a time. At the bottom was a trestle built of wood that no one would walk across, let along run a train over. Parked just in front of the bridge was a pair of old wood cabooses, used as a place to sleep by the crew that came from all over to runs the trains and work the mill. The place was kind of a hobby-oriented theme park, a place to play with technology from an earlier time. And if you were young and enthusiastic, you tended to overlook a lot of things.

One day, two of the brighter youths were working on the Heisler with a few cars of logs going up the hill to the sawmill, with the old gentleman at the throttle as engineer. Now remember that the north coast tends to be on the wet side, rain forest and all that. Coastal fog creeps in and tends to hug the hills. Very ethereal at times.

Having set the stage, the train headed up the hill to the mill. Slow and even was the pace as the geared locomotive did its job clinging to the rails. Those rails were fairly rusty and wet, and in some places covered with all of the usual compost you would expect to see in a rainforest. It was as if the date was somewhere in the 1890’s instead of the 1970’s.

As the locomotive neared the top of the hill, the adhesion of the wheels with the rails broke free. As the wheels began to spin, the engineer adjusted the throttle to slow the spinning and turned on the sand to create traction. But, Mother Nature had her own physics lesson in mind and the train began to slip back down the hill. Slowly at first, but it only took a few seconds for the momentum to change and the train started back down the hill.

Now depending on which of the bright volunteers is telling the tale, their young lives flashed right before their eyes as the train picked up speed going down the hill. One was tending the fire by controlling the flow of oil into the firebox as the other watched. The faster the train went, the higher their levels of panic increased. Visions of the train in a heap under the wreckage of the trestle ahead and them under it all being scalded to death by the high-pressure steam escaping from the damaged boiler were clear in their minds. One or both contemplated jumping from the locomotive cab in hopes of safety. Looming ahead were the cabooses and the less than solid trestle, and it looked like the train was not going to come to a stop anytime soon.

And then in an instant, there was a moment when it all came to a close. While they had been experiencing a few time-lapse seconds of panic, the engineer had managed to slow the locomotive enough so that there was an ear-shattering sound as the locomotive banged against the cabooses and came to a stop.

As the two youths sat there, with hearts beating a mile a minute, and ready to check their shorts, the old gentleman took it all in stride. He grinned a smile of satisfied proportions, and exclaimed, ” That was fun! Let’s do it again!”

And after a suitable period to get their bearings, the train went back up the hill and the logs were delivered to the sawmill.

Today, the sawmill is quiet, rusting in peace. The steam locomotives went to other homes. The old gentleman is still with us, but mourns the past and the lost opportunities. He’s a nice guy, but definitely out there.

And the two youths? Well, one is a partner in a company that restores vintage racecars. And he has gone fast enough to scare himself in many of those cars. The other is working for the State of California, restoring steam locomotives. And they both will deny this story ever happened… once they stop laughing about it!

About the Author or “So… who is this guy, anyway?”
Roger Colton is a member of a pioneer family. Both sides of his family tree contain ancestors who came to the West for a variety of reasons. One notable left England in search of a new life having apprenticed in the trades of both a stone mason and a brewer. Others left the career as miners in Nova Scotia, only to end up in the Silver State doing the same thing. Another took his family to eastern Oregon to try his hand at farming. Ironically, another found prosperity in dairy farming along California’s Central Coast.
His grandfathers have their share of tales to tell as well. One great-grandfather left the life of a vaquero and went railroading (hence this tale). His maternal grandfather went to two Rose Bowl games as the quarterback for the Stanford football team under the legendary coach Pop Warner.
Courtesy of the US Army, Roger was born just before Christmas of 1958 in the Luftwaffe Hospital in Wiesbaden, West Germany. His father was a GI attached to the first Mobile Missile deployment to the European Theater. His mother worked in the Air Force weather office. (2001 saw a return visit and tour of the Rhine along with other parts of Germany and Austria.)
His first train ride was in West Germany. In the US, his first train experience was the ride in the cab of the diesel locomotive with his father and great-grandfather. Living on the San Francisco peninsula, he watched trains of the Southern Pacific, including the last years of the famed “Coast Daylight”.
His first Disney experience came in the summer of 1965 with a family visit to the “Happiest Place on Earth”. Notable firsts included Club 33 in 1997, Walt Disney World and the Adventurer’s Club in 1999 (Kongaloosh!), and Disney’s California Misadventure in 2001. He is currently a Disneyland Annual Passholder, but don’t hold that against him.
As a child of the mass media age (once related to Marshall MacLuhan by an uncle’s marriage), Roger has produced videos for community access television on railroading and air racing. He has been published photographs and articles in national magazines. Between 1989 and 2000, he was a Community Leader for America Online, responsible for the Television Viewers community. Among the fandoms he supported were The X-Files, Quantum Leap and Space: Above & Beyond.
Married to wife, Michele, since 1986, there are no children, just the furry child “Cruiser”, (a demanding, orange lump of a cat) to dominate his home life. Both Roger and Michele are currently employed by the California State Automobile Association. Roger has been with Automotive Services since 1979, and Michele with Travel since 1998.
Private Car Service can be reached by e-mail: pullman@privatecarservice.net or by phone at (925) 321-0023. Their web pages at located at www.privatecarservice.net
A final public excursion from Emeryville to Reno will be operated February 1 & 2, 2003. Details are available on the website.

History

The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown

Published

6 months ago

February 7, 2024

Jim Hill

Disneyland in Anaheim, California, holds a special place in the hearts of Disney fans worldwide, I mean heck, it’s where the magic began after all. Over the years it’s become a place that people visit in search of memorable experiences. One fan favorite area of the park is Mickey’s Toontown, a unique land that lets guests step right into the colorful, “Toony” world of Disney animation. With the recent reimagining of the land and the introduction of Micky and Minnies Runaway Railway, have you ever wondered how this land came to be?

There is a fascinating backstory of how Mickey’s Toontown came into existence. It’s a tale of strategic vision, the influence of Disney executives, and a commitment to meeting the needs of Disney’s valued guests.

The Beginning: Mickey’s Birthdayland

The story of Mickey’s Toontown starts with Mickey’s Birthdayland at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Opened in 1988 to celebrate Mickey Mouse’s 60th birthday, this temporary attraction was met with such overwhelming popularity that it inspired Disney executives to think bigger. The idea was to create a permanent, immersive land where guests could step into the animated world of Mickey Mouse and his friends.

In the early ’90s, Disneyland was in need of a refresh. Michael Eisner, the visionary leader of The Walt Disney Company at the time, had an audacious idea: create a brand-new land in Disneyland that would celebrate Disney characters in a whole new way. This was the birth of Mickey’s Toontown.

Initially, Disney’s creative minds toyed with various concepts, including the idea of crafting a 100-Acre Woods or a land inspired by the Muppets. However, the turning point came when they considered the success of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” This film’s popularity and the desire to capitalize on contemporary trends set the stage for Toontown’s creation.

From Concept to Reality: The Birth of Toontown

In 1993, Mickey’s Toontown opened its gates at Disneyland, marking the first time in Disney Park history where guests could experience a fully realized, three-dimensional world of animation. This new land was not just a collection of attractions but a living, breathing community where Disney characters “lived,” worked, and played.

Building Challenges: Innovative Solutions

The design of Mickey’s Toontown broke new ground in theme park aesthetics. Imagineers were tasked with bringing the two-dimensional world of cartoons into a three-dimensional space. This led to the creation of over 2000 custom-built props and structures that embodied the ‘squash and stretch’ principle of animation, giving Toontown its distinctiveness.

And then there was also the challenge of hiding the Team Disney Anaheim building, which bore a striking resemblance to a giant hotdog. The Imagineers had to think creatively, using balloon tests and imaginative landscaping to seamlessly integrate Toontown into the larger park.

Key Attractions: Bringing Animation to Life

Mickey’s Toontown featured several groundbreaking attractions. “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin,” inspired by the movie “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” became a staple of Toontown, offering an innovative ride experience. Gadget’s Go-Coaster, though initially conceived as a Rescue Rangers-themed ride, became a hit with younger visitors, proving that innovative design could create memorable experiences for all ages.

Another crown jewel of Toontown is Mickey’s House, a walkthrough attraction that allowed guests to explore the home of Mickey Mouse himself. This attraction was more than just a house; it was a carefully crafted piece of Disney lore. The house was designed in the American Craftsman style, reflecting the era when Mickey would have theoretically purchased his first home in Hollywood. The attention to detail was meticulous, with over 2000 hand-crafted, custom-built props, ensuring that every corner of the house was brimming with character and charm. Interestingly, the design of Mickey’s House was inspired by a real home in Wichita Falls, making it a unique blend of real-world inspiration and Disney magic.

Mickey’s House also showcased Disney’s commitment to creating interactive and engaging experiences. Guests could make themselves at home, sitting in Mickey’s chair, listening to the radio, and exploring the many mementos and references to Mickey’s animated adventures throughout the years. This approach to attraction design – where storytelling and interactivity merged seamlessly – was a defining characteristic of ToonTown’s success.

Executive Decisions: Shaping ToonTown’s Unique Attractions

The development of Mickey’s Toontown wasn’t just about creative imagination; it was significantly influenced by strategic decisions from Disney executives. One notable input came from Jeffrey Katzenberg, who suggested incorporating a Rescue Rangers-themed ride. This idea was a reflection of the broader Disney strategy to integrate popular contemporary characters and themes into the park, ensuring that the attractions remained relevant and engaging for visitors.

In addition to Katzenberg’s influence, Frank Wells, the then-President of The Walt Disney Company, played a key role in the strategic launch of Toontown’s attractions. His decision to delay the opening of “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin” until a year after Toontown’s debut was a calculated move. It was designed to maintain public interest in the park by offering new experiences over time, thereby giving guests more reasons to return to Disneyland.

These executive decisions highlight the careful planning and foresight that went into making Toontown a dynamic and continuously appealing part of Disneyland. By integrating current trends and strategically planning the rollout of attractions, Disney executives ensured that Toontown would not only capture the hearts of visitors upon its opening but would continue to draw them back for new experiences in the years to follow.

Global Influence: Toontown’s Worldwide Appeal

The concept of Mickey’s Toontown resonated so strongly that it was replicated at Tokyo Disneyland and influenced elements in Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland. Each park’s version of Toontown maintained the core essence of the original while adapting to its cultural and logistical environment.

Evolution and Reimagining: Toontown Today

As we approach the present day, Mickey’s Toontown has recently undergone a significant reimagining to welcome “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway” in 2023. This refurbishment aimed to enhance the land’s interactivity and appeal to a new generation of Disney fans, all while retaining the charm that has made ToonTown a beloved destination for nearly three decades.

Dive Deeper into ToonTown’s Story

Want to know more about Mickey’s Toontown and hear some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, then check out the latest episode of Disney Unpacked on Patreon @JimHillMedia. In this episode, the main Imagineer who worked on the Toontown project shares lots of interesting stories and details that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s full of great information and fun facts, so be sure to give it a listen!

History

Unpacking the History of the Pixar Place Hotel

Published

6 months ago

January 30, 2024

Jim Hill

Pixar Place Hotel, the newly unveiled 15-story tower at the Disneyland Resort, has been making waves in the Disney community. With its unique Pixar-themed design, it promises to be a favorite among visitors.

However, before we delve into this exciting addition to the Disneyland Resort, let’s take a look at the fascinating history of this remarkable hotel.

The Emergence of the Disneyland Hotel

To truly appreciate the story of the Pixar Place Hotel, we must turn back the clock to the early days of Disneyland. While Walt Disney had the visionary ideas and funding to create the iconic theme park, he faced a challenge when it came to providing accommodations for the park’s visitors. This is where his friend Jack Wrather enters the picture.

Jack Wrather, a fellow pioneer in the television industry, stepped in to assist Walt Disney in realizing his dream. Thanks to the success of the “Lassie” TV show produced by Wrather’s company, he had the financial means to build a hotel right across from Disneyland.

The result was the Disneyland Hotel, which opened its doors in October 1955. Interestingly, the early incarnation of this hotel had more of a motel feel than a hotel, with two-story buildings reminiscent of the roadside motels popular during the 1950s. The initial Disneyland Hotel consisted of modest structures that catered to visitors looking for affordable lodging close to the park. While the rooms were basic, it marked the beginning of something extraordinary.

The Evolution: From Emerald of Anaheim to Paradise Pier

As Disneyland’s popularity continued to soar, so did the demand for expansion and improved accommodations. In 1962, the addition of an 11-story tower transformed the Disneyland Hotel, marking a significant transition from a motel to a full-fledged hotel.

The addition of the 11-story tower elevated the Disneyland Hotel into a more prominent presence on the Anaheim skyline. At the time, it was the tallest structure in all of Orange County. The hotel’s prime location across from Disneyland made it an ideal choice for visitors. With the introduction of the monorail linking the park and the hotel, accessibility became even more convenient. Unique features like the Japanese-themed reflecting pools added to the hotel’s charm, reflecting a cultural influence that extended beyond Disney’s borders.

Japanese Tourism and Its Impact

During the 1960s and 1970s, Disneyland was attracting visitors from all corners of the world, including Japan. A significant number of Japanese tourists flocked to Anaheim to experience Walt Disney’s creation. To cater to this growing market, it wasn’t just the Disneyland Hotel that aimed to capture the attention of Japanese tourists. The Japanese Village in Buena Park, inspired by a similar attraction in Nara, Japan, was another significant spot.

These attractions sought to provide a taste of Japanese culture and hospitality, showcasing elements like tea ceremonies and beautiful ponds with rare carp and black swans. However, the Japanese Village closed its doors in 1975, likely due to the highly competitive nature of the Southern California tourist market.

The Emergence of the Emerald of Anaheim

With the surge in Japanese tourism, an opportunity arose—the construction of the Emerald of Anaheim, later known as the Disneyland Pacific Hotel. In May 1984, this 15-story hotel opened its doors.

What made the Emerald unique was its ownership. It was built not by The Walt Disney Company or the Oriental Land Company (which operated Tokyo Disneyland) but by the Tokyu Group. This group of Japanese businessmen already had a pair of hotels in Hawaii and saw potential in Anaheim’s proximity to Disneyland. Thus, they decided to embark on this new venture, specifically designed to cater to Japanese tourists looking to experience Southern California.

Financial Challenges and a Changing Landscape

The late 1980s brought about two significant financial crises in Japan—the crash of the NIKKEI stock market and the collapse of the Japanese real estate market. These crises had far-reaching effects, causing Japanese tourists to postpone or cancel their trips to the United States. As a result, reservations at the Emerald of Anaheim dwindled.

To adapt to these challenging times, the Tokyu Group merged the Emerald brand with its Pacific hotel chain, attempting to weather the storm. However, the financial turmoil took its toll on the Emerald, and changes were imminent.

The Transition to the Disneyland Pacific Hotel

In 1995, The Walt Disney Company took a significant step by purchasing the hotel formerly known as the Emerald of Anaheim for $35 million. This acquisition marked a change in the hotel’s fortunes. With Disney now in control, the hotel underwent a name change, becoming the Disneyland Pacific Hotel.

Transformation to Paradise Pier

The next phase of transformation occurred when Disney decided to rebrand the hotel as Paradise Pier Hotel. This decision aligned with Disney’s broader vision for the Disneyland Resort.

While the structural changes were limited, the hotel underwent a significant cosmetic makeover. Its exterior was painted to complement the color scheme of Paradise Pier, and wave-shaped crenellations adorned the rooftop, creating an illusion of seaside charm. This transformation was Disney’s attempt to seamlessly integrate the hotel into the Paradise Pier theme of Disney’s California Adventure Park.

Looking Beyond Paradise Pier: The Shift to Pixar Place

In 2018, Disneyland Resort rebranded Paradise Pier as Pixar Pier, a thematic area dedicated to celebrating the beloved characters and stories from Pixar Animation Studios. As a part of this transition, it became evident that the hotel formally known as the Disneyland Pacific Hotel could no longer maintain its Paradise Pier theme.

With Pixar Pier in full swing and two successful Pixar-themed hotels (Toy Story Hotels in Shanghai Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland), Disney decided to embark on a new venture—a hotel that would celebrate the vast world of Pixar. The result is Pixar Place Hotel, a 15-story tower that embraces the characters and stories from multiple Pixar movies and shorts. This fully Pixar-themed hotel is a first of its kind in the United States.

The Future of Pixar Place and Disneyland Resort

As we look ahead to the future, the Disneyland Resort continues to evolve. The recent news of a proposed $1.9 billion expansion as part of the Disneyland Forward project indicates that the area surrounding Pixar Place is expected to see further changes. Disneyland’s rich history and innovative spirit continue to shape its destiny.

In conclusion, the history of the Pixar Place Hotel is a testament to the ever-changing landscape of Disneyland Resort. From its humble beginnings as the Disneyland Hotel to its transformation into the fully Pixar-themed Pixar Place Hotel, this establishment has undergone several iterations. As Disneyland Resort continues to grow and adapt, we can only imagine what exciting developments lie ahead for this iconic destination.

If you want to hear more stories about the History of the Pixar Place hotel, check our special edition of Disney Unpacked over on YouTube.

Stay tuned for more updates and developments as we continue to explore the fascinating world of Disney, one story at a time.

History

From Birthday Wishes to Toontown Dreams: How Toontown Came to Be

Published

6 months ago

January 14, 2024

Jim Hill

In the latest release of Episode 4 of Disney Unpacked, Len and I return, joined as always by Disney Imagineering legend, Jim Shull. This two-part episode covers all things Mickey’s Birthday Land and how it ultimately led to the inspiration behind Disneyland’s fan-favorite land, “Toontown”. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. It all starts in the early days at Disneyland.

Early Challenges in Meeting Mickey

Picture this: it’s the late 1970s and early 1980s, and you’re at Disneyland. You want to meet the one and only Mickey Mouse, but there’s no clear way to make it happen. You rely on Character Guides, those daily printed sheets that point you in Mickey’s general direction. But let’s be honest, it was like finding a needle in a haystack. Sometimes, you got lucky; other times, not so much.

Mickey’s Birthdayland: A Birthday Wish that Came True

Fast forward to the late 1980s. Disney World faced a big challenge. The Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park was under construction, with the company’s marketing machine in full swing, hyping up the opening of Walt Disney World’s third theme park, MGM Studios, in the Spring of 1989. This extensive marketing meant that many people were opting to postpone their family’s next trip to Walt Disney World until the following year. Walt Disney World needed something compelling to motivate guests to visit Florida in 1988, the year before Disney MGM Studios opened.

Enter stage left, Mickey’s Birthdayland. For the first time ever, an entire land was dedicated to a single character – and not just any character, but the mouse who started it all. Meeting Mickey was no longer a game of chance; it was practically guaranteed.

The Birth of Birthdayland: Creative Brilliance Meets Practicality

In this episode, we dissect the birth of Mickey’s Birthdayland, an initiative that went beyond celebrating a birthday. It was a calculated move, driven by guest feedback and a need to address issues dating back to 1971. Imagineers faced the monumental task of designing an experience that honored Mickey while efficiently managing the crowds. This required the perfect blend of creative flair and logistical prowess – a hallmark of Disney’s approach to theme park design.

Evolution: From Birthdayland to Toontown

The success of Mickey’s Birthdayland was a real game-changer, setting the stage for the birth of Toontown – an entire land that elevated character-centric areas to monumental new heights. Toontown wasn’t merely a spot to meet characters; it was an immersive experience that brought Disney animation to life. In the episode, we explore its innovative designs, playful architecture, and how every nook and cranny tells a story.

Impact on Disney Parks and Guests

Mickey’s Birthdayland and Toontown didn’t just reshape the physical landscape of Disney parks; they transformed the very essence of the guest experience. These lands introduced groundbreaking ways for visitors to connect with their beloved characters, making their Disney vacations even more unforgettable.

Beyond Attractions: A Cultural Influence

But the influence of these lands goes beyond mere attractions. Our episode delves into how Mickey’s Birthdayland and Toontown left an indelible mark on Disney’s culture, reflecting the company’s relentless dedication to innovation and guest satisfaction. It’s a journey into how a single idea can grow into a cherished cornerstone of the Disney Park experience.

Interested in learning about Jim Shull’s original idea for a Winnie the Pooh ride? Here’s concept art of the attraction proposed for the original Toontown in Disneyland. More on [Disney Unpacked].

Unwrapping the Full Story of Mickey’s Birthdayland

Our two-part episode of Disney Unpacked is available for your viewing pleasure on our Patreon page. And for those seeking a quicker Disney fix, we’ve got a condensed version waiting for you on our YouTube channel. Thank you for being a part of our Disney Unpacked community. Stay tuned for more episodes as we continue to “Unpack” the fascinating world of Disney, one story at a time.