History
The Mouse pays tribute to Kermit’s creator by making him a Disney Legend today
Jim Henson, Disney Legend.
For a lot of people (myself included) this phrase doesn't exactly
roll off the tongue. But perhaps that's because – for so many of us who grew up
in the late 1960s / early 1970s – Jim Henson was / already is a legend. This
enormously talented individual who – through the hundreds of hours of
television that Jim helped create, plus the handful of feature films that
Henson directed or produced – played a
huge role in our childhood. Serving up characters & stories that entertained
audiences of all ages around the globe.
So to now have The Walt Disney Company suddenly appear to be
usurping Jim Henson's creative legacy and be claiming it as their own seems …
Well, somewhat unseemly. At least to folks like me.
Lisa Henson, Chief Executive Officer of the
Jim Henson Company
Which was why it was so nice yesterday to get the chance to
chat on the phone with Jim's daughter, Lisa Henson. Who – as the Chief
Executive Officer of the Jim Henson Company – takes a far more pragmatic approach
to this whole situation.
To hear Lisa talk, the parallels between Jim Henson &
Walt Disney become obvious. And – no – I'm not talking about how Jim & Walt
were both gifted showmen & storytellers. But – rather – how Henson & Disney
were both restless creative spirits, each
of them constantly looking for new worlds to conquer.
In Walt's case, if you take the 30,000-foot view of this guy's
career … You immediately see that this was a man who would complete one
seemingly impossible thing (EX: producing the first animated short with
synchronized sound) and then move on to the next challenge (EX: the first
full-color animated short, the first full-length animated feature, the first
commercial motion picture to be exhibited with stereophonic sound et al).
Jim and Jane Henson on the set of WRC's "Sam and Friends," a live weeknight TV
show for the Washington D.C. viewing area which proved that there was a sizable
audience out there that enjoyed watching silly yet sophisticated puppet shows.
Copyright The Jim Henson Company. All rights reserved
And Jim Henson … He brought that same sort of restless creative
spirit to puppeteering. Constantly looking for new ways to prove that this ancient
art form (which — for far too long — had been pigeonholed as something that
amused small children) was capable of so much more. That – through smart &
sophisticated use of the then-still-relatively-new medium of television – puppetry
could then become something that would appeal to a mass audience.
But you want to know what Jim Henson especially admired about
Walt Disney? His company's ability to keep its characters evergreen. Which is
one of the main reasons that Henson reached out to Michael Eisner, the Mouse
House's then-CEO, in the late 1980s. To see if Disney might then be interested
in acquiring the Jim Henson Company.
"Running Henson – though it was a small company – took up a
lot of my Dad's time. And he was itching to get back to being creative
full-time. And with Disney taking control of the Muppets, making sure that
these characters stayed relevant with modern audiences through new movies &
TV shows & theme park attractions … Well, that was then going to free up my
Dad to do the sorts of things that he really loved to do. Which was creating
new characters. Dreaming up new stories to tell and then using new techniques &
technologies to tell those stories."
Michael Eisner and Jim Henson at the official in-park
announcement of the Muppets acquisition deal.
Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc.
All rights reserved
And that – to be blunt – was why Michael Eisner (who had
long been an ardent supporter of Jim Henson. People often
forget that it was Eisner, back in the early 1970s, who came up with the
funding for the first two "Muppet Show" pilots. That – as the then-Head of ABC's
Children Television – Michael actually took money out of his Saturday morning
development budget and gave to Jim. Just so Henson could then shoot 1974's "The
Muppets Valentine Show" and 1975's "The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence") wanted
to make the Muppets acquisition deal back in 1989. Not so much because Mickey would
then get his hands on Kermit & Co. But – rather – under the terms of this
deal, The Walt Disney Company would then have exclusive access to Jim Henson's
creative output. A man that Michael Eisner genuinely believed to be his
generation's Walt Disney.
Which brings us to an interesting question: If Jim Henson
hadn't passed away in May of 1990 and The Walt Disney Company had completed its
acquisition of The Jim Henson Company, what might the Mouse House look like
today? Well, when you consider that – in the 10 short months that Jim worked
directly with Disney – Henson
- completed principal photography on "Kermit the Frog presents
MuppetVision 3D" - shot the "Muppets at Walt Disney World" episode of the Disney Sunday Night
Movie - approved the script & recorded dialogue for the "Here Come the Muppets"
stage show - supervised production of the pilot for "The
Little Mermaid's Island," a proposed Disney Channel series - consulted on the design of Muppet walk-around character costumes for the Parks
During this same period, Jim was also working with the
Imagineers on Muppet Studios, a new "land" that was supposed to be added to
Disney-MGM Studios theme park in the earlier 1990s. Which was to have been home
to
- The Muppet Movie Ride, an AA-filled comic riff on The Great
Movie Ride - The Great Gonzo's Pandemonium Pizza Parlor, a Muppet-themed restaurant
Meanwhile – to commemorate the opening of Muppet Studios – a new street parade,
the Magnificent Muppet All-Star Motorcade, was to have rolled through
Disney-MGM Studios every day. Henson also had a hand in this project.
"Dad also wanted to
do a new stage show for the Disney theme parks, one that would have used the
same sort of large-scale puppeteering techniques that are used today with 'Finding
Nemo – The Musical' at Disney's Animal Kingdom," Lisa recalled. "Plus the stuff
that Dad wanted to do for Disneyland … "
And Jim Henson did all of this in just 10 months. When you
think of his prodigious creative output, one wonders what Disney would look
like now if he'd had 10 years.
Charles Grodin working on location at the Disney-MGM Studio theme
park with Jim Henson & Jerry Nelson on the "Muppets Go to Walt
Disney World" episode of the Disney Sunday Night Movie.
Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved
So when you look at it that way … Plus factor in the joy
that people got out of seeing Disney theme park shows that featured
Henson-created characters like "Muppets on Location: Days of Swine and Roses,"
or from watching Disney-produced feature films like 1992's "A Muppet Christmas
Carol," 1996's "Muppet Treasure Island" and "The Muppets" this November or TV
projects like 2005's "The Muppet Wizard of Oz" & 2008's "A Muppet Christmas:
Letters to Santa," not to mention that ABC TV series, "Dinosaurs" … Maybe the Disney
Legend nominating committee is right. Perhaps Jim Henson is really a legitimate
Disney Legend.
Like I said towards the top of this article, Lisa Henson takes
a very pragmatic approach to this whole issue. To her way of thinking, the
connective tissue between Walt Disney and Jim Henson has always been there. Growing
up in the 1960s, she recalled that – when Sunday night rolled around – "The
Wonderful World of Color" was always on.
"I remember watching that show with my Dad in the room,"
Lisa said. "He was definitely a fan of the Disney films. Especially 'Sleeping
Beauty.' Which Dad said had a huge influence on his design aesthetic."
Behind-the-scenes at the production of "Sid the
Science Kid." Copyright The Jim Henson
Company. All rights reserved
You know what's rather ironic about this whole situation? Ever
since the Walt Disney Company officially acquired the Muppets and the Bear in
the Big Blue House characters back in 2004, the Jim Henson organization has now been able to re-embrace that restless creative spirit which the Company's
founder had. Allowing Lisa and her brother Brian to pursue daring & innovative
projects like the adult-only improvisational stage show "Stuffed and Unstrung."
Not to mention producing entertaining educational TV shows like "Sid the
Science Kid" (which makes use of some pretty innovative real-time animation
technology thanks to the Henson Digital Puppetry Studio).
This is why – in a lot of ways – Lisa Henson is a lot more
comfortable with the idea of The Walt Disney Company now owning the Muppets
than (I think) most Muppet fans are. Lisa genuinely understands what her Dad
was trying to do back in 1989. Which was not only safeguard the characters that
Jim had created for generations yet to come but to also step away from the
day-to-day hassles of running a corporation. Just focus all of his time &
energy on being creative again. Which is what Ms. Henson and her brother do
every day now.
Anyway, to honor both their father's legacy, Lisa – along with
several other members of the Henson family – will be on hand today in the D23
Arena to take part in the Disney Legends induction ceremony.
Jim Henson and his characters. Photo by John E. Barrett, courtesy of The Jim Henson
Company. Kermit the Frog Copyright The Muppet Studio, LLC.
"You and I both know that my Dad is already a legend. Disney's
just making it official," Lisa laughed.
For further information on this three-day-long celebration
of The Walt Disney Company (which gets underway today), be sure and drop by the
Official Disney Fan Club webpage & check out the master schedule.
History
The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown
Disneyland in Anaheim, California, holds a special place in the hearts of Disney fans worldwide, I mean heck, it’s where the magic began after all. Over the years it’s become a place that people visit in search of memorable experiences. One fan favorite area of the park is Mickey’s Toontown, a unique land that lets guests step right into the colorful, “Toony” world of Disney animation. With the recent reimagining of the land and the introduction of Micky and Minnies Runaway Railway, have you ever wondered how this land came to be?
There is a fascinating backstory of how Mickey’s Toontown came into existence. It’s a tale of strategic vision, the influence of Disney executives, and a commitment to meeting the needs of Disney’s valued guests.
The Beginning: Mickey’s Birthdayland
The story of Mickey’s Toontown starts with Mickey’s Birthdayland at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Opened in 1988 to celebrate Mickey Mouse’s 60th birthday, this temporary attraction was met with such overwhelming popularity that it inspired Disney executives to think bigger. The idea was to create a permanent, immersive land where guests could step into the animated world of Mickey Mouse and his friends.
In the early ’90s, Disneyland was in need of a refresh. Michael Eisner, the visionary leader of The Walt Disney Company at the time, had an audacious idea: create a brand-new land in Disneyland that would celebrate Disney characters in a whole new way. This was the birth of Mickey’s Toontown.
Initially, Disney’s creative minds toyed with various concepts, including the idea of crafting a 100-Acre Woods or a land inspired by the Muppets. However, the turning point came when they considered the success of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” This film’s popularity and the desire to capitalize on contemporary trends set the stage for Toontown’s creation.
From Concept to Reality: The Birth of Toontown
In 1993, Mickey’s Toontown opened its gates at Disneyland, marking the first time in Disney Park history where guests could experience a fully realized, three-dimensional world of animation. This new land was not just a collection of attractions but a living, breathing community where Disney characters “lived,” worked, and played.
Building Challenges: Innovative Solutions
The design of Mickey’s Toontown broke new ground in theme park aesthetics. Imagineers were tasked with bringing the two-dimensional world of cartoons into a three-dimensional space. This led to the creation of over 2000 custom-built props and structures that embodied the ‘squash and stretch’ principle of animation, giving Toontown its distinctiveness.
And then there was also the challenge of hiding the Team Disney Anaheim building, which bore a striking resemblance to a giant hotdog. The Imagineers had to think creatively, using balloon tests and imaginative landscaping to seamlessly integrate Toontown into the larger park.
Key Attractions: Bringing Animation to Life
Mickey’s Toontown featured several groundbreaking attractions. “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin,” inspired by the movie “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” became a staple of Toontown, offering an innovative ride experience. Gadget’s Go-Coaster, though initially conceived as a Rescue Rangers-themed ride, became a hit with younger visitors, proving that innovative design could create memorable experiences for all ages.
Another crown jewel of Toontown is Mickey’s House, a walkthrough attraction that allowed guests to explore the home of Mickey Mouse himself. This attraction was more than just a house; it was a carefully crafted piece of Disney lore. The house was designed in the American Craftsman style, reflecting the era when Mickey would have theoretically purchased his first home in Hollywood. The attention to detail was meticulous, with over 2000 hand-crafted, custom-built props, ensuring that every corner of the house was brimming with character and charm. Interestingly, the design of Mickey’s House was inspired by a real home in Wichita Falls, making it a unique blend of real-world inspiration and Disney magic.
Mickey’s House also showcased Disney’s commitment to creating interactive and engaging experiences. Guests could make themselves at home, sitting in Mickey’s chair, listening to the radio, and exploring the many mementos and references to Mickey’s animated adventures throughout the years. This approach to attraction design – where storytelling and interactivity merged seamlessly – was a defining characteristic of ToonTown’s success.
Executive Decisions: Shaping ToonTown’s Unique Attractions
The development of Mickey’s Toontown wasn’t just about creative imagination; it was significantly influenced by strategic decisions from Disney executives. One notable input came from Jeffrey Katzenberg, who suggested incorporating a Rescue Rangers-themed ride. This idea was a reflection of the broader Disney strategy to integrate popular contemporary characters and themes into the park, ensuring that the attractions remained relevant and engaging for visitors.
In addition to Katzenberg’s influence, Frank Wells, the then-President of The Walt Disney Company, played a key role in the strategic launch of Toontown’s attractions. His decision to delay the opening of “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin” until a year after Toontown’s debut was a calculated move. It was designed to maintain public interest in the park by offering new experiences over time, thereby giving guests more reasons to return to Disneyland.
These executive decisions highlight the careful planning and foresight that went into making Toontown a dynamic and continuously appealing part of Disneyland. By integrating current trends and strategically planning the rollout of attractions, Disney executives ensured that Toontown would not only capture the hearts of visitors upon its opening but would continue to draw them back for new experiences in the years to follow.
Global Influence: Toontown’s Worldwide Appeal
The concept of Mickey’s Toontown resonated so strongly that it was replicated at Tokyo Disneyland and influenced elements in Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland. Each park’s version of Toontown maintained the core essence of the original while adapting to its cultural and logistical environment.
Evolution and Reimagining: Toontown Today
As we approach the present day, Mickey’s Toontown has recently undergone a significant reimagining to welcome “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway” in 2023. This refurbishment aimed to enhance the land’s interactivity and appeal to a new generation of Disney fans, all while retaining the charm that has made ToonTown a beloved destination for nearly three decades.
Dive Deeper into ToonTown’s Story
Want to know more about Mickey’s Toontown and hear some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, then check out the latest episode of Disney Unpacked on Patreon @JimHillMedia. In this episode, the main Imagineer who worked on the Toontown project shares lots of interesting stories and details that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s full of great information and fun facts, so be sure to give it a listen!
History
Unpacking the History of the Pixar Place Hotel
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
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.
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.
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