Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Universal Orlando has the tech it takes to make “Skull Island: Reign of Kong” trackless

Published

8 years ago

March 15, 2016

When Universal Studios Florida first opened its doors in June of 1990, the way they wowed theme park goers was with an animatronic E.T. Who — thanks to the 5800 names this mechanical alien had in his data base — could greet most people by name. Not to mention that 39 foot-tall animatronic King Kong. Who — thanks to his 54 foot arm span — could reach right out into “Kongfrontation” ‘s ride path and then send a tramload of tourists hurtling toward the ground.

“Mind you, that was over 25 years ago,” said Steve Blum, the Senior Vice President of Engineering & Safety at Universal Creative. “And while the technology that we used to power ‘Kongfrontation’ was — for its time — cutting edge, these days you have more computing power in your iPhone than we had in that entire show building back in 1990.”

Right from the beginning, that was Universal’s goal with its Florida theme parks. Create ground-breaking attractions which really pushed the boundaries when it came to technology. Place their guests right in the middle of their favorite movies & stories and then give these folks a visceral yet intimate experience.

It was with the May 1991 opening of “Back to the Future – The Ride” that Universal Creative showed how far they were willing to go to deliver a genuinely intimate ride experience to its guests. Rather than do what Disney had done with its first motion-based simulator attraction (i.e., 1989’s “Star Tours.” Which crammed upwards of 40 guests in the cabin of each Starspeeder), Universal decided to create a ride vehicle that looked just like the Delorean featured in that Robert Zemeckis movie which then sat 8 passengers.

Of course, just like every other theme park attraction on the planet, “Back to the Future – The Ride” had to be able to entertain a huge number of guests every hour in order to be considered an operational success. Universal Creative was able to achieve this goal using these seemingly low capacity ride vehicles by first building two Omnimax domes inside of a huge show building. And then — inside of each of these two domes (on which concave surface the “BTTF-TR” ride film would be screened) — they placed 12 different 8 passenger Deloreans.

“We configured these ride vehicles in such a way — on three different levels, four Deloreans per level — inside of each of these projection domes that the guests really couldn’t see the other cars. From their point of view, they were the only ones having this experience,” explained Thierry Coup, Senior Vice President of Universal Creative. “Using our motion-based technology in this manner not only allowed us to add a high capacity thrill ride to Universal Studios Florida, it also gave our guests a ride experience that was both intimate & visceral.”

More to the point, Universal Creative has made use of the advances in in-park effects and ride control systems that have been made over the past 25 years in order to make its theme park attractions seems that much more immersive & exciting.

“It kind of blows my mind when I look back at how far we’ve come just in the past 20 years. I mean, back in April of 1996 — when we first opened ‘T2-3D: Battle Across Time’ — it was a very big deal that we were able to send a trained stuntman riding on a mechanical motorcycle seamlessly through a movie screen every 30 minutes or so,” Blum recalled. “That was a very tough effect to pull off at that time. But these days on our ‘Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts’ attraction, we give our guests almost the exact same experience. We seamlessly send them through a screen aboard this mine cart that’s being pulled by a dragon. And we do that for a new group of guests every 32 seconds.”

Speaking of The Boy Who Lived, it was with the June 2010 opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade that people really began to sit up & take notice of Universal’s innovative use of technology. Though those who were dazzled by all those flying benches that were whizzing through the halls of Hogwarts castle may have missed some of the biggest challenges that Universal Creative faced on this project.

“Looking back on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I’d have to say that the biggest challenge we faced on that project was how do you bring all of that magic to life. I mean, when it comes to doing magic in the movies, recreating what J.K. Rowling had described in the ‘Harry Potter’ books, the filmmakers could always fall back on CG or cuts. Whereas what we had to do was turn Hogwarts castle & Hogsmeade Village into these physical places that you could actually visit. Where all this magic then had to happen right in front of your eyes,” Thierry said.

“So a lot of seemingly small things, these little touches in ‘Forbidden Journey’ ‘s pre-show like those moving portraits, they took a lot of development. We actually had to create the technology which was used to make those portraits look like moving paintings,” Coup continued. “There’s a whole portfolio of patents that Universal filed just with the creation of this attraction.”

And speaking of patents, there are sure to be a few dozen more filed by the time “Skull Island: Reign of Kong” opens its doors later this summer.

“And what’s so technologically innovative about the soon-to-open Universal’s Islands of Adventure attraction?,” you ask. Well, let’s start with the “Skull Island” ride vehicle. Which — just like Kong — is a true behemoth.

Weighing 17 tons each, the five expedition trucks that will roll through this 3 million cubic foot show building are genuinely massive. Standing 13 feet tall, these 40 foot-long ride vehicles can carry 72 passengers at a time.

“And the best part is — thanks to the pre-visualization technology that we can now use while we’re designing new rides for the parks — we were able, prior to the actual construction of these expedition trucks, to virtually sit in every seat of this ride vehicle. That way, we were able to make sure that every guest who climbs aboard one of these expedition trucks gets a great view of the action,” Blum enthused.

And what sort of action should Universal Orlando visitors anticipate once their ride vehicle rolls past that 80 foot-tall wall which is supposed to contain all of Skull Island’s prehistoric inhabitants? Mike West — the executive producer of “Skull Island: Reign of Kong” — stressed that this multi-sensory, multi-dimensional experience is a very different animal from any of the “Kong” -based attractions Universal Creative has produced.

“Previously, we took Kong away from Skull Island and brought him into our world. Well, with ‘Reign of Kong,’ we’re bringing our guests to Skull Island. Their entire experience takes place in Kong’s neighborhood,” West said. “This story actually takes place before the events in the ‘King Kong’ movie. The expedition that our guests will be going on has actually beaten Carl Denham and his team to Skull Island. So they’ll really be the first to experience the wonders & the terrors that can be found behind that massive wall.”

And then — when you factor in that “Skull Island: Reign of Kong” will be the first time that a trackless ride system has been used in a Universal theme park (More to the point, no one in the themed entertainment industry has ever attempted to do a trackless vehicle of this size before) — Universal Orlando’s tradition of using cutting edge technology to provide its guests with genuinely immersive experiences just keeps going & going.

And the best part is that it’s not just the new rides that get to make use of all this bleeding edge tech. Even opening day attractions like the “E.T. Adventure” get regular upgrades. Take — for example — the new software package that was just installed which now allows this animatronic alien that’s found at the end of the ride to finally move beyond the 5800 names E.T. was previously allowed to say.

More to the point, those state-of-the-art digital projectors which are now being installed in “The Simpsons Ride” (which replaced “Back to the Future – The Ride” back in May of 2008) that will give guests a far clearer picture of what Krustyland looks like.

“When we first opened Universal Studios Florida back in June of 1990, the catchphrase that was associated with this theme park was ‘Ride the Movies,’ ” Coup said. “Well, these days, thanks to all the cutting edge technology we use here at the parks, we no longer limit our guests to just riding their favorite films. They can now live them. We can place them inside of immersive environments like Diagon Alley.”

“And that’s all because there’s no hesitation or trepidation at this company when it comes to deploying technology in order to deliver on some story point,” Blum concluded.

This article was originally posted on the Huffington Post’s Entertainment page on March 15, 2016

For more info checkout “Behind the Scenes at Reign of Kong and Diagon Alley” Disney Dish podcast here.

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.