Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

What do you get when you combine Disneyland’s “it’s a small world” with Sleeping Beauty Castle?

Published

12 years ago

October 29, 2012

They say that a man's home is his castle. Well, tonight, my
castle is under siege. The wind field associated with Hurricane Sandy has
already made its way up to New Hampshire, sending wind gusts of 50 – 55 MPH
whistling through the trees. Which means that Nancy and I have already
experienced a number of brown-outs & power glitches over the course of the
day.

Which is why — with the hope that I'll actually be able to
post this piece on JHM before the power at our place finally officially cuts
out — let's get to that castle-related Why For question which Dale K. sent me
late last week:

Have you seen that "Crowning Achievements: Creating
Castles for Magic Kingdoms" show which is now being presented at the
Disney Gallery at Disneyland Park? There's this concept painting for the castle
at Hong Kong Disneyland that Imagineer Karen Armitage painted which absolutely
fascinates me.

The description of this painting says:

"Karen's concept for the Hong Kong Disneyland castle appears
to have numerous sources of inspiration, including the popular Disney
attraction "it's a small world," La Chateau de la Belle au Bois
Dormant at Disneyland Paris, and the classic animated film Sleeping Beauty."

But if you actually look closely at this concept painting,
you can clearly see that not only is Armitage's version of the Hong Kong
Disneyland castle covered with those two dimensional flats which you find on
the exterior of Disneyland Park's
version of "it's a small world" …

… but there appear to be "small world" -style
boats floating through this castle. So what exactly was the original plan here?
Was the Hong Kong Disneyland castle supposed to have housed some sort of
"small world" -like ride?

Dear Dale K.

To answer your question … The Imagineers looked at a lot
of ideas while they were trying to get a handle on what to do with Hong Kong
Disneyland. In a June 2007 interview
with the San Luis Obispo Tribune, Karen talked about the challenges that WDI
faced on that particular project. Which — given that this theme park was designed in the wake of Disneyland Paris'
near financial meltdown …

We were encouraged to continue to think outside the box but
make sure (that this theme park) did not cost money.

More to the point, almost since Walt first insisted that a
fairy tale castle be built at the end of Main Street, U.S.A. at the original
Disneyland Park, the Imagineers have struggled to come up with suitable
occupants for these structures. Which is why Snow White
Castle was basically an
empty shell from July 1955 to April 1957 until WED installed the Sleeping
Beauty Castle Walkthrough attraction on the second floor of this building.

And — yes — I said "Snow White Castle." Back
when the Happiest Place on Earth was originally designed, Walt — as he was showing
people his plans for this theme park and/or walking visitors around the
Disneyland work site — would always refer to the iconic structure at the end
of Main Street, U.S.A. as Snow White Castle.

Mind you, that's not what the blueprints said. If you look
close at the image above, you'll see that this iconic Disneyland structure was
just designated as "Castle." Not Snow White Castle or Sleeping Beauty
Castle. Just "Castle."

Anyway … Whenever
Walt was telling someone like super-powerful Hollywood gossip columnist Louella
Parsons about Disneyland in 1953 & 1954, he'd always refer to the building
at the top of the Hub as Snow White Castle. It was only in the weeks leading up
to Disneyland's grand opening that Walt (for some reason) seemed to suddenly back
away from the idea of tying his Castle to one specific Disney Princess. Which
is why — during ABC's live broadcast of the opening of this theme park — that
knight rides up to the drawbridge and then proclaims:

"Open the Fantasyland Castle in the name of the
children of the world!"

Now jump ahead to 1956. And Disney's animated version of "Sleeping
Beauty" has already been in production for five years at this point. More
to the point, the Company had already poured $3 million into this Technirama
widescreen production and it'll still be at least two years before
"Sleeping Beauty" could finally open in theaters. With the hope that a
little additional publicity might help build interest in this very expensive /
labor intensive animated feature, Walt decried that the Fantasyland Castle would now be called Sleeping Beauty Castle and
that the second floor of this building would feature a walk-through hyping this
soon-to-be-released animated feature.

Mind you, given that Walt had the Snow White Grotto &
Wishing Well installed on the west side of Sleeping Beauty in 1961 … Well, it's fairly
obvious that the Old Mousetro was of two minds when it came to which Disney
Princess was the real ruler of this castle.

That said, let's remember that Cinderella Castle at WDW's
Magic Kingdom was also somewhat schizophrenic
when it opened back in October of 1971. Given that the building itself
was named after Cinderella while King Stefan's Banquet Hall, the elegant
restaurant upstairs, was named after Sleeping Beauty's father. It wasn't 'til
1997 that the Imagineers finally got around to correcting this continuity error
by renamed King Stefan's Banquet Hall Cinderella's Royal Table.

Which brings us back to the Imagineers' continuing issues
when it comes to the interior space in the castles at Disney's theme parks. But
no matter what they tried, be it the Cinderella Castle Mystery Tour at Tokyo
Disneyland Park …

… or La Tanière du Dragon underneath Le Château de la
Belle au Bois Dormant …

… never quite worked the way the Wizards of WED had hoped.
And by that I mean: These three walk-thru attractions and this sit-down
restaurant never had all that great an hourly capacity because they were
crammed into such tight spaces that — because of all the stairs involved —
these facilities weren't all that ADA compliant.

Which is why — when the Imagineers were trying to stretch
Hong Kong Disneyland's construction budget as far as they possibly could in the
late 1990s & couldn't figure out how to afford both Sleeping Beauty Castle
AND "it's a small world" — someone remembered those Swan Boats which
used to cruise through that canal which circled the Hub at WDW's Magic Kingdom.

Mind you, the Imagineers had once planned on installing some
show scenes along the banks of that canal (in much the same way that Walt transformed
Disneyland's "Canal Boats of the World" ride into the "Storybook
Land Canal Boats" ride in 1956 by adding miniature recreations of the
settings from Cinderella, Pinocchio and Peter Pan to the sides of the river
bank) as part of the Magic Kingdom's Phase One. But given the serious cost
over-runs that the Company incurred during the initial construction of the Walt
Disney World Resort (once projected to cost just $100 million, by October of
1971, the Company had already spent $400
million on WDW's construction), that proposed Swan Boats upgrade quickly fell
by the wayside.

Which isn't to say that the Imagineers ever forgot about this
concept. Karen Armitage and her crew wondered: What might happen if they
borrowed a page from Reese's you-got-peanut-butter-on-my-chocolate formula and then
crammed "it's a small world" into Hong Kong Disneyland's castle?

As you can see by the size of the "Once Upon a
Time" show building at the very top of this Disneyland Asia site plan
(which Imagineer Don Carson designed back in October of 1997), this version of
Hong Kong Disneyland castle could have easily contained a float-through
attraction the size of "it's a small world."

But in the end, it was Michael Eisner who supposedly put the
kibosh on building this revisionist version of a Disney theme park castle. The
way I hear it, Michael was worried that if Hong Kong Disneyland featured a
castle that was basically constructed out of two dimensional flats a la the
exterior of Disneyland Park's "it's a small world" … Well, that might
then send the message to the people of Hong Kong that HKDL had been built on
the cheap. Which really wasn't the message that Eisner was looking to send the
Chinese people.

Which is why Hong Kong Disneyland basically wound with a
clone of the Snow White Castle / Fantasyland Castle / Sleeping Beauty Castle
that the original Disneyland Park in Anaheim got. But that said … Well, you
know how the Imagineers never really like to give up on what they think is a
good idea?

So have you taken a good close look at the concept art for Shanghai Disneyland?

Here. This is an image capture of a cut-away version of that
theme park's Fantastic Fairytale Castle (or — if you'd prefer — the other
name that the Imagineers have been using for Shanghai Disneyland's central
structure, Storybook Castle). Pay particularly close attention to that blue
section in the bottom right hand portion of this image. Do you see those two
boat-like ride vehicles?

So while you may have missed out on your chance to
experience "it's a small world" inside of Hong Kong Disneyland
castle, Dale K., if you can just hang in there 'til 2016, you may yet get a
chance to see what it's like to float through a Fantasyland icon. Where — according to the official description of the finale of this Shanghai Disneyland attraction — " … in a secret chamber beneath the castle, fountains of light (will) leap in dance in shimmering pools, surrounding (your) boat with magic, music and color."

Your thoughts?

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.