Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

When Good Attractions Happen to Bad Movies

Dinosaurs stomping down Main Street U.S.A.?! Giant mechanical sea monsters menacing guests in Tomorrowland’s submarine lagoon?! Jim Hill reveals some of the great Disney theme park shows that we could have gotten … If only the films that they were based on had made a few more bucks.

Published

22 years ago

September 9, 2002

Jim Hill

Katie from Milford, MA. writes:

Jim!
Did you see that “Disney’s Imagineers” special that ran on the Travel Channel last month? I was particularly struck by that “autonomous walking platform” that they showed in the final minutes of the program. As they showed that huge robot lurching about, the show’s narrator said something like “Don’t be surprised if you see a dinosaur walking around during your next visit to a Disney theme park.”
Is this true, Jim? Are the Imagineers really going to turn loose some giant walking robotic dinosaurs and let them walk through the theme parks? If they did … That would be so COOL!!

The truth is, Katie, if Disney’s big Summer 2000 release – the computer animated “Dinosaur” – had been a bigger success, that massive mechanical creature would have been strolling down Main Street U.S.A. months ago.

All too often, this is what happens at WDI: The Imagineers come up with a great idea for a brand new show / ride / attraction that’s based on characters from a forthcoming Disney film. They develop all of these wonderful plans, then patiently sit by & wait for that movie to be released to theaters and prove itself to be a huge success … Only the film ISN’T a huge success. Sometimes it’s an outright flop. Other times, it’s just an under-performer. A would-be blockbuster that barely ends up covering its production and promotional costs.

Either way, Disney Company management suddenly doesn’t want anything more to do with this ill-fated movie. Which is why all talk about spin-off TV shows, direct-to-video sequels and – of course – theme park rides that are based on that movie immediately ceases.

This most recently happened with the company’s Summer 2001 release – “Atlantis: The Lost Empire.” The Imagineers were so certain that the Walt Disney Company had a huge hit on their hands with that film that WDI had already drawn up plans for an “Atlantis” themed attraction that they wanted to quickly drop into Disneyland.

This ride (which was actually supposed to have been a somewhat ambitious retheming of Tomorrowland’s extremely tired “Submarine Voyage”) was supposed to have taken Disneyland visitors down into the depths to visit the graveyard of lost ships. Once there, guests would actually have been able to use a mechanical arm (that extended right out into the water from their sub window) to grab at the gold coins & gems that lined the sea floor.

Of course, all of this undersea activity would have awakened the Leviathan, that massive mechanical lobster-thingy that destroyed the “Ulysses” during “Atlantis: The Lost Empire.” As its giant, crab-like claw closed around the ride vehicle, its sides would bow inward and water from pinhole leaks in the hull would start spritzing the guests inside. (This particular moment in the attraction bring to mind the slogan that the Imagineers had supposedly cooked up for the show: “Don’t waste your breath screaming.”)

How did these Disneyland guests eventually escape the clutches of the Leviathan? Sorry, but that would be telling. Let’s just say that – in spite of the severe shaking that their sub was supposed to have received – that they still made it back to the surface. Unfortunately, most of the booty that the sub’s crew had hauled in with their mechanical arms had been lost during the high speed return trip to the surface. Even so, a few coins did remain in the collection basket…

Which is why – as they exited the sub – each Disneyland guest was to have been handed a genuine plastic coin with the stylized Atlantis “A” stamped on it. To remind them of their fateful trip to the bottom of the sea and their far-too-close encounter with the deadly Leviathan.

Sounds like a fun ride, doesn’t it? WDI sure thought so. The Imagineers were counting on this particular attraction to lift the pall that had fallen over Disneyland’s new Tomorrowland (following the public’s lackluster response to this land’s misbegotten 1998 makeover).

Unfortunately, “Atlantis: The Lost Empire” wasn’t the box office behemoth that Disney had hoped it would be. During its domestic release, the film only pulled in $84 million – which didn’t even cover “A:TLE”‘s negative costs, let alone the ten of millions more that the Mouse had poured into promotion of the picture. Which is why – not wanting to throw good money after bad – Disney executives decided to deep six WDI’s plans to drop an “Atlantis Expedition” attraction into Disneyland’s new Tomorrowland.

Kind of a sad end to the story, right? Wait. It gets sadder. Walt Disney Television Animation also thought that “Atlantis: The Lost Empire” was going to be a huge hit. Which is why they put TWO “Atlantis” follow-up projects into production: A direct-to-video sequel to the film as well as “Team Atlantis.”

What was “Team Atlantis”? “TA” was actually probably the bigger loss of the two projects. Why for? Because “Team Atlantis” was supposed to have been this ambitious animated series that would have heralded a return to epic storytelling by Walt Disney Television Animation. Something that this division of the Walt Disney Company hadn’t attempted since “Gargoyles” stopped production ‘way back in 1996.

So what was the story arc for “Team Atlantis”? Due to events that had occurred during the climax of the direct-to-video sequel to “Atlantis: The Lost Empire,” Milo and Kida were now trapped on the surface. Their return route to Atlantis has somehow been sealed off forever. Which means – in order to return to the “Lost Empire” – Milo & Kida must now travel the globe. With the help of the Shepherd’s Journal as well as their old friends from the Whitmore Expedition, they must seek out a new route back to Atlantis.

“Team Atlantis” story arc – as Disney Television Animation’s writers had mapped it out – would have been ambitious, to say the least. Each episode, Milo and Kida would journey to another far-flung corner of the globe where they would be re-united with Moliere (or Vinnie or Audrey or Mrs. Packard or Dr. Sweet). Then the intrepid explorers would have to deal with some paranormal phenomenon (Be it the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland, the Abominable Snowman in the Himalayas, or strange lights in the night sky over Roswell, New Mexico) as they sought out yet another rumored entrance to the “Lost Empire.”

Now here’s the really sad part of the story … During interviews that she did as part of the pre-opening publicity for “Atlantis: The Lost Empire,” Cree Summer (the actress who provided the voice of Princess Kida) revealed that she and the rest of the “A:TLE” vocal cast (sans Michael J. Fox, who had opted out of the TV series) had already begun recording dialogue for a few episodes of “Team Atlantis.”

Cree described working on the weekly “Atlantis” TV series as “a lot of fun. When you record dialogue for an animated feature, you usually work alone. But – when you’re working on an animated TV series – everybody’s there in the booth at the same time. So it’s a lot more fun. I love the people that I do voice-over work with.”

Unfortunately, within days of this interview, Disney realized that “Atlantis: The Lost Empire” wasn’t going to be the big box office “Wow!” that everyone had thought it would be. Which is why the company quietly shut down production on the “Team Atlantis” TV series.

So does this mean that all those recordings that Cree & Co. made for “Team Atlantis” will now never see the light of day? Actually, no. You see – even though Disney had lost interest in doing a spin-off series based on “Atlantis: The Lost Empire” – the company was still committed to doing a direct-to-video sequel to the film.

But – rather than go ahead with the “A:TLE” sequel that Disney Television Animation had already scripted – Mouse House execs elected to take the two or three episodes of “Team Atlantis” that Cree and Co. had already recorded dialogue for and (With the help of a few additional scenes) pass that off as the direct-to-video sequel to “Atlantis: The Lost Empire.”

Of course, one wonders how the writers at Disney Television Animation are going to explain away Milo & Kinda being trapped on the earth’s surface – unable to return to Atlantis. After all, it was the events that occurred during the climax of the original version of the “Atlantis: The Lost Empire” direct-to-video sequel that lead to up the dire situation that these two found themselves in as the “Team Atlantis” TV series got underway. Now … Who knows how Disney intends to deal with this gaping hole in the plotline?

I guess we’ll all have to wait ’til the direct-to-video sequel to “Atlantis: The Lost Empire” hits store shelves next year to learn how Milo & Kida got themselves in this predicament. More importantly, how they get themselves out.

Of course, “Atlantis: The Lost Empire” wasn’t the only recent animated feature that Disney had high hopes for. The Mouse also allegedly thought that “Dinosaur” had franchise written all over it. Which is why there were reportedly plans in place for WDFA to do at least two “Dinosaur” sequels in the direct-to-video format. (Disney executives reportedly had visions of “Dinosaur” becoming their company’s answer to Universal Studios’ highly lucrative “Land Before Time” series. Which – by the way – Episode No. 9 in the “LBT” series hits store shelves this coming December.)

Anyway … Disney execs supposedly felt that “Dinosaur” was going to be so popular with movie-goers that they forced the Imagineers to fold the starring character from that film – Aladar the iguanodon – into Disney’s Animal Kingdom Big “E” Ticket attraction, “Countdown to Extinction.” Which means that Aladar has been on the job, rescuing WDW guests from that vicious Carnotaur, ever since April 1998. A full 25 months before “Dinosaur” would finally reach theaters.

Of course, to capitalize on what Disney execs felt sure was going to be a huge box office hit, Walt Disney Studio also forced the Imagineers to change “Countdown to Extinction”‘s name on the very same day (May 19, 2000) that “Dinosaur” opened in theaters nationwide. And what was the new name of this Disney’s Animal Kingdom attraction? The not-terribly-original-sounding “Dinosaur – The Ride.”

The only problem was … “Dinosaur” wasn’t really such a monstrous hit. Oh, sure. The film grossed $137 million during its domestic release. But the film reportedly cost an astounding $200 million to make. (In an attempt to get a handle on all the negative publicity that had begun swirling around the film and its high price tag, then Disney studio head Peter Schneider insisted that “Dinosaur” had actually “only” cost $135 million.)

So why didn’t the huge audience that Disney had been expecting turn out for “Dinosaur”? Some pointed to the film’s all-too-predictable storyline. Still others suggest that the Discovery Channel’s “Walking With Dinosaurs” mini-series (Which – just like Disney’s “Dinosaurs” – took computer generated prehistoric beasts and cleverly inserted them into film footage of real scenery) had stolen much of “Dinosaur”‘s thunder. Particularly since “Walking with Dinosaurs” had aired in the US in early April, a full six weeks before “Dinosaur” was due to hit theaters.

Whatever the case … “Dinosaur” had not proven to be as success as Disney executives had hoped it would be. Which is why they began backing off on all plans to fold additional “Dinosaur” related shows and attractions into the Disney theme parks.

Chief among these was Danny Hillis’ “autonomous walking platform.” Which – had it been perfected (More importantly, fully funded) – would have allowed a live sized Aladar, Eema and Baylene to have strolled down Main Street U.S.A. Which – you’ll have to admit – would have made for one hell of an exciting finale for any Disney theme park parade.

But – as I said earlier – “Dinosaur” didn’t make all the kind of money that Disney had thought it should. Which is why studio execs decided to cut funding for any direct-to-video sequels to the film as well as any additional theme park attractions that were tied to the “Dinosaur” mythology.

Of course, when Mr. Hillis heard about this, he immediately opted to bail out of WDI’s R & D department. I mean, what was the point of hanging out in Glendale if Disney wasn’t going to get serious about going forward with something as ground-breaking and amazing as the “autonomous moving platform.” (For those of you who’d like to learn more about what’s involved with this cutting edge development, check out this article from the March 2001 edition of “Discover” Magazine – “Pushing the Envelope on Robots” – by following this link.)

Mind you, even though “Dinosaur” tanked, the Imagineers still had hopes that – if the right film were to come along – that they’d still be able to find a logical way to fold the “autonomous walking platform” technology into one of the company’s theme park setting. For a while there earlier this year, WDI had thought that “Reign of Fire” might be that movie. Given that that Touchstone Picture featured fire breathing dragons, the Imagineers felt that it really wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to take the robotic skeleton that had been built as the core component of a full-size walking, roaring dinosaur and use it to build a fire breathing dragon.

But then – of course – “Reign of Fire” got snuffed out at the box office this summer and … Well, you know the rest of the drill by now, don’t you?

Jeese …This is a really depressing way to end this story, isn’t it? Okay, how’s about I try to find a happier way to wrap this article up?

How’s about this exciting tidbit? … Those of you who also saw the “autonomous walking platform” sequence in the Travel Channel’s “Disney’s Imagineers” TV special may recall catching a glimpse of a miniature Cinderella’s Castle that seemed alive with color. This castle was plainly visible behind Eric Haseltine (Executive vice president in charge of research & development at Walt Disney Imagineering), as Haseltine spoke enthusiastically about how much fun it was to work at WDI.

So, what’s the deal with that castle? Well, those fluid color changes come as a direct result of all the fiber optics that had been installed in that miniature version of Cinderella’s Castle. This model was a test for … Well, I don’t really want to spoil the whole surprise. But let’s just say that Hong Kong Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle will seem that much more magical after dark.

More to the point, provided that Cynthia Harris can actually get Disney Company management to approve the funding, the original Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at Disneyland may take on an extra special sheen after dark too during its 50th anniversary year … But you didn’t hear this from me.

There. Is that a better ending?

Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Disney and Macy’s 90-Year Thanksgiving Day Parade Partnership: From Mickey’s First Balloon to Minnie’s Big Debut

Published

1 week ago

November 15, 2024

Jim Hill

Now, folks, if you’re like me, Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be the same without a coffee, a cozy seat, and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on the TV. And if you’re really like me, you’re watching for one thing: Disney balloons floating down 34th Street. Ever wondered how Mickey, Donald, and soon Minnie Mouse found their way into this beloved New York tradition? Well, grab your popcorn because we’re diving into nearly 90 years of Disney’s partnership with Macy’s.

The Very First Parade and the Early Days of Balloons

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade goes way back to 1924, but if you can believe it, balloons weren’t part of the festivities until 1927. That first lineup included Felix the Cat, a dragon, and a toy soldier, all towering above the crowds. Back then, Macy’s had a pretty wild idea to end the parade: they would let the balloons drift off into the sky, free as birds. But this wasn’t just Macy’s feeling generous. Each balloon had a message attached, offering a $100 reward (about $1,800 in today’s dollars) for anyone who returned it to the flagship store on 34th Street.

And here’s where it gets interesting. This tradition carried on for a few years, right up until 1932, when Felix the Cat almost took down a plane flying over New York City! Imagine that—you’re flying into LaGuardia, and suddenly, there’s a 60-foot balloon drifting toward your wing. Needless to say, that was the end of Macy’s “fly away” stunt, and from then on, the balloons have stayed firmly grounded after the parade ends.

1934: Mickey Mouse Floats In, and Disney Joins the Parade

It was 1934 when Mickey Mouse finally made his grand debut in the Macy’s parade. Rumor has it Walt Disney himself collaborated with Macy’s on the design, and by today’s standards, that first Mickey balloon was a bit of a rough cut. This early Mickey had a hotdog-shaped body, and those oversized ears gave him a slightly lopsided look. But no one seemed to mind. Mickey was there, larger than life, floating down the streets of New York, and the crowd loved him.

Mickey wasn’t alone that year. He was joined by Pluto, Horace Horsecollar, and even the Big Bad Wolf and Practical Pig from The Three Little Pigs, making it a full Disney lineup for the first time. Back then, Disney wasn’t yet the entertainment powerhouse we know today, so for Walt, getting these characters in the parade meant making a deal. Macy’s required its star logo to be featured on each Disney balloon—a small concession that set the stage for Disney’s long-standing presence in the parade.

Donald Duck in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade – Donaldism

Duck Joins and Towers Over Mickey

A year later, in 1935, Macy’s introduced Donald Duck to the lineup, and here’s where things got interesting. Mickey may have been the first Disney character to float through the parade, but Donald made a huge splash—literally. His balloon was an enormous 60 feet tall and 65 feet long, towering over Mickey’s 40-foot frame. Donald quickly became a fan favorite, appearing in the lineup for several years before being retired.

Fast-forward a few decades, and Donald was back for a special appearance in 1984 to celebrate his 50th birthday. Macy’s dug the balloon out of storage, re-inflated it, and sent Donald down 34th Street once again, bringing a bit of nostalgia to the holiday crowd.

A Somber Parade in 2001

Now, one of my most memorable trips to the parade was in 2001, just weeks after the 9/11 attacks. Nancy and I, along with our friends, headed down to New York, and the mood was something I’ll never forget. We watched the start of the parade from Central Park West, but before that, we went to the Museum of Natural History the night before to see the balloons being inflated. They were covered in massive cargo nets, with sandbags holding them down. It’s surreal to see these enormous balloons anchored down before they’re set free.

That year, security was intense, with police lining the streets, and then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani rode on the Big Apple float to roaring applause. People cheered his name, waving and shouting as he passed. It felt like the entire city had turned out to show their resilience. Even amidst all the heightened security and tension, seeing those balloons—brought a bit of joy back to the city.

Balloon Prep: From New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium to California’s D23 Expo

Each year before the parade, Macy’s holds a rehearsal event known as Balloon Fest at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This is where handlers get their first crack at guiding the balloons, practicing with their parade masters, and learning the ropes—literally. It’s an entire production unto itself, with dozens of people rehearsing to make sure these enormous inflatables glide smoothly down the streets of New York on parade day.

In 2015, Macy’s took the balloon show on the road, bringing their Buzz Lightyear balloon out to California for the D23 Expo. I was lucky enough to be there, and watching Buzz get inflated piece by piece in the Anaheim Convention Center parking lot was something to behold. Each section was filled with helium in stages, and when they got around to Buzz’s lower half, well, there were more than a few gas-related jokes from the crowd.

These balloons seem to have a personality all their own, and seeing one like Buzz come to life up close—even outside of New York—had all the excitement and anticipation of the real deal.

Mickey’s Comeback as a Bandleader and Sailor Mickey

After a long hiatus, Mickey Mouse made his return to the Macy’s parade in 2000, this time sporting a new bandleader outfit. Nine years later, in 2009, Sailor Mickey joined the lineup, promoting Disney Cruise Line with a nautical twist. Over the past two decades, Disney has continued to enchant parade-goers with characters like Buzz Lightyear in 2008 and Olaf from Frozen in 2017. These balloons keep Disney’s iconic characters front and center, drawing in both longtime fans and new viewers.

But ever wonder what happens to the balloons after they reach the end of 34th Street? They don’t just disappear. Each balloon is carefully deflated, rolled up like a massive piece of laundry, and packed into storage bins. From there, they’re carted back through the Lincoln Tunnel to Macy’s Parade Studio in New Jersey, where they await their next flight.

Macy’s Disney Celebration at Hollywood Studios

In 1992, Macy’s took the spirit of the parade down to Disney-MGM Studios in Orlando. After that year’s parade, several balloons—including Santa Goofy, Kermit the Frog, and Betty Boop—were transported to Hollywood Studios, re-inflated, and anchored along New York Street as part of a holiday display. Visitors could walk through this “Macy’s New York Christmas” setup and see the balloons up close, right in the middle of the park. While this display only ran for one season, it paved the way for the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, which became a holiday staple at the park for years to come.

Minnie Mouse’s Long-Awaited Debut in 2024

This year, Minnie Mouse will finally join the parade, making her long-overdue debut. Macy’s is rolling out the red carpet for Minnie’s arrival with special pop-up shops across the country, where fans can find exclusive Minnie ears, blown-glass ornaments, T-shirts, and more to celebrate her first appearance in the Thanksgiving Day Parade.

For those lucky enough to catch the parade this year, you’ll see Minnie take her first float down 34th Street, decked out in her iconic red bow and polka-dot dress. Macy’s and Disney are also unveiling a new Disney Cruise Line float honoring all eight ships, including the latest, the Disney Treasure.

As always, I’ll be watching from my favorite chair, coffee in hand, as Minnie makes her grand entrance. The 98th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade airs live on NBC, and it’s a tradition you won’t want to miss—whether you’re on 34th Street or tuning in from home.

Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Disney’s Forgotten Halloween Event: The Original Little Monsters on Main Street

Published

2 months ago

September 22, 2024

Jim Hill

When most Disney fans think of Halloween in the parks, they immediately picture Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World or the Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland Resort. But before those events took over as the must-attend spooky celebrations, there was a little-known event at Disneyland called Little Monsters on Main Street. And its origins? Well, they go all the way back to the 1980s, during a time when America was gripped by fear—the Satanic Panic.

You see, back in the mid-1980s, parents were terrified that Halloween had become dangerous. Urban legends about drug-laced candy or razor blades hidden in apples were widespread, and many parents felt they couldn’t let their kids out of sight for even a moment. Halloween, which was once a carefree evening of trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, had suddenly become a night filled with anxiety.

This is where Disneyland’s Little Monsters on Main Street came in.

The Origins of Little Monsters on Main Street

Back in 1989, the Disneyland Community Action Team—later known as the VoluntEARS—decided to create a safe, nostalgic Halloween experience for Cast Members and their families. Many schools in the Anaheim area were struggling to provide basic school supplies to students, and the VoluntEARS saw an opportunity to combine a safe Halloween with a charitable cause. Thus, Little Monsters on Main Street was born.

This event was not open to the general public. Only Disneyland Cast Members could purchase tickets, which were initially priced at just $5 each. Cast Members could bring their kids—but only as many as were listed as dependents with HR. And even then, the park put a cap on attendance: the first event was limited to just 1,000 children.

A Unique Halloween Experience

Little Monsters on Main Street wasn’t just another Halloween party. It was designed to give kids a safe, fun environment to enjoy trick-or-treating, much like the good old days. On Halloween night in 1989, kids in costume wandered through Disneyland with their pillowcases, visiting 20 different trick-or-treat stations. They also had the chance to ride a few of their favorite Fantasyland attractions, all after the park had closed to the general public.

The event was run entirely by the VoluntEARS—about 200 of them—who built and set up all the trick-or-treat stations themselves. They arrived at Disneyland before the park closed and, as soon as the last guest exited, they began setting up stations across Main Street, Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. The event ran from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., and by the time the last pillowcase-wielding kid left, the VoluntEARS cleaned everything up, making sure the park was ready for the next day’s operations.

It wasn’t just candy and rides, though. The event featured unique entertainment, like a Masquerade Parade down Main Street, U.S.A., where kids could show off their costumes. And get this—Disneyland even rigged up a Cast Member dressed as a witch to fly from the top of the Matterhorn to Frontierland on the same wire that Tinker Bell uses during the fireworks. Talk about a magical Halloween experience!

The Haunted Mansion “Tip-Toe” Tour

Perhaps one of the most memorable parts of Little Monsters on Main Street was the special “tip-toe tour” of the Haunted Mansion. Now, Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion can be a pretty scary attraction for younger kids, so during this event, Disney left the doors to the Stretching Room and Portrait Gallery wide open. This allowed kids to walk through and peek at the Haunted Mansion’s spooky interiors without actually having to board the Doom Buggies. For those brave enough to ride, they could, of course, take the full trip through the Haunted Mansion—or they could take the “chicken exit” and leave, no harm done.

Growing Success and a Bigger Event

Thanks to the event’s early success, Little Monsters on Main Street grew in size. By 1991, the attendance cap had been raised to 2,000 kids, and Disneyland added more activities like magic shows and hayrides. They also extended the event’s hours, allowing kids to enjoy the festivities until 10:30 p.m.

In 2002, the event moved over to Disney California Adventure, where it could accommodate even more kids—up to 5,000 in its later years. The name was also shortened to just Little Monsters, since it was no longer held on Main Street. This safe, family-friendly Halloween event continued for several more years, with the last mention of Little Monsters appearing in the Disneyland employee newsletter in 2008. Though some Cast Members recall the event continuing until 2012, it eventually made way for Disney’s more public-facing Halloween events.

From Little Monsters to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary and Oogie Boogie Bash

Starting in the early 2000s, Disney began realizing the potential of Halloween-themed after-hours events for the general public. These early versions of Mickey’s Halloween Party and Mickey’s Halloween Treat eventually evolved into today’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Oogie Boogie Bash. Unfortunately, this also marked the end of the intimate, Cast Member-exclusive Little Monsters event, but it paved the way for the large-scale Halloween celebrations we know and love today.

While it’s bittersweet to see Little Monsters on Main Street fade into Disney history, its legacy lives on through these modern Halloween parties. And even though Cast Members now receive discounted tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary and Oogie Boogie Bash, the special charm of an event created specifically for Disney’s employees and their families remains something worth remembering.

**The Merch: A Piece of Little Monsters History**

For Disney collectors, the exclusive merchandise created for Little Monsters on Main Street is still out there. You can find pins, name tags, and themed pillowcases on sites like eBay. One of the coolest collectibles is a 1997 cloisonné pin set featuring Huey, Dewey, and Louie dressed as characters from Hercules. Other sets paid tribute to the Main Street Electrical Parade and Pocahontas, while the pillowcases were uniquely designed for each year of the event.

While Little Monsters on Main Street may be gone, it’s a fascinating piece of Disneyland history that played a huge role in shaping the Halloween celebrations we enjoy at Disney parks today.

Want to hear more behind-the-scenes stories like this? Be sure to check out I Want That Too, where Lauren and I dive deep into the history behind Disney’s most beloved attractions, events, and of course, merchandise!

Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

The Story of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: From One Night to a Halloween Family Tradition

Published

3 months ago

September 7, 2024

Jim Hill

The spooky season is already in full swing at Disney parks on both coasts. On August 9th, the first of 38 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) nights for 2024 kicked off at Florida’s Magic Kingdom. Meanwhile, over at Disney California Adventure, the Oogie Boogie Bash began on August 23rd and is completely sold out across its 27 dates this year.

Looking back, it’s incredible to think about how these Halloween-themed events have grown. But for Disney, the idea of charging guests for Halloween fun wasn’t always a given. In fact, when the very first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party debuted on October 31, 1995, it was a modest one-night-only affair. Compare that to the near month-long festivities we see today, and it’s clear that Disney’s approach to Halloween has evolved considerably.

A Not-So-Scary Beginning

I was fortunate enough to attend that very first MNSSHP back in 1995, along with my then 18-month-old daughter Alice and her mom, Michelle. Tickets were a mere $16.95 (I know, can you imagine?), and we pushed Alice around in her sturdy Emmaljunga stroller—Swedish-built and about the size of a small car. Cast Members, charmed by her cuteness, absolutely loaded us up with candy. By the end of the night, we had about 30 pounds of fun-sized candy bars, making that push up to the monorail a bit more challenging.

Mickey’s Halloween Treat 1996 – Photo: Disney

This Halloween event was Disney’s response to the growing popularity of Universal Studios Florida’s own Halloween hard ticket event, which started in 1991 as “Fright Nights” before being rebranded as “Halloween Horror Nights” the following year. Universal’s gamble on a horror-themed experience helped salvage what had been a shaky opening for their park, and by 1993, Halloween Horror Nights was a seven-night event, with ticket prices climbing as high as $35. Universal had stumbled upon a goldmine, and Disney took notice.

A Different Approach

Now, here’s where Disney’s unique strategy comes into play. While Universal embraced the gory, scare-filled world of horror, Disney knew that wasn’t their brand. Instead of competing directly with blood and jump-scares, Disney leaned into what they did best: creating magical, family-friendly experiences.

Thus, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party was born. The focus was on fun and whimsy, not fear. Families could bring their small children without worrying about them being terrified by a chainsaw-wielding maniac around the next corner. This event wasn’t just a Halloween party—it was an extension of the Disney magic that guests had come to expect from the parks.

Disney had some experience with seasonal after-hours events, most notably Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which had started in 1983. But the Halloween party was different, as the Magic Kingdom wasn’t yet decked out in Halloween decor the way it is today. Disney had to create a spooky (but not too spooky) atmosphere using temporary props, fog machines, and, of course, lots of candy.

A key addition to that first event? The debut of the Headless Horseman, who made his eerie appearance in Liberty Square, riding a massive black Percheron. It wasn’t as elaborate as the Boo-to-You Parade we see today, but it marked the beginning of a beloved Disney Halloween tradition.

A Modest Start but a Big Future

That first MNSSHP in 1995 was seen as a trial run. As Disney World spokesman Greg Albrecht told the Orlando Sentinel, “If it’s successful, we’ll do it again.” And while attendance was sparse that night, there was clearly potential. By 1997, the event expanded to two nights, and by 1999, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party had grown into a multi-night celebration with a full-fledged parade. Today, in 2024, it’s a staple of the fall season at Walt Disney World, offering 38 nights of trick-or-treating, character meet-and-greets, and special entertainment.

Universal’s Influence

It’s interesting to reflect on how Disney’s Halloween event might never have existed without the competition from Universal. Just as “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” forced Disney to step up their game with “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge,” Universal’s success with Halloween Horror Nights likely spurred Disney into action with MNSSHP. The friendly rivalry between the two parks has continually pushed both to offer more to their guests, and we’re all better off because of it.

So the next time you find yourself trick-or-treating through the Magic Kingdom, watching the Headless Horseman gallop by, or marveling at the seasonal fireworks, take a moment to appreciate how this delightful tradition came to be—all thanks to a little competition and Disney’s commitment to creating not-so-scary magic.

For more Disney history and behind-the-scenes stories, check out the latest episodes of the I Want That Too podcast on the Jim Hill Media network.