Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

Why For was the Excavator never built at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park?

Published

13 years ago

November 10, 2011

Fluffy-Not-Fat sent me a new Why For question earlier this
week, saying:

As a longtime fan, it’s great that you’ve begun writing
theme park history stories again. Those stories were always my favorite part of
your site.

So now that I’ve kissed your butt a little, I was wondering if you’d take a
request: I’m a coaster enthusiast. And I’d love to see a story on JHM about the
coaster which was supposed to be one of Dinoland U.S.A.’s opening day attractions
that never got built.

Please note the roller coaster that looms in the background of this piece of concept art
for Dinoland, U.S.A.’s Boneyard kiddie play-and-exploration area. Copyright Disney
Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved

You’re asking about the Excavator. Which according to the
initial marketing study for Disney’s Animal Kingdom (which The Walt Disney
Company did back in the Summer of 1993) was supposed to be …

… a rollicking coaster ride through a section of the dig
supposedly too dangerous to enter. Somehow, we’ve gotten in and are having a
real good time.

So how would the Excavator have fit in at DAK? Well, you
have to understand that Dinoland U.S.A. has a very specific backstory.
According to the mythology that the Imagineers created for this Animal Kingdom “land,”
this part of the park started out life as the site of a sand and gravel
company. And Chester and Hester’s was just the local gas station which used to
service & fuel up all of the trucks and heavy equipment that would then
rumble in & out of this worksite.

In the center of this Dinoland U.S.A. concept painting, please note the red backhoe which
has a massive dinosaur bone dangling from it. This is the archaelogical discovery that
set this area’s transformation from sand-and-gravel pit to paleontological playground
into motion. Copyright Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved

But then one day, as a backhoe is digging up sand to load into
the back of a dump truck, the workmen uncovered this massive dinosaur bone. So
they called in the scientists. Who then discovered that – just below the
surface of this huge sand & gravel pit – is the archaeological find of the
century. An area that’s just loaded with all of these perfectly preserved fossils.

So the wealthy benefactor for a local college immediately
swoops in and buys up this sand & gravel pit – lock, stock and T-Rex bones.
And he then turns what used to be this sand pit’s on-site field offices (i.e.
where the workmen used to go change & shower after a sweaty day of hauling
gravel. More importantly, where the employee cafeteria was located) into a dorm
for the students of that college’s paleontology department. Who will now spend
their summers working this newly-discovered dig.

And if you’re really paying attention as you walk by
Restaurantosaurus, you can see ample evidence of these crazy college students.
From that pyramid of beer cans which has been built right next to those chairs which have been set out on this building’s roof to those piles of shoes,
clothes and underwear which have been placed down by the shore of Discovery River
(which is supposed to suggest that these kids have gone skinny-dipping), it’s
clear that a group of hard-working, hormone-crazed university students are now
calling this place home. At least for the summer.

“And what of Chester & Hester?,” you ask. Well, since
they could no longer rely on selling fuel to all of the trucks that used to trundle
in & out of this sand pit (not to mention selling gas & oil to all the
hard-working men who used to haul gravel here), Chester & Hester had to
kind of reinvent themselves. And since this former sand & gravel pit is now
a world-famous archaeological site … Well, they’re getting lots of looky-loos
lately. Tourists driving out to see if they can spot any dinosaur bones and
then going away disappointed, because (according the backstory that the
Imagineers have put together for Dinoland, U.S.A. ) this site is now closed to
the public.

Sensing that there’s money to be made here if they just give
the tourists what they wants, Chester & Hester transform their remote gas
station into this dinosaur-themed roadside attraction.

“And where does the Dino Institute fit into Dinoland, U.S.A.’s
overall story?,” you query. Well, that same wealthy benefactor who initially
bought this sand & gravel pit for that unnamed university then became
obsessed with the central mystery of this amazing archaeological site. As in:
Why is it that so many perfectly preserved dinosaur skeletons can be found in
this one spot? What exactly happened here millions & millions of years ago?

And the only way to solve this particular mystery is – of course
– to travel back into time and then attempt to observe whatever it was that actually
caused this massive dino die-off. So this wealthy benefactor then pours
billions into the creation of the Dino Institute, which specialized in chronological research. Which then results in the invention of
the Time Rover. And then … Wait a minute. We’re kind of getting away from what was
supposed to be the main focus of today’s Why For column. Which was the
Excavator.

Anyway … In the initial
mythology that the Imagineers worked out for Dinoland, U.S.A., the Excavator
was supposedly to be a piece of equipment which was left over from this archaeological
site’s sand-and-gravel-pit days. It was this series of ore cars that had once
been used to haul materials up out of the heart of this pit over to the area
where the dump trucks got loaded up. But over time, due to over-digging, as the
sand in this pit began to shift, the Excavator began to be really unsafe to
operate.

So the sand and gravel company then basically shut this series
of ore cars down. And the Excavator stands empty and abandoned for a few years,
becoming even more rickety and unsafe. And then that wealthy benefactor buys
this sand-and-gravel pit and sets all of these crazy college students loose on
this massive archaeological site.

Close-up of initial Disney’s Animal Kingdom concept painting
which shows where the Excavator was originally supposed to
be built inside of the borders of Dinoland, U.S.A. Copyright
Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved

“And what do these college kids do with this obviously unsafe
piece of industrial equipment?,” you ask. Why they fire it up again, of course.
Not only because the Excavator is fun for them to ride. But also because they’re
now using these old, rusty ore cars to haul some of the larger dinosaur bones
that they’ve discovered around this archaeological site back to base camp.

Which explains the whole ” …. section of the dig supposedly
too dangerous to enter” part of the Excavator’s mythology. And for the ” … Somehow,
we’ve gotten in and are having a real good time” part of this backstory … As Guests
moved through the queue for this proposed Dinoland, U.S.A. attraction towards
the load / unload area, they were to have walked past literally dozens of “Condemned”
signs. Not to mention all sorts of safety barriers that this
sand-and-gravel-pit’s workmen had set up that the college students have recently
pulled down.

As for the layout of this proposed DAK thrill ride, the
Imagineers were looking to one-up Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. So instead of rolling
past a T-Rex fossil that was sticking out of this attraction’s rockwork …

… On the Excavator, your ore car was actually supposed to
zoom through a massive dinosaur skeleton.

And before you came back into the load / unload area, your
ore car was supposed to loop by Chester & Hester’s. Where one of the folk
art dinosaur sculptures that they’d built for their roadside attraction would
suddenly lurch to life and then menace a trainload of tourists.

This sounds like a really fun attraction, don’t you think?
So why wasn’t Dinoland, U.S.A.’s Excavator ever built?

Well, to be blunt, the Imagineers learned a lot of hard
lessons on Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Chief among these is that – when you’re
building an attraction which is supposed to be used to display animals – much
of your budget is going to spent on things that the public never ever sees or
appreciates. Perimeter fencing and safety moats, for starters. Not to mention all
of those back-of-the-house barns where your ridiculously expensive menagerie then
goes to bed down for the night. Which has to be custom-built because (of course) a
facility that fits a giraffe isn’t going to work for an elephant or a hippo.

And as the projected cost of what was then-known-as Disney’s
Wild Animal Kingdom began to mount (quickly moving from its originally-budgeted
$600 million to over $850 million), pieces of this project began falling by the
wayside. First to be dropped was Beastlie Kingdomme, which was cut as an
Opening Day “land” for this theme park back in January of 1994.

Next to be pushed back was the Excavator. Mostly because the
Imagineers felt that – if they just reused the ride vehicle & track
layout which had been developed for the Indiana Jones Adventure (which – let’s
remember – was supposed to open at Disneyland Park in March of 1995) for Countdown to Extinction / Dinosaur … Well,
that was a way to get a thrill ride into Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s opening day
assortment of attractions without then having to spend all of the time &
the money necessary to design & develop a custom-built coaster like the
Excavator.

“So once Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened in April of 1998,
why didn’t the Imagineers then circle back around to the idea of building the
Excavator?,” you ask. “I mean, clearly WDI thought that this theme park needed
a coaster / runaway mine train ride. Otherwise they never would have built
Expedition Everest. So why didn’t they just go ahead with construction of the
Excavator?”

Well, you have to remember that – right after Disney’s
Animal Kingdom opened – two of the main complaints that Guests had about this “Nahtazu”
was A) there weren’t enough rides, shows and attractions here to warrant
calling DAK a full-day theme park and B) very few of Animal Kingdom’s
attractions were kid friendly.

So given that WDI felt that it had to address these
particular Guest concerns quickly, the Imagineers took the DAK expansion pad which
had been set aside for the Excavator and then built Chester & Hester’s
Dino-Rama right on top of that. Which was this brand-new mini-land that featured
kid-friendly carnival rides like TriceraTop Spin and Primeval Whirl.

And as for the Excavator ride concept … Well, for a time, it
was part of the initial ride line-up for Hong Kong Disneyland. In the official November 1999 announcement of
this 126-hectare theme park, Adventureland was supposed to have been home to a
high-profile attraction which was supposed to have given Guests …

… the opportunity to venture into a wild untamed world and
ride a roller coaster through a dark jungle filled with mysterious surprises.

And according to what I’ve heard from the Imagineers who
actually worked on this proposed HKDL attraction, this coaster was initially
supposed to have been the replacement for Adventureland’s Jungle Cruise. Which
(back in 1999, anyway) was thought to be too slow, low tech & old-fashioned
to really appeal to the sophisticated folks who live in Hong Kong.

So in the place of The Jungle Cruise, the Imagineers wanted
to build a thrill ride that took the Excavator’s ride system and then married
that to all of the AA figures that Guests see as they roll through DAK’s “Dinosaur”
ride. Now place this coaster / runaway mine train inside of a thick,
Primeval-looking jungle and you’ve then got a thrill ride which would blow the doors
off of Universal‘s Jurassic Park River Adventure.

And as for this proposed coaster’s post-show area (i.e. where
the kids who were too small to ride could wait while their parents / older
siblings were experiencing this HKDL attraction) … Well, WDI was looking to possibly
reuse that Boneyard play-and-exploration area which they had initially designed
& built for Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

But as happened with Disney’s Animal Kingdom back in 1994,
the financial realities that the Imagineers were dealing with when it came to the
Penny’s Bay worksite eventually resulted in a severe reduction-in-scope on this
particular project. So instead of building a version of Disneyland which would
have replaced Frontierland‘s placid Rivers of America with a whitewater raft
ride (which – for all of you Disney’s America fans out there – was WDI just attempting
to repurpose the Lewis and Clark Expedition attraction concept which had initially
been developed for the Native American section of this history-based theme
park) … What Hong Kong Disneyland wound up with instead was a super-sized
version of Adventureland. But instead of
having Frontierland’s steamboats and canoes float past Tom Sawyer’s Island,
this theme park’s central waterway had Jungle Cruise launches chugging past Tarzan’s
Treehouse.

But that’s kind of the nature of the beast when it comes to
Disney theme parks. The Imagineers propose something during the initial
development phase of a project. And then the construction timeline shifts
and/or the budget gets revised. And as a direct result, an attraction which
sounds like it would have been a heck of a lot of fun never quite makes it off
of the drawing board.

Anyway, that’s the story of DAK’s Excavator. Please remember
that if you have any Disney-related questions which you’d like to see answered
as part of a future edition of this JHM column to send your queries along to whyfor@jimhillmedia.com.

Your thoughts?

Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

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

Published

1 day 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.

History

The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown

Published

7 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

7 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.