After a summer of demolition, the “Horizons” show building is no more.
Its old Future World location has been scraped clean and a new foundation is being poured for the massive “Mission: Space” attraction.
Theme park enthusiasts worldwide are itching to ride this cutting edge attraction — which will momentarily duplicate the sensation of weightlessness NASA astronauts experience as they rocket through the cosmos.
Epcot cast members are equally excited about the idea of the projected 2003 opening of this state-of-the-art ride. With its liberal mix of hard science and high tech thrills, “Mission: Space” is shaping up to be *THE* definitive attraction for this science and discovery park.
But — to be honest — nobody’s happier that the Walt Disney Company finally decided to greenlight “Mission: Space” than the Imagineers. After all, these poor slobs have trying for the past year or so to get numerous ambitious new attractions approved for Disney’s stateside parks.
Imagineer Guidelines Under Paul Pressler
Unfortunately, this meant constantly scaling back and/or down-sizing proposed rides and shows in a desperate attempt to meet new WDI head Paul Pressler’s financial mandate (I.E. “If it ain’t cheap, we ain’t buildin’ it”).
So many promising projects got their plugs pulled that veteran Imagineers had begun to despair that the Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts had seen their very last really-for-real “E” ticket attraction.
“Mission: Space” Sponsored by Compaq
But then along came “Mission: Space.” And — thanks to the incredibly deep pockets of the Compaq Corporation — Future World’s about to get a ride that will put Disney back on the theme park map. You can forget about Universal’s Islands of Adventure and its incredible “Amazing Spiderman” ride. “Mission: Space” — with its awesome simulation of the G forces that push space travelers back into their seats as they blast into orbit — will soon set the gold standard for all attractions to follow.
Sounds like one hell of a ride, don’t it? And yet — while I’m sure thousands of Epcot visitors will eagerly line up daily for the privilege of being pummeled during a simulated trip into space — I personally will always get a little wistful as I get on line to ride “Mission: Space.”
Why for?
Well, no matter how entertaining the finished version of “Mission: Space” pavilion will be, I won’t be able to forget what friends at WDI have told me about Imagineering’s original plans for Epcot’s “Space” pavilion.
Had Disney opted to go forward with that version of this proposed Future World attraction … Ai yi yi! … Surgeons would have had labored for hours to remove the smiles from our faces, kids. That’s how much fun “Mission: Space” would have been.
Original Space Pavilion at Epcot
Hard as it may be to believe, the $150 – $200 million that Compaq’s ponied up for “Mission: Space” pavilion isn’t nearly enough scratch to cover the construction costs of the Imagineer’s original vision for this Future World pavilion. $300 million might have covered it. *MIGHT HAVE.* That’s a huge sum, I know. But — once you got inside the “Space” show building as WDI had originally planned the place to be — you’d have seen that it was money that had been very well spent.
Unfortunately, neither Disney or Compaq was willing to put up the coin necessary to do “Mission: Space” right. So that’s how the pre-show of the original version of this proposed Future World pavilion ended up becoming the *ONLY* show WDW visitors will get when they drop by “Mission: Space.”
Do you want a taste of the fun you missed out on? Well, it just so happens that Calvin isn’t using his transmogrifier today (By the way, Hobbes says “Hi!”). I’ll just set this thing so it takes us to the appropriate alternate reality: a place where Imagineers always get all the money they want to build the best Disney theme park attractions possible. (Talk about your Fantasyland…)
Anyway, join me now inside the cardboard box while I press all the right buttons and twirl the appropriate dials. (Please keep your hands and arms inside the box at all times. And hang on to those hats and glasses. For this here’s the wildest ride across the space / time continuum …)
WHOOOSH!
Fantasy & Time Travel – Looking at the Unbuilt Epcot
And here we are! Inside a much better Epcot. Ignore that Matterhorn you see sticking up along the far shore of World Showcase Lagoon. We’ve got no time to visit the Swiss pavilion. (Or the Russian pavilion. Or the African pavilion.) We’re here for an adventure in deep space. Which is why we’re standing in front of this oddly familiar looking Future World building.
“Mission: Space” in “Horizons” Building
And why does it look familiar? That’s because it’s still the same old “Horizons” show building. Sure, the exterior has been extensively repainted and rethemed to foreshadow the space- based attraction inside .. But there’s no mistaking that old squat diamond shaped exterior. (And why would Disney want to build its fantastic new “Space” show inside the old “Horizons” show building? Two reasons, actually.
- In theory, this was supposed to have kept construction costs of this new Future World show down. Unfortunately, following the “World of Motion” / “Test Track” and “Journey into Imagination” / “Journey into Your Imagination” debacles, the Imagineers learned the hard way that this theory had no basis in reality.
- It would have also allowed Disney to skirt recent changes in the Americans with Disabilities act. Strange but true, kids. But if the Imagineers had built their new “Mission: Space” attraction inside the old “Horizons” show building, technically that would have made — at least in a legal sense — this all new attraction just a rehab of a pre-existing structure. Which would have meant that the Walt Disney Company was under no obligation to bring this particular pavilion up to current code. Which would have saved the corporation millions in construction costs.
Why Did Disney Demolish “Horizons” Structure to Build “Mission: Space”?
Unfortunately — after checking out this Future World show building after all the “Horizons” show elements had been removed — WDI learned that its original plan just wasn’t going to work. In order to properly anchor the centrifuge units that were to power the ride vehicles featured in the “Mission: Space” show, the Imagineers were going to have to tear out the existing foundation of the “Horizons” show building. To do this, Imagineering would have to remove most of the superstructure of the building.
When they got this news, the Imagineers realized that it was pointless to try and save the “Horizons” building. Any attempt to preserve the structure would just add to the cost of an already expensive project. So that’s why WDI decided that it would be easier — in the long run — to just flatten this Future World pavilion and start from scratch.
This is the reason Disney hired a demolition team to carefully tear down the “Horizons” show building. The upside of this situation was that the Imagineers now had a clean slate on which to construct its “Mission: Space” building. The downside was that the Mouse now had to wrestle with meeting all of today’s ADA standards. But that’s another story for another time…
Let’s get back to our alternate reality version of “Mission: Space,” shall we?
Original “Mission:Space” Queue
ANYWAY … We enter the old “Horizons” show building that’s now been redressed for Epcot’s new “Space” attraction. After winding our way through the queue, we find ourselves in the pre-show. Here, WDW guests learn that they’re about to board a futuristic space shuttle for a quick trip across the cosmos. Once on board, they’ll be taken to a fantastic space station that’s actually built into the side of an asteroid. After they’ve arrived at the station, Epcot visitors will be free to disembark and discover the many wonders that are hidden deep inside that asteroid.
Once this briefing was concluded, guests would have then been moved to the shuttle simulator. Here, WDW visitors would have entered a “Star Tours”-like cabin — where several rows of seats faced a large window-like movie screen.
Ah, but this ain’t no trip to Tattoine, kids. There’s no motion base to be found under this ride vehicle. The “Mission: Space” shuttle cabin actually hangs at the end of the arm of a massive centrifuge (Which was to have been housed inside the taller portion of the old “Horizons” show building). Once the guests were all properly strapped into their seats, the arm of the centrifuge would begin rotating around its axis.
As this was happening, guests inside the “Mission: Space” cabin would be watching images on the shuttle’s main view screen that would have told them that the ship was blasting off into orbit. As the speed that the centrifuge arm was revolving at increased, so would the gravity inside the ride vehicle. Passengers would have felt the increased G forces pushing them down in their seats, which would reinforce the illusion to these WDW visitors that the shuttle was actually leaving Earth for a rendezvous with that far-off asteroid.
At a key point in this “Space” simulation, the massive arm of the centrifuge would suddenly deliberately begin to slow its revolutions. At that instant, Epcot guests inside the cabin would float up out of their seats and experience a brief moment of weightlessness. This sensation alone would make “Mission: Space” the type of attraction WDW guests would love to reride.
But now the images on the cabin’s main screen tell us that we’re nearing our destination. Just as we’ve been told in the pre-show, a massive futuristic space station — built right into the side of an enormous asteroid — looms in the distance. As the shuttle docks with the station, the guests exit their “Mission: Space” ride vehicle and enter the central area of this Future World pavilion where they find that …
History
The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown
Disneyland in Anaheim, California, holds a special place in the hearts of Disney fans worldwide, I mean heck, it’s where the magic began after all. Over the years it’s become a place that people visit in search of memorable experiences. One fan favorite area of the park is Mickey’s Toontown, a unique land that lets guests step right into the colorful, “Toony” world of Disney animation. With the recent reimagining of the land and the introduction of Micky and Minnies Runaway Railway, have you ever wondered how this land came to be?
There is a fascinating backstory of how Mickey’s Toontown came into existence. It’s a tale of strategic vision, the influence of Disney executives, and a commitment to meeting the needs of Disney’s valued guests.
The Beginning: Mickey’s Birthdayland
The story of Mickey’s Toontown starts with Mickey’s Birthdayland at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Opened in 1988 to celebrate Mickey Mouse’s 60th birthday, this temporary attraction was met with such overwhelming popularity that it inspired Disney executives to think bigger. The idea was to create a permanent, immersive land where guests could step into the animated world of Mickey Mouse and his friends.
In the early ’90s, Disneyland was in need of a refresh. Michael Eisner, the visionary leader of The Walt Disney Company at the time, had an audacious idea: create a brand-new land in Disneyland that would celebrate Disney characters in a whole new way. This was the birth of Mickey’s Toontown.
Initially, Disney’s creative minds toyed with various concepts, including the idea of crafting a 100-Acre Woods or a land inspired by the Muppets. However, the turning point came when they considered the success of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” This film’s popularity and the desire to capitalize on contemporary trends set the stage for Toontown’s creation.
From Concept to Reality: The Birth of Toontown
In 1993, Mickey’s Toontown opened its gates at Disneyland, marking the first time in Disney Park history where guests could experience a fully realized, three-dimensional world of animation. This new land was not just a collection of attractions but a living, breathing community where Disney characters “lived,” worked, and played.
Building Challenges: Innovative Solutions
The design of Mickey’s Toontown broke new ground in theme park aesthetics. Imagineers were tasked with bringing the two-dimensional world of cartoons into a three-dimensional space. This led to the creation of over 2000 custom-built props and structures that embodied the ‘squash and stretch’ principle of animation, giving Toontown its distinctiveness.
And then there was also the challenge of hiding the Team Disney Anaheim building, which bore a striking resemblance to a giant hotdog. The Imagineers had to think creatively, using balloon tests and imaginative landscaping to seamlessly integrate Toontown into the larger park.
Key Attractions: Bringing Animation to Life
Mickey’s Toontown featured several groundbreaking attractions. “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin,” inspired by the movie “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” became a staple of Toontown, offering an innovative ride experience. Gadget’s Go-Coaster, though initially conceived as a Rescue Rangers-themed ride, became a hit with younger visitors, proving that innovative design could create memorable experiences for all ages.
Another crown jewel of Toontown is Mickey’s House, a walkthrough attraction that allowed guests to explore the home of Mickey Mouse himself. This attraction was more than just a house; it was a carefully crafted piece of Disney lore. The house was designed in the American Craftsman style, reflecting the era when Mickey would have theoretically purchased his first home in Hollywood. The attention to detail was meticulous, with over 2000 hand-crafted, custom-built props, ensuring that every corner of the house was brimming with character and charm. Interestingly, the design of Mickey’s House was inspired by a real home in Wichita Falls, making it a unique blend of real-world inspiration and Disney magic.
Mickey’s House also showcased Disney’s commitment to creating interactive and engaging experiences. Guests could make themselves at home, sitting in Mickey’s chair, listening to the radio, and exploring the many mementos and references to Mickey’s animated adventures throughout the years. This approach to attraction design – where storytelling and interactivity merged seamlessly – was a defining characteristic of ToonTown’s success.
Executive Decisions: Shaping ToonTown’s Unique Attractions
The development of Mickey’s Toontown wasn’t just about creative imagination; it was significantly influenced by strategic decisions from Disney executives. One notable input came from Jeffrey Katzenberg, who suggested incorporating a Rescue Rangers-themed ride. This idea was a reflection of the broader Disney strategy to integrate popular contemporary characters and themes into the park, ensuring that the attractions remained relevant and engaging for visitors.
In addition to Katzenberg’s influence, Frank Wells, the then-President of The Walt Disney Company, played a key role in the strategic launch of Toontown’s attractions. His decision to delay the opening of “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin” until a year after Toontown’s debut was a calculated move. It was designed to maintain public interest in the park by offering new experiences over time, thereby giving guests more reasons to return to Disneyland.
These executive decisions highlight the careful planning and foresight that went into making Toontown a dynamic and continuously appealing part of Disneyland. By integrating current trends and strategically planning the rollout of attractions, Disney executives ensured that Toontown would not only capture the hearts of visitors upon its opening but would continue to draw them back for new experiences in the years to follow.
Global Influence: Toontown’s Worldwide Appeal
The concept of Mickey’s Toontown resonated so strongly that it was replicated at Tokyo Disneyland and influenced elements in Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland. Each park’s version of Toontown maintained the core essence of the original while adapting to its cultural and logistical environment.
Evolution and Reimagining: Toontown Today
As we approach the present day, Mickey’s Toontown has recently undergone a significant reimagining to welcome “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway” in 2023. This refurbishment aimed to enhance the land’s interactivity and appeal to a new generation of Disney fans, all while retaining the charm that has made ToonTown a beloved destination for nearly three decades.
Dive Deeper into ToonTown’s Story
Want to know more about Mickey’s Toontown and hear some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, then check out the latest episode of Disney Unpacked on Patreon @JimHillMedia. In this episode, the main Imagineer who worked on the Toontown project shares lots of interesting stories and details that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s full of great information and fun facts, so be sure to give it a listen!
History
Unpacking the History of the Pixar Place Hotel
Pixar Place Hotel, the newly unveiled 15-story tower at the Disneyland Resort, has been making waves in the Disney community. With its unique Pixar-themed design, it promises to be a favorite among visitors.
However, before we delve into this exciting addition to the Disneyland Resort, let’s take a look at the fascinating history of this remarkable hotel.
The Emergence of the Disneyland Hotel
To truly appreciate the story of the Pixar Place Hotel, we must turn back the clock to the early days of Disneyland. While Walt Disney had the visionary ideas and funding to create the iconic theme park, he faced a challenge when it came to providing accommodations for the park’s visitors. This is where his friend Jack Wrather enters the picture.
Jack Wrather, a fellow pioneer in the television industry, stepped in to assist Walt Disney in realizing his dream. Thanks to the success of the “Lassie” TV show produced by Wrather’s company, he had the financial means to build a hotel right across from Disneyland.
The result was the Disneyland Hotel, which opened its doors in October 1955. Interestingly, the early incarnation of this hotel had more of a motel feel than a hotel, with two-story buildings reminiscent of the roadside motels popular during the 1950s. The initial Disneyland Hotel consisted of modest structures that catered to visitors looking for affordable lodging close to the park. While the rooms were basic, it marked the beginning of something extraordinary.
The Evolution: From Emerald of Anaheim to Paradise Pier
As Disneyland’s popularity continued to soar, so did the demand for expansion and improved accommodations. In 1962, the addition of an 11-story tower transformed the Disneyland Hotel, marking a significant transition from a motel to a full-fledged hotel.
The addition of the 11-story tower elevated the Disneyland Hotel into a more prominent presence on the Anaheim skyline. At the time, it was the tallest structure in all of Orange County. The hotel’s prime location across from Disneyland made it an ideal choice for visitors. With the introduction of the monorail linking the park and the hotel, accessibility became even more convenient. Unique features like the Japanese-themed reflecting pools added to the hotel’s charm, reflecting a cultural influence that extended beyond Disney’s borders.
Japanese Tourism and Its Impact
During the 1960s and 1970s, Disneyland was attracting visitors from all corners of the world, including Japan. A significant number of Japanese tourists flocked to Anaheim to experience Walt Disney’s creation. To cater to this growing market, it wasn’t just the Disneyland Hotel that aimed to capture the attention of Japanese tourists. The Japanese Village in Buena Park, inspired by a similar attraction in Nara, Japan, was another significant spot.
These attractions sought to provide a taste of Japanese culture and hospitality, showcasing elements like tea ceremonies and beautiful ponds with rare carp and black swans. However, the Japanese Village closed its doors in 1975, likely due to the highly competitive nature of the Southern California tourist market.
The Emergence of the Emerald of Anaheim
With the surge in Japanese tourism, an opportunity arose—the construction of the Emerald of Anaheim, later known as the Disneyland Pacific Hotel. In May 1984, this 15-story hotel opened its doors.
What made the Emerald unique was its ownership. It was built not by The Walt Disney Company or the Oriental Land Company (which operated Tokyo Disneyland) but by the Tokyu Group. This group of Japanese businessmen already had a pair of hotels in Hawaii and saw potential in Anaheim’s proximity to Disneyland. Thus, they decided to embark on this new venture, specifically designed to cater to Japanese tourists looking to experience Southern California.
Financial Challenges and a Changing Landscape
The late 1980s brought about two significant financial crises in Japan—the crash of the NIKKEI stock market and the collapse of the Japanese real estate market. These crises had far-reaching effects, causing Japanese tourists to postpone or cancel their trips to the United States. As a result, reservations at the Emerald of Anaheim dwindled.
To adapt to these challenging times, the Tokyu Group merged the Emerald brand with its Pacific hotel chain, attempting to weather the storm. However, the financial turmoil took its toll on the Emerald, and changes were imminent.
The Transition to the Disneyland Pacific Hotel
In 1995, The Walt Disney Company took a significant step by purchasing the hotel formerly known as the Emerald of Anaheim for $35 million. This acquisition marked a change in the hotel’s fortunes. With Disney now in control, the hotel underwent a name change, becoming the Disneyland Pacific Hotel.
Transformation to Paradise Pier
The next phase of transformation occurred when Disney decided to rebrand the hotel as Paradise Pier Hotel. This decision aligned with Disney’s broader vision for the Disneyland Resort.
While the structural changes were limited, the hotel underwent a significant cosmetic makeover. Its exterior was painted to complement the color scheme of Paradise Pier, and wave-shaped crenellations adorned the rooftop, creating an illusion of seaside charm. This transformation was Disney’s attempt to seamlessly integrate the hotel into the Paradise Pier theme of Disney’s California Adventure Park.
Looking Beyond Paradise Pier: The Shift to Pixar Place
In 2018, Disneyland Resort rebranded Paradise Pier as Pixar Pier, a thematic area dedicated to celebrating the beloved characters and stories from Pixar Animation Studios. As a part of this transition, it became evident that the hotel formally known as the Disneyland Pacific Hotel could no longer maintain its Paradise Pier theme.
With Pixar Pier in full swing and two successful Pixar-themed hotels (Toy Story Hotels in Shanghai Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland), Disney decided to embark on a new venture—a hotel that would celebrate the vast world of Pixar. The result is Pixar Place Hotel, a 15-story tower that embraces the characters and stories from multiple Pixar movies and shorts. This fully Pixar-themed hotel is a first of its kind in the United States.
The Future of Pixar Place and Disneyland Resort
As we look ahead to the future, the Disneyland Resort continues to evolve. The recent news of a proposed $1.9 billion expansion as part of the Disneyland Forward project indicates that the area surrounding Pixar Place is expected to see further changes. Disneyland’s rich history and innovative spirit continue to shape its destiny.
In conclusion, the history of the Pixar Place Hotel is a testament to the ever-changing landscape of Disneyland Resort. From its humble beginnings as the Disneyland Hotel to its transformation into the fully Pixar-themed Pixar Place Hotel, this establishment has undergone several iterations. As Disneyland Resort continues to grow and adapt, we can only imagine what exciting developments lie ahead for this iconic destination.
If you want to hear more stories about the History of the Pixar Place hotel, check our special edition of Disney Unpacked over on YouTube.
Stay tuned for more updates and developments as we continue to explore the fascinating world of Disney, one story at a time.
History
From Birthday Wishes to Toontown Dreams: How Toontown Came to Be
In the latest release of Episode 4 of Disney Unpacked, Len and I return, joined as always by Disney Imagineering legend, Jim Shull . This two-part episode covers all things Mickey’s Birthday Land and how it ultimately led to the inspiration behind Disneyland’s fan-favorite land, “Toontown”. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. It all starts in the early days at Disneyland.
Early Challenges in Meeting Mickey
Picture this: it’s the late 1970s and early 1980s, and you’re at Disneyland. You want to meet the one and only Mickey Mouse, but there’s no clear way to make it happen. You rely on Character Guides, those daily printed sheets that point you in Mickey’s general direction. But let’s be honest, it was like finding a needle in a haystack. Sometimes, you got lucky; other times, not so much.
Mickey’s Birthdayland: A Birthday Wish that Came True
Fast forward to the late 1980s. Disney World faced a big challenge. The Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park was under construction, with the company’s marketing machine in full swing, hyping up the opening of Walt Disney World’s third theme park, MGM Studios, in the Spring of 1989. This extensive marketing meant that many people were opting to postpone their family’s next trip to Walt Disney World until the following year. Walt Disney World needed something compelling to motivate guests to visit Florida in 1988, the year before Disney MGM Studios opened.
Enter stage left, Mickey’s Birthdayland. For the first time ever, an entire land was dedicated to a single character – and not just any character, but the mouse who started it all. Meeting Mickey was no longer a game of chance; it was practically guaranteed.
The Birth of Birthdayland: Creative Brilliance Meets Practicality
In this episode, we dissect the birth of Mickey’s Birthdayland, an initiative that went beyond celebrating a birthday. It was a calculated move, driven by guest feedback and a need to address issues dating back to 1971. Imagineers faced the monumental task of designing an experience that honored Mickey while efficiently managing the crowds. This required the perfect blend of creative flair and logistical prowess – a hallmark of Disney’s approach to theme park design.
Evolution: From Birthdayland to Toontown
The success of Mickey’s Birthdayland was a real game-changer, setting the stage for the birth of Toontown – an entire land that elevated character-centric areas to monumental new heights. Toontown wasn’t merely a spot to meet characters; it was an immersive experience that brought Disney animation to life. In the episode, we explore its innovative designs, playful architecture, and how every nook and cranny tells a story.
Impact on Disney Parks and Guests
Mickey’s Birthdayland and Toontown didn’t just reshape the physical landscape of Disney parks; they transformed the very essence of the guest experience. These lands introduced groundbreaking ways for visitors to connect with their beloved characters, making their Disney vacations even more unforgettable.
Beyond Attractions: A Cultural Influence
But the influence of these lands goes beyond mere attractions. Our episode delves into how Mickey’s Birthdayland and Toontown left an indelible mark on Disney’s culture, reflecting the company’s relentless dedication to innovation and guest satisfaction. It’s a journey into how a single idea can grow into a cherished cornerstone of the Disney Park experience.
Unwrapping the Full Story of Mickey’s Birthdayland
Our two-part episode of Disney Unpacked is available for your viewing pleasure on our Patreon page. And for those seeking a quicker Disney fix, we’ve got a condensed version waiting for you on our YouTube channel . Thank you for being a part of our Disney Unpacked community. Stay tuned for more episodes as we continue to “Unpack” the fascinating world of Disney, one story at a time.
