News Reimagined Toontown coming

[brb1006]

It's insane to me that Disney easily has the most well known and valuable back catalog of any studio out there, but because of their utmost refusal to promote most anything that came out before Little Mermaid, it will eventually be just as irrelevant to modern audiences as most other older movies owned by other studios.

Just destroying what should be a major asset through continued mismanagement, and in favor of what? Throwing The Lion King into something for the 100th time? Horking out a Monsters Inc Disney+ series? Yet another bland kidcom that would've been on the Disney Channel a decade ago?

Eventually no one will care about the bulk of their back catalog, and they'll have no one to blame but themselves.

Suddenly this explains why Disney decided to make The Three Little Pigs characters not as common meetable character as they did up till the 1990s (sans Tokyo Disneyland). Same with Bongo and Lulubelle from Fun and Fancy Free.

 

[PiratesMansion]

Suddenly this explains why Disney decided to make The Three Little Pigs characters not as common meetable character as they did up till the 1990s (sans Tokyo Disneyland). Same with Bongo and Lulubelle from Fun and Fancy Free.

I recall reading in Mouse Tales that the Pig costumes were not particularly maneuverable and/or more vulnerable to abusive guest behaviors; if either of those were the case, I can understand why the only place they're still seen is Tokyo, where that behavior is less of a concern.

I'm fine with them not having the F&FF characters out though. I imagine maybe one in a hundred guests, maybe, generously, would have any idea who those characters are. All of the package films, with the possible exception of Ichabod and Mr. Toad and Three Caballeros, are pretty obscure. I know that I had never heard of Make Mine Music or Saludos Amigos before I started reading books about the company. And I think the company made a purposeful choice for it to be so long before The Little Mermaid. There's not much further value that they could extract from the package features beyond what they have already done IMO.

What concerns me is the erasure of basically every other Disney animated film made before 1989, particularly if there isn't a princess or a Tinkerbell involved. Of course, not every one of those movies is a winner or viable either (I don't expect that Black Cauldron will ever get great representation), but it's just odd the way that they mostly ignore so many established classics for no reason.

 

[brb1006]

I recall reading in Mouse Tales that the Pig costumes were not particularly maneuverable and/or more vulnerable to abusive guest behaviors; if either of those were the case, I can understand why the only place they're still seen is Tokyo, where that behavior is less of a concern.

I don't understand why the Fifer, Fiddler, and Pratical Pigwere easy to attract rude and terrible guest behavior.

Then again, they did have a notably strange appearance prior to given more screen accurate designs beginning in the 1990s. Since the Mouse Tales book was written in 1994 with the old designs for The Three Little Pigs still being in public mind at that period. But that doesn't the guests.

I bet Tokyo might someday have walkaround versions of Elmer and Tillie Tiger from the Elmer Elephant Silly Symphony short of the same name.

But yeah, with the exception Winnie the Pooh, The Aristocats The Jungle Book, and 101 Dalmatians which all manage to get newer material and still gain tons of merchandise from modern Disney post-Renaissance. I wish Disney would focus more on their older films and works instead of focusing on their recent hits (that ain't Marvel or Star Wars) or at least have a healthier balance.

 

[J4546]

Every video seems to give toontown a great review. Looks like Disney hit a homerun with this renovation. Can't wait to see it next month!

 

[Rich T]

Looks like there’s lots of good and a bit of bad in the renovation. What the heck happened to the “Dreaming Tree?” Makes me think of how Spinal Tap’s Stonehenge prop turned out.

Love what they did with Goofy’s House, though!

 

[mharrington]

It’s also worth noting that there are a few songs I’ve caught on live streams of the land that weren’t included in the recent online release of music. Minnie’s YooHoo, Donald’s 1940s theme, Ducktales theme, and the Paul Rudish Mickey Mouse theme. Perhaps they’ll be coming in a second drop down the line?

In one of the videos of the Mickey ride (I forget which one), they clearly play the Mickey Mouse Club theme. And the video for the opening ceremony of the ride clearly shows the Goofy theme (the 1950s version) playing at the very end, although it doesn't play all the way through since the video ends right then.

I'm also curious what you mean by "second drop down the line". Also also, can you maybe show some videos of these streams so we can hear? I'm now curious to know how they sound in this new version of the land.

What concerns me is the erasure of basically every other Disney animated film made before 1989, particularly if there isn't a princess or a Tinkerbell involved. Of course, not every one of those movies is a winner or viable either (I don't expect that Black Cauldron will ever get great representation), but it's just odd the way that they mostly ignore so many established classics for no reason.

"The Black Cauldron" used to have a representation in the parks, mostly in Tokyo. From 1986 to 2006, the castle was home to a walkthrough called the Cinderella Castle Mystery Tour, which is set in a dungeon under the castle and involves run-ins with Disney villains, including, as the final villain, the Horned King! Defunctland did a whole video in case you're interested:


Even WDW got into the act for a while with an eatery in the Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland called Gurgi's Munchings and Crunchings, which was open from 1986 to 1993: http://disneyphemera.blogspot.com/2010/07/gurgis-munchies-crunchies-photos.html.

 

[J4546]

Im not a big merch guy at all but Im really liking both the remote control railway set and the simple old school donald duck water toy

 

[mlayton144]

I don't know. My real fear is that is actually what they were going for. They did it on purpose and that's actually what the CM costumes are supposed to look like. And how scary is that to consider this was all on purpose?!?

But there's just something off about these new uniforms. I have absolutely no idea how this themes to Toontown, or Disney's classic cartoon characters in general. I don't even know what these uniforms theme to, but it's certainly not Mickey's Toontown.

In the group photo below, the inseam on nearly everyone's green trousers is horribly sized, so that doesn't help them. There's a few cute costume pieces or CM's trying to pull it off, but overall it's a look that just seems sloppy and weird and not an attractive at all. But, um... at least there's a cute reference to the short-lived Tomorrowland Viewliner in the souvenir shop's sign!

And, trying to be as positive as possible, at least the uniforms for MMRR CM's are entirely different and rather fetching! I noticed in the videos that the CM's working the theater pre-show area wear the yellow ushers vests, but the CM's working in the train station load/unload area wear the purple conductor's outfits. Clever! And classic Disneyland attention to detail!

These outfits perfectly match the AstroTurf level of quality that is the new Disneyland standard of quality

 

[Phroobar]

FFFt. I would be working in a Pirates outfit and people would still ask me if I worked there. LOL

That is like walking into a Target and people asking if you work there because you are wearing a red shirt.

 

[chadwpalm]

That is like walking into a Target and people asking if you work there because you are wearing a red shirt.

That's part of my 5 essential lessons of life:

1. Don't tug on Superman's cape
2. Don't spit into the wind
3. Don't pull the mask off the old lone ranger
4. Don't go to Target wearing a red shirt (or go on an away mission)

and the most important....

5. Don't mess around with Jim

 

[TP2000]

Every video seems to give toontown a great review. Looks like Disney hit a homerun with this renovation. Can't wait to see it next month!

It's honestly not really different from the Toontown we knew and loved circa 1993-2021.

They finally removed the abandoned trolley tracks, and replaced the fountains with AstroTurf areas. Plus added a "Dreaming Tree" that Walt himself planted and nurtured in Missouri in 1910 and they replanted it in Anaheim, a tree where he would sit and dream about Disneyland on its cement, trip-hazard roots.

Otherwise, the land got a fabulous new E Ticket addition, plus an overdue repaint and full cleaning and thorough refurbishment of all its 1993 facilities. So what's not to love? Especially if you're a fan of AstroTurf.

 

[Phroobar]

It's honestly not really different from the Toontown we knew and loved circa 1993-2021.

They finally removed the abandoned trolley tracks, and replaced the fountains with AstroTurf areas. Plus added a "Dreaming Tree" that Walt himself planted and nurtured in Missouri in 1910 and they replanted it in Anaheim, a tree where he would sit and dream about Disneyland on its cement, trip-hazard roots.

Otherwise, the land got a fabulous new E Ticket addition, plus an overdue repaint and full cleaning and thorough refurbishment of all its 1993 facilities. So I visited Garden Walk for this past weekend's Wondercon at the convention center. All of the grass areas in Garden Walk are AstroTurf and most of it is sprouting weeds. I wonder how long we start seeing weeds popup in Disneyland's AstroTurf.

 

[Dr.Cheeto]

It would be amazing if they expanded Toontown from the cave near the rollercoaster, where the Galaxy's Edge expansion or Fantasyland theater is. Imagine an indoor land (like Diagon Alley) themed to black and white cartoons from the 20's. Skeleton Dance skeletons, Oswald, etc. Or they could all be showcased in a black and white dark ride. If new Toontown is going for a more "chill" aesthetic, something more wacky and CARTOONY would be a good compliment. Well anyways, forget I said anything because this will never happen.

 

[mickEblu]

Saw Toontown 2.0 yesterday and I honestly think most of it looks better in person than it did in the videos. Even the sad Dreaming Tree and its roots aren't so sad. It'll grow and be a nice looking tree in the next few years. Even if I think they should have went with a more grandiose artificial tree there. It was cool taking my kids to see it as I can remember my excitement when Toontown 1.0 opened. Those commercials they kept running in 92/93 with the cartoon sun flying around Disneyland had me amped for the first new land that would open at Disneyland during my lifetime. Toontown 1.0 definitely had a more streamlined, simpler design but overall I think 2.0 is more functional. Definitely more functional than the Toontown that closed last year but also more functional than the original land that opened in 93.

They did a great job with Goofys yard and Donalds boat. The views from that elevated platform at the back of Goofys yard are beautiful. Also as a berm/ planter enthusiast, love how close you are that berm between Goofys yard and the FL theatre. All the little details like the chalk drawings on the ground around the yard are great. It's funny seeing my 7 year old son who has been on all the best rides in So Cal losing his mind for a few slides and a little playground. But kids love playgrounds and new things. I think they did a really nice job of utilizing space while at the same time improving most of the land aesthetically. For all that's been said about the astroturf, I witnessed one of the coolest character interactions I've ever seen when Donald was sitting on the turf in front of Mickeys house with like 15 little kids in a circle including my son. They were playing Duck Duck Goose and Donald picked my son. It was cool to see all the kids loving it. I despise astroturf anywhere else in Disneyland but due to the more "artificial" nature of Toontown it doesn't really bother me there and I welcome the color green.

I didn't really have any attachment to the old fountains but love the new central fountain. It’s colorful, vibrant and the way the water flows down provides nice energy. It kind of functions as a splash pad lite for little ones. Everything just feels so lively. I also really enjoyed the soundtrack even though it may need to be turned down just a bit. The soundtrack just feels so much more present than the old one. I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing. My nephew rode Gadget's Go Coaster for the first time which is looking nice and spiffy as is the rest of the land. Just nice seeing a theme park land in its ideal state because we all know 1/3 of the stuff will be looking worn out or not working pretty soon. Didn't do Roger or Mickey n Minnies houses. I'll have to check those out next time.

MMRR and these new additions have changed my perception of Toontown. It's doesn't feel like that sad little land at the back of the park that I would go to occasionally for a short period of time. Now maybe when the buzz dies down it'll go back to feeling a little bit like that but id imagine MMRR will stop that from happening. Up until yesterday I don't think a bite of food had ever entered my mouth in that land. Tried a few things from Cafe Daisy. All the drinks were bad to mediocre. The house-made donuts and chips were good. Corn Dog bites with chili dip were good too. Everything I tried was fine but nothing id really crave or go out of my way for. Overall, Toontown feels like a legitimate land to me now. Not only did they add an E ticket but also a bunch of playgrounds/ splash pads/ interactive features in addition to a few rest areas… when strollers aren’t clogging them up. I'm glad things turned out the way they did and that it was sparred.

 

[J4546]

glad to hear the astroturn is being used well. I think adding all the "grass" park space is great and all the vids ive seen have kids running around and playing on it

 

[SuddenStorm]

Saw Toontown 2.0 yesterday and I honestly think most of it looks better in person than it did in the videos. Even the sad Dreaming Tree and its roots aren't so sad. It'll grow and be a nice looking tree in the next few years. Even if I think they should have went with a more grandiose artificial tree there. It was cool taking my kids to see it as I can remember my excitement when Toontown 1.0 opened. Those commercials they kept running in 92/93 with the cartoon sun flying around Disneyland had me amped for the first new land that would open at Disneyland during my lifetime. Toontown 1.0 definitely had a more streamlined, simpler design but overall I think 2.0 is more functional. Definitely more functional than the Toontown that closed last year but also more functional than the original land that opened in 93.

They did a great job with Goofys yard and Donalds boat. The views from that elevated platform at the back of Goofys yard are beautiful. Also as a berm/ planter enthusiast, love how close you are that berm between Goofys yard and the FL theatre. All the little details like the chalk drawings on the ground around the yard are great. It's funny seeing my 7 year old son who has been on all the best rides in So Cal losing his mind for a few slides and a little playground. But kids love playgrounds and new things. I think they did a really nice job of utilizing space while at the same time improving most of the land aesthetically. For all that's been said about the astroturf, I witnessed one of the coolest character interactions I've ever seen when Donald was sitting on the turf in front of Mickeys house with like 15 little kids in a circle including my son. They were playing Duck Duck Goose and Donald picked my son. It was cool to see all the kids loving it. I despise astroturf anywhere else in Disneyland but due to the more "artificial" nature of Toontown it doesn't really bother me there and I welcome the color green.

I didn't really have any attachment to the old fountains but love the new central fountain. It’s colorful, vibrant and the way the water flows down provides nice energy. It kind of functions as a splash pad lite for little ones. Everything just feels so lively. I also really enjoyed the soundtrack even though it may need to be turned down just a bit. The soundtrack just feels so much more present than the old one. I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing. My nephew rode Gadget's Go Coaster for the first time which is looking nice and spiffy as is the rest of the land. Just nice seeing a theme park land in its ideal state because we all know 1/3 of the stuff will be looking worn out or not working pretty soon. Didn't do Roger or Mickey n Minnies houses. I'll have to check those out next time.

MMRR and these new additions have changed my perception of Toontown. It's doesn't feel like sad little land at the back of the park that I would go to occasionally for a short period of time. Now maybe when the buzz dies down it'll go back to feeling a little bit like that but id imagine MMRR will stop that from happening. Up until yesterday I don't think a bite of food had ever entered my mouth in that land. Tried a few things from Cafe Daisy. All the drinks were bad to mediocre. The house-made donuts and chips were good. Corn Dog bites with chili dip were good too. Everything I tried was fine but nothing id really crave or go out of my way for. Overall, Toontown feels like a legitimate land to me now. Not only did they add an E ticket but also a bunch of playgrounds/ splash pads/ interactive features in addition to a few rest areas… when strollers aren’t clogging them up. I'm glad things turned out the way they did and that it was sparred.

Sounds like this refresh is about as good as one could possibly want from Disneyland. Which is refreshing after Galaxy's Edge and Avengers Land.

Still sounds like it's primarily for kids- except for MMRR and RRCS, which is great, just doesn't really mean much for those who visit without children.

Old Toontown was often faded, as the bright paint didn't do well in the sun- did the new facades look like they tried to address this?

 

[mickEblu]

Sounds like this refresh is about as good as one could possibly want from Disneyland. Which is refreshing after Galaxy's Edge and Avengers Land.

Still sounds like it's primarily for kids- except for MMRR and RRCS, which is great, just doesn't really mean much for those who visit without children.

Old Toontown was often faded, as the bright paint didn't do well in the sun- did the new facades look like they tried to address this?

Yes, the whole land was repainted and is looking very nice!

Well, if Toontown stays as crowded as it’s been that should relieve some pressure off the rest of the park but more specifically off Fantasyland. So that’s something anyone can appreciate.

 

[SuddenStorm]

Yes, the whole land was repainted and is looking very nice!

Thinking about it, it's strange to me that Toontown got refreshed before Tomorrowland. But it's reassuring to see them revamp Toontown and do a decent job of it- gives me hope that they won't butcher Tomorrowland when the time comes.

 

[chadwpalm]

Old Toontown was often faded, as the bright paint didn't do well in the sun- did the new facades look like they tried to address this?

Not only were the facades all repainted, but given different color schemes. For example:

Old:

New:

There's better examples, but I'm too lazy to peruse through all the YT videos.

 

[mickEblu]

Thinking about it, it's strange to me that Toontown got refreshed before Tomorrowland. But it's reassuring to see them revamp Toontown and do a decent job of it- gives me hope that they won't butcher Tomorrowland when the time comes.

Gives me some hope as well but stakes and expectations will be much higher for Tomorrowland. Toontown is the “little kiddie land outside of the berm.” Tomorrowland is an original land inside the berm and it borders a good portion of the park. You have some real high stakes especially when it comes to the Subs/ Autopia/ Matterhorn area.