How Imagineering Brought Mickey’s Toontown Back to Life
Mickey’s reimagined Toontown is clearly a hit with Disneyland Park goers as seen in videos across social media. What once was a quiet area is now filled with hustle and bustle after Imagineering brought it back to life!
Mickey’s Toontown
In truth, I liked it the way it was; it was peaceful. I have fond memories of my son playing in Goofy’s Playhouse during the holidays.
But, as with many Disney attractions, times change, and experiences come and go. That being said, I cannot wait to visit the reimagined area!
So, how did Imagineers complete the task? Disney Parks Blog is giving us the inside scoop on how Mickeys Toontown was revitalized.
Mickey’s Reimagined Toontown
Imagineers kept Guests with disabilities in mind as they reimagined the interactive spaces and play areas. Elliot Rosenbaum, producer at Walt Disney Imagineering shares, “We wanted to make sure we were designing for differing abilities, and creating as many opportunities as possible to play.”
Cast Members from ENABLED provided insight to help Disney succeed. Erin Quintanilla is a Disneyland Resort Accessibility Manager and ENABLED leader.
She points out, “In Goofy’s House, you will see that one of the junior woodchucks is using a wheelchair. Seeing that representation in the ‘toon world’ was so important.”
Disney wanted to represent Cast Members with disabilities in Toontown as well. To do this, they provided wheelchair-accessible podiums.
Cast Members also received training in disability awareness in order to better serve Guests. Here are some of the changes included in the renovation:
-
A virtually curb-less land, to help young guests still learning to walk and those using wheelchairs or mobility devices to play, experience and get around the land with ease.
-
A reimagined Goofy’s House and the all-new Goofy’s How-To-Play Yard, with interactive elements that allow kids to explore in an approachable sensory experience.
-
A reimagined version of Donald’s Boat in Donald’s Duck Pond, which guests can engage with the interactive portholes on the boat.
-
A wheelchair-accessible food and beverage podium, so cast in wheelchairs are better able to assist guests with their orders at Café Daisy.
-
Newly designed reversible costumes that mix and match, with textured fabric to help cast with differing levels of visual ability select their costume with ease while showcasing their individual personalities.
-
Incorporating Braille into the tree roots at CenTOONial Park, so as children explore they will come across the words “dream” and “play.”
-
Open green areas with shade from trees to allow children to play in the grass or decompress and unwind on the lawn.
Another interactive area, Donald’s Boat, focuses on water play! Ryan Wineinger-Schattl, senior creative director at WDI shares, “Water is one of those unique things that stimulates you and decompresses you at the same time.”
With a new attraction, new food options, and new places to hang out and explore, Mickey’s Toontown has been revitalized. Don’t miss this reimagined area on your next visit to the Disneyland Resort!