Disneyland 70th: Celebrating Mickey’s Toon Town

Disneyland 70th: Celebrating Mickey’s Toon Town

As we enter 2026 we continue our celebration of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary with a look at Mickey’s Toon Town. One of the newer places on the map, this little corner beyond Fantasyland is filled with whimsy and charm. We share with you how the concept came about, due in large part to three major influences of that time–Including Snoopy! We look at the original Toon Town and compare it to how it looks today, to include the addition of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Train. It’s the same attraction as the one at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but it isn’t because of an amazing queue. We’ll talk all about that, and other little details of this town built on celluloid. Join us during Disneyland’s 70th anniversary where we celebrate Mickey’s Toon Town!

This podcast is produced by myself and Performance Journeys, which offers training, development and consultant support to organizations big and small and entrepreneurs new and established. With a wide variety of resources and long-time in-the-trench experience, we offer workshops, online learning, coaching and more to organizations that want to build their teams, raise organizational excellence, improve leadership and create customer loyalty. Check us out at PerformanceJourneys.com.

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Toon Town Topics

Origins of Mickey’s Toon Town

There were three major influences on Mickey’s Toon Town:

  1. Camp Snoopy at Knott’s Berry Farm
Snoopy Meet & Greet | Family Entertainment | Knott's Berry Farm | Show | Knott's  Berry Farm
Image by Knotts.

2. Mickey’s Birthdayland at Magic Kingdom

Image by Disney.

3. Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Drawn That Way: 10 Behind The Scenes Facts About Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Image by Disney/Amblin

Mickey’s Toon Town Comparisons

Let’s look at both versions of Mickey’s ToonTown:

Subsequent Toon Towns

Tokyo Disneyland has its own Toon Town, nearly identical but flipped.

Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

If any land in Disneyland has Easter Eggs and even Hidden Mickeys it would be Mickey’s Toon Town. Let me share a few of my favorites. Let’s start with Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin

Bullina in a China Shop

Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

The earliest recorded use of “a bull in a china shop” is in Frederick Marryat’s novel, ‘Jacob Faithful’ (1834). It’s believed that the phrase originated from actual real-life scenarios. In the 17th century, cattle were often brought into the market area of London. Sometimes they would get loose and stray into shops that sold delicate goods, like fine china. They would wreak havoc on the shop’s wares. 

Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Mickey Through the Ears Presented by the Toon Town Hysterical Society at El CapiTOON Theater

Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Theater Lobby

Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Early Ears

Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Golden Ears

Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Modern Eara

Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

El Capitoon Concession Stand

Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Attraction Preshow

Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGET Coaster: The Dog and Pony Show

Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

How Many Mickeys are There?

Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Want to Visit Disney?

Hopefully this podcast has made you realize you need help and support in planning your next trip to Disney. David and Leah with Zanolla Travel know Disney in ways few do and they can make your next trip on land or sea an exciting one–or at least less stressful! Be sure to contact them as you explore your next vacation, whether it is a Disney theme park vacation, a cruise, or an Adventure by Disney. There is no charge to utilize their services, but it will save you enormous time getting all the details right, and with their insight you can be assured you’re going to experience the best trip possible. Contact them today!

David & Leah Zanolla

ZanollaTravel.com
Owner/Agents

Books From Your Host at Disney Insights

Another way you can support the podcast is through our books!

My newest book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available! 

Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You

Also, for those examining other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence.

Find Excellence in Your Organization!

This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys, which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level.

Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench.

Need Consulting? I’ve worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena. 

Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership development and employee engagement.

Contact us today, and let us help.

Thanks for joining us for this podcast. Know that as in the title of Performance Journeys, it’s as much about the journey as it is about performance. Find the second star to the right, and keep going straight on till you reach it. Follow the compass of your heart, and know that with a smile and a song, a little faith, effort and pixie dust, your dreams can come true. After all, if we can dream it, we can do it. Until next time, bright suns, we’ll see you real soon!

J. Jeff Kober

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