Wrecking Ball's Fury

I have previously spoken about the highly anticipated Fantasyland expansion located in the Magic Kingdom. This expansion is not only going to affect the current Snow White attraction, but also Mickey's Toontown Fair. For those of you that don't know, Mickey's Toontown Fair is one of the seven lands that make up the Magic Kingdom.

Origin of Mickey's Toontown Fair

Originally opening in June of 1988, Mickey's Birthdayland was built to celebrate the 60th Birthday of Mickey Mouse. Celebrating Mickey's 60th Birthday was a big deal, but not big enough to justify an entire area devoted to it. In May of 1990, Mickey's Birthdayland underwent a name change to become Mickey's Starland. The area stayed relatively the same, except for the name change.

The 25th Anniversary of Walt Disney World brought the third and final name to this area; Mickey's Toontown Fair. Finally, the area was partially renovated to mimic the much more complicated Mickey's Toontown at Disneyland in California. Instead of a total fair theme, the area would now include a home for each of the main characters in the Disney franchise.

Present day

Mickey's Toontown Fair will close permanently on February 12, 2011 for Fantasyland expansion construction. I find myself questioning whether or not this is a good thing. Closing and replacing an aging attraction is one thing, but destroying an entire area is another thing. This reminds me of the destruction of the majority of the Backlot Tour at the Disney-MGM Studios.

They heyday of the Disney-MGM Studios (early 1990's)

The Disney-MGM Studios (MGM) hastily opened in 1989, just before Universal Studios Orlando opened its gates. When MGM opened it only housed handful of attractions and the Backlot Studio Tour was one of those few. The Backlot Studio Tour took theme park guests through the actual sound stages that were used for filming.

Disney made an honest attempt to bring Hollywood to Florida to film, but unfortunately failed. The Backlot Studio Tour eventually lost the soundstage portion of the tour and now only was left with a special effects show, residential street, wardrobe and shop departments and Catastrophe Canyon. These few elements still were able to keep the tour afloat, offering views of popular television homes on residential street and the thrill of an earthquake in Catastrophe Canyon.

Gone, but not forgotten

2003 brought the end of residential street and the majority of the excitement of the Backlot Tour. I understand that the television show homes were a little outdated. The Golden Girls and Empty Nest had long been off the air, but they still held some nostalgic feelings for some. The destruction of these homes made a new home for a new show; Lights, Motors, Action! Having seen this show once was enough for me. I feel that the majority of guests at Walt Disney World have the same feelings that I do about this incident.

Present day…again

In the end, I feel that there is enough real estate on Walt Disney World property that new attractions can be incorporated without knocking down old favorites. I will go ahead and deal with the changes, and just hope it's for the better. Do you have any favorite attractions that have been replaced or removed?