Source: D23
January – May 1996
LOCATION
Tomorrowland – The Toy Story Funhouse took over the space in Tomorrowland once used for Mission To Mars. The theater stood next to Space Mountain‘s entrance, on the southeast side of the land. Today, this space houses extra seating for Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port.
BACKGROUND
Any Pixar fan knows Toy Story was (and is) an unbelievably powerhouse for the company. The characters, iconic song, and story have completely captured the imaginations of fans. As part of its initial promotion, showings of the film at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood included a special “Funhouse”, which provided entertainment after the closing credits. The Funhouse was a popular option for moviegoers, so when the film’s initial run ended in early 1996, Disney wanted to keep it going. The Funhouse moved into an open building in Tomorrowland in January, less than two months after the film’s initial theatrical debut.
EXPERIENCE
The Funhouse was an open area with different activities and entertainment experiences for guests. The main attraction at the Funhouse was a live stage show, Hamm’s All-Doll Revue.
The area featured opportunities to interact with characters, learn the two-step from Woody, tackle the Green Army Men obstacle course (while wearing a “base” on your feet like the toys) and play with the giant Lite Brite and Spirograph walls. Guests were also a-buzz with the live stage presentation Hamm’s All-Doll Revue. The Revue featured the film’s supporting characters (Hamm, Mr. Potato Head, Bo Peep, Slinky Dog, and the Green Army Men) singing and dancing to the gathered crowds.
Aside from the Revue, the Toy Story Funhouse also included:
- Character meet & greets
- Two-step dancing lessons hosted by Woody
- Green Army Men obstacle course
- Jumbo Lite Brite play wall
- Spirograph play wall
Source: Yesterland
CLOSURE
There’s no drama or failure behind the Funhouse’s closure; it was always meant to be a temporary attraction. Disney wanted to capitalize on the film’s success and stretch the shelf life of the success at El Capitan. The Funhouse closed just before the summer season in 1996, before the building started its transformation into the Pizza Port.
TRIVIA
The entryway to the Funhouse featured a giant Woody & Slinky Dog, perched atop the former PeopleMover track.
Hamm’s All-Doll Revue was an outdoor show – guests gathered around the stage on the exterior of the building, rather than sitting inside a theater.
Source: Laughing Place
Note: this is a photo from Toy Story the Musical. I couldn’t find too many high-resolution photos of the Funhouse, but this picture gives you an idea of how Disney included characters like Hamm and Mr. Potato head in live shows – they were jumbo costumes with performers inside!