With the reopening of Mickey’s Toontown just days away, I thought it would be fun to look back at the concept art that shaped Disneyland’s wild child land. This redesign gives us two different eras of concept art to look through: the original, leading up to the grand opening in 1993, and the updated, teasing what some (myself included) have been calling Toontown 2.0.
Let’s take a look at the sketches that brought Mickey & friends’ home to life. First, Mickey’s house.
Source: Van Eaton Galleries
As you’ll see, the sketch is remarkably close to the final product. The oversized porch columns, bold colors, and sharply sloped roof all reflect the final product. While there are some minor changes (a different mailbox, no dog house on the front lawn, etc.), the largest change is that the house somewhat flipped. In the final version, the chimney, garage, and driveway are located on the left side of the house instead of the right.
Over in “downtown” Toontown, concept art shows a lot of bustling storefronts and a winding street. The final version simplified this design, with fewer stores and a facade wall to give the impression of a continuing city.
Source: Laughing Place
Instead of a dentist, you’ll find a jail in this part of Toontown.
Many of the gags from the concept art also made it to the final version. While I do like the fireworks factory, I am a little bummed this interactive barber shop never made it to fruition.
Source: Luigi Lucarelli
In the final product, the back of the fire house takes the place of the barber shop.
And now, onto the concept art for the land’s redesign. In this aerial view, we see some major changes from the previous version of the land. Most notably, the Treehouse is gone, fountains have been replaced by green space, and the Runaway Railway facade has taken over the eastern sightline.
Source: MiceChat
Here’s a closeup of some new green space, next to Goofy’s Playhouse. The land’s redesign will still focus on active play for little ones, featuring new interactive experiences and hands-on fun throughout the land.
Source: Laughing Place
And finally, a look at the new El Capitoon Theater. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway opened prior to the rest of the land, and the final product is virtually identical to the concept art. I haven’t experienced this attraction yet, but I can’t wait to find all the easter eggs and take in Toontown’s new design!
Source: Perfecting the Magic
