Jessica Rabbit Swings Again!

Once again, Jessica Rabbit is causing an uproar among Disney fans. First, it was her debut in 1988 with the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit? I mean, do women really look like that? (The answer is "Yes" if you watch reality television and see the work of Hollywood's worst plastic surgeons or get a look at Megan Fox.) Then, it was her more than lifelike size image rocking Walt Disney World's adult playground Pleasure Island- leg swinging and all. Must admit, it was striking! (Photo by yours truly. See more photos of Pleasure Island in its heyday here.)

Now in 2021, in the years of re-envisioning everything, her presence in Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin in Disneyland signifies yet another  new politically correct story line: Jessica as private detective. We all know Roger is bumbling and in need of help, but did they really need to change the story of the ride? Are those mandating the change that insecure they can't visit Walt's castle park and just have fun? I guess so. They need to watch the film and see just how self-sufficient and savvy a beautiful cartoon woman can be. Or meet the real women in my world.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

"Oh, Roger (Rabbit)!" Cartoon Spin Concept Art

Concept art for Mickey's Toontown at Disneyland is not very common. Concept art for the key attraction, Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin is almost impossible to find! But here you go. These pieces by Imagineer Marcelo Vignali from 1994 capture essence of the movie in stunning eye-popping fashion. 

The beloved film actually makes a pretty hare-raising attraction! Walt's original park has the best roster of classic dark rides, and addition of this one was just a perfect execution of fun, thrill, and story. I have to say that the upcoming opening of Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway is a welcome addition for two reasons: First, it's a great ride, and secondly, this new E Ticket will make sure that Toontown stays open at Disneyland for decades to come. The attraction and the land is a win-win for Disney and for park fans. Exactly the type of expansion that belongs in the most loved theme park ever!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Never Built Roger Rabbit Attraction

Who Framed Roger Rabbit? In this case, the question is "Who killed off Roger Rabbit?" This all was planned in the early 90's, back in long ago, when Imagineering was arguably at its peak in productivity. 

When Disney's Hollywood Studios was known as Disney-MGM Studios, there were plans afoot for a great simulator attraction based on the smash Disney film. The concept art shown gives us a glimpse of what could have been. 

The hare-brained attraction included in-cabin effects long before Stormrider at Tokyo DisneySea. Dumbo flies by as we are in hot pursuit of Bennie the Cab,  and Roger himself makes a lasting impression. Sound like great fun! And certainly a better executed family attraction than what is coming to the Studios in the form of Toy Story Land.

As with many projects, money and politics killed its chances of ever becoming reality. It's really a shame!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Disneyland: Toontown Out, Star Wars Land In

Goodbye Toontown at Disneyland. Hello Star Wars Land. Really. We expected it at Disney's Hollywood Studios, but Star Wars land right next to It's a Small World? Perhaps a recreation of Endor could easily back up to the pine trees of Frontierland pretty easily. Regardless, the news is just shocking.

The news is too hot to not spread the word. The very reliable industry insider WDW74, known commonly as Spirit, dropped the news bomb last night over at the WDWMagic Boards. Right here.  It may just be the biggest real piece of Star Wars news in the last few months.

And I quote: "First, I am no tease, except with fanbois, so I've played enough: the current WDI plan for Star Wars at DLR involves a complete removal of ... Toontown. Don't know what this means for future DL pyro shows, but that is a huge chunk of land that is considered very 'underutilized'."

Why not in Tomorrowland where Star Tours already exists? No one knows but the suits and the Imagineers. Wonder if Marvel plans have anything to do with it. 

I love Roger Rabbit and his Car Toon Spin. Yes, all of Mickey's Toontown could be better utilized with more attractions besides bounce houses and lightly themed roller coasters. So, I do not understand the choice.  But I will say this: Spirit's sources are usually spot on, 100% accurate- and we've all seen Disney make the oddest of choices. I'm mean, a California themed park in California?

Oh, Roger!

From various news sources, Disney producer Don Hahn (Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, the very sadly overlooked Atlantis, Emporer's New Groove) reports Roger Rabbit 2 is finally on the way! One of the best and most creative Disney properties is finally given a new lease on life years after its 1988 release. Cannot wait- and bring on all those imagined but never built attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios!