Toontown at Disney World is 21 years old

[Geef]

I spent my 21st birthday eating the "Mickey's Starland Birthday Cupcakes" at Mickey's Starland (the original name). I turned 42 last month.

I never understood why they couldn't have made it as good as Toontown in Disneyland.

All that said... It'll be sad to see it go...

 

[Decorated_Dust]

Agreed, Geef. I remember Mickey's Starland very well (looking back, the name was a little random, but whatever).

I remember there used to be a show there that I had to drag my parents to EVERY TIME WE WENT (which was about four times a year back then). I forget what it was called, or if it even exists anymore (I'm sure it doesn't), but it emptied out into Mickey's dressing room where you could meet him. Maybe Kevin or another fan of old Disney can help me out with remembering what it was.

 

[Disney Khi]

This makes me feel soooooo old. I remember when it opened with Mickey's birthday celebration, and we watched his birthday celebration show under the big tent. I think that may be the precursor to the show Decorated_Dust mentioned.

 

[mrzrich]

Agreed, Geef. I remember Mickey's Starland very well (looking back, the name was a little random, but whatever).

I remember there used to be a show there that I had to drag my parents to EVERY TIME WE WENT (which was about four times a year back then). I forget what it was called, or if it even exists anymore (I'm sure it doesn't), but it emptied out into Mickey's dressing room where you could meet him. Maybe Kevin or another fan of old Disney can help me out with remembering what it was.

From "Wal Dated World" Website:

Minnie's Surprise Party Show


After walking through Mickey's house, guests would pass other character dwellings, such as Donald Duck's boat (not the boat currently in Toontown Fair) and then arrive at the Birthday Party Tent. After watching Disney cartoons in a holding area, guests could see a show called Minnie's Surprise Party. The title pretty much described the plot of the show and featured a song called "We Love You Mickey Mouse." After the show, guests would proceed to another room where Mickey and the gang did another short performance on top of a birthday cake with exploding confetti candles. You could then visit with Mickey in his dressing room at the Hollywood Theater.

This is the link for the Mickey's Birthdayland/Starland page on the Walt Dated World site: http://waltdatedworld.bravepages.com/id27.htm

 

[DSNY4ever]

My very first trip was in 1990 and we went to Mickey's birthday land...I thought it was very cool at the time and I got my picture knocking on all the little doors

 

[WDWAurora]

I think it started as Mickey's Birthday Land-ok yeah, I was able to confirm that online. It changed to Starland 2 years after it opened. (1988 was the opening) I actually have some streamers in a "memory box" type thing at my parents' house that were strewn about during the show over there. I LOVED that show. I think all kids love a good birthday party!! I've got a ton of pictures from over there. I actually have some scanned. If I get motivated, I might post some.

 

[TSWJan78]

I remember that show... it is one of the few actual memories I have from my very first trip... That show was great!!

 

[WDWtraveler27]

au revoir mickey's toontown fair! and hello new fantasyland!!!

 

[The Scotts]

I've got good memories of it too, but it was just a cheap shot of Eisner's to try and boost attendance in the 1980's. It took pennies to build, but it did actually work!

However, I'm glad that they're finally going to develop the space to it's full potential.

Maybe after this, they can raise Camp Minnie Mickey (another last minute Eisner shoo-in) and get to work on the Beastly Kingdom!

 

[tomsulmad]

I've got good memories of it too, but it was just a cheap shot of Eisner's to try and boost attendance in the 1980's. It took pennies to build, but it did actually work!

However, I'm glad that they're finally going to develop the space to it's full potential.

Maybe after this, they can raise Camp Minnie Mickey (another last minute Eisner shoo-in) and get to work on the Beastly Kingdom!

I am glad to find your site - now I know what a good one looks like.
Very good topic to share with us. Great info.

 

[Geef]

I think it started as Mickey's Birthday Land

I forgot about that name... That's when I waas there. It was the first year.

When it became "Starland" the show changed (a couple times), my favorite wsa with the afternoon Disney lineup. Goof Troop, Darkwing Duck, Ducktales, Chip n' Dale Rescue Rangers and my favorite, Tail Spin.

That show had the never forgetible, unrememberable, tv jingle, tune... I forget the name but it had everyone standing and wiggling the butts to a "Tail Spin" song.

 

[Becx N Gav]

I forgot about that name... That's when I waas there. It was the first year.

When it became "Starland" the show changed (a couple times), my favorite wsa with the afternoon Disney lineup. Goof Troop, Darkwing Duck, Ducktales, Chip n' Dale Rescue Rangers and my favorite, Tail Spin.

That show had the never forgetible, unrememberable, tv jingle, tune... I forget the name but it had everyone standing and wiggling the butts to a "Tail Spin" song.

Cool, I wish I had been to WDW as a kid. I used to love all those cartoons