Today is National Popcorn Day! This is a great day to visit a Disney park as popcorn is a regular delicious snack that can be enjoyed while strolling around. There are many different recipes of popcorn that are shared in the different Disney parks around the globe. Quite often when people go to buy their popcorn, they notice the animated dolls that are in the popcorn carts that make and serve the popcorn. For National Popcorn Day, Disneyland Paris shared the story about these fun figures. Check it out below!
Disneyland® Paris is all about colors, sounds and smells, including the distinctive aroma of freshly prepared popcorn from the various carts dotted around Disneyland® Park. If visitors take a closer look, they can admire the theming of these emblematic carts, which incorporate elements from the land where they are located: ‘western’ colors in Frontierland®, compass and bronze details in Discoveryland, and letters and embellishments typical of the turn-of-the-century in Main Street, USA®…
But did you also notice the little Popcorn Animated Dolls spinning a drum of popcorn on each of the stands? To mark National Popcorn Day, read on to find out more about their story!
The idea for these animated figures goes back to the very origins of the popcorn carts known as ‘Cretors’, named after their creator, in 1885. In 1893, at the Chicago World’s Fair, Charles Cretors further showcased his invention to the public: a machine derived from roasted peanut carts capable of making popcorn and seasoning it perfectly. To attract customers, he came up with the idea of painting his trolleys in bright colors, as well as embellishing them with a clown figure turning a popcorn drum demonstrating the old way of roasting, powered by a steam engine. Named ‘Tosty Rosty Man’, the little character quickly became famous and played a major role in the company’s success across the United States and then Europe.
When Disneyland opened in 1955, ‘Cretors’ were available along Main Street, USA, including in the central plaza hub, displaying the famous little animated clown. In addition to offering a comforting smell of popcorn, the delightfully old-fashioned aesthetic of these snack trolleys suited the atmosphere of Main Street, USA perfectly.
Over time, Disney Imagineers developed the idea of tailoring the costumes of these characters to match the theme of the land where each cart is located. They even created designs inspired by attractions, like the Abominable Snowman from Matterhorn Bobsleds, or iconic movies, such as Oogie Boogie from “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”. These clever additions serve as delightful ‘Easter eggs’ that have become a hit with guests.
These carts, with their automatic figures, became so iconic that it was no surprise to see them replicated in Disney Parks across the globe, including Tokyo Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and, of course, Disneyland Paris. They can be found in every land in Disneyland Park in Disneyland Paris, whether in Central Plaza, near Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Indiana Jones™️ et le Temple du Péril and Orbitron®, or near Casa de Coco – Restaurante de Familia, each with a unique theme inspired by the location.
In fact, the Walt Disney Imagineering Paris teams are currently working with the teams from the central workshops and the couture workshop to produce brand new designs for the Popcorn Animated Dolls, which will be progressively installed in the near future.
The next time you visit Disneyland Paris, take a moment to discover – or rediscover – these subtle yet charming inhabitants. In their unique way, they contribute to the storytelling and bring an extra sprinkle of magic that truly sets the experience apart.
What do you think of these popcorn people? Do you have a favorite one? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
Mr. Daps is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Daps Magic! Find Mr. Daps regularly at Disneyland with his trilby and bow tie taking pictures and simply enjoying the Happiest Place on Earth. He is the weekly host of GEEKS CORNER and your reporter for all that Disney And Positive Stuff. Find videos of all of that one the Daps Magic YouTube channel. Mr. Daps is also a Brand Ambassador with Her Universe! Find Mr. Daps on Twitter,Instagram, and Threads! If you see Mr. Daps in the parks, be sure and say hi!
