Disneyland is a magical place and as someone who has gone regularly the parks has changed and evolved. Most changes I love especially since Walk most famously said “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” But there are a few I really miss and the Lilly Belle is one of them.
The Lilly Belle Train was named after Walt Disney’s wife, Lillian. It was restored vintage train, originally built in the 1940s. It was of the last remaining opening day trains as well. Walt disneys wife Lilian Disney was influential in designing the car, adding family photos and early memorabilia. Because of her involvement, the car was named the ‘Lilly Belle’. This car was designed to transport VIP guests on a grand circle tour of Disneyland. Some of the Lilly Belle’s first VIP guests were Japanese Emperor Hirohito and his wife, Empress Nagako.
I have had the wonderful opportunity to ride the Lilly Belle a couple of times prior to her status of now only being available for VIP tours. In 2009 & 2011 you needed to arrive to the park first thing in the morning and and ask the train conductor is she was running and if you can can get on the list. The train only has 14 passengers and at the time ran pretty intermittently especially in the summer where it was too hot to run.
During the tour the train made its way through the park and guests were entertained with stories and tidbits about Disneyland’s history, as well as information about its many attractions. The train also passed by several hidden gems and back stage areas, offering a unique glimpse into the magic of Disneyland.
Some of the facts I learned on the tour:
- There were a couple of “Hidden Mickey’s” in the carpet!
- The car features beautiful mahogany and hardwood
- The seats are made out of red mohair
- If you had a chance to the ride the car there was guest book you could sign! Some of the famous guests signatures are George Lucas and Sofia Coppola!
- Even though the style of the car reflects Lillian’s taste she never got to ride it.
Here’s hoping Disneyland can bring back this special treat for all to enjoy!
This is so so cool! I would love to check a retro train, the same train I see in western movies, super cool!
Oh I didn’t know that! What a wonderful treat and I do hope they bring it back. The experience in itself is priceless and I would love to ride it myself one day should they chose to bring it back.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Wow! This is amazing. This is actually my first time to read about Lilly Belle and I hope to get the chance to ride this.
Dear Disneyland, please bring back this treat. 🙂
this looks SO creative and SO fun! i would absolutely loved to visit it one day. I also havea thing for trains so the score is doubled.
Oh, I had no idea! What a fantastic treat, and I hope they bring it back. The experience is priceless in and of itself, and I would love to ride it personally if they decide to bring it back.
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