Fun Fact Friday ~ Walt, Trains and the Creation of Disneyland

We’ve all heard the story about Walt Disney watching his daughter’s ride the carousel in Griffith Park and coming up with the idea to build Disneyland.

But is it true?

I guess you could call it a half-truth.  But, what really inspired Walt Disney to build Disneyland was his love of trains!

Walt Disney loved all forms of transportation, but trains held a special place in his heart.  He had a small-scale train in his backyard, but what he wanted was a full-sized train like animator Ward Kimball had in his!  You see, Ward had purchased a full-size steam locomotive, and turned his backyard, into a 3-acre backyard railroad he called the Grizzly Flats Railroad.

Lillian refused to let Walt build a full-sized railroad in their backyard, so Walt decided to build more than just a backyard railroad.  Walt set out to build the ultimate train set.  Disneyland.

“Walt in Train” by Noah Fine Art

If you love this painting as much as I do, be sure to check out Noah’s other work on his website!  Head over to Noah Fine Art and explore his amazing work!

Where did I stumble upon this Fun Fact?  I’m sort of addicted to the TouringPlans.com Podcast with Len Testa and Jim Hill.  If you want to learn more about the Disney Theme Parks I highly recommend downloading their podcast on iTunes!  I have learned more about Walt Disney, The Disney Company and the Disney Theme Parks from listening to their podcast than in all the books I have read!  Perhaps its the conversational way they present their topics, but it really draws you in and makes you feel like you are part of the conversation!  Download  The Unofficial Guide’s Disney Dish with Jim Hill from iTunes here!