With D23 this week and new rides announced left and right, it can feel like Disneyland is a brand-new park with state-of-the-art technology. Well, it is, partly. While some attractions like Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance are less than three years old and utilize incredible technology like a trackless ride system, others are much simpler and have been operating for decades, or even centuries?! These long-lasting Disneyland attractions are giving the 10,000 year old genie a run for his money.
The King Arthur Carrousel in Fantasy Land is one of the thirteen opening-day attractions still operating at Disneyland today. Since the park’s July 17, 1955, opening, this carousel has been slowly swinging kids and adults alike around and around on all-white horses “glammed-out” with royal accessories. Although, that’s not entirely the truth. The horses on this kiddy-ride have actually been running non-stop since 1922! Has anyone asked if they need water?! The carousel was originally built and operated at the Sunnyside Beach Park in Toronto, Ontario. This amusement park operated for thirty years from 1922 to 1955 before being demolished. The “Derby Racer” luckily was spared from destruction and purchased by Disneyland. After a renovation and widening to accommodate more guests, the newly renamed King Arthur Carrousel was finally set in place in Fantasyland in 1955 where it still stands today. So, the next time you’re waiting an hour in line to experience this 3-minute derby, remember how long the horses have been waiting for a break!
“Your attention please! The Disneyland Limited, now arriving from a trip around Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom.” Does this announcement pop up in anyone else’s mind at the most random times? You can hear this play every time five to ten minutes as the Disneyland Railroad approaches its stop at Main Street USA. The Disneyland Railroad is another opening day attraction that is still operating after nearly 70 years. In order to promptly get guests where they want to be, Disneyland actually has five trains chugging around the park. These locomotives are all named after railway pioneers: C.K. Holliday, E.P. Ripley, Ernest Marsh, and Fred Gurley. The Fred Gurley, train #3, was not added to the parks’ collection until 1958. Prior to operating in the comfort of the perfect California weather, the Fred Gurley worked in a slightly more humid climate: Louisiana. Back in 1895, this train was used at the Godchaux Sugar Company’s mill in southern Louisiana to haul sugar from the plantation to the mill. It was purchased by Disneyland for $1,200 in 1957, the equivalent of almost $13,00 today. Not a bad deal for a train that’s lasted over 100 years!
What if I told you there’s an attraction at Disneyland that is older than America itself? And no, it’s not the outdated and smelly Autopia, which feels like it will unfortunately never be replaced. I’m talking about a water ride, where you hopefully, never get wet. Disneyland’s Rivers of America mimic the country’s most iconic waterways: the Mississippi, the Columbia, the Missouri, and the Rio Grande. One of Disneyland’s attractions is SO OLD, one of the aforementioned rivers is NAMED AFTER IT! I’m describing none other than the Sailing Ship Columbia. This 110-foot-long full-size sailing ship has been taking guests on a magical 12-minute long journey around Disneyland’s Rivers of America since 1958. Although, its story goes back much, much further. The ship is a full-scale replica of the Columbia Rediviva, the first American ship to circumnavigate the globe. Architect and yachtsman Ray Wallace worked alongside Disneyland’s construction supervisor Joe Fowler to meticulously replicate the two-century old ship. With help from the Library of Congress and the only known photograph of the historic ship, Disney researchers designed the Sailing Ship Columbia as the closest replica ever made. Below the deck, you can find the ship’s living quarters filled with artifacts to immerse you in the life of the 18th-century crew. Although don’t spend too much time down there if you’re not a fan of scurvy.
Who knew a trip to Disneyland can also come with a history lesson? Next time you’re taking a ride through the Rivers of America, hopping on the Disneyland Railroad, or struggling to keep your balance on the King Arthur Carrousel, think about just how long these attractions have inspired and entertained guests. We’re actually pretty lucky to spend time in a place as historic and magical as Disneyland.