Disney

If you’re going to travel across America, why not start all the way West and travel all the way East, right? With that in mind, we kicked off our big trip with a few days in Disneyland. We had a great time in the park and even had the perk of watching the closed firework rehearsal for Disneyland’s 60th anniversary from the comfort of the hot tub in our park. Now that’s the way to watch the show!

I won’t bore you with details of our Disneyland days because, let’s face it, everyone pretty much has the same experience at Disney. It’s awesome, but it’s not unique by any means. Instead, I thought I’d share a few “hidden treasures” that probably go unnoticed by most.

Next time you’re in Disneyland, make time to visit “Great Moments with Abraham Lincoln”. Aside from being a great history lesson, the theater is filled with some fantastic Disneyland memorabilia. Here are a few of my favorite pieces:

The Snow Queen Exhibit

Did you know that the idea for a movie based on “The Snow Queen” has been floating around Disney for a really long time? Many artists of the past and present have contributed renderings of their visions for a snowy fairy tale that eventually evolved into the Frozen we all know.

I also loved seeing some of the original designs and animation from some of my favorite Disney classics.

I have to include this on because my first crush was on Robin Hood the fox when I was eight years old. Oh to be Maid Marian!

Who knew they had an animator working on site?

And of course, there’s the subtle spirit of Walt Disney that has been carefully preserved in his beloved park. We always love to look for the lamp in the window of his office above the fire station. The light never goes out in memory of Walt.

And don’t forget to go to the train station in New Orleans. Listen for the clicking of the telegraph overhead. It’s the speech given by Walt Disney on the opening day of Disneyland in 1955 continually looped in morris code. Have you heard it? We have!