You’ve been to Disneyland. You’ve experienced every attraction, watched every spectacle, and sampled every delicacy the resort has to offer. Or have you? During your daylong Disneyland adventure, you will visit legendary locales seldom (if ever) seen by Disney fans—places that are, shall we say, off the map?
Included in your unforgettable visit will be a tour of Walt Disney’s private apartment above the Fire Station on Main Street, U.S.A. This quaint studio apartment was built during the construction of Disneyland so that Walt could sometimes spend the night and watch his beloved dream of Disneyland became a reality. Once the park opened, Walt and his family would occasionally spend the night—or just use the fully functional apartment (complete with shower and small kitchenette!) as a respite from the busy park below. Lillian would use the outside patio for afternoon tea and for entertaining guests while Walt would conduct studio business using the (still-working) Victorian-era rotary phone.
Interested in a grand circle tour of Disneyland? How about taking a ride in the Lilly Belle VIP parlor car on the Disneyland Railroad? Named after Walt’s wife, Lillian, this converted observation car from the early days of the Disneyland Railroad was actually built in 1928, making it as old as Mickey Mouse. For the park’s 1975-1976 celebration of the American Bicentennial, the car was re-christened the Lilly Belle, an elegantly furnished parlor car whose guests have included heads of state and legends from all corners of the worlds of the arts and sports. Now it’s your turn to be treated like royalty aboard the Disneyland Railroad!
Then it’s time for a dream come true. In 2008, The Disney Gallery above Pirates of the Caribbean was transformed into Disneyland Dream Suite. The space was originally intended as an apartment for Walt to entertain guests and spend the night, but he passed away before it could be completed. As part of the Disney Parks Year of a Million Dreams celebration, the apartment was brought to life by Imagineers, who not only stayed faithful to many of Walt’s original ideas for the space, but enhanced it with some truly magical touches that include a quintessentially Disney “kiss goodnight.”
Of course there will be ample time to enjoy many of the park’s signature attractions, including Haunted Mansion and it’s a small world, but don’t fill up on churros. We will be meeting at 6 p.m. for a very special dinner (and drinks) inside one of the resort’s most unique restaurants.
With surprises, special gifts, and more than a little bit of pixie dust thrown in for good measure, we are confident this will be one D23 event you will want to put on your map.
NOTE: Available only to D23 Members in good standing. Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest. There are a limited number of tickets available. Guests will be divided into groups to visit each of the three main locations, so guests may not necessarily visit in the order the venues are listed. In the event of rain, the Lilly Belle portion of the experience may be canceled. Theme park admission not included and required. D23 Members will be required to provide their membership number when reserving tickets. Tickets may be picked up only with a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card may not be admitted to the event. Ticketed Members who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event. If you wish to request sign language interpreting services for this event, please submit your request to d23.guestservices@disneystore.com at least two weeks prior to the event date. All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. There are no cancellations or refunds, and tickets are not transferable.
