Have you heard of the LiIly Belle?
The phrase that would grant us a once in a lifetime experience on our last Disneyland vacation. To recap, we'd had a bit of a mixup with our park tickets and were working with cast members at City Hall to see how we could resolve the discrepency.
Yes, of course I've heard of it, but I've never had a chance to ride.
I replied. I was half paying attention to the conversation trying to sort out the kids meals at lunch. Then realizing my response, gave myself an imaginary face palm, because how many people could actually say they had.
Would you and your family be able to make your way to the Main Street train station sometime this afternoon? We'd love to host you on this exclusive experience.
Would 2 o'clock be ok?
Perfect. Please arrive a few minutes ahead of time so we can get everything orginized.
I hung up the phone and recounted the conversation to Jeff. Once I said it out loud, the excitement sank in.
Now, for those not familiar with the Lilly Belle, let me explain. Disneyland Park has a train that circles the entire park. On which, one can take a relaxing ride to see each land, or get to the next stop on their journey. in 1974 the Grand Canyon observation coach was re-designed by Lillian Disney herslef. While this used to be a car used for the elite of the elite visitors (e.g. world leaders, Club 33 members, etc.) and VIP tours, there was also a time when 'regular' Disneyland Guests could try and ride. At one time, if you were lucky, you could take a chance early in the morning, and if the Lilly Belle wasn't booked for a private tour, members of the public could have the chance to ride.
(Photo: taken by Alysa MacDonald, on the Lilly Belle of Lillian and Walt Disney)
Today, the Lilly Belle hosts MAYBE three tours a week (according to our host Steve). These rides are exclusive to the point that even VIP tours are no longer able to ride.
And now that you know a bit of the background and exclusivity of the Lilly Belle, lets recap this amazing experience!
You guys must know some people in pretty high places.
No, we sure don't.
Then how did you ever luck out to get a tour on here?! I'm Steve, and welcome aboard the Lilly Belle.
(To be clear, this exchange was completed with full smiles and pleasentries from all parties!)
Steve welcomed us aboard the Lilly Belle, and proceeded to provide a tour full of information and genuine conversation as we slowly made our way around the Disneyland Park.
The Lilly Belle has not been re-decorated since Lillian Disney completed her design which I think makes it the most magical. The way the stained glass windows catch the light and create rainbows throughout the car, the flowers, the furniture, we were transported back in time.
I was so focused on soaking in every detail of the car itself, that most of the facts and information Steve gave us did not register in my brain (insert face palm). As we stopped in each land for passengers to hop on and off the rest of the train, Steve would prompt us to get up and look around, take pictures, soak it all in. Then he would catch a glimpse of the light, pause our converstaion and say:
Let me take your picture! The light coming through the windows making rainbows is just perfect! Quickly, quickly now and I'll get the shot!
The next time he'd turn around and say:
Just look at that view. The tracks through the back window, isn't it amazing?! And just think, there's hardly anyone who gets to see this view.
or
Don't worry about getting pictures of everything in the car. You can find those online, what you wont find are pictures of you in the car, so here, let me take your picture.
And you'd remember again how special the experience was and continue to soak in every detail of the trip.
This once in a lifetime opportunity is one we will never forget, and will continue to be a part of our highlight reel of all past and future Disney trips!
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