One of the best parts about Disneyland are the little details that are hidden right before your eyes. Just as thousands walk by the unassuming entrance to Disneyland’s secret Club 33 restaurant, the Lilly Belle presidential car is often overlooked by those who ride the Disneyland Railroad.
If you didn’t know about the Lilly Belle, you’d likely just think it was a caboose hitched to the back of the Disneyland Railroad. The car really is something special, as its use is reserved for dignitaries, VIPs and Club 33 members. As with most of the VIP areas of Disneyland, the exclusivity is one of the best parts of the experience.
The Lilly Belle began its life as the Grand Canyon Observation Coach #106. It is an example of one of the early passenger cars for the train, which were fully enclosed and had small windows. Walt Disney wanted his guests to have a better view from the train, which ultimately resulted in the passenger cars we enjoy today. While most of the original cars were destroyed or sold, the Grand Canyon Observation car was eventually renovated and renamed the Lilly Belle in honor of Walt’s wife, Lillian Disney.
The Lilly Belle is outfitted with a lavish interior of rich Tibetan Mahogany paneling, red plush velvet chairs and love seats, fancy carpet, an ornate beveled glass mirror, gold fringed red velvet drapes, a coat rack with Walt’s smoking jacket and antique marble tables supporting three of Walt’s favorite books and an intimate portrait of Walt and Lillian. The interior has been renovated a few times over the years, but the overall plushness has remained. When the conductor opens the velvet rope and you step inside the car, you know that you’ve entered a special place.
Although the car is typically reserved for dignitaries and special guests, Disneyland’s guest relations department does often let a few “regular folks” onboard. The Walk In Walt’s Footsteps guided tour will often end with a trip in the VIP car. Other times, a guest relations host at City Hall might give a Lilly Belle ticket to a couple celebrating a milestone anniversary.
It has been several years since we last had a chance to ride in the Lilly Belle, but we still fondly remember the specialness of that grand circle tour. Have you had a chance to ride in the Lilly Belle? Tell us about it in the comments.
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Photos via HarshLight
