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Red Car Trolley Tidbits

August 13, 2013 By D Marie 29 Comments

Gotta love vintage.  Just as turn-of-the-century jitneys, fire engines, omnibuses and horse-drawn streetcars set the scene on Main Street, U.S.A., the Red Car Trolley graces Buena Vista Street in Disney’s California Adventure.  Reminiscent of the vehicles that criss-crossed Los Angeles when Walt and Roy Disney arrived in 1923, a ride on this “Hollywood Car” style trolley not only moves you around the park, it directly transports you back to that time and place nearly a century ago.

I can’t wait to again take passage as a time traveler during the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend.  As with all-things in the Disney Parks, doing some homework before you leave always leads to a fuller appreciation of the stage that all Disney Imagineers set for us.  I thought I’d share some Red Car Trolley Tidbits with you, as everything about them is chock-full of history!

–   The trolleys provide transit to and from the front of Disney’s California Adventure, Buena Vista Street, to The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (Hollywood Tower Hotel) in Hollywood Land.  This one-way trip can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the crowds and boarding patterns.  Walking is faster by far, but oh, what you’ll be missing.

–  These trolleys are the same models as those shown in Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988); the Pacific Electric Railway and its fleet of trolleys are featured in the plot to buy Toontown.  (Maybe you have spotted the Jolly Trolley in Disneyland’s Toontown!)

–   The trolleys travel the rails and are attached above by classic cables, or Catenary lines, which are for show only.  Like it’s original cousin from the Pacific Electric Railway, the Red Car Trolley is emissions-free and powered by electricity; in the Disney version, this is achieved via rechargeable batteries.

–   There are two, looping trolleys on duty most days.  It should come as no surprise that their numbers have deep significance to this resort and Walt himself.

#717 is a nod to the day Walt Disney dedicated Disneyland Park; July 17, 1955.

#623 marks Pacific Electric’s 600 series and is a tribute to the summer that Walt arrived in Southern California; 1923!

–   There are four official trolley stops:  Buena Vista Street, Carthay Circle, Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard.

–   Each trolley carries its own bell and whistle, which adds to the period sights and sounds.  A conductor narrates your trip, and may be as animated as a Jungle Cruise skipper or an all-business type; we’ve had both.  Oh, and be prepared for some trolley trivia- hopefully these tidbits help! 
–   Extra!  Several times a day, the Red Car Trolley acts as a movable stage for the “Red Car Boys“.  Based on the Tony-winning Broadway play Newsies, these paperboys and papergirls (and special guest) dance and sing about their own California adventures.  Be sure to “Seize the Day” and catch one of these 15 minute shows. 

–   Top PT Tip:  The Red Car Trolley operates an ADA-compliant lift for wheelchair accessibility.  There is room on the car for one wheelchair/ Electric Convenience Vehicle per ride, and unless there is an unusual weight issue, I was informed that transfers are not required. 

Pack your own “suitcase and a dream”, and slow down enough to take a ride through Disney history on the Red Car Trolley.

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Filed Under: Blog, DISabilities, DISney, Running, Top PT Tips

Comments

  1. Julie Franklin says

    August 14, 2013 at 3:54 am

    Clang clang clang. Now I want to get on the trolley. Thanks for posting.

    Reply
    • blogging says

      August 14, 2013 at 1:08 pm

      I needed an audio Julie- thanks!

      Reply
  2. Gayle Turner says

    August 14, 2013 at 5:10 am

    There is nothing quite as magical than stepping back in time onto Buena Vista Street!

    Reply
    • blogging says

      August 14, 2013 at 1:08 pm

      You are so right Gayle; I can't wait to visit your home! 😉

      Reply
  3. Lori says

    August 14, 2013 at 11:49 am

    I love the trolley pictures! Makes me sad that I didn't get any shots of the double decker bus last WDW trip. Oh well, I'll put it on next time's list.

    Reply
    • blogging says

      August 14, 2013 at 1:09 pm

      Lori- no matter how many photos I take, it's never enough!!!

      Reply
  4. Melissa Knight says

    August 14, 2013 at 11:53 am

    And they're wheelchair accessible! I can't wait to hop aboard. 🙂

    Reply
    • blogging says

      August 14, 2013 at 1:10 pm

      Yes! I read that and thought of you. Get your ride on girl. 😀

      Reply
  5. Disney Day by Day says

    August 14, 2013 at 11:53 am

    What great shots of the trolley, looks amazing. I can't wait to ride it. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • blogging says

      August 14, 2013 at 1:10 pm

      Thanks Sean!

      Reply
  6. KJ @ PlustheMagic says

    August 14, 2013 at 1:40 pm

    The trolleys lend such a cool, vintage feel to the area. Great pics! (I also love that photo of you on the blog- is that new?)

    Reply
    • blogging says

      August 14, 2013 at 1:51 pm

      Don't you admire the authenticity that the Disney Parks strive for? (And yes KJ- it only took me 3 months, but the blog redo is done. Thanks!)

      Reply
  7. Upon A Star Concierge says

    August 14, 2013 at 2:08 pm

    Love these trolley shots! Now the Trolley Show song is in my head. 🙂

    Reply
    • blogging says

      August 14, 2013 at 2:15 pm

      That seems to happen to me every Wednesday; another Blog Hop, another song!!

      Reply
  8. Lisa @ homeiswherethemouseis says

    August 14, 2013 at 2:12 pm

    I never knew about the trolleys, they're so cute! We really must make it out to DL someday. Love your pics!

    Reply
    • blogging says

      August 14, 2013 at 2:16 pm

      Thanks Lisa. Again, us Walt Disney World goers are drawn to all that is novel in Disneyland!

      Reply
  9. Jill Barnes says

    August 14, 2013 at 2:31 pm

    You always have the best fun facts! I visited Disneyland for the first and only time in the mid-'90's and my only California Adventure visit was for a private event in 2004. I cannot wait to return! The trolley will definitely be on my Must Do list.

    Reply
    • blogging says

      August 14, 2013 at 2:45 pm

      Why thank you Jill! The trolleys are just a year old, but already a Disneyland institution. I hope you get back soon too!

      Reply
  10. Cindy Howell says

    August 14, 2013 at 3:41 pm

    I've never been to Disneyland before. These photos REALLY make me want to go!!!

    Reply
    • blogging says

      August 14, 2013 at 3:49 pm

      Welcome Cindy!

      Reply
  11. Mary @ The World Is A Book says

    August 15, 2013 at 3:07 am

    I always love seeing the trolleys around CA Adventure. You're right, it has taken us faster to walk than ride the trolley 🙂 Thanks for all the interesting trivia tidbits. I've never even realized there were numbers on them. We love watching the "Red Car Boys".

    Reply
    • blogging says

      August 15, 2013 at 1:07 pm

      Thanks Mary- I can't wait to get back and learn some more!!

      Reply
  12. Mouse Fan Diane says

    August 15, 2013 at 4:25 pm

    Love seeing the Red Car, great pics and fun facts, I always learn something here 🙂 I love your new blog look too.

    Reply
    • blogging says

      August 15, 2013 at 9:04 pm

      Thanks Diane- and you were just there!!! 🙂

      Reply
  13. Magic, Memories, Mayhem says

    August 15, 2013 at 11:32 pm

    Great post! I can't wait to get back to DL and see all the new details!

    Reply
  14. blogging says

    August 16, 2013 at 12:26 am

    SO much new to see and hear!

    Reply
  15. Brenda says

    August 20, 2013 at 1:18 am

    Wonderful post!

    Reply
    • blogging says

      August 20, 2013 at 2:56 am

      Thank you for stopping by Brenda!

      Reply
  16. Morgan says

    December 12, 2014 at 4:30 pm

    Right now you can purchase candles which have been large, california scents smaller, as well as inside virtually any coloration around. Wax lights come in most shapes as well as patterns and will become shaped into much more in the event that essential.

    Reply

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"Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever.” ~ Walt Disney

Physical therapist, doctor at 60!, special needs advocate, and late-in-life runner, I offer prescriptions for a happy and full lifestyle for all.

Jeff Galloway Blogger

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