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.
– 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.
Clang clang clang. Now I want to get on the trolley. Thanks for posting.
I needed an audio Julie- thanks!
There is nothing quite as magical than stepping back in time onto Buena Vista Street!
You are so right Gayle; I can't wait to visit your home! 😉
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.
Lori- no matter how many photos I take, it's never enough!!!
And they're wheelchair accessible! I can't wait to hop aboard. 🙂
Yes! I read that and thought of you. Get your ride on girl. 😀
What great shots of the trolley, looks amazing. I can't wait to ride it. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Sean!
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?)
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!)
Love these trolley shots! Now the Trolley Show song is in my head. 🙂
That seems to happen to me every Wednesday; another Blog Hop, another song!!
I never knew about the trolleys, they're so cute! We really must make it out to DL someday. Love your pics!
Thanks Lisa. Again, us Walt Disney World goers are drawn to all that is novel in Disneyland!
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.
Why thank you Jill! The trolleys are just a year old, but already a Disneyland institution. I hope you get back soon too!
I've never been to Disneyland before. These photos REALLY make me want to go!!!
Welcome Cindy!
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".
Thanks Mary- I can't wait to get back and learn some more!!
Love seeing the Red Car, great pics and fun facts, I always learn something here 🙂 I love your new blog look too.
Thanks Diane- and you were just there!!! 🙂
Great post! I can't wait to get back to DL and see all the new details!
SO much new to see and hear!
Wonderful post!
Thank you for stopping by Brenda!
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