The Disneyland Railroad is one of the most iconic attractions in Disneyland, greeting guests as soon as they enter the park.
Disneyland Train Station
And, although the steam-blowing, horn-whistling trains are available for everyone to ride, there’s a passenger car that’s a bit of secret. Only a few lucky guests are able to ride the Lilly Belle — and we just happened to be one of them (which means YOU get to take a look inside, too)!
The Lilly Belle is the last remaining train car from Disneyland’s opening. While it was originally the Grand Canyon viewing car, it was converted in 1976 to be a VIP perk in the parks.
Lilly Belle
Lillian Disney played a large role in the decorating of the car, even putting some of her own photographs and family belongings inside. The car was named the “Lilly Belle” after her, and was refurbished and rededicated in Lillian’s honor in 2006 as well.
Lilly Belle Display
The Victorian Parlor style car has photographs of Walt and Lillian, glass knick-knacks, flower arrangements, books, stunning light fixtures, velvet seats, a love seat, and even a robe on a hanger. The carpet is original and even features hidden Mickeys in the pattern! Lucky Lilly Belle guests also get to sign a guest book while on-board!
Walt and Lillian Disney
While Club 33 members have been able to ride the car (and even D23 members sometimes!), VIP tours also get the special opportunity to take a trip on the Lilly Belle.
Lilly Belle Glasses
The Grand Circle Tour gives you a bit of insight on Walt Disney’s love of trains, as well as the history of the Lilly Belle. Guests then get to ride in the famous car around Disneyland with a few snacks included in their tour for $85 without the Annual Passholder discount.
Lilly Belle Books
Buuut, the early bird catches the worm! With a little bit of luck, you MIGHT be able to ride the Lilly Belle for FREE — or at least see inside — if you’re one of the the first guests visiting the Disneyland Railroad in the morning! If you head to the Main Street Train Station at park opening, you might be one of the lucky guests who are given a return time to ride the Lilly Belle. Since the car only holds 14 people, there’s a limited amount of space each day for guests wanting to ride it. But note that Lilly Belle doesn’t run every day! The car isn’t air-conditioned and the windows are always open, so if it’s too hot or raining, the car won’t be in service that day.
Lilly Belle Seats
For those lucky few that get to ride the Lilly Belle, you may be able to take home your own Lilly Belle tickets as a memento during your time aboard the train (and all the must-have photos!!).
Lilly Belle Souvenir Tickets
Riding this extra special car is a Disney fan’s dream come true. There so much connection here to Walt Disney himself, and it’s an honor to be inside!
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Heather Sievers is DisneyFoodBlog’s Dining in Disneyland columnist! Check out more of her adventures at @DininginDisney on Instagram!
Have you been on the Lilly Belle in Disneyland? Let us know in the comments below!
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We’ve been lucky enough to ride in the Lilly Belle twice. Once we had a Disney Ambassador onboard and she provided an exceptional narrative as we traveled the complete route. Still one of the best ‘free’ tours we’ve ever had.
Did you get there early as suggested or do the VIP tour? And, I assume it wasn’t summer as the car isnt air conditioned. Thank you for a response.
Linda
I tried this in March on my birthday but they refused. I was first there and in the park. Not sure this still works.
Oh wow! I had no idea this was around! I would live to ride the Lilly Belle someday!
We’ve rode the Lily Belle a few Christmases ago with a wonderful ambassador that gave us a great tour and a wonderful memory. We also recieved the tickets afterwards. We will never forget how nice they were to us! And back then it was all free!
We were lucky to ride it on the “Walk in Walt’s Footsteps “ tour many years ago. It was definitely the highlight of the tour! We took lots of pictures and will always cherish that memory!
I have rode the Lilly Belle. My daughter and I were at the Main street station and talking with a cast member about how beautiful it is and asked if we would like to ride it. During the ride, he gave told us the history of the Lilly Belle. It was probably a once in a life time experience andI will always treasure the memory
On one of my recent visits, I saw the Lilly Belle out. I asked about riding, but was told it is now only available to those on the tours. Did they change it back to you can ride if you ask at opening?