Q: I’m a staunch believer that Disney and trains go together—there’s no other way of putting it. It’s a match made in heaven, you might say. So my question is, is it true that for the opening of the Grand Canyon Diorama in 1958, Walt had guests transported to Anaheim on an Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe Railroad Business Car? And, if so, which business car was used?
David, Downey, California
A: For the grand opening of the diorama on March 31, 1958, Disneyland made arrangements for media guests to be transported in “special railway cars” (no description given) from Union Station in downtown Los Angeles to Anaheim Station, and hence by Disneyland Main Street buses to the park. The cars, attached to the San Diegan, left L.A. at 11:05 a.m. and the guests arrived at the park by 11:25.
Dave Smith