Did you know there’s a piece of Walt Disney history on display at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge? Indeed, a hidden gem of something Walt used himself is tucked away at the adjacent Boulder Ridge Villas! Just off the lobby, to your right as you enter Boulder Ridge, you will find a room dedicated to Walt’s other love and hobby: trains! Let us point out a few things we found quite interesting.
A pin collector’s dream!
The simplicity of this framed photograph is overlooked when you notice the four Disney train pins! Those are all pins! And once you’ve marveled at the train pins, you may not have noticed that there’s also a pin of the train station! The corner of the photograph reads L/E 500. We can’t help but wonder which number of the 500 this particular one is, and also how much this framed set would sell for. We’re prepared to do a second mortgage.
Train models
Situated nearby, literally around the corner, is a little model of the Lilly Belle, named after Walt’s wife Lilly. While both Disney World and Disneyland both have their own full-size Lilly Belle train, we can’t help but think Walt named a number of his early models after his lovely wife.
There’s a fireplace!
Also located in the train room is a working fireplace, with some nearby seating. Relax in front of the toasty warmth of the fireplace while noticing the screen also has a train on it.
Part of Walt’s train!
Believe it or not, these two train cars were part of the model train Walt owned and ran around his property in California! He had a larger scale model train that he would give people rides on!
A nod to California
Even here in Florida, this sign pays homage to Walt’s train obsession in California. Carolwood Pacific Railroad is the name of Walt’s railroad that he had on his home property in California. Carolwood is a reference to his address at Carolwood Drive.
How do I get there?
My apologies for not mentioning this sooner. The train room is located at Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. From the main resort lobby, head towards the gift shop and then down the hallway towards the doors leading outside.
Once outside, continue straight under the covered walkway towards the next building, which is Boulder Ridge Villas. Head through the doors and once inside, turn right to get to the train room.
Pretty nifty!
Be sure to take a look around the train room and everything on display. While Walt very much loved trains, there are very few places where parts of Walt’s personal train collection are on display. Here at Boulder Ridge Villas, and at the Disney family museum in California. Pretty darn cool, if I may say so myself. Hope you enjoyed the little tour!
Disney Rover 