The Disneyland Railroad observation car #106 started service in 1955 as the Grand Canyon; part of the Retlaw 1 consist. In 1976, the car was transformed into the Lilly Belle; an elegant, private railcar for distinguished guests. The first passenger aboard the Lilly Belle was Emperor Hirohito of Japan and, in the years to follow, she would carry countless dignitaries around the Magic Kingdom. She also carried many friends of her namesake, Walt’s wife Lillian, by way of a special ticket Mrs. Disney had printed and handed out to the lucky passengers. While unused for a number of years, in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Disneyland, the Lilly Belle was restored to it’s full glory and rededicated on February 15, 2006. This photo set pays tribute not only to the Lilly Belle, but also to the Grand Canyon of Walt’s original Disneyland Railroad.
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