By Mike Ellis.
A few weeks back, I wrote an introductory post called “Coming Soon: The Lands of Disneyland!” Well, after what seems like an eternity, here I am, finally writing about the first land you come to at Disneyland — Main Street, U.S.A.
Much like it’s counterpart at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Main Street, U.S.A. takes all the best traits of a bygone era — when things were simpler, less complicated, and perhaps, more wholesome — and combines them in Main Street, U.S.A. This street could be found in Anytown, USA, but in truth, it draws it’s inspiration from the town of Marceline, Missouri, the town where Walt Disney spent some of his formative years growing up.
Unlike the Magic Kingdom Main Street, U.S.A., the Disneyland version has quite a bit going on, including some things that you don’t find anymore at Walt Disney World — in fact, things that I wish still existed. Let’s take a look at some of those in more detail.
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is located in the section of Main Street known as Town Square — that part of the street that you see right after you enter the park. Officially known as The Disneyland Story Presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, this isn’t just a museum/show about President Lincoln. Located within this building are some incredible artifacts that you will want to take a look at and examine in more detail when you are there next.
Main Street Cinema
Further down Main Street is the Main Street Cinema, a small theater where you can go and watch some of the great Mickey Mouse short cartoons, including the original, Steamboat Willie! I remember when you used to be able to go into the Main Street Cinema at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World and see the cartoons, but that is no longer the case, sadly. Now, the Main Street Cinema in the Magic Kingdom sells art.
Disneyland Fire Station
The Disneyland Fire Station is also located in the Town Square section of Main Street. As you can see, there is a light on in a window on the 2nd floor of the building. Did you know that this was an apartment that Walt Disney would sleep in sometimes during the construction phase of Disneyland? When he passed away in 1966, I believe that is when they started turning the light on in the apartment, as if waiting for him to arrive home. Unfortunately, the Fire Station exists at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, but what began as a duplicate of the Disneyland station gradually was turned into a gift shop, and now it is one of the starting points for the new Magic Kingdom game you can participate in known as Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom.
Disneyland Railroad – Main Street Station
As I mentioned, I love trains, and the Disneyland Railroad is no exception! We rode the train once or twice, and enjoyed every minute of it! In case you don’t know, the Disneyland Railroad has stops at Main Street, U.S.A., New Orleans Square, Tomorrowland, and Mickey’s Toontown, so there are plenty of ways to get around that don’t include just walking everywhere!
In addition to the attractions I listed above, we also have the standard gift shops that grace Main Street the world over, and some good dining locations for snacks or even meals. Most of them are similar to what you can find at the Magic Kingdom, but one, the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, is not found at Walt Disney World, and is a fun little place to go in and get a pastry from!
I hope you have enjoyed this look at Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park! When you and your family come visit Disneyland, how much time do you spend in Main Street? Is it your stepping stone, your path, if you will, to bigger and better things, or do you savor what you can find here and enjoy every moment you spend here? Let me know in the comments, and thanks!
I finally saw Great moments with Mr. Lincoln and I am glad I did.