Disneyland Vehicles: Different Ways to Get Around Disneyland

Disneyland opened in 1955. At that time Walt Disney knew that adding various vehicles would not only help people get around but add to their overall experience. Disneyland has eight different types of transportation options to help you get around.

The Fire Engine was operating on opening day. It is modeled after fire engines used in the early 1900's. The fire engine currently takes passengers for a ride down MainStreet USA for a one way trip. It picks up passengers both at the Sleeping Beauty Castle in the Central Plaza and at Town Square. When not in use it is housed in the fire station where you and your family can get in, take pictures, ring the bell, and frolic.

The omnibus is a 45 passenger bus. It is modeled after a 1920 New York City double-decker bus. It is green and the top deck is covered. This vehicle can go up to 60 miles per hour when out on open road but probably doesn't go more than five miles per hour as it travels up and down MainStreet, USA.

The Horse drawn streetcars were also there on opening day back in 1955 and continue to be a very popular ride today. The carriages carry up to 30 passengers at a time. The horses are real and although they are used to the Disneyland environment you need to use basic common sense around them. Do not run up from behind and try to pet them, do not feed them. If your child really wants to touch one of the horses approach the driver and plead your case. Every once in a while they will let you touch them with their assistance. I'm sure it depends more on which horse is out rather than how hard you plead your case.

Horseless Carriages also take you for that magical one way trip up and down MainStreet, USA. These are vintage open air cars modeled after vehicles found in 1903. The horn's on these carriages have the "ah-oo-ga" sound. When riding in one of these special cars ask the driver if you can sound the horn.

Once you have traveled up and down MainStreet, USA on all of these vehicles walk on over to the Rivers of America. Hop aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat for a relaxing ride on the river. The boat has three decks. Many people head straight for the bow of the boat and grab one of the chairs. Sitting here you are in the very front and can see everything in a comfortable environment. Chairs and benches are scattered throughout the second and top deck as well. I personally love to be on the top deck. I can get fabulous pictures and it is just special. If you are extremely lucky you may be asked to go to the very top of the boat and help "steer" the boat. After the trip around the river is done you will get a certificate and get to sign their guest book. One little known fact about the Mark Twain Riverboat is that Walt Disney and wife celebrated their 30th Anniversary on the boat four days prior to Disneyland's grand opening.

During the busy season you might also get to ride on the Sailing Ship Columbia. This ship came to be in 1958. It is a replica of the first American ship to sail around the world, era 1787. It has 10 guns, 3 masts, and is a 84 foot tall vessel. Below deck there is a nautical museum. It is usually operates seasonally or on high attendance days, closing at dusk.

Next is the Monorail. This opened in 1959 and was the first single rail transportation system in the United States of America. Currently the monorail offers one way trips from Disneyland Park to Downtown Disney, or vice versa. You get to ride thru Fantasyland and Tomorrowland in Disneyland and Condor flats, Sunshine Plaza, and Hollywood Pictures Backlot in Disney's California Adventure. While waiting in line ask on of the cast members if you can ride in the front. Riding on either end is a very unique and pleasant experience.

Finally, the Disneyland Railroad is Disneyland. There are four steam powered locomotives that go for a twenty minute ride around Disneyland. You may get on or off at New Orleans Square, Toontown, Tomorrowland, or MainStreet, USA. Between Tomorrowland and MainStreet, USA you will get to see the Grand Canyon and Primeval World Diorama's. Using the railroads to get around saves your feet and your sanity. It can also be a nice break for your little one's. More than once I have seen sleeping children enjoy a nap while the family rides around the entire park.

No matter when you go to Disneyland you will have a variety of options when it comes to getting around. I highly suggest riding a vehicle or two down MainStreet, USA, going for a ride over the Rivers of America, and enjoying both the monorail and Railroad. Enjoying these things enhances your visit to the park, and just generally puts a smile on your face.