Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round: Disneyland's Inspiration
The inspiration for Disneyland actually started right here at this Merry-Go-Round in Griffith Park in Los Angeles.
Walt said: "The idea for Disneyland came about when my daughters were very young and Saturday was always Daddy’s day with the two daughters. . . and as I’d sit [on a bench] while they rode the merry-go-round..."
"...I felt that there should be something built where the parents and the children could have fun together. So that’s how Disneyland started..."
"...It all started from a daddy with two daughters wondering where he could take them where he could have a little fun with them, too."
The actual park bench Walt would sit on is on display in Disneyland...
As is one of the restored horses
And although the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round is currently closed...
You can still go visit and get up close to the spot...
...of Disneyland's inspiration.