It’s often said that good things come in small packages, and that’s especially true today, as we are excited to share that a new miniature of Rapunzel’s Tower from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Tangled is coming to Storybook Land Canal Boats at Disneyland park.
Debuting during the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, this addition joins the picturesque realm of miniature homes, villages, and castles from favorite fairytales in this classic Disneyland ride. You’ll find Rapunzel’s Tower between the Patchwork Quilt and Toad Hall when the attraction reopens this winter.
Tangled Joins Storybook Land Canal Boats This Winter
As shown in newly released concept art, the slender tower is marked by a shingled turret and several windows high above the ground. A meticulously cared for selection of flora completes the scene, creating a lush green oasis among the boulders surrounding Rapunzel’s home.
Beyond the tower, multiple wanted posters seeking Flynn Rider dot the stone wall, and even in miniature, they still couldn’t get Flynn’s nose right. In fact, each poster has a different depiction of Flynn’s most difficult-to-capture feature.
A secluded dock with a boat inspired by the one from the film will sit at the edge of the water further down the canal. The dock is framed by a trail of twinkling lights winding up a trellis on the bridge, where the Casey Jr. Circus Train rumbles along.
As you float by this scene during the day, you’ll hear a charming arrangement of “When Will My Life Begin?” escaping from Rapunzel’s Tower, recalling afternoons of puzzles, darts and baking. Once dusk falls, “I See the Light” will play as you drift along the canal and watch the winking lights, reminiscent of the lanterns Rapunzel and Flynn Rider gazed at from their boat in the film.
As the local villagers of Fantasyland like to say, “Huzzah!” to this new “mini magic” on a fan-favorite attraction!
An Attraction with History Going Back to Walt Disney
Storybook Land Canal Boats is rooted in history going all the way back to Walt Disney himself, so there’s no better time to honor this attraction than during our 70th anniversary celebration.
Walt long had a fascination with miniatures, which he collected for many years. His love of these petite creations was an inspiration for the creation of the attraction that would become the Storybook Land Canal Boats.
On the opening day of Disneyland 70 years ago in 1955, Canal Boats of the World debuted as a serene boat ride. The attraction underwent a transformation months later to bring beloved, small-scale fairytales to life along the banks.
The attraction reopened as Storybook Land Canal Boats in June 1956, inviting guests to tour a tiny wonderland of fantastical realms. Residences from some favorite stories were painstakingly recreated at 1:12 scale and surrounded by impressive works of horticulture.
Today, tours through the peaceful waters are narrated by expert cast member guides who point out landmarks from some favorite Disney stories, like the castle from Cinderella perched high on the hill and the humble workshop where Geppetto carves his wooden masterpieces.
Over the years, the attraction has evolved to introduce iconic scenes and sounds from Disney Animation stories such as Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Frozen.
With impressively handcrafted miniatures and beloved stories, it’s no surprise this ride has enchanted visitors for decades. Learn more about the making of this attraction and discover more historical photos here on the Disney Parks Blog!
Fun Facts About Storybook Land Canal Boats
Storybook Land Canal Boats is one of the most highly detailed attractions in Disneyland. It’s not uncommon to discover a new detail on each voyage. Here are some fun facts and hidden details to look out for the next time you set sail.
A Hand-Planted Welcome
As you pass through Fantasyland, you’ll notice one of the more unique attraction marquees at Disneyland Resort. Residing on a raised bank, “Storybook Land” is spelled in giant, living letters created by colorful plants. This is an example of the French landscape technique called “parterre,” which is the art of creating distinct designs with plants.
A Piece of Disneyland History
The red and white striped lighthouse just outside the queue used to be a ticket booth, where guests could purchase their admission to the ride. Until all-inclusive ticket passports were introduced in 1982, guests would purchase tickets to be admitted into individual attractions. When it opened in 1956, Storybook Land Canal Boats was one of the first “D ticket” attractions at the park.
Which Boat Will you Get?
The boats you tour this world upon are inspired by the charming barges that once traversed the waterways of northern Europe. Each one varies in color scheme and has a unique, hand-painted design. Before you board, look to see which character from a Disney Animation film your vessel is named after.
Look up for This Easter Egg
You’ll sail into the miniature world of Storybook Land through the open jaws of Monstro, the whale from Disney Animation’s Pinocchio. As your canal boat passes through, look up and you’ll see a line of black “soot” at the roof of his mouth from where Pinocchio lit a fire to cause the whale to sneeze him and Geppetto out to safety.
Doorway Details
The dwellings throughout the ride are outfitted with doors that actually open and close. More than just a fun design element, this helps cast members maintain the attraction and even replace tiny lightbulbs.
Very Merry Mini Décor
If you’re sailing during the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, you may notice wintertime decorations adorning the villages and landscaping, from wreaths the size of a coin to frosted snow.
We can’t wait to welcome you back to Storybook Land to experience the miniature magic yourself. You can count me with the dreamers, admiring Rapunzel’s Tower when it debuts in this tiny realm of fantasy this winter.
