With the majority of Magic Key Holders blocked through January 2nd, with some of them all the way through January 9th, I thought you might appreciate a few alternate Southern California options to help satisfy the Disneyland itch. These are all fascinating places to go on their own, but also have a unique Disney connection that will be appreciated by Disneyland regulars.
Where to Go While Blocked Out of Disneyland
Here’s a list of interesting places that will keep you occupied with Disney history until your next trip to the Disneyland Resort!
The Huntington Library & Gardens
The Huntington Library in San Marino offers 120 acres of stunning gardens and exhibits year-round, but now through March 27th they are hosting a unique Disney International traveling exhibition, “Inspiring Walt Disney: The Animation of French Decorative Arts“.
The collection takes you through the early inspirations behind Disney Studios’ creations, laying out Walt Disney’s fascination with European art and the use of French motifs in Disney films and theme parks. Sections focus on early films like Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty with a portion dedicated to the development and inspiration behind Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, giving background on the animation for the likes of charismatic Lumiere and the sweet Mrs. Potts. As an added touch, the guided tour is narrated by the late Angela Lansbury.
This exhibit and the regal feel of the grounds can make for an overall princess vibe day during this forced break from the parks. You can learn more about this exhibit in the article below!
Inspiring Walt Disney – A Stunning Disney Exhibit at the Huntington Library & Gardens
Disney Connection: Back in 2010, the Disneyland Hotel renovated the pool and courtyard area, and the 250 Koi fish were in need of a new home. They were donated to the Huntington Library and became great new residents of their lily ponds.
Peltzer Farm & Winery
Peltzer Farm & Winery located in Temecula offers a lovely experience for the whole family, and right now they have their annual ice rink open and ready for you to build magical winter memories even in SoCal alongside their exclusive not-to-miss adult wine slushies, yes, I said slushies.
This is a working farm and winery so there’s lots to explore on the grounds and many nights offer live music and food trucks to enjoy on the property as well.
Disney connection: The original Peltzer family farm was a citrus grove in Anaheim, but in 1954, the farm was sold to the one and only, Walt Disney; and just like that, became the Happiest Place on Earth–Disneyland.
Palm Springs Air Museum
The Palm Springs Air Museum recently celebrated Walt Disney’s 121st birthday with the opening of a new exhibit to accompany Walt Disney’s Grumman Gulfstream I airplane, “The Mouse.” I was able to see it up close while it was on display at the D23 Expo this year, but the aircraft found its home close to Walt and Lillian’s vacation escape, Palm Springs.
Rarely exhibited items from the interior of the aircraft are on display. And Rebecca Cline, director of the Walt Disney Archives, announced that the Palm Springs Air Museum, in conjunction with Phoenix Air, will restore and recreate the interior of the Gulfstream I to resemble what it looked like when Walt flew it in the 1960s. “We are so happy to have Walt’s plane make a landing at the Palm Springs Air Museum, just a few miles from where Walt and his family had vacation homes at Smoke Tree Ranch. It is an ideal setting for this incredible icon.”
The restoration and recreation are anticipated to take approximately two years. But you can be among the first to visit it here while exploring other surrounding landmarks that Walt Disney lived his life around.
Learn more about the Mickey Mouse One’s restoration in the article below:
Disney Connection: Walt and Lilian Disney purchased plots and built 2 vacation homes before, during and after the construction of Disneyland as members of the private Palm Springs Smoke Tree Ranch community. Walt wore the member logo pin on most of his ties. Also, in the area, Walt Disney learned to golf at Indian Canyons Club Golf Resort. Walt Disney was also on the advisory board of the Palm Springs Desert Museum inspiring his movie, “The Living Desert”, which won an Oscar in 1954 for Best Documentary. While you’re out that way, drive by the soon-to-come, newly announced Cotino- Disney’s new storytelling master-planned development on 618 acres off Bob Hope drive in Rancho Mirage.
Walt Disney Los Angeles Landmark Tour
Los Angeles area Landmarks abound with historical ties to Walt Disney and countless locations focused around the beginnings of the studios and Disneyland itself. I wrote a blog post travel map to get you around and through all the really important places in time for a Walt Disney fan. Get the details HERE!
Bonus Location: The Walt Disney Family Museum
If you’re up for a little road trip out of Southern California and into San Francisco, this museum was founded by Walt Disney’s Daughter Diane back in 2007. Housed in 40,000 square feet of space with an incredible view of the Golden Gate Bridge, it features the newest technology and historic materials and artifacts to bring Disney’s achievements to life. You can find interactive galleries that include early drawings and animation, movies, music, listening stations, and even a 12-foot diameter model of Disneyland. They also offer special screenings in their theater as well as classes and lectures throughout the year.
Discount Disney Theme Park Tickets & Hotels!!!
MiceChat brings you the BEST theme park ticket, hotel & package deals! (You’ll find extra nights free, big discounts, and special offers as well).
Check out the latest offers for Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Knott’s Berry Farm:
If you live in Southern California, there’s a very special ticket offer for you that runs from January 9th through May 25th:
(MiceChat works with Get Away Today to provide you with the best theme park travel deals and we may make a small commission on any sales made through our links)
Let’s Hear From You
While you’re locked out of the parks, where have you been getting your Disney fix? Have you visited any of the locations on this list? Any place you would recommend I look into? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Additional Reading
Still looking for something to whet your Disneyland appetite? Here is some suggested reading:
New Disneyland Magic Key Benefits for 2023 – Are They Enough?