Carolwood Foundation Offers Fun Opportunity to Preserve Disney Railroad History
Memorial Day weekend trip features Disney personalities, visit to the Walt Disney Family Museum, and rare showing of Fess Parker film.
( April 1, 2010) This Memorial Day weekend, have fun and help save an original piece of Disney railroad history: Walt Disney's combine car that circled Disneyland when it first opened in 1955. The non-profit Carolwood Foundation is holding a once-in-a-lifetime rail trip to benefit the purchase and restoration of the combine car.
Over the weekend, a limited number of guests will board a private railcar at Union Station in Los Angeles. They will take a trip up the spectacular California coast, dine on meals prepared en route, experience a visit to the Walt Disney Family Museum, and enjoy presentations by Disney Legend Bob Gurr, noted historian and author Michael Broggie, animator John Kimball (son of Disney Legend Ward Kimball), and Imagineer Ray Spencer, who is currently leading the creation of the Red Car Line at Disney's California Adventure.
The journey starts the morning of Saturday, May 29 aboard an historic observation car. On the way north, delicious meals will be presented by a private chef and two servers. The trip includes specially prepared meals, beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks. Special rare items will be offered for auction and all four speakers will be on board. Upon arrival in Oakland about 9pm, a private motor coach will take guests to the Hilton Hotel in Emeryville.
On Sunday, May 30, after breakfast, guests will take a chartered motor coach from Emeryville to San Francisco for a tour of the spectacular Walt Disney Family Museum. The Museum has graciously agreed to present a rare public showing of The Great Locomotive Chase in the Fantasia Theater. The 1956 film, based on a true episode of the American Civil War, stars Disney Legend Fess Parker as Union spy James J. Andrews. After visiting the museum, the motor coach will transport guests to Fisherman's Wharf for an evening in San Francisco, or back to the hotel in Emeryville. At Fisherman's Wharf guests may dine at their favorite seaside restaurant or grab a cable car to downtown for an evening of fun. Guests must catch the last ferry at about 9:30 PM to Jack London Square where the motor coach will be waiting for the return trip to the Hilton.
On Monday, May 31, the private railcar departs Oakland in the morning for the return trip to Los Angeles. Along the way, guests will enjoy brunch and have further opportunity to bid on rare collectibles and autographed items as well as enjoy additional meals and quality time with our guest speakers and fellow travelers. Arrival in Los Angeles is anticipated at 9pm.
All net proceeds go directly to support the preservation and display of the original Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad combine car. The Carolwood Foundation is in the process of acquiring and restoring this car for display next to Walt Disney's Carolwood Barn in Griffith Park. There it will be open for the public to enjoy and learn about. Walt Disney personally owned the combine car, and declared it to be his favorite piece of the Disneyland Railroad.
The cost of the trip is $500 per person and includes transportation and all meals aboard the private railcar. Not included is the hotel stay and meals not served on the trip. The Hilton is offering a special rate of just $85 per night, plus taxes and fees. Call 510-658-9300 and tell them you are with the Carolwood group. The Hilton will honor cancellations up to one week prior to the reservation.
Reservations must be made by April 10, 2010. Space is limited, so you are encouraged to book tickets as soon as possible. Remember, all net proceeds from this trip go directly to the preservation of an important piece of Disney history. We hope you'll support this cause and join us for what promises to be a delightful and memorable journey. Please visit the Carolwood web site at www.carolwood.org for more information about the Combine Project. Please contact our Event Chairperson, Bob Lemberger, at [email protected] or [email protected] with any questions or to book your tickets.
The trip will require a minimum number of guests. You will be notified in a timely manner if it is cancelled for any reason. Unfortunately, unless the trip is cancelled, we cannot issue refunds. We will, however, attempt to fill your place from our waiting list. As the Carolwood Foundation is non-profit, donation receipts will be issued. Your tax advisor can guide you on the portion of your trip that may be tax deductible.
-- Posted April 1, 2010