In recognition of our newest exhibition All Aboard: A Celebration of Walt’s Trains, Disney's D23 looks back at some rarely seen photos and a very special moment in Disney train history, as told by Pixar Animation and Walt Disney Animation Studios' chief creative officer John Lasseter:
"On May 10, 2005 at 7:00 am, a ceremony took place before Disneyland opened for the day. On the occasion of Disneyland’s 50th anniversary about 100 people gathered at the New Orleans Station of the Disneyland Railroad to honor animator and Disney Legend Ollie Johnston, one of Walt’s Nine Old Men, for how he inspired Walt Disney with his love of trains. Ollie inspired Walt to build his backyard railroad, the Carolwood Pacific Railroad. Walt’s love of giving people rides on this little steam train in his backyard eventually led to the building of Disneyland.
"After the speeches that early May morning Ollie was presented with a plaque from the Carolwood Pacific Historical Society. Then everyone heard a toot of a steam whistle and up pulled a gleaming steam train. Ollie at first thought it was a Disneyland engine, then his son Ken leaned down and said, “Dad, that is your engine.” Ollie then realized it was his beloved Marie E. and he started to cry. And then so did everyone else."
To read the rest of this story, please click through to D23.com!