How would you like a chance to enjoy a classic travel experience?
Not only that, but what if it was one that Walt & Lillian Disney
enjoyed on a cross-country excursion?
Saturday, August 16th is the date that just such an opportunity awaits. Roger Colton of Private Car Service will be taking a select group of guests on a vintage railroad car
excursion from Los Angeles to San Diego that day. The great news is that
there are still some seats aboard that you can reserve.
Step
back to the summer of 1938 as Walt Disney was being feted with honorary
degrees, at two of the country’s highest institutions of learning. Both
Harvard and Yale had invited Walt to be part of the graduation
ceremonies that year. He graciously accepted, being assured that
receiving such an honor from one of these universities would not impact
doing so at the other. (Check out this story on Jim Hill Media by Wade Sampson from 2003 with a bit more about Walt’s honorary degrees.)
Robert Taylor and Walt Disney shakes hands as they pose the cameras after
exiting the 20th Century Limited on June 20, 1938.
On
the evening of Friday, June 17th, Walt and Lillian boarded the most
deluxe train of the Atchison, Topeka Santa Fe Railway – the Super Chief –
for the trip from Los Angeles to Chicago. The train was the latest word
in streamline design and technology. Pulled by diesel-elecrtric
locomotives, with a lightweight all-first class Pullman consist built by
the Budd Company, the train departed from the new Los Angeles Union
Passenger Station at 8:00 pm. With limited stops for servicing along the
way, it arrived in Chicago at the Dearborn Street Station at 1:45 pm on
Sunday, the 19th. That same afternoon, Walt & Lillian departed
Chicago on the famed all-Pullman 20th Century Limited at 3:00 pm and
arrived into New York’s Grand Central Terminal at 8:00 am.
(Walt
wasn’t the only Hollywood name to arrive that morning. The local
newspapers caught MGM actor Robert Taylor, also aboard the 20th Century.
Photographs from the day show him with Walt, exiting the train.)
Walt
went on the visit friends and business associates – as well as
receiving both honorary doctorates – while in New York. He and Lillian
repeated their journey aboard the 20th Century and the Super Chief
heading west. It was a very successful trip east.
Now
back to the present! This trip to San Diego will be riding aboard one
of the cars from the 1937 Super Chief – the lounge car “Acoma”. Recently
restored to operation, the interior is very much as it was in that
summer of 1938. Oversized chairs offer comfortable seats for the
excursion with great views of the Pacific shore along the way. The trip
departs from Union Station in Los Angeles at 9:20 am and arrives into
San Diego at 12:41 pm. The return from San Diego departs at 6:45 pm with
arrival back into Los Angeles at 9:45 pm.
Walt Disney waves to the crowd as he returns to LA’s Union Station.
Breakfast
pastries and beverages will be served on the trip down to San Diego,
with a variety of desserts and beverages served on the return to Los
Angeles. The price per person is $225. Space is limited to 20 passengers
Something
to do while in San Diego? The aircraft carrier Midway museum is a short
walk from the train station. As well, the light rail trains depart and
arrive at the station as well. Looking to take in some theme park
history? Shelly Valladolid will be along and glad to share how the 1915
Panama Pacific Exposition in Balboa Park played a role in influencing
many theme parks and events that have taken place since. And a few
special guests with a bit of Disney history to share are planning to
join us as well. You won’t want to miss some of the great tales they
will have to share as well. It promises to be a great day’s adventure!
To reserve your place, contact Roger Colton of Private Car Service at 925-321-0023925-321-0023 or by e-mail to rcolton@mac.com.