In 2012 the Red Car Trolley started carrying guests from Buena Vista Street to what is now known as Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout!. The attraction recreates the look of the Pacific Electric Railway’s “Red Cars” that used to be found in Los Angeles and Southern California.
The attraction is a 1,000 mm (3 ft 3 3⁄8 in) meter gauge tramway that utilizes two trolley cars. One is number 623 and the other 717. The 626 is modeled after the 600-series trolleys which were built by the St. Louis Car Company in 1922. The paint scheme replicates the look of the “Hollywood” cars. The number “23” in the car’s number references 1923 when Walt Disney arrived in California. The 717 is modeled after the 700-750 series trolleys which were built by the J. G. Brill Company in 1925. Its paint scheme is modeled after the Pacific Electric’s iconic Art Deco “wings” design. It’s 717 number references Disneyland opening date of July 17, 1955.
The trolleys at Disney California Adventure are all battery powered. The wire above them is solely for decorative purposes. The trolleys are overcharged overnight and then can be topped off through induction coils in the ground. There are four stops for the trolleys. They include:
- Buena Vista Street near the Disney California Adventure Park Main Entrance
- Carthay Circle across from Carthay Circle Restaurant
- Hollywood Boulevard near the Disney Animation building
- Sunset Boulevard past the Hyperion Theater
Throughout the day, the attraction is also featured in Red Car Trolley Newsboys. This show tells the story of Mickey Mouse coming to Hollywoodland and pursue his dreams. The Red Car Trolley is currently not operating while a new super-hero themed land is being worked on around the Sunset Boulevard station. Which Red Car Trolley is your favorite?
