Disneyland’s Storybook Land Canal Boats Adding Rapunzel’s Tower

Disneyland’s Storybook Land Canal Boats is getting a new story, structure, and even music! When the attraction reopens this weekend, it will include a new miniature of Rapunzel’s tower from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Tangled. The addition to the attraction will debut as a part of the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration. It will be found among the beautiful miniature homes, villages, and castles that bring to life some of your favorite Disney fairy tales. Specifically, Rapunzel’s Tower will be found between the Patchwork Quilt and Toad Hall. Disney shared concept art of what this will look like when the attraction reopens this winter:

The concept art depicts the new tower, which is clearly recognizable as Rapunzel’s Tower, featuring a shingled turret and several windows high above the ground, allowing Rapunzel to look out and dream. The area around it will include meticulously cared-for flora to complete the scenes. This will make for a lush green oasis among the boulders that surround Rapunzel’s home.

Beyond Rapunzel’s tower, look closely, and there will be wanted posters that are seeking out Flynn Rider dotting the stone wall. Look even closer and notice that even these posters can’t get Flynn’s nose right. Each poster will have a different depiction of Flynn’s nose.

Further down, there is a secluded dock with a boat inspired by the one in the film. It is just waiting for Rapunzel and Flynn Ride to come and go for a cruise. The dock is framed with twinkling lights that wind up a trellis of the Casey Jr. Circus Train bridge.

As guests float by this scene during the day, the music of When Will My Life Begin? will be heard coming from Rapunzel’s Tower. In the evening, I See the Light will be heard as the Storybook Land Canal Boats float by.

The Origins of the Storybook Land Canal Boats 

Storybook Land Canal Boats has a story that goes back to Walt Disney himself. The Disney Parks Blog shared a history of this attraction that dates back to the opening day of Disneyland, 70 years ago. Read about it here:

Walt long had a fascination with miniatures, which he collected for many years.  His love of these petite creations was an inspiration for the creation of the attraction that would become the Storybook Land Canal Boats.

On the opening day of Disneyland 70 years ago in 1955, Canal Boats of the World debuted as a serene boat ride. The attraction underwent a transformation months later to bring beloved, small-scale fairytales to life along the banks.

The attraction reopened as Storybook Land Canal Boats in June 1956, inviting guests to tour a tiny wonderland of fantastical realms. Residences from some favorite stories were painstakingly recreated at 1:12 scale and surrounded by impressive works of horticulture. 

Today, tours through the peaceful waters are narrated by expert cast member guides who point out landmarks from some favorite Disney stories, like the castle from Cinderella perched high on the hill and the humble workshop where Geppetto carves his wooden masterpieces. 

Over the years, the attraction has evolved to introduce iconic scenes and sounds from Disney Animation stories such as Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Frozen. 

With impressively handcrafted miniatures and beloved stories, it’s no surprise this ride has enchanted visitors for decades. Learn more about the making of this attraction and discover more historical photos here on the Disney Parks Blog!

A Recent Look

Before the attraction closed, the Daps Magic team went for a cruise aboard this beloved attraction. He is a video of what it looked like before closing for the current refurbishment and enhancements:

Storybook Land Canal Boats Fun Facts

There are a lot of fun little details that can be found when riding the Storybook Land Canal Boats. Disney also shared these fun facts about the attraction:

A Hand-Planted Welcome

As you pass through Fantasyland, you’ll notice one of the more unique attraction marquees at Disneyland Resort. Residing on a raised bank, “Storybook Land” is spelled in giant, living letters created by colorful plants. This is an example of the French landscape technique called “parterre,” which is the art of creating distinct designs with plants. 

A Piece of Disneyland History

The red and white striped lighthouse just outside the queue used to be a ticket booth, where guests could purchase their admission to the ride. Until all-inclusive ticket passports were introduced in 1982, guests would purchase tickets to be admitted into individual attractions. When it opened in 1956, Storybook Land Canal Boats was one of the first “D ticket” attractions at the park. 

Which Boat Will you Get?

The boats you tour this world upon are inspired by the charming barges that once traversed the waterways of northern Europe. Each one varies in color scheme and has a unique, hand-painted design. Before you board, look to see which character from a Disney Animation film your vessel is named after. 

Look up for This Easter Egg

You’ll sail into the miniature world of Storybook Land through the open jaws of Monstro, the whale from Disney Animation’s Pinocchio. As your canal boat passes through, look up and you’ll see a line of black “soot” at the roof of his mouth from where Pinocchio lit a fire to cause the whale to sneeze him and Geppetto out to safety. 

Doorway Details

The dwellings throughout the ride are outfitted with doors that actually open and close. More than just a fun design element, this helps cast members maintain the attraction and even replace tiny lightbulbs. 

Very Merry Mini Décor

If you’re sailing during the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, you may notice wintertime decorations adorning the villages and landscaping, from wreaths the size of a coin to frosted snow. 

What do you think about the Storybook Land Canal Boats? What is your favorite part of this attraction? Are you excited about the addition of Rapunzel’s Tower to this attraction? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!