It’s often said that good things come in small packages, and that’s especially true today, as we are excited to share that a new miniature of Rapunzel’s Tower from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Tangled is coming to Storybook Land Canal Boats at Disneyland park.

Debuting during the Disneyland Resort 70^th Celebration, this addition joins the picturesque realm of miniature homes, villages and castles from favorite fairytales in this classic Disneyland ride. Guests will find Rapunzel’s Tower between the Patchwork Quilt and Toad Hall when the attraction reopens this winter.

Tangled Joins Storybook Land Canal Boats This Winter

As shown in newly released concept art, the slender tower is marked by a shingled turret and several windows high above the ground. A meticulously cared for selection of flora completes the scene, creating a lush green oasis among the boulders surrounding Rapunzel’s home.

Beyond the tower, multiple wanted posters seeking Flynn Rider dot the stone wall, and even in miniature, they still couldn’t get Flynn’s nose right. In fact, each poster has a different depiction of Flynn’s most difficult-to-capture feature.

A secluded dock with a boat inspired by the one from the film will sit at the edge of the water further down the canal. The dock is framed by a trail of twinkling lights winding up a trellis on the bridge, where the Casey Jr. Circus Train rumbles along.

As guests float by this scene during the day, they will hear a charming arrangement of “When Will My Life Begin?” escaping from Rapunzel’s Tower, recalling afternoons of puzzles, darts and baking. Once dusk falls, “I See the Light” will play as guests drift along the canal and watch the winking lights, reminiscent of the lanterns Rapunzel and Flynn Rider gazed at from their boat in the film.  

As the local villagers of Fantasyland like to say, “Huzzah!” to this new “mini magic” on a fan-favorite attraction!

An Attraction with History Going Back to Walt Disney

Storybook Land Canal Boats is rooted in history going all the way back to Walt Disney himself, so there’s no better time to honor this attraction than during our 70^th anniversary celebration.

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. 

Fun Facts About Storybook Land Canal Boats

Storybook Land Canal Boats is one of the most highly detailed attractions in Disneyland. It’s not uncommon to discover a new detail on each voyage. Here are some fun facts and hidden details guests can look out for the next time they set sail.

A Hand-Planted Welcome

As guests pass through Fantasyland, they will 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 Guests Get?

The boats guests 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 guests board, they can look to see which character from a Disney Animation film their vessel is named after.

Look up for This Easter Egg

Guests will sail into the miniature world of Storybook Land through the open jaws of Monstro, the whale from Disney Animation’s Pinocchio. As their canal boat passes through, they can look up 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 guests are sailing during the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, they may notice wintertime decorations adorning the villages and landscaping, from wreaths the size of a coin to frosted snow.

We can’t wait to welcome guests back to Storybook Land to experience the miniature magic themselves. You can count us with the dreamers, admiring Rapunzel’s Tower when it debuts in this tiny realm of fantasy this winter.