If there’s one thing that can surpass the grandeur of Disneyland, it’s another Disneyland, but in mini scale. And there’s someone in Orange County who has managed to create it… We’re talking about architect David Sheegog and his wife Frances Sheegog. Together, they have spent the last two decades building the Disney-themed backyard garden, Castle Peak And Thunder Railroad as a hobby.
As he told Inside The Magic, he wanted to design a fun yard for his three homeschooled children. He saw the railroad as a perfect “Learning Laboratory” where they could explore various fields like electrical engineering, computer programming, botany, horticulture, mechanical and civil engineering, as well as arts. He felt the project demanded expertise across these disciplines and more, with no single moment of inspiration, but rather a sense of necessity driving the design.
Living in Garden Grove with a view of the nightly summer fireworks, David began his journey. After graduating from high school, he worked on the canoe attraction as a seasonal/casual employee. This, combined with the need to educate his children, became the magical potion that enabled David to create this mini Disneyland.
But how an ambitious homeschooling project turned into a main attraction in Anaheim, it’s even more curious. The pastor’s daughter from their church reached out, mentioning a Facebook group debate about the “Gum Balls on Serrano.” These were actually part of their Pixar film Up tribute, featuring Mr. Fredricksen’s house lifted by balloons. Visible from Serrano Avenue, they resembled gum balls to some. Given permission to share, the matter was thought settled. Yet, a few days later, she proposed hosting a Facebook Event at their place, which lead to over two thousand people signing up.
How to visit the Mini Disneyland
David and Frances aim to host approximately 6-8 Open Houses in the Fall and another 6-8 in the Spring. Check the schedule for the Open Houses below and how to make a reservation:
📆 Saturday May 18, 2024 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
📆 Sunday May 19, 2024 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
📆 Saturday May 25, 2024 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
📆 Sunday May 26, 2024 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
📆 Saturday June 1, 2024 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
📆 Sunday June 2, 2024 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
🎟️ Make your reservations here
For upcoming dates, check Castle Peak And Thunder Railroad website.