When Walt and his Imagineers designed Disneyland, they included tons of little nods to Walt’s interests, loved ones, and life. Imagineers continued these tributes without Walt during the design of California Adventure, so both parks at the Disneyland Resort celebrate the things Walt loved most.
Take Buena Vista Street for example. This street is supposed to represent Los Angeles as Walt experienced it upon moving west in the 20s. Across the street, you’ll find references to his Nine Old Men (the original animation crew), his father’s name on a storefront, and a special hidden detail for his mother.
To find the tribute to his mom, visit Elias & Co. Walk through the shop’s doorway from the front, circular room, toward the other clothing sections. On the left-hand side (the wall closest to the street), you’ll see a sign for Flora’s Beauty Parlor.
Flora Call Disney raised all 5 of her children in Marceline, Missouri, and lived in Kansas City and Portland before she and her husband Elias moved to North Hollywood into a home purchased by Walt and Roy. Tragically, Flora died in the house from gas fumes from a faulty furnace. Many Disney historians wonder if Flora’s horrible accident was the inspiration behind so many of Walt’s characters losing their own mothers.
Though Walt obviously never participated in any planning for California Adventure, Imagineers made sure to include a tribute to Flora, one of the most important people in Walt’s life.
Source: Chronique Disney
Fun fact: Elias and Flora got married about 50 miles from the eventual site of Disney World.
That is very cool. I wonder if that was why Walt chose the Florida site!
Oh my goodness. What a tragic story but what a fun nod to Walt and his influences
Oh my gosh! I have NEVER noticed this before! I’ll have to look for it next time I go! Thank you for sharing!
It’s a super hidden little detail! Worth searching for 🙂