Revisit the History and Nostalgia of Griffith Park

Some of the simplest joys in life are the ones that burrow deep in our subconscious, ready to reappear at the first sign of nostalgia. For me, that moment occurred during a near-private visit with my mom and fellow travelers at the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round, thanks to a truly special Adventures by Disney experience.

What does the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round have to do with Disney, you might wonder? Or, you’re a better fan than me and already knew — but, as legend has it, the merry-go-round was what sparked the inspiration for Disneyland. According to the story, Walt Disney was sitting on a park bench, watching his two young daughters ride the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round and thought something similar should exist for all families: a clean, safe and fun place where families could go and enjoy quality time together. Enter, Disneyland.

While you may be a true fan and already knew that story, I was dazzled and instantly excited at the opportunity to experience the famous ride.

Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round. Photo: Adventures by Disney

The owner, Julio, has owned the merry-go-round for about seven years now, but has been involved for about 33 years, since his job there as a kid. The ride is now 93 years old and has almost all of its original trappings — incredible when you consider the company that made the ride in New York back in the early 1900s is no longer in business. The ride has its original motor and organ, both from 1916. All the ride’s horses are original from the 1920s, and all jumpers — meaning there are no stationary horses on this merry-go-round. There is, however, one stationary bench for guests with limited mobility or adults that want to join their kids on the ride but without having to climb on the horse in a skirt — like my mother.

Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round. Photo: Angelique Platas

Fun fact: The difference between a merry-go-round and a carousel is a carousel has all sorts of animals (like a carnival) while a merry-go-round is strictly horses.

While this merry-go-round may sound like a dusty antique, it’s actually in stunning condition and the fastest in the business, so hold on tight. The ride spins at a record 14 mph, which may not sound like much, but considering the average merry-go-round moves at 4 mph, it’s definitely a speed demon. The ride originally moved at 25 mph, but safety regulations cause the owners to pull back and cap it at 14 mph, which it grandfathered in.

Julio shared a few personal stories with our group, told us all about the ride’s history and importance to him, as the owner before him was like a father to him, and the whole story couldn’t have been more in tune with what Walt Disney himself felt while watching his daughters ride the jumping horses — at some insane speeds, I might add.

Once we were able to ride, we dispersed to find our horses with far more appreciation than we would have had before. The organ music began, we strapped in and began. The horses have real horse-hair tails, a 200-pound weight limit and only one can’t handle adults at all, it’s reserved for children, but Julio or a valued staff member will tell you all the details before your family finds their horses.

If you want a completely unique and private experience of a nighttime ride with just a small group, Adventures by Disney may be able to assist, but for everyone else, the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round is open Friday through Sunday and only costs $2 to ride.