Have you ever heard of Castle Peak & Thunder Railroad? (Also known as Orange County's Disneyland House) A place you definitely want to know about!!! Castle Peak & Thunder Railroad is a magnificently detailed miniature display of the Disneyland theme park. It was imagineered and built in the backyard of the Sheegog family who lives in Anaheim Hills, CA.
We have been fortunate enough to visit a Castle Peak and Thunder Railroad a couple of times, and it's been so much fun! It makes a great family activity for ALL AGES. Adults and kids alike will love seeing all the details put into this beautiful backyard display.
Jump Ahead To...
What to Expect at the Castle Peak and Thunder Railroad Backyard Display
When you arrive, you will enter through the side gate of this residential home. The walkway begins with planter filled with "it's a small world" miniatures and a water feature. Along the walkway, you will see a train track with a running miniature train, and also a miniature of the Sky Buckets ride from Disneyland past. Look carefully, you'll see lot's of you favorite characters and even 101 Damations!
As you enter the backyard, one of the Sheegog family members will check you and your party in. Your name will bee on their list if you registered for tickets. They will give you a little background history and even an event program with a SCAVENGER HUNT. There are a lot of hidden surprises and even "hidden Mickey's" around the property.
Once you are checked in, you are free to check out the AMAZING backyard Disney display.
Since the Castle Peak and Thunder Railroad display is located in the family's backyard, you will be walking on grass, and brickwork. The grounds include steps and paths that are uneven. Wheelchairs may not work unless someone can help them down a few step. Nonetheless, you can still sit back and enjoy the beautiful display from the first platform.
Here are some photos from out visit...
As you look around the display, you'll find realistic replicas of the Disneyland grounds, and also lots of characters from your favorite movies.
How did the Castle Peak and Thunder Railroad originate?
Castle Peak and Thunder Railroad (AKA CPTRR), is a backyard garden railroad designed and constructed by architect David Sheegog. The railroad has been a hobby for the past 25 years and now, after the encouragement of visitors, can be visited online.
Where is Castle Peak & Thunder Railroad located?
Castle Peak & Thunder Railroad is located in Anaheim Hills in the backyard of David David Sheegog.
How much does it cost to visit?
FREE! At this time, David and his family allow visitors to come at no charge during the Open Houses. However, you do need to register for tickets. This is solely for crowd management. When you go to the website, click OPEN HOUSES. This is where you will see the dates of the upcoming events and how to get tickets.
Click here for Free tickets to the Disneyland Backyard!
How can I visit Castle Peak & Thunder Railroad?
Lucky for us, David and his family allows visitors to view his beautiful display a couple times a year at open houses. If you sign up on the CPTRR website, you will receive an email letting you know when tickets areree available along with a list of open houses dates. Click here to sign up!
Finally, David and his family are the kindest people for letting the public into their home. They even sometimes serve refreshments of popcorn and water or lemonade. Please show your upmost respect in their home and enjoy but not touch all their beautiful displays.
The Castle Peak and Thunder Railroad is one of those hidden gems in Orange County that you will always remember. And hopefully it will be loved for generations to come.
Terri Hawn
Do you ever show your backyard during the week?