Then and Now: Main Street Train Station

A Disneyland original, the Main Street Train Station is nearly as popular as Sleeping Beauty Castle. Much like the castle, it has gone through several extensive refurbishments (even as I'm typing this, the building is being worked on), yet it remains a classic in the eyes of Disneyland fans.

DARKBEER.SMUGMUG.COM / 2007

There are few ways to enter Disneyland without coming across this landmark, and that's what makes it so special. The ever-familiar Mickey Mouse flower garden is one of the most popular spots for photos, and the station itself is home to the Disneyland Railroad, an attraction that Walter Disney himself was fond of.

TOP ROW: Train Station in 1955 vs. Train Station now; BOTTOM ROW: T.S. in the 1960's, T.S. being built in 1955.

One of the most notable refurbishments the train station has gone under was in 2005 for Disneyland's 50th Anniversary. The station received one of the famous "50" plaques, along with the floral garden in front being changed to celebrate the anniversary. In 2006, these decorations were all taken down and the building was returned to its pre-2005 state.

THE TRAIN STATION DURING ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY STAGE.

One should also note that the sign on the train station -- the one reading "DISNEYLAND" -- changes periodically based on the number of guests coming to the park. For example, in recent years the sign has been changed to read "POPULATION: 500,000,000," due to the 500th million guest walking through the gates in late 2004/early 2005.

Unlike other attractions in Disneyland, the Main Street Train Station is one that is practically guaranteed to never be removed. Next time you visit Disneyland, hopefully you'll think of the station in a new light.

Sources: justdisney.com, wikipedia.org, matterhorn1959.blogspot.com, travel.webshots.com.