Liesle and I recently spent time in Copenhagen exploring both the city AND one of its most famous landmarks, Tivoli Gardens.
For those of you familiar with Disneyland’s history, you know that Tivoli Gardens, which first opened in 1843, served as one of Walt’s inspirations for Disneyland. He is reported to have spent time wandering the park, taking detailed notes in preparation for the design and construction of Disneyland.
One of the most interesting features of the theme park is its location in the middle of the city, right across the street from Copenhagen’s central train station on one end, and City Hall on the other.
Above is the view from outside the park in front of the train station. If you look closely you can see the mountain peak for theĀ Rutschebanen wooden roller coaster — one of the oldest of its kind in the world, built in 1914.
Anyone else wonder if this might have served as inspiration for Disneyland’s Matterhorn Bobsleds?
Once inside the park, you immediately leave the hustle and bustle of central Copenhagen behind, and enter the more serene atmosphere of the park’s garden areas.
Below is the rest of the quick scenic tour, mostly without comment. Hopefully this gives you a sense of what to expect should you decide to visit yourself.
Hmmm… Another inspiration for Disneyland?
This attraction had a very “it’s a small world” feel to it from the outside.
Popcorn carts are a thing here too.
I think I let myself get the camera a little too close for comfort on this shot. Probably lucky my lens (and hand) are still intact. š
Quainter version of Autopia.
Copenhagen City Hall looms in the background just outside the park.
Nice relaxing pathways run through the park.
Monstro-lite.
Reminds me of Columbia. Not sure if it actually moves, though.
Although small by today’s theme park standards, Tivoli offers a nice escape from the chaos and noise of Central Copenhagen, and has a charm surpassing the traditional amusement parks that must have existed in America during Walt’s earlier years.
I can see how Walt received inspiration here at Tivoli Gardens!
