You read the title correctly. We learned something about Disney at Bryce Canyon National Park. What did we learn? Well, just keep reading. It’s pretty awesome.
Why Bryce?
You may remember, we visited our first national park last spring. We went to Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. That trip fueled the desire to visit all of the U.S. national parks. If you want to know more about that Broke Teachers adventure check out our video We Went to Mammoth Cave! or read our post here.
We got started on that bucket list this summer. And, Bryce Canyon was the first park we chose to check off.
It’s not far from Las Vegas, which was our home base the first few days of our adventure.
How does Disney relate to Bryce Canyon?
We’re glad you asked. You know we love Disney (enough to work there for 5 summers).
When we entered Bryce Canyon we saw a sign that read “Thunder Mountain”. See where this is going? We unknowingly laughed at the irony and then looked to the hoodoos above us. There it was – the inspiration for Disneyland’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
We had no idea that this famous park inspired Big Thunder. Should we, former Cast Members and avid park fans, have known this information? Absolutely! But, that’s ok. you learn when you travel.
It was an amazing sight. Only Disney imagineers could capture something so perfectly. It’s actually quite amazing – the coloring, the structure, the ambience.
If Bryce inspired the Disneyland version what about Walt Disney World?
Not too far away, along the Utah/Arizona state line, is Monument Valley. This area of the United States, with its impressive rock formations, is rumored to be the inspiration for Walt Disney World’s version of Big Thunder Mountain.
Is there more to Bryce Canyon than just Disney inspiration?
Yes! The entire park is unique and absolutely beautiful. It is made up of the largest most condensed collection of hoodoos in the world. Whether you view these magnificent formations from above, or set out on a hiking adventure beneath the soaring towers, the beauty of nature will wow you.
Why should you visit?
Aside from the absolute beauty, the U.S. National Parks are a great budget-friendly travel option. Especially if you purchase the America the Beautiful annual pass. And, just to clarify, this is not a paid endorsement. We have no affiliation with the parks. Is We’re just really big fans.
The price is currently $80. Not all parks honor the pass, but a lot do. The pass covers everyone in your vehicle in the parks that charge vehicle rates. That…is…a…bargain!
Make sure you follow along. We will be posting more about our national park adventures!
And remember, break the monotony, not the bank!
–Marnie and Jeff
