Written by: Bridget Virden, Senior Travel Planner 

If you’ve ever wandered through the Disney parks and felt like the magic goes deeper than Mickey ice cream bars, castle views, and your favorite attractions—you’re absolutely right. And I think that magic lies in the stories of the men and women who brought Walt’s vision of Disneyland to life.

There’s just something special that happens when you start to understand the history of Disneyland. The park shifts. It’s no longer just a collection of rides—it becomes a living storybook, filled with intention, creativity, and a whole lot of heart. And the new guided tour, “Women Who Make the Magic” at Disneyland beautifully showcases the often overlooked contributions of women in the park’s history.

I was lucky enough to take this tour last week, and I couldn’t help but think about one of Walt Disney’s most meaningful quotes:

“You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” — Walt Disney

This “Women Who Make the Magic” tour brings this idea to life in such a beautiful way—by celebrating the women who helped turn dreams into something we can step into.

A Stroll Through Story and Imagination

The “Women Who Make the Magic” tour is a 90 minute guided walk through Disneyland Park, with a little pixie dust sprinkled in!

Our guide, Maddy, wove stories together so effortlessly that it never felt like a “tour”—it felt like being told a series of enchanting secrets. As we moved through the park, each stop revealed a new layer of history and heart. There were even a few delightful surprises along the way that made it feel extra magical.

Learning about these incredible women was, without a doubt, my favorite part. The tour shines a spotlight on women whose creativity helped shape Disneyland—and once you hear their stories, you start seeing their fingerprints everywhere.

Harriet Burns Harriet Burns was a true pioneer at Disneyland, becoming the first female Imagineer and helping bring Walt Disney’s early creative visions to life. Her skilled craftsmanship can still be seen in beloved attractions like the Haunted Mansion, where her attention to detail helped shape the immersive storytelling Disney is known for today. We were even treated to a ride on the Storybook Land Canal to admire Harriet’s miniatures.

Alice Davis Alice Davis’s costumes aren’t just outfits—they’re storytelling masterpieces. From “it’s a small world” to Pirates of the Caribbean, her work adds personality, color, and charm to every scene.

Mary Blair Mary was a visionary artist whose bold colors and whimsical style helped shape the look and feel of Disneyland, most famously in “it’s a small world.” Her imaginative approach to design brought a sense of joy and artistry to the parks that continues to inspire guests and Imagineers alike.

Leota Toombs Here’s a magical little secret: Leota Toombs is the face behind Madame Leota in the Haunted Mansion. It’s one of those delightful details that makes you grin every time you see that floating crystal ball.

Martha Blanding Martha Blanding made history as Disneyland’s first Black female tour guide in 1971, opening the door for greater diversity and inclusion within the park. She went on to hold leadership roles and became a powerful voice in preserving and sharing the stories of underrepresented cast members.

Barnette Ricci Barnette Ricci helped bring Disney characters to life beyond the screen, shaping the costumes and entertainment that make parades and character moments feel so vivid and real. Knowing that a woman is the creative force behind Fantasmic!, one of our favorite Disney shows, made us love it even more!

A Little Extra Magic

At the end of the tour, we got to snap a close-up photo with a real piece of Disney history—a duplicate doll from the clock parade in “it’s a small world,” which was such a fun and unexpected moment. Before heading back out to enjoy the rest of our day, we were also treated to a Celebration Matterhorn Macaroon (so good!) and invited to return later that evening to a reserved viewing area for Wondrous Journeys, which felt like the perfect magical ending.

If you’re planning a Disneyland this spring, this tour is one of those experiences that adds a little extra sparkle to your trip. It’s thoughtful, inspiring, and filled with those quiet “wow” moments that stay with you long after the day is done.

Because once you’ve heard these stories, you don’t just see Disneyland—you feel it.

And that might just be the most magical part of all. ✨