**Local Man Creates Miniature Disneyland in His Backyard**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Mini-Disneyland-042726-1-9de650e0b55840d7acbd36a0fbef6779.jpg)
In an inspiring tale of creativity and dedication, David Sheegog has spent 27 years transforming his Anaheim, California, backyard into a stunning miniature Disneyland. With a variety of attractions that include iconic Disney landmarks, a functioning aerial skyway, and a newly unveiled Pixie Hollow water and light show, Sheegog’s creation is a testament to his lifelong passion for model building and the magic of Disney.
David, a 70-year-old architect, first embarked on this ambitious project nearly three decades ago while homeschooling his children. He envisioned his garden as a “living laboratory” where learning about science and nature could take place outside a traditional classroom setting. “I wanted to create something special,” he stated in an interview with PEOPLE magazine.
The journey began when Sheegog stumbled upon the world of garden railroading. Eager to share this hobby with his family, he believed it would enhance his children’s problem-solving skills. Initially, his wife, Frances, was less than enthusiastic about the concept. However, after David crafted a detailed model of the planned display, her reservations began to vanish. “For about two years, between ‘97 and ‘99, we had a model of our backyard on our dining room table,” David recounted, explaining how he used clay and architectural software to lay out his vision.
After securing Frances’s support, the couple faced another challenge: choosing a theme for the project. “You can’t just pile up rocks,” David explained, noting that he wanted his display to be more than just a collection of random elements. The pivotal inspiration for their theme came during a family trip to Disney World at the turn of the century. Camera footage from that trip revealed the construction of Snow White’s cottage, allowing David to crystallise his vision and commit fully to a Disney theme.
Now, Castle Peak & Thunder Railroad features not only a miniature version of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and the Haunted Mansion but also a host of other beloved Disney locations, including Beast’s Castle and Carl Fredricksen’s house from the animated film Up. A highlight of the display is the fully operational aerial skyway, which enhances the enchanting experience for visitors.
The Sheegogs host free open houses twice a year, in spring and autumn, attracting enthusiastic guests keen to see the remarkable display. The popularity of these events is reflected in the reservation statistics: last autumn, all 2,000 available spots were claimed in just 56 seconds. David noted that since the inception of these open houses in 2014, demand has only grown.
Each year, David works diligently to improve and expand the display. This spring, he introduced Pixie Hollow, a complex water and light show featuring 350 independently programmed LED pixel lights. Having collaborated with various consultants—including animators, music arrangers, and contractors—David found the challenge to be the most sophisticated endeavour yet in his whimsical creation.
Looking ahead, Sheegog has ambitious plans for expanding his magical backyard oasis further. He aims to continue improving and running the display for at least another decade, envisioning that the ages of 60 to 70 would be dedicated to construction, followed by a decade of enjoyment from those efforts.
The joy that visitors experience during the open houses fuels David’s dedication. “It just brings joy to my heart to see the families interacting and having fun,” he expressed. The laughter and smiles of children and adults alike affirm his belief that creating such a space is worthwhile, providing memories that families can cherish long after they leave.
As David Sheegog continues to share his passion project with thousands of visitors each year, his miniature Disneyland stands as a beacon of creativity, love, and community spirit—a reminder of how a simple idea can blossom into a local treasure.