In a story fit for a fairytale, a couple managed to live from 1955 to 1971 at Disneyland in Anaheim, California unnoticed.
Owen and Dolly Pope managed to live in the park for 15 years, having been hired by Walt Disney himself to train and care for the horses in the Frontierland section of the park. At the time, this section of the park was dedicated to the Wild West and was restricted to most visitors.
To begin with, the Popes lived in a mobile home near the attractions including Mark Twain Riverboat and the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The mobile home was strategically located so that the couple could carry out their duties of breeding, training and caring for the horses as well as constructing the carriages for the Pony Farm – the park’s main riding attraction.
Soon after that, Owen and Dolly moved into a home now known as “The Pope House”, a 120-square-metre residence behind the animal ranch which was not accessible to visitors.
Besides the couple, the only others to live inside the park were military personnel, who were billeted there during World War II. Walt Disney himself and the couple had a close relationship, which awarded them such privileges.
“During this time, Walt visited them every day to chat about horses and his plans for Disneyland, and Roy Disney also visited them to discuss what people did at fairs and which types of shows they enjoyed there,” according to an article by the Disney Parks Blog.
In 1971, the Popes moved to Florida to continue their work at Disney’s newly opened Magic Kingdom. There, they took over the Tri Circle D Ranch, known for its collection of historic carriages and for being home to the horses that participated in the park’s various attractions.
They retired four years later, while “The Pope House” was moved and repurposed in various ways, including as an employee meeting room at the Cast Place employee centre near the Team Disney Anaheim building.
When Disney drew up its plans for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the company chose the plot where the house had been since 1955. While the stables and part of Frontierland were demolished, the company spent nearly £16,000 to move it to a car park. It is now used for events, and is not accessible to the public.
Some of the original decor remains, and a commemorative plaque pays tribute to their commitment and dedication.
