The Mysterious Snow White's Grotto | DISNEYLAND

Were you decieved too? This is the history of Snow White's Grotto at Disneyland, CA, and the story told time and again...a story which apparently isn't true. I hope you enjoy all the little tidbits of possibly new information; and that this video brings you joy.
SOURCES/CREDIT:
The article which discusses the visit to the Macquette room in WDI. (Please be aware, this story contains misspelled names, and possibly other small inaccuracies)
www.wdwfanzone.com/2012/05/joh...
And here is an article from D23, with information provided by Walt Disney Archives. This article supports some of the important claims made by the article above.
d23.com/did-you-know-7-enchan...
Snow White's Grotto Footage at the beginning is Credited to Chris Crone, see the original footage here:
• Snow White's grotto Di...
Snow White's Grotto Footage used twice, starting with 01:55 is courtesy of InRegionsBeyond. Thank you! See the original here:
• Snow White’s Grotto at...
MUSIC:
Music Info: Corporate Motivational Upbeat Inspiring by RomanSenykMusic.
• Corporate Motivational...
"Affirmations" by ‪@ScottBuckley‬
• 'Affirmations' [Bitter...
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DISCLAIMER: I am not a University-educated historian, Alex the Historian was a nickname I got while working at Disneyland as a tour guide. After 6 years of using it as a stage name for my channel, it would be detrimental to the channel to suddenly change the name.

[@gardnerhill9073]

I've been going to Disneyland since the late 60s. That grotto is one of my favorite quiet places in the park.

[@lindasolis7117]

Yes! We have been visiting for years. Love Snow White's Grotto! I used to go and sing along with Snow at the wishing well (probably drove folks crazy lol). We wanted to re-create the wishing well when we finally bought our own home years ago, but of course that never happened. Special place for sure! Never heard the story about the singer/acror re-recoding the voice in 1983, what a cute story! (I know I can't reach those notes anymore LOL) Cute story about the size of Snow White too- that the artist misread the number. Thanks for the video 🥰

[@AlextheHistorian]

You're welcome!

[@frodoringo2381]

I have to go to Snow White's Grotto every time anyone goes with me. Need to have lots of coins to put in the Wishing Well for Snow White to sing. My experience started when I was in a carriage in 1960. Not sure if they have replaced Snow White singing "I'm Wishing" for haven't been back to DSNYLND 15 years. Makes me feel that I am in the "Happiest Place on Earth."

[@LeonSKennedy7777]

You gotta go back! 🪙 ⛲️

[@blinkereye123]

Another great video Alex. One more interesting anecdote to be included here is how when TDL was being built, the OLC also wanted to replicate the SW statues for their version of the grotto, but were told that since the statues were 'anonymously' donated the company didn't have the measurements. SO TDL had to sculpt their own versions from scratch (again, the validity of the story is questionable).

[@BrancyCDA]

Oh I am so glad you told this story! I have never gone to Disneyland without visiting the well and tossing coins in, since I was pregnant with my first child! I wished that she would be born healthy and happy (I was 16 at the time and both seemed equally important) and she was, so I committed to always go to the well and wish and toss! And I taught my three kids to do the same. Coincidently, only my first born became a complete Disney fanatic, lol! The Wishing Well also became the place we would meet if we were separated or arrived at different times. I have gone to Disneyland far more times than I can remember in my 70 years, as we lived in OC for most of those years, yet I still always look as forward to it as I did as a little kid, gluing green stamps in those books for months until we had enough for the whole family to go! Thanks for a very special video and heartwarming story.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Those sound like really amazing memories!

[@LeonSKennedy7777]

I love & always look forward to these Disney-themed history pieces, Alex! No matter how specific or broad the topic. I hope you never stop making them 🙏

[@shanestuddard2606]

Lovely, well researched video. I’ll be visiting this grotto in 10 days. I will relate this story to my grandchildren, one of which I know for sure will never forget it.

[@jeffreycharles5035]

I wonder why they dont put some little plaques in the park to explain the history of some of the things like this? So interesting and glad your doing disney videos again 😊

[@AlextheHistorian]

It would be cool if they did, but Walt didn't want people to focus on the history or creation of the park while in Disneyland. He thought of Disneyland as a live stage show, something that performs before your very eyes. Plaques about the parks history and creation would detract from the show.

[@riparianlife97701]

Thank you so much for this! Your videos really take me out of my life, in the spirit of Disney.

[@tmcorbett]

This is awesome! Although I love this little spot in the park, I had NO IDEA the fascinating history. Keep up the good work!

[@cheryleann6394]

Great vlog Alex. One of the things I love about the Disney parks is the many gardens and plantings scattered thru out. To miss any of this is a shame. Thanks for Sharing a bit of Disney History. You are the Best at it!!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you Cheryle!

[@riparianlife97701]

Yay! So excited to watch this when I get home.

[@edg1754]

I always learn something new from your videos, Alex. Every one of them!

[@AlextheHistorian]

I'm glad! It means I'm still delivering top-notch videos!

[@dopenerd]

Great informative video. I’ve always noticed the statues on my trips to the park when I was a kid, but at that age they’re just part of the experience and you never question why they are there. Until now.

[@charliemacsart]

Great video! I always love learning new things about the park’s history. Years of binging theme park channels have left very little new to be discovered, so it’s always a treat when a video like this comes along!

[@brianwisdom8051]

Thank you for the video, Alex! I feel that Snow White’s Grotto and other similar little out of the way areas are some of the purest representations of Walt’s vision for Disneyland. They aren’t going to wow or thrill, but they allow you to quietly take in the magic Walt intended for his guests.

[@alecisindahouse]

This is so good - more Disneyland content!!! I can’t get enough - I’ve seen all of the Disneyland videos and its the reason I subscribed :)

[@FranciscoGarcia-bf5rp]

Thank you Alex for making another Disneyland video! We appreciate it!!

[@AlextheHistorian]

My pleasure!

[@docjc1842]

Alex I adore this video. As always just wish it was longer lol 😆 Can you do the story book canal with the miniatures? Hope you're well.

[@electroluxia]

Always visit Snow White's Grotto when going to Disneyland. So peaceful, and there are rarely any other people there, in a good way, allowing you to relax. And, make a wish.

[@CookingWithKobe-no8ue]

This story is absolutely amazing, Disneyland’s history is truly magical.

[@jetsons101]

Alex, nice to see a Disneyland vid again. I remember as a kid my brother and I would wait and listen for the Snow White song to play. And yes, we would throw coins in the well. Thanks for doing a Disneyland vid again. Oh, and great narration.......

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks Mike!

[@mike.4277]

Very nice video 👍

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks!

[@tsmgguy]

Fascinating and charming. Thanks!

[@tinkershell1856]

Love this video ❤ I always stop there to make a wish ✨

[@ManWhoLovesTheMary]

I am guilty of passing by it many times while at the park. It's a very touching story...whether or not it was fabricated! It really is a peaceful little nook.

[@FranciscoGarcia-bf5rp]

Gosh I love these videos. You are very talented Alex. Please make another Disney video if you have the time and feel up to it.

[@kerry2368]

When I first heard Snow White’s voice in the well, I stuck my head in the well and yelled “don’t worry Snow, we’ll get you out!!”

[@pedenharley6266]

Wonderful video, Alex. I came for the boats, but your take on the history of Disneyland has made me want to travel cross country to see the park - which, in your telling, seems to have.m a good bit more character than the east coast version I’ve been to. Someday…

[@AlextheHistorian]

In my opinion Disneyland has much more character and multi-faceted history than Magic Kingdom. That's why I've only wanted to cover Disneyland history, all the layers of history.

[@OnyxCarbuncle]

I haven't been in 11 years. But I remember my last time there, begging and crying at that well. I didn't have a horrible youth, but it wasn't great either. It was very lonely....and I wasn't treated well when I got older by romantic partners. I begged and begged for someone to love me and not hurt me....took 11 years, but I finally found a love worth keeping. He's no prince charming, but I'm no Snow White either. Took 11 years of therapy and healing before I was someone who could be in a healthy relationship after everything I went through. 11 years and a million wishes in that well through out my childhood and early adult years of going to the grotto to wish to no longer be alone.

[@edm2822]

When we need a little quiet space, Snow White’s Grotto is the place to be!

[@Eric_Ramirez_Gaming_101]

I always loved to visit Snow White's Grotto as a kid. Even though i had no idea of ots mysterious nature, i enjoyed it regardless because of its charm and serenity. Also, this kod in the red shirt and hat with, "Ericland" on his hat, he looks familiar to me. Oh yeah, hes familiar because that's ME!! Of course back when i was younger. Great video! I love history that connects woth Walt himself, has value thay can be duplicated

[@AlextheHistorian]

You were the star of the show 😀

[@Eric_Ramirez_Gaming_101]

@@AlextheHistorian As I should be! Ok both of us. I miss those days... Maybe a day like that'll happen again one day

[@cameronboushehri9423]

Do a history of some of the old forgotten rides like the submarine voyage, nature’s wonderland, adventure thru inner space, carousel of progress, or America sings.

[@berrettmaynard3837]

A special place in Disneyland as that is where I proposed to my Bride 24 years ago the end of this May 2023

[@wallyr.7854]

As always, your videos are phenomenal. I must admit though, that even at the age of 51, I just felt the disappointment to finally know the truth about the statues. But please, don’t me wrong, I thank you for revealing the truth; however, part of me wishes that wonderful mystery I’ve known since I was a child would have stayed with me for the rest of my days, oh well. Nonetheless, you’re brilliant and I love your videos. Thank you.

[@OfMiceAndTrains]

Well done Alex

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you!

[@marknelson2-ih6sq]

I always felt that the figures were missing color, but that's just me, still they're wonderful & beautiful

[@SAOS451316]

I may not like Disneyland but I appreciate the incorporation of spaces like this grotto. It just exists to be beautiful rather than rake in money. They really need more benches in the park though. It's a small investment and it would even make them money because people would choose to stay longer if they could rest. And it's an ADA violation.

[@AlextheHistorian]

The park used to be full of benches, in 2012, while I was still working there, I watched as more than half the benches in the park were removed to force people to spend money on food and merchandise. It's proven more profitable to not have benches, because it keeps people moving, and they move into the shops and restaurants.

[@SAOS451316]

@@AlextheHistorian Ah, right. The only places to sit are in places where you're encouraged or forced to spend money. That makes sense, though it is despicable.

[@TaylorSwift89496]

Have you heard of that Super Mario land theme park before? I think it's in Japan. Oh one more thing thanks for helping me that night months back, I am doing well these days! Take care Alex

[@AlextheHistorian]

Hi Emma, yes I've heard of the Super Mario Land, but I'm really not a theme park person.

[@MichaelBlakey64]

@@AlextheHistorian For me just Roller Coaster Tycoon 2 & the first one from the General Mills serial box back in the 2000s miss those days

[@TaylorSwift89496]

@@MichaelBlakey64 Those are great choice of games!

[@NorseNerdleMeister]

I never knew that existed!

[@chrismetzger8875]

Those are statues are a good edition of the park.

[@TaylorSwift89496]

Alex something strange just happened yt said that comment to you was inappropriate....like seriously yt not even close!!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thats strange, I've never heard of KZbin doing that.

[@TaylorSwift89496]

@@AlextheHistorian a first for me

[@davidcrawford219]

🎉

[@db1566]

When are they going to get rid of the stupid reservations, I pretty much wasted my money on a magic key because there's never days available when I can go. Definitely not going to renew unless they eliminate reservations. I don't know why Disney is the only park to hold on to them 🤬