Hollywood Secrets: Griffith Park is actually considered the birthplace of Disneyland

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Disneyland is now seen as the magical place where all your dreams come true, but let's just say the world-famous amusement park had some very humble beginnings ...

The park is currently located in Anaheim, California, but its birthplace is actually just an hour's drive north in Hollywood, California. That's right -- Walt Disney first created his dream park, which would eventually be called Disneyland, at Griffith Park.

The mastermind behind the iconic theme park first created rides with miniature steam trains at what is now called Walt's Barn in Griffith Park. Who knew such a simple idea could lead to the greatness that is Space Mountain?!

Griffith Park was also home to a zoo, which the city opened in 1912. The animals are long gone, but the cages are still standing. In fact, they've served as the backdrop for several movies. And before the city zoo, ostriches also roamed free throughout the park.

Griffith J. Griffith, a 19th century industrialist who owned the park, raised ostriches on the land. He then gifted 3,000 acres of land to the city of Los Angeles in the 1880s for residents to enjoy. And the rest was history!

Check out more Hollywood secrets about Griffith Park in the video above!

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