geology of disney

The Disneyland Petrified Tree is 34 million years old

As a geologist and a mega Disney fan, I love the petrified tree at Disneyland. Jokingly referred to as the oldest attraction in the park, the petrified tree was "gifted" to Disneyland by Lillian Disney in 1957. (Walt Disney had purchased the tree in 1956, but Lillian said the tree was "too large for the… Continue reading The Disneyland Petrified Tree is 34 million years old

geology of disney

Looking at the Disneyland Resort with Lidar!

I previously showed some cool images of Walt Disney World made from lidar 3D point clouds, but we can also look at the Disneyland Resort with lidar! The lidar was collected in late 2011 and early 2012, so the resort has changed quite a lot since then. Take a unique 3D look at iconic features at the Disneyland Resort.

geology of disney, paleobiology

The Geology of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge | Black Spire Outpost, Batuu

https://youtu.be/C7OS_gpFl2Y Not too long ago at a theme park not too far away, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened at Disneyland—and soon at Walt Disney World—transporting people to Black Spire Outpost on the planet of Batuu. While the tall rock spires of Batuu enhance the other-wordly experience, they take their inspiration from some very real rocks… Continue reading The Geology of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge | Black Spire Outpost, Batuu

geology of disney, tectonics

Could an Earthquake Destroy Disneyland?

https://youtu.be/mZhLp-Sa3Ug Ah Disneyland, the Happiest Place on Earth, home of Mickey Mouse, churros, and some shaky rocks. I've previously gone over how Walt Disney World is located in a very sinkhole prone area and that the Epcot World Showcase Lagoon is in part a massive sinkhole, but don't worry the Disneyland Resort has its own… Continue reading Could an Earthquake Destroy Disneyland?

geology of disney

The Geology of Disneyland

Even before I finished my first geology class, I (jokingly) told people that I was going to be a Spanish-speaking geologist at Disney World. While the rocks of Disney may not exactly be real, we can still learn about the geologic formations they take their inspiration from. Here’s a look at a few of the… Continue reading The Geology of Disneyland