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Disney's Secret Ranch: Film Hub & Ride Test Zone
3 Feb
Summary
- Gold Oak ranch is a 708-acre secret film set and ride testing ground.
- Walt Disney bought the land in 1959 for $300,000 when it was 315 acres.
- The ranch is off-limits, guarded to protect filming and future ride plans.
Tucked away in Placerita Canyon, California, lies Disney's 708-acre Gold Oak ranch, a largely secret facility utilized for filming and the testing of amusement park rides. This secluded property, located approximately 25 miles north of the Burbank studio, is kept private with stringent no-trespassing signs.
Walt Disney acquired the ranch in 1959 for $300,000 when it spanned 315 acres. He envisioned it as a sanctuary for filmmaking, fearing the eventual disappearance of such movie ranches. Today, it remains one of the last operational movie ranches, continuing Disney's legacy.
The ranch serves not only Disney's productions but is also rented out to other studios for notable projects. It also plays a role in animal welfare, offering retirement to Disneyland horses and providing hay for park animals. Wildlife, including rattlesnakes, deer, and mountain lions, also inhabit the protected land.
