If you’ve ever stood in the middle of Griffith Park, right between the L.A. Zoo and the Los Feliz entrance, you’ve probably heard it. That booming, slightly haunting, mechanical music. It’s the sound of the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round, a massive 1926 Spillman Engineering masterpiece that feels like a glitch in the matrix of modern Los Angeles. It’s loud. It’s fast—seriously, it hits about 14 miles per hour, which is basically warp speed for a carousel.
And yet, for the last few years, the music stopped.
Honestly, the "closed" sign that’s been hanging there since 2022 broke a lot of hearts. But things are finally changing. As we head into 2026, the city of Los Angeles has stepped in to save the day, and the story of how this ride went from a San Diego beach to the "birthplace of Disneyland" is way weirder and more interesting than the plaque on the wall lets on.
The Walt Disney Myth vs. The Reality
You’ve likely heard the legend. Walt Disney sits on a park bench, eating peanuts, watching his daughters Diane and Sharon ride the horses. In that moment of "daddy time," he realizes the world needs a place where parents and kids can have fun together.
That part is actually true.
But most people don’t realize that the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round wasn't just a vague inspiration; it was a blueprint. Walt was so obsessed with the mechanical precision of this specific ride that when he built Disneyland, he didn't just want "a" carousel. He wanted this one. When the owner, Ross Davis, wouldn't sell it, Walt went out and found a similar 1875 model from Toronto to create King Arthur Carrousel.
If you go to Disneyland today and visit the Opera House on Main Street, you’ll see one of the original benches from Griffith Park. It looks humble, but that’s the actual seat where the idea for the billion-dollar theme park industry was born.
Why This Machine is a Freak of Engineering
Carousels are usually gentle. They’re for toddlers and grandparents. Not this one.
The Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round is a "four-abreast" jumper. That means it has four rows of horses, and every single one of them—all 68—moves up and down. This was rare even in the 1920s. Most carousels have a "stationary" outer row for people who get motion sickness or want to stand. Not here. At this park, you’re either jumping or you’re in a chariot.
The horses themselves are literal works of art. Some of them date back to the late 1800s. We’re talking about hand-carved wood from tree species that are literally extinct today. If you look closely at the bridles, they’re encrusted with jewels. The blankets are draped with carvings of sunflowers and lion heads.
Then there’s the organ.
It’s a Stinson 165 Military Band Organ. It is massive. It’s reputed to be the largest on the West Coast, and it doesn't just play "Pop Goes the Weasel." It has a library of over 1,500 paper scrolls, ranging from classic marches to, ironically, Disney tunes added in the 80s. When it’s running, you can hear it from the hiking trails half a mile away.
The High-Stakes Battle to Save the Ride
For decades, the carousel was run by a man named Julio Gosdinski. He started working there as a teenager and eventually inherited half the ride because the previous owner saw him as the son he never had. Julio was the soul of the place. He was the one who knew every horse’s name—like "Isolde" with the flowers in her reins or "Devil," the black horse that looks like he's about to kick.
When Julio passed away suddenly in 2020, the carousel fell into a legal and financial limbo.
A probate battle and the need for massive repairs kept the gates locked. For a while, there was a real fear that the ride would be dismantled and sold off piecemeal to collectors. A single hand-carved Spillman horse can fetch tens of thousands of dollars at auction.
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But in late 2025, the City of Los Angeles finally pulled the trigger. They bought the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round for $1 million. This was a huge win. The city’s Recreation and Parks Commission basically declared it too important to lose, especially with the 2026 centennial approaching.
What’s Happening Right Now?
If you visit today, you’ll likely see scaffolding or "Closed for Renovation" signs. Don’t be discouraged. The L.A. Parks Foundation is currently spearheading a massive restoration project. They’re not just slapping on a coat of paint; they’re dealing with:
- Structural Integrity: The wooden components are being stabilized (they’re nearly 100 years old, after all).
- The Organ: Restoring the bellows and the mechanical "musicians" on the organ facade.
- The Horses: Stripping back decades of yellowed varnish to reveal the original craftsmanship.
Surprising Bits of History You Won't Find on the Map
The carousel isn't just about Disney. It’s seen some stuff.
In 1961, it was the site of a major Civil Rights protest. A group of Black teenagers, inspired by the Freedom Riders, protested the segregated atmosphere of the park. It actually led to a massive confrontation involving 75 police officers.
Then came the 70s. The area around the carousel became a "Love-In" hotspot for the Flower Child movement. There are stories of people painting flowers on the horses and, well, engaging in very "1970s" activities. Some of the interior paintings were even vandalized during this era.
It’s also a Hollywood staple. You’ve seen it in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, House, and Grey’s Anatomy. It has this inherent "liminal space" quality—beautiful but just a little bit creepy when the lights are low.
How to Visit and What to Expect in 2026
The goal is to have the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round fully operational for its 100th birthday in 2026. Here is the lowdown on how to actually do this right once the gates swing back open.
- Bring Cash: Traditionally, this has been a cash-only operation. It’s usually about $2 a ride. In a world of Apple Pay, it’s a weirdly refreshing throwback.
- Pick Your Horse Wisely: If you want the "fastest" experience, go for the outside row. Because of the way physics works, the outer ring travels a greater distance in the same amount of time, making it feel much speedier.
- Weight Limits: Because these horses are antiques, there’s usually a request for riders over 200 pounds to use the chariots. It’s not about being mean; it’s about not snapping a 100-year-old wooden leg.
- Find the Bench: Look for the "Walt Disney Sat Here" plaque nearby. It’s the perfect spot for a photo that isn't just another selfie in front of the Hollywood sign.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to Griffith Park, don't just go for the carousel. Make it a full loop. Start at the Old L.A. Zoo (which is just a short hike away) to see the abandoned stone cages, then head to the merry-go-round for some nostalgia.
The best time to go is Saturday morning. The light hits the canyon just right, and the crowds are usually thinner before the lunch rush. Even if the ride is still in the final stages of its 2026 tune-up, the building itself is a stunning piece of architecture tucked into the hillside.
Check the official Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks website before you drive out there. They’ve been posting monthly updates on the renovation progress. Once it's back, it won't just be a ride; it'll be a 14-mile-per-hour trip back to 1926.