Disneyland’s Grand Californian Resort is home to statues from the “The California Native” series. These pieces of art were inspired by the “Grotesque Birds” created by the Martin Brothers in England between the years of 1875 and 1920.
The Grand Californian’s “Grotesque Birds,” (I also heard several cast members refer to them as Grotesqueries.) were created by Susan Dannenfelser.
Some of the birds in the Disney collection have removable heads. I heard a couple reasons for this. One was that they were made to hold tobacco and the other was that they were used by bootleggers to hold contraband liquor during Prohibition. I myself would use them to hide cookies!
You can find two on each floor, flanking the elevators of the north side of the main building. They are grouped by how high they fly.
Meet some of these statues below!
Scuttle the Pelican 1st Floor
Angelique the Crow, 3rd Floor
Lady the Dove, 4th Floor
Elvis the Stellar Jay, 3rd Floor
Elvis is my favorite! Isn’t he handsome? Who is your favorite?
You can learn more about these birds and the how the Arts & Crafts movement influenced the architecture and design of Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa at the Art of Craft Tour. It is only an hour tour but will open your eyes to the magic that went into the design of this beautiful resort.
Want to meet the “Grotesque Birds” of Disneyland’s Grand Californian Resort & Span in person? I can help! Contact me at Lizeth@TravelWithTheMagic.com, on Facebook or by phone at 1-800-670-4312, ext. 143.
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