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Tuesday, December 5, 2023 | 
Entertainment Media & Books

This Texas man created an epic replica of Disneyland with Legos

John Daugherty, of Colony, Texas, has built a replica of Disneyland using Legos

By Herb Scribner Herb Scribnerhscribner@deseretnews.com
SHARE This Texas man created an epic replica of Disneyland with Legos
In this March 16, 2020, file photo, a visitor to Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., takes a photo through a locked gate at the entrance. Disneyland has been shut down due to the novel coronavirus outbreak. If Gov. Gavin Newsom’s so-called roadmap to ease coronavirus restrictions hinted at a return to a normal Californians could appreciate - a summer trip in the car - it quickly became apparent they wouldn’t be leaving home soon.

In this March 16, 2020, file photo, a visitor to Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., takes a photo through a locked gate at the entrance. Disneyland has been shut down due to the novel coronavirus outbreak. If Gov. Gavin Newsom’s so-called roadmap to ease coronavirus restrictions hinted at a return to a normal Californians could appreciate - a summer trip in the car - it quickly became apparent they wouldn’t be leaving home soon.

Jeff Gritchen, Associated Press

A Texas man has designed an entire Lego replica of Disneyland. It took him more than two years to build.

John Daugherty, of Colony, Texas, has built a replica of Disneyland using Legos sets and pieces release throughout the years, according to “Good Morning America.”

Daughtery began the project in 2017 when Lego released a Cinderella Castle set.

Daugherty told “Good Morning America” that he has spent more than 300 hours building 25 different Lego sets to create the replica. It includes displays of Main Street, U.S.A., the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and so many other locations. And yes, Mickey and Minnie Mouse are included.

But it was only recently that he decided to set it all up in one display, according to WFAA-TV. His family was supposed to visit Disneyland during spring break. But they had to cancel the trip because of the park closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“That was when I decided I’d make my own Disneyland,” Daugherty said. “All those sets could be put together and make a miniature version of the park.”

He had to clear it with his wife, though.

“I was like, ‘OK, honey, can I clear everything out of the dining room and set it up just for once?’ She said, ‘You better have it picked up by tonight!” Daugherty told WFAA.

Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Orlando remain closed because of the coronavirus pandemic. There’s been no update as to when the parks may reopen. Disney did reopen Disney Springs in Orlando recently, though, which might be a sign of things to come.

Disney also opened Disneyland Shanghai on Monday with a number of social distancing recommendations and health precautions. The park will likely serve as a test for how other Disney parks can reopen.

“We have a very dedicated team of custodial cleaners that we’ve increased the number of those throughout the park that are constantly wiping down all the surfaces,” said Andrew Bolstein, SVP of operations for Shanghai Disney Resort, according to CNN. “We’ll be able to strike that right balance between the safety and health and confident side, and then the magic that we’re able to deliver every day.”