5 Magical Disneyland Secrets Prince Harry Revealed: From Princess Diana’s Trip To Space Mountain’s Thrill

Prince Harry’s deep connection to the 'Happiest Place on Earth' has once again captured public imagination, with the most recent updates focusing on a private family trip in June 2025 and candid revelations shared during a major television special. The Duke of Sussex, now a resident of Southern California, continues a tradition started by his late mother, Princess Diana, blending his royal past with his new life as a family man in America. As of December 11, 2025, royal watchers and Disney fans alike are still buzzing about the details of the Sussex family’s secret getaway, which saw the Duke, Meghan Markle, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet enjoy "two days of pure joy" at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. The recent surge of interest stems from the couple's appearance on an ABC News special, *The Happiest Story on Earth: 70 Years of Disneyland—A Special Edition of 20/20*, which aired in September 2024. During the program, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex openly shared their fondest memories of the Disney parks, offering a rare glimpse into their private family life and Harry's nostalgic childhood moments, confirming his status as a lifelong Disney enthusiast and a devoted father carrying on a cherished tradition.

The Duke of Sussex: A Biographical Profile and His California Life

Prince Harry, officially known as Prince Henry, Duke of Sussex, is a member of the British royal family and the younger son of King Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales. Since stepping back as a senior working royal in 2020, he has relocated with his family to Montecito, California, establishing a new life focused on humanitarian work, mental health advocacy, and environmental campaigning. His proximity to the iconic Disneyland Resort in Anaheim has allowed him to create new, non-royal memories with his own children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

• Full Name: Henry Charles Albert David
• Title: Prince Henry, Duke of Sussex
• Born: September 15, 1984
• Father: King Charles III (formerly Prince Charles)
• Mother: Diana, Princess of Wales
• Spouse: Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex
• Children: Prince Archie of Sussex, Princess Lilibet of Sussex
• Current Residence: Montecito, California, USA
• Key Roles: Humanitarian, Military Veteran, Mental Health Advocate, Environmental Campaigner

This move to California has significantly shifted the context of his public life, making visits to local landmarks like Disneyland a natural, if highly scrutinized, part of his family's American experience.

From Princess Diana to Prince Archie: Harry's Lifelong Disney Timeline

Prince Harry’s history with the Disney parks is a deeply personal one, rooted in a memorable childhood trip with his mother, Princess Diana, and older brother, Prince William. The Duke has often spoken about the profound impact of these early experiences, which laid the foundation for his lifelong appreciation of the magic of Disney.

The Iconic 1993 Walt Disney World Trip

The most famous of Harry’s early visits was the 1993 trip to Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in Florida. This visit is frequently highlighted in royal retrospectives, largely due to the now-iconic photographs of Princess Diana, Prince William, and Prince Harry riding the log flume attraction, Splash Mountain. Recalling the experience during the ABC special, Harry admitted he was "blown away" by the sheer scale and excitement of the park on his first visit. He noted that the memory of riding Splash Mountain with his mother holds a "treasured place" in his heart, a moment of pure, unbridled joy away from the pressures of royal life. This particular trip is a powerful symbol of Diana’s efforts to give her sons a sense of normalcy and fun.

The June 2025 Family Getaway

Fast forward three decades, and the Duke is now creating similar magical moments for his own children. One of the most talked-about recent events was the family's "secret trip" to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim in June 2025, reportedly to celebrate Princess Lilibet’s birthday. The Duchess of Sussex later shared a rare, intimate peek into the family's two-day excursion via a personal Instagram reel, describing the experience simply as "two days of pure joy." The family, including Prince Archie, was photographed wearing classic mouse ear hats, fully embracing the theme park spirit. This choice of destination, located just a short drive from their Montecito home, underscores their commitment to a grounded, family-focused life in California.

Prince Harry’s Top 3 Disneyland Thrills and Favorite Rides

While the visual of him on Splash Mountain is forever etched in public memory, Prince Harry has been clear about which attraction truly captures his imagination as an adult: the iconic, high-speed indoor roller coaster, Space Mountain.

1. Space Mountain: The Undisputed Favorite

In a candid moment during the ABC special, Harry confirmed his preference for the futuristic thrills of Space Mountain. “Space Mountain is one of my favorite things,” he stated, to which Meghan Markle affirmed his enthusiasm. The ride, which plunges guests into a dark, star-filled indoor track, seems to appeal to the Duke’s adventurous spirit, perhaps echoing his time as a military veteran and his love for high-adrenaline activities.

2. Splash Mountain: The Nostalgic Treasure

Despite Space Mountain being his favorite, Splash Mountain remains a deeply significant attraction. The 1993 photograph of him on the log flume with Princess Diana and Prince William is an enduring image. This ride, which was permanently closed in early 2024 to be re-themed as Tiana's Bayou Adventure, holds a nostalgic place in his heart, representing a cherished connection to his late mother and his British royal childhood.

3. The Magic of the Parks: A Desire to Work There?

Beyond the specific rides, Harry has expressed a genuine appreciation for the overall atmosphere and "magic" of the Disney parks. In a surprising revelation, he even joked about the possibility of working at the resort. The Duke of Sussex told the ABC host that he "could imagine" working at the magical U.S. theme park, suggesting a deeper connection to the place than just a casual visitor. This sentiment highlights his admiration for the park's ability to create happiness and wonder, a theme that resonates with his current focus on humanitarian and mental well-being initiatives. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to navigate their unique position, leveraging their platform to advocate for various causes while also maintaining a private, fulfilling family life. Their willingness to share these "Happiest Place on Earth" moments—from Harry’s childhood memories of Princess Diana to their recent family trip with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—offers a relatable and endearing look into the life of a modern royal family forging its own path in California. The Disney parks, therefore, serve as a powerful, recurring symbol of nostalgia, family connection, and the pursuit of a happier, more grounded existence.