A California grandfather has transformed his backyard into a whimsical “theme park” that rivals Disney, all in an effort to entice his grandkids to spend more time with him. Steve Thompson, 68, from Fullerton, has crafted a magical space that any child—or adult—would eagerly line up to experience. Prepare for a heartwarming story!
Thompson, a retired aerospace engineer and devoted Disney enthusiast, reflects on his childhood, stating, “When I was about 8, I lived just a couple of miles from Disneyland and watched its construction. My friends and I often wondered what this mysterious place would be like until it opened.” He fondly recalls sneaking into Disneyland during quieter summers thanks to a friend’s older brother who worked at the entrance.
Fast forward to today, and his grandkids are now creating their own enchanting memories at what he affectionately calls Thompsonland. This backyard paradise features a 100-foot roller coaster, a charming “Sleeping Princess” castle, and even a whimsical ride named “Winifred-the-Wonder.”
“My younger grandkids adore Disneyland,” Thompson shared with a smile. “I wanted to give them a reason to come over, and competing with Disneyland is no easy feat.” His inspiration sparked about eight years ago when he realized that keeping the kids entertained for more than half an hour was a challenge. “I thought, ‘How can I make things fun and ignite their imaginations?’” his daughter, Lisa Morgan, explained.
Using his engineering skills, Thompson began creating exciting attractions, starting with cardboard pirate ships and ping pong shooters turned into cannons, resulting in a homemade “Pirates of the Caribbean”-inspired ride. From there, his creative ideas blossomed, leading him to build an entire theme park in his backyard. “I don’t think he ever thought he’d go this far; it just grew as more grandkids came along,” Morgan noted.
Thompson also enlisted the help of his students at California State Polytechnic University, where he occasionally teaches classes. Together, they constructed the thrilling “Mountain of Madness” roller coaster, capable of reaching speeds up to 12 miles per hour, certified as a real roller coaster by an expert. “He’s always dreamt of building a ride at Disneyland, and now he’s doing it for the grandkids,” Morgan added.
The joy on the children’s faces is priceless. “They see him as the most imaginative person ever,” Morgan said. “He didn’t do this for himself; the happiness he gets from seeing others enjoy it is truly special.”
In keeping with the spirit of continuous improvement, Thompsonland is set to expand, with upcoming attractions that include spinning teacups, an airplane learning station, and a submarine ride reminiscent of “Finding Nemo.” Morgan excitedly shared, “It’s dark inside, and he’s made things glow!”
The only question that remains is—when are we all invited to experience Thompsonland?
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In summary, Steve Thompson has turned his backyard into a delightful theme park, Thompsonland, to attract his grandkids and create magical memories. His love for Disney and creativity has resulted in thrilling rides, and he continues to expand his backyard wonderland.