Dizzy, Travis, and Ana ran past Thunder Mountain Railroad and onto Big Thunder Trail, the walkway that leads to Fantasyland. This was Dizzy’s favorite area of Disneyland. The sounds of the train on Thunder Mountain, the steam whistle from the approaching Mark Twain Riverboat, and the splashes of the mechanical fish in the nearby pond created a wonderful soundtrack. The area was a great place to relax and cool down, with plenty of benches located in the shade the entire day. But Dizzy didn’t stop to take in the sights and sounds. He continued to run around the back of Thunder Mountain and into Fantasyland. Travis and Ana followed closely behind.
Dizzy stopped in front of the Casey Jr. Circus Train ride. He had his hands on his hips and was trying to catch his breath.
“What are we doing here?” Travis asked. “I thought the clues were about the Indians and Tom Sawyer’s Island?”
“I think that is what they wanted everyone to think,” Dizzy said. “Did you see how many people were on that island? Don’t you think one of them would have found something by now?”
“Ok, so what are we doing here?”
“We’re here for that.” Dizzy pointed at a set of stairs leading up behind a cart selling frozen lemonade. “The next clue is up there.”
“How do you know?” Travis asked.
“Megan’s clue was different,” Dizzy began. “It only had two lines and neither had anything to do with Indians, boats, or islands.”
“What did it say?”
“It said ‘One of two still remains, up the steps from nearby trains.’”
“And what does that mean?” Travis asked.
“It means the Indian statues weren’t the brothers the first clues were talking about. One of two still remains? Both statues are still there. It didn’t make sense.”
“Ok, then why are we here? What is up those steps?”
“Years ago there was a Skyway ride. Buckets on wires that stretched from here, through Matterhorn, and into Tomorrowland. The ride was taken down years ago and the station in Tomorrowland was demolished. See that building up there?” Dizzy nodded with his head toward the steps leading to the trees. There was a building visible behind the overhanging branches. “That is the Fantasyland station. All the clues fit. Distant brothers, two brothers land apart, a floating ride that rocks and sways, arriving where you depart, the base not the peak, and a place quiet, dark, and bleak. It has to be the place.”
“I have been to Disneyland many times and I don't think I’ve ever noticed that building before,” Travis said.
“Mr. Pegg did say the clues would be hidden in plain sight, didn't he?” Dizzy said.
Travis stood silently, thinking about what Dizzy said. Everything made sense and he agreed that with so many people on Tom Sawyer’s Island they would have found something by now if it was there.
“But Mr. Pegg said all the clues would be in accessible areas of Disneyland didn’t he?” Travis asked. “Are we allowed up there.”
“Look at the gate,” Dizzy said.
The blue metal gate that would normally keep guests from going up the stairs to the building was propped open, held by a rope to the nearby fence.
“It sure looks open to me,” Ana said.
The three of them looked around to make sure no one was watching and walked up the steps.
The former Skyway to Tomorrowland station looked like a Swiss chalet. But instead of vibrant colors and decorative designs, it was covered in a thick layer of dirt. The paint was chipping and warped and showed years of abuse from the elements. It had not been regularly maintained like the rest of the buildings in Disneyland and it showed.
The door that normally would have been closed and locked was removed entirely. Dizzy was sure this was it. They entered and found an empty room. All controls, wires, and any other evidence of the building once housing a ride had been removed long ago. Travis took out his phone and opened the flashlight app. He held the phone over his head, lighting up the room.
“Dizzy,” Travis said, tapping him on the shoulder. “Look at this.”
Dizzy turned and saw the wall at the end of the room. At the top of the wall was the number 55, the first number of the combination to open the vault. Below it was another riddle.