Random Coolest Secrets of the Disney Parks (41 items)

• 

  (#1) There's A Secret Suite In Cinderella's Castle

  Cinderella's castle at Walt Disney World houses a secret suite. At Disneyland, the so-called Dream Suite is located above the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in New Orleans Square. It was originally intended to be an apartment for Walt Disney and his family, but he passed away before it was finished being built.

  It rocks 24-karat gold floor tiles, stained glass windows, and a magic mirror that doubles as a television. Disney now occasionally allows families who win a competition to stay in the suite for the night. 
• 

  (#2) The Window Above The Fire Station On Disnleyland's Main Street Looks Out From Walt Disney's Private Apartment

  You can still see a light in the window that used to be lit in order to announce that Disney himself was on the property. After he passed away, it was lit permanently and is now never extinguished in order to symbolize his constant presence in the world he created.
  
• 

  (#3) Disney Parks Are Designed to Enchant Your Sense of Smell

  Disney Parks use "Smellitizers" to ensure that various areas are equipped with the appropriate smells. They produce everything from the amazing "baked goods" smell on Main Street to the musky sea smell on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.
• 

  (#4) Cinderella Fountain Looks Different To Kids And Adults

  While most adults interpret Cinderella's downward gaze as sadness, kids see that she's smiling from their lower vantage point.
• 

  (#5) Disneyland Has a Cat Infestation

  Though knowledge of their existence has been carefully guarded from reaching the ears of Mickey for decades, Disneyland actually has a number of feral cats who roam the park at night in order to help control the... mouse population. In exchange, the kitties are all spayed/neutered, given regular shots, fed, and even have their own website at disneylandcats.com.
  
• 

  (#6) The Bench Where Walt Disney First Envisioned Disneyland Is Now in Disneyland

  He originally considered building Disneyland in Griffith Park, near Disney Studios, but the space didn't turn out to be large enough. The bench from the park is now located in the foyer of "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln."
• 

  (#7) The Skull On The Pirates Of The Caribbean Ride Is Real

  When the ride first opened at Disneyland in 1967, its designers found that the fake skeletons available were too flimsy. Despite the creepiness factor, they discovered that actual human skeletons worked much more to their liking and originally used several that the UCLA Medical School had lying around.

  Though have since been replaced by fakes, the skull and cross bones seen above are among the few genuine human remains left inside the ride.
• 

  (#8) Disney World Is Built Atop An Intricate System Of Underground Tunnels For Staff And Characters

  By the time you make it to Cinderella's Castle, you're actually standing on the third floor of a structure that starts deep underground.
• 

  (#9) Walt Disney Once Ordered Trash Cans Be Placed Exactly 25 Steps From The Hot Dog Booth At Disneyland

  He chose this super specific distance because that's exactly how long it took him to eat a hot dog.
• 

  (#10) Disney World Is Second Only To The US Military As The Nation's Largest Consumer Of Explosives

  Thankfully, it's only because of the frequency of their knock-out fireworks displays.
  
• 

  (#11) The FAA Put A Flight Restriction On Disney World Airspace After 9/11

  Due to security concerns, a no-fly zone was put into effect within a three mile radius of Cinderella's Castle after the 9/11 attacks in 2001.
• 

  (#12) There's A Special Car Named The 'Lilly Belle' At The End Of Disneyland's C. K. Holiday Train

  If you get there early in the morning, you can make a reservation to take a ride in the car, which was named after Walt Disney's wife, Lillian.
• 

  (#13) Disneyland's Main Street Shops Are Named After Real People

  Most are names of people who worked for either the park or studio for many years.
• 

  (#14) Disney Employee Name Tags Display First Names Only Due to Walt's Disdain of Being Called 'Mr. Disney'

  Though how he thought slapping his last name on everything in the park would help cut down on its usage remains a mystery.
• 

  (#15) Urban Myth, Busted

  Several babies are known to have been born at the happiest place on earth - not a bad start in life. It was rumored that each one was given a lifetime pass to the theme park, but that's been recently debunked by a former employee. However, Teresa Salcedo was issued "Disneyland Birth Certificate No. 1" on July 4, 1979 and will forever hold the honor of being the first infant to take her first breath in the Magic Kingdom. 
• 

  (#16) Animal Kingdom Was Originally Going To Be For Mythical Beasts

  This is why there is so much dragon decor in Animal Kingdom. When it was first built, there was originally going to be an area called the "Beastly Kingdom" which would be dedicated to magical and mythical creatures. The idea was eventually scrapped but a dragon can still be seen among his non-mythical fellows in the logo on many Animal Kingdom signs.
• 

  (#17) The Tree Of Life Was Built Around An Oil Rig

  The oil rig was already there when Disney originally bought the land for Disney World.
• 

  (#18) They Keep You Safe With An Envelope Of Protection

  All Disneyland and Disney World attractions created since 1965 have been designed so that the human body cannot reach out and touch anything. To make sure of this, they use a special vehicle as a test (see video). This is called the "Envelope of Protection" and ensures that even if you simply MUST throw your hands up with excitement on Thunder Mountain Railroad, you won't find your hand, moving up to 45 miles per hour, coming into contact with any part of the ride.

  This played a role in the banning of Selfie Sticks in the parks, as they would extend beyond this safe and cozy envelope.
• 

  (#19) Tommorowland Depicts 1986

  Maybe they tried to change it when 1987 rolled around but "Yesterdayland" just didn't have the same ring?
• 

  (#20) Birthday Fun

  Some of you may already know this, but for those who don't: If you visit Disneyland on your birthday, be sure to tell the person at the gate that it's your big day. You'll be whisked away to City Hall where you'll be presented with a special sticker by cast members, letting everyone know it's your birthday.

  You may also be able to score special items from other cast members throughout the park, so it's certainly worth a shot!
• 

  (#21) People Often Try To Scatter Loved One's Ashes In The Haunted Mansion

  Though some would-be scatterers ask permission to send the remains of their loved ones floating off into the haunted ballroom, the park's answer is always "let's not." Unfortunately however, there have been a number of folks who have been caught not caring.
• 

  (#22) Driving The Mark Twain

  Yes, that's right! If you play your cards right, you may be able to actually drive the Mark Twain riverboat. Here's what to do: Right before you board, find a cast member and (very nicely) ask them if you can visit the wheel house. If luck is on your side, they'll direct you to the second floor to a door marked "Private." Knock. The captain of the Mark Twain will answer and guide you up a special ladder to the actual wheel house. That, my friend, is where you will be able to actually take the wheel and steer the boat! You may also learn how to ring the Mark Twain's bell and sound its whistle. Way, way cool!

  The fun doesn't end with driving the Mark Twain, oh no. You'll also get to sign a special guest book, one that contains names of those who've gone before you as an honorary driver, dating all the way back to the mid-1950s (when the Twain was dedicated). Your exciting journey will be recorded for all to see.
• 

  (#23) There's A VIP Club In Disneyland's New Orleans Square That Costs $25,000 Just To Join

  Though it's generally a pretty poorly kept secret by now, especially among Southern California locals, "Club 33" is an elite VIP bar and restaurant originally created by Walt Disney to entertain dignitaries and celebrities. There's currently a 10-year waiting list to join.
• 

  (#24) Hidden Mickeys

  Throughout Disneyland, keep your eyes peeled for "hidden" Mickey Mouse ears. They are literally everywhere...for those who take the time to look. Some believe these hidden Mickeys are on each ride, though many have trouble locating ALL of them.

  Also, if you're visiting Universal Studios, be on the lookout for a pair of Mickey Mouse ears on the Jurassic Park ride. Strange, right? They are there - hidden inside a dinosaur-ravaged boat.
• 

  (#25) Safety Comes First

  The park holds four things, which they call "Four Keys," in the highest regard: safety, courtesy, show, and efficiency - in that order.
• 

  (#26) Shooting Hoops Inside The Matterhorn

  Some 'Team Matterhorn' climbers can enjoy a little basketball game or two while on break from their work. And they can do it inside the Matterhorn! Apparently, there's a half-court basketball court located in the top of the Matterhorn. Workers can hang out, shoot hoops and even play a game of ping-pong, if they are so inclined.
• 

  (#27) Safety In Numbers

  Worried that you aren't safe while wandering through Disneyland? Oh, but you are...and how! Disneyland actually employs more than 300 security people. To put this in perspective, the city of Anaheim, California, home of Disneyland, has about 285 police. Yeah, you're good.
• 

  (#28) Indiana Jones Adventure: Hidden Eeyore

  The next time you visit the Indiana Jones Adventure, Temple of the Forbidden Eye, pay close attention: You may spot a very familiar Disney character who clearly doesn't fit in. Eeyore! Yes, everyone's favorite pessimist can apparently be seen in the movie room. Some suggest carrying a flashlight and aiming it up after you make your first right and then left. When you hit the end of that first left turn, look up. Shine the flashlight through the boards and you may be able to see him!

  Why is Eeyore in the Temple of the Forbidden Eye? Apparently, the Indiana Jones Adventure was constructed directly over the old Eeyore parking lot - and he's there as a tribute. Think even grumpy old Eeyore would be touched? Yeah, probably not, but it's a nice thought anyway!
• 

  (#29) Interacting With Toy Story Characters

  There are new Disney characters running around the park every day, but perhaps the most entertaining are the cast members of the Disney/Pixar Toy Story franchise. If you yell "Andy's coming!" in front of the Toy Story characters at Disneyland, they will stop what they're doing and drop, just like in the movie. The characters are great sports about it, going limp like toys straight out of the toy box, and will even let park patrons pose for pictures like they're part of Andy's toy collection as well.
   
  UPDATE: Park officials have commented that the Toy Story characters are no longer allowed to drop to the ground, but will often still stop what they're doing and freeze and/or go limp when a park goer shouts "Andy's coming!".
• 

  (#30) The Music Never Stops

  Disneyland rides feature elaborate music and sounds - from the ghoulish voices of the Haunted Mansion to the It's a Small World dolls. Did you know that the music literally never stops at the park? Even when rides are shut off, the sounds are rumored to keep on going.

  Apparently, some believe it's too pricey for Disney to keep turning off the music and then restarting it each day. Bet that makes for some super creepiness as workers clean up at 2 a.m.!
• 

  (#31) Tony The Tiger: At Disneyland?

  Tony the Tiger: At Disneyland?

  Yes...sort of. When you hear that wonderful voice of the conductor on any Disneyland Railroad train, listen carefully. The booming voice is that of the late Thurl Ravenscroft, who is the original voice of Tony the Tiger (of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes fame). Not only that, Mr. Ravenscroft also sings the iconic song "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" in the 1966 cartoon 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas!' Sadly, he wasn't officially credited - major screw up.

  In addition to the conductor, Ravenscroft also voices Fritz the parrot and a Polynesian god totem in the Enchanted Tiki Room, and several of the pirates in the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' attraction. Oh, and did we mention he sings lead on the Haunted Mansion song "Grim Grinning Ghosts?" Yep, he's everywhere.
• 

  (#32) Haunted Mansion Bullet Hole

  Wait, what? An actual real bullet hole inside the Haunted Mansion? Yep, and it's the stuff of Disney urban legend.

  When you go into the Mansion's grand ballroom, take a close look at the ginormous spider web (complete with a spider, of course) that's hanging down from the fourth column on the right. While it makes for a nice, spooky decoration, it's actually there to hide a bullet hole in the glass! What happened? Stories vary.

  Some believe a young child shot a BB gun or possibly a slingshot at the glass - it didn't break. Other stories suggest a far more sinister story: That someone with a gun actually aimed and fired at the glass back in the 1970s, leaving behind the hole. No matter which story you believe, the fact remains: That spider web is most definitely serving as more than mere decoration! Rather than replace the whole (very, very large) pane of glass (which would involve taking off the whole roof of the Mansion), Disney opted to cover it up.
• 

  (#33) Jungle Cruise: The Natives Love Disco?

  This Disneyland "secret" is disputed by some, but others swear that if you listen very, very closely, you will hear an attacking native on the Jungle Cruise scream out "I Love Disco!" What sounds, at first, to be mere gibberish may not be at all. It may just be a native with a serious case of boogie fever.
• 

  (#34) Keep It Clean On Splash Mountain

  Got the urge to do something totally outrageous to get a funny Splash Mountain photo? Be careful: If you're doing something inappropriate, you won't be able to purchase your photo. What does this mean? No bird-flipping, no mooning, no flashing (yes, this also means guys - no taking off shirts).

  Keep it clean, and you can purchase your photo at the end, no problem. Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah!
• 

  (#35) Sticking Pennies On The Wall At Space Mountain

  Apparently, visitors to Disneyland's Space Mountain attraction have figured out that at certain spots on the blue wall (the section for wheelchair access), if you press a penny to the wall it may stick. Is this some supernatural force at work? That would be a "no". Some believe it's a special paint that was used.

  Several areas are now repainted, so sadly, no penny sticking there - but look for the light blue-colored wall and see what happens!
• 

  (#36) Smoking Mr. Toad

  Yes, you read that correctly: Mr. Toad's Wild Ride has some serious secrets. Did you know, for example, that a statue of said Toad, located just to your immediate left inside the window as you enter, used to have one arm extended up? Why, you ask? Well, Mr. Toad's amphibian fingers were positioned in such a way that people could place cigarettes between them - thus, the smoking Toad.

  Sadly, both of Mr. Toad's statue arms are now behind his back. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted!
• 

  (#37) The Little Man Of Disneyland

  Hidden in the tree trunk just outside of the Indiana Jones Adventure in Adventureland there is a teeny-tiny little house meant for a teeny-tiny little man. The home belong to the leprechaun Patrick Begorra, who was the subject of a Disney Little Golden Books published in 1955. According to the story, the leprechaun lived in the roots of a tree before Disneyland was created,  and became the first "resident" of the theme park. 

  In honor of the little man in the little story, Imagineers created a special place just for him in Disneyland.
• 

  (#38) The Evil Queen Observes Fantasyland Guests

  While you are in Disneyland, stand outside Mr. Toad's Wild Ride near the carousel and look up. High above the crowds, atop the Scary Adventures of Snow White attraction, stands the wicked Queen Grimhilde, who occasionally pulls back the curtains of the window to check on Fantasyland guests. Every few mintues she returns to her perch, looking down at the crowds, sneering at the happy people. 

  This little Easter Egg is a fun little find and can add amusement to your line wait if you are in the right place. 
• 

  (#39) Morse Code Of Walt's Opening Day Message

  If you listen closely by the train station in New Orlean's Square in Disneyland, you will hear the faintest beeping of an old-timey telegraph sending out a coded message. This beeping is actually the first line of Walt Disney's opening day speech from July 17, 1955 as it would be written in morse code. If the dots and dashes were to be translated, it would say: 

  To all who come to Disneyland, welcome. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future.
• 

  (#40) The Roastie-Toasties

  Disney is not just about fun rides and great attractions, but about the small details placed in the parks. A good example of this are the Roastie-Toasties popcorn turners. Each popcorn stand has a distinct figure mean to represent a specific area of the park or event. For example, get a popcorn near Tomorrowland and you might see the Rocketeer turning the kernels, or go to the Haunted Mansion and you might see an undertaker as a popcorn person. 

  The Roastie-Toasties are a fun little detail to check out as you move from land to land, park to park. Also, they are updated regularly, so you will want to keep an eye out for new ones.
• 

  (#41) The Edible Plants Of Tomorrow

  The good people at Disneyland take their time to cultivate the plant life that grows throughout the park, but Tomorrowland is a bit different as many of the plants in this section of the resort are edible.

  According to Disneyland, “the visionary landscaping doubles as a potential farm, projecting an ecologically astute future, where humanity makes the most of its resources.” Thus, the plants for tomorrow should serve a dual purpose of being both beautiful and functional for future populations. 

  Herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and cilantro grow along the space-age attractions, as well as orange trees, wild artichokes, lettuce, spinach, and more. Next time your burger needs a little sprucing up, now you know where to go. 

New Random Displays    Display All By Ranking