Think you know all of the Disneyland secrets? The popular theme park harbors some deep, dark, and sometimes amusing secrets that you probably don't know. Millions are blissfully unaware as they roam the amusement park in search of...well...amusement. From the so-called ""Hidden Mickeys"" located all over the park, to driving an actual riverboat, read on to learn the secrets of Disneyland!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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 I haven't been able to find all of them...yet.
*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.
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.!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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Driving the Mark Twain at 8/24/2011 11:09 AM