Yes, we all know Walt Disney World is a magical place where magic is made and where magic happens and that magic is wonderful and magic is all around us…but did you know there’s quite a few “secrets” to discover about the most magical place on earth? We scoured the planet and hunted down some of the world’s experts on all things Disney and here’s what they say are the most secretest secrets you need to know before you plan your trip to Disney World or Disneyland. I present to you, some of the best-kept secrets of Disney World.
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After reading let me know what ones I missed in the comments and I'll add them to the post. :)
Did you know that Disneyland in California allows feral cats to roam the park at night? According to Will Owen of TravelStrong.net it’s to keep the mouse population under control. There’s even feeding stations set up throughout the park to keep the kitties fed. What would Mickey and Minnie think!?
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At Disney’s Haunted Mansion there’s a Haunted Wedding Ring embedded in the pavement! If that’s not creepy enough, there are real bones used as props in Pirates of the Caribbean (Disneyland)
At Hollywood Studio’s Muppet attraction if you go to the “ticket office” it says closed, but there’s a sign that says “Key Under the Mat”, and sure enough if you lift the mat, there’s a key! Great photo op!
Walking along Main Street in the Magic Kingdom Park walk through the gates and under the train station. When you look up to see Cinderella’s Castle you’ll notice a hat store, inside there’s an old-fashioned telephone. Pick it up and eavesdrop on a funny conversation.
Michael of explorethemagic.com has a cool little technological tidbit not many people know about:
“Disney World also produces a lot of it's own energy by turning food waste into methane gas that is used as fuel to power generators. This happens in a round about way but basically the food scraps are taken by truck loads (3-4 per day) to Harvest Power which is located on Disney's property where it is then put into large vats where micro organisms digest the waste releasing methane that is pumped to nearby generators. The power is then sold to the Reedy Creek Improvement District which then in turn sells power to Disney World. The area is off limits to guests but you can see the operation on Google maps. https://goo.gl/maps/McnM2”
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Tangela Walker-Craft who lives in Lakeland, Florida has been going to Disneyworld with her family for years. She lets us in on a cool little secret:
“There's a "backdoor" entrance that connects Epcot Theme Park to Disney's Disney's Hollywood Studios. You can travel from one park to the other by ferry boat or on foot. Sitting in the right spot prior to the fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom will bring Tinker Bell flying from the top of the castle directly towards you. Kids can collect stamps from each country and create free personalized souvenirs at eleven World Showcase Kidcot craft stations at Epcot.”
Janet Van Lone Trieschman’s husband used to work at Disneyland, and he says that it’s Disney policy to replace popped balloons for free. That’s pretty sweet.
Sara W of Mom Endeavors says that you can watch the Electrical Water Pageant from outside of Magic Kingdom, because it floats across the Seven Seas lagoon at night. Kevin Barry of frugalmouse.com notes that the best places to view it outside the park for free are Disney Grand Floridian, Disney's Polynesian Resort, Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Disney's Contemporary Resort.
According to Barry you can also join Chip and Dale at Fort Wilderness for a campfire sing-along every night at 8PM.
“Every night at the Fort Wilderness campground starting at 8pm there is a campfire sing-along that is led by Chip and Dale for free. You can even bring your own s'mores makings or purchase them at the campfire. After the campfire and singalong are done there is a free outdoor viewing of a Disney movie.”
Katie Goldstein has a blog called Traveling Panties, and she’s got some incredible secret facts about Disney World:
1.) Order the avocado margarita at the Mexican Pavilion. It’s so secret and awesome it’s not even on the menu!
2.) If you let a Disney Staff member know it’s your birthday you get a button, and other Staff members surprise you with fun stuff throughout the day, like balloons.
3.) There’s a Lost & Found in Frontierland with a wooden leg in it that says “Smith”, referring to the line in Mary Poppins when Bert says, "I used to
know a man with a wood leg, Smith."
4.) There are only three Presidential Seals in the whole world, one is in the Oval Office, another is with the Liberty Bell, and the third is in the Hall of Presidents at Disney World. Goldstein notes that “it took Congress passing an act to get the Presidential Seal in the Hall of Presidents.”
5.) In The Great Movie Ride (my personal favorite) there’s hieroglyphics of Mickey Mouse, C3PO and R2D2.
Elayna Fernandez of ThePositiveMom.com is a Social Media Mom
1.) Arrive 15 minutes before the park opens and you will be able to see the Train Station Welcome Show. It sets the mood for a magical day. You won't want to miss it!
2.) Stay 30 minutes after the park closes so you can indulge in the magic of The Kiss Goodnight, this plays every 30 minutes, and it is a breathtaking display of lights on the Cinderella Castle for 2 minutes, while music from When You Wish Upon a Star slowly builds up. It's a great opportunity for the most amazing pictures, too!
3.) Speaking of photos, PhotoPass Cast Members will take free photos of your family with your camera or phone, just make sure to adjust your settings. They are great at capturing great memories, and very friendly... plus, you know they won't run off with your smart phone.
4.) Most people want their picture taken from the front Cinderella Castle, but the back of the Castle is equally gorgeous, more unique, and a lot less crowded.
Here’s a great video of the Kiss Goodnight at Cinderella’s Castle:
Okay, your turn! What secrets of Disney World and Disneyland did I miss?
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