You’re about to embark on a journey through the magic of Disneyland. It’s already magical, but there are some things – some secret hidden things – you might not even know about this special place. Yes, there’s more to this enchanted land than meets the eye.
As you step into the iconic park, you can delve deeper into the attractions, characters, and facades than you ever imagined and open up a world of behind-the-scenes secrets that Disneyland harbors. It’s a hidden world that adds an extra layer of fascination to the experience.
Today, we’re peeling back the curtain and inviting you to discover the little-known secrets that make Disneyland a truly extraordinary destination.
Planning your trip? We’ve got tons of helpful Disney planning guides from our awesome list of 40 essential tips, to how to get to Disneyland, where to stay near Disney, what to pack, what to wear, where to park, and what to eat in both Disneyland and California Adventure.
A Plethora of Secrets & Hidden Meanings
1. Castle Drawbridge
The drawbridge of the castle actually works, but it has only been used twice. Once on opening day in 1955 and once in 1983 when Fantasyland was rededicated.
There is a Disneyland time capsule that was buried in 1995 in the castle courtyard that is set to be opened on the 80th anniversary of Disneyland, in 2035. The plaque commemorating it reads “A time capsule, containing Disneyland memories, messages and milestones, lies beneath this spot. The Disneyland Time Capsule is dedicated to the children of the 21st century, who may unlock its contents on the 80th Anniversary of Disneyland: July 17th, 2035.”
2. Hidden Attraction
You can walk through the Sleeping Beauty’s castle and see the story of Sleeping Beauty. Explore dimly lit passageways to follow the story through dioramas and surprises.
3. Train Station Mickey
The floral Mickey that greets you at the train station as you enter is replanted 6 times a year. Different flower colors are used to refresh the area and to make the entrance festive.
4. Surprise Appearances
You can see old bear jamboree characters hanging on the wall within the Winnie the Pooh ride when you enter the honey room. Look back over your shoulder, they will be hanging above the door.
5. Big Thunder Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain is slowest first thing in the morning. It gets faster as it warms up, so if you want a faster ride, go in the afternoon.
6. Park Fixtures
You can purchase replicas of the fixtures found around the park to use in your own houses (in fact, we have a number of those fixtures in our own house!)
If you see a fixture that you like ask a cast member. They have the ordering information and catalogs to look at.
7. Walt’s Apartment
Walt’s apartment is located above the fire station. He would stay here for convenience while the park was being built and the light would always be on when he was in the park. The lamp in the window is kept lit now in remembrance of him. Look for it when you walk by!
8. King Arthur’s Carousel
Every horse on the King Arthur carousel has a name. Keep your eye out for the lead horse. Her name is Jingles and, like her name, she is covered in bells. The carousel got a makeover in 2008 and was given a Mary Poppins theme, dedicated to Julie Andrews. If you look closely, you will see her initials, JA, Mary Poppins’ signature umbrella, and a hidden mickey made out of jewels on the horse.
9. Secret Cheshire Cat
Pop into the Mad Hatter shop in Fantasyland. If you stare into the mirror with the caterpillar frame, you might just catch a cat staring back at you.
10. Movie Prop
The organ inside the Haunted Mansion is from the movie 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
11. Secret Target
Try your hand at being a Space Ranger on Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. Enhance your score with a secret target to get tons of points.
As you enter the second room you will meet up with the villain, Zurg. Look for the small z on his chest, it doesn’t look like a target but it is. It will give you 50,000 points if you can hit it. Good luck!
12. Feral Cats
There are over 200 feral cats living in the park. Have you ever spotted one? They help control the rodent population.
13. Popcorn Turners
Keep your eyes peeled for popcorn carts throughout the park. Not only is the popcorn amazing but the carts themselves are too. There is a different character turning the popcorn in every one.
While you are there check out the seasonal popcorn buckets that come in popular characters.
14. Evil Queen
The Evil Queen from Snow White can be seen making an appearance in the park if you know where to look. Watch the window above the ride. She appears every 20-30 seconds.
15. Little Man’s House
In Adventureland, at the base of a tree, near the entrance to Indiana Jones is the Little Man’s House. The little man is a leprechaun that lives in the tiny house at the foot of a Disneyland tree and is based on a story published in 1955 in one of the Disney Little Golden Books.
If you are going to be in the park around St. Patrick’s day you might even see it decorated for the holiday.
16. Watch a Game of Musical Chairs
Watch for Alice and the Mad Hatter to play musical chairs at Coke Corner on Main Street around 2:30 pm. It doesn’t always happen but when it does you are in for a treat. They will occasionally bring along surprise guests.
17. Inviting Park Scents
Inviting smells are piped into the air in different areas of the park. It’s pumped in by something called a Smellitzer. On Main Street freshly baked cookie smell is there to make you hungry for a yummy treat.
Near Pirates of the Caribbean you may catch a whiff of salty sea air, and near the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh you might smell honey. The next time you ride The Haunted Mansion you might smell musty earth.
18. No Fly Zone
There is a no-fly zone over Disneyland Resort of 3 miles. It was put there after 9/11. Disneyland and Disney World are some of the only permanent no-fly zones that aren’t national security related.
19. Restaurant Inside Pirate of the Caribbean
This is a really fun experience. Watch the ride boats glide past while you enjoy Louisiana-inspired cuisine with amazing atmosphere at the Blue Bayou Restaurant. The best way to eat here is to make a reservation through the Disneyland app. You can also try for a walk-up spot at the podium outside the restaurant.
20. Real Skeletons
You’ve, no doubt, seen all of the skeletons in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. When the ride first opened the skeletons came from UCLA medical school. Now most of them are just props but it is said that the one on the headboard is real.
21. Indiana Jones Movie Prop
The truck parked outside of the Indiana Jones in the ride queue is from Raiders of the Lost Ark.
22. Submarine Fleet
At the time, Walt Disney had the 8th largest fleet of subs that belonged to the Submarine Voyage attraction. The attraction, in Tomorrowland, opened in June of 1959 and was popular until it’s close in 1998. It was reimagined in 2007 as Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.
23. Mad Tea Party Secret
It is said that the lavender tea cups spin the fastest.
24. Matterhorn Tracks
This ride has two different tracks so you can have two different experiences while riding. Which experience you get will depend on which queue you are in. If your bobsled leaves at the same time as the one on the other track you can even race.
25. Basketball Court
There is a basketball court located inside the Matterhorn mountain. This quarter sized court is used by cast members when they are on break.
26. Petrified Tree
There is a petrified tree near the Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland.
27. Morse Code
At the Telegraph office next door to the New Orleans Square train station you will hear Morse code. It is Walt Disney’s original dedication on opening day. It reads: “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.”
28. Working Elevator in the Park
The Haunted Mansion features a working elevator. You ride it every time you enter the ride. Did you notice it?
29. Walt’s Favorite Meal
The Carnation Café is where you can find classic American comfort food. Here you can enjoy Walt’s favorite meal, Chili. The recipe comes from the Disney family and has just the right balance of beans to meat.
30. Party Line
The Market House on Main Street, U.S.A. has a party line. When you stop in for your morning coffee and snacks pick up the phone and listen in.
31. Curious?
You can visit Guest Relations and they will be able to get you a recipe for most dishes or identification of most plants.
32. Disney Magic
Watch for Disney magic all over the park.
Planning a trip to Disneyland?
- Get your Disney tickets. Save $26 on a 4-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket!
- Book your private airport transfer from Anaheim hotels to LAX.
- Renting a car isn’t necessary for a Disney-only trip, but it is if you plan to go anywhere else. We always find the best deals on cars through DiscoverCars.com.
Where to Stay in Disneyland:
- The Westin Anaheim Resort (Very close to the park, tons of room options)
- Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa (Direct access to the park + perks)
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Anaheim Maingate (Free breakfast, kids stay free)
Best Tours and Experiences in Disneyland:
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Angie is a long-time California fan, having lived in the Monterey area for many years. She loves reading, cooking, and hanging out with her two kids.
