Disney World is packed with hidden surprises. Stepping into Disney World is like entering a realm of enchantment, where dreams come true and fairy tales come to life.
As you meander through this whimsical wonderland, each corner reveals a new spellbinding spectacle, from the twinkling turrets of Cinderella’s Castle to the jubilant parades that dance down Main Street, USA. Whether you’re embarking on a thrilling expedition in Disney’s Animal Kingdom or savoring a delectable treat at Disney Springs, every moment is sprinkled with pixie dust, ensuring that your visit is nothing short of magical.
So, pop on your Mickey ears and prepare for a fantastical journey that will leave you spellbound! But don’t make the mistake of booking your stay too far away from the park’s magic. Our conveniently located vacation rentals make your visit a breeze.
In this article, we’ll share some interesting tidbits about Disney World that will amaze you. Ready to dive into the magic?
1. There Are Hidden Tunnels Beneath Magic Kingdom
One of the most fascinating aspects of Walt Disney World parks is something that most guests never see – the hidden tunnels beneath Magic Kingdom, known as Utilidors. These underground passages, envisioned by Walt Disney himself, allow cast members to move unseen, maintaining the magic by keeping operations behind the scenes away from guests’ peering eyes.
For those curious about this hidden world, Disney offers a five-hour behind-the-scenes tour through these secret tunnels. This exclusive experience provides a unique glimpse into the inner workings of the Magic Kingdom, showcasing the meticulous planning that creates a seamless and magical experience.
Next time you stroll down Main Street, USA, remember there’s an entire hidden world bustling beneath your feet!
2. Things Are Not Always As Grand As They Seem
Photo Credit: meunierd
Ever wondered why Cinderella Castle and Main Street, USA, seem so grand and majestic? The answer lies in a clever design technique called forced perspective, which manipulates viewer perception to create the illusion of grand size. This technique is used extensively throughout Disney parks to enhance the guests’ visual experience.
Cinderella Castle, for instance, appears much taller than it actually is. This is achieved through the strategic placement of architectural elements that gradually decrease in size as they go higher, tricking the eye into perceiving a greater height.
Similarly, Main Street, USA uses visual tricks to give the impression of a longer street and taller buildings, even though they are much smaller in reality. These optical illusions create a sense of wonder and amazement, making guests feel like they’ve stepped into a grand and magical world.
3. Smellitizers Enhance the Immersive Experience
Have you ever noticed the delightful scents that waft through the air as you stroll through Disney parks? These are not just happy coincidences but are part of Disney’s patented smell-emitting system known as Smellitizers. Introduced in 1986, Smellitizers are designed to enhance the sensory experience by releasing crafted fragrances throughout the park.
One central location where you’ll encounter Smellitizers is Main Street, USA, where the aroma of freshly baked goods creates a nostalgic and inviting atmosphere. This technology is also used in various ride attractions to enrich the storytelling experience. For example, guests at Mickey’s PhilharMagic can enjoy the scent of cinnamon apple pie, which adds an extra layer of immersion to the attraction.
The newer Smellitizer technology allows for blending multiple scents and gradual release, resulting in a more immersive and dynamic experience. This innovative use of scent enhances the overall atmosphere of the park, making each visit to Disney World a feast for the senses.
4. In Disney World, Rides Are Often Recycled
Photo Credit: Jennifer Lynn via Flickr CC 2.0
Disney is known for its creativity and innovation, and this extends to how they manage and update their attractions in theme parks. One fascinating fun fact is that Disney often recycles elements from retired rides to create new experiences for guests. This practice not only preserves the history of attractions but also provides fresh and exciting adventures for visitors.
For instance, the ride vehicles from the now-defunct Maelstrom ride were repurposed for Frozen Ever After, giving new life to the old attraction. Similarly, various animatronics from the ‘America Sings’ attraction were reused in scenes for ‘Splash Mountain. ’ Another example is the transformation of ‘The Living Seas’ ride into ‘The Seas with Nemo and Friends’ as part of a refurbishment.
This recycling practice allows Disney to innovate while honoring the legacy of past attractions. It ensures that each subsequent visit to the park offers something new and exciting while maintaining a connection to the park’s rich history.
5. You Can Enjoy a Romantic Stay Inside Cinderella’s Castle Suite
Imagine staying inside Cinderella’s Castle, waking up in a royal suite with views of the Magic Kingdom. This dream can become a reality with the exclusive Cinderella Castle Suite, a luxurious accommodation located right inside the iconic castle. This suite offers guests an unforgettable and magical stay unlike any other.
The suite is adorned with intricate details that reflect Cinderella’s tale, including two queen canopy beds with Cinderella’s royal crest on the headboards. The room features coffered ceilings, stained glass windows, and gold molding, all meticulously designed to create a fairytale ambiance. Guests can also enjoy a luxurious bathroom with a spa tub, complete with ambient lighting options, adding to the enchantment.
To book your magical stay in the exclusive Cinderella Castle Suite, you’ll need to be a lucky recipient of a special invitation from Disney, as the suite is not available for regular reservations and is often used for special promotions or giveaways.
Past guests have reportedly received a glass slipper as a parting gift, a keepsake that ensures their stay is remembered forever.
6. Look For Hidden “Easter Eggs” in Galaxy’s Edge
Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators
Star Wars fans, rejoice! Galaxy’s Edge at Disney Parks is a treasure trove of hidden “Easter eggs” that pay homage to the beloved franchise. These hidden details and references add an extra layer of excitement for fans exploring the immersive world of Galaxy’s Edge.
One fun aspect of Galaxy’s Edge is the variety of merchandise available, including lightsabers, droids, and stuffed Yodas. Many of these items were created by digitally scanning actual props and costumes from the Star Wars films, ensuring their authenticity. These hidden gems offer fans the chance to discover new details and connections every time they visit.
Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard Star Wars enthusiast, the hidden Easter eggs in Galaxy’s Edge make for an engaging and interactive experience. Keep your eyes peeled for these delightful surprises, and may the Force be with you!
7. Disney Has A Signature Colour Called “Go Away Green”
In the world of Disney, even the colors play a role in creating the magic. One such color is “Go Away Green,” a signature shade used throughout Walt Disney World to obscure unsightly elements like utility boxes and cast member doors. This clever use of color helps maintain the park’s visual appeal, ensuring that guests remain immersed in the enchanting environment.
“Go Away Green” is designed to blend into the background, making it easy for guests to overlook elements that might otherwise distract from the magic. This attention to detail is a hallmark of the Walt Disney Company, which strives to create a seamless and visually pleasing experience for all visitors.
Next time you visit Disney World, take a moment to appreciate the subtle use of “Go Away Green” and how it contributes to the overall ambiance. It’s yet another example of how Disney goes above and beyond to create a truly magical place.
8. WDW Was Originally Planned to Contain 20,000 Inhabitants
Did you know that Walt Disney originally envisioned EPCOT as a prototype city for 20,000 residents? This ambitious plan aimed to address urban challenges with innovative design and technology, creating a model community that prioritized pedestrian movement over automobile traffic. Walt Disney’s vision for EPCOT was far more than just a theme park; it was intended to be a living showcase of innovation and solutions to urban problems.
Although the original vision for EPCOT was not fully realized, the spirit of innovation and creativity lives on in the park we know today.
9. Walt Disney World is Officially an Incorporated City
Walt Disney World is not just a theme park; it’s officially recognized as a city. The Reedy Creek Improvement District, which encompasses Walt Disney World, functions as a self-governing municipality with a small number of full-time residents, all of whom are Disney employees. This unique arrangement allows Disney to maintain a high level of control over its properties, laws, and operations.
The Reedy Creek Improvement District provides essential services, including fire protection, emergency medical services, and utilities, ensuring that the park runs smoothly and efficiently. This level of autonomy allows Disney to implement its vision without the constraints typically imposed by external municipal regulations.
Being officially recognized as a city underscores the complexity and scale of Walt Disney World. It’s a testament to the meticulous planning and effort that goes into creating and maintaining this magical place.
10. Space Mountain Was the World’s First Fully Computer-Controlled Ride
When Space Mountain debuted on January 15, 1975, it was a groundbreaking attraction in more ways than one. As the world’s first fully computer-controlled ride, Space Mountain set a new standard for roller coasters.
The ride is notable for being set in complete darkness, adding to the sense of excitement and adventure. At its debut, astronaut Col. James Irwin had the honor of being the first official rider, further cementing Space Mountain’s connection to space exploration and innovation.
11. Disney World is Home to the World’s Most Expensive Roller Coaster
Photo Credit: Adam Fagen via Flickr CC 2.0
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to Expedition Everest, the world’s most expensive roller coaster. Completed in 2006, this thrilling attraction required an investment of approximately $100 million and took six years to finalize. Expedition Everest offers an exhilarating journey through the Himalayan mountains, complete with encounters with the mythical Yeti.
The ride’s impressive cost is a testament to the level of detail and craftsmanship involved in its construction. From the intricate rockwork to the advanced animatronics, every aspect of Expedition Everest is designed to provide an immersive and unforgettable experience for guests. This investment in quality and innovation is what sets Disney Parks apart, ensuring that each attraction offers something truly special.
Expedition Everest remains a must-visit attraction for thrill-seekers and Disney fans alike.
12. Walt Disney World Resort Covers the Same Size as Two Manhattan Islands
Walt Disney World Resort is a sprawling complex that spans approximately 25,000 acres, making it roughly the same size as two Manhattan Islands. This vast area encompasses four theme parks, two water parks, numerous hotels, golf courses, and other attractions, offering endless entertainment options for visitors.
13. Disney’s Contemporary Resort Was Built Using a Unique Modular Design
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the most iconic hotels at Walt Disney World, known for its modern design and proximity to the Magic Kingdom. What makes it truly unique is its construction method; the hotel was built using a modular design, where rooms were pre-constructed off-site and then slid into place like drawers. This innovative technique allowed for quick construction and a sleek, futuristic look.
14. Liberty Tree Tavern Honors American History
Located in Magic Kingdom, the Liberty Tree Tavern is a dining experience that pays homage to American history. The restaurant features six rooms, each themed after a different Founding Father, and serves traditional New England-inspired dishes. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a meal while soaking in a bit of history during your visit to Walt Disney World.
15. No Two Tower of Terror Rides Are The Same
Photo Credit: Steven Miller via Flickr CC 2.0
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror offers a thrilling and unpredictable experience. Unlike traditional drop rides, the Tower of Terror features random drop sequences, meaning no two rides are exactly the same.
This element of surprise keeps guests on the edge of their seats, as they never know when the next drop will occur. The ride’s storyline, inspired by the classic TV series “The Twilight Zone,” adds an extra layer of intrigue and excitement, making it a must-visit attraction for thrill seekers.
16. You Can Go On Safari in the Park
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction provides guests with an authentic wildlife experience. This expansive ride takes visitors on a tour through the African savanna, where they can observe a variety of animals in their natural habitats. From elephants and giraffes to lions and zebras, the safari offers a unique opportunity to see these magnificent creatures up close.
The ride’s design mimics a real African safari, complete with rugged terrain and open-air vehicles, making it a truly immersive adventure. This dedication to authenticity and conservation sets Kilimanjaro Safaris apart as one of Disney World’s most unique and educational attractions.
17. There Are Secret Dining Menus to Discover
For food enthusiasts looking to add a sprinkle of mystery to their dining experience, Walt Disney World offers secret dining menus at select restaurants. These hidden menus feature exclusive dishes not listed on the regular menu, providing a unique culinary adventure for those in the know.
One such hidden gem can be found at the Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom, where adventurous diners can request the secret menu to discover unique offerings inspired by exotic flavors and whimsical presentations.
Exploring these secret dining options is a delightful way to enhance your visit to Disney World, offering a taste of the unexpected and a story to share with fellow Disney fans.
Experience the Magic of Disney With Us!
From the hidden tunnels beneath Magic Kingdom to the world’s most expensive roller coaster, each fun fact reveals the creativity and dedication that goes into creating the Disney magic we all love. Our comfortable and spacious vacation rentals, located within a 20-30 minute drive of the park, will make your transit into the magic seamless.
Book your Disney World stay with Element today!
