While some of us might consider ourselves Disney experts, many interesting facts behind each Disney theme park aren’t commonly shared. Sure, you might already know about the basketball court hidden within the Matterhorn Bobsled attraction or the secret Club 33 tucked away above the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, but do you know about these five Disneyland Park secrets and facts that aren’t common knowledge?
The Enchanted Tiki Room Was Originally A Dining Concept
During the conception phase, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room was initially planned to be an interactive restaurant experience. Dinner with a show was the idea behind this delightfully whimsical experience; however, the expected popularity turned this innovative idea into a whole attraction, seemingly allowing more guests to pass through. Can you imagine a dining experience based on this concept now? We will dive into that one later in the week.
Sleeping Beauty Castle Drawbridge Was Functional
Did you know that Sleeping Beauty Castle had a functional drawbridge? That gorgeous entryway to the iconic center of Disneyland Park wasn’t just for show; it also served as a working drawbridge. Despite the facilities to do so, the bridge was only lowered twice, once during the opening in 1955 and again in 1983 for the rededication of Fantasyland. After its last use, the mechanism for service was removed so that it would remain permanently lowered.
Human Bones Used In Pirates of the Caribbean
While some guests break all the rules to leave a pinch of loved ones’ remains in Disney’s Haunted Mansion attraction, others gained free entry to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. When the attraction was first built, it’s been said that Disney Imagineers had difficulty reconstructing human skeletons and turned to friends at UCLA’s Medical Center for help. The team procured real human skeletons for the ride, which were later (mostly) replaced with artificial bones when technology improved. It’s been said that some possibly still remain in the ride, adding to the eerie feel of the ride’s atmosphere.
A Time Capsule Lies Buried in Front of Sleeping Beauty Castle
In 1995, during Disneyland Park’s 40th anniversary, a time capsule was buried in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. This little piece of history is said to be filled with merch, photos, moments, and other items that will remind Disney fans of the future about the time it was buried. The capsule will be dug up and reopened after 40 years in 2035 for the 80th Anniversary of Disneyland Park. Even cuter, the capsule itself is shaped like the Disney Castle that stands behind it. This one was less of a secret and publicly shared, though, as it occurred before the power of the internet, it remains a little-known tidbit with only a plaque in the park to remind us.
Original Snow White Ride Had No Snow White
The most recent reimagining of Snow White’s Scary Adventure (1983 – 2020), now Snow White’s Enchanted Wish (since 2020), is by far the ride’s most enjoyable and charming iteration. This classic Disneyland dark ride was once a different ride again. Snow White and her Adventures opened with the Disneyland Park in 1955 and didn’t have a single showing of Snow White in the ride. The concept was that guests were playing the role of Snow White, venturing through her own world. Knowing this makes the journey from the ride that once was to what guests enjoy today a little easier to understand. The transition over time for the quest to be an observer in her world rather than the character herself seems to be striking more of a positive chord with its audience.
Let us know if any of these Disneyland facts and secrets are new to you, and feel free to add your own in the comments below.
