Just when you thought the vault of strange Disney Parks moments had been emptied, we’re back with another batch of delightful oddities, from duck parades to questionable character looks. Buckle up: even more weird, wacky, and wonderfully obscure moments are all just ahead, revealing a different layer of magic from Disneyland and Walt Disney World. And in the spirit of the onsetting Halloween season, be forewarned, there are a few creepy selections today. But don’t worry, I’ll leave you on a cute note to encourage pleasant dreams.
Elephant-Sized Traffic on the 5
Remember when some animatronics from Pirates of the Caribbean were spotted in the back of a pick-up truck on the highway? Imagine seeing one of the big bathing elephants from Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise! Luckily, it looks like there wasn’t that much traffic, but this must have been quite a sight to see in 1962!
Pazuzu, Is That You?
You ever see The Exorcist? Not very Disney, I know. But this doesn’t look very Disney, either. I’m still scratching my head as to why and how Tokyo Disneyland ever debuted this walk around Magic Mirror character from Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs. Apparently, he would read the narration script from the Cinderella Castle Mystery Tour (a fun deep-dive on defunct attraction history, if you’re so inclined).
Image credit: Parkeology
Opening Day Horrors
For some reason, this was Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse’s original costume design at Disneyland. These images are from the park’s opening day, July 17th, 1955:
I mean honestly, just imagine this carved up, oversized head atop a slender body approaching you as a wee child in Fantasyland. Nightmare fuel.
Those cuts into their faces were soon filled in, assuming they must have been pieces that weren’t quite ready for opening day, maybe in-between the molding process? Still creepy, if you ask me. I’m sure glad they’ve found their accurately sweet and charming look after all these years!
Image source: Matterhorn1959
Parisian Duck Parade
To cleanse our palates once again, please enjoy this oddly adorable duck parade which took place in Disneyland Paris, honoring Donald Duck’s birthday in 1994:
Source: Unknown
That’s all for now, see you next time!
