14 Little-Known Facts About Disneyland That Will Surprise You
1. The Haunted Mansion’s Pet Cemetery
Did you know the Haunted Mansion has a pet cemetery? It’s hidden to the side of the queue line, and if you look closely, you’ll see tombstones for dearly departed pets like a skunk named Stripey.
2. Disneyland’s Secret Basketball Court
Inside the Matterhorn, there’s a small basketball court! It was built for cast members to use during their breaks. Talk about a unique workplace perk!
3. The Gold Spike in Fantasyland
There’s a gold spike in the ground right in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. While many think it marks the center of Disneyland, it actually aligns the castle’s drawbridge.
4. Walt Disney’s Apartment
Above the firehouse on Main Street, there’s an apartment where Walt Disney himself used to stay. A lamp in the window is always kept on in his memory.
5. The Smellitizers
Ever noticed how Main Street smells like fresh-baked cookies? That’s thanks to “smellitizers” that pump out different scents to enhance your experience.
6. The Time Capsule
In front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, there’s a time capsule buried in 1995 to celebrate Disneyland’s 40th anniversary. It’ll be opened on Disneyland’s 80th anniversary in 2035.
7. The Manhole Covers
Look down as you walk through New Orleans Square, and you’ll see manhole covers that say “Disneyland Foundry.” They were custom-made for the park.
8. The Hidden Mickeys
Disneyland is full of “Hidden Mickeys” – subtle Mickey Mouse shapes placed around the park. See how many you can find during your visit!
9. The Lilly Belle Car
The Disneyland Railroad has a special train car named the Lilly Belle, after Walt Disney’s wife. You can ride it by asking a conductor, but it’s not always available.
10. The Morse Code at New Orleans Square
At the New Orleans Square train station, listen carefully and you’ll hear Morse code. It’s actually part of Walt Disney’s opening day speech from 1955!
11. The Forced Perspective
Many of the buildings on Main Street use “forced perspective,” making them look taller than they really are. The upper floors are smaller to create this illusion.
12. The Partner Statue Details
Look closely at the Partners statue of Walt and Mickey. Walt’s tie has the letters “STR” for Smoke Tree Ranch, a place he loved in Palm Springs.
13. The Pirates of the Caribbean Real Skeletons
When Pirates of the Caribbean first opened, some of the skeletons were real! They’ve since been replaced, but one skull remains on a headboard in the ride.
14. The Club 33
Club 33 is a super exclusive club in New Orleans Square. It requires a membership to enter, and the waiting list is said to be years long. If you ever get the chance, don’t miss it!
