As you walk through the front gates of the Happiest Place on Earth, the aroma of churros and popcorn blend seamlessly with the twinkling lights of the castle and intricate storefronts of Main Street to create the magic “Mickey’s Home” is best known for. But there’s much more than meets the eye; Mr. Disney was notorious for hiding those extra pinches of pixie dust throughout the park for the Disney fans who never want to grow up (Peter Pan, anyone?). The magic is in the details, and there are 7 secret Disneyland gems you have to find the next time you visit the Happiest Place on Earth (which by the way, is exactly 1hr 28mins away from CLU. You’re Welcome.)
1. Purple Teacup Madness
Ride in the purple teacup on the Mad Hatter’s Mad Tea Party in Fantasyland – it’s the only purple one, and spins the fastest! If getting extra dizzy is your thing, then you’re in for a treat!
2. Cheshire Cat peek-a-boo
Speaking of the Mad Hatter, when you walk into the gift shop next to the teacups, try on a hat and look in the mirror – you might just catch a sneaky Cheshire grin smiling back at you!
3. Disney Family Initials
As you wait in line to become an honorary Pirate of the Caribbean, look above the entrance to the wrought-iron railing of the second floor, the Disneyland Dream Suite. The initials of Walt and Roy Disney are formed as a reminder of the family who has brought so much joy to others throughout the years.
4. Secret Sounds
You’ll hear these hidden conversations throughout the park, and it’s just a little reminder that Disney doesn’t skip a beat when it comes to magic.
On Main Street, try to listen for the dentist appointment going on upstairs in the “ice cream alley” by the lockers, along with a record player and person taking a shower in the Hotel Marcelline and a piano lesson!
The New Orleans Square restroom (next to the train station) is home to the resident voodoo lady, so make sure to say “hi”!
Calling Mr. Lucas! Listen for a voice paging an “Egroeg Sacul” in the line for Star Tours – it’s George Lucas spelled backwards!
5. The Evil Eye
Just above Snow White’s Scary Adventures in Fantasyland, the Evil Queen will occasionally make an appearance in the massive window just above the attraction – she only appears every few minutes, and doesn’t look like she’s having much fun tbh.
6. Human Skulls
You might not think that there are any real human skeletons in the Pirates of the Caribbean, because that would be extremely creepy and semi-inhumane, right? Wrong. There’s an actual human skull and crossbones still in the ride, and it sits comfortably above the bed in the Captain’s Quarters. Not sure whose skull it is, though…
7. Mr. Disney’s Legacy
As you prepare to head home after a day with Mickey, make your way back to Main Street and walk past the Fire Station. Look to the window directly above the firehouse, where Mr. Disney had an apartment he regularly stayed in right above the station, and where a light in the window signified his presence in the park. Upon his death, that light was (and still is!) kept on all the time, all year round to remember the legacy Mr. Disney left in the world and to properly acknowledge the man who imagined it all. The only time the light is off is when the Disney family is in the park!
The next time you’re ever in the park, make sure to find these hidden treasures for yourself! You’ll feel like a part of the Disney fam, and be able to impart your words of Disney wisdom on those who are new to the secret side of Disneyland. Walt Disney gave us the chance to never grow up and imagine a fantasy world full of magic that makes the real world seem a little less gloomy. I hope you get the chance to visit the Happiest Place on Earth, too!