Secret Disneyland Adventure!

So maybe Disneyland isn't exactly a "hidden" spot or anything but there are some things about Disneyland that you may not have known or noticed. Here we point out some of those things.

Auroras Castle. Not Cinderellas. That's Florida.

The classic Disneyland icon of the castle is one that's very well known but there are some things about it that aren't as obvious.

What most may not know is that in the original concept design for the castle this view (which is the back looking at it from Fantasyland) was supposed to face forward towards Main Street. There is also a walk through that tells the story of Aurora. 

Playing in front of the Main Street train station is the Disneyland Band. They periodically come out to  Main Street and perform. They also play for the flag ceremonies. 

The Dapper Dan's

The Dapper Dan's are an acapella group who performs up and down Main Street. They sound amazing. If you catch them out we really suggest you stop and listen for a bit.

The Pearly Band

This colorful group is known as the Pearly Band. We caught them marching in front of Tommorowland into Fantasyland. 













Windows throughout the park are designed for various contributors to Disney. Here are two of them.

Claude Coats

Marc Davis

You can get a pamphlet at City Hall that has all the windows listed along with small blurbs about the people featured on the windows. See if you can find them all!










If there is one thing Disney does that no one else can is provide an amazing atmosphere. The details and little things they do to make you feel immersed in the magic is not comparable to any other theme park. Here are some things that just go to show how hard they try.

Real gas lamps.

Real mail boxes.

No one really pays attention to the lamps that line Main Street but these are actual gas lamps bought from the city of Baltimore for 13 cents a pound. They are lit every night and add a touch of class and authentic "main street" feel.

Continuing on the lamps of Main Street here are some dragon lamps located above some bathrooms near the entrance of the park. (Dad just found these himself.)

And here is the most important lamp on 

Main Street.

Fire Dept/ Walt's Apartment

Next to City Hall is the Disneyland Fire Department. The window pictured here doesn't seem like much from the street but its a window to a very special place. Nestled behind these curtains is Walt Disney's personal apartment. He would stay here and oversee things in the park. In this window is a lamp that is always lit in remembrance of him. On your way to enjoy what he has given us stop and say thanks or just stop and think about all the things that have come from this one man.

Not actual working cannon.

At the beginning of Main Street just in front of the train station is the small mini hub where the flag pole and things like the giant pumpkin for Halloween and giant Christmas tree for Christmas are located. In this area are also two cannons one on each side. These cannons were supposed to be part of the French-Indian War but were never fired.

Looking like a badass.

Moar mailboxes.

Although not significant or overtly special these things help bring you into the world of Disneyland and forget about whats outside those gates. The Indian has been around since the beginning. He has seen every transformation Main Street has gone through and he has lasted. This mailbox is in one of the various doorways along Main Street that you often find people resting or waiting for parades. It brings the scene together and makes it look and feel like someones actual stoop.

Ceiling in the Plaza Inn

Stained glass always for the most part impresses me. I love the look and know how incredibly hard it is to put together. Here is a section located in one of our most frequented Disney eatery's. The Cobb Salad is amazing. It makes the restaurant a little more upscale and adds a nice touch of class. The big bay windows and the decorations they do for Christmas are phenomenal.

A parents heaven.

Lobby baby picture

The baby care center located almost at the end of Main Street near first aid is one of the best places for a parent of small children. It has some of the most helpful staff. You can get emergency supplies including but not limited to; wipes, formula, bottles, diapers, creams and other items. There is a changing room with a lot of space and very nice tables. There are also two special bathrooms with small toilets and sinks for toddlers. For breastfeeding moms there are private nursing rooms with comfy chairs. My dad used this place for me and I have used it for my child. Its amazing.

Best Popcorn makers ever!

Rocketeer has a secret love of popcorn.

Pioneer popcorn man

 

Overly excited popcorn preparer.

      

All over the park there are popcorn stands, churro kiosks, and drink booths. We have all bought things from them. We walk up, order, get our things, walk away. Most people don't stop and look at them. All of the popcorn stands have little people helping out. They are all themed for the land/ride they are located in/near. Here are a few. Can you find the others?

Character Cameos

Snow Whites grotto

Wishing well

Off the beaten path to the right of the castle is a lesser know entrance to Fantasyland. On it is this grotto and well. All the statues are made of marble they were a gift from an anonymous Italian sculptor in the early 60's. The waterfall is designed with a tier system to hide the one flaw the sculptor didn't take into account when making these. He made all the statues (dwarfs and Snow White) the same size. Well Snow White is supposed to be taller than the dwarfs so they put her at the top, placed her a little back, and put a small deer next to her to give the appearance that she is bigger. The wishing well opens an experience that everyone can enjoy. People love throwing coins into things, fountains, rooms in rides, anything really. Here though not only can you hear Snow White singing when you do it but as noted the money thrown into here is donated to various charities to help children. Yay good causes!

So ominous.

Golden storybook & apple

 Every few minutes the Evil Queen stands above the entrance to the Snow White ride and gives you a disapproving glare. She opens her curtains to peer down at those beneath her and then goes back to her evil business. This book and apple are also at the entrance of the ride and when you touch the apple you can hear her cackling at her master plan to get Snow White. 

Figaro being a lazy cat.

More reasons to look up once in a while. One of the newest additions to the park is the Fantasy Faire section in front and to the left of the castle. There are a couple new shows, characters meet and greets, and decor of course. Here is another character you may not have noticed there, an audioamniatronic Figaro who sits on this ledge and views the square.

Hodgepodge of moar secret treasures

Disney family crest

Just above the main castle entrance to Fantasyland is the Disney family crest. Another reason to look up and around!

Best present ever.

As the sign says this is a piece of petrified tree. It was given to Lily by Walt as an anniversary gift. Its in front of the Rivers of America near the Mark Twain/ Columbia loading dock.

Now some captain cant see OR stop.

Across the River is Tom Sawyers Island (it will always be known as this to me.) and on that island near the fort are some actual ship paraphernalia. Here is a lamp and anchor. 

Ahh the Swiss Chalet

Das Matterhorn.

Back in the day Disneyland used to have a Skyway. It ran from the Swiss Chalet in Fantasy land, through the Matterhorn, to the Tommorowland Station. Passing through the Matterhorn gave you a new perspective of the ride one that you cant get today. Even though there were two big holes you went through you still couldn't see the legendary basketball court INSIDE the mountain. Yes its true. There is in fact a backboard and hoop creating a makeshift court. It was used for the workers when the mountain was being built. Now you know (:

Like a boss.

 Next to the elevator leading to the now Dream Suite lies this epic lion. He has been there for years. 25 years ago I (Keith) took a picture of him, he was stark white. Now you can see weathering and foliage have made their mark on him. Hes still a badass.

WD & RD

This is the wrought iron railing of the balcony of the Dream Suite. It overlooks the Rivers of America and provides the best seat for Fantasmic. When it was first designed it was supposed to be an apartment for Walt and Roy. With Walt's passing the apartment idea was scrapped and it sat. It then became the Gallery housing paintings and other artwork and collectibles for purchase. Then it was renovated into the Dream Suite. The filigree in gold are Walt's and Roy's initials. Another spot to pay respects. Another reason to look up!  

Club 33

This clubs original purpose was to provide a place for Walt to entertain VIPs like, politicians, corporate sponsors, dignitaries, and other such people. Now it remains a mysterious door in New Orleans Square that leaves people wondering what it is and how to get in.

I love my job.

Now that you have a small sneak peek of things around Disneyland that you may not have noticed before, keep it in mind the next time you visit. Remember to look up and around! There is a lot we didn't include, various ride secrets, land secrets, things like that. See if you can find them on your next trip! Make it fun and everyone can participate. See if you can find this guy too!