One of the things that makes Walt Disney World so interesting and dynamic to me is the unending presence of detail virtually everyone a guest could look. From the moment you step foot into any resort or park, you are completely sold on the environment provided as they are so intricate and immersive. Once you look past the surface of those environments, you can find so many beautiful little details and many hidden secrets. It’s been a long time since I focused a post on the hidden secrets of Disney World, and I can’t wait to share some more of my favorite with you!
- Upon entering the Magic Kingdom and walking down Main Street, be sure to take a few moments to stop in The Chapeau and look for an antique telephone. Pick up the receiver and you can listen in on a party line featuring guests from the local buildings talking business, family, and gossip!
- Over in Adventureland, the Jungle Cruise is one of the most detailed attractions throughout WDW and there is one detail which honors both Disneyland and a specific Imagineer. Look for a crate along the queue which reads “Evans Exotic Plant Exporters 1313 Harbor Blvd, Anaheim CA 71755.” The Evans referred to is Bill Evans, an Imagineer and master horticulturist who was responsible for creating the lush jungle plant life still seen on the attraction today. The address is that of Disneyland, and the zip code represents July 17, 1955 which is Disneyland’s opening day.
- Moving over to Liberty Square and the Haunted Mansion, most guests will agree that the ballroom scene is one of the most iconic in all of WDW. The dancing ghosts are whirling and twirling thanks to an effect titled Pepper’s Ghost which utilizes light and reflections to create an eerie result. However, since the ghosts are seen as a reflection, Imagineers didn’t account for the fact that the woman ghosts are now leading the men around the floor!
- In Epcot, Soarin’ is one of the most popular attractions with some of the longest wait times in the park. Once in the pre-show area, listen closely as they announce that the flight number is 5505. This pays homage to the attraction’s opening day- May 5, 2005.
- While taking a whirl through your imagination on Journey Into Imagination with Figment, pay close attention while passing by a large computer room on the right hand side of the ride vehicle. Featured there are a pair of red high tops, a letterman jacket with the letter M, and a sign saying no Tennis shoes near the computer. These props honor the fictional institution Medfield College which was the setting in the classic Disney films The Absent Minded Professor and The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes.
- Continuing with the Journey Into Imagination theme, there are many guests who are still missing the original version of the attraction which featured Figment along with his friend Dreamfinder. While Dreamfinder no longer can be found in Epcot, part of his vehicle, the Dreamcatcher, can be seen up high on display in Mouse Gears.
- In Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there is no greater thrill than blasting off in a stretch limo and racing to a concert on the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. If you are a fan of the band, you will know that one of their most popular songs is titled “Just Push Play.” With that in mind, look around the loading area for a sticker that reads “Just Push Pay” and makes a play on that classic song.
- Muppet Vision 3D is the kind of attraction that is so insanely full of details and visual puns that you can notice something new every time you visit. While in the pre-show area and waiting to enter into the theater, look above to find a portrait of a Muppet version of Jim Henson himself.
- The Great Movie Ride is home to several Hidden Mickeys, but my favorite can be found in the loading area. While waiting to begin your ride through the movies, look in the mural to the left of the ride vehicle for a Hidden Minnie. Minnie’s head and bow can be found in silhouette nestled among the trees in the mural. It’s a hard one to spot, but one of my favorites!
- Finally, over in the Animal Kingdom there is a great detail found in the loading area of Dinosaur which pays homage to several different areas of WDW history. Near the seatbelt check, look for writing on one of the walls which reads “SECTOR CTX-WDI=-AK98.” The CTX stands for Countdown to Extinction which was the original title of the attraction, WDI stands for Walt Disney Imagineering, and AK98 represents the Animal Kingdom and its opening year of 1998.
And there you have a list of some more of my favorite hidden secrets to be found throughout Walt Disney World. There are literally hundreds of details and secrets nearly everywhere you look, so keep your eyes open the next time you are in the parks!
Have you ever seen any of these hidden secrets? Have a favorite hidden detail or secret that didn’t make the list? Let me know by leaving a comment below, I would love to hear from you!
(Photo from my personal collection.)
