Disneyland is one of this Travologist’s favorite places to wander and being a SoCal local equipped with an annual pass, I can do it as often as my schedule allows. In a time far, far away, I spent 7 years doing more than wandering there. I explored the jungles of the world, awoke tropical birds, mined Big Thunder, told some Duck Tales, and entertained at a private club, so I consider myself more than the average Disney fan. It’s the detail and history of the place that keeps me returning – often to just walk around and never step foot on an attraction – Disneyland IS the attraction. Although there are literally hundreds (perhaps thousands) of details to showcase, here are my top 10 tidbits that will hopefully enhance your adventure the next time you head to the Magic Kingdom.
Look for the lit lamp in the window!
1 – The Light in Walt’s Apartment
Walt was a hands-on guy and as such he wanted to optimize his time at the construction site when he was away from the studio. A small apartment was designed and built for him above the Firehouse on Main Street. I’ve been lucky to tour it a few times and the stand-out feature to me, which is almost standard in new homes today, are the multiple shower heads in the shower. As always, Walt was ahead of the game! To honor him, the lamp in the window above the firehouse remains lit to symbolize that Walt is on the property – just as it did back in the day
These two are aptly located next to the music shop on Main Street
2 – The Windows of Main Street
As you stroll down Main Street, look up and take a closer look at the windows along the storefronts. These windows honor people who have made a significant impact on Disneyland and the Walt Disney Company. From Mary Blair, whose creativity and color inspired much of It’s a Small World to the Sherman Brothers, who reminded us that ‘There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow’, and scored memorable soundtracks like Mary Poppins & The Jungle Book, and speaking of it’s a Small World, they are the ones to blame for that running repeatedly in your head after you exit that attraction
BRILLIANT!
3 – Red & White Light at Coke Corner
This is one of my favorite workarounds ever! The red & white lights that ring the entry of Coke Corner, at first glance, look to be perfectly placed – upon closer examination though, you’ll find that the number of lights didn’t quite even out. Ingeniously, they solved this little problem by painting one of the bulbs red on one side and white on the other so that the pattern appears seamless. Brilliant solution
A great little home – right?!?
4 – “The Little Man of Disneyland”
Patrick Begorra is a leprechaun, also known as “The Little Man of Disneyland”, who lives in the tiny house at the roots of this tree in Adventureland. His story was first told in one of the Disney Little Golden Books which was published in 1955 – the inaugural year of Disneyland. You can find this hidden gem between The Indiana Jone Adventure and Tarzan’s Treehouse
The Swisskapolka plays in the camp near the end of this walk-through
5 – Tarzan’s Treehouse
Disney Imagineers are known to add a number of little ‘easter eggs’ in their designs. As an homage to the Robinson Family when their treehouse was taken over by Tarzan, the Imagineers left an audio reminder of the old attraction. As you near the end of the walk-thru you’ll hear the melodic sounds of the Swisskapolka playing on a phonograph in the camp.
6 – Max, Buff, & Melvin
Look for a nod to the Country Bear Jamboree !
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh in Critter Country used to be the home of the Country Bear Jamboree – a classic audio-animatronic show starring a band of bears, some critters, and 3 unique co-hosts, Max, Buff, and Melvin. A moose, buffalo, and deer, respectively. Once again, Disney Imagineers have left an homage to the old attraction. As you exit the psychedelic world of the Heffalumps and Woozles, quickly look up and back and there on the wall you’ll find these three characters who look to be waiting for their cue to start the show all over again
The pond with the elusive jumping fish in Frontierland
7 – Frontierland Fish
As you exit Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, take a right and head up Big Thunder Trail. You’ll quickly see a small bridge. Take a moment or two and enjoy the serenity of the pond opposite of the attraction. If the conditions are right, you just may get lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a few fish jumping out of the water.
Serenity, hidden in plain sight
8 – Snow White’s Grotto
If you need a little break from the crowds there is a peaceful gem hiding in plain sight. Follow the path on the east side of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and you’ll find a charming grotto and wishing well showcasing Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. There a number of stories about how they originated, however, the popular theory is that they were anonymously donated and Walt loved them and wanted to make sure that they were prominently featured in the park. A few times an hour the area becomes magical, as Snow White serenades and the fountain comes alive
Opportunity knocked and Walt answered
9 – it’s a Small World
Although Walt was best known for his creative genius, while his brother Roy handled the business side of things, he was also a masterful marketing and money man. He eyed the 1964/65 World’s Fair in New York as an opportunity to increase exposure of Disneyland to the people of the east coast as well as obtaining financial support for the creation and development of several attractions that would eventually be brought back to Disneyland. it’s a Small World was the centerpiece of the UNICEF pavilion, sponsored by Pepsi Cola. A short time later in May of 1966, ‘the “happiest cruise that ever sailed the seven seas’, made its west coast premiere in Fantasyland
10 – Al Fresco Dining in Tomorrowland
An ecologically astute future would be a great thing!
To symbolize the world of the future during the 1998 redo of Tomorrowland the Imagineers created their vision of the “Agrifuture”. The official Disneyland definition is, “The visionary landscaping doubles as a potential farm, projecting an ecologically astute future, where humanity makes the most of its resources.” Looks like the Sherman Brothers had it right, there’s a great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of every day!
Want more Disney in your life? I have been a huge fan of the gang over at Mousetalgia who deliver a fantastic weekly podcast on all things, Disney. Dave, Becky, Jeff, & Kristen are a great team and will most definitely keep you entertained and up-to-date. I recommend giving them a try. Go to their website for more info and how to subscribe.
Of course, keep checking back in with us here at Wandering But Not Lost. I’ve kept out of the crowded Disney tips world, but the time feels right to share some of my personal experiences at Walt Disney’s Original! Remember, Be Forever Wandering But Not Lost!
