Think you know Walt Disney World Orlando?
Been on the Flight of Passage, The Tower of Terror and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train? We spoke with the “cast members” at Walt Disney World and found a whole heap of things you may not know about this incredible theme park.
A hidden Mickey in the aquarium at Walt Disney World. Picture: Alison Godfrey
Hidden Mickeys
Thousands of Micky Mouse symbols are hidden everywhere in Walt Disney World. One person has actually written a book on all the hidden Mickey Mouse symbols they have found. Even the solar energy field is in the shape of a mickey mouse head. We found one in the footpath at Epcot, another in the carpet at the hotel and one really clever one hidden in the formation of plates on the Haunted House ride at Magic Kingdom. If you’re travelling to Walt Disney World with kids, get them to see how many hidden Mickey’s they can find.
New old footpaths
The cracks in the footpaths at Walt Disney World are made deliberately. It’s not that the paths are old, or that the sun has cracked the concrete. Each different world has different types of cracks. It’s all part of the illusion.
Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios Walt Disney World. Picture: Alison Godfrey
Pot plants
Every single plant in Walt Disney World is actually in a pot. Yes, even the really tall palm trees. Why? Because if one plant looks like it is going to die, it spoils the illusion. Disney cast members can easily remove and replace a potted plant. Walt Disney World is so large that it actually has it’s own nursery which imports or grows all the plants for themepark.
The plants at Magic Kindgom are all in pots
Re-use, Recycle
Walt Disney World has a bespoke Disney recycling plant. The theme park aims to reduce the use of products that are not recyclable on site.
A small world
Walt Disney World is the same size as two San Franciscos and is privately owned by the Disney corportation. The roads are private Disney roads. Take a look at the road signs and you will see they are unlike anything else in the United States. They all have Mickey Mouse ears.
Road signs at Walt Disney World Orlando Florida. Picture Alison Godfrey
Large scale transport
The Orlando themepark is home to the biggest car park in the world and the largest bus network in America.
State oversight
Disney has it’s own local government, Reedy Creek, they are not part of Disney but make the rules just for Disney Property.
Magic band
Disney magic bands allow you to pay for everything in Walt Disney World. They open your hotel room, given you access to the themeparks, contain all your fast pass rides and they can also be used a severl shops in Disney Springs. When you leave Disney World you will miss the convenience.
Disney Magic Bands open your room, give you access to parks and link to a credit card. Picture: Alison Godfrey
Big thrill rides
The Everest rollercoaster in Animal Kingdom is the most expensive rollercoaster ever built. Check out the posters at the entrance – they link to your magic band and will show your name as you walk past.
Everest at Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World. Picture: Alison Godfrey
A huge steamy jungle
Animal Kingdom is the hottest of all the parks because of the lush ecosystem. This themepark is larger than the other three all put together.
The Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World. Picture: Alison Godfrey
Tiny Differences
The popular Star Tours ride at Hollywood Studios is set up with more than 100 different variations. Each time you ride it, you will have a different experience.
Details matter
The tree of life in Animal Kingdom has more than 326 animals carved into the trunk. The dome at the Mission Space Ride in Epcot is actually made from leftover pieces of real space shuttles.
Mission space at Epcot Walt Disney World. Picture: Alison Godfrey
Tunnels run under the footpaths of Magic Kingdom to allow performers to get to their attraction without being seen. The tunnels also contain dressing rooms, bathrooms and a bank.
Epcot
Epcot is an acronym. It stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. The famous fountain contains water poured in from each nation featured at the park. Inside you can also find soft-drink samples from all over the world.
Epcot at Walt Disney World. Picture: Alison Godfrey
Princesses love blue
Not pink. Disney did a lot of work on colour psychology. It turns out we all prefer blue. Every single princess has something blue. Even Merida from Brave’s green dress sparkles blue.
Cindarella’s castle
The famous castle at Magic Kingdom belongs to Cindarella – not Sleeping Beauty.
Cindarella’s Castle Magic Kingdom. Picture: Alison Godfrey
Read More:
A look inside Disney’s new Toy Story Land
Magic Kingdom will cast a spell on you
Why you should go to Walt Disney World Orlando
Travel allows you to get outside your bubble. It makes you realise there are other ways to do things, and that’s OK. Plus, I am a huge fan of skiing and for the best powder – you need to head overseas.