Diary of a Crazy Cat Lady: Hidden Mickeys - The Secret World of Disney

Hey Guys & Dolls!

So, if you know me, you clearly know I love Disney & Disneyland :)

As you may remember, from a previous post, my sister and I participated in the Neverland 5K. (which was AMAZING!) When we went, I made sure I looked for the "Gotta See" secrets of Disneyland, which they have a bunch! It's a much better experience if you know what to look for.

So, while I was at work, I was looking up a packing check list for our upcoming trip to Reno to see my parents. My co worker mentioned going to Disneyland soon, and that I was going to be her go to person for organization for her trip. I mentioned the little list I had on my phone from my trip to Disney with all my tips and told her I could easily make a list for her when she goes.

After I got done typing it up, I decided, what the hell...why don't I just share it with all of you as well! Thus, this blog entry. So, let us begin!

Ride # 1: Indiana Jones - The King of Secrets!

Fast Pass should be used to avoid long lines, but if you must wait in one long line, make it Indiana Jones Adventure. The waiting area is an experience in its self.
When you approach the DO NOT TOUCH POLE sign in line, do the opposite and pull the bamboo pole.It will make the ceiling look like it is caving in.
If you pull the rope on the well where it says not to pull the rope, it prompts an unseen worker to "fall" and voices will cry out from the well.
There is a skeleton that occasionally will wear Mickey Ears.
When you are in the projection room, look behind you above the projector. In the rafters, you will see the Eeyore parking sign from the original parking lot that stood in this very spot years ago.

Ride #2 Pirates of the Caribbean

- In the beginning years of the park being opened, there many real human skeletons throughout the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. The designers were displeased with how fake the fake bones looked, so they called in for reinforcements! Slowly over the years, the real bones have been taken out but there is one real human skull and crossbones located over the bed in the Captain’s Quarters just above a fake skeleton dressed in pirate attire.

Ride # 3 - Matterhorn

There is a secret employee basketball court underneath.

Ride #4 - Snow White's Scary Ride

- If you rub the brass apple above the brass book in the line for Snow White’s Scary Adventure, a loud clap of thunder will sound off as well as a chilling cackle from the evil witch. *Bonus*- If you watch closely at the window above the Snow White ride, you will briefly see the Evil Queen in the window looking out at you. But be patient, she only makes herself noticeable every so often.

Ride #5 - Jungle Cruise

Skippers sometimes have free maps of the ride that they will give out to guests if asked.

Ride #6 - Mark Twain Riverboat

If you ask a cast member if you can pilot the boat, you will be guided to the wheelhouse where you will be able to “steer” the boat, even though it is on a track. The you ring the bell, and blow the whistle and then sign the exclusive guestbook. The guestbook has only been signed by lucky ones who have been able to drive the boat since the mid-1950’s. You will also get a “Pilot’s Certificate” for steering the S.S. Mark Twain. Be sure to be discrete when asking, you don’t want the rest of the boat to know about your secret!

Ride #7 - Roger Rabbit Cartoon Spin - "Ink & Paint Club"

Knock on the door and say “Walt sent me” and you will hear Jessica Rabbit’s voice begin singing for you. Also, half way through the line, there is a special big metal door. A gorilla will come to the door and say a smart remark to you if you knock on it!

Ride #8 - Mad Tea Party

Rumor has it, the purple teacup is the fastest one.

Ride #9 - Haunted Mansion

Want to make a quick exit from the Stretching Room? Look for the wall with the small gap in the middle, those are the doors. Stand next to them. You will be the first one out of the room.

Ride# 10 - Radiator Springs (California Adventure)

-Make sure you get your Fast Pass early. The line is never ending.

The final tip for the rides:
Disneyland now enforces Fast Pass return times, but there is a 15 minute grace period. So don't discard your fast passes if you are a little late.

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Alright! Now we can move onto Basic Park Tips!

Try the left sided lines. Most people are right handed and will veer towards the right sided lines.

Buy your mouse ears at the beginning of your trip, so that they can be features in all of your pictures!

Get your Honorary Citizen pin from City Hall on Main Street. Beware, they will quiz you on Disney Knowledge!

Secret Character Gate: Northeast corner of Main Street, between Main street Cinema and Lincoln

Download the Wait Time App to help organize your day.Not only will you get wait times for all the rides, but also a map of the park. This will help you locate all of the important bathrooms.
To maximize the battery life on your phone, put it on Airplane mode while on rides like Indiana Jones, Haunted Mansion, & Pirates of the Caribbean.
The best place to take a photo of Sleeping Beauty's Castle is on the right hand side, not the front. You not only get a good shot but it will include the water.
The Mad Hatter sometimes plays "Musical Chairs" with the kids at Coke Corner on Main Street once daily. This usually occurs at 2:30 but times are subject to change & is not listed in the Times Guide. Ask a cast member at Coke Corner and they will be able to tell you the exact time for that day.
If your balloon pops, show a cast member and they will replace it.

There is a light in the top window of the Main Street Firehouse that never goes out. Walt Disney supposedly use the apartment above the firehouse with his family on a regular basis. After he died, the park kept the light in the window at all times to continue his presence in the park. The apartment has never been changed since the family lived there.
The rides don't close when the park closes. You can still get in line for a ride a few minutes before close. The lines also tend to be shorter.

The best time to get your souvenirs is after the park closes.The shops on Main Street stay open after close.

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Food/Shows

Lunch rush is from 11AM-2PM/ Dinner rush is from 6:30PM-8:00PM

Looking for a quiet and less busy place to eat? Try the Hungry Bear Restaurant in Critter Country.
Want a photo with Mickey? Head towards Toon Town towards closing. The line for photos is the shortest.

Blue Bayou Reservation line - 714-781-3463
Parades - Head towards Tomorrow Land & right before you enter, turn left and follow the path to King Triton's Statue.
Fireworks - Bench in Central Station by the Walt & Mickey Statue