Frontierland Stockade - Did You Know...
Posted on - 4/16/2007
 Did you know... that when the Frontierland Stockade was being constructed, that Walt actually had some of the most qualified help in getting the job done! Guess who! None other than Davy Crockett himself, Fess Parker! And of course, his trusty companion, Buddy Ebsen!
Popcorn Carts - Did You Know...
Posted on - 8/7/2006
 Ever notice these clever and whimsical little fellas who "work" to keep the popcorn poppin? They have been inside the Popcorn wagons; some for well over 30 years... are the direct creation of the Walt Disney Studios! They are each featured in their respective 'lands' ... Of course, Harold the Yeti has been around as one of the youngest, and the Main Street wagon displays a strange touch on his costume... yes, a moustache!! Long before the appearance guidelines permitted beards or facial hair!!
Miss Haley Mills - Did You Know...
Posted on - 6/20/2006
This lovely portrait of woman reclining is actually a left over from a Disney live action feature film starring Miss Haley Mills! Summer Magic! The scene when the Grampa is going thru the attic and perusing the attic's inventory he uncovers this 'risque' portrait!
Hoops In The Wall - Did You Know...
Posted on - 5/4/2006
 Did you know why the landscape surrounding the Rivers of America has brick pillars with large iron hoops mounted to them?
New Orleans Insurance - Did You Know...
Posted on - 4/30/2006
 Throughout New Orleans Square, you can spot these markers high above the streets, posted on buildings.
Two Ladies On Main Street U.S.A. - Did You Know...
Posted on - 4/17/2006
The two women on Main Street who are ageless and always look their best are Esmeralda and Tilly! And why shouldn't they? Each is surrounded by glass and always have that dreamy-eyed look.
Tom Sawyer's Island - Did You Know...
Posted on - 3/24/2006
Tom Sawyer's Island had four rafts; Becky Thatcher, Tom Sawyer, Injun Joe and Joe Harper. Joe's raft was always found nearby the Burning Settler's Cabin, But now Injun Joe has no raft!!
Mickey The Sorcerer's Name - Did You Know
Posted on - 3/23/2006
Okay, so we all know Fantasia was well ahead of its time most everyone remembers the comical segment of Mickey 'trying on' the powers of his master, every loyal apprentice yearns for the matriculation, but did you ever wonder what IS the Sorcerer's NAME???
First Names Only Please - Did You Know...
Posted on - 2/20/2006
Although Mr. Disney insisted on a "first name basis" for himself as well as Cast Members, at all levels, the only four to be addressed as "Mr." are Mr. Lincoln, Mr. Johnson (Mission to Mars Control Room), Mr. Toad, and Mr. Smee!
Silver Dollar Mast - Did You Know
Posted on - 1/26/2006
Did you know the sailing ship Columbia, in truest nautical fashion, has placed beneath each of her three masts a silver dollar?
Hanoi Hattie - Did You Know?
Posted on - 1/25/2006
Did you know that in the 60's the Jungle Cruise had a boat named Hanoi Hattie?
Real Live Birds - Did You Know...
Posted on - 8/27/2005
There are two sweet little birds... no they don't belong to Cinderella's entourage, nor Snow White's tribe... they are actual real live birds... in the Adventureland Bazaar!!
The Mark Twain - Did you know...
Posted on - 8/24/2005
There was a time when beverage service was available on the steamer Mark Twain. Yes!! This was up until the late 60's. The remnant of this 'bar' can still be found on the third deck.
Hyperion Theater - Did You Know...
Posted on - 7/25/2005
The fabulous Hyperion Theater in California Adventure is named after the street where Walt's first California studio was!! The studio where he and his brother Roy ventured into 'the business' of making movies!!
Disneyland's Very Own Fleet - Did You Know
Posted on - 6/13/2005
Disneyland once boasted one of the largest 'nautical fleets' in regular/daily passenger use in the Western Hemisphere!
Walt’s Model Train At Disneyland – Did You Know
Posted on - 6/10/2005
Did You Know that the model train found inside the Main Street Station is the craftwork of Mr. Walt Disney, himself? Quite a nice result from a hobby! But of course, once it is complete where to put it? Next to the 'real thing', of course!!
Fantasia – Did You Know
Posted on - 5/30/2005
I was told by a 'secret source' that in the movie Fantasia there are scenes that are painted with a translucent purple, I think it is the Nutcracker part or some darker more dramatic segment, that the artist who was painting a background didn't like the pigment of the purple paint and he just couldn't get the right mix. He went to lunch and began to eat his peanut butter and GRAPE JELLY SANDWICH!! So he noticed the GRAPE JELLY WAS JUST THE RIGHT PIGMENT!!
Gold at Disneyland – Did You Know
Posted on - 5/28/2005
Now for the latest on the little extra details of the big 5-0... As you see all sorts of 'icons' throughout the Park, all decked out for the Celebration, such as Dumbo, Mr Toad's car, a Tea Cup from the Mad Tea Party, you will notice if you look very carefully they are actually gilded in real gold leafing!!
Walt’s Apartment on Main Street U.S.A. – Did you know
Posted on - 5/27/2005
The apartment that Mr. Disney kept for himself and his family above the Main Street Fire House is now on display, kind of! You can see a window display of the furnishings at Disney Clothiers!!
Dumbo Ride Whip - Did You Know
Posted on - 5/26/2005
I just LOVE Dumbo... so here goes... did you ever notice that atop the Dumbo Flying Elephants, Timothy the Mouse stands atop the balloon holding a 'Magic Feather"?
Dumbo’s Paint Color – Did You Know...
Posted on - 4/22/2005
That the paint for Dumbo Flying Elephant Attraction is EXACTLY the same color used in the film!! This is because it is a studio creation first, and Dumbo is a copyrighted character. So, in truest Disney fashion, he must be correctly colored wherever he is seen!!
Training At Disneyland – Did You Know…
Posted on - 3/29/2005
Did you know the very first day of training for all Disneyland Cast Members is Traditions 101? Held at Disney University, of course!! Under the direction of Professor Emeritus, Van Arsdale France. His experience in employee development and attention to detail made him a perfect match to develop a contagious Magic, Appearance Standards, and instill the Company's values. He developed the Four Disney keys; Safety, Courtesy, Show and Efficiency!! In that order!!
Winnie the Pooh – Did you know...
Posted on - 3/26/2005
Did you Know that in the past, up to the late 70's,early 80's, Winnie the Pooh donned a Hunny Pot on his head. Atop the Hunny Pot was a bee!! This bee was a really expensive bee! He was crafted at the Studio, cost (back then, $500.00!! Just for the BEE!!) and was mounted to the Hunny Pot with an 'invisible spring' .So wherever Pooh went with this Hunny Pot, the bee kept right on up with him!!
The Matterhorn Moved – Did You Know...
Posted on - 3/18/2005
The Matterhorn, well I just love the Matterhorn so here goes... Did You Know the Matterhorn Bobsleds are the ONLY ATTRACTION TO EVER BE "MOVED"?
The Monorail – Did You Know...
Posted on - 3/17/2005
The Monorail is actually quite something of a marvel. So much so that it is a National Mechanical Engineering Landmark!! Yes!! Disneyland Imagineers went to Cologne Germany to study the technology and how-to's for using a scaled-down model in Disneyland!
Opening Day At Disneyland – Did You Know...
Posted on - 3/5/2005
On opening day at Disneyland the admission was invitation ONLY??
Matterhorn – Did You Know...
Posted on - 2/25/2005
The Matterhorn, in true Swiss fashion, sounding that 'all is well in the valley' and the shepherds may begin the day's work, the Disneyland Matterhorn also 'sounds off ' the morning each day with an alpenhorn! Just take a look at the signage for the Attraction and you will see what an alphorn looks like... very long.
Touch The Apple – Did You Know...
Posted on - 2/23/2005
Did You Know... that the apple at the entrance to Snow White’s Scary Adventure in Disneyland will sound the Witch's cackle (her old Hag's cackle) when you try to twist the apple!!
Not A Single Line – Did you know...
Posted on - 2/19/2005
Can you name the only feature length animated film (released widely, and a Classic!) where the Title Character DID NOT speak a single word of dialogue?
Being Laid To Rest At The Haunted Mansion – Did you know…
Posted on - 2/11/2005
The Disneyland Haunted Mansion seems to have its own separate following, so here goes... To give you an idea of what it is like to BE the 'dear departed' in the Haunted Mansion, the Doombuggies give you a glimpse into your future, of your ' view' as you are placed into your 'final destination'.
Clouds in Peter Pan Made of Trash Bags – Did you Know…
Posted on - 2/9/2005
Some of the 'clouds' over London in the Peter Pan attraction are actually grey TRASH BAGS!! They are used to create a foggy cloud over the London streets as you 'fly over' London on your way to Neverland!!
Tom Sawyer’s Island Adventure – Did you know…
Posted on - 1/16/2005
Although the Stockade on Tom Sawyer's Island is now closed, due to deterioration of the natural materials, (actual logs) the 'rifles' that were once posted for young Confederate Army hopefuls have since been removed, that is, all but one!! This single 'rifle' remains as posterity for the rifles that were removed...
Pilot the Mark Twain Riverboat – Did you know…
Posted on - 1/14/2005
If you are of brave heart and sound nerve, you may be called to pilot the majestic steam ship, Mark Twain...
Blacktop on Main Street U.S.A. – Did you know…
Posted on - 1/13/2005
Did you know that Main Street U.S.A. is the only area in Disneyland that has ordinary blacktop paved for its walk ways?? Not because of the Turn of the Century theme, Horse Drawn Street Cars, or because of cost saving techniques in the construction budget.
Bank of Main Street – Did you know…
Posted on - 1/12/2005
Did You Know that what is known as the Bank of Main Street now, once was an actual fully operating bank? It was operated by Bank Of America (Now BankAmerica) and held the distinction of the only bank in the United States ( for a time, until Walt Disney World ) that was open on Sundays!! Cast Members could actually cash their payroll here, and the address for the bank the check was drawn on read:
Unmentionables on Main Street U.S.A.
Posted on - 12/12/2004
There was a very early time in 1955 that women's foundation garments could be purchased ON MAIN STREET!! Yes, we're talking Brassieres and other 'unmentionables from Hollywood Maxwell!
Why the monkey was chosen for the pet of Barbossa...
Posted on - 12/11/2004
When the film people were touring Disneyland for inspiration of the Pirates Of The Caribbean film and the Pieces of Eight. I am told the chandelier is one of the items that caught the eye of someone who develops the roles for the cast. Anyway, this super ugly monkey is hanging on the chandelier in the Pieces of Eight shop, he has always been there.
Living Hidden Mickey
Posted on - 12/9/2004
The only LIVING hidden Mickey!!! (Well she did pass away in 1997) this is her while lounging at the Big Thunder Ranch... hoping to avoid becoming the featured menu item!!
Did you know Disney parents...
Posted on - 11/30/2004
"101 Dalmations" and "Peter Pan" are the only two Disney Cartoon movies where both parents are present and don't die during the movie.
Did you know Chief Standsalot…
Posted on - 11/18/2004
Did you know the NAME of the Indian who stands in front of what began as the Main Street Tobacco Shop? Chief Standsalot!! So many kids just love to take their picture next to him.
Here's one for all those people who just love The Nightmare Before Christmas...
Posted on - 11/17/2004
Did you know... the animators had a hard time getting the backgrounds and scenes to look odd and off kilter in a regular drawing hand so they did it left handed (for those who were right-handed) yep, they couldn't get just the right 'twist' on it, so it worked to do it with the non dominant drawing hand!
THE INCREDIBLES: Progression Artwork
Posted on - 10/26/2004
These five images detail how Pixar takes a shot from the film from start to finish.
Some Interesting Manufacturing Processes – Did You Know
Posted on - 10/6/2004
The seating pads for Splash Mountain are fabricated at Disneyland. It looks like they pour chocolate cake batter into a mold it dries and boom you have a semi-spongy seating pad!!
Elephant In The Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor – Did You Know
Posted on - 10/5/2004
The 'green' elephant in the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor is NOT named Penny!! She was a fixture in the Penny Arcade in the early 90's. She came from Disneyland Paris, and she took many failed molding/kiln attempts until she came out whole and with no flaws. She was placed in their Penny Arcade but her name is LUCY because she appears to be made from LUCITE!!
Who Framed Roger Rabbit – Did You Know
Posted on - 10/4/2004
Did you know that the name of Judge Doom's company, Cloverleaf, gets its posterity from Roy Disney Jr.'s company Shamrock Holdings?
Disneyland Used To Be Closed On Monday – Did You Know
Posted on - 10/3/2004
There is “TALK” of the Park closing for Mondays (and possibly Tuesdays too) just like in the earlier (pre Mr. Eisner days) since the attendance is down ( cost-effectiveness) also to allow refurbishments to be performed in regular hours by all the Tradesmen required.
Swiss Family Robinson Tree House – Did You Know
Posted on - 10/2/2004
Did you know the Swiss Family Tree House (well it will always be this to me!) 'species' of tree is Disneydendron and the construction of the 'trunk' is half as deep as it is tall!! Where DID they put all the dirt that was dug out?
The Matterhorn – Did You Know
Posted on - 9/30/2004
Did you know the design of the tracks used for the Matterhorn are the first of its kind for ANY 'roller coaster' type ride? It was built with tubular tracks to allow for tight turns, up to that time only 'sliding' tracks were used!!
Steve Martin at Disneyland
Posted on - 9/22/2004
Did you know that funnyman STEVE MARTIN... yes, Steve Martin... had some of his humble beginnings as a Merchandise Host at the Main Street Magic Shop?
I Pirates Life For Me!
Posted on - 8/21/2004
The name of the red pirate ship, commandeered by the braid-bearded pirate....you know the one.... "Pound 'em lads, pound 'em!!" ....she is.... the Wicked Wench!!
The Castle Swans.
Posted on - 5/26/2004
The two Swans who swim so elegantly in the Castle's moat are named Suzy and Perla. Someone at City Hall tried to tell us they are Mr. and Mrs. Swan, but we caught the fella that feeds them and asked HIM.
Toy Shop Beams.
Posted on - 5/25/2004
Since Captain Hook addressed her as Miss Bell, her name is two words, but that's another story… I bet you never noticed the wooden beams that are part of the construction of the Tinker Bell Toy Shop, outside of the Shop! There are three 'buttresses (or beams) that are carved on the ends to look just like Mr. Smee, Captain Hook and Tic Toc, painted and everything!!
Crystal Carving...
Posted on - 5/13/2004
Inside the Arribas Crystal Shop hangs the unique crystal carving of Walt himself. It hangs high over the glass crafter's work area and the doorway (the doorway that would exit to Blue Bayou/Club 33 (there are three doorways at the Crystal Shop.) It is there in a gold frame that hangs in a diamond shape, shows Mr. Disney with a big smile and it is ONE OF A KIND.
The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room.
Posted on - 5/4/2004
When exiting the Enchanted Tiki Room, look up above you at the tree that extends its branches up high between the exit steps and the Adventureland Bazaar. Among the other lamps attached, you will see a very large blowfish hanging from the tree. At night he is lit up. He is pretty big as far as blowfish go. He has been there a long time and I don’t know how much longer he will last. I dunno if anyone else notices this but it is kinda kooky!!
More Haunted Mansion Tidbits!
Posted on - 5/2/2004
In the evening, if you watch carefully and patiently while in the queue that is nearest the Train Station, watch the second floor windows and you will see a glow of a candle. The candle goes from room to room floating along on its own, or is it alone?
The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room.
Posted on - 4/17/2004
In 1949, a mechanical bird in a New Orleans antiques shop sparked Walt Disney’s imagination to create 3-D animated figures. More than a dozen years later, Disney artists and engineers perfected Audio-Animatronics technology. In 1963, the public saw this new art form for the first time in Disneyland’s Enchanted Tiki Room, featuring 225 singing and joke-telling birds, flowers, and tiki gods.
Nine tons of clay!
Posted on - 4/16/2004
Disney Imagineers used more than nine tons of clay to sculpt the life-size patterns for the twenty bears in the Country Bear Jamboree.
Longest running in Prime Time.
Posted on - 4/15/2004
Disneyland, under several names and airing on all three major networks, was the longest-running primetime show in the network television history.
The Sherman brother’s rock.
Posted on - 4/14/2004
Beatles drummer Ringo Starr hit number one on the pop charts in 1972 with his single “You’re Sixteen (You’re Beautiful and You’re Mine).” The lyricists? Not John Lennon and Paul McCartney, but the Sherman brothers.
The Love Bug.
Posted on - 4/13/2004
In the scenes in which Herbie the Love Bug appears to be driving, the spunky Beetle actually had help from a backseat driver...and a second steering wheel. The real driver looked through a hole cut out of the VW’s floor to see where he was going.
Look for the mezuzah on Main Street U.S.A. Disneyland.
Posted on - 3/4/2004
I forgot to point out to you there is a mezuzah on Main Street at Disneyland California!! Yes, a Jewish mezuzah!! It is found between the Emporium and the Crystal Arcade on a door facade with the name Dr. Benjamin Silverstein!
The Morse Code at the New Orleans Square Train Station.
Posted on - 2/16/2004
The Morse code you hear at the New Orleans Square Train Station is actually the Disneyland Opening Day Dedication Speech.
The Gallery Ghost.
Posted on - 2/14/2004
If you go into the Gallery and can provoke a Cast Member there, they may confide in you that strange and frightening sounds do sometimes “echo through the halls
Hidden Mickey!
Posted on - 2/13/2004
Has anyone ever pointed out to you the initials of Walt and Roy in the wrought iron fences, in the balcony where Guests who pay for the privilege of a balcony seating for Fantasmic! The initials are surrounded by, what else, a hidden MICKEY!
A Job for Life!
Posted on - 2/12/2004
The site where Pirates is built is the same site of the former land owners' home. Mr. Ron Domingues’ father sold the orange groves to Mr. Disney with the condition that since his son would no longer have a job or land to inherit, that because of this “kiddie park”, he is giving up his birthright, Disney should give him a job for life! Mr. Ron Domingues still serves in the top echelon for the Park. NOBODY makes deals like THAT anymore!! My grandpa told me that one too!!
Walt's Baby Picture is in the Baby Center on Main Street.
Posted on - 2/11/2004
Walt Disney's baby picture is in the Baby Center on Main Street at Disneyland. I always thought of that as a Mary Poppins kind of place. His picture is in the entry way on the left, you don't need to be in the company of wee ones to see it, but those junior potties are so cute!
The beautiful leaded glass doors at the entry to Plaza Inn Restaurant .
Posted on - 2/9/2004
Did you know that the beautiful leaded glass doors at the entry to Plaza Inn Restaurant were saved from certain destruction from Marceline Missouri! My grandfather told me that one! It was either from a prominent home or a city building, the Court House I think, or perhaps the Library, any way it's from Marceline.
Other props used at Disneyland from movies.
Posted on - 2/8/2004
Oh, I almost forgot
Town Square Flag Poll Purchased for $5.00!
Posted on - 2/4/2004
The flagpole base at Disneyland, just the ornate part up to the widest white part, at Town Square was purchased for $5
Captain Nemo's organ is at Disneyland.
Posted on - 1/28/2004
The organ Captain Nemo plays in the 1954 film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea rests in the ballroom of Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion, played by a phantom pounding out macabre dirges.
Special permission was needed to light the lighthouse in Pete's Dragon.
Posted on - 1/27/2004
The lighthouse lamp in Pete’s Dragon shone so bright that the film’s location manager needed to obtain special permission from the Coast Guard to light it for filming. The lamp, with its $6,000 Fresnell-type lens could cast a beacon eighteen to twenty-four miles – far enough to confuse passing ships.
Goofy debuted as a nameless audience member in 1932.
Posted on - 1/26/2004
Goofy debuted as a nameless audience member in the 1932 short Mickey’s Revue. BY the mid 30’s the affable canine appeared in newspaper cartoon strips as Dippy Dawg. The 1938 publication of The Story of Dippy the Goof hinted at the character’s new identity, but it wasn’t until the cartoon release of Goofy and Wilbur in 1939, that the name Goofy finally stuck.
John Hench did not like working on Fantasia.
Posted on - 1/16/2004
John Hench did not like working on Fantasia's "Nutcracker Suite." When he asked Walt Disney for a new assignment, Disney responded with backstage passes to an entire season of ballet. Thereafter, Hench admittedly learned something about dance and continued with the segment "quite willingly."
Paul Winchell invented the first disposable razor.
Posted on - 1/8/2004
The voice of Tigger, Paul Winchell invented the first disposable razor in 1963. Good for six shaves, the plastic-handled, single-blade razor came in two varieties; a carbon-steel model that cost fifteen cents, or surgical steel for ten cents extra.
Ink and paint girls applied thousands of color blends to film cells.
Posted on - 1/8/2004
Ink and paint girls applied thousands of color blends to film cells, including a transparent paint especially effective for shadows and special effects. The downside; the paint's secret ingredient, Asian ox bile, gave it a terrible odor.
Original Mouse-Eared beanies.
Posted on - 1/3/2004
The original mouse-eared beanies were handmade from the finest felt and cost $50 each in 1955. (The retail version cost $.69!) Annette lost her hat three times and had to pay for replacememnts out of her own $185-per-week earnings. After that, she wore her ears everywhere.
The Helpful Dentist.
Posted on - 1/3/2004
A Kansas City dentist wanting to promote oral hygiene sought the services of Laugh-O-gram Files. Walk Disney couldn't make an appointment because he didn't have the $1.50 necessary to reclaim his only pair of shoes from the cobbler. The dentist paid for Disney's shoes, as well as his first educational film, Tommy Ticker's Tooth.
Roy took a page from Walts book.
Posted on - 1/3/2004
Roy Disney took a page from his brother Walt’s book when he oversaw the construction of Walt Disney World. Just as Disneyland’s Main Street U.S.A. honors all those who contributed to its creation by displaying their names on the second-story shop windows, Walt Disney World had a window that featured the names of all the holding companies under which the so-called “Florida Project” land purchases were made.
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