The Disneyland Park is full of mysteries. There are main attractions every visitor to the Park will see, as well as some things only the select few are aware off. Here, we’re demystifying Disneyland, sharing few little known facts about it.
1. MM Location
Disneyland Park is located at 1313 S. Harbor Street Anaheim, California. Walt Disney himself picked this address because 13th letter of the English alphabet is “M” making 1313 stand for “MM” or Mickey Mouse. Pretty neat.
2. You can’t die in Disneyland
Walt Disney refused to ever allow a death certificate to read the place of death as Disneyland. When someone died at Disneyland, they were quickly brought under ground to a tunnel that leads out to Harbor Boulevard. It is there that the person would be pronounced dead.
3. Free refills and replacements
One of the little know secrets of Disneyland is that if you buy a cup of coffee, you should keep the empty cup and get a free refill at any place that sells coffee inside the park. Similarly, if you purchase a balloon and it pops or your child lets it go, you can get a free replacement. In that sense, if you find a part of a popped balloon, you can take it to the balloon man/girl and get a free balloon.
4. Haunted Mansion and George Lucas
While in line waiting for the ride at Haunted Mansion, you will hear an announcer calling out for Mr. Egroeg Sacul. That’s actually George Lucas’ name spelled backwards.
It’s also worth adding that the Haunted Mansion ride is actually underground and outside the park.
5. Walt Disney’s apartment
As you enter the park, you’ll see the Disneyland Fire Department to your left. This is a real working fire department should there be a fire at Disneyland.
Right above it, you may see a window with a light on. It used to be Walt Disney’s actual apartment. During his time, he would always leave the light on in the window so that the staff knows he’s around.
6. Walking down Main Street USA
The main street in Disneyland is simply called Main Street USA. While walking it, note the windows above the main floors – you’ll see the names of many men and women who helped develop and operate the park.
Moreover, when walking into the side alleys, listen to the sounds coming from the windows above. You can hear a piano lesson in progress, a dentist drilling and a man singing as he takes a shower.
7. Tom Sawyers Island is actually in Missouri
Walt Disney made an agreement with the state of Missouri to annex the Tom Sawyer’s Island to them. So when you step onto the Island you are no longer in California and because of that, you can’t buying anything there. Reasons are obvious – taxes are different and book keeping would get crazy. And if a crime is committed on Tom Sawyer’s Island, it becomes a Federal Crime due to the crossing of State lines to get there.
8. Captain at the Mark Twain Steamboat may offer you to steer the ship
When riding the Mark Twain Steamboat, you can ask the Captain whether you can help him out. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll get to do it. And if you’re even luckier, you may score a special souvenir certificate.
9. If it’s your birthday – spread the news
If you’re visiting Disneyland for your birthday, make sure to stop at The City Hall and share the news. You will be given a badge that says it’s your birthday that will make your day with Cast Members wishing you a Happy Birthday all around the park. They may sing to you, provide you with a little gift and/or move you to the front of the line. Cool.
10. Private Club 33
Most people don’t know that there’s a private club at the Disneyland Park. The so called Club 33 was built so that Walt Disney would have a Private place to entertain his VIP guests. Unfortunately, he passed away 5 months before the Club was ever opened and today only those paying thousands per year can visit it. Or, they can give their passcards to friends and family, or invite them for a lunch or dinner. Bear in mind that it’s expensive to eat at Club 33 but it’s well worth it if you can get in somehow…