Did You Know?

If you head down Main Street in Disneyland toward Sleeping Beauty Castle, turn right on Center Street. At the very end of the street near the entrance to the Locker Area you will find what looks like a poorly made brick wall. The wall's right side looks uneven and misaligned. A closer look reveals that it contains bricks laid out in several different masonry patterns.
According to legend, this wall was made to test various masonry designs and brick types for use throughout the park. Since money and time were pretty tight in the weeks leading up to Disneyland's opening, it's possible that the Test Wall may have been overlooked, forgotten or simply left as is, allowing its slipshod appearance to survive the last 55 years.

Did You Know?

Disneyland's opening day was a complete disaster.  Here is a video from the opening day of Disneyland.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuJ_RHDxNJY

Disneyland was opened to the public on Monday, July 18, 1955. However, a special "International Press Preview" event was held on Sunday, July 17, 1955, which was only open to invited guests and the media. The Special Sunday events, including the dedication, were televised nationwide and anchored by three of Walt Disney's friends from Hollywood: Art Linkletter, Bob Cummings, and Ronald Reagan. ABC broadcast the event live on its network; at the time, it was one of the largest and most complex live broadcasts ever.

The event did not go smoothly. The park was overcrowded as the by-invitation-only affair was plagued with counterfeit tickets. All major roads nearby were empty.

The temperature was an unusually high 101 °F, and a plumbers' strike left many of the park's drinking fountains dry. Disney was given a choice of having working fountains or running toilets and he chose the latter. This, however, generated negative publicity since Pepsi sponsored the park's opening; disappointed guests believed the inoperable fountains were a cynical way to sell soda. The asphalt that had been poured just that morning was so soft that ladies' high-heeled shoes sank into it. Vendors ran out of food. A gas leak in Fantasyland caused Adventureland, Frontierland, and Fantasyland to close for the afternoon. Some parents were seen throwing their children over the shoulders of crowds to get them onto rides such as the King Arthur Carrousel.

The park got such bad press for the "International Press Preview" that Walt Disney invited attendees back for a private "second day" to experience Disneyland properly. In later years Walt and his 1955 executives referred to July 17, 1955 as "Black Sunday". Today, cast members wear pin badges on July 17 stating how many years it has been since the 1955 opening. But for the first decade or so, Disney officially stated that opening day was on July 18, 1955. For example, a 1967 Disneyland press release referred to July 17, 1955, as "Dedication Day" and not "Opening Day."

On Monday July 18, crowds started to gather in line as early as 2 a.m., and the first person to buy a ticket and enter the park was David MacPherson with admission ticket number 2, as Roy O. Disney arranged to pre-purchase ticket number 1. Walt Disney had an official photo taken with two children, Christine Vess Watkins (age 5 in 1955) and Michael Schwartner (age 7 in 1955); the photo of the three carries an inaccurate caption identifying the children as the first two guests of Disneyland. Watkins and Schwartner both received lifetime passes to Disneyland that day, and MacPherson was awarded one shortly thereafter, which was later expanded to every single Disney-owned park in the world.

Other Facts:
- It took only 364 days to build Disneyland.

- Main Street USA is a replica of Walt’s home town of Marceline, Missouri in 1910. (See Marceline above)
 
- Tomorrowland was originally set in 1986.

- The Autopia ride is the only ride left from Disneyland's original Tomorrowland.  By the end of the first day, all but 2 of the 48 Autopia cars were crashed and about half the rides were broken.
 
- In the early years of the park, the Rivers of America were stocked with catfish and visitors were allowed to fish off the docks of Tom Sawyer Island.

Did You Know?

When it comes to eternal resting places, can you do better than take up residence in the Haunted Mansion?

After all, while the Mansion was being built, Walt himself said "we're out collecting the ghosts, and we want to make it very attractive to them, so we're putting in wall-to-wall cobwebs, and we guarantee them creaking doors, and creaking floors." What self-respecting spook would pass up that opportunity?

Some foolish mortals try their best to join in the ghostly fun. From time to time, stories of human ashes being spread throughout the Haunted Mansion attractions make their way through the rumor mill. Not true, says Disney of the stories, though the leaked details often have an air of authenticity.

On May 15, 2009, another case of spilled human remains was reported at the Walt Disney World Haunted Mansion in the Magic Kingdom. According to inside sources, EMTs from Reedy Creek and specialized Disney custodians worked for two and a half hours to clean the ashes out of the attraction, where they were spread along the Doom Buggy track.

The spreading of cremated human remains is not unusual at Disney parks, despite official denials. Disneyland has had numerous cases of ashes being spread in various attractions, though most commonly the Haunted Mansion.

Some of these true-life stories give way to legends told by Haunted Mansion castmembers to each other and the public. In one such tale, the ashes surruptitiously spread were supposedly those of a young boy, who can still be seen from time to time crying at the exit of the attraction, at least according to the friends of friends who have reportedly seen him.

At any rate, Disney steadfastly refuses to "confirm" that the ashes found are human. But as sure as Disney's grim grinning ghosts will continue to come out and socialize, mortals will continue to try to gain residence in the Haunted Mansion in any way possible.

Did You Know?

Disneyland is home to many ferel cats, and has been since the 1960s or so. Story has it when Disney was building the Sleeping Beauty Castle walk through, over 100 of them were discovered hiding in the castle.

The cats are allowed to remain as they are excellent pest control. They are provided food and shelter. Some Cast Members have even named them.

If I were a cat, I couldn’t think of a better place to be!

Did You Know?

As Disneyland celebrated its 48th anniversary, The Walt Disney Company commemorated the anniversary by auctioning the famous Disneyland sign that greeted park guests at the park's Harbor Boulevard entrance from 1989 -1999. The sign was dismantled into its main components and was auctioned in three lots: the Disneyland marquee letters, approximately 13 1/2 foot white letters comprising the Disneyland logo; "The Happiest Place on Earth" sign that served as the sign's subtitle; and the approximately 18 foot tall gold castle detail that topped the marquee.

In the then 48-year history of the Disneyland Resort, three different signs have stood at the Harbor Boulevard entrance. The sign up for auction was the most recent sign and was taken down due to the construction of Disney's California Adventure in 1999.

This was only the second sign to greet guests as they entered Disneyland in the park's 44 year history. The original marquee, erected in 1958, had letters that had to be changed by hand. This sign was updated in the mid-60s and removed completely on October 2nd and 3rd, 1989. The computer controlled marquee welcomed guests to Disneyland in a number of languages and let them know the park's hours, entertainment and special events.

Also available for auction as part of Disneyland's anniversary celebration were six vehicles from the renowned Disneyland Parade, as well as vehicles from the Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride, the Snow White's Scary Adventures ride and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.

The lettering and some of the ride items were purchased by Richard Kraft, who is the agent for a lot of top musicians.  He collects lots of Disney items.  You can see a bunch of pictures of his various collections, including his collection of Disneyland ride vehicles and pieces of the Disneyland sign (displayed above at his home) on his website: http://findingkraftland.com/gallery.

Actor John Stamos purchased the reverse side of the marquee letters with a closing bid of $30,700.

Above is the current signage on Harbor Boulevard.  With the new expansion of California Adventure this could also be changed.  One thing about Disneyland is that things are always changing.

Did You Know?

Disney Cast Members have a dress code. Here are some interesting facts:

• Male park employees were not allowed to have facial until 2000 when Disneyland officials changed the rules to allow male cast members to have facial hair as long as they were neatly trimmed. Some observant Disney devotees may notice that Walt Disney had a mustache, yet it took 45 years before cast members at Disneyland were able to follow in his footsteps. The growth process of the mustaches, however, must not be seen; it is specified that mustaches must be grown while the cast member is on vacation.

• Female cast members may wear small stud earrings or smaller hoop earrings; men may wear no earrings. Long fingernails are prohibited, as are dirty ones or nails painted in a color that is not natural. All cast members' hair must be of a natural color; looking natural even if it is not actually the cast member's natural color. Makeup must be only on women, minimal, and natural-looking. Visible tattoos are expressly forbidden.

• The philosophy behind the cast members' dress code has not changed much - the "Disney Look" is to ensure that each and every guest feels comfortable around each and every Disneyland cast member. This consideration extends farther than simple appearance. All Disneyland cast members must point with two fingers or their whole hand, as pointing with one finger may be considered rude to some guests.

• The rules are obviously different for cast members who play a specific character. "Face characters" may have different makeup or hair requirements to fully implement the appearance of the character they are portraying. "Mask characters," the cast members who are completely covered in a costume and whose actual face is not seen, may not speak.

• All Disneyland cast members wear a costume that is specific to their particular "land." They are not allowed to visit the public parts of the other lands, or sections of Disneyland, in their costumes. This helps retain the feeling that guests are in a magical place, where nothing at all is out of order or unrelated to the theme. No safari costumes from Adventureland will turn up in Tomorrowland to jolt guests out of their happy illusions.

Here is some interesting information about the dress code for Disneyland guests:

• During the 1950's and early 1960's men with long hair were not allowed inside the park. Disneyland cast members would politely explain to the snubbed guests that Disneyland had an unwritten dress code, which they did not meet. Sometimes women in halter tops were turned away as well.

Here are some pictures of people we feel should be "turned away" at the gate:

We saw this woman on our last trip to the park.  She was also wearing a red necklace.  This is our picture.  All others are from the internet.

Santa Claus on vacation waiting for the Haunted Mansion

Really?

I know, Seal and Heidi Klum... No adults should have face painting done at the park... EVER!!!

"You're out, Auf wiedersehen!"

We think kids are the only ones who can get away with wearing costumes in the park.  Even then, they look very uncomfortable.

WOW!!!You are very brave!

Did You Know?

Walt Disney was the first filmmaker to explore the idea of actually including scents with his 1938 film Fantasia, but eventually decided against pursuing this for cost reasons.

In the 1980s, Disney publically announced a newly-designed "Smellitzer" system that’s still in use today. The system was created by Bob McCarthy. The system, featured in dozens of Disney rides across the world, blasts smells up to 200 feet across a room in a ride using air-canon technology. The smells exit via exhaust systems and are computer-controlled to go off when a new set of riders approach.

See how many of the following your sniffer can spot:

Disneyland

Main Street, USA

Candy Palace

The Secretary for the Vice President of Disneyland confirmed to us that a Vanilla Scent is pumped into the candy store to entice people to purchase items in the store.

New Orleans Square
The Haunted Mansion
During the holidays The Haunted Mansion is transformed into The Nightmare Before Christmas and the ballroom is tranformed into a Christmas Party with a strong Gingerbread scent.

Fantasyland
It’s A Small World, Christmas Edition
Cinnamon is introduced to create a generic holiday smell that’s festive for all.

Calfornia Adventure
Hollywood Backlot
Monster's, Inc.; Mike and Sully to the Rescue!
As you are on the ride and enter the Harryhausen's Sushi Bar you smell a faint ginger smell that puts you in the middle of an argument with Mike and Celia.

A Bug's Land
Heimlich's Chew Chew Train
As the train enters the watermelon you will smell the sweet smell of the freshly chewed melon.

Also, as you enter the animal crackers section of the ride you will smell yummy crackers!

It's Tough to be a Bug
This 3D experience not only has bee stings, bugs that crawl at your feet and across your back, but you will get sprayed with a stink bug.

Condor Flats
Soarin’ Over California
Citrus oranges, pine trees, and a hint of the ocean are experienced on this Hang Gliding motion-simulator ride over a variety of terrains.

Disney World: Magic Kingdom
Fantasyland
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Disney World has confirmed their is a scent, but we do not know what smells you will experience, but it is rumored that jasmine, cherry, and pastry scents are used in the show.

Tomorrowland
Stitch’s Great Escape
Stitch blows his chili burp in your face.

Disney World: Epcot
Spaceship Earth
The smell of smoke in the Roman ruins scene puts you in the middle of history.

Universe of Energy: Ellen’s Energy Adventure
Disney World has confirmed their is a scent, but we do not know what smells you will experience. It is rumored that the scent used as you first enter the diorama is officially known as "Damp Earth." Another scent officially named "Volcano" can be smelled near the volcano at the end of the diorama.

The Land: Soarin'
Citrus oranges, pine trees, and a hint of the ocean are experienced on this Hang Gliding motion-simulator ride over a variety of terrains.

The Land: Living with the Land
Disney World has confirmed their is a scent, but do not know what smells you will experience.

Journey into Imagination With Figment
Take a rollicking ride through the Imagination Institute, where that playful purple dragon Figment really puts you to the test! Climb aboard a train of thought in the Sound Lab. Use your Common Scents in the Smell Lab. Watch your world turn upside down in Figment's house. The stink of a skunk (among other smells)

Disney World: Animal Kingdom
Discovery Island
It's Tough to be a Bug
This 3D experience not only has bee stings, bugs that crawl at your feet and across your back, but you will get sprayed with a stink bug.

DinoLand U.S.A.
Dinosaur
Disney World has confirmed their is a scent, but do not know what smells you will experience. It has been suggested that jasmine is used in this ride.

Here are some other scents that you may recognize that are not pumped through the "Smellitzer"

Popcorn

One of the most distinct smells of the park. As you enter the park you can't help but realize the buttery flavor engulfs you and puts you in a completely different world.

Corn Dogs

There are only two places at the Disneyland Resort that sell these treasures but the smell of these fried dogs make your arteries clog.

Turkey Legs

The smell of the famous turkey leg is pure heaven. They entice you with their rich "meaty" smell but don't taste that great.

Churros

Can be found at several locations throughout all the parks. Their sweet aroma is unmistakable.

Roasting Coffee

Whether you like the smell of coffee or can't stand the smell there are certain areas of the park that have this strong aroma as a staple.

Burrrbank and Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlors

The freshly made waffle cones are the constant smell that makes your body go into diabetic shock while walking through these parlors.

Sour Dough

Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked sour dough bread from the Boudin Bakery and Tour at California Adventure.

Tortillas

Take a stroll thru the "Mission Tortilla Factory" and get a sample of their delicious tortillas at California Adventure.

Bengal Barbecue
As you walk by Indiana Jones you will realize you are hungry for some nice BBQ.

Disneyland Railroad, Trams and Autopia

The diesel used to power these park experiences is unmistakable.

The Monorail
The smell of the the ice-cold air conditioner has a unique smell that sticks in your nose.

Star Tours
A very unique alkaline smell. You can even get a good whiff of it while just passing by the entrance of the attraction. This distinct smell permiates the waiting cue and the ride itself. Makes you feel like you are flying through space.

Pirates of the Caribbean and Splash Mountain

Many people say they can smell a faint hint of sea salt in the air – especially in the full-scale pirate ship battle. Of course, it could just be the 2,000 tones a-minute of stale chlorinated water rushing by.

The Haunted Mansion

A cold, musty scent persists inside the house – meant to conjure images of an abandoned old house – with hints of dirt in the graveyard.

Jungle Cruise

The pop from the gun not only scares the guests on board but it creates a small plume of gun powder scent.

Last but not least, here are the terrible smells you may experience while at the "Happiest Place on Earth":

Sewage, Cigarette Smoke, and the Rivers of America.

If you’ve never been or never noticed when you were there, pay close attention to the smells of some of these attractions on your next visit to Disneyland or Disney World.