Whether you consider yourself a Disneyland expert, or you’re a newbie hoping to learn everything you can, this post is for you! In celebration of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary I’m sharing some Disneyland hidden gems and fun facts. These tidbits will be fun to look for on your next trip, or keep your family and friends entertained in line while you share your Disney knowledge! Or, if your family and friends are like mine, it might annoy them away…. either way you’ll still know some fun Disneyland facts. As a Get Away Today partner, some links are affiliate links.
Disneyland hidden gems and fun facts to share with others
Keep in mind that at Disneyland there are hidden gems everywhere. Disney truly knows how to make magic like no one else so there is no way that this list can be comprehensive. These are just some of my favorite things I wanted to share with you! This focus is on the original Disneyland park. Let me know in the comments some of your favorite hidden gems and fun facts from other Disney parks!
Walt’s Legacy – Historic Treasures
Walt’s Apartment & Lamp
You probably know that Walt Disney had a small, private apartment above the Fire Station on Main Street. In the past this apartment has been available for viewing with the purchase of certain private tour packages.
Unfortunately, there are currently no tours that will allow you an inside look at this iconic spot. However, you can always spot a lit lamp in the window paying homage to the man with a dream that started it all. Just look for it in the open window above the fire station!
Walt’s Bench
The story is that Walt first conceived the idea for Disneyland while watching his daughters at Griffith Park. That bench that he sat on is now on display at Disneyland, currently located in the Main Street Opera House.
The Sleeping Beauty Castle Drawbridge
As you cross over the Sleeping Beauty drawbridge be sure to mention to your kids that the drawbridge is fully operational. It’s a fun Disneyland fact they might find interesting! It has only been raised and lowered twice in park history. Once on opening day, and again for the opening of the “New Fantasyland” in 1983.
Hidden Mickeys and Interactive Details
Wander Around Galaxy’s Edge
Galaxy’s Edge is full of Disneyland hidden gems. From a creature “in” a guest drinking fountain, to droids communicating to each other, it’s a completely immersive land. Be sure to leave some time to wander around and discover all the secrets in the area!
Another activity in this area is a fun scavenger hunt for kids! Be sure to stop by the Black Spire Outpost’s Creature Stall for a copy of Bina’s Guide to the Creatures of Batuu. Bonus—it makes the perfect free souvenir!
Finding Hidden Mickeys In the Park
One of the most well-known Disneyland hidden gems might be the famous “hidden Mickeys” throughout the park. However, these hidden Mickeys (groupings of three circles that look like Mickey’s silhouette) actually didn’t start popping up until the 1970s and 1980s. And you might be surprised to know they originated in the design of EPCOT!
Today, an informal hidden Mickey scavenger hunt is a fun way to take a break from lines and crowds. Hidden Mickeys can be found everywhere from rides (like Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion) to stores (like the ceiling of the Magic Shop on Main Street).
| Related: Disneyland Scavenger Hunt and Bingo Cards |
The Cheshire Cat Mirror
If you visit the Mad Hatter store in Fantasyland near Alice in Wonderland make sure you take a look at the mirror behind the counter. If you’re patient and wait long enough, you’ll see the Cheshire Cat magically appear!
Rapunzel’s Tower at Fantasy Faire
Most Disneyland hidden gems are available all day, but some really stand out at night. There are lots of beautiful spots in the park once the sun sets and lights turn on, but don’t miss the statue of Rapunzel’s Tower in Fantasy Faire. The statue’s hair illuminates periodically at night while her song plays.
The Evil Queen in Fantasyland
A well known “not so hidden gem”, is the Evil Queen looking out from a window above the Snow White’s Enchanted Wish ride in Fantasyland. This is a great surprise to try and spot while you’re in line for Peter Pan’s Flight across the way!
Quiet Spaces to Escape the Crowds
Tom Sawyer Island
Tom Sawyer Island is often overlooked for more exciting attractions, but it’s one of our favorite spots! This is a great place to escape crowds on a busy day and let your kids run around. It has changed a lot over the years but it still features plenty of caves to get lost in, and lots of trails wandering all over the small island.
The Wishing Well
As you walk towards the castle, the wishing well is located on the right-hand side. Sometimes characters wait here for photo ops, but when they’re not here this is the perfect quiet spot for some magical pictures. Listen carefully at the well for a familiar tune!
The Disneyland Railroad
Our family loves the Disneyland Railroad at the end of a long day, or when crowds have gotten intense. Yes, you can use it for its intended purpose to take you from one part of the park to another. However, you can also just ride and ride and ride. It’s a great place to rest, especially if you’ve got some tired kids who have missed their naps!
A quiet corner of Galaxy’s Edge
Galaxy’s Edge is such an incredible addition to the Disneyland Resort. One of our favorite places to hang out is to the right of the Millennium Falcon in Galaxy’s Edge. Most people don’t wander in that area (since it’s a dead end) so it’s quiet. You can also find plenty of shade on a sunny day, and it’s a spot where characters come in and out!
Main Street Secrets
Listen for the Main Street Soundscapes
Guests at Disneyland are greeted every day with the sounds of Main Street USA as they pass under the train tracks from the entrance plaza. But, beyond the main soundtrack you can also find hidden sounds woven in so naturally many visitors miss them.
Take a turn down the side street near Market House and you may hear the dentist in the dentist office, or singing coming from the voice lessons window.
Look at the Main Street Windows
It’s well known that the “advertisements” painted on the second-story windows on Main Street are dedicated to some of the most beloved Disney icons. But have you ever really taken the time to look at them? It’s fun to spend some time looking at the names of those who helped contribute to the magic!
Mail a Postcard from the Happiest Place on Earth
Did you know that the mailboxes you see scattered around Disneyland aren’t just for looks? You can really mail a letter or postcard right from Disneyland! There are easy to find mailboxes on Main Street, but you can also find some others throughout the park.
They’ll need to be stamped and addressed as normal, and they won’t have a Disneyland stamp (they’re taken to a local Anaheim post office), but it’s still a fun way to send some snail mail!
Were any of these Disneyland hidden gems or fun facts new to you? Do you have another one to share? I’d love to hear!
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