Magic of Disneyland - Hidden Walt Disney Wonders
It's not often I get free reign to let loose on all the Disney Trivia rolling around in my head. Often I am told that I've already shared it. Sometimes I'm told "Could you just shut up and stop ruining the magic for me with all this trivia stuff?" Everyone enjoys Disneyland differently. I find the magic is all around and for me knowing the tidbits of useless trivia is magical as well. For some others though it's all about the immediate senses. The magic is the experience you can see, taste, smell. Not what's behind the closed doors. I get it, even if they're wrong. :)
Well now no one can tell me to stop! hahhahaha <---my best Malificent evil laugh, I know you're now trying to remember it aren't you? Check it here... However, if you don't want to know some of the secrets of Disneyland, like where there might be a half basketball court, then you can virtually tell me to "Shush" and go read about the Disneyland Hotel Signature Suites.
One of the most discussed is the "Basketball Court" in the Matterhorn. Is there really one up there? Was it used by Walt Disney as a way to avoid Anaheim height restrictions on non-sports buildings? There is a lot of lore around this particular fact. There is a Basketball hoop and some floorboards. It's not quite a half size regulation court. It was put there by one of the costumed climbers who sometimes climb the mountain to entertain guests. When they are relaxing inside the mountain or weather prohibits their climbing they can enjoy some time shooting hoops!
One of the most discussed is the "Basketball Court" in the Matterhorn. Is there really one up there? Was it used by Walt Disney as a way to avoid Anaheim height restrictions on non-sports buildings? There is a lot of lore around this particular fact. There is a Basketball hoop and some floorboards. It's not quite a half size regulation court. It was put there by one of the costumed climbers who sometimes climb the mountain to entertain guests. When they are relaxing inside the mountain or weather prohibits their climbing they can enjoy some time shooting hoops!
You probably know that Walt Disney had an apartment in Disneyland right? Well you would if you'd read my Must Do's Posting... He actually had two created. The first is above the Fire House on Main Street. This is a small apartment but has all the necessities, such as a bathroom with a shower, a small kitchen unit and a patio off the back. Lilian Disney often hosted afternoon tea on this patio.
There is only one known photograph of Walt Disney inside the apartment with his family. He wanted this space to be their private area. As such he only allowed this one photograph to be taken by National Geographic Magazine.
The second apartment of Walt Disney's would have been above the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Unfortunately it wasn't completed prior to Walt Disney's passing, of course his spirit will never leave. Disneyland executives turned the space into an art gallery surprisingly called "Disney Gallery". It was then decided to complete it and restore it back to the vision Walt Disney had for his luxurious apartment. In 2008 a dream was realized and the space became "The Disneyland Dream Suite". For awhile one family every day was chosen to stay in this suite for the night. I've never been invited, but I'd do almost anything short of kidnapping a cast member to stay here! However, I have recently heard that for the cost of buying a private caribbean island you can stay here for an evening... hrmphh...
Theres another secret lounge/restaurant/VIP area... It's only claim to existence on the outside is a small aqua sign that says "33" outside the door to it. There are two claims on why it's called Club 33. One is the official story that it's the address. 33 Royal Street in New Orleans Square. The other unofficial story is that since it was originally designed as a VIP Corporate lounge area it was named 33 after the original 33 Corporate Sponsors of Disneyland. Personally, I think there is probably truth in the second story but the official story is accurate enough. Either way it's another area of Disneyland I will likely never see. Last I heard there is a 14 year waiting list. Once through that list you can join with a $25,000 membership fee and $10,000 per year in dues. Oh and don't forget your Disneyland Annual Pass so you can actually get to the club...
There are so many "secrets" to Disneyland that I couldn't possibly share them all in one sitting. I have chosen some of my favorites and shared first. I'll continue a series perhaps with other secrets. Such as Who are those people whose names are on the upper level windows of Main Street, USA. No Really, Who are those people? What about the depth perception Imagineers created with all Disney parks... Or perhaps I'll share some of the magic of the scents of the parks... That's one that seems to always be a welcome addition and so obvious once pointed out.
Stay tuned for many more posts regarding Disneyland secrets!
I hope you find this information helpful and fun.
To find out more about me please visit my profile page: DisneyDan
Daniel Mullarkey
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