Disneyland Part III: Secrets,Tips, & Magical Trips

And now I present the final installment in the Disneyland series - Secrets, Tips, and Magical Trips...One of the reasons I like Walt Disney so much, is that he constantly pushed his Imagineers, animators, and various other employees to be creative and stretch their imaginations. When Walt created Disneyland, he spent many years fixing, testing, and figuring out how to make things better - which is why I think it's practically perfect in every way. Disneyland is full of magical little secrets and touches, that make exploring the parks a lot of fun. Here are a few of my favorite Disneyland secrets that I wanted to share with you:

• Snow White's Scary Adventures. Just before you enter the ride, touch the golden apple sitting on top of the spell book. I believe there are at least three audio variations of the wicked witch talking - so make sure you touch it every 30 seconds so you can hear them all. P.S. Don't forget to look in the upstairs window - the Evil Queen is watching you!
• The Mad Hatter Shop in Fantasyland. No trip to Disneyland is complete without a visit to the Mad Hatter Shop for a pair of the famous mouse ears. While you're in the shop, be sure to look in the mirror above the cash register. One of my favorite striped felines is grinning at you!
• Disneyland Railroad - New Orleans Square. The Disneyland Railroad has four stops on it's route around the park, but if you go to the one in New Orleans Square you may be surprised to hear a series of loud clicks. This is an old-fashioned telegraph machine clicking out a coded message. While many have speculated on what the message could be (one popular version is that it plays the song "Heigh Ho" from Snow White), apparently one man actually decoded it. The message? "To all who come to Disneyland, welcome. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future."
• Hidden Mickeys. One of my favorite things about Disneyland is searching for "Hidden Mickeys" throughout the park. What is a Hidden Mickey? Imagineers "plant" or "hide" Mickey's image, profile, or face in rides or other attractions. Sometimes it is very obvious, and sometimes it takes a little skill to find. Some of my favorite Hidden Mickeys are located in Peter Pan's Flight, Pirates of the Caribbean, Snow White's Scary Adventures, Alice in Wonderland, Winnie The Pooh, and the Indiana Jones ride. People have even written books on where to find Hidden Mickeys! Want to know exactly where you can find some of the Hidden Mickeys I mentioned? Call me, and I'll tell you!
• The Matterhorn basketball court. What?! Yup, it's true. Located at the top of the Matterhorn is a small court and basketball hoop. Apparently this was placed up there several years ago when professional climbers got to the top and needed something to do before repelling back down. Unfortunately, tourists and guests of the park are not allowed to go up there, but it's kind of fun knowing it's there all the same.
• Club 33. There have been many rumors and speculation about the mysterious Club 33. And yes, it does exist! Club 33 was created by Walt Disney as a place for him to meet with business associates and friends, and as a private place to conduct business, have lunch, and occasionally drink. Now an exclusive private club for members only, Club 33 is the only place in the entire park that sells liquor - but it will cost you. I believe a corporate membership will run you around $25,000. So, if you want a glass of wine, it's a lot cheaper to go to California Adventure and buy it. Also, I should mention that neither of the Disneyland parks sell gum. This was implemented by Walt himself, who hated having to clean it up.

So now that I've told you a few of my magical secrets, how about a few tips? Some of these may seem like no-brainers, but they definitely bear repeating:

• Fast pass. The fast pass is there to help you, so use it! After you have punched your fast pass, the ticket tells you a certain time to return to the ride (ie: 1:15-2:15 PM). The reality of this is, that you actually don't have to come back before 2:15. You can come back anytime and go on the ride after 1:15 PM. For example, a fast pass punched for return at 10:00 AM can be used at 8:00 PM that same day. This also allows you to accumulate multiple fast passes and use them during the busiest lines and times. However, they are only good for that day.
  
• Choose the right? Actually don't choose the right. Studies have shown that because most people are right-handed they automatically take the "right" path or in this case the right line. Disneyland and California Adventure are full of double line rides. 9 times out of 10 choosing the left side will get you to the ride faster than taking the right fork.
• Bring a sweater. No matter how hot it is during the day in Anaheim (and believe me it can get very hot), always pack a sweater or blanket for the evening. I think this is one of the ways that Disneyland gift shops make most of their money- by selling over-priced sweaters to freezing cold tourists, who are waiting to see the fireworks. And trust me, you don't want to miss the fireworks!
• Water, shoes, and band-aids. It's important to stay hydrated in the parks with all the walking and sweating you will do. I like to bring in my own water bottles that I have frozen the night before, as a bottle of water in the park will cost you around $2.00. Trust me, it adds up! Also, don't buy a new pair of shoes to wear to the park...make sure you bring something worn and comfy, otherwise you will need to pack band-aids for all the blisters your feet will get. And, if there is something you forgot at home, I almost guarantee the gift shop has it for sale. If you need cameras, ponchos, batteries, band-aids, or Tylenol, almost all of the gift shops will carry them - even if they aren't displayed. Just ask the person behind the counter for assistance.

Well my friends, unfortunately our time has ended once again. I hope you learned something new and fun, or at the very least valuable. Disneyland really is one of the happiest places on earth, and I can't wait to go back again. In the meantime, enjoy the pics and video of the fireworks, and have a magical day!

Disneyland fireworks from Metenney on Vimeo.

Disneyland mosaic (left to right)
1. Burt family, Main Street.
2. Snow White loves Sofia.
3. Teresa, and Gary, and Mickey.
4. Pixie dust!
5. Scenic Matterhorn.
6. Sofia gets cozy with Cinderella.
7. Burt family, California Adventure.
8. The girls visit with Princess Jasmine.
9. Whiteheads at the Golden Gate Bridge.
10. Sleeping Beauty's Castle.
11. PK gives Pooh some love.
12. How do they measure up?
13. The whole fam-damly (and then some)!
14. A Pooh sandwich.
15. The Princess and the Frog.
16. A kid for each arm.
17. PK meets the one and only - Mickey Mouse!
18. Leaving the park.
19. Jordan & Steamboat Willie.
20. Mickey leads the band.