The wonder and amazement that goes along with Disney parks is enough to keep you captivated long after you have left. From fairytale buildings to cartoon characters and plenty of things to do, it's no wonder people from all around the world have made this magical destination one for the entire family.
As with any place that leaves you full of wonder and amazement, Disney parks have some secrets of their own. Take a look for yourself:
1. Disney buys more explosives than any other entity in the United States, with the exception of the Department of Defense. That explains why their fireworks displays are so great!
2. There is only one real American Flag located at the central flagpole at the park. That way, the park doesn't need to lower or light them at night. The rest of the flags have 2 less stars and 1 less stripe and are considered pennants.
3. Disney employees have caught people scattering ashes of loved ones around various rides, including the Haunted Mansion of Disneyland.
4. When you're inside a Disney park, you are never more than 30 steps away from a trash can. Apparently that's how far people are willing to go before throwing their garbage on the ground.
5. Several Disney parks have underground tunnels that help with employee transportation, trash removal and maintenance, and it's completely hidden from park visitors.
6. The Presidential Seal in the Hall of Presidents was actually an act of Congress. It is the only place the carpet seal exists other than the White House and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia.
7. You can't buy chewing gum at Disney parks because Walt Disney himself forbade its sale at an attempt to keep the sidewalks clean.
8. Disney World has only ever closed six times since it opened in 1971. Five closures were due to hurricanes and once was following the September 11 terrorist attacks.
9. There's a small basketball court near the top of the Matterhorn where employees can hang out.
10. Main Street USA smells like vanilla thanks to scent-emitting devices called "Smellitizers".
11. The plants in Tomorrowland are "meant to be edible". When the area was being built, Walt Disney really wanted it to be the land of the future so it had to be sustainable and efficient. That meant planting all edible vegetables and fruits throughout Tomorrowland.
12. During the park's construction, Walt Disney and his family would occasionally stay in the apartment above the firehouse.
13. Doritos were invented at Casa de Fritos inside Disneyland. The restaurant is no longer around, but thankfully these delicious chips still are!
14. On opening day in 1955, Disneyland's admission price was just $1. Now admission will cost you $97.
15. There are nearly 100 feral cats that live in Disneyland. It's believed to help keep the mice population under control.
16. Ever wonder why there is a brown path winding through Liberty Square? It's apparently meant to represent the sewage that once ran through colonial streets before indoor plumbing became popular.
17. Disneyland is a no fly zone. No aircrafts are allowed to fly within a three-mile radius of Disneyland. "The sole and exclusive motivation for seeking these restrictions is for the safety and enjoyment of our guests," said Disney spokeswoman Leslie Goodman, explaining that "enjoyment" meant everything from keeping out "banner ads from trial lawyers" to pilots "buzzing the parks."
18. "Code V" is code for when someone vomits. When someone tosses their cookies, management discreetly calls for a "Code V" so they can corner off the area and take care of the issue.
