This post is all about things you didn’t know about Disney World. When you think of Walt Disney World, you probably picture Mickey-shaped snacks, Cinderella castle, and magical parades. But behind all that lies a treasure trove of secrets and fascinating details.
Whether it’s your first trip or your fiftieth, here are nine things you didn’t know about Disney World; they could make your next visit even more magical.
1. Hidden Apartment in Magic Kingdom
Cinderella Castle is the iconic centerpiece of Magic Kingdom, but did you know it hides a secret? Nestled within its walls is the Cinderella Castle Suite, an opulent apartment that was originally designed for the Walt Disney family and executives. Though Walt never got to stay in it–he died almost five years before the park opened–the suite is now reserved for special occasions and VIP guests.
photo by Vijay Fang/DepositPhotos.com
Before its transformation to a suite, the space sat unfinished and unused for a time before being used as a telephone call center and a dressing room.
The suite’s fairy tale decor includes stained-glass windows, a twinkling night sky on the ceiling, and intricate details fit for royalty. Unfortunately, you can’t book a stay there—it’s by invitation only. However, knowing this hidden gem exists adds a touch of magic every time you look up at the castle.
Fun Fact: The grandfather clock in this suite is permanently set to 11:59 p.m.
2. Disney (Underground) World Utilidors
Ever wondered how Disney cast members and supplies magically appear in the right place at the right time? The answer lies beneath your feet.
Magic Kingdom is built on top of an intricate network of underground tunnels called the Utilidors, which are actually some of the world’s largest utility tunnels. Similar smaller systems are built under sections of Epcot and Disney Springs. These tunnels allow cast members to move about unseen by guests, ensuring that the show on the surface remains seamless.
Legend has it that one day Walt Disney saw a cast member dressed in cowboy attire walking through Disneyland’s Tomorrowland on his way to his job in Frontierland, and felt that this sight was incongruous with the setting. And, supposedly, that’s where the idea was born! While planning the new park in Florida, engineers were able to implement this tunnel system to hide inner park workings and keep the illusion alive.
Fun fact: because of Florida’s high water table, the Utilidors are technically at ground level, and Magic Kingdom is built on a man-made hill! You’re walking around on the second floor, so to speak.
Bonus Fun Fact: Did you know that you can actually see this for yourself? You can buy a Magic Kingdom to the Max tour and spend five hours in the behind-the-scenes world at Magic Kingdom. Utilidors, trivia, hidden secrets, lunch, and a special keepsake are included.
Extra Bonus Fun Fact: Did you know that, as a former cast member, Rick has actually been in the Utilidors at Disneyland? Though built after the fact and not nearly as elaborate, the utility tunnels there are still pretty cool. Not sure that this necessarily counts for things you didn’t know about Disney World, but I mean…you didn’t know it, did you?
3. Disney Grows Its Own Food
If you’re a Living with the Land fan, like I am (Julie), you know this already. But Disney World is also home to its very own sustainable farm. Over at Epcot’s Living with the Land attraction, horticulturists grow all kinds of plants from all over the world using innovative techniques like hydroponics and aquaponics. These methods are not just for show—some of the food you see during the ride is actually served in Disney restaurants (Sunshine Seasons and Garden Grill Restaurant)!
For a deeper dive, the Behind the Seeds tour offers an insider’s look at Disney’s cutting-edge farming practices. It’s a fun, educational experience perfect for curious minds of all ages. This “Enchanting Extra” tour is an hour long and can be purchased and scheduled at a podium near the Living with the Land ride, online on the Disney website, or via the My Disney Experience app.
Having done this tour with our oldest daughter, I can highly recommend it.
Fun Fact: According to Undercover Tourist, a “tomato tree” in one of Disney’s greenhouses has yielded more than 32,000 tomatoes!
4. Spaceship Earth is Designed for Rainy Days
Epcot’s iconic Spaceship Earth (aka the giant golf ball) is not just a pretty face. It has an engineering secret.
You may be familiar with the comforting ride in the cool darkness through time and space that spirals you through the geodesic ball. This ride explores advancements in human communication throughout history. (Insiders know the phrase, “You can thank the Phoenicians.”) A foundational feature, Spaceship Earth is not only an icon for Epcot, it’s also an engineering marvel!
The exterior of the globe has a unique drainage system. This system actually channels water away from park guests. The water flows through small gaps in the geodesic panels and into an underground drainage system into the World Showcase Lagoon!
Fun Fact: Did you know that Ray Bradbury, famed sci-fi author, had a hand in developing both the design of Spaceship Earth and its original storyline? I bet you can add that to your “things you didn’t know about Disney World” list.
5. Hidden Mickeys Are Everywhere
One of the most charming tidbits about Disney….Hidden Mickeys. These subtle silhouettes are tucked away all over the place: in attractions, as part of the decor, even in food. You could spot a Hidden Mickey in the carpet pattern at a resort or in the rock patterns on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Spotting these hidden gems is a favorite pastime for Disney fans. It’s almost like being on a scavenger hunt the whole time you’re at Disney World. You can even purchase Hidden Mickey guidebooks and apps that will help you track them down.
Link to book: https://amzn.to/42P5tz8
Fun Fact: Legend has it that on November 18th (Mickey Mouse’s birthday) a Hidden Mickey will appear in the line for Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid. Supposedly, it appears around noon on the wall of the queue when the sun hits the rock formations just right!
6. The Smellitizers of Disney World
If you’ve ever walked down Main Street at Magic Kingdom and had the sudden urge to buy something from the bakery, you might have fallen victim to the Smellitizer!
Disney uses specially designed scent machines throughout the parks to enhance the immersion experience. From the buttery popcorn aroma near snack carts to the savanna air in Kilimanjaro Safaris, these subtle details help transport guests into different worlds—without them even realizing it!
The Smellitizers use pressurized gas to release lab-designed fragrances for specific locations.
In Pirates of the Caribbean, you can smell rum, bananas, and the scent of a burning town. Main Street dispenses scents like popcorn, candy, and vanilla. And during the 3D Mickey’s Philharmagic, you can smell the scent of cinnamon apple pie during the scene from “Be Our Guest.” And, of course, Soarin’ Around the World gives you an olfactory experience as well, using the scents of the ocean, flowers, and forests. (We miss Soarin’ Over California with the citrus scent while flying over the orange orchards.)
If you find yourself missing the parks or resorts, you can always bide your time with some at-home fragrance reminders like these from Park Scents or these from Fantasy Fragrance Company.
Fun Fact: Did you know that each resort has its own signature fragrance? It’s been a hot minute since we’ve stayed at the Grand Floridian, so maybe it’s time we order this at-home fragrance to kindle the magical memories.
7. Safari by Starlight
Have you ever wondered what those savanna animals are up to once the sun goes down? Well, you can find out for yourself on a Starlight Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
This paid after-dark safari is open to guests over the age of eight (under 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult) and lasts about an hour. You’ll ride in an open-sided vehicle through the night air. You’ll also be given a night vision device so you can see more than with the naked eye.
You can expect to see more than 20 exotic African species of animals including zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, antelopes, and ostriches. Having recently been fortunate enough to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village, we were able to see those animals from our balcony. But this more intimate tour is certainly on our Walt Disney World bucket list now.
You can make reservations on the Disney World website or through the My Disney Experience app.
Fun Fact: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has the largest collection of African art outside the African continent. Housed there are more than 800 pieces of art and artifacts. These are in public areas as well as in guest rooms.
8. The Longest Running Show in Disney History
Well, not just that, but it’s considered by some to be the longest-running stage show in American theater history. This favorite “resting attraction” has been in existence since it debuted as part of the General Electric Pavilion for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. It was later moved to Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. Once it was replaced there by America Sings in 1974, it made its way to its current Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland in 1974.
Featuring a nostalgic look at technological advancements, The Carousel of Progress has become a guest favorite. Once you hear the catchy “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” tune, you’re likely to be singing it on the way to your next Magic Kingdom attraction (and beyond!).
Fun Fact: The Carousel of Progress is the oldest Disney World attraction to have actually been worked on by Walt Disney himself.
9. The “Kiss Goodnight” at Magic Kingdom
Nobody likes it when the magic stops at the end of the night (well, our feet probably do). But as a special magical send-off at Magic Kingdom, you can experience what is affectionately known as the “Kiss Goodnight.” This mini show begins 30 minutes after the park closes (no more entry, but guests inside the park may still be in line for attractions).
During the “Kiss Goodnight” the castle twinkles with lights and a narrator delivers a brief heartfelt message thanking guests for their visit. Soft music plays (often “When You Wish Upon a Star”) and we are reminded that Magic Kingdom is a place where dreams come true.
There is no official schedule and it is not listed as a show. It also doesn’t always happen. Guests report it happening every 30 minutes and others report it at random times after park closing. Since there’s no official schedule, we are guessing this is a great item to add to the list of things you didn’t know about Disney World.
To try to catch this last magical moment of the day, hang out on Main Street U.S.A. or near the hub (between Main Street and the castle) thirty minutes after the park closing time. Take a breather on a bench and rest while the rest of the guests exit. Hey, by the time you get to the transportation, maybe the lines will be much shorter!
It’s not an exciting fireworks show or a dynamic parade, but we think this short, sweet, secret ending to a magical day should be on your Magic Kingdom bucket list. If you want to make sure it’s happening on your Magic Kingdom day, be sure to ask a cast member.
Fun Fact: While it may look like stone, Cinderella Castle is actually made mostly of steel, plaster, concrete, and fiberglass and is built to withstand hurricane winds up to 125mph.
We hope you enjoyed this post exploring 9 things you didn’t know about Disney World. Comment with your favorite from the list, OR share your own trivia tidbit! And if you’re interested, you can learn a little more about us here.
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