6 Surprising Facts About Disney Parks

Disneyland turned 60 this year, so we're celebrating its fascinating history.

21 March, 2018
6 Surprising Facts About Disney Parks

1. DISNEY WORLD WAS ORIGINALLY PLANNED FOR ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI.

After the success of Disneyland's opening in Anaheim, California, other states wanted park, too. Before the creators ultimately chose the Orlando, Florida destination we all know today, St. Louis was a serious contender for Disney World. There was even a blueprint (recently sold at auction) for the park, which would have all been indoors to combat the winter cold. History says there are a few reasons they chose Orlando in the end, but the not-so-fun indoor factor seems like a huge one to us.

​2. WALT HAD AN APARTMENT THERE.

While Disneyland was being built in the early 1950s, Walt built an apartment for his family above the Fire Department on Main Street. A lamp lit in the window let staff know anytime he was there, and now it's always alight in his honour.

3. ADMISSION USED TO BE 70P (68 INR approx.)

Originally, Disneyland admission was 70p, then you paid for each attraction. Walt's older brother, Roy O. Disney, bought the first ticket (pictured) when the park opened in 1955. When Disney's Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, adult admission to the park) cost £2.40. Today, it's £64(6,248 INR approx.).

​4. IT'S ALL FUN AND GAMES UNTIL SOMEONE BREAKS THE RULES.

Don't try to bring your Segway or pogo stick into the park. And leave the princess dress or pirate garb at home. Disney bans costumes and masks for anyone 10 or older. You can bring your own gum, but Walt didn't want it sold on park property to discourage sticky sidewalks. Until the late 1960s, male guests couldn't have long hair or beards. (And cast members couldn't have facial hair until 2000.)

Justin Bieber was allegedly banned after punching Mickey Mouse in the crotch. But Beliebers can breathe a sigh of relief: The pop star has been spotted in the part many times since. Phew.

5. OU'LL NEVER SEE DOUBLE CHARACTERS.

Ever. At any given time, there is only one of each character in the park. Cast members carry a guide with attraction times and character showings — so if you want to know where Belle will be, just ask.

Disney Princesses also have to fit certain body types. Most need to be between 5'4" and 5'7", while for the more petite Tinkerbell, Alice, and Wendy, women should be between 4'11" to 5'2". And forget about applying for the job if you're over 26. Another fun fact: Until 2001, all character actors had to wear communal underwear as part of their costumes. (We bet it's hard to pick a wedgie with Goofy's paws though.)

6. THE PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN RIDE HAS A REAL SKULL.

Rumour has it that when the ride was built in 1967, Imagineers weren't happy with the inauthentic appearance of the fake skeletons they were using. So the UCLA medical school gladly provided cadaver skeletons, which were positioned throughout the ride. Over time, they were replaced with the dummies we see today — except for one skull, which remains above this headboard.

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