8 Disney World Best-Kept Secrets

in Walt Disney World

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Credit: Disney

Walt Disney World is filled with magic, memories, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, but did you know it also holds several secrets that you’ve never heard of?

Here are eight of Disney World’s best-kept secrets!

1. Disney’s Tower of Terror Doesn’t Actually Drop

tower of terror getting struck by lightning
Credit: Disney

Tower of Terror is a popular ride located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Resort. It takes Guests into the 5th dimension after hopping aboard a maintenance service elevator, making for a thrilling experience.

However, did you know that when you are “dropping” in, that you’re not actually falling? That’s right — The Tower of Terror uses special technology to keep Guests safe and ensure they aren’t really falling through an elevator shaft.

You can read more about this best-kept secret here.

2. The Haunted Mansion Stretching Room Isn’t an Elevator

haunted mansion
Credit: Disney

Even though Disneyland’s stretching room is an elevator, Disney World’s is not. This is because Imagineers had no space constraints when building Disney World.

So, instead of bringing Disney Guests down a level (like Disneyland’s version does), the stretching room’s ceiling and portraits stretch up! This allows for pretty much the same optical illusion without the same technology.

You can read more about this best-kept secret here.

3. Main Street Has a “Working” Phone That Plays a Secret Conversation

Main Street Confectionery
Credit: Disney

Walt Disney World is home to many hidden treasures, but did you know about the secret conversation that plays inside The Chapeau on Main Street, U.S.A.? That’s right — you can listen in on a party-line from the past!

The neighbors on the line are gossiping and even offer some life advice — making for a fun, secret conversation. It may seem like an ordinary phone prop, but this just goes to show that the Imagineers have gone the extra mile to really bring magic to Guests in every way possible.

You can read more about this best-kept secret here.

4. There Is a Secret Donald Duck Inside the Haunted Mansion

grave diggers haunted mansion
Credit: Disney

The Haunted Mansion is filled with foolish mortals and grim grinning ghosts but the next time you are visiting the Ghost Host, keep your eyes peeled because one of the Fab Five characters is hidden within the attraction!

You’ve heard of Hidden Mickeys but be sure to keep your eyes out for a Hidden Donald in the hallway scene on Haunted Mansion.

You can read more about this best-kept secret here.

5. Walt Disney World Has a Secret Shopper Pass

mousegear
Credit: Disney

Did you know that you can receive a Shoppers Pass and enter the park for FREE?

A Shoppers Pass is a one-day pass that allows Guests to walk into a Disney World theme park without paying for a valid park ticket, but there are limitations.

To receive this special ticket, Guests can visit Guests Relations where they “purchase” a theme park ticket on their debit/visa card. This free pass has a time limit of an hour, where Guests can quickly head to their favorite store, shop, and pick up some of your favorite souvenirs, then head back to Guests Relations to present the Shoppers Pass and receive a full refund for the park ticket you “purchased”. Essentially Guest Relations puts a hold on your credit card for the park ticket.

You can read more about this secret Shoppers Pass here.

6. There is a Hidden Mickey That Can Only Be Seen From the Sky

everest hidden mickey
Credit: The Disney Pilot

In case you aren’t familiar with Hidden Mickeys, they are a representation of Mickey Mouse’s head which has been inserted very subtly into rides and attractions on Disney property as well as in other locations all around Disney properties including Resorts.

One Hidden Mickey can only be seen when flying over Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

You can read more about this Hidden Mickey here.

7. Splash Mountain Has a Massive Hidden Show Building

splash mountain drop
Credit: Disney

Splash Mountain is a fan-favorite ride that takes riders through the story of Brer Rabbit. But did you know that when riding, you don’t actually stay inside the mountain the entire time?

Though some of the ride takes place inside the actual mountain, a lot of the scenes that Guests go through takes place in a massive show building hidden behind the ride!

You can read more about this hidden show building here.

8. Animal Kingdom Has a Giant Groot Hidden in Plain Sight

family staring at tree in pandora world of avatar
Credit: Disney

In 2017, Disney Imagineers expanded Disney’s Animal Kingdom to include a new land, Pandora – The World of Avatar. Home to Na’Vi River Journey and Avatar Flight of Passage, this land also has a secret hidden character!

The stunning Valley of Mo’Ara resembles everyone’s favorite Guardian — Groot!

You can read more about this Hidden Groot here.

cinderella castle magic kingdom
Credit: Disney

So, there you have it — Though Walt Disney World is filled with magic and memories, the theme parks are also filled with some incredible secrets!

Did you know any of these Disney World secrets? Let us know in the comments below.

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