Hidden Details on Disneyland Rides That You Will Completely Miss if You Don’t Know Where to Look

One thing that separates the Disney Parks from other theme parks is the attention to detail that goes into each ride and attraction. Beyond the amazing storytelling, there’s a wide variety of intricate details that can be found within the rides.

As the first Disney theme park, Disneyland has a full and rich history. Within the rides that are in the park today, there are many details that are reminders of past attractions, nods to great people from Disney’s past, and others that are simply there for Guests’ enjoyment.

A lot of these details are hidden in plain sight, while others take a little more searching. If you don’t know where to look, you may miss out on these hidden gems that the Disney Imagineers have left for us.

We're Painting the Mickey Red

On Alice in Wonderland, you’ll journey down the rabbit hole and follow along with Alice’s adventure through Wonderland. With every twist and turn, you’ll make your way through each portion of the story. The next time you’re on this ride, keep a sharp eye as you enter the Queen of Hearts’ rose garden.

As we know, the Playing Cards accidentally planted white roses, which the Queen would not be happy about. When you arrive at the garden, you’ll see the Playing Cards painting the roses red. Since they’re in a hurry, their paint job is very sloppy and rushed, resulting in paint drops and splatters in the surrounding area.

On the left hand side of the track, you’ll see some shrubs that saw the aftermath of the messy paint job. Pay close attention to this paint! If you look carefully, you’ll see a hidden Mickey within the paint drops. This hidden Mickey passes by quickly and often goes undetected. Keep your eyes peeled so you can see it on your next trip through Wonderland.

You Can See Figment in California Adventure

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! takes place in the Collector’s fortress. In the queue, you’ll see that Tivan not only has an obsession with collecting objects, but creatures as well. In one portion of the queue, you’ll be surrounded by these creatures, which are kept in tank-like terrariums. Some of these terrariums are on ground-level, while others are suspended from the ceiling.

Make sure that you look carefully at the ones hanging from the ceiling. Most of the creatures can be easily seen, but one terrarium is much foggier than the rest. While you can’t get a clear look, you can see a distinct silhouette of a familiar purple dragon. This isn’t a figment of your imagination! It seems as though Tivan has come across Figment and has added him to his massive collection.

Repurposed Ride Vehicles

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After finishing your galactic mission on Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, you’ll exit the ride into a store called Little Green Men Store Command. In this store, there are multiple repurposed ride vehicles from extinct Disneyland attractions that are hidden in plain sight.

From 1967 to 1997, there was a spinner-ride located in Tomorrowland called Rocket Jets. Just like Astro Orbitor (the spinner ride that currently stands in Tomorrowland), the ride vehicles for Rocket Jets looked like spaceships. One of these spaceship ride vehicles currently serves as a display shelf in Little Green Men Store Command. While the spaceship’s white paint has been swapped out for a Buzz Lightyear-style paint job, you can still see the distinct shape of the former ride’s rocket ship.

Another ride vehicle that can be found in this store is located at the checkout. Actually, the checkout is the ride vehicle. Take a close look the next time you’re in the store. The checkout counter is an old PeopleMover vehicle! Much like the PeopleMover that’s located at Walt Disney World, one was also located at Disneyland from 1967 to 1995. The ride vehicles for the Disneyland PeopleMover came in a variety of colors. However, today, in Little Green Men Star Command, the ride vehicle is painted a pastel purple with green accents.

Ballroom Scene Movie Prop

Haunted Mansion is an attraction that’s full of details. Many Guests claim to see something new every time that they ride it. One scene that particularly has a lot to see is the ballroom scene.

As your doom buggy passes by, and you look down into the ballroom, you get an exceptional view of the ghosts enjoying their swinging wake. You’ll see ghosts hanging on the chandelier, sitting down to a dinner, and dancing to melodic tunes that are coming from the eerie pipe organ.

The pipe organ that you see in this scene is not an original piece that was created for the attraction. It’s actually a movie prop that came from Walt Disney’s 1954 live-action film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The organ that once resided on the Nautilus and was beloved by Captain Nemo, now sits in the ballroom of Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion.

Of course, there is only one authentic movie prop. The organ within the ballroom scene of Walt Disney World’s Haunted Mansion is a replica.

Don't Miss Dash

As you zip along the tracks of Incredicoaster, you’ll come across multiple instances where the Incredibles are trying to catch the escaped Jack-Jack. You’ll see Elastigirl stretching 53 feet to grab the baby, Mr. Incredible trying to lure him in with a cookie (which smells amazing!), Violet attempting to create a forcefield, and Dash dodging the laser beams coming out of Jack-Jack’s eyes. While we see Dash in the coaster’s first tunnel, he’s actually with us from the very beginning of the ride.

The fast-paced journey of Incredicoaster begins with a launch that takes Guests from 0 to 55 miles per hour in just 4 seconds. Prior to this, we hear Dash counting down, “Five, four, three, two, one!”. As the coaster takes off, you can hear his quick footprints hitting the water.

Did you realize that he’s right there with us? A fountain sequence goes off next to the coaster as it begins moving. These spurts of water are the result of Dash running across the water next to us. He’s so fast that none of us are able to physically see him until we come across him in that first tunnel.

Mary Blair

Mary Blair was an artist whose special style left a great impression on Walt. Her childlike designs and unique use of color left many in awe of Mary’s work. Throughout her career, Mary was invited to bring her talents onboard for a number of projects, including films, shorts, murals, and attractions.

One attraction that's fully inspired by Mary Blair is “it’s a small world”. Walt specifically asked for Mary to assist with the design of the attraction, which would debut at the 1964/65 New York World’s Fair. Since Mary’s art was known for its childlike charm, it was a perfect fit for the attraction. From the exterior, to the interior, you can see Mary’s style being used. Each portion of “it’s a small world” showcases bright colors and a craft-like style that would be an expected product of a child.

Of course, one of the major parts of “it’s a small world” is the dolls. Disneyland’s version of “it’s a small world” is unique in comparison to Walt Disney World’s version, because you can see different Disney character dolls placed in the countries and regions that they are from. However, these aren’t the only unique dolls that you can see on the ride.

In the Paris scene, you can see a doll that’s designed to resemble Mary Blair. Near the Eiffel Tower, there’s a doll holding a red balloon. This doll, with its blonde hair, glasses, and a yellow floral dress, is a nod to the woman whose artistic talents are on full display within this attraction.

Some Props on Pirates of the Caribbean May Be Too Real

When the Disney Imagineers were working on Pirates of the Caribbean, they weren’t satisfied with how the faux skeletons and bones looked. They wanted these props to look more realistic. What could be more realistic than actual human remains?

When Pirates of the Caribbean first opened up in 1967, all of the bones that were seen were real human bones. In order to get these bones, Disney reached out to UCLA. They were able to acquire bones, skeletons, and skulls that were used for anatomy classes, which of course gave them the realistic look that they were striving for.

As the years went by, the Imagineers learned how to create more realistic props, and gradually swapped out the real bones for fakes. However, it’s said that a few human bones still remain.

The bones in question are located in the Captain’s bedchamber. Mounted on the headboard is a skull and crossbones. While all the rest of the human bones have been removed from the ride, it’s said that these particular bones are real. Disney has never officially confirmed the authenticity of these bones, but in the past, a number of Cast Members have stated that this rumor is true.

Indiana Jones Movie Props

Speaking of realistic props, multiple can be spotted at Indiana Jones Adventure. (Luckily, not in the form of human remains. All of the skeletons in this ride are fake!) The props that I’m referring to are the truck that sits in front of the attraction and the mine cart that can be seen at the exit. Both of these items are authentic vehicles that were used on the sets of Indiana Jones movies.

In Raiders of the Lost Ark, the truck was used by the Germans to transport the Ark of the Covenant. There’s an exciting scene in the movie where Indy chases the truck down in an attempt to recover the Ark. While on horseback, Indy goes after the speeding truck, comes up next to it, and then proceeds to climb into the truck and take it over. Not only was this an actual functioning vehicle that was used in the movie, it was driven by Harrison Ford, himself!

The mine cart was also used during a chase scene. However, this chase took place in The Temple of Doom. During the scene, Indy, Willie Scott, and Short Round were attempting to escape the Temple of Doom while being chased by Mola Ram and the Thuggee soldiers. The scene was both technically and cinematically advanced for the time and brought home an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.

A Thank You From John Lassetire

As you wait in line for Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters, you get to enjoy an inside view of Luigi’s Casa Della Tires. Inside, you’ll see all of the tires that are available at the shop, the lift where the work takes place, Luigi’s office, promotional signage, and display cases.

There are four different display cases, each with its own theme. The first one focuses on the Italian racing circuit, the second on Ornament Valley, the third on Lightning McQueen, and finally the fourth, which pays tribute to the different locations that Luigi has traveled to with his friends and family. Each of these cases hold a lot of interesting things inside, and can easily be studied for quite a bit of time. One thing that you may not notice is a nod to a past Pixar great.

In the top center of the Ornament Valley case, you’ll find a picture of Luigi, Guido, and a truck named John Lassetire. Inscribed on this picture is a note from the friendly truck. The note reads, “Dear Luigi & Guido! Thanks for the new whitewalls! – John Lassetire”. John Lassetire is a direct reference to John Jasseter, who not only had a huge part in the success of Pixar, but personally directed Cars and Cars 2.

Practically Perfect Carousel Horse

King Arthur’s Carrousel is adorned with 68 wood-carved horses and one chariot. Each horse has been hand-painted with its own unique details and color palette. No two horses are the same. While each horse is exceptionally beautiful, one stands out from all the rest – Jingles.

Jingles is the Lead Horse of King Arthur’s Carrousel and is said to have been Walt’s personal favorite. Easy to spot, Jingles is located on the outer side of the carousel and is decorated with multiple strands of jingle bells and other special details.

In 2008, Jingles was dedicated to Disney Legend Julie Andrews. The dedication of this beautiful carousel horse was meant to pay homage to the carousel scene in one of Andrews’ most memorable films, Mary Poppins. On Jingles’ saddle, you can see multiple Mary Poppins details, including Mary’s umbrella, boots, her silhouette, and Julie Andrews' initials “JA”. There’s also a hidden Mickey made out of jewels!

Mary Poppins is known to enjoy a ride on Jingles from time to time, so make sure to keep an eye out for her the next time you’re in Fantasyland!

Remembering Country Bear Jamboree

Country Bear Jamboree, a country-style show filled with musical audio-animatronic bears, was located in Disneyland’s Critter Country (previously called Bear Country) from 1972 to 2001. During its time at the park, the show saw a variety of different changes. Besides the original, Guests had the opportunity to see different versions of the show, such as The Country Bear Christmas Special and The Country Bear Vacation Hoedown. Before closing, the attraction also underwent a name change and was then called Country Bear Playhouse.

In 2003, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh opened up, taking the place of Country Bear Jamboree. As with any change at the Disney Parks, some Guests welcomed the change while others missed the attraction that was replaced.

While Country Bear Jamboree is no longer at Disneyland, a piece of it still remains within its replacement. If you know where to look, you’ll be able to see Max, Buff, and Melvin – the deer, buffalo, and moose from Country Bear Jamboree. To see these old familiar faces, you’ll need to look behind you and up. When should you do this? During the ride, you’ll enter a room full of honey, where you’ll see Pooh very much enjoying himself. As soon as you have a good visual of Pooh in this room, that’s when you should look behind you to see Max, Buff, and Melvin.

Hidden Mickey AND Minnie

Hidden Mickeys are the most popular type of detail that Guests try to spot within the Disney Parks. As Mickey’s first attraction, it’s understandable that Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is packed full of hidden Mickeys. What many Guests don’t know is that there’s a special hidden Mickey and Minnie on Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

However, these aren’t your typical three circle mouse head silhouettes. Instead, the names “Mickey” and “Minnie” are both spelled out early on in the attraction. If you’ve ridden this ride, you’ve most likely seen this detail without even noticing it.

In the loading area, above where the ride vehicles sit, there are wooden beams. Since you’re in the cartoon world at this part of the attraction, the wood grain details look animated and exaggerated. If you pay close attention to these beams, you’ll notice that the grain details spell out words on two of the beams. One reads “Mickey” and the other reads “Minnie”.

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