You’ve Never Noticed These 12 Secrets Hiding in Plain Sight at Disneyland

The Disney Parks & Resorts are known for a lot of things, but one of the most well-known is their attention to detail and storytelling. Tucked behind the magic and nostalgia of Disneyland‘s iconic attractions are hidden gems that the average visitor strolls right past without a second glance.

However, there are little touches all around the park that are just waiting to be discovered. In this post, we're pulling back the curtain and revealing 12 secrets that are hiding in plain sight throughout Disneyland Park. These surprising details make the Happiest Place on Earth that much more enchanting! We love bringing you hidden details of Disneyland, like our article looking at the abandoned remnants of Disneyland you can still see.

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The Smellitizers

One of the things Disney is best at is fully immersing you in their parks, and one of the ways they do that is through scent! Throughout Disneyland, you may notice particularly strong scents both out in the streets and within attractions. For example, you have likely relished the sweet scent wafting from the candy shops on Main Street U.S.A.

These are produced by Smellitizers, which look like little speakers built into the building walls and help to create a more realistic and mesmerizing atmosphere. See more of the ways Disney uses psychology to influence your theme park experience here.

Main Street U.S.A. Mailboxes

Have you ever noticed the various mailboxes scattered around Main Street USA and wondered if they were actually functional? They are! As long as your postcards or letters are marked with the proper postage and fully addressed, they will be sent out straight from Main Street.

Unfortunately, there isn't any sort of special postmark that gets stamped on the envelope, but the recipients of your mail will still know it came from a special place.

The Red-and-White Lightbulb

When you're walking into the Coca-Cola Refreshment Corner, take a look up at the lightbulbs above you. You may notice that one bulb is painted half red, half white. The story goes that when Imagineers were creating the building, they noticed that there was an uneven number of bulb sockets, and Walt Disney himself came up with the idea of painting the corner bulb half-and-half, so the pattern wouldn't be broken.

Disneyland Dream Suite

Many know about the apartment Walt Disney had built above the fire station in Disneyland, but did you know there were also plans for an additional suite for the Disney family? This space, now called the Disneyland Dream Suite, was built above Pirates of the Caribbean in New Orleans Square, and is used for special events and giveaways.

You can spot it thanks to the “WD” (Walt Disney” and “RD” (Roy Disney) initials built into the patio fencing. Check out the details on the 21 Royal Experience that exists here now.

Main Street USA Windows

As you're walking down Main Street USA toward Sleeping Beauty Castle, be sure to take a peek at the shop windows as you're passing by. Many of them have names written on them, but these are not simply made-up, random people.

They're actually some of the most influential people in Disney's history, and the windows were dedicated to them as a tribute to their contributions and efforts in designing the park. For example, the above window honors Elias Disney, father of Walt and Roy Disney. Keep an eye out to see which famous names you can spot!

Free Cups of Water

Do you know the easiest way to save some money at Disneyland? Rather than buying a bottle of water every time you need something to drink, stop by any quick-service location or eatery that has a soda fountain and ask for a cup of ice water. They'll give you as many as you'd like, all for free! See more free things at Disneyland you may have missed.

The Dominguez Family Palm Tree

Long before Disneyland was even an idea (or before Walt Disney was even born), the Dominguez family lived on the land that would eventually become the park.

A palm tree was planted as a wedding present for the family in 1896, and when Walt went to purchase the land, he promised their grandson that the palm would remain intact and unharmed throughout the building process. Walt kept his word, as did the Imagineers who came after him, and the over 100-year-old palm tree still stands tall next to the entrance to Jungle Cruise!

Little Man of Disneyland's Tree

When you're traipsing through Adventureland, be sure to keep an eye out for the home of the Little Man of Disneyland, Patrick Begorra!

Based on the Little Golden Book, Little Man of Disneyland, Patrick Begorra was living in the orange trees when Disneyland Resort was being created, and he agreed that Mickey and his friends could build their park on his land as long as he could still have a home inside the trees when it was finished. They kept their word, and now you can find Patrick's tiny home amongst the trees in the park.

Peter Pan and Wendy's Initials

Hidden near the side of Sleeping Beauty Castle, you can find where Peter Pan and Wendy Darling left their mark on the park. When you walk past the wishing well at Snow White's Grotto, look closely at the trees near the staircase leading into the castle. You'll see a skinnier tree with the initials “PP” and “WD” carved into it.

Main Street USA's Brick Wall

When stopping by the locker area on Main Street USA, you may notice a red brick wall that looks a bit funny. This wall, where each brick is slightly different in shape and size, is made up of test bricks that Imagineers were trying out when they were first building the park.

It is a great reminder of the hard work and dedication that were put into making Disneyland the best it could possibly be when it opened!

Market House Phones

If you've ever wanted to listen in on a juicy phone conversation, the party lines at Market House are the perfect spot for you to visit! Located within the building that houses Starbucks, there are a couple of old-fashioned telephones hanging on the walls. If you pick up the receivers, you'll be able to hear a few different interesting conversations from the past, with one dating all the way back to the 1800s.

Haunted Mansion's Pet Cemetery

Just off to one side of the Haunted Mansion attraction, there is a small cemetery set up with some interesting gravestones. This cemetery is dedicated to some important members of the family—the pets! Take some time to look at and read the various headstones, and you'll learn why this cemetery isn't just for cats and dogs. Buried there are also a rabbit, a pig, and several other unique family pets.

READ MORE – Hidden Secrets of the Disney World Hotels You Haven’t Heard Of

I love exploring the different hotels at Disney World. Each hotel has so much detail that I always catch something new every time I revisit them. However, each hotel also has its own stories and secrets that, once you learn them, may change your whole perspective on Disney's attention to detail. Let's go over the top hidden secrets of the Disney World hotels.

READ MORE – It’s Never Good to Hear These Disney Cast Member Codes They Use to Communicate Right in Front of You

Disney Cast Members are specially trained to provide the ultimate Guest experience. No matter what their job entails, the goal is to create the happiest atmosphere for Guests to enjoy. While it’s important to keep the magic alive, real life does still happen. Take a look at some of the codes that Disney Cast Members use to discuss troublesome situations amongst themselves.