The Disneyland Resort, or “The Happiest Place on Earth,” is considered one of the most popular family vacation spots for guests of all ages since it opened in 1955. Walt Disney and his Imagineers have created dozens of immersive attractions, first in class restaurants, entertainment, and beautiful resorts which makes it a dream vacation destination.

Despite Disneyland's seemingly perfect image of magic, fantasy, and amusement, there are several things about the resort that you may regret learning. Many guests often wonder about the unusual secrets or stories about Disneyland, however these secrets may take away some of the Disney magic that many people hold dear to their hearts.

From rising ticket prices, graveyards, and synthetic smells, there are several facts about Disneyland that may surprise or even disappoint some Disneyland fans. Below are 10 unusual facts about Disneyland that may detract from guests' picture perfect image of the parks.

1. Real Human Skeletons on Pirates of the Caribbean

That's right- this iconic attraction actually had real human skeleton bones inside the ride! The skeletons were provided by UCLA's Medical Center when the attraction was built in the 1960s, and every single skeleton inside the ride was real when the attraction first opened. At the time, technology wasn't sophisticated enough to recreate fake skeletons for the attraction, and therefore Disney Imagineers sought out the real thing.

Thankfully, all of the skeletons have been replaced with fake bones, and the real skeletons were returned to their country of origin in order to receive a proper burial. However, several people have sparked rumors that there are still several real skeletons inside Pirates of the Caribbean today. Although we'll never be able to substantiate this rumor, it is wild to know that a Disneyland ride once housed real skeleton bones!

2. Some Animatronics Never Turn Off

In the classic Disneyland attraction, it's a small world, guests travel via boat through various scenes with hundreds of singing and dancing animatronics representing countries around the world. For years there has been a rumor that these animatronics stay on 24/7, even after the park closes!

While we weren't able to substantiate this rumor, many guests report that the animatronics keep going when the ride shuts down and some cast members have even shared on social media this is the case. It is a bit unsettling to imagine that even when the lights and music are turned off, the animatronics could keep moving. Although it makes sense that it probably costs more to power the animatronics off and then on again each day, it's still very weird to imagine! There are other forums and public internet threads that indicate this is common for other Disney attractions as well. However, it is the most unsettling to imagine the animatronics inside the it's a small world attraction could be constantly moving even after the ride is closed.

3. Indiana Jones Attraction Illusion

Indiana Jones Adventure is one of my favorite Disneyland attractions, mainly for it's incredible Imagineering and illusions throughout the ride. During the pinnacle scene when it looks like a large boulder is moving towards your ride vehicle, Indy tells guests to “move backwards,” and it actually feels as if the vehicle backs up. However, in reality the walls with the boulder are moving towards the car, and the vehicle stays in place! If you turn around during this scene (and don't mind seeing the spoilers of the special effects), you can see the walls are moving and the vehicle remains stopped.

This is one of many amazing special effects in Indiana Jones that showcase the incredible minds of Imagineers who design Disneyland attractions. Although scenes such as this can spoil the magic for some, I personally think it's cool to see how it all works, especially after I've experienced the attraction several times.

READ MORE – 13 Spooky (and Somewhat Disturbing) Secrets of Disney’s Haunted Mansion You Don’t Know

4. Large Feral Cat Colony Keeps Rodents Away

Although this is a normal part of many businesses and households, it's crazy to think that Disneyland is home to approximately 200 feral cats to help control their rodent population. According to a website dedicated to these cats, they were spotted right after the park first opened. Walt Disney discovered the first cat colony inside Sleeping Beauty Castle, and unfortunately they had also been infested with fleas. Walt knew he had to remove this colony in a humane way, and therefore decided to rehomes these cats to cast members and other suitable adopters.

However, despite the removal of the first cat colony, an estimated 200 feral cats remain on Disneyland property today. When park operators discovered a large rodent problem throughout the theme park, they decided it could be beneficial to keep other colonies nearby to keep away the pesky rodents. Not only are the cats left alone and free to wander Disneyland property, there are cast members that help manage this colony to ensure they are spayed or neutered and generally stay away from guests. In fact, it's pretty hard to spot a cat during normal park hours since they are feral and primarily hunt at night when the park closes. If cast members do notice that a cat is friendly and not afraid of guests, they are taken in and adopted by one of the cast members as a domestic pet. Cast members have also set up feeding stations throughout Disneyland in case some cats aren't able to find any rodents to hunt.

It's a bit unsettling to imagine Disneyland infested by mice (outside of Mickey and Minnie, of course), however as an animal lover it is cool to know Disneyland is managing and using their feral cat colony for the benefit of their guests.

5. One Attraction is Not Actually on a Track

You may have seen Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes being paddled by guests down the Rivers of America at Disneyland, and assumed they were on a track system like every other Disney attraction. However, these large canoes are free floating with no motor and no track, meaning they are 100% powered by the guests and cast members inside the boats. Each canoe is 35 feet long, can seat up to 20 passengers, and takes guests in a full circle around Tom Sawyer Island. Guests will pass Columbia Gorge, which has a beautiful waterfront and five waterfalls, as well as unique viewings of Frontierland, New Orleans Square, and Critter Country.

Although the cast members inside the boat are able to paddle the boat by themselves if needed, it seems very unlike Disney to have an attraction that doesn't have a backup motor or track to guide the boat around the island. Before riding the canoes, each guest will receive a quick lesson on how to paddle the canoe, and small children are required to wear life jackets. This attraction operates seasonally and may be closed due to inclement weather, which makes sense without a motor or track to guide the canoes!

6. Ticket Price Increases

Disneyland ticket price increases are one of the most talked about frustrations from guests, especially in recent years. Park tickets to Disneyland were priced at $43 in 2000, and by 2015 the price had more than doubled at $99 per ticket. Today, Disneyland tickets have a tiered, or surge pricing, system where ticket prices can depend on the day and how busy it is (i.e. peak seasons such as Christmas or spring break). While one day park tickets can be as low as $104, there are also peak days where the same ticket can cost $206. Adult multi-day tickets range from $330 for 2 days to $511 for 5 days—this doesn't include the park hopper ticket option or lightning lane passes which are an additional cost. Currently, the 5-day park hopper option is priced at $616 for adults.

Although the parks have significantly been improved and expanded over the years, it's unsettling to think about how low the prices were, even in the past decade. Even Disneyland Magic Key annual passes seem to increase frequently, making it hard for families to afford Disneyland vacations.

To learn about how you find the cheapest possible Disneyland tickets, check out our trusted partner, Get Away Today. Not only can they help you find the best deals for your next trip to Disneyland, but they also offer low deposit fees and a layaway plan.

READ MORE – 10 Brilliant Disneyland Tips for Large Families on a Budget

Although many claim Space Mountain at Disneyland is one of the most intense rides at the park, it actually only maxes out at 35 miles per hour. It takes 5th place when it comes to the fastest rides in all of Disneyland, falling behind Incredicoaster (55 mph), Radiator Springs Racers (40 mph), Tiana's Bayou Adventure (40 mph), Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout (39 mph), and is tied with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Although it only reaches 35 mph, many guests say it feels a lot faster, likely due to the limited vision, fans blowing air, and intense music throughout the attraction. Space Mountain is another attraction that is enhanced through Imagineering effects. Hopefully this fact will help guests who are afraid to ride feel more confident, however it can also be humbling to those who are always nervous to ride!

READ MORE – Disneyland's Space Mountain – What Should I Be Afraid Of?

8. Multiple Graveyards throughout the Parks

Despite being known as “The Happiest Place on Earth,” Disneyland has many graveyards throughout the park. Although none of these are actual cemeteries, it does seem unusual for a family-centered amusement park. It's not a surprise to learn that there are four graveyards near the Haunted Mansion attraction, but there are also cemeteries located on Tom Sawyer Island as well as the Storybook Land Canal attraction.

As a Haunted Mansion fan, I think the graveyards add to the ambiance of the attraction and make the queue even cooler than it already is. However, for families planning bringing young children, it may be a bit grim to explain the excess amount of graveyards at Disneyland. There is even a hidden pet cemetery that is typically blocked from the normal queue but can be seen through the VIP tour/disability access entrance. This graveyard includes memorials for unique animals such as Stripey the skunk and Penny the elephant. Even some Disney Imagineers have their own tombstones throughout the Haunted Mansion queue. For example, one tombstone reads “In memory of our patriarch dear departed grandpa Marc,” which is likely a tribute to legend Marc Davis, who was a Disney animator and creator of several attractions.

9. Not All Smells are Natural

Disneyland is known for some of the best smells throughout their parks, especially the food. You can usually count on whiffs of churros, ice cream, popcorn, and other delicious Disneyland snacks. Although some of these smells are natural, many are actually pumped out synthetically! Some of these smells even correlate with the seasons – for example, you may notice extra scents of peppermint or vanilla during Christmas while walking down Main Street, U.S.A. Guests can also smell honey near the The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction or seawater on Pirates of the Caribbean!

Although this example may take away some of the Disney magic for some folks, I think it's such a creative idea to incorporate scents throughout the parks. I have heard so many guests comment on which Disney scent is their favorite, and it's just another way Disney steps up their game to create a magical environment compared to most other theme parks.

10. Mr. Toad's Wild Ride Final Scene

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is one of the most iconic Disneyland dark rides, however, it also has one of the most unusual ending scenes. This attraction is based on the Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad film, which simulates guests tagging along Mr. Toad's crazy driving antics which wreck havoc on the town.

In the final scene, the car drives into what appears to be the depths of hell- featuring devils and a fire-breathing dragon which attempts to burn the car to a crisp. This scene was not in the Mr. Toad film, and many guests wonder why this pretty intense scene was added to a Disneyland attraction. Sure, it can fit into the storyline to show the consequences of reckless driving, but I can see many children being scared by this scene!

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