Hidden Gems: Haunted Mansion Bullet Hole

I guess we'll keep this short, since Disney Parks officials have confirmed very little information on this subject to the public. That said, a rather disturbing truth stands that around the summer of 1974, a guest concealed a firearm within the park and fired off multiple rounds. The two confirmed gunshots struck both the ballroom wall in the Haunted Mansion, and a snowflake on Adventure Thru Inner Space, respectively. A third hole was found in the Primeval World diorama on the train, and is speculated to have been made by the same culprit.

Not an actual photograph

Many rumors have circulated that perhaps it was a kid causing trouble, or maybe a drunk that snuck into the park at night. All we know for certain (thanks to an Anaheim police investigation) is that it was indeed a .22 caliber round in both cases, due to bullet fragments matching at both scenes. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but it still makes one question if park security has heightened since the event. It was 39 years ago, so I don't think we have to worry. Bag-checking customs and incognito security guards are everywhere.

So can you still see the bullet holes? Not exactly. But next time you ride the Haunted Mansion, when you leave the ballroom scene with dancing ghosts just before entering Madame Leota's room, look out for a spiderweb on the glass in front of you. That was Disney's solution to covering up the incident. Supposedly the pane of glass is so large, that replacing it would mean destroying the roof of the building.

Hidden Gems: Star Trader X-Wing

The giant X-Wing replica from Star Wars, which once hung high above the Starcade, has found a new home in Tomorrowland's Star Trader store. It's now much more clearly visible, and one with a sharp eye may notice the small messages printed along the body. It's written in Aurebesh, a written language from Star Wars. So what do they say?

The first line says "THE CHESHIRE CAT", the second line, "THE MAD HATTER". An obvious reference to Lewis Caroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, and its 1951 Disney adaptation.

"SNOW WHITE"
"PETER PAN"
"CAPTAIN HOOK"

Another reference to classic Disney Characters.

"JIM STILSON"
"CHRISTINE STILSON"
"DANIEL BAIRD"

These appear to be three names whose identities are unknown to me. I'm sure there are more messages hidden throughout the many Star Wars-themed attractions, so be sure to check them out and have an Aurebesh guide handy when visiting the Star Trader.

Hidden Gems: Indiana Jones and the Secret Code

Indiana Jones: Temple of the Forbidden Eye; Adventureland's most popular attraction, based on Lucasfilm's action-packed adventure saga. The Indiana Jones series is full of mystery and hidden secrets, and the Imagineers behind the ride intended to immerse guests in just the same sort of setting. When the ride first opened in 1995, guests in line were handed "Marabic" decoder cards, little cards that helped to transliterate the petroglyphs throughout the waiting queue. The fictional language of Marabic follows a similar style to the English alphabet, with a few exceptions. After a few months, the cards were no longer distributed, and guests had to rely on others to crack the codes.

"True rewards await those who choose wisely"

Well, thanks to the internet, we can now solve these mysteries for ourselves. Make sure that the next time you decide to wait for over an hour to board Indiana Jones, you've got one of these with you.

One of the original decoders

Of course, if you feel like deciphering these texts is a waste of time, you can find a list of all of the transliterated messages here. Maybe someday in the distant future, the Temple of the Forbidden Eye will truly be an ancient relic, and these translated messages will be lost in time.

"Drink deeply the water of life"

Hidden Gems: New Orleans Square Station

With so much history at Disneyland, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that even the train station at New Orleans Square has its own backstory. While it's no longer accessible (it was once used by guests as an actual train station in Frontierland), it does house a cast member lounge and a functioning water tower. Additionally, the message that can be heard being tapped repeatedly at the telegraph office is a Morse-code version of Walt Disney's famous opening speech.

"To all who come to this happy place, welcome."

The most interesting bit of trivia however, is that the train station is actually a replica of another fake train station. More specifically, the movie set from the 1948 Disney movie So Dear to my Heart. Walt Disney intended for the train station built for that movie to be the one used in Frontierland, but he had given it as a gift to Disney animator Ward Kimball. Kimball had already done some work on the station, so Disney had another one constructed in the park. The train station has changed over the years in shape and form, expanding in size and receiving an entirely different coat of colors, but Kimball's movie prop station still provides an accurate idea of how the New Orleans Square Station looked on opening day.

Hidden Gems: Real Bones on Pirates of the Caribbean

Back in 1967 when Walt Disney had hardly just passed away, Pirates of the Caribbean first set sail at Disneyland. Today, the ride has spawned a multi-billion dollar film franchise, merchandise, and even video games. But it all began with the iconic boat ride, considered by many to be the most beloved in Disneyland. But along with singing pirates and fair maidens, it once held a dark secret.

Legend has it that while the ride was still under construction, Imagineers were displeased with the false skeletons placed about the ride. They didn't look authentic enough. The solution was simple: to use real human bones. The UCLA medical school provided cadaver skeletons to Disneyland, which were positioned in the classic poses we see  today. A pair playing chess, one atop a mountain of cold coins, a dead captain with a sabre in his ribs... While this may seem grotesque, they remained for quite some time. It hasn't been officially stated exactly when the skeletons were replaced with dummies, but they were. Perhaps technology provided more realistic-looking skeletons, or some Imagineer simply couldn't stand it anymore. All we know is, when they were taking out the bones from the ride, there were a couple they didn't remove.

Although the skeleton in bed looking through a magnifying glass is no longer the remains of a deceased man, the bones on the headboard behind him are. That is a genuine skull and crossbones, and it is not known why they chose to leave it there. Love it or hate it, it certainly is a spooky Easter egg that will hopefully remind patrons of the ride's eerie history for ages to come.

Hidden Gems: Autopia Statues

Autopia houses much history, as it has carried guests around Tomorrowland in small motor cars for nearly 60 years. For instance: did you know that it has been driven by many famous guests, including President Ronald Reagan, and members of the Rat Pack?

Yes, that is the real Frank Sinatra

But even today, it has a little bit of history still embedded in it. And I'm not just talking about the outdated Chevron cars...

What many have mistaken for a replica of a Mr. Toad's Wild Ride car, is in fact the real deal. It has been bronzed and put upon a pedestal to imitate a statue. So if you rode Mr. Toad's Wild Ride before the 1980's refurbishment of Autopia, you may actually have rode in this vehicle. But it doesn't stop there. Another statue on Autopia is from an older ride known as Midget Autopia; an Autopia designed for children.

Since there's a lot to say about this ride, we'll post a full article soon. For now, enjoy these two nods to the past.

Hidden Gems: Movie Props at Disneyland

Sometimes you'll be so immersed in a Disney ride, it can feel almost real -- like being inside a movie. A huge part of the experience is the intricate decorations by the Imagineers that make the setting feel as lifelike as possible, similar to how set designers and prop departments create visuals to help movies feel alive. Sometimes, the Imagineers take props from actual movies and use them in the rides; a tribute to classic films whose props couldn't find a home. Let's take a look at the movie props in Disneyland you've probably overlooked.

First off, is Pirates of the Caribbean. It figures that with such a successful movie franchise they'd be inclined to hide subtle homages to the beloved Disney ride. But no, instead they heavily altered the ride and made it center around the film's protagonist: Jack Sparrow. In the final scene of the ride, Jack Sparrow is rocking back and forth on an ornate chair, drunkenly singing the ride's theme song while celebrating his fortune. The chair was not actually used in any of the Pirates of the Caribbean films, but rather the forgettable Haunted Mansion film adaptation with Eddie Murphy.

Earlier in the ride however, a prop from Pirates of the Caribbean actually does appear, in the famous treasure room. The Aztec treasure chest from PoTC: The Curse of the Black Pearl.

You can't ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad until much later this year, but this movie prop is still visible from outside the ride. Right around the corner from Fantasyland you can see an old steam engine on some spare track. As I've mentioned before, the tracks and tunnel are forgotten relics of the Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland attraction that closed in 1977, but the train that currently occupies this area is a prop from the 1978 Disney film, Hot Lead and Cold Feet.

Seen on the left

This prop is from a timeless Disney classic, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. That's right, it's the organ from The Haunted Mansion. Though the body of the instrument was screen-used, the pipes are original. Still, it's cool to see such an iconic movie prop being used before audiences once again.

Speaking of classic films, these last two are from the legendary Indiana Jones trilogy. The first is the Mercedes truck that sits outside the Temple of the Forbidden Eye. It's rumored to be the original used in filming, though I can't seem to find out if it's the real deal. If it is just a replica, then they did a great job making it look authentic-- the license plate number, the missing hood ornament, it all adds up.

And lastly, the mine cart outside the exit queue from Indiana Jones is from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. It's not the one Indy rode in with Willie and Short Round in the famous scene, but it was supposedly used at some point during the underground scenes. Funny that Disney should acquire these Lucasfilm props before actually buying the studio many years later...

Hidden Gems: Walt's Ghost

Right next door to the Main Street Town Hall at Disneyland is the Disneyland Fire Department. Guests can wander around the old-fashioned firehouse and marvel at vintage fire engines the likes of which had preceded the invention of motor cars. It may not be a functioning fire department that rushes to the scene if there's a fire on the park premises, but it's a nice addition to the old-timey feel of the Main Street facade. But in the upstairs room of the DFD lies a secret to many.

Walt Disney, the visionary behind Disneyland, liked to oversee construction and make personal changes to his beloved park. It was only fitting that he should have his own living space right on park property. And so he made his temporary home right above Main Street, in the Fire Department building. If you're a common guest, chances are you haven't been inside Walt Disney's apartment, though tours are held every morning. But next time you're walking by the Disneyland Fire Department, pay close attention to the window. See the lamp?

Guests would rely on that lamp to know when Walt was visiting the park. In a Revere-esque fashion, Walt would light the lamp when staying in his apartment, as a way of signaling to guests that the man himself was on park grounds. Ever since Walt passed away in 1966, the lamp has been lit permanently, symbolizing that Walt Disney will forever remain in Disneyland, in spirit. Hopefully in spirit. Maybe it means that his body has been cryogenically frozen in the bowels of Sleeping Beauty Castle.

All kidding aside, this is a cute little homage to Uncle Walt, who's spent 58 years watching over Disneyland. Here's to 58 more.

Hidden Gems: Secret Bathroom

In light of Disneyland's new "Fantasy Faire" attraction (review to come soon), I'm going to reminisce upon an old favorite of mine that no longer exists. If you've been to Disneyland within the past several months, you've no doubt noticed the construction going on in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Well, they've finally completed Fantasy Faire, a village courtyard where guests can experience a magical meeting with their favorite Disney princess. But most older Disney guests will remember it as Carnation Plaza Gardens, a fun dance floor that frequently held dance parties. By night, live bands would play to swinging couples and guests who loved to dance after a fun day at Disneyland. Even Walt Disney himself adored the plaza and would love to dance there. But by day, the plaza was a bleak, dimly-lit dinner stage that was often empty. That made it the perfect spot for a secret room.

Okay, so it's not so secret anymore. Thanks to the internet and word-of-mouth, this hidden gem became little more than a discreet washroom behind the terrace near Fantasyland. Next to the cast-members only gate, if you walked around and behind the stone wall you'd find a secret family restroom. It was one of the first restrooms to feature new technologies like motion-sensor sinks (now used in most restrooms) and was handicap-accessible. Most guests who knew about it favored the secret bathroom due to its private location and the thrill in finding a hidden location. There are reports that the Disneyland Secret Bathroom has been moved, but I'll have to see for myself. In the meantime, enjoy the Fantasy Faire attraction that replaced it. Maybe we'll see another hidden restroom sometime soon.

Hidden Gems: America Sings Goose

Shortly after The Carousel of Progress was removed, a new attraction moved in: America Sings. It featured dozens of peppy critters, furry, feathery, and scaly, all singing classic American folk songs.

 But what's that you say? Those look familiar? Well as a matter of fact, almost all of the animatronics on Splash Mountain were just stripped right from America Sings. But not all of them...

Before Splash Mountain even saw the light of day, a couple of the geese were actually skinned to their skeletons and wires, and placed in the queue for Star Tours. Go ahead, and take a gander
(pun intended) at those old nods to the past. Though Star Tours may have changed, those few old geese still occupy Tomorrowland as they always have.

Hidden Gems: Max Buff and Melvin

The psychotropic children's ride, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, holds a number of clever easter eggs. A couple of Hidden Mickeys and, well, that's about it. But if you were alive in the 90's or earlier, then this hidden gem may come as a pleasant surprise. Remember what existed before The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh? It was none other than the Country Bear Jamboree!

No, not those Country Bears...

That's more like it.

The Country Bear Jamboree was a show where visitors could watch animatronic animals play instruments, not dissimilar to what you would find at a Chuck-E-Cheese. It included a cast of characters such as Zeek and Zeb and Ted and Fred and a bear named Tennessee. And of course, Max the stag, Buff the buffalo, and Melvin the moose, three severed animal heads mounted on the wall that performed a song and introduced the show.

Melvin Buff and Max in their prime

Sadly, all 17 bears are nowhere to be found, likely dismantled for their parts to be used on other rides. But what happened to Max, Buff, and Melvin? Well, going back to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh...

They're still there. Hanging above unsuspecting riders

Make sure you turn all the way around after the hallucinogenic Heffalumps and Woozles scene. The heads are huge, you can't miss them. If you ever miss the old Country Bear Jamboree look no further than the attraction that replaced it in 2001.

Hidden Gems: Buena Vista Street

Okay, so they're not exactly "hidden". But have you ever noticed that some of the stores on the new Buena Vista Street at Disney's California Adventure are cleverly named after important Disney icons?

For instance, the gas station right by the entrance is named "Oswald's Tires". As you can probably guess, this name derives from the once popular Universal cartoon character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Oswald was created by Disney and Ub Iwerks, a fellow animator, for Universal Studios. Disney and Iwerks were forced to leave the company due to financial issues, thus leading to the creation of Mickey Mouse. Oswald was bought by Disney in 2006, 79 years after Walt left Universal. Since his appearance in the 2010 video game Epic Mickey, Oswald has regained popularity and now appears in many places throughout the park.

Another homage is Clarabelle's Ice Cream, a reference to the Disney character Clarabelle Cow.

Clarabelle's, Buena Vista Street

Alternatively, there is another Clarabelle's Ice Cream that can be found in Toontown.

The Clarabelle's Toontown location

And the shop on the end called "Elias & Company"? That's likely named after old Walt Disney. Walt's middle name was Elias.

Well, there you have it. Why, Buena Vista Street has so many references you'd think the street was named after something! Oh wait...

Hidden Gems: Tower of Terror Corpse!

Hollywood, 1939...

The Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror is a thrilling drop tower ride that holds many homages to the 1959-1964 TV series, The Twilight Zone. The TV show was known for its creepy theme song and dramatic stories, so it should come as no surprise that the ride would be just as eerie. But not many are aware of just how eerie this ride can be...

When you're stepping off the ride, be sure to look under the left flight of stairs. Under the normal light, you'll see just the silhouettes of boxes in the dark. But be sure to bring a flashlight, because a bright enough light will reveal the feet of a corpse!

I was able to take this picture with my iPhone

If you're too terrified to ride the Tower of Terror but still want to see this hidden gem, ask a cast member near the exit if you can look for the body. They'll know what you mean.