It’s the most magical place on earth…and the most mysterious! Filled with hidden tunnels, secret passageways, INSANE casting rules, and lots of secretive tidbits, Disney World has remained a favorite tourist destination for kids and adults alike.
Whether you go with the kids or just go because you’re a kid at heart, there’s no denying that Disney World is a place where dreams come true…and now you can learn a little more about this magical getaway with these 28 Fun Facts About Disney World!
28 Fun Facts About Disney World
There’s no gum sold at any Disney World or Disneyland park…so if you chew, bring your own.
It’s NOT a small world after all…Disney World encompasses over 50 square miles.
Hidden Mickey Mouse heads can be found everywhere.
Guests at Disneyworld are never more than 30 steps away from a trash can. Some of them even talk to you!
Since its grand opening, Disneyworld has only closed 3 times: Hurricane Floyd in 1999, the terrorist attacks of 9/11 in 2001, and a power failure in 2002.
Visit The Hat Shop on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom and you’ll see an old pay phone on the wall. Pick up the receiver and you can eavesdrop on an interesting conversation.
There are no bathrooms located in the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square, in keeping with the time period of that area.
In the Magic Kingdom Train Station, look closely for articles left by other “guests,” including Mary Poppins and other characters from Disney films.
An imagineer named George was killed during the building of Pirates of the Caribbean. It is said his ghost haunts the ride to this day. Workers say “goodnight George” before they shut down the ride each night as a superstition to prevent attraction break downs the next day.
Epcot’s American Pavilion is home to an American flag taken from the rubble of 9/11/2001.
Underneath Disney World are miles of underground tunnels called utilidors that house the massive costume departments, cast member break rooms, garbage chutes and more. It also serves as a way for cast members to get from one place to another without disrupting the “magic”.
Disney World averaged 10,000 visitors per day when it first opened in 1971. Today that number has swelled closed to 50,000 visitors per day.
The new Avatar section of Animal Kingdom cost more than $400 million to build.
Epcot gardens grow over 30 tons of fruits and veggies each year to help feed hungry park visitors.
The Disney Company bought 12,000 acres of Florida Wetlands located about 15 miles south of the park back in the 90’s. The idea was to maintain the balance of nature and offset the environmental impact of the parks.
More than 1.6 million turkey legs are consumed at the parks every year. They are such a fan favorite that you can buy turkey leg hats, t-shirts and other souvenirs.
Disney’s first Audio Animatronics were introduced to the world at the 1966 World’s Fair in Flushing, NY. The two rides were “It’s A Small World” and “Great Moments with Abraham Lincoln”, which later evolved into today’s Hall of Presidents.
You never have to pay for water in Disney World…just go to any quick service restaurant in the park and ask for a cup.
One of the most popular Disney souvenirs of all time was the Mickey Mouse watch. It was first introduced in 1933 and sold for $2.95. Walt Disney himself was presented with the 25th million watch in 1957.
Disney’s Wedding Pavillion near the Grand Floridian Resort is designed to give the bride and groom a great view of Cinderella Castle while saying their vows.
Over 10 million hamburgers, 7 million hot dogs and 9 million pounds of French fries are consumed by hungry Disney World guests every year.
Walt Disney World Costume Department is home to over 1.2 million pieces of clothing.
It takes over 150 tractor trailer loads of decorations to deck the halls for holiday celebrations. Wonder what Disney’s electric bill is for all of this? It’s zero…they have their own power plant.
Admission was only $3.50 on opening day in 1971…a little more than $20 today. Nowadays, a ticket is gonna run you closer to $100, depending on the parks you want to visit.
Designers built an apartment for Walt into the castle plan for Cinderella’s Castle, but he died before its completion. That space was later turned into a hotel room that’s only available if you win a promotion or sweepstakes.
Disney World is the largest single-site employer in the US…and employees aren’t just called employees — they’re cast members.
An estimated 1.65 million pairs of eyeglasses have made their way to Disney World’s lost-and-found bins since 1971. Every year, the park finds an average of 6,000 cellphones, 3,500 digital cameras and 18,000 hats.
Disney World’s biggest theme park, Animal Kingdom, encompasses 403 acres.
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