Episode 41: 10 Hidden Secrets of Walt Disney World
Ever wondered what secrets lie beneath the polished surface of the Most Magical Place on Earth? Prepare to have your Disney World experience forever changed as we pull back the curtain on some of the most fascinating, peculiar, and downright surprising facts about Disney's Florida kingdom.
Did you know that Richard Nixon's infamous "I am not a crook" declaration happened at Disney's Contemporary Resort? Or that the Beatles officially signed their dissolution paperwork at the Polynesian? These unexpected intersections of American history and Disney property are just the beginning of our deep dive into Disney lore.
We explore architectural Easter eggs like Expedition Everest's hidden Mickey formation when viewed from above, the remnants of Germany pavilion's never-built Rhine River attraction, and Animal Kingdom's first extinct ride that barely lasted a year before disappearing. From the golden camels outside Magic Carpets of Aladdin (which originally appeared in a 1990s parade and had a cameo on "Full House") to the fact that Stormalong Bay was once a saltwater snorkeling lagoon with real fish, these tidbits will transform how you see familiar park locations.
We hope this collection of hidden history, abandoned projects, and ingenious imagineering solutions will give you a whole new appreciation for the layers of storytelling throughout the parks. Share your own obscure Disney knowledge with us and join our community of Disney detectives uncovering the magic behind the magic!