Things you never knew about the Disney theme parks… from a secret phone to the hidden Mickey Mouse game
Millions of guests have walked through the magical gates without noticing these tiny details
DISNEYLAND Paris is 25 years old and has remained a tourist attraction throughout the decades.
Last year alone, the popular theme-park let 13.4million visitors through its magical gates.
But there are plenty of special secrets that guests are mostly oblivious to.
From a jaw-dropping feature of Sleeping Beauty's castle to the hidden Mickey Mouse game, the magic of Disney is all too real when you look into the finer details.
Here are things you probably never knew about the iconic Disney parks...
1. There’s something unusual about the bins
Theme park guests will never see bin men collecting rubbish at the location, as small underground pipes VACUUM the trash from the bins every 20 minutes.
And you’ll never have to walk more than 30 steps to come across a bin.
Legend has it that Walt Disney himself went to some other amusement parks and watched how long it took for people to ditch their rubbish on the floor, which was 30 paces.
2. You can snoop on calls through an old phone box
Guests that dare to pick up the old phone inside the New Century Notions shop will get an exciting surprise.
The handset, which is located next to the Candy Palace door, reels off telephone conversations from the past.
3. It’s all about the lighting
To make the attractions twinkle as bright as possible, there are millions of bulbs scattered across the park.
In Disneyland Paris parade floats alone, over 700,000 light bulbs are used for each show.
4. There’s only one Mickey Mouse
Ever wondered why it’s so hard to get Disney’s most-loved character to sign your autograph book?
That’s probably because only one Mickey is present in the entire park at one time.
Bosses want to avoid the iconic mouse crossing paths with its double, while also giving kids the sense that the character is unique.
5. Hidden Mickeys can be found all over the park
Even though only one employee is allowed to represent Disney’s mouse at any one time, you can spot Mickey references everywhere you turn.
Tourists have been trying to spot hundreds of the cute characters across the park, posting their findings to social media.
6. The parks have their own secret menu
Guests have been enjoying a special meal at the Beast’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom
Did you know that the Disney theme parks have their own secret menus?
For example, in the Be Our Guest restaurant, ask for The Grey Stuff – a clever Beauty and the Beast reference.
You will be delivered a delicious chocolate mousse-style dish that’s not listed on the menu.
7. Sleeping Beauty's castle appears bigger than it actually is
There’s no doubt that spotting Sleeipng Beauty’s castle as you walk into the Magic Kingdom is a real fairy-tale moment.
The elaborate building with towering turrets couldn’t look grander – especially to younger guests.
But this is actually all to do with an optical illusion known as forced perspective.
As the castle has been meticulously scaled to appear bigger than it actually is, and its also built higher up than anything else in the Magic Kingdom.
8. Sleeping Beauty’s castle ALWAYS faces south
Just like in all of Walt’s other parks, the biggest castle was built facing the south.
This is because this direction offers up the most natural sunlight.
Visitors can take stunning holiday snaps from Main Street at any time of day without having to worry about the outcome.
9. Chewing gum isn’t sold there
There are countless trinkets, souvenirs and sweet treats available at the Disney parks - but one item that is never sold on site is chewing gum.
While customers are allowed to bring their own, the confectionary item is banned to prevent any of the sticky substances being stuck anywhere they shouldn’t be.
10. You can spot some antiques at the park
Eagle-eyed guests may notice that gas lamps light the way along Main Street in Disneyland.
You might think they’re replicas, but they actually date right back to the 19th century.
11. There is a dress-code
Taking off your top after getting drenched on a water ride might not be the best idea.
The Disney terms and conditions urges guests to remain fully clothed during their visit, which includes keeping their shirts and shoes on.
12. You can listen to piano lessons on Main Street
The soundtrack to Disneyland is extremely elaborate.
There's a specific backdrop for those who take a stroll down Main Street might spot something unusual as the pass by the ice-cream shop.
The sound of a student practising their scales during piano lessons can be heard at this location.
And you can also catch the sound of pickaxes if you visit the mines.
13. Guests' sense of smell is being controlled
Visiting Disneyland is a magically sensory experience.
Smellitizers are hidden around the parks to give off a pleasant aroma in the air, and add to the specific story of each area.
The small devices waft sea air across the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and the scent of baked goods around Main Street.
14. Disneyland Paris is the home of the fastest Space Mountain ride
Of the five Space Mountain rides dotted across the globe, Paris is home to the fastest rollercoaster.
Riders are propelled from one to 46mph in just two seconds - thanks to some VERY sophisticated technology.
Engineers who built the ride used devices similar to those used in aircraft carriers to propel jet fighters.
