“Things I’ve learned while looking up other things…”
I won’t take any credit for that line…but I think it’s a great one. In the recesses of my memory, I attributed the line to a columnist I read somewhat frequently, and in my memory, the columnist’s name was Sidney Green. I have no idea whether that particular data bank in my skull has become corrupted by “tee many martoonis” or by my advanced years, but a simple Google search reveals that the late Bob Talbert of the Detroit Free Press used that phrase. He had a regular column and sometimes would fill space with minutiae that he discovered while looking for other information.
Now, I don’t think everything that follows was “learned while looking up other things,” but a fair share of it certainly was. The whole mess comes under the general heading of tips, minutiae, trivia, or things that may interest only me. Regardless, I’ll put it out there and ask for yours in return. Here we go:
…In the queue for the Jungle Cruise, there’s a sign for the Employee of the Month—one E. L. O’Fevre (Yellow Fever).
…If there are long lines at the entry turnstiles at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you could slip into the Rainforest Café gift shop and wander through to the single turnstile at the other end. Chances are you’ll get in line behind fewer people, but let’s keep this to ourselves; otherwise, strangers will ruin this for us.
…The Main Street window for Donn Tatum (the person responsible for secretly buying most of the land that became Walt Disney World) lists the shell companies used to allow Disney to buy the land without their identity being revealed.
…If you stick around Magic Kingdom, some 30 to 45 minutes after closing, you may get to hear the “Kiss Goodnight”. There’s some music and castle lighting; then you’ll hear Roy Disney’s dedication speech.
…If you stick around Epcot’s World Showcase after closing, maybe an hour or so, you can hear an explosion as they burn off the remaining propane from the barge used during Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.
…Have you heard of the “Goat Trick” on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad? Supposedly, here’s how it works: At the top of the lift, look for the goat. Now, fix your eyes on the goat for as long as possible as you round the turn for a strange sensation. (This hasn’t worked for me so I can’t really tell you what to look for. I have a suspicion that this may work at Disneyland only – not at the Disney World attraction).
…Every summer we see countless articles and podcasts offering tips on how to beat the heat. You should freeze water bottles and wet washcloths the night before. Take a mid-day break and swim. Take in more air-conditioned dark rides. Here’s a brainstorm for everyone… don’t visit Florida in the summer! You already know it’s surface-of-the-sun hot, and the humidity is so high everyone looks like they take their hair-styling cue from Carrot Top. I visited once in early October and spent a week where my ears and elbows were sweating. I can’t imagine what it’s like in July.
…There are Hidden Mickeys everywhere, and books and Web sites to help you find them. One of the more interesting ones is in the Yacht Club Lobby. Look for the Hidden Mickey on the globe. It’s near the serpent in the ocean, at the eye level of a child, and it’s blue.
…I will need to wait until my next trip to confirm this… In the Market House, on Main Street, there was an antique phone. You could pick up the receiver and listen in on a mock 1890s party-line conversation between a mother and daughter. First, you must be of a certain age to remember what a “party line” is. Secondly, it’s been removed. I recall reading somewhere that the phone had been moved but I can’t find where. Maybe we should just scratch this one.
…Here’s another I haven’t been able to confirm: when in the queue at Star Tours, at the ramp by the first right turn, look down to see Kermit the Frog.
…Speaking of Kermit, look under the welcome mat as you enter Muppetvision 3D.
…Have you found the Viking wearing the mouse ears in the mural as you board Maelstrom?
…As you’re walking along Echo Lake, in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, just before the entrance to the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, you will see something that looks like an abandoned well. Above it is a weathered old sign that reads “Do not pull!” but the “not” is crossed out. Give it a tug.
…Get a drink from the water fountain near the restrooms outside of the Imagination building at Epcot.
…There are many good places from which to watch Illuminations: Reflections of Earth: the bridge between the UK and France, Morocco, China, etc. However, there’s only one great viewing spot, and that’s in the center of World Showcase Plaza. You look across the lagoon and are directly opposite the America pavilion. The main components of the show (lasers, globe, etc.) all have symmetry when viewed from this spot. Trust me, do it once and you’ll become a believer.
…In The American Adventure, the pictures on the walls were all painted by various Disney artists. One picture in particular is an optical illusion. The picture hangs in the corner to the left as you first enter the rotunda. It’s a picture of a B-17 bomber from World War II. In front of the picture is a grey strip of tiles on the floor. If you stand on the gray tiles and walk back and forth, the plane seems to swivel to follow you.
…Stop by the Polynesian Resort about 15 minutes before the listed time for Wishes fireworks. As you walk down to the beach you can stop at Captain Cook’s Snack Company for snacks and drinks and then set up camp along the beach. There are speakers there that will carry the soundtrack from the show. Watch the fireworks and then wait about 15-20 minutes after the finale for the Electrical Water Pageant to begin.
…In the Studio’s, after riding the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, one of the cast members in the gift shop asked me if I looked up while on the elevator. “Why?” I asked. He smiled. I’ve tried this, but I must be missing something. Anyone else? Or was this cast member just having some fun with me?
…Have you ever wanted to see the view from the observation deck at the Contemporary? But you didn’t want to go to the expense of dinner at the California Grill? OK, I am not advocating this and I’m not sure if it still works but… it once worked for me. If you take the elevator up to the 11th floor and turn right and then left down the hallway to a door (here’s where you glance furtively over your shoulder to make sure no one is watching… and we cue the Mission: Impossible sound track), you will be able to walk outside and up the three flights of stairs to the other side of the deck. The view from there is pretty special.
…Dole Whips at Aloha Isle in Adventureland. ‘Nuff said.
…Have your picture taken sitting with Goofy…or a statue of Goofy…on a bench in front of Tony’s Town Square restaurant. It’s supposedly a talking statue and I have seen a small speaker grate on the statue, but I’ve never heard him speak. Anyone?
…I’m sure many people have heard the “go to the left” advice. Well, when it comes to the Haunted Mansion, stick to the right because the outside queue area curves to the right. It will take slightly longer to get to the doors if you are on the left. Also, when you’re in the stretching room, stand near the painting of the woman with the umbrella… you’ll thank me later.
…If you don’t, then stick around in the room while everyone else clears out. Your “ghost host” will continue chatting for a bit.
…I recently read something about “ear worms”—those annoying tunes that stick in your head and you can’t get rid of them. This article said that running through the entire song, will clear it. So, for your benefit, I present these lyrics from the Sherman brothers:
It’s a world of laughter, a world of tears
It’s a world of hopes and a world of fears
There’s so much that we share, that it’s time we’re aware
It’s a small world after all.
It’s a small world after all, It’s a small world after all, It’s a small world after all
It’s a small, small world.
There is just one moon and one golden sun
And a smile means friendship for everyone
Though the mountains divide and the oceans are wide
It’s a small world after all.
It’s a small world after all, It’s a small world after all, It’s a small world after all
It’s a small, small world.
I apologize for that. It’s in your head now, isn’t it?
…When you exit Mickey’s Philharmagic, visit the shop next door. You know how Donald goes flying into the back wall at the end of the show? Take a look at the other side of the wall in this gift shop.
…Visit Tinker Bell’s Treasures in Fantasyland early in the day. Ask a cast member if you can be the one that wakes up Tinker Bell.
That’s it for now, kids. I’ll publish some more in a future column. If you’ve some special secrets you’d like to share, send them in and I’ll include them next time.
Those aren’t really opinions so, this time, let’s close with… That’s my list. What’s yours?
