Quirky Secrets of WDW

[Len90]

I noticed the ToT glasses but wasn't sure if they counted as an official Hidden Mickey. I took a pic just in case!

I saw these and took a picture too when I went on it for the first time this past July. I think it is most likely an official hidden mickey.

I knew about the two halves of the plane but never knew about the hidden mickey in the rivets on the plane body. That is very interesting and I will have to look at that next time I go.

[DisBeamer]

The storyline I was told for HM on the Keys to the Kingdom tour (which is fantastic - I highly recommend it) was that the bride was supposed to marry the owner of the mansion (Gracey? no names were given) but the night of the wedding he caught her upstairs with another man. The men fought and I can't remember if one got his head cut off (hence the ghost with a hatbox in DL) or got pushed out the window, and the bride, distraught, threw herself out the window after him. That's the only time I've heard that version anywhere. When I returned as a CM, other CMs looked at me funny for it.

It's interesting; the story I heard on Keys to the Kingdom (which I agree is fantastic) was that "There are 999 ghosts, and there's room for one more." Our guide said that was the only 'official' story ever created, and that all the other interpretations are just that; interpretations. Makes you wonder how much of that tour comes from official stuff the CMs have to say and how much they just insert.

This was several years before the attic refurb and the importing of the DL black widow story, however, so I suppose that's changed.

[MmeLeota]

The storyline I was told for HM on the Keys to the Kingdom tour (which is fantastic - I highly recommend it) was that the bride was supposed to marry the owner of the mansion (Gracey? no names were given) but the night of the wedding he caught her upstairs with another man. The men fought and I can't remember if one got his head cut off (hence the ghost with a hatbox in DL) or got pushed out the window, and the bride, distraught, threw herself out the window after him. That's the only time I've heard that version anywhere. When I returned as a CM, other CMs looked at me funny for it.

It's interesting; the story I heard on Keys to the Kingdom (which I agree is fantastic) was that "There are 999 ghosts, and there's room for one more." Our guide said that was the only 'official' story ever created, and that all the other interpretations are just that; interpretations. Makes you wonder how much of that tour comes from official stuff the CMs have to say and how much they just insert.

This was several years before the attic refurb and the importing of the DL black widow story, however, so I suppose that's changed.

This is why I believe the imagineers purposely added so many facets to the ride so that everyone comes up with their own conclusions...who knows? Maybe there isn't an "original" story. (not likely, since Disney puts a story behind everything...but you never know. Maybe they thought they could throw the public for a loop. Technically there is a story...the one you make up)

[kingjamesut]

The storyline I was told for HM on the Keys to the Kingdom tour (which is fantastic - I highly recommend it) was that the bride was supposed to marry the owner of the mansion (Gracey? no names were given) but the night of the wedding he caught her upstairs with another man. The men fought and I can't remember if one got his head cut off (hence the ghost with a hatbox in DL) or got pushed out the window, and the bride, distraught, threw herself out the window after him. That's the only time I've heard that version anywhere. When I returned as a CM, other CMs looked at me funny for it.

It's interesting; the story I heard on Keys to the Kingdom (which I agree is fantastic) was that "There are 999 ghosts, and there's room for one more." Our guide said that was the only 'official' story ever created, and that all the other interpretations are just that; interpretations. Makes you wonder how much of that tour comes from official stuff the CMs have to say and how much they just insert.

This was several years before the attic refurb and the importing of the DL black widow story, however, so I suppose that's changed.

This is why I believe the imagineers purposely added so many facets to the ride so that everyone comes up with their own conclusions...who knows? Maybe there isn't an "original" story. (not likely, since Disney puts a story behind everything...but you never know. Maybe they thought they could throw the public for a loop. Technically there is a story...the one you make up)

I read somewhere that, like pirates of the caribbean, there is no story save for the collection of vignettes on a common theme which allowed for you the rider the job of creating your own interpretation of the story. Therefore the story behind the haunted mansion is that there is no story.

[happysneakers]

Here's one for Rock 'n Roller coaster: Read a few of the license plates on the Limos; 1QKLIMO, UGOGIRL, BUHBYE, 2FAST4U, H8TRFFC.

[Blackie Pueblo]

I just wanted to say I absolutely love this topic and thank you all for your postings.

For you history buffs like myself, in Liberty Square in the 2nd floor window on the side of the Hall of Presidents , facing towards the Haunted Mansion, there's two lanterns of Paul Revere when he warned how the British were coming, " One if by land, two if by sea."

"To all who come to this happy place... welcome!"
---Walter Elias Disney

[Soarin08]

I just wanted to say I absolutely love this topic and thank you all for your postings.

For you history buffs like myself, in Liberty Square in the 2nd floor window on the side of the Hall of Presidents , facing towards the Haunted Mansion, there's two lanterns of Paul Revere when he warned how the British were coming, " One if by land, two if by sea."

"To all who come to this happy place... welcome!"
---Walter Elias Disney

Another Liberty Square one- there's a small sign on the door to one of the shops (Christmas one, maybe?) that says "Voice Lessons by Ichabod Crane." I just noticed it the last time I was at MK. Made me smile.

[DisBeamer]

This is why I believe the imagineers purposely added so many facets to the ride so that everyone comes up with their own conclusions...who knows? Maybe there isn't an "original" story. (not likely, since Disney puts a story behind everything...but you never know. Maybe they thought they could throw the public for a loop. Technically there is a story...the one you make up)

I read somewhere that, like pirates of the caribbean, there is no story save for the collection of vignettes on a common theme which allowed for you the rider the job of creating your own interpretation of the story. Therefore the story behind the haunted mansion is that there is no story.

I was gonna say, I'm not sure I agree Disney puts a story behind everything and cite (the original) PotC. As far as I know, the 'story' behind that was always just 'pirates sacking a town'. I mean, okay, that's a story, but it's not as detailed as the whole Master Gracey schtick that most of us Disney Geeks are familiar with.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if the original story of the HM was just 'touring a haunted house'. If you look back at some of the video (er, film) of Walt showing off DL attractions before they opened, it's certainly portrayed that way.

They put in a ton of detail, definitely, and I think it's a testament to the Imagineers and their detail that we can concoct all these stories out of the rides.

To take that further, though, which rides really have 'stories' that aren't based on films? I can't really think of any ... but it's late.

[Captain Schnemo]

This has been mentioned before around here, but I think the obsession with "story" is a more recent thing. I know there's one top Imagineer who's always going on about it.

In the strictest sense, a linear story is not as cool as a more generic experience, in part for the reasons mentioned above.

Take the Mexico ride, for example. The old attraction had some weaknesses, but it seems an altogether more pleasurable experience than the "story" of "Where's Donald?". Well, there he is. Story over.

The older version felt more like exploration than being led by the nose, and in my young imagination, it felt like there was simply more to it.

I always imagined there was much more to Pirates, just around the corner, even though I know I'd probably just find some plywood, hydraulics, or maybe an emergency exit.

For dark rides, I tend to prefer an open-ended experience like the original Journey into Imagination. Even Horizons, which had narration, didn't have a strict storyline. It bounced around, showing you the wonders of tech and how they'd affect lifestyles, but it wasn't the same as following a single protagonist around.

When you're exploring, there's always more to see, but when you focus on story, then once you know the ending, something is lost.

You can even make the comparison between something like Captain EO, which told an explicit movie-like story, to Magic Journeys, which was just a headtrip. Journeys seemed a much better fit to me, in the Imagination pavilion.

If you'll forgive another metaphor, it's the difference between moving through an open-ended video game, finding little Easter eggs and tricks you can do, as opposed to being led around on a rail, punctuated with cut scenes you can't interact with.

I'm not sure this holds true for all attractions, however. And people do watch their favorite movies over and over, and the best of them provide new discoveries each time through. Some things do just work better as stories, but I think the most of the exploratory attractions do more to stimulate the imagination.

[happysneakers]

Heres a pretty cool one i learned about last year: While taking the WDW buses for transportation listen to the music. During the day as you go from resort to resort or to different parks the music changes to include the theme of where you are heading. At night the music is soft and kind of jazzy to help people unwind. I just never noticed this before and thought id share

[MadEye]

Heres a pretty cool one i learned about last year: While taking the WDW buses for transportation listen to the music. During the day as you go from resort to resort or to different parks the music changes to include the theme of where you are heading. At night the music is soft and kind of jazzy to help people unwind. I just never noticed this before and thought id share

From Transportation/Ticket Center to Hollywood Studios the bus plays the theme from Halloween. Michael Myers... Interesting choice for Disney transportation.

[Len90]

Heres a pretty cool one i learned about last year: While taking the WDW buses for transportation listen to the music. During the day as you go from resort to resort or to different parks the music changes to include the theme of where you are heading. At night the music is soft and kind of jazzy to help people unwind. I just never noticed this before and thought id share

Very Interesting. I only noticed the Mickey Mouse March when you pull into the Magic Kingdom. I didn't know the music is themed for the time of day and for the places you are traveling. I must say the music from the MK to our resort at night was very soothing and a nice way to end the night.

[Future Guy]

I haven't been on the bus since 2004. I'll have to listen for that when we're there in a few months.

[rknrlrcstr]

I am not sure if this qualifies as quirky, but part of the plans for Future World (as it was built) was to have a peoplemover system that travelled above the Communicores for the guests to preview the exhibits within.

[Soarin08]

I am not sure if this qualifies as quirky, but part of the plans for Future World (as it was built) was to have a peoplemover system that travelled above the Communicores for the guests to preview the exhibits within.

Cool!!! That would have been neat.