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Walt Disney wanted his park to be more than just a place where people would go for rides. He intended Disneyland to be a place where families could spend time together in an environment where all elements worked together to suggest a common theme. Before Disneyland, there were no "theme parks" which had "lands" containing attractions that were tied together by some concept; amusement parks had rides in random locations that each sought to outdo the others for the visitor's attention. Because of Walt's belief, Disneyland is more than just a collection of rides and shows. At Disneyland, guests will not find a rocket ship ride in the American West, or a pirate next to a European mountain. Every aspect of the park is carefully planned out long before construction is begun, so that nothing will ruin a guest's experience. Part of the unique concept of Disneyland comes from the fact that its designers were artists and story writers, not amusement park designers. Walt Disney set up a company called WED Enterprises, after his initials, to design and build his park; he staffed WED, which was renamed Walt Disney Imagineering in 1986, with the top artists, writers, and designers from his studio. This talented staff then proceeded to design a park just as they had designed such classics as "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs", "Pinocchio" and other favorite motion pictures. Every land flows into the next one, as one scene leads to the next in a movie; inconsistencies do not exist. These designers also brought with them the attention to detail which they had used in motion pictures, creating an extremely detailed place. In keeping with its design, Disneyland is set up as a show. To keep the employees mindful of this fact, they are referred to as "cast members" because they are part of the show. Visitors are called "guests" instead of customers or tourists; that way, they feel more relaxed than customers simply there to pay money. The public areas of the park are the stage, while the behind-the-scenes areas of the park are refered to as backstage. Because of their differing natures, the different amusements are called attractions instead of rides and shows; some attractions, such as the Haunted Mansion, involve some of both. All of these elements help to preserve the "show" idea of Disneyland. What follows is an insight into some of the trivial facts about Disneyland. However, as the park changes, the trivia surrounding the park will also change. This constant changing ensures that lovers of Disney trivia will have much to look for and discuss for a long time. Sections:  |
Disneyland is widely known as the "Happiest Place on Earth". But many
people, in their rush to be "Happy", tend to run through Walt Disney's
original theme park to get to the rides and not notice what is actually
around them. Interesting trivial facts can be found throughout Disneyland.
Many of them were intentionally placed there by Walt Disney Imagineering,
which designs the park, while some are the result of the park's history,
such as a new attraction placing an existing attraction. Many people, in
their rush to ride everything, also do not consciously notice many small
details found throughout the park. Perhaps these details and almost
unnoticeable touches add to Disneyland's charm. Much of Disneyland's
attendance every year is repeat business, largely due to guests noticing
something new each time they visit the park. Given the large number of
details scattered around, it is almost impossible to notice everything in
one visit.