Strange things have happened here
Disney Parks are iconic for their magical atmosphere, but beneath the surface lies a collection of creepy urban legends and cool secrets. From ghostly sightings to secret areas, the happiest place on Earth is full of mystery.
Walt’s frozen body is in the park
There is a longstanding myth that Walt Disney's preserved body is at Disneyland. The claim is that he was cryogenically frozen beneath the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Despite lack of evidence, this eerie rumor continues to convince many.
Walt’s frozen body is in the park
What is known about Walt Disney’s death is that he died from lung cancer in 1966 and was not immediately cremated. His remains were later laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California in a publicly accessible area.
Disneyland once used real skeletons
As crazy as it may seem, the Pirates Of The Caribbean ride at Disneyland once contained real human remains due to inadequate fake alternatives during the ride’s construction in 1967. Former producer Jason Surrell revealed in his tell-all book that the “faux skeletons of the period” were “just too unconvincing.”
Disneyland once used real skeletons
Though all authentic skeletons were said to be removed, rumors persist of a lone human skull remaining on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Along the river track, visitors may encounter it in "The Captain's Quarters Treasure Room" bedroom scene.
Walt’s ghost still haunts the park
Walt Disney had a private apartment above the Firehouse in Town Square at Disneyland. He would light a lamp in the window to signal his presence. After his death, there were reports about the lamp mysteriously turning back on.
Walt’s ghost still haunts the park
Replicas of the lamp at Disneyland's fire department are often mistaken as the original continuously lit since Walt Disney's death. The famous apartment is not accessible to the public, but guided tours during events offer a chance to see it (and maybe even Walt's ghost).
wood26, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
A secret abandoned Disney island
Disney World's official map features an off-limits, unidentified island in Bay Lake, Orlando. It was once known as Discovery Island, a former Disney theme park that closed in 1999.
A secret abandoned Disney island
The island has remained inaccessible for almost 20 years, with no entry allowed for visitors or staff. It’s widely believed that the park was abandoned and intentionally left to rot.
Country Bear Jamboree
The Country Bear Jamboree at Disneyland is said to have been built on an old cemetery, causing ghosts to haunt the site. Visitors have reported eerie noises and movements, claiming them to be restless spirits.
Country Bear Jamboree
Aside from the ghost rumors, critics found the characters on the show "offensive," leading to Disney closing attraction in 2024. The show first debuted in 1971 in Magic Kingdom's Frontierland, and it was deemed unique at the time.
Disneyland’s underground tunnels
Disney theme parks, including Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in Florida, have a large utilidor system of tunnels. Employees, or "cast members," use them to maintain the magical illusion for guests.
Iwerks & Co., The Imagineering Story (2019)
Disneyland’s underground tunnels
The system was originally built for the Magic Kingdom, with a smaller version under Epcot's Future World and Tomorrowland at Disneyland. Cast members continue to use the tunnels today.
Iwerks & Co., The Imagineering Story (2019)
Matterhorn Mountain’s basketball court
In the highest point of Disneyland's Matterhorn structure, there is a small basketball setup in an attic-style area. This area is not a complete half-court, however, the phrase "basketball court" is used casually.
Matterhorn Mountain’s basketball court
The rumor is that the basketball court was installed to get around height restrictions, but some investigations report that this was not true. Some people claim that the basketball court is still intact today.
Real ghosts of Disney’s Haunted Mansion
Legend has it that Disney Parks' Haunted Mansion houses real ghosts. Guests and cast members have experienced weird sightings, mysterious sounds, and cold spots. There have also been reports of a weeping boy ghost and deceased loved ones who haunt the site due to visitors secretly spreading ashes.
Real ghosts of Disney’s Haunted Mansion
According to some past and current Disney park cast members, finding and removing human ashes is an undisclosed part of their job. While they find it unpleasant, some families see it as an emotional and healing tribute.
Disney - Haunted Mansion, Flickr
“Small World” dolls come alive
At night, Disney's "It's A Small World" transforms into a nightmare-like scene as animatronics continue moving in the dark. A TikTok video with 3.7 million views reveals the dolls' unsettling silent movements.
“Small World” dolls come alive
A former cast member commented that the “It's A Small World” dolls are not the only animatronics to stay turned on during power outages. “I used to work there—all the rides are like this. I used to get off work at 3 am and walk through the park to go home and it was very eerie."
Tom Sawyer Island treasure
Tom Sawyer Island at Disneyland is riddled with a legend that says real pirates once buried treasure somewhere in the area. Some people still believe the treasure is hidden there.
Tom Sawyer Island treasure
Today, Tom Sawyer Island exists in both Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Tokyo Disneyland in Japan. Up until now, nobody who visited or worked at the locations has reported discovering any sort of treasure.
Cinderella Castle has an apartment
Cinderella's Castle in Walt Disney World Resort is open to all visitors, but only the luckiest fans have the opportunity to stay in the luxurious Cinderella Suite. The suite is located on top of the clock tower and offers views of the park from the top of the castle.
Cinderella Castle has an apartment
Reservations for the Cinderella Suite are not open to the public. In fact, Disney has rejected $40,000 offers for a single night before. Previously accessible by invitation only, the suite now has limited availability for rare promotions.
Cursed water at River Country
Disney's River Country, the first water park at Walt Disney World opened in 1976 and closed in 2001. Due to mysterious illnesses and accidents including deaths from brain-eating parasites and drownings, a myth that the water was cursed began to circulate.
Cursed water at River Country
River Country officially closed due to safety regulations and competition. Today, the water park remains abandoned and rotting—but the myth of the cursed water keeps the curiosity and interest of Disney fans alive today.
Animal Kingdom’s lost section
Disney's Animal Kingdom was a major undertaking for Disney and included plans for a luxury hotel. It’s rumored that the park was originally set to include Beastly Kingdom, a section featuring mythical creatures.
Dave & Margie Hill / Kleerup, Flickr
Animal Kingdom’s lost section
The section didn't get built largely because of budget reductions. It was quickly replaced with Camp Minnie-Mickey, a zone primarily purposed for meet-and-greets and interacting with characters.
A hidden area inside Spaceship Earth
According to some park goers, a hidden lounge can be found within Spaceship Earth. This exclusive VIP area is located right above the post-show space. Throughout the years, it has been utilized by corporate sponsors for relaxation and meetings.
A hidden area inside Spaceship Earth
Today, Spaceship Earth provides a stunning backdrop for weddings. According to some sources, the hidden lounge inside the geodesic sphere may serve as a reception venue for special events.
Penny press at your own risk
Many Disney Parks fans believe in the “Penny Press Curse,” a legend where using penny press machines at the parks for souvenir pressed pennies brings bad luck.
Penny press at your own risk
Despite the superstition, many park goers still seek the penny press machines. After all, penny presses represent a century-old tradition—and they’re a fun and budget-friendly way to keep a souvenir.
Walt’s last ride on Earth
The Disneyland version of Pirates of the Caribbean opened on March 18, 1967. It’s reportedly the last ride Walt Disney himself worked on before his death. Originally intended as a wax museum, the success of the boat ride concept at the 1964 World's Fair led to its development.
Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
Walt’s last ride on Earth
Walt never got to see the ride, or the opening of his next biggest project: Walt Disney World. Still, Walt Disney World quickly became one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions, and it remains to be a top vacation destination today.
Bibliothèque nationale de France, Picryl
Debbie Stone’s tragic day
Debbie Stone, an 18-year-old Disneyland cast member in 1974, tragically died while working as a hostess on the 'America Sings' ride. According to reports, she was crushed between the stage and auditorium after moving too close to a spinning wall.
Debbie Stone’s tragic day
Stone was declared dead at 11 p.m. while the carousel was being prepared for a new round. An audience member heard Stone's shouts and informed park employees. Others thought it was just a part of the performance. By the time they reached her, the teenager had succumbed to her injuries.
George The Ghost
Cast members at the Pirates ride often talk about George, believed to be the ghost of a past park worker who died while setting up the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Cast members are superstitious about him, believing that he can disrupt the ride if they don't acknowledge him.
George The Ghost
Though there is no record of any construction worker who died during the construction of the ride, many people (including cast members) still believe in the tale, given that many news stories were covered-up back in the day.
Club 33
For years, rumors swirled about a mysterious secret in Disneyland's New Orleans Square called Club 33. Initially thought to be an exclusive club for the wealthy and powerful, it was even rumored to be a secret meeting place for sinister activities.
Club 21
Disney has since clarified that Club 33 is not as exclusive as once believed—but this only led to the creation of new myths about a non-existent Club 21 at Disney World.
“Andy’s coming”
A myth spread that yelling "Andy's coming" makes the Disney characters from >Toy Story fall limp. While it may have happened informally, Disney had to stop it for safety reasons.
“Andy’s coming”
Performers are not banned from having fun, but safety comes first. Also, stunt falls are not part of their training—despite the large, soft costumes, they are not designed to take sudden falls and are difficult to get up in.
A collapsible Cinderella Castle
Rumor has it that the Cinderella castle at Disney World's Magic Kingdom can be dismantled in case of a severe storm. However, this is just a myth, with no evidence to support it.
A collapsible Cinderella Castle
Disney has said, however, that the castle is designed to withstand strong winds. The main structure of the Magic Kingdom is constructed of gypsum, plaster, and fiberglass. No part of the castle, including the spires, requires removal during a hurricane.
Iwerks & Co., The Imagineering Story (2019)
Skyway scandal
Disneyland and Disney World both had Skyway rides, gondola-style lifts, providing views of the parks. Tragically, individuals have died by suicide or survived attempts in the park by jumping out of moving vehicles. In 1994, a man fell from a gondola, and admitted to purposely leaping.
Skyway scandal
Despite rumors that the attractions were closed due to fatal incidents, the closures were actually due to safety regulations and pre-planned discontinuation, not specific accidents.
