Forgotten Things to Do at Disneyland - Part 1

What's the first thing you want to do when you visit Disneyland? Me -- Space Mountain! What happens if you are lucky enough to go for a 2-3 day stay? Or if this is your 100th visit? There are some really cool things to check out, off the beaten path. These make great photo ops for your scrapbook or instagram as well because there aren't typically any crowds at these unique "forgotten" spots within the park. Now this is for Disneyland Anaheim, Walt's park. (WDW is Roy's park, since he took over after Walt's passing).

Climb into a classic chassis and sit back and relax as you are transported from one end of Main Street, U.S.A. to the other. Vintage vehicles include: 

• Horse-Drawn Street Car, an old-fashioned trolley pulled by a horse 
• Jitney, an early automobile without a roof 
• Fire Engine, a replica of the very first fire trucks 
• Omnibus, a gas-powered, open-air 2-story bus 

Where to Board
There are 2 stops in Disneyland park: 

• Town Square near City Hall 
• Central Plaza in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle 

Each trip is one-way. Main Street Vehicles close intermittently to accommodate parade performances and may only be available earlier in the day.

Sleeping Beauty’s Castle Walk-through features scenes that are brought to life with special effects. I suggest going first thing in the morning. You can see the VIDEO HERE.

Step into the Story and explore winding passageways where the epic tale of Princess Aurora is told through spellbinding dioramas.

Inspired by the film’s original Eyvind Earle artwork, this iconic attraction features 3-dimensional displays, sound and stunning special effects. Don’t miss the climactic final scene, when Maleficent transforms into a fire-breathing dragon.

Inspired by Neuschwanstein castle in Bavaria, Sleeping Beauty Castle opened on July 17, 1955, along with Disneyland Park. Guests could not actually walk through the castle’s interior until 1957.

The drawbridge has only been lowered twice—once at the opening of the park in 1955 and again in 1983 at the rededication of Fantasyland.

Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough may close to accommodate fireworks performances.

Adjacent to Sleeping Beauty's Castle is Snow White's grotto, comprised of statues of Snow White, the seven dwarves, and a few woodland creatures. Snow White is standing at the top of a cascading waterfall. There is a bridge and walkway in front of the waterfall and a wishing well (the proceeds of which go to local children's charities). The statues were donated anonymously to Walt Disney, and he was determined to incorporate them into the park.

Singing was added to the grotto inside the wishing well in 1984 with the opening of new Fantasyland, and it is the voice of Adriana Caselotti, the original voice of Snow White. She sings the song "I'm Wishing" whenever anyone throws a coin into the well.

The Disney Gallery is located on Main Street, U.S.A. See seasonal art exhibits showcasing attractions and icons from Disney parks around the world. Explore Disney-inspired art by contemporary artists—plus historic and rare theme park concept renderings, models and memorabilia.

To the left of the castle is Fantasy Faire where you can step into a quaint medieval square and spend some time with beloved Characters, enjoy a charming show or just shop and snack like royalty.

Saturday Night put some pep in your step and dust off those dancing shoes! As a glorious band plays on stage, couples in dapper duds show off fancy footwork. Bring your best Swing, Shag, Hop, Jive and Jitterbug—or just have fun checking out the haps.

Royal Hall in Fantasy Faire is home to Disney Princesses from some of your favorite fairytales. Each Princess receives guests in her own special nook amidst magnificent surroundings and resplendent décor.

You can pose for photos, collect autographs and “hold court” with up to 3 of the world’s best-loved Disney Princesses at any given time. It’s a fairytale come true!

Fairy Tale Treasures Shop located in Fantasyland. Enter an enchanting storybook world brimming with royal apparel, toys and merchandise inspired by Frozen, Elena of Avalor and other favorite Disney Princesses.

Main Street Cinema located on Main Street, U.S.A. Venture inside a vintage movie palace for a screening of some of Walt Disney’s earliest animated films.

Classic Cartoons on the Silver Screen. Step under the elegant Victorian-era marquee and into yesteryear. Watch some of Walt Disney’s first animated efforts, playing throughout the day on 6 separate movie screens. 

It’s a nostalgic journey back to the beginning of Disney animation!
Starring Mickey Mouse and a familiar roster of beloved Disney characters, the cartoons include: 

• Steamboat Willie, 1928 
• Plane Crazy, 1928 
• The Moose Hunt, 1931 
• Traffic Troubles, 1931 
• The Dognapper, 1934 
• Mickey’s Polo Team, 1936 

Each short is 6 to 8 minutes long and originally aired before a full-length feature film.

Steamboat Willie is the short that made Mickey Mouse a star—and introduced the world to synchronized sound! Directed by Walt Disney and featuring his voice in the role of Mickey Mouse, Steamboat Willie was a huge hit when it premiered.

Following its success, synchronized sound effects became the new standard for all animated films and shorts.

Look at the character “turning” the popcorn maker on each cart. Every Land has a different one!