Ex-Disney worker shares park secrets – from hidden tunnels to Walt’s last dream

A former Disney Imagineer – someone who designs and constructs the theme parks – has thrown open the door on some of Disney World’s magical secrets.

Now, anyone who is a fan of the Florida parks knows that there’s plenty more than meets the eye at the happiest place on earth.

From hidden props on Main Street to the smells pumped out around the theme parks you could spend the whole day hunting down little quirks.

But, now a park designer who worked at Walt Disney World for eight years has shared some of her favourite secrets with Insider.

Hidden tunnels

Firstly, it’s true that there are lots of hidden “tunnels” under the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

But, it turns out that they’re not actually underground because the entire park actually sits on the second floor of the property – with the tunnels being the first.

Known as “utilisers” the tunnels allow employees, characters and merch to be moved around as well as rubbish and food to be transferred and collected. Using tunnels means the magic isn’t broken by staff lugging dustbins around or characters removing their heads!

You can take a tour of the tunnel system by buying a Keys to the Kingdom tour for $99.

Walt’s last dream

Before the famous Disney founder passed away he started work on Epcot – also known as Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.

But, apparently, it wasn’t meant to be just a theme park.

The imagineer explained that Walt wanted to build a fully functioning community inside an air-conditioned dome to show how people could live an “ideal way of life”.

The residents would use all the latest tech for fun, transport, markets and housing.

Sadly, when Walt died in 1966 the idea was scrapped.

Rides are 66-years-old

The ex-worker explained that all of Disneyland California’s opening day rides are still being used 66 years after first being used.

The secondary park was built in 1955 and you can still hop on original rides like the Jungle Cruise, Autopia and Snow White’s Scary Adventures.

The oldest ride at Disney World Florida is the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel because it was originally built by The Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1917 before moving to the Magic Kingdom in 1971.

Cool.

What’s your favourite Disney park? Tell us in the comments…

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