Disney Fun Facts #2

Here are another Top 5 Disney facts that you may not know about.

• The Loss of Mothers

Lots of early Disney films are a mother-free zone: The Jungle Book, Pinocchio, and Bambi. It’s been suggested that this was because of their creator’s guilt over the death of his own mother in 1938. Fresh from the success of Snow White, he had bought a home for his parents, but tragically a faulty heating system led to Flora Disney’s death from carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Character Rules

The rules for those playing theme park characters include never using the word ‘no’ (not sure that would stand up in court), never breaking character or sitting down and never pointing out a direction with a single finger, which is considered rude.

• Do You Smell That?

The theme parks use a patented ‘Smellitzer’ device designed to pump certain scents around. Whether it’s a waft of sea salt in Pirates of the Caribbean, or vanilla in Main Street, your senses are constantly being played.

• Feeling Like a Princess

If you’re into exclusivity, and already a paid-up Club 33 member, why not try a night in Cinderella’s castle in Florida? A swish 650 ft apartment can be accessed by a secret lift, but unless you’re Hollywood royalty it’s unlikely you’ll be given directions, and no amount of money can buy your way in.

• Size Doesn’t Matter

Although Disneyland was the first Disney theme park to be built within a year, it’s size is pretty small compared to the Disney park in Florida. Disneyland Park consists of eight themed “lands” and a number of concealed backstage areas and occupies approximately 85 acres (expanding to about 100 acres with the addition of the Star Wars-themed Galaxy’s Edge). Disneyworld, on the other hand, is about the same size as San Francisco. I think they’re compensating for something.