The Most Unbelievable Parts of Disney History

What comes to mind when we say the Disney Company? Oscar-winning animated films and shorts? Incredible theme parks full of rides and family memories? Cool merchandise?

While all of those things are certainly part of the Disney Company and Disney history, there are also some seriously unbelievable things that have been part of Disney history over the years. We’re talking about heels sinking into the pavement at one of the Disney theme parks, Disney-made war propaganda films(?!), and much more.

Ready to be amazed and maybe confused at some of the most unbelievable parts of Disney history? Then read on!

1 — Heels Literally SINKING into the Ground on Disneyland’s Opening Day

Walt Disney opened his first theme park, Disneyland, in California back in 1955. While Disney’s parks are now known for their customer service and clean appearance, things didn’t exactly go smoothly on Disneyland’s opening day. In fact, things went so wrong that the date has been referred to as “Black Sunday.”

The Associated Press even noted, “Probably for the first time in his career, Disney disappointed thousands of youngsters.”

What happened on Disneyland’s opening day that was so bad? Though the opening day was meant to be an invite-only event with approximately 15,000 people, counterfeit tickets were easy to make and almost 30,000 people showed up!

Disneyland quickly ran out of everything from food to napkins. On top of that, a plumber’s strike forced Walt to choose between creating bathrooms or water fountains for the opening day. Walt (smartly) went with bathrooms, but that forced guests to purchase drinks (which eventually ran out) instead of drinking water for free, and people accused Walt of trying to make a bigger profit.

But perhaps the most unbelievable thing is that due to the tight timeline for Disneyland’s construction, the asphalt for Main Street, U.S.A. wasn’t poured until the night before the park’s grand opening! California was experiencing some extreme heat at the time, so the asphalt didn’t have time to set and harden. As people walked toward the Castle, they literally were SINKING into the ground. 

Ultimately, things worked out but it certainly goes down in history as one of the most unbelievable parts of Disney history. That’s particularly true since Walt essentially asked his team to build Disneyland in a year. Nowadays, it can take 3 years (or more) just to build a single land!

Click here to see more about what happened on Black Sunday.

2 — Strange Historical Events That Happen to Have Taken Place in Disney World

Strange Disney history is one thing, but what’s even more unique is when special events in history take place AT a Disney park or resort — combining the history from the outside world to the history of the most magical or happiest places on earth.

For example, did you know that President Richard Nixon gave his famous “I’m Not a Crook” speech at…Disney’s Contemporary Resort?! It’s true!

Love The Beatles? Well, did you know that The Beatles also were formally dissolved in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort? That’s where John Lennon signed the papers to end the incredibly popular group.

Enjoy munching on Doritos? Well, you have Disneyland to thank for that! Seriously, some strange but incredibly historical things have taken place at Disney parks and hotels over the years. Who knows what historical events will take place at these magical spots in the future!

Click here to see some of the historical things that have taken place in Disney.

3 — Not Your Typical Souvenirs

If you’ve been to a Disney theme park, you’ve inevitably walked through a gift shop (or 2, or 20) during your time there. You’re probably very familiar with all of the standard merchandise you can find in the parks — spirit jerseys, mugs, etc. But, there were all kinds of unique items that used to be sold in the Disney parks, especially in Disneyland!

Back in 1955, you could stop by the Wurlitzer Music Hall on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland to hear pianos and organs demonstrated, and even pick up some rolls for your own piano! Nothing says “I went to Disneyland” like a roll for your player piano?

Back in the early days of Disneyland, you could also buy intimate apparel in the park at the Wizard of Bras, or pick up hand-carved pipes and a signature tobacco blend at the tobacco shop. On the hunt for an antique candlestick? You could have gotten that too at a Disneyland shop which featured antique dolls and more.

But Disneyland wasn’t the only place with unique merchandise. At the old Pleasure Island in Disney World, there was a Jessica Rabbit shop with a Vegas-style neon sign on top, complete with a swinging leg for Jessica!

The shop sold lingerie, as well as Roger and Jessica Rabbit themed items. Now, that must have been quite the interesting sight! It’s certainly a far cry from the family-friendly environment that now is Disney Springs.

Click here to see some of the most controversial attractions in Disney World!

4 — Things That Disney Just Totally Abandoned

Sometimes even the best plans can get derailed in the Disney parks. Attraction opening timelines may be delayed, projects may be indefinitely paused, or things may close. That’s not really unbelievable. What IS unbelievable is when Disney builds something and then abandons it entirely, or closes an attraction and then abandons it and allows it to just sit there and slowly be taken over by its surroundings.

That’s exactly what has happened with a few of Disney’s projects.

The most famous example is probably Discovery Island. This nature area was a separate ticketed experience located on an island in the middle of Bay Lake. Guests could stop by to see flamingos, alligators, a bird sanctuary, and more. But, the opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and poor attendance at Discovery Island caused this experience to close. While the animals were generally relocated, buildings, structures, signs, and more that had been used on the island were all simply left there, totally abandoned!

The situation was similar for River Country, Disney World’s first water park. The impact of 9/11 coupled with the opening of Disney’s new water parks caused River Country to ultimately close. But, rather than demolish the area, the slides and pools were left to simply sit and get overtaken by leaves, weeds, and trees. Later, however, Disney did start to demolish the area as it is now set to become a new hotel.

The Legendary Years section of Disney’s Pop Century Resort is another example of unbelievable things that have just been left behind. The Pop Century we know now was previously set to feature more buildings themed to different years. The main lobby for this “Legendary Years” section, as well as some of the other hotel buildings, were even built!

But, following the September 11th attacks, the entire construction of Pop Century was put on hold. While the Classic Years part ultimately opened, the Legendary Years buildings simply sat there, abandoned.

Eventually, that space became Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, but for years, guests could look across the lake and see the shell of what could have been.

Click here to learn more about what the Legendary Years could have been! 

5 — The Tomorrowland Cabanas

Disney World can be VERY crowded. During a trip, you may find yourself waiting in long lines to get on your favorite attractions, waiting in lines to get food, or just trying to avoid getting stuck in the sea of people walking around certain areas of the park. What if you could have a private space in the park that’s a little bubble of space made just for you? A space with charging stations, sunscreen, snacks, water, lockable storage, and enough space for 8 people? Sounds pretty nice right?

Well, that was the idea behind the Tomorrowland Cabanas. Yeah, forget those pool cabanas, it’s all about in-park cabanas now (or, at least, it WAS)! While the idea itself isn’t necessarily bad, there were a few big problems with these cabanas.

First, they were…well, frankly a giant eyesore. Essentially, from the outside, these things looked like hideous white temporary tents. Definitely not the prettiest sight to see in the Most Magical Place on Earth.

Second, these cabanas were EXPENSIVE. We’re talking $691 (plus tax) for a day’s rental. That’s a hefty amount of cash to spend just to sit in a cabana. Ultimately, the use of these cabanas were discontinued, so you can’t live out your luxury dreams in Tomorrowland right now. You’ll have to just settle with an umbrella for shade and your own drinks and snacks!

Click here to see 16 things you can’t do at Disney World anymore!

6 — Auditioning for American Idol as a Disney World Attraction

Ever dreamed of being on American Idol? You might be familiar with the show and its audition process, but you could have started your American Idol career in a very unique way by auditioning through a Disney World attraction!

The American Idol Experience was an attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios where ordinary guests could audition to perform in front of hundreds of audience members made up of the day’s park goers. After a series of auditions, 3 individuals would be selected for each show.

After the 3 performed in front of the live audience, 1 would be selected to have the chance to compete in a finale show that day. The winner of the finale would then get a “Dream Ticket” which allows the holder to make a reservation to audition in the initial public round of auditions for the real American Idol show. Talk about turning your dreams into a potential reality at a magical place!

Click here to read one person’s story about their experience auditioning for the American Idol Experience!

7 — Movies Were Made in a Disney World Theme Park

Right now, Hollywood Studios is a bit of a mixture of old Hollywood, Star Wars, Toy Story, classic movies like Indiana Jones, the Muppets, and more. The park is known for its thrill rides as well as its family-friendly attractions and shows. But, the version we see of Disney’s Hollywood Studios now looks nothing like it did back when the park opened.

Back in the day, what was then called Disney MGM-Studios actually was a functioning studio. Movies and shows like Ernest Saves Christmas, MTV’s Remote Control, and more were actually filmed AT Hollywood Studios.

But live-action shows and movies weren’t the only things created here. Disney MGM-Studios also featured a working branch of Disney Animation Studios.  Lilo & Stitch, Brother Bear, and Mulan were actually animated in MGM Studios.

Considering the focus the park now has providing entertainment to guests via shows and attractions, it is interesting to think of the park’s origins and how it was originally meant to be and sort-of did function (in a small way) as a true movie studio.

Click here to see more about how Hollywood Studios has changed over the years!

8 — Those Are REAL Celebrity Handprints in Hollywood Studios

If you’ve walked into Disney’s Hollywood Studios, odds are you’ve walked past or right up to the recreation of Grauman’s Chinese Theater, which now houses Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. In front of the Chinese Theater, you’ll find handprints and footprints belonging to various celebrities.

You may have totally walked past this area, taking those handprints and footprints for granted. “This is a theme park,” you may have said to yourself. “Surely, those are fake or just recreations.” But, that’s actually not the case!

Again, Disney’s Hollywood Studios was originally intended to be a functioning studio, so Disney initially had a “Star Today” program in place. This was a special event where a celebrity would appear in the park, participate in a motorcade, and take part in a handprint ceremony. Their handprints would then be placed out for everyone to enjoy in front of the theater.

The first “Star Today” was actually Annette Funicello (an original Mouseketeer). Those who love Star Wars can check out the imprints of George Lucas, Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, and even those fabulous droids — C-3PO and R2-D2!

You’ll also see prints of Jim Henson, Kermit the Frog, Michael Jackson, Samuel L. Jackson, and much more. It’s a small detail that’s totally taken for granted. So, the next time you’re in the park, be sure to stop and see what famous celebrity handprints you find!

Click here to learn more about the theater handprints!

9 — What it Really Took to Make Snow White

Over the years, the Disney company has amassed a substantial amount of financial success from its movies, theme parks, merchandise, and more.

But, back when Walt was making the first feature-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, things weren’t quite how they are today. The Disney company didn’t have the financial means it has today to spend thousands or millions (even billions) on attractions and movies.

As one museum curator who spoke with ABC 7 News shared, at one point Walt even had to mortgage his house to keep making the film!

Of course, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs went on to be an incredible success and the true launching point for the fantastic animated films that were to follow.

But still, it’s incredible to think of a version of Walt Disney (and the company) that had to turn to mortgaging a home to get enough money to make a film. It’s vastly different than the behemoth of a company we know today.

Click here to see 5 moments that changed Diseny history forever!

10 — Military Propaganda Films

When you think of World War II, Disney probably doesn’t come to mind. But, Disney actually worked on military propaganda films during World War II.

According to D23, after the Pearl Harbor attacks, the military moved onto the Disney Studio lot in Burbank, California. The military used the soundstage and other areas to do maintenance on their vehicles and store ammunition. But, the military also turned to Disney for war propaganda and training materials. 

For the duration of WWII, 93% of Disney’s output was actually related in some way to the war. The training films didn’t feature your typical Disney characters, but mainly used graphics, maps, and simple animation.

But, to entertain those at home, Disney did create cartoons showing Disney characters going to war. During this time, cartoons like Donald Gets Drafted, The Old Army Game, and Private Pluto were all created. Disney also created films for agencies like the Treasury Department.

D23 notes that Walt even “had his artists design 1,200 insignias for military units at no charge to the units. Many ships, planes, and the jackets of soldiers featured decals and patches with illustrations of Donald Duck, Pluto, and other characters.”

It might be a bit strange to think of seeing Disney characters going off to war or picturing over 90% of the studio’s content to be focused on war-based materials, but that is very telling of the period of history the company was living through.

Click here to see eight movies you’ll never see on Disney+.

And that’s a look at just SOME of the most unbelievable parts of Disney history (there’s more where that came from). What unbelievable things will become part of Disney history over the next 10, 20, or 100 years? Only time will tell!

What do you think are some of the most unbelievable parts of Disney history? Tell us in the comments!

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