Shhhhh…it’s time to talk about some secrets, and this time we’re heading to Disneyland to uncover those hidden places you might not know about.
These are those spaces where you can find some quiet time (which is sometimes MUCH needed) or those special spots where you can only get in if you qualify (or if you’re a celebrity). But we’re uncovering those Disneyland secret places right now just for you.
Observation Outpost for Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage isn’t for everyone, and for those who can’t navigate the narrow steps down into the submarine — or who don’t want to ride for some other reason, there’s a secret place you can go to watch the voyage. You just need to head to the end of the dock to the Observation Outpost.
There, you can watch a high-definition live-feed video version of the voyage via the submarine’s onboard “Subcam.”
Tomorrowland Utilidors
You’re probably familiar with the Utildors — or underground tunnels — at Magic Kingdom in Disney World, but Disneyland also has a Utilidor in Tomorrowland. The legend goes that Walt wanted a utilidor system built because he was bothered by the sight of a Cast Member dressed as a cowboy walking through Tomorrowland on the way to Frontierland. So Walt came up with the idea of the underground tunnels so that Cast Members could navigate through the lands without being seen until they were ready to be seen.
However, you’ll only find the Utilidor system in Tomorrowland in Disneyland.
Hidden picnic area
Just after you enter Disneyland Park, you’ll be looking up at Main Street Railroad Station. If you go all the way to the left, you’ll find a little hidden area with tables that have umbrellas and chairs.
This is a great secret place to go when you just need to get away from it all or just need a quiet place to enjoy a meal or snack.
Matterhorn basketball court
Yes, there really IS a basketball court inside the upper part of the Matterhorn. It’s not a regulation-sized court, but it still has a hoop and full backboard. Cast Members often used it as a break area.
Although there is a break room for Cast Members at the base of the mountain, the basketball court is still there.
Walt’s Apartment
Did you know that Walt Disney had an apartment on Main Street, U.S.A. above the Fire Station? Walt used to stay there while Disneyland was being constructed because he wanted to be on the scene during the creation of the park. His apartment is still there today, but only a select few get to actually see it.
However, if you go on the Walt’s Main Street Story Tour (which costs $160 per person), you can see this apartment for yourself. Otherwise, you can see the glow of Walt’s lamp in the window from Main Street.
Secret room at Lamplight Lounge
Lamplight Lounge in Disney California Adventure has a secret room! This room is called “The Office” and sits behind a wall, so you’ll have to be pretty lucky to get invited to dine there. It’s a dining space that fits about a dozen people, so it basically is reserved for groups.
However, you don’t need a secret membership to get into this secret room. Those who have been lucky enough to dine in it have just checked into the Lamplight Lounge as a group. You can ask if it’s available, and that could get you in, but then again, it might not.
Secret restaurants and lounges
So you probably have heard of Club 33, the UBER exclusive restaurant that you can find in Disneyland. You, too, can dine here, though if you’ve got around $35,000 to put down for a membership (and then an annual fee of around $15,000 to keep that membership). Plus there’s a LONG waitlist.
The Club 33 location in Disney California Adventure is the 1901 Lounge — you’ll find it near Carthay Circle Restaurant. The lounge is overseen by Executive Chef Andrew Sutton and has a strict dress code. You also have to be a Club 33 member just to get inside.
We bet you’ve never even heard of 21 Royal, an exclusive dining experience in New Orleans Square above Pirates of the Caribbean. Guests who get to eat here meet at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and get a VIP escort to the restaurant. Inside, they’re served signature cocktails by professional butlers in a salon and then get to have a casual reception on the patio. Later, they can explore the lounge’s other rooms.
At dinner, “a fascinating tale unfolds told through fine food and drink, making for a unique and truly magical fine dining experience” with dessert served on the private balcony, where you get a view of the Rivers of America and Fantasmic! This exclusive spot just costs $18,000 and can accommodate up to 12 people.
Secret cave on Tom Sawyer Island
There’s a cafe on Tom Sawyer Island at Pirate’s Lair that very few people seem to know about. If you find it at Dead Man’s Grotto, it’s got some cool effects and interactive elements.
Warning, though: it’s a bit dark and spooky some younger children might not like it.
So the next time you visit Disneyland, think of these secret places and check out the ones you can…and dream about the ones you can’t. And check back with AllEars for more fun Disneyland facts, news, and tips and tricks.
What secret places do you know about in Disneyland that we may have missed? Let us know in the comments!
Don’t know if it’s still there, but when I worked as a skipper on the Jungle Cruise, there was a secret eating spot just for cast members below New Orleans Square. It was an honest to goodness 50’s diner, complete with jukebox.
First, the picnic area noted is OUTSIDE the entrance to Disneyland. Unless they are referring to something different. But according to the diagram, it is outside the turnstiles, across from guest services.
Second, for the cave on the island… There are a lot of caves in the island. Maybe provide some more details so people know if they’ve actually been there or not? I know three is one with a coded message written on the wall among other things. I am assuming this is the subject cave, but can’t be sure.