7 Secret Places Only Cast Members Know About in Disneyland

After 70 years, it makes sense that Disneyland has some secrets — including some hidden places. Let’s talk about some of our favorites!

While Disney historians and mega fans have discovered every nook and cranny of the Disneyland Resort, they can be hard to find if you don’t know where to look. Whether you’re looking for some special experience, alone time away from the chaos of the parks, or a section of Disneyland you’ve never visited, these are some Disneyland secret places that you NEED to explore (or admire from afar)!

The Castle Walkthrough

If you’ve been to Disneyland Park a bunch, you should know this first tidbit already, but for those that don’t know: YOU CAN ACTUALLY WALK THROUGH SLEEPING BEAUTY CASTLE!

Inside, you’ll encounter moving 3D dioramas that retell the story of Princess Aurora and Sleeping Beauty. This walkthrough is usually pretty secluded and a decent getaway from the crowds and heat. Once inside, get ready for some great 3D artwork, immersive sounds, and fantastic special effects — including one of Maleficent transforming into a fire-breathing dragon!

Observation Outpost for Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage takes passengers under the water into Nemo’s world, but it’s often criticized for inducing claustrophobia. If you’re worried about feeling confined in this tight and tiny submarine but want to see what the ride’s all about, don’t worry — there’s a solution!

If you head to the end of the dock, you can visit the Observation Outpost! Here, there is a high-definition live-feed video version of the ride that’s transmitted via the submarine’s onboard “Subcam.” It’s kind of a “best of both worlds” solution.

Hidden picnic area

Just before you enter Disneyland Park, you’ll notice the massive Disneyland Esplanade, which seems largely empty — except it’s not.

On the left, you can spot a little hidden picnic area with tables that have umbrellas and chairs that is secluded thanks to walls and trees. Disneyland isn’t always rife with places to sit and enjoy meals, but this semi-hidden picnic area is awesome if you want to meet with a group or enjoy a meal before heading into the parks.

Matterhorn Basketball Court

Rumors have persisted for years, and we can confirm that YES, there really is a basketball court inside the upper part of the Matterhorn Bobsleds ride in Disneyland.

It’s not a regulation-sized court, but it still has a hoop and backboard, and it was built specifically for Cast Members on breaks. There is now a break room at the base of the mountain, but the basketball court is still there. You’ll need to be a Cast Member if you ever want to see it in person.

Secret room at Lamplight Lounge

Across the Esplanade at Disney California Adventure, Lamplight Lounge has a secret room called “The Office”! Located secretly behind a wall (as is the case with most hidden rooms), this dining space fits about a dozen people and is reserved for larger groups.

If you have a sizable group, it wouldn’t hurt to ask if you can be seated in there! It’s not guaranteed, but if you never ask, you may never know.

Secret Restaurants

To dine at Disneyland’s secret restaurants, you don’t need to be a Cast Member, but you do need to be a special member (or know the right people). Club 33 is perhaps Disneyland’s most famous exclusive restaurant, tucked away in New Orleans Square. Membership can cost more than $35,000 in initial fees and then an annual fee of around $15,000. There’s also a long waitlist.

Over at California Adventure, the 1901 Lounge near Carthay Circle Restaurant is also exclusive to Club 33 members.

And then there’s 21 Royal — an exclusive dining experience in New Orleans Square above Pirates of the Caribbean. Dining here is a VIP experience that includes signature cocktails served by professional butlers in a salon, a casual reception on the patio, and access to the lounge’s other rooms.

At dinner, you’re treated to a “truly magical fine dining experience” followed by dessert on the private balcony, which gives you great views of the Fantasmic! nighttime spectacular. Just get ready to shell out somewhere between $15,000 to $18,000 in total for your party.

A Secret Pirate Cave on Tom Sawyer Island

Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island is kind of like an elevated playground of sorts, but it’s also home to Dead Man’s Grotto and a secret cave that has tons of cool effects and some interactive elements that you’d expect to see on a ride.

It gets kind of creepy in here, and the effects can be loud, so enter at your own peril. If you do enter, make sure you stay to see the pirate transform in the moonlight!

Did you know about these spots? Let us know in the comments, and continue to follow us here at AllEars for all the latest Disneyland updates and fun facts about the resort!

9 Mistakes Disneyland First Timers Make That Have Fans Cringing

What are your favorite secret places in Disneyland? Let us know in the comments!

Post a Comment