Hidden Disney Secrets: 10 Magical Easter Eggs You’ve Never Noticed
Introduction
Disney parks and movies are packed with hidden details, known as Easter eggs, that add an extra layer of magic for those who know where to look. These subtle nods are placed by Imagineers and animators to create a deeper experience for Disney fans. If you love discovering the hidden side of Disney, you’re in for a treat! Here are ten Disney Easter eggs you may have never noticed.
Hidden Easter Eggs in Disney Parks
1. The Haunted Mansion’s Ring – Magic Kingdom
Legend has it that a ghost bride’s wedding ring is embedded in the pavement outside the Haunted Mansion in Disney World. While originally just a leftover piece of an old attraction, Imagineers later officially placed a ring to feed the legend.
2. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride Tribute – The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Although Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride is gone from Disney World, his legacy lives on! Inside the Winnie the Pooh ride, you’ll spot a framed picture of Mr. Toad handing over the deed to Owl—an Easter egg honoring the beloved classic ride.
3. Hidden Nautilus – Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
Disney fans who remember 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea will love this one! Outside the Little Mermaid ride in Magic Kingdom, a hidden Nautilus submarine is etched into the rockwork as a nod to the classic attraction.
4. The Secret Basketball Court – Inside the Matterhorn
Tucked away inside Disneyland’s Matterhorn Bobsleds is a small break area for Cast Members that features a basketball hoop. While not a full court, this backstage space is one of Disney’s most famous hidden gems.
Hidden Easter Eggs in Disney Movies
5. Rapunzel and Flynn Rider in Frozen
Next time you watch Frozen, pay close attention during Elsa’s coronation scene. Rapunzel and Flynn Rider make a surprise appearance among the guests, subtly connecting the world of Tangled with Frozen.
6. Scar’s Dark Fate in Hercules
In Hercules, there’s a scene where the hero wears a lion’s pelt during his training. Look closely—it’s none other than Scar from The Lion King, a dark but clever reference to what may have happened to the infamous villain.
7. A113 – Pixar’s Secret Code
If you’ve ever noticed the code “A113” in Pixar films, it’s no coincidence! This number appears in nearly every Pixar movie as a tribute to the animation classroom at CalArts, where many Pixar animators studied.
8. The Pizza Planet Truck – A Pixar Tradition
From Toy Story to Finding Nemo to Brave, the Pizza Planet truck sneaks into almost every Pixar film. Keep an eye out for it, even in unexpected places like Monsters, Inc. and Wall-E!
Bonus: The Mystery of Club 33
If you’ve ever strolled through Disneyland’s New Orleans Square, you may have walked past an unassuming door marked “33.” This is the entrance to Club 33, an exclusive members-only restaurant. Spotting these secret entrances in Disney parks is a fun challenge for eagle-eyed fans!