Special Animatronics

One of the iconic statues of Disneyland has a special surprise.  The movement is subtle, most say because of age and fear that reconditioning the statue will destroy the effect.  In any case, the audio effects still work and are activated by reaching up to the index finger on Walt's right hand and giving it a slight tug downward.  Keep your eyes on Mickey's mouth.  Some say that when this animation was created, the whimsical imagineers created the game "pull my finger."

Almost Forgotten - Play Basketball in the Matterhorn

After you've ridden the bobsleds, you can play basketball on the recently reconditioned court.  There appears to be no single method to gain access - in this case it appears to be a special favor granted only occasionally by very select cast members.

Find Mickey's or Minnie's Stroller

In order to make finding Hidden Mickeys more of a challenge, the park, on occasion, will put out special Mickey or Minnie strollers.  The name tag will be pre-printed (not hand written).  If you find one of these strollers, look inside and take one pin.  Please take only one, and don't give away the location to other guests!  When the cast members see a crowd coming, they will move the strollers or put them away for the day.

Best View of the Park

One of the best views of Frontierland is from the observation tower on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.  To reach the secret entrance, start in the Smoking Area on the Big Thunder Trail facing the spire.  At 2 o'clock there is a tree that resembles a stack of blueberry pancakes.  Just to the right of that tree is a path that leads to a series of steps and ladders that make their way to the observation tower.  Note that this path is closed during rain.

Characters Give Away Objects They Hold

Selected cast members are given gifts before most parades.  They will carry it in their hand/paw/leg/backpack and will turn it over to the first guest who

  * Is under 18 - and this will be a snap judgment based on what they or their handler can see

  * Is wearing a hat, t-shirt, or pin with that character

  * Asks in a character appropriate way - known successful techniques include:

      - Bouncing up to Tigger with your best "Tiggers are wonderful things!"

      - Buzzing up to Winnie The Pooh as a honey bee

Operate King Triton's Carousel of the Sea

If you ask one of the Disney cast members using Pirate Talk, you may be allowed to operate the sophisticated controls.  Hard hats are a must, and no expecting or unhealthy hearts are allowed.