Let’s face it: Disneyland is about as unspontaneous as you can get.

Every experience is controlled, from the ride intervals to the strips of bacon on your $12.99 bacon cheeseburger (with fries).

If you look closely enough, however, you can find bits and pieces of exuberant magic. I like to call these ‘hidden treasures’. No, not the skull-and-crossbones kind that you see across the way at Pirates of the Caribbean, but treasures nonetheless. I’ve chosen my four favorites below. Check them out.

1. Snow White Grotto and Wishing Well

This corner of Disneyland sits right between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland on a side pathway to the right of Sleeping Beauty Castle. It’s a quiet place, and couples have been known to propose to one another here next to the rustic wishing well.

The grotto comes alive at night, with jumping fountains and dancing lights that seem to light up the world. The Seven Dwarfs play nearby, represented by marble statues that seem frozen in time. It’s a nice place to pass a few minutes taking a break from the hectic pace of touring.

2. The Windows above Main Street

When the thousands of park goers that tour the resort pass through the central thoroughfare of Main Street, U.S.A., they rarely glance up at the windows, instead keeping their eyes on Sleeping Beauty Castle ahead.

However, each of the windows that adorn the upper stories of each Main Street building have a person’s name inscribed into them.

Whether an honored Imagineer like Bob Gurr, or some other esteemed Disney staffer. Every one of these names have some connection to Disney history. Next time you take a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth, make sure to look up. Can you recognize any names right off the bat? (yours truly recognized a whopping total of 3!)

3. Dole Whips

So you’re at Adventureland and just got off Indiana Jones Adventure. Suddenly, your stomach growls. So you head on over to the Bengal Barbeque to pick up a nice, meaty skewer.

But you find out it’s closed.  What gives?

In the case of this emergency situation, head on over to the entrance to Adventureland. Right next to the Enchanted Tiki Room, you’ll come upon a small, unassuming tiki shack. “Sponsored by Dole”. Hmmmm. Some misgivings are entirely normal at this stage.

You walk up and see the menu. “Fresh fruit…yogurt…juice…man, talk about rabbit food!”

But then your eyes alight on a special item: “Dole Whip”. What’s that?

The server goes to a regular soft-serve dispenser. Oh. Ice cream.

Nope, not that simple. What comes out is a delicious blend of pineapple juice, cream, ice, and sugar. Heavenly. It’s like the fireworks spectacular. It’s nirvana-in-a-cup. It’s chilled ambrosia.

It’s that good. Try one. You won’t be disappointed.

4. Former boat dock and Fantasia Gardens

A little history: way back, before this blog existed, there was a ride called the Motor Boat Cruise. Imagine Autopia with boats and you have a rough idea of what it was like.

The Motor Boat Cruise vanished into the dustbin of history a long time ago. But its remnants remain as a pleasant, shaded seating area and its waterways have since been transformed into beautiful gardens.

So grab a seat by the waterfront and treat yourself to some stunning views of Fantasia Gardens. It’s relaxing and pleasantly away from the hustle and bustle going on nearby at the Matterhorn Bobsleds.

Don’t forget your churro!

Fantasia Gardens photo from www.yesterland.com, Grotto photo from www.allears.net.

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Posted in: Did you know? • Disneyland |

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