Your BEST WDW theme park secret! Part II

[Hootch]

prizes are selected at random so there are no secrets. Go and enjoy there are more secrets and mysteries if you just look around.

We usually do CRT for our daughter. This past trip I took my son to DAK for a little boy time. When we got to the MK for the ADR there was a little time to play around. My wife and daughter were riding the carousel while I took some video. A little later my son was pulling on the sword in the stone as a pose. He pulled the sword out (it does not come all of the way out) and was given a magical moment certificate. He was able to pull the sword out because he "believed in magic". It made his day and made lunch a lot more bearable.

 

[mmkk]

First let me say that this 240+ page thread was awesome. I have read it all at work over the last week. We leave for Disney Saturdsay morning!!!! I know sooooo much more about disney than I knew before from my previous 11 trips.

I was hoping someone might have some secrets about the year of a million dreams giveaways. Has anyone ever been picked? Do the castmembers who award these prizes stick out in anyway? Anything that might help would be awesome. TYIA

PS

We are wanting to have a baby and could think of nothing more magical than creating our first bundle of magic and joy than in Cinderella's castle. I know it is a billion to one shot, but hey its worth a try to get picked.

There's a whole other thread for YOAMD stuff! It gives me goose bumps to read some of the magical experiences people have had. Check it out!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1233267

And once again, Deb, TY for doing such a fantastic job! I will probably be e-mailing you closer to Dec. again for an updated list!

 

[JRDMAN]

First let me say that this 240+ page thread was awesome. I have read it all at work over the last week. We leave for Disney Saturdsay morning!!!! I know sooooo much more about disney than I knew before from my previous 11 trips.

I was hoping someone might have some secrets about the year of a million dreams giveaways. Has anyone ever been picked? Do the castmembers who award these prizes stick out in anyway? Anything that might help would be awesome. TYIA

PS

We are wanting to have a baby and could think of nothing more magical than creating our first bundle of magic and joy than in Cinderella's castle. I know it is a billion to one shot, but hey its worth a try to get picked.

Year of Million Dreams -- anyone else get something yet...
I'm not sure if this link will work...but this is a cool thread and will answer any questions you might have about the dreams give aways.
Good luck and lots of pixie dust your way

 

[Dcanoli]

Hi All! Anita Answer from Allears just posted these "secrets." I thought I would add them to our thread!

Brandy writes:

Hi Anita! We're huge fans of yours. Thank you for all the information you provide every week. Even veteran visitors like us learn something new!

My question deals with the license plates on the cars at the Sci-Fi Dine In
Theater at Hollywood Studios. Knowing that the Imagineers are a very creative group of people and never just put something somewhere without a reason, I am curious if there is any significance to the numbers and letters on the license plates on each car. We do know they are all different. Thanks so much!

Hi Brandy!

You're very observant! The numbers and letters on the Sci-Fi Dine In cars' license plates are indeed significant. They are the initials and birth dates of the Imagineers who worked on the restaurant. Also in the Studios, you can find similar initials and dates on the license plates on the cars in the San Francisco backdrop at the back of the Streets of America, as well as on the baskets that move overhead on a track in Star Tours' queue.

Another significant license plate can be found in the "underworld" scene in the Great Movie Ride. On the car on the right side of the set, the numbers on the plate say "021-429" or 02/14/29, representing the date of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre -- the day of the infamous Al Capone/Bugs Moran gang war in Chicago.

 

[WeatherbySwann]

Thanks for keeping us updated! I usually read Anita Answer but didn't get a chance to this week. Thanks!

 

[Dcanoli]

Thanks for keeping us updated! I usually read Anita Answer but didn't get a chance to this week. Thanks!

No problem Swann!

I forgot you were on this thread too!

 

[Dcanoli]

New one from Jack over at Allearsnet.com:

There are three pairs of lions in the China Pavilion at Epcot. One pair stands guard in front of the House of Whispering Willows (the museum).

The other two pairs can be found near the entrances to the Yong Feng Shangdian shop.

The lion is regarded as a special creature to the Chinese people as it was thought to be the king of all animals. The lion represented prestige and power and was often associated with an individual’s rank. These lions are often placed in front of gates or doorways as they were believed to have mystic and protective powers.

Although the lions look like they’re both male due to their bushy manes, but if fact, one is female. Look closely at their paws. The male has a ball underneath his right paw and the female has a lion cub under her left paw. The ball represents unity of the empire and the cub symbolizes prospering offspring.

On a different note…

To see the “Reflections of China” movie, guests walk through Disney’s version of the Temple of Heaven.

Most guests pause briefly and admire the magnificent ceiling before proceeding on to the waiting room.

But in case you didn’t already know, you can have a little fun in this room.

Now say something out loud. For example, you can say, “Allears.net is the best Disney web-site in the World.”

Now, move to the center stone.

Once again, say something out load. For instance, “And I read it faithfully everyday.”

Your friends and family won’t know what just happened, but you will.

To see the pictures that accompanied Jack's blog, visit the link below:

http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2008/10/china_pavilion_fun.html

 

[AuroraBorealis]

Bump because this is an awesome thread!

 

[chasegoestodisney]

Dcanoli, I am too new and unable to email. Could you please email me the word document as well. Thanks in advance for all the time you have spent putting this list together.

Do I need to forward my email to you? Thanks again.

Next trip to Disney.....11/20 to 11/26 @ the FWLV!!!! Bringing our 6 month old boy for his 2nd visit.....(we didn't know he was with us until we got home! Terrific surprise though!)

Any suggestions on DW w/ a baby???

 

[pampam]

New one from Jack over at Allearsnet.com:

There are three pairs of lions in the China Pavilion at Epcot. One pair stands guard in front of the House of Whispering Willows (the museum).

The other two pairs can be found near the entrances to the Yong Feng Shangdian shop.

The lion is regarded as a special creature to the Chinese people as it was thought to be the king of all animals. The lion represented prestige and power and was often associated with an individual’s rank. These lions are often placed in front of gates or doorways as they were believed to have mystic and protective powers.

Although the lions look like they’re both male due to their bushy manes, but if fact, one is female. Look closely at their paws. The male has a ball underneath his right paw and the female has a lion cub under her left paw. The ball represents unity of the empire and the cub symbolizes prospering offspring.

On a different note…

To see the “Reflections of China” movie, guests walk through Disney’s version of the Temple of Heaven.

Most guests pause briefly and admire the magnificent ceiling before proceeding on to the waiting room.

But in case you didn’t already know, you can have a little fun in this room.

Now say something out loud. For example, you can say, “Allears.net is the best Disney web-site in the World.”

Now, move to the center stone.

Once again, say something out load. For instance, “And I read it faithfully everyday.”

Your friends and family won’t know what just happened, but you will.

To see the pictures that accompanied Jack's blog, visit the link below:

http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2008/10/china_pavilion_fun.html

So, what happens?

 

[Dcanoli]

From Anita Answers (I already added this info into our main document):

Here is my question. When I was at Epcot recently, I noticed there was a rather large wooden ship with sails moored behind the stage of the American Gardens Theater. I don't remember seeing it before, but I guess it has been there a while because it is even on the Epcot maps. What is this ship used for? Thanks & Happy Holidays!

Hi Whitney!

The ship is called "Golden Dream" and it isn't actually used for anything; it's simply a part of the American Adventure's set.

Golden Dream is a re-creation of an 18th century Virginia Sloop, and was built in 1993 by Dering Design. It was damaged in 2004 by Hurricane Charley, but was repaired and restored to its place on Epcot's World Showcase Lagoon and re-dedicated in 2006. It comes and goes depending on necessary maintenance, so you may have missed it on previous trips. It was most recently absent last summer, but returned in September 2008. Golden Dream gets its name from the finale song of the American Adventure, "Golden Dream," written by Randy Bright and Bob Moline.

The Golden Dream happens to be one of my most favorite "hidden treasures" at Walt Disney World, so thanks for asking about it!

 

[GorshGoofy]

From Anita Answers (I already added this info into our main document):

Here is my question. When I was at Epcot recently, I noticed there was a rather large wooden ship with sails moored behind the stage of the American Gardens Theater. I don't remember seeing it before, but I guess it has been there a while because it is even on the Epcot maps. What is this ship used for? Thanks & Happy Holidays!

Hi Whitney!

The ship is called "Golden Dream" and it isn't actually used for anything; it's simply a part of the American Adventure's set.

Golden Dream is a re-creation of an 18th century Virginia Sloop, and was built in 1993 by Dering Design. It was damaged in 2004 by Hurricane Charley, but was repaired and restored to its place on Epcot's World Showcase Lagoon and re-dedicated in 2006. It comes and goes depending on necessary maintenance, so you may have missed it on previous trips. It was most recently absent last summer, but returned in September 2008. Golden Dream gets its name from the finale song of the American Adventure, "Golden Dream," written by Randy Bright and Bob Moline.

The Golden Dream happens to be one of my most favorite "hidden treasures" at Walt Disney World, so thanks for asking about it!

I don't remember that either. Would love to see a photo!

 

[Dcanoli]

I don't remember seeing it this trip (maybe it wasn't back out yet when we were there in September), but we did see it in 2007.

My boys pointed it out, and that was the first time I'd ever remembered seeing it there.

Amazing how many things you can overlook at Disney, isn't it?

 

[PDJPrinceCharming]

For the time being, one of my favorite somewhat hidden WDW secret is the soft test run for the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure.

If you are fortunate enough to be in the U.K. near the bridge & close to the gazebo where The British Invasion performs then keep on the lookout for CM's wearing purple Team Possible shirts standing in front of an area that looks like nothing of interest. But if you go at the right time, you'll get to test out KP & I got to do it last week & I had a great time. I did France & U.K. & it was a blast. I can't wait until it opens next year.

But this is just a little tidbit to anyone in the World or going to the World before Christmas. If you go at the right time & are in the right place, just maybe you'll be able to test out KP before most of the public.

 

[Dcanoli]

I just read in the Allears newsletter that they are testing it between 2 and 5 p.m. each day.

So, maybe that will help someone out too!

 

[pampam]

New one from Jack over at Allearsnet.com:

There are three pairs of lions in the China Pavilion at Epcot. One pair stands guard in front of the House of Whispering Willows (the museum).

The other two pairs can be found near the entrances to the Yong Feng Shangdian shop.

The lion is regarded as a special creature to the Chinese people as it was thought to be the king of all animals. The lion represented prestige and power and was often associated with an individual’s rank. These lions are often placed in front of gates or doorways as they were believed to have mystic and protective powers.

Although the lions look like they’re both male due to their bushy manes, but if fact, one is female. Look closely at their paws. The male has a ball underneath his right paw and the female has a lion cub under her left paw. The ball represents unity of the empire and the cub symbolizes prospering offspring.

On a different note…

To see the “Reflections of China” movie, guests walk through Disney’s version of the Temple of Heaven.

Most guests pause briefly and admire the magnificent ceiling before proceeding on to the waiting room.

But in case you didn’t already know, you can have a little fun in this room.

Now say something out loud. For example, you can say, “Allears.net is the best Disney web-site in the World.”

Now, move to the center stone.

Once again, say something out load. For instance, “And I read it faithfully everyday.”

Your friends and family won’t know what just happened, but you will.

To see the pictures that accompanied Jack's blog, visit the link below:

http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2008/10/china_pavilion_fun.html

So again, what happens if I speak, then go into the center of the room and speak again?

 

[heatair]

So again, what happens if I speak, then go into the center of the room and speak again?

Listen carefully and you'll hear the answer. You need to start at the outside and speak there first, then go to the center.

It's amazing!

 

[PNWmom]

I found this elsewhere, hope it helps explain things.

As you enter, there are four red columns decorated in gold representing the four seasons. If you stand in the exact center of the columns and speak, the acoustics are like the actual Hall of Prayer, so you'll hear your voice echo, but your friends won't. (They'll hear their own echo, but not yours.)

 

[jasch]

I too want the document, but I am unable to email or send a private message to DCanoli, because I just signed up to this board (bummer).

My email address is jorge.asch (at) gmail.com

Thank you.

 

[Dcanoli]

I too want the document, but I am unable to email or send a private message to DCanoli, because I just signed up to this board (bummer).

My email address is jorge.asch (at) gmail.com

Thank you.

Gotcha covered! Sending it now!