It’s impossible to explore everything Disney World has to offer in one day. But knowing what goes on behind the scenes of Disney’s many parks and attractions would take at least a lifetime. Here are just some of the secrets behind the magical world of Disney.

Disney’s signature scent

Long before aromatherapy was a thing, Walt Disney realized the power of smells, and how they can transport you back to a time you had long forgotten.

That’s why he wanted the parks to smell like popcorn and other yummy treats that make us nostalgic for our childhood. Today’s Disneyland Imageeners have taken this to a new level with the Smellitzer. This scent-emitting machine produces specific scents – savory, sweet, salty, etc. – to complement each of the park’s many attractions.

Secret underground tunnels

Walt Disney’s precise attention to detail goes far beyond the rides and attractions. One day, he saw a cowboy walking through Tomorrowland to get back to Frontierland, and realized how guests may be disoriented at the sight of a cowboy walking through a park that was all about the future.

To make it easy for the workers and characters to move around without breaking the spell, Disney created an underground tunnel system known as the “Utilidors.”

A matter of perspective

Cinderella’s Castle looks massive when you walk through the gates of Disney World, but you may be surprised to learn that it’s not quite as large as you think. This is due to a neat little photography trick known as forced perspective.

The bottom of the castle is built with larger bricks, while the top sections are built with smaller ones. That makes the top of the castle seem far away from the bottom section, thereby making the entire castle look bigger than it really is.

The haunted apartment

While he was overseeing the construction of Disneyland, Walt stayed in a private apartment on the second floor of the firehouse on Main Street. He lived there for several months, and some people believe that he never truly left.

Shortly after his passing, an employee who was in the apartment swore that he saw the lights turning on and off by themselves. Since then, there have been numerous reports from people who claim to have seen the drapes move on their own.

The hidden suite

There are actually several hidden suites throughout Disney World, which are now used by VIP guests. One of these is right inside Cinderella’s Castle, though it wasn’t originally built for guests.

Disney meant for it to be used as a private apartment for his family so they could all stay at the park whenever they wanted. Sadly, the Disneys never had a chance to use it, but lucky guests can enjoy the luxurious furnishings, including a floor made with 24-kt gold tiles.

Frozen: the Walt Disney version

Soon after Walt Disney’s passing in 1966, there were rumors about the creator being cryogenically frozen, in spite of news reports stating that he was cremated.

Allegedly, Disney wanted to have himself frozen so that he could be brought back to life in the future. It’s believed that his body is buried in a chamber right beneath the “Pirates of the Carribean” ride. Now, there’s something to think about when you’re floating through the Grotto and hear the echo of “Dead men tell no tales!”

They’re alive!

‘It’s A Small World’ is one of the greatest ironies of the Disneyland parks. On the one hand, it’s a whimsical, kid-safe ride about peace and brotherhood.

On the other hand, 300 animatronics of costumed children singing the same song over and over is undoubtedly creepy. Many park employees would agree, and even claim that the animatronics continue to move when the ride is broken or turned off. There are also employees who swear they’ve seen animatronics moving around at night.

For VIPs only

So we’ve talked about hidden VIP suites, but did you know there’s a private club where select guests and sponsors can enjoy fancy cocktails and gourmet meals? The secret entrance is the door marked “33” in New Orleans Square.

However, getting inside this exclusive bar and restaurant requires a membership fee that’s reported to be as high as $50,000. Even if you had the money, there’s a 10 year waiting list to join, meaning even the rich have to take turns.

You must be this tall…

We all know those signs that indicate how tall a child has to be in order to get on a ride. Sadly, some parents are a bit too zealous about sharing the magic of Disney World with their kids.

For example, there was an incident on Space Mountain where a couple attempted to board the ride with a suspiciously-large bag. It was a good thing security asked the couple to open the bag, since there was a six-month-old baby inside.

”I don’t know” is not allowed

Working at Disneyland may seem like a dream come true, but there are a lot of rules and guidelines you’ll need to follow if you want to keep your job.

For one thing, you’re never allowed to say “I don’t know” to a guest when they ask you a question. Of course, you can ask a fellow employee for help if you’re really unsure about something. But if no one’s available, your ability to think outside the box will determine how long you stay on Disney’s payroll.

Honorary mouse catchers

The ‘Aristocats’ are clearly the most honored felines at Disneyland, but there’s another group of cats that the parks couldn’t do without. For years, guests would come across cats that were strolling around the grounds as if they owned the place.

The parks tried to deny their existence, but finally confessed that the cats played a critical role in keeping down the rodent population. It’s believed that Disney currently “employs” around 200 cats, who are provided food and medical care for all their hard work.

Sorry, this horse is reserved

In 1964, singer and actress Julie Andrews captivated audiences worldwide as Mary Poppins, the magical nanny with the flying umbrella. She delighted Disney fans again when she returned to the big screen as Queen Clarisses Renaldi in ‘The Princess Diaries.’

To thank her for her contributions, Disney presented Andrews with her very own horse on King Arthur’s Carousel in 2008. Named Jingles, this masterpiece of a carousel horse is decorated with intricate details, including Mary’s flying umbrella.

It depends on the angle

One of the most iconic attractions at Disney World is the Cinderella statue at Fantasyland. To an adult, it may seem like a simple scene of Cinderella being surrounded by her animal besties, but that all depends on how you look at it.

From the angle of a small child, the crown on the painting behind the statue lines up perfectly with Cinderella’s head. This was no accident, since Walt Disney was all about hidden meanings that would inspire and delight children.

Authentic artifacts

While Disneyland is based on fantasy, Walt Disney always tried to make things as realistic as possible for his guests. That included using authentic artifacts, like a 14th century book on witchcraft, which was featured in the Haunted Mansion ride.

However, there were numerous reports of the book falling over or moving around on its own. We’re not sure if they thought the book was really haunted, but the park did eventually replace it with a copy, just to be on the safe side.

Don’t be a ‘real’ guest

Along with rules and regulations, Disney employees have their own vocabulary that they have to use whenever they’re on the clock. For example, visitors are always referred to as “guests,” and actors playing the characters must refer to themselves as “cast members.”

Though being called a guest makes most people feel special, the one thing you never want to be is a “real guest.” That’s the code word among the employees for someone who’s rude or impossible to please.