Disney’s Easter 2022 is almost here, and Tokyo Disneyland is planning to release plenty of new merchandise themed to the mischievous Usatama bunny-eggs along with a smattering of food and the return of the “Usatama on the Run” parade!
Easter Chip ‘n’ Dale Stuffed Badge Set – ¥3300 ($28.54)
Drawstring Bag Set – ¥2500 ($21.62)
Chip ‘n’ Dale Keychain Set – ¥2000 ($17.29)
Pin – ¥1100 ($9.51)
Face Towel – ¥1500 ($12.97)
Tape Set – ¥800 ($6.92)
Pen Set – ¥2100 ($18.16)
Postcard & A4 Folder Set – ¥800 ($6.92)
Disney Resort Liner Bus Tomica – ¥1500 ($12.97)
Bath Towel – ¥3400 ($29.40)
Chocolate Crunch – ¥1700 ($14.70)
Senbei Rice Crackers – ¥1300 ($11.24)
Assorted Cookies – ¥1300 ($11.24)
Shopping Bag – ¥1200 ($10.38)
All of these items will be available starting March 31 at the Gag Factory and Toontown Five and Dime in Toontown, with a Standby Pass required for purchase through April 2. After April 2, items will be available at Bon Voyage outside Tokyo Disneyland as well.
Are you excited for the return of the Usatamas? Let us know in the comments below!
Are you considering or planning a visit to Tokyo Disney Resort? Visit TDRPlans for every detail (and more) that you’ll need to make your trip the best it can be! Did I mention it’s 100% free?
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Fair warning: you might not want to read this post.
Magic Kingdom at Night
Seriously, if you love to believe that Disney World is nothing but happy and magical 100% of the time or that it’s pure magic that creates some of the amazing effects you see in the parks, this might not be the right place for you. Because this is where we’re going to take a deeper look at some behind-the-scenes secrets about Disney World, and some of these are kind of mind blowing! So if you choose to continue reading, we’re just saying now that we warned you!
Oh, you’re going to keep reading? OK then! Be prepared for some shocking reveals as we explore 5 things you probably DON’T want to know about The Most Magical Place on Earth. From alligator lakes to secret security guards and beyond, there’s a lot happening in the Disney World parks that most people never even think about.
There’s a LOT of Wildlife (Some More Friendly Than Others)
Turns out, you’re not the only one enjoying Disney World! And we’re not talking about the other human guests. There is TONS of wildlife in Disney World, including creatures like snakes, gators, spiders, and other critters.
Hopper is scary
Disney World is actually built on swampland, and if you know anything about swamps, you probably know that they’re home to plenty of animals and pests. And not all of those animals are as friendly as the Bayou friends from The Princess and the Frog.
Alligator in Animal Kingdom
Disney actually spends quite a lot of time and money keeping those pests away from you during your vacation. But they aren’t always 100% successful. Alligators are very common in Florida water, and they’ll find their way into all kinds of water sources. Disney does try to keep them off property, but it’s just not possible to know where they are all the time.
Animal Kingdom Gators
To keep yourself safe, the #1 rule is to leave the ponds and lakes alone. Stay away from the water in unpopulated areas of Disney World (which can be difficult to get to anyways), and obey the signs that warn guests to keep out of the water in more accessible areas. Any water that’s in a populated area but isn’t meant for swimming will likely have fences and signs to keep guests away, but when in doubt, check with a Cast Member before wading in.
Grand Floridian beach
Basically, your hotel pool should be safe and the water parks are too, but don’t go swimming anywhere else.
Art of Animation pool
Other pests you might run into include spiders (some venomous ones are native to Florida), cockroaches (largely harmless but definitely creepy), and love bugs (which are EVERYWHERE in Disney World during their mating season that lasts for a few weeks around May and September).
Lovebugs
Snakes will sometimes slither onto Disney World property, and there are a few venomous species in Florida. It’s unlikely that you’ll meet a snake during your vacation, but if you do, don’t try to befriend it. Tell your kids to stay away from it as well, and let a Cast Member know if it becomes a problem.
Snake at Entrance to Animal Kingdom!
We’ve also seen bees…LOTS of bees in Disney World during certain times, so watch out for those!
Mr. Bee, please get off our snack
Some wildlife that you’ve probably already noticed in Disney World are the birds. There are adorable ducks in the parks (our reporters often get distracted by these cuties), as well as cranes, egrets, and more.
Disney ducks
As tempting as it is (and as aggressive as the birds can be) please do NOT feed or touch the birds. They’re still wild animals, and they might not want your attention. Human food can be very bad for their stomachs, and if people are always feeding them, they won’t learn to forage for appropriate food in the wild.
This birdie found a seat by the water (please do not feed the birds)
Plus, what happens to the ones who relied on the humans if, hypothetically, the parks close for four months due to a global pandemic? Sound familiar? We know it’s so tempting to drop some food for the cute little baby ducks. But for their safety (and yours), please don’t.
(Please read that heading in Roz’s voice from Monsters, Inc.. That is an absolute requirement to continue. ) It might not be a secret anymore that Disney basically tracks you wherever you go in the parks.
Smile!
There is some real intense security in the parks, including surveillance cameras in the gift shops, on the rides, and in queues for rides.
PhotoPass Photographer
The cameras inside the attractions are for guest safety since it can be very dangerous for yourself and others if you stand up on a moving ride.
Don’t stand up!
And if you’re caught doing some other things that aren’t publicly appropriate when you think no one’s watching in those dark rides…you will likely be escorted out of the park once you disembark the ride.
Ballroom scene on Haunted Mansion
The only place we know there AREN’T cameras in Disney World is in the restrooms since that’s generally illegal. Other than that, anywhere in the parks is pretty much fair game.
No cameras in the bathrooms
Besides the video surveillance, there are also a lot of plainclothes security guards throughout the parks. Next time you head into a park, look around at all of the guests — some of them are probably undercover security!
Probably a security officer in here!
These people can keep an eye on everything that’s going on, and they’re often closer to the problems that arise than a Cast Member with a name tag.
Inside the Emporium
That might feel kind of weird to know, but it also can help you feel safer when you’re in a big crowd in Magic Kingdom.
Why Do the Bathrooms Have Doors with Locks in Animal Kingdom?
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the only park with doors with locks on them leading to the bathrooms. Ever wonder WHY?
Restrooms in Animal Kingdom
The answer is a lot more intense than you’re probably expecting. Bathrooms have doors with locks on them in this park in case an animal breaks out of their enclosure and guests need to take shelter. In this situation, you would be able to run to the nearest bathroom and lock and bolt the door.
Flight of Passage Restrooms
As much as we love to watch the beautiful tigers on the Maharajah Jungle Trek, we would rather not experience an unscheduled “up close and personal experience.”
Tiger in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
So essentially it’s protection in the case of a real-life animal stampede. Funny, we didn’t hear them mention that on our latest ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris… . You’ll see this done at many zoos as well. It’s just a general safety feature to protect you when large animals are around.
There’s a Lot Going On “Backstage” that You Never See
Did you know that Walt imagined the Disney parks as big “shows?” Guests see everything happening “onstage,” but — like with normal stage shows — there’s a LOT going on backstage to keep the magic going strong.
Backstage Queue area for La Cava del Tequila
Guests generally can’t go backstage, and there’s a reason for it. Those areas aren’t quite as magical as Adventureland and the Cinderella Castle hub. For instance, there’s a TON of trash that is collected and transferred through the parks. Magic Kingdom has underground tubes that transport this garbage to sorting facilities at speeds up to 35 MPH.
Obtained via AllEars.net
These tubes are located in the same areas where Cast Members are hanging out and getting ready to come on stage. A few that we’ve spoken to have said that parts of these areas can smell truly disgusting because of the speeding garbage.
Turns out, garbage smells bad.
Also located “backstage” are props, attraction vehicles, and animatronics that aren’t quite looking their best. When you ride an attraction, you’re seeing everything in (mostly) operating shape, often with a fresh coat of paint and gears that all work (although this isn’t necessarily always the case). But what happens when some elements are truly broken or don’t look good? They’re generally taken backstage for some TLC before being brought back to their home.
Figures in EPCOT
A less disturbing image than disassembled animatronics and fast-moving garbage (but still one that can “break” the magic) is that of Cast Members being regular human beings. That’s something that also happens backstage because these hard-working people need some break time too!
Cast Members are the BEST!
Cast Members adhere to a high standard of decorum while they’re in the parks and interacting with guests. But once they’re off stage, they can relax a little and let loose. They can also grab a Subway sandwich for lunch, which is why you’ll see a Subway shop on Google Earth inside Magic Kingdom. No, it’s not located inside the Cinderella Castle. It’s backstage!
Roller Coasters Can Be a Lot Scarier with the Lights ON!
Most indoor rides keep the main lights off and instead use spotlights and other effects to get you to look at what Disney wants you to see. This includes both “dark rides” (like Peter Pan’s Flight) and roller coasters (like Space Mountain).
Part of Test Track is a dark ride.
But sometimes those lights are also off to prevent you from seeing some more practical things that might terrify you. If you’ve ever seen what Space Mountain looks like with the lights on…you might agree.
Space Mountain
Now, don’t get us wrong — Disney World’s roller coasters are very safe! They’re tested daily to make sure everything is in working order. But when you see exactly how close some things appear to be to each other (even if they aren’t actually that close), it can make you a little scared! And on top of that, some elements of the ride simply don’t look as advanced or exciting with the lights on, which could ruin the magic for some.
Ready to hop in?
Sometimes it’s best not to know how the sausage is made, you know?
And that’s a little peek behind the curtain at the things that you might not think about and that you might not want to know! Check out the video below to see more things you might not want to know about the Most Magical Place on Earth.
And keep following DFB for more tips as you plan your upcoming vacation to Disney World!
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Many Disney fans are nostalgic for their favorite attractions. When news was announced regarding the end of the Great Movie Ride, Guests were outraged. How do Disney fans feel about this change after enjoying Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway for two years? Beginning of MGM Studios How did Walt Disney World add additional parks over […]
Allo, Allo! Try to hear that in my best Bert voice (from Mary Poppins). I am super excited to be back with you this week as we explore the twists and turns of Disney merchandise. If you are looking for the highlights, I’ve got a beautiful new Dooney and Bourke collection and the best kids gift I have seen in a really long time. Let’s go.
Jolly Roger Cardboard Ship – Peter Pan & Role Play Set
I couldn’t help myself! I had to show you this one first up. This is by far the coolest toy/gift for kids I have seen in years. It’s the Jolly Roger Cardboard Ship – Peter Pan, $79.99 and Peter Pan Roleplay Set, $39.99. I can’t help but feel as though in this serious world we live in, younger kids aren’t able to enjoy the same opportunity to use their imagination as we did back in the day. This cardboard ship is a fabulous way to reignite those creative forces and let the kids enjoy a simpler time where you are only limited by your ability to dream. Not to mention a great prop to add to any pirate-themed party!
Turning Red Apparel and Accessories
The upcoming Disney Animated film, Turning Red, will be making its way to screens around the world very soon, and Disney has released a bunch of fun merch to celebrate.
Right, well, this is one of the most awesome mugs ever. I am not sure how easy the Star Wars Life Day Orb Mug, $19.99, will be to drink from, but when it looks this impressive, does it matter?
Disney Steeds by Dooney & Bourke – Limited Release
Horse fans, your time has come. Finally, Dooney & Bourke is paying tribute to the Disney Steeds in their latest collection of bags and a MagicBand 2.
5 New Merchandise Collections Coming to EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival
Disney Parks Blog has announced that new Flower and Garden merchandise is set to hit EPCOT this week, with items showing up from March 2nd. Of course, as some of these hit the virtual shelves, I will let you know, so if there is something you have your eye on from home, stay tuned!
Meanwhile, in Disney Springs
Thanks for joining me for another week or Disney merchandise. With the chaotic week the world has seen, sometimes I think it is in times like these that a little escape from reality, even if only for a minute or two, is a luxury we can be grateful for. Stay safe, everyone.
Meeting Adjourned!
Disclosure: Some of the links contained in this article are affiliate links, which means that our site will earn a commission (at no additional cost to you) if you click through and make a purchase.
After a series of mass cancelations, interest in the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser has picked back up. All voyages are sold out through mid-July, according to the online availability calendar.
The Starcruiser officially opens tomorrow, March 1. The media embargo from preview cruises lifted last Friday, resulting in a barrage of information about the two-night immersive experience.
WDWNT will be reporting live from the first public cruise tomorrow; stay tuned for full coverage and reviews.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
The Oriental Land Company has announced that they reached an agreement with the Chiba Prefectural Government to raise the capacity of Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea to 50% of full capacity (estimated to be around 35,000-40,000 guests) from its current 20,000 per day limit.
Starting March 1, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea will raise their capacity gradually up to 50% of their pre-pandemic limit. The park will continue to operate under the East & West Japan Amusement and Theme Park Association guidelines, which include mandatory wearing of masks at all times indoors and outside, distancing of guests as appropriate, requiring temperature checks, and comprehensive installation of plexiglass between all diners at every table.
This development comes as Japan is reportedly eyeing another two-week extension of the Quasi-Emergency underway in the Tokyo and Osaka areas through March 21 as new COVID-19 cases continue to remain above 10,000 per day in Tokyo alone, according to the Asahi Shimbun. The current quasi-emergency was declared on January 21.
Are you considering or planning a visit to Tokyo Disney Resort? Visit TDRPlans for every detail (and more) that you’ll need to make your trip the best it can be! Did I mention it’s 100% free?
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
The 28th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards were handed out last night (Feb 27), and “West Side Story” and “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” along with the Hulu limited series “Dopesick,” won awards for Disney. The awards were broadcast live on TNT and TBS from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, but are available for… Read More »‘West Side Story,’ ‘Dopesick,’ ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’ Win 2022 SAG Awards for Disney
) It might not be a secret anymore that Disney basically tracks you wherever you go in the parks.
You’ll see this done at many zoos as well. It’s just a general safety feature to protect you when large animals are around.
