Unexpected Findings in Disney Parks

The ground is paved with cement, the sun is beating down, and the humidity is taking it’s toll From out the corner of your eye you spot a Guest walking around in a dress, high heels, and carrying a clutch as if she’s at a party no one else was invited to. For whatever reason this scene is something my friends and I often saw at Disneyland and not on Saturday nights when dancers flocked to big band performances.

Over the years regardless of which coast I was on, I have seen more than just head-scratching attire. Folks who frequent Disneyland and/or Walt Disney World, usually the women, will play a game of sorts where they look for people wearing questionable theme park outfits. Yeah, you know what I’m talking about. I can hear you snickering.

While most surprises aren’t a big deal every so often…well, I just don’t get it. The unexpected finds go far beyond clothing.

One of my biggest pet peeves is litter and when I find it in the parks I feel like someone just trashed my home. Sure, things like wrappers and napkins blow away and you have to choose between chasing those or your escape artist toddler. That’s completely understandable. Trash cans are abundant at the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World so can anyone explain why this water bottle was perched on a beam? It’s exact location was high above Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom.

Funny moments whether designed or not are far better memories. On my first and thus far, only visit to Blizzard Beach I stopped on a bridge thinking I’d see my friend float by on an inner tube. She didn’t but I did catch this silly setup. What you can’t see is he’s holding a smartphone in his left hand trying to photograph or video tape his child. Thanks for the laughs, mister. You bring new meaning to the rule, shirts and shoes must be worn.

Last fall my friend Karen and I went to see Boys II Men play in Epcot. As we passed The America Gardens Theater we stopped for a moment in disbelief. I turned to Karen and asked, “When did we get to Fenway Park?” There he was, a Cast Member hawking bottled beer and wine.

Standing on the balcony of Main Street Station in the sunshine state offers an awesome view of Town Square. It’s a great spot to grab photos and people watch but on one particular day, the best view was behind me. As the Walt Disney World Railroad Cast Members got ready to assist with the Flag Retreat ceremony, a certain University of Tennessee student by the name of Stephen was in an upbeat and get down and boogy mood. His buddies pointed out that I got photos of him doin’ his thang and all he could do was laugh. Hey, I told you this would eventually go on the internet. Rock on!

Annnd back to clothing.

Last but by no means least is my friend Gary and the scooter our mischievous friend John decorated. Here’s the story. Gary’s gone weak in the knees (presumably for his wife Carol) and needed a scooter to get around most of the parks. John and another friend whose codename is Moley did some graphic design work and conspired a plan before John left home. While Gary and our travel party were dropping floors on Tower of Terror, Juan taped the graphics to the front and back of the scooter, blew up about 10 pink balloons and attached those and crepe paper. With friends like these, Gary might want enemies.

The “bumper stickers” read: I’m not handicapped, I’m Canadian. G-D save the Queen, Caution! Baby stroller wrecker onboard, and on the front, Princess Poopy Knees.

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