When guests visit Disney World or Disneyland, they often see exactly what Disney Imagineers intended for them to see, and all of this is very intentional. It is almost as if Disney has found a way to control their Guests through design and external choices that can help Guide Guests as well as push them towards spending money.
Much like a Las Vegas casino’s inability to tell you the time of day, Disney has ways that they are able to entice Guests to eat more food, shop more, and stay a little longer. Of course, most of us want to do this anyways, but these realizations make it interesting as we can understand why we may suddenly veer away from one area or impulsively buy a popcorn bucket!
Cut to the Chase (@cut_to_the_chase) is a TikToker who often uncovers some creepy facts and decided to go into the “dark side of Disney.” Aside from the creepy music and ominous tone, the actual facts being stated here are not at all creepy, but rather shows the genius minds and workings of Disney Imagineers.
It makes sense, but it’s kind of weird to really think about..
@cut_to_the_case_ It makes sense, but it’s kind of weird to really think about… #fyp #horrortok #disney #foryoupage #disneyworld #scary #real #spooky #dark #strange
The video shares a few facts on how these magical Parks have been built, specifically focusing on Disneyland Park and Magic Kingdom. The video shares a few facts that we have touched on in the past individually. Still, pulling it all together allows guests and fans to understand how this mix can completely pull guests in one direction or the other when used together.
.Another popular trick we have dove into in the past is the use of smellitizers. Smellitizers allow guests to smell a food item, such as popcorn or waffle cones when they walk by a dining location or eatery, which will set off their taste buds and cause them to crave the food. This is why you will sometimes get an overwhelming buttery whiff! They look like speakers and are also used on attractions to help create a more immersive setting.
The video also noted that Disney intentionally made Main Street. U.S.A dark to attract the Florida sun so that Guests would go into shops. Although this is an interesting theory, it is not one that has ever been proven. That being said, Disney jumps on other tactics like nostalgia through merchandise to make guests want to purchase more items. The placement of stores is also very well-thought-out, with gift shops at the end of attractions that catch Guests when they are feeling the most happy after riding an attraction, as well as having the Emporium both greet guests and say goodbye to them on the way out.
At Magic Kingdom specifically, guests can wander through every shop on Main Street, U.S.A, without ever having to actually leave the store, as it is a never-ending shop with no walls separating it.
We have discussed “go away green,” which was one of two colors Disney invented! Disney decided to keep guests out of certain areas by using less enticing colors.
Disney has a number of “secret” or unconventional colors that are used in their theme parks and films to maintain the immersive experience and attention to detail. These colors are carefully chosen to enhance storytelling while keeping certain elements hidden or unobtrusive. Two of the most famous colors used by Disney are “Go Away Green” and “Bland Gray,” but there are others as well. Here’s a look at a few of them:
1. Go Away Green
“Go Away Green” is a color used primarily to camouflage elements that Disney doesn’t want to be noticed by visitors. It’s a shade of green with a dull, muted tone that blends into the background and helps objects like utility boxes, maintenance doors, and unsightly backstage areas disappear. The goal is for these objects to be less noticeable and not disrupt the overall immersive experience of the park. It’s a perfect example of Disney’s attention to detail—ensuring that nothing distracts guests from the magic.
2. Bland Gray
Bland Gray is another color used to hide things that are not meant to be seen by park visitors. This color is typically used for behind-the-scenes structures and elements that are visible but not intended to draw attention. It’s neutral and blends well with the environment, ensuring that anything functional, like dumpsters, walls, or backstage equipment, isn’t noticeable. It’s a strategy for keeping the focus on the attractions and the experience, not on practical aspects like maintenance or infrastructure.
3. “Mickey’s Blue”
Disney has also used a specific shade of blue, often referred to as “Mickey’s Blue,” to paint structures or hidden elements in certain parts of the parks. This blue is distinct but subtle, designed to blend in with the sky or other scenic elements, while still looking visually appealing and harmonious. It’s another example of Disney using colors to create an illusion or make something “disappear” into the environment.
4. Safety Orange (or Warning Orange)
While not necessarily a secret, Safety Orange is used subtly to signal important or safety-related elements within the parks. Whether it’s a visible exit sign or some kind of hazard, Disney uses this color sparingly but effectively, often against darker backgrounds or in more hidden locations, ensuring that guests can safely navigate or notice something if needed, without overtly disrupting the experience.
5. “Trash Can Blue”
There is a particular blue used for Disney trash cans, often referred to as “Trash Can Blue.” It’s a pale blue color that blends with the environment while making the trash cans somewhat less conspicuous than a traditional, bright color might. This color choice keeps them from drawing too much attention, allowing them to serve their function without breaking the atmosphere.
Disney’s use of these colors is a testament to their commitment to maintaining an immersive experience. The idea is that the parks should feel seamless, where nothing takes away from the storytelling, magic, or guest experience. It’s all part of Disney’s attention to detail and creating an environment where every aspect—down to the colors used—serves a purpose.
What other ways do you think Disney is able to control Guests? Let us know in the comments below.
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