When you’re in Walt Disney World Resort, you might find that something weird is going on. Mosquitoes don’t buzz anywhere else in the park! Actually, maybe you didn’t notice it until we raised the issue. This is just to show that everything they do is successful. But how is it possible when it’s located in Florida, popular for its marshlands and hot conditions? The reality will confuse and impress you at the same time. Let us find out why these unwelcome visitors are nowhere to be seen!
Wondering How Come You Have Never Seen A Mosquito At Disney World Here Is Why
Reaching The East
Disney World opened its gates to the world in October 1971. Before the property was built on the site, we’re pretty sure there were a lot of insects out there. It was built 16 years after the opening of Disneyland in Anaheim, California, in 1955. In the 1950s, consumer research showed that only 5% of its tourists would fly across the Mississippi River. This was very troubling because it meant that Walt Disney was not able to tap into a market made up of 75 percent of Americans at the time!
Reaching The East
Buying The Property
As you can guess, Disney tried to unlock the full potential from the east side of the United States. The director chose a venue in Bay Lake, Florida, between Orlando and Kissimmee. Disney was motivated to make his impact here on this side of the world. Not only that, but he wanted it to be known as “The Happiest Place on Earth.”
Buying The Property
The Florida Project
And so he really began to develop the concept! The preparation was conducted in secret in the ’60s. He referred to it under the code name, “The Florida Project.” The filmmaker decided to turn it into more than your usual amusement park. He had a variety of things on his mind while he was working on the project. Among other stuff, he came up with the resort area that we all know as Epcot.
The Florida Project
An Experimental Community
In case you did not know, Epcot simply stands for “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.” It was intended to be an urban area that will become the setting for the newest innovations in urban living. Disney spearheaded the initiative, but it was ultimately abandoned after he passed away in December 1966. After he passed away, Disney World was more like Disneyland than he expected.
An Experimental Community
Still A Success
Regrettably, Disney did not live to see his dreams coming to pass. In fact, the first section of the park to be opened did not open its doors until 1971. After the Magic Kingdom, Epcot arrived 11 years later. Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom were released in 1989 and 1998, respectively. Even if the strategy has changed, it’s hard to argue that Disney World is a success story. In reality, they see more annual visitors than any other resort of its kind in the world!
Still A Success
Breaking Records Left And Right
On record, more than 52 million tourists visit Disney World each year. In 2014, four parks each won a spot in the eight top-visited amusement destinations in the world. The Magic Kingdom took the top spot with 19,332,000 tourists that year. How impressive is it? You may also have been one of the holidaymakers who went to the park that year!
Breaking Records Left And Right
The Cast Members
But the tourists are not the only ones to go to the resort. In reality, Disney World wouldn’t be in existence if it weren’t for the 74,000 “cast members” who make the magic happen. With that number, it is currently the largest single-site employer in the United States. The organization spends more than $1.2 billion on payment to the cast members. On top of that, $474 million is being spent on new benefits.
The Cast Members
A Massive Undertaking
Given the amount of people visiting Disney World, it makes perfect sense that it is a huge operation to operate the city. There are 34 hotels and resorts around the property that function as lodging for visitors. Please allow us to give you a guide for this. If you want to stay in every single hotel room in the resort, you’re going to have to spend 68 years doing so.
A Massive Undertaking
It Is A Huge Place
Disney World is huge, and it’s important to accommodate and house all those visitors. With almost 25.000 acres of land, it is the same size as San Francisco and twice the size of Manhattan. At present, however about half of the land is in use. Even though Disney was excited to work on the attractions, he also wanted to protect the property. That is why a third of it has been limited to conservation.
It Is A Huge Place
Its Own Transportation System
It’s no fun to shuttle tourists from one part of the resort to another! Disney World has a dynamic but effective transportation system. Some could even suggest that it’s simpler to travel to the resort than some of the country’s major cities. For one thing, there are 400 busses in the resort. This is more than the one provided by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation.
Its Own Transportation System
Even The Trash Cans
Clearly, when it comes to running Disney World, the company doesn’t cut corners. It feels like they’ve reviewed every conceivable element. For one thing, there’s always a waste bin near you, no matter where you’re in the park. They’re 30 steps away from each other! Disney conducted some analysis by observing how many measures people had kept their garbage until they would discard it on the floor.
Even The Trash Cans
An Underground City
We’re pleasantly surprised by the degree of specificity that went to the resort organizing. This also applies to what lies beneath it. The Magic Kingdom was constructed over a network of tunnels called the “underground city” by Thrillist. In spite of this, they are actually constructed on the ground floor. Florida stands at sea level, which is why the engineers had to design it that way. Since it was difficult to cover the tunnels under the earth, they did the next best thing instead.
An Underground City
The Utilidors
The passages that they use for the Magic Kingdom are called “Utilidors.” This is where the cast and crew take their rests and get their outfits. This intricate tunnel system is said to have been the brainchild of Disney himself. He came up so that the characters didn’t have to walk through the park before and after work.
The Utilidors
The Smellitizers
Another interesting thing about the park is that magic is maintained with the aid of “Smellitizers.” They are machines placed in every area that emit scents relevant to the places where they are placed. For example, those on Main Street smell like cookies and vanilla. On the other side, those close to the Pirates of the Caribbean attractions smell like fresh sea air! How cool is it?
The Smellitizers
Millions Of Plants
Not only does Disney World look great, but it even looks magical. One way the company has done this is by putting more than three million flowering shrubs in the park every year. On top of that there are gardeners whose job is to look after 13,000 roses, more than 200 topiaries, and 2 million plants.
Millions Of Plants
No Bubblegum Sold
It takes a lot of time, as you can see, to make the resort look pristine. We can see that those products are not sold in Disney World stores. The rumors go that Disney himself had decreed that the park would not sell chewing gum to the customaries. This was done in an attempt to keep the resort as clean as it might have been. If you can’t go without it, you’re allowed to carry it in as long as you buy it in advance.
No Bubblegum Sold
Where Are The Mosquitoes?
We have a lot of documentation to prove that the organization has done everything in its power to ensure that the work is safe and effective. It turns out however that these efforts are pale compared to one feature of the park! How is it possible that Disney World doesn’t have any mosquitoes?
Where Are The Mosquitoes?
Getting Rid Of The Bloodsuckers
Trust us, you’ll be amazed when you learn the explanation for this. It’s no simple feat to get rid of mosquitoes while you’re in Florida! Better still the resort was built on top of a marshland. If you live in the South, you need to know more about these blood-sucking insects than you want to be. Disney was, however, very adamant to ensure that tourists did not have to worry about mosquitoes.
Getting Rid Of The Bloodsuckers
Major General Joe Potter
His mission to eradicate the mosquitoes in Disney World began with a meeting between Major General William “Joe” Potter. He was an alumnus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is known for his experience in engineering. Before working with Disney on this initiative, he was appointed governor of the Panama Canal Zone. The two of them met at the New York World Fair in 1964.
Major General Joe Potter
Pest Control Expert
The Panama Canal Zone was an unincorporated American territory from 1903 to 1979. The region had been a hotspot for malaria. As we all know, this is a disease that is spread by these cynical critters. The authorities understood that they could not risk recruiting staff if they wanted to complete the project. Potter was able to learn a lot about pest control during his assignment there!
Pest Control Expert
Working On The Project
When Disney heard about what Potter had done to combat the mosquitoes in the Panama Canal Zone, the filmmaker immediately offered him a job. The engineer accepted the offer and began to make good use of his extensive knowledge of pest control! He hopped on the “Florida Project,” which gradually became the Disney World that we all know and love.
Working On The Project
Other Techniques Used
Without Potter, we doubt that the tourists will be able to appreciate as much of their Disney World time. Even if it’s difficult to get rid of them entirely, the park staff uses a variety of strategies to keep the mosquitoes away. And from the point of view of stuff, all these strategies are working very well! What are they doing?
Other Techniques Used
A Prevention Policy
For example, instead of killing adult bugs, the resort is trying to make it look as bad as possible for any insects that need to lay their eggs. So by pursuing a strategy of avoidance, Disney World will keep the population down indefinitely – and help ensure that the bloodsuckers don’t bother the guests.
A Prevention Policy
No Stagnant Water
It’s no surprise that mosquitoes survive in still liquid. After all, they prefer to lay their eggs there. Basically, Disney keeps bloodsuckers away by making sure there’s no standing water pool anywhere around the park! By removing their breeding places, Disney has significantly lowered the existence of larvae in the area. But how could they possibly avoid puddles and the like?
No Stagnant Water
The Drainage System
You may think it’s an easy solution, but it’s actually more complicated than it sounds. For one thing, the resort was built on top of a marsh. When Potter was hired to work at Disney World, his first job was to create a huge drainage system that would turn the boggy property to a location that would be ideal for building.
The Drainage System
Joe’s Ditches
He built drainage gutters that were called “Joe’s ditches” after him. It’s good to know that they’re all used to this day. As you might have guessed, they were built to ensure that the water would still flow through the resort. Water doesn’t have to come to a standstill this way.
Joe’s Ditches
It Is Always Flowing
Christopher Lucas, a Disney expert, spoke to Reader’s Digest and explained the reasoning behind this drainage system. He said, “The guests usually don’t notice it but the water keeps flowing… whenever you walk through a body of water, there’s usually a fountain in the middle of it or they’re doing something to keep it flowing.”
It Is Always Flowing
A New Standard
It turned out that the method is so popular that this has become a regular practice when Disney is working on a new project. The company still buys extra land near the property that will act as the location for these irrigation ditches. Let us find out about the other aspects in which architects and engineers have ensured that there will be no puddles or pools of water in the park!
A New Standard
The Design Of The Architecture
Apart from that, the main contractor also built the structures in such a manner that no liquid can be collected anywhere. “All the buildings are built so that the water flows right off [them]… with all the rainstorms if the water was caught on the buildings… it would form a pool, and then the mosquitoes would hatch their eggs, and you would have thousands of mosquitoes,” said Lucas to Reader’s Digest.
The Design Of The Architecture
War Against Water
Standing water must be viewed as an obstacle in the war against mosquitoes! Clearly, this strategy was a brilliant idea. Besides the drainage ditches and the architecture, the plants also play a part in this mission against the bloodsuckers. Specifically, the organization has only plant species that will avoid the existence of puddles in the park.
War Against Water
No Water Plants
When it comes to the water features of the facility, workers guarantee that there are no water lilies and other such. They could hide mosquito eggs, after all. “They’re also packing up those places with minnows, goldfish, and a type of fish called mosquito fish that eat larvae,” Lucas said.
No Water Plants
No Nasty Pesticides
We’re certainly blown away by the measures Disney went to avoid stagnant pools of water! Besides these measures, Disney still uses sprays. Walt Disney himself, however, asked to refrain from the use of toxic chemicals. “[He] didn’t want to ruin the environment at all so they couldn’t use pesticides… it would be easy to spray the whole thing, but he wanted it to be natural,” Lucas said.
No Nasty Pesticides
Garlic As An Alternative
What are they going to use if they don’t use chemicals? It turns out that garlic spray is something Disney World workers are familiar with. Mosquitoes don’t like this pungent-smelling herb, which is why employees spread a garlicky fragrance throughout the resort. Lucas shared, “The amount they use is so small that humans can’t smell it but mosquitoes are very susceptible to it.”
Garlic As An Alternative
Hidden Chickens
We know the garlic spray sounds strange, but wait before you learn how Disney uses chickens to get rid of the insects. The birds are housed in coops in different parts of the park. Most birds live normal chicken lives, but also undergo blood tests to ensure that they do not have mosquito-related pathogens.
Hidden Chickens
Testing The Chickens
Mosquitoes also transmitted numerous diseases, such as the West Nile and Zika. While chickens are not responsive to these viruses, their blood test results should indicate the existence of pathogens. If something happens in their blood work, workers will then find out which part of the park needs further focus when it comes to mosquito-busting efforts.
Testing The Chickens
The Mosquito Surveillance Program
Although Potter’s efforts are still ongoing in Disney’s search to get rid of mosquitoes, the park is still working to further develop the Mosquito Surveillance Program. Another thing the business does is scientifically research the mosquitoes in an attempt to learn more about these insects. Disney will be able to find an even more effective way to deal with them in the future.
The Mosquito Surveillance Program
His Legacy Lives On
However, Joe Potter left his mark on Disney World. We’re sure his name won’t be forgotten! After his death in 1988, former president of Walt Disney Attractions, Dick Nunis, had kind things to say about him. According to the website of the Official Disney Fan Club, this is what he said: “Joe was a man [who] Walt Disney was very fond of. Without Joe Potter, there wouldn’t be a [Disney World today.”
His Legacy Lives On
A Disney Legend
Joe Potter was named Disney Legend in 1997. In another touching tribute, one of the Seven Seas Lagoon ferries became known as General Joe Potter! How cool is it? Although the park continues to benefit from its expertise to this day, most of the visitors have no idea that it deserves credit for their lack of mosquito bites. Try searching for the chickens next time you go to the park!
A Disney Legend
The Secrets Of Disney World
The solution to mosquitoes is not the only mystery the park is keeping. There are a lot of things going on behind closed doors that escape the guests’ attention. Read on to take a look at Disney World revelations that will blow you away! Among other stuff, you’ll find out why you’re always bumping into Chris from Orlando at the park premises…
The Secrets Of Disney World
Hidden Mickeys No Matter Where You Look
We absolutely suggest that you take a closer look at the surroundings when you’re next to Disney World. Everywhere you look, you’ll probably spot a famous pair of mouse ears! It didn’t happen by chance. The Imaginators who worked on the park deliberately left imprints of this sign everywhere they could! A blogger named Steven Barrett tried to track down every single one of them.
Hidden Mickeys No Matter Where You Look
Feral Cats Prevent Rodent Problems
Walt Disney decided to create a new attraction in Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in the ’50s. After the Imaginators looked inside, they saw that there were wild cats in there! They finally decided to let the animals remain there. After all, it has proved to be an effective pest control solution for mice in the region. This is also the reason why there are now around 200 feral cats living in the park.
Feral Cats Prevent Rodent Problems
The Biggest Wardrobe On The Planet
Disney World’s costume library is home to around two and a half million pieces. They’re stored on the rack that’s eight miles away! Disney has to be the creator of the largest closet on the planet! We’re positive you don’t have something on the Mouse when it comes to clothes and shoes. Don’t get frustrated because you can at least enjoy every piece of clothing you own.
The Biggest Wardrobe On The Planet
How It Transports Litter Across The Park
Users have a particular use than helping workers to find their way around the park. They’re great at transporting the garbage, too! Litter is carried by means of pressurized air and travels down the pipes at a speed of more than 60 mph. The trash cans may be spaced 30 steps apart but the creativity behind them lies beneath the earth.
How It Transports Litter Across The Park
The Truth About Chris From Orlando
Anyone that has been to Disney World should remember Chris from Orlando. But how is this possible? Well, the fact is this is the name tag used by staff members who fail to carry theirs! There’s a possibility that there’s a real Chris out there from Orlando. However, any other person who uses the name clearly personifies this man.
The Truth About Chris From Orlando
Why The Water Is So Green
Have you ever wondered why the water is so green in the park? There’s no need to think about it, because it’s not very dirty. In reality, Disney dyed the color for a variety of reasons. First of all the dark color is a good way to cover the tracks under the water. That way, the boat trip feels even more interactive. On top of that, it’s also a safe place to cover the garbage and anything else that ends up in the water.
Why The Water Is So Green
The Water Bubbles Signal The Ducks To Hide
If you’ve ever seen the “Fantasmic” show on the Rivers of America, you’ll know there’s a fire in it. In fact, there is a massive dragon that sets fire to one of the rivers! When the show was fresh, there was a possibility that the ducks on the river would be dazzled. These days, a few moments before this occurs, the water bubbles so that they can get out of there.
The Water Bubbles Signal The Ducks To Hide
Secret Codes For Every Possible Scenario
We’re not joking when they say the workers have a hidden code for something you might imagine. Code 101 means the attraction has broken down. In the meantime, Code 102 means that it is available again. Code V means that the guest vomited at the premises. However, the most interesting one might be “White Powder Alert.” This is used when a guest is attempting to disperse the ashes at Space Mountain! Can you imagine that anything like this happens so much that it needs its own code?
Secret Codes For Every Possible Scenario
Main Street Windows Are Named After Legends
In case you were curious, there’s more to the eye when it comes to the names on the Main Street building windows. In reality, they are the names of people who have contributed somehow to the development of the park. You’re going to see names in shops that have something to do with their jobs. Only so you know, only the greatest former workers have a chance to see their names there!
Main Street Windows Are Named After Legends
The Secret Parties For Cast Members
Can you imagine getting keys to the park after hours, all dressed up in costumes with other people doing the same thing? It sounds like a childhood dream has come true! You may be jealous of discovering that this is the truth for the cast members. Even though it’s not easy to stand around in a hot costume all day there are advantages that come with the work as well.
The Secret Parties For Cast Members
The Cast Members Used To Share Underwear
Did you know that the outfits used by the cast members were all provided by the business? Disney even stocks the socks! In the past, this meant that every single night the organization was responsible for the washing. However, in the early 2000s, staff complained about pubic lice and scabies. Since 2001, the unions have succeeded in giving workers the freedom to wear costumes home and to wash their own clothing.
The Cast Members Used To Share Underwear
Why They Say Have A Magical Disney Day
It doesn’t matter how disruptive the visitors are – the cast members are still supposed to remain in the role and be respectful! We’re happy to learn that they’ve managed to find ways to get the steam off the work. The cast members used to say, “Take a magical Disney Day.” Even though this sounds nice and sweet, it’s really a code for “f*** you.” Hope you don’t do anything to explain this!
Why They Say Have A Magical Disney Day
Not Really The Happiest Place On Earth
Disney World might use the term “The Happiest Place on Earth,” but some of the workers would respectfully disagree. In 2008, a number of staff members put on their costumes, protested the conditions and paid for them. Outside the park, they staged a rally. Unfortunately, 32 costumed workers were arrested while others were singing in front of the guests. We hope things have changed since then.
Not Really The Happiest Place On Earth
The Weirdest Items In The Lost And Found Bin
There have been so many strange things that have made their way to the Lost and Found World of Disney. But we suspect that nothing will beat a prosthetic leg and a glass eye. It’s a good thing that both of these things were finally claimed by their owners! We don’t know how important things they’ve lost in the first place. On average, 210 pairs of sunglasses are also turned over to Lost and Found.
The Weirdest Items In The Lost And Found Bin
The Daily Load Of Laundry
If you want to fit your everyday laundry load at Disney, you’ll need to run a laundry and dry cycle every single day for 52 years. Whoa. Whoa. In reality, 285,000 pounds of clothing go through the laundry in the resorts on a daily basis! This does not even mention the 30,000 pieces of clothing that need to be washed dry. We know it’s surprising, but then again the park hires 70,000 people on the property.
The Daily Load Of Laundry
No Stones In The Cinderella Castle
We know that Cinderella Castle looks amazing from the outside but this next tidbit is going to make it look even more spectacular. In truth, there are zero stones that have entered its construction! It’s nothing more than a fiberglass shell. Not only is it long-lasting, but people can’t carve it out either.
No Stones In The Cinderella Castle
Serious Misconduct Allegations Against Cast Members
In particular, the Disney characters are nice. However, complaints have been brought against the people who play them in the park! In 2011, the visitor decided to leave the court after she accused the Donald Duck star of groping her. She also narrated how the employee made joke motions after it happened.
Serious Misconduct Allegations Against Cast Members
The Dress Code Is Super Strict
In fact, there is a 34-page document that determines how workers should appear. It’s called the Disney Look Guide. Among many other items, body piercing and visible tattoos are not permitted. Those with eyeglasses need to adopt certain designs, while their facial hair and fingernails need to comply with such standards. If you’re open to working at the park, get ready to comply with these regulations!
The Dress Code Is Super Strict
Run Right Off
Engineers and architects have taken the opportunity to ensure that the water will not drain out of the buildings. “They made every building there curved, or designed in such a way that there would be no place for the water to catch and sit there The architecture is truly eye-catching, but it also serves a purpose: it makes it less conducive to mosquitoes,” Lucas clarified further.
Run Right Off