1

Ticket Time Capsule

Image: taylor gregory

Transport yourself back to the very beginning of Walt Disney World, where a ticket to the Magic Kingdom was your golden ticket to a world of wonder. Back then, a mere $3.50 could whisk you away on a magical adventure , while kids could join the fun for just $1.50 – a steal even by today's standards!

Now, here's the kicker: those tickets didn't come with a free pass to ride every attraction. What a bummer, right? Guests had to snag ticket books, each packed with a variety of tickets labeled A through E.It wasn't until the early 1980s, with the debut of EPCOT, that this ticketing system was changed, paving the way for a more seamless experience for all visitors.

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EPCOT Evolution

Image: Robert Horvick

EPCOT is the jewel in Disney's crown and a beacon of innovation. But did you know that its creation was a tale of two visions colliding? Imagineers found themselves torn between two grand ideas: one envisioned a futuristic utopia , a gleaming city of tomorrow (after all, this was what the acronym means: Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow); while the other dreamed of a global showcase, a melting pot of cultures from around the world.

Legend has it that one fateful day, these conflicting ideas collided like bumper cars giving birth to the unique EPCOT we know and love today: a harmonious blend of innovation and international flair , where the future meets the world.

3

Trash Talk

Image: Jilbert Ebrahimi

Now, let's talk trash: Disney-style, of course! Walt Disney himself was a stickler for cleanliness , and he knew that keeping the Magic Kingdom spotless was key to preserving its enchanting atmosphere. So, he came up with a genius solution: strategically placing trash cans every 30 feet throughout the park .

It was like sprinkling pixie dust, but instead of granting wishes, these magical bins encouraged guests to keep the park clean with every step they took. Imagine walking through the park, the scent of popcorn wafting through the air, the sound of laughter echoing all around you, and knowing that you're never more than a few feet away from a trashcan–it's the Disney difference in action!

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Rare Closures

Image: Alyssa Eakin

With all the crowds one is used to seeing in this magical place, it may come as a surprise its doors haven't always been opened. Despite the unstoppable force of Disney World's enchantment, even the happiest place on earth has had to close its gates on occasion.

From the mighty fury of hurricanes to the somber echoes of 9/11, and most recently, the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic were the moments when the magic momentarily dimmed . However dark times could get, Disney World always found the strength to come back stronger, and ready to sprinkle a little extra magic into the lives of all who enter through its gates .

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Tunnel Tales

Image: Kevin Noble

Disney World is not only magical above the ground, it can also be below it thanks to the utilidors of Magic Kingdom, underground passages that are the stuff of legend .

But here's the scoop: they're not really "underground" at all! That's right, contrary to popular belief, these tunnels were actually constructed at ground level, with the park built on a "second level" above them . It's like discovering a secret passage in a fairy tale castle – except instead of leading to hidden treasure, these tunnels connect the park's lands, allowing cast members to weave their magic behind the scenes without disrupting the enchantment above ground.

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Hollywood of the East

Image: Yulissa Tagle

Walt Disney once said "Lights, camera, action!" and that was enough to open Disney's MGM Studios, where dreams are made and fantasies come to life.

Well, that might be a bit of a fantasy in itself, but did you know that when this iconic theme park first opened its doors in 1989, it wasn't just a playground for thrill-seekers and movie buffs? It was also a working film studio, a bustling hive of creativity where Hollywood magic was made right before your eyes.

Disney planned to establish a "Hollywood of the East" in sunny Florida. However, this ambitious vision faded over time, leaving behind a legacy of fantasy and imagination for all to enjoy.

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Heightened Illusions

Image: Brian McGowan

From the majestic spires of Cinderella Castle to the creepy allure of the Tower of Terror , these architectural marvels stand as a testament to Disney's boundless creativity and imagination.

But here's a fun fact that might just blow your mind: none of these structures exceed 199 feet in height. Why is that? Well, according to federal aviation regulations, any structure that reaches a height of 200 feet must have a blinking red beacon–a real buzzkill when it comes to maintaining the immersive theming of the park. So, next time you find yourself gazing up at these towering titans, remember that even in the land of make-believe, there are rules to follow.

8

Hidden Mickey Mysteries

Image: steven lozano

While many Hidden Mickeys are intentionally incorporated into attractions , décor, and even landscaping, one particularly intriguing instance can be discovered in the architecture of Disney's Hollywood Studios itself.

From high above, the Chinese Theatre formed Mickey's mouth, while Echo Lake served as his right ear and the roof of the Brown Derby restaurant as his left ear. Trees and planters completed the picture, forming Mickey's eyes, eyebrows, and nose in perfect harmony. It was a playful tribute to Disney's most iconic character that could only be fully appreciated from the heavens above. Though time may have dulled it a bit, the spirit of the Hidden Mickey lives on.

9

Secret Scale Model

Image: Brian McGowan

As you glide along the tracks, soaking in the sights and sounds of Tomorrowland, keep your eyes open and you will catch sight of Walt Disney's original vision for the Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow, a.k.a. EPCOT.

Yes, that's right, in the middle of Tomorrowland lies a scale model of Walt's ambitious dream, a miniature marvel that offers a captivating glimpse into the past and future of Disney's genius designs as a way to honor his boundless imagination and visionary spirit that continue to shape the world of Disney to this day.

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Animal Kingdom’s Mythical Legacy

Image: Stephanie Klepacki

Within the confines of Disney's Animal Kingdom lies a silent tribute to a forgotten dream: the park's official logo , featuring a majestic dragon, serves as a reminder of what could have been. Originally, plans were to create Beastly Kingdom, a realm of mythical creatures and legendary beasts.

Unfortunately, due to budget constraints, Beastly Kingdom never materialized beyond conceptual stages, leaving its intended location to be occupied by Pandora: The World of Avatar . The dragon on Animal Kingdom's logo stands as a silent guard of the original idea.

1

A gorilla suit

Image: ARTISTIC FRAMES

Space can get boring. It got a little more entertaining for astronaut Scott Kelly in 2016, when his twin brother, Mark Kelly, sent him a vacuum-sealed gorilla suit all the way to the ISS for his birthday.

Kelly’s crewmates didn’t know about it, so he had fun pranking them by suddenly appearing in the suit aboard the station. One of the prank videos went viral. As Kelly put it: "How can you not like space gorilla?"

2

Dirt from Yankee Stadium

Image: Chanan Greenblatt

Astronaut Garrett Reisman, a lifelong Yankees fan, of course, took a little piece of the Bronx to orbit . In 2008, aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-123, he brought a vial of dirt from Yankee Stadium’s pitcher’s mound—along with other Yankees memorabilia, including items autographed by players.

3

Amelia Earhart’s watch

Image: Tomas Martinez

In 2010, astronaut Shannon Walker brought Amelia Earhart’s watch to the International Space Station. The legendary aviator had worn it during two transatlantic flights , and it traveled to space on the 82nd anniversary of her first historic solo flight across the Atlantic.

4

Pizza

Image: Alan Hardman

Space pizza finally became a reality in 2001, when Pizza Hut paid millions to deliver a vacuum-sealed pizza to the International Space Station.

It was, quite literally, a publicity stunt out of this world . The pizza—topped with salami to withstand space conditions—was eaten by Russian cosmonaut Yuri Usachov aboard the ISS.

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Pieces of the Wright Brothers’ first plane

Image: History in HD

Tucked into Neil Armstrong’s spacesuit was a small piece of fabric and a fragment of wood from the Wright Brothers' 1903 Flyer—carried all the way from Kitty Hawk to the Sea of Tranquility . He took them with him as he became the first person to step onto the Moon in 1969.

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A set of instruments to play "Jingle Bells"

Image: Ali Rashedi

Just before Christmas in 1965, astronauts Wally Schirra and Tom Stafford pulled off a surprise serenade in space.

They had smuggled a harmonica and a set of sleigh bells aboard their Gemini 6A mission and played "Jingle Bells" for Mission Control—creating the first musical performance ever in space . The instruments are now on display at the Smithsonian Institution.

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Several LEGO pieces

Image: Eugene Chystiakov

NASA's collaboration with LEGO took a literal leap when, in 2011, sets of LEGO bricks were sent to the International Space Station aboard mission STS-133.

Astronauts assembled models—such as the Hubble Space Telescope—in microgravity, engaging students around the world in STEM education.

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A Buzz Lightyear toy

Image: Brian McGowan

Buzz Lightyear truly went " to infinity and beyond " when a 12-inch action figure flew aboard Space Shuttle Discovery in 2008. Spending 15 months on the International Space Station, Buzz was part of NASA’s educational outreach efforts.

Upon return, he was honored with a parade at Disney World and now resides in the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.

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A lightsaber

Image: superneox lightsaber

In a nod to sci-fi fandom, a lightsaber prop used by Mark Hamill in Return of the Jedi journeyed to space aboard Space Shuttle Discovery in 2007.

The initiative celebrated the 30th anniversary of Star Wars , symbolizing the intersection of science fiction and real-world space exploration.

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Dinosaur bones

Image: Jesper Aggergaard

In 1985, during NASA's SpaceLab 2 mission, astronaut Loren Acton brought aboard a fossilized bone and a piece of eggshell from Maiasaura peeblesorum , a dinosaur species known for nurturing its young.

These fossils, discovered in Montana , were sent to space to symbolize the connection between Earth’s prehistoric life and space exploration.​

11

Communion bread and wine

Image: James Coleman

In a very profound gesture, Buzz Aldrin privately took Christian communion aboard Apollo 11. As a Presbyterian elder , he carried a tiny wafer and a small pouch of wine, blessing them while orbiting the Moon shortly after the lunar landing.

12

Golf clubs (and golf balls)

Image: Peter Drew

During Apollo 14, Alan Shepard secretly packed a makeshift 6-iron —a golf club head duct-taped to a lunar tool—and two golf balls.

On live TV, he took a couple of awkward, one-handed swings while wearing his stiff spacesuit. The first ball flopped; the second soared "miles and miles," Shepard joked. It actually traveled about 40 yards, which is quite impressive in lunar terms.

1

Cobbler

Image: Enrique Briseno

What’s not to love about a cobbler? It’s the perfect mix between tart and sweet. The popular choices include peach, apple, and blueberry, but other fruits like pears, and rhubarb, also make great options.

This popular dessert can range from tart to sweet depending on how much sugar is added to the fruit. Cobblers vary from more cake-like to crunchy, especially with the addition of oats for texture instead of flour.

2

Cheesecake

Image: Kelsey Todd

All hail the cheesecake! This amazing dessert comes in many varieties and flavors, from rich double chocolate decadence to fluffier and fruitier options . The cheesecake base also pairs wonderfully with other sweet treats, like brownies and pies, for extra richness.

While it may seem like a very contemporary dessert, the first cheesecakes were created as early as the 5th century B.C. on the Greek island of Samos, where a dessert was created from cheese, honey, and nuts.

3

Banana Pudding

Image: Nicole Winchel Brayton

Few fruits are better companions to creamy desserts than bananas. Their texture and sweetness blend perfectly with many other ingredients. The Banana Pudding is a layered mix of creamy banana custard, fresh bananas, wafer cookies, and whipped cream —a fluffy, chilled delight straight from the icebox.

The recipe for banana pudding first appeared in Good Housekeeping in 1888 and has been a beloved classic ever since, with good reason.

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S’mores

Image: Jessica Ruscello

This quintessential camping dessert is a truly American creation. The simple concept of graham crackers, toasted marshmallows, and chocolate has become home to a variety of innovations, including the addition of peanut butter, caramel, and other ingredients.

The recipe for s’mores first appeared in a cookbook in the 1920s, when it was already gaining popularity among campers in the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America. And if you’re nowhere near a campfire, you can make this classic treat in your own oven at home.

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Lemon Squares

Image: Elena Kloppenburg

This yellow cousin of the brownie (more on that later) is perfect for anyone who loves tart and flaky treats. The most successful recipes include a buttery shortbread crust, a layer of deliciously tangy lemon curd, and a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Chilled in the fridge, lemon squares make an ideal summertime dessert to savor when the heat is overwhelming.

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Frozen custard

Image: Tim Mossholder

Everybody knows custard, right? And, as tasty as it is, frozen custard is—even better for many people. This gourmet ice cream treat, made with eggs, cream, and sugar is specially celebrated in Milwaukee, Wisconsin—the so-called "Custard Capital of the World"—where it's sold more than anywhere else around the globe.

Because it contains much less air than other similar treats, frozen custard is thick, dense, and packed with flavor.

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Key lime pie

Image: Nathan Lemon

Who doesn’t love key lime pie? This sweet and sour dessert originates from the Florida Keys. It consists of Key lime juice, condensed milk, and eggs, mixed into a creamy custard. The custard is poured into a buttery crust made from graham crackers and topped with sweet whipped cream. The acidic flavors of the limes provide a perfect contrast to the sweetness of the sugar and cream.

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Gooey Butter Cake

Image: Olga Petnyunene

Gooey butter cake is an accurately descriptive name for this treat, a hallmark of the city of St. Louis. It’s a flat, dense cake made from wheat flour, butter, sugar, and eggs . The cake is traditionally garnished with powdered sugar and sometimes a few raspberries.

Sweet, rich, and firm, gooey butter cake was created in the 1930s by a baker who, while attempting to make a standard yellow cake, accidentally added too much sugar, butter, or shortening. Rather than discard the gooey, sticky batter, he decided to sell it—and customers couldn’t get enough.

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Beignets

Image: Keesha's Kitchen

While this dish originated in France, America has made it its own. Beignets are squares of deep-fried pastry dough sprinkled with powdered sugar and traditionally served hot . These days, beignets are most commonly associated with the French Quarter of New Orleans, where they were declared the official state donut in 1986. These treats are often enjoyed alongside chocolate milk or café au lait.

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Brownies

Image: NordWood Themes

Last but not least, another American favorite makes its entrance. These small chocolate cakes come in various forms, from thicker, fudge-like brownies to lighter, fluffier versions. Brownies are also perfect for pairing with other popular desserts, like ice cream and caramel sauce, and can include nuts or frosting. There’s even a "blonde" variation!

Brownies hold a special place in American culture, often associated with home-baked goods, school bake sales, and family gatherings. Everyone has a favorite type of brownie. What’s yours?