4. Detail

Image © Disney.

At a typical theme park, if you step outside the designated area, the illusion of where you were will disappear. You’ll either see props or custodians or even a sweaty performer with the head of a cartoon bird in his arms. At Disney, the illusion never fades. Ever since Walt Disney became enraged seeing a pioneer performer of Frontierland walk through the future-like Tomorrowland, it has been of utmost importance to Disney to keep the theme park experience flawlessly intact. As a result of that dedication, Disney goes to extreme lengths to shield you from the real world.

5. Exclusivity

Image © Disney.

There are only four Big Thunder Mountains in the entire world, even though it was almost a network TV series. For all the DVDs, books, costumes, and other merchandise that has come out of the franchise’s popularity, the Pirates of the Caribbean theme park attraction can only be ridden in three countries. The magic of the Disney parks, from the attractions to the treats to the experience itself, is exclusive to only a handful of locations worldwide. That makes each boat ride on It’s A Small World or tour through the Haunted Mansion or dozens of other Disney-only experiences all the more precious. 

6. Walt

Though he only lived to see the debut of Anaheim California’s Disneyland, Walt Disney is the heart of all Disney parks. His contributions to the experience, from its conception to its authenticity, are many of the most significant parts of the Disney park experience. He may not have gotten to witness the openings of his parks in Florida, Tokyo, Paris, or Hong Kong, but he was absolutely essential to what makes them all magical.