3. Misbehaving on Splash Mountain

Image: Disney

I just couldn’t bring myself to title this “Flash Mountain”. The cringeworthy practice of parkgoers baring their chests for the camera on Splash Mountain is a well-documented urban legend that has long been proven true. You’ll likely never see the pictures of these naughty guests as Disney is careful to filter Photopass pictures on the monitors (such as that of a guest who was recently booted for repeatedly raising a political sign on the ride).

Fortunately, the antics have supposedly become rarer than in years previous, to the point Disneyland may have eliminated the “flash monitor” cast members for a time. Disney is always still keeping an eye out, however, to make sure the practice doesn’t return. If they were willing to ban someone for waving a political sign, that won’t bode well for anyone who brings Flash Mountain back.

4. The Yippie coup of Tom Sawyer Island

Image: Jett Farrell-Vega

I actually had not heard of this one until researching for this article, but it’s just too bizarre not to visit. Legend has it that Yippie protesters once successfully took over Tom Sawyer Island during a protest.

It’s true, though it was hilariously unsuccessful.

The Yippies—something between hippies and yuppies-- were a far-far-left political group who were known for anti-establishment views and public shenanigans to draw attention to their cause. On August 6, 1970 (the 25th anniversary of Hiroshima), the Yippies planned a day of protest at Disneyland. Many assume it was to protest Disneyland’s dress code against long-haired men and facial hair, but that had already been rescinded. Rather, the protest was against involvement in the Vietnam War, and the park’s sponsor, Bank of America, represented all that they stood against.

The Yippies handed out flyers depicting Mickey Mouse wielding a machine gun and advertised hijinks for the day ranging from the liberation of Minnie Mouse to the roasting of Porky Pig. Most notably, an invasion of Tom Sawyer Island was planned. The local police and Disney officials caught wind of the plans and prepared for hordes of debaucherous Yippies to descend upon the parks.

Not very many showed up—about a hundred in all. They were badly organized but for some chants and pot smoking. The only activity they almost-sort-of succeeded at was raiding Tom Sawyer Island. The Yippies claimed the island as their own, throwing up a Viet Cong flag and causing operations for the island to shut down temporarily. Finally, when they returned to the main park and staged a march down Main Street which turned violent, the police finally entered and shut things down. Unfortunately for other guests in the park, Disneyland had to be closed early that day. The protest drew some media attention but ultimately did nothing to further their goals.