The Disney Parks have made it their prime directive for years to immerse guests into the worlds of their favorite Disney movies. Seeing how movies are the bedrock on which the Disney company is founded, it only makes sense that one territory would overlap with the other on occasion.
While casual fans might be too focused on enjoying the sensations of the rides or visuals of the attractions, seasoned Mouseketeers will definitely notice a few familiar features in the background. Instead of being locked away in some warehouse, a selection of many Disney props has found new homes in their parks.
Beauty And The Beast Props (Beauty And The Beast Sing-Along)
Seeing how the Oscar-nominated film has both a Broadway show and a live-action remake, there's perhaps a no better place to display a few props and costumes than a park attraction featuring the tale as old as time. Located in Epcot's France pavilion, guests who venture into the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along will note some familiar pieces under glass in the lobby.
Along with other pieces of stage and screen memorabilia, such as the Phantom's mask from another famous production, Emma Watson's dress, the magic mirror, and models of Cogsworth, Lumiere, and Mrs. Potts can all be seen before entering the theatre.
Indiana Jones Truck (Indiana Jones Adventure)
All Disney Parks have the habit of hiding surprises in plain sight, from Hidden Mickeys to moving works of art, but the Indiana Jones Adventure has something a little bigger in store. Guests might look at this giant green truck and think nothing of it, but there's actually a nugget of history behind this seemingly ordinary vehicle.
The vehicle in question was one of the actual patrol trucks used in Raiders of the Lost Ark. It was reportedly used in the desert scene and made its way into the park in 1995.
Cursed Chest (Pirates Of The Caribbean)
The Pirates of the Caribbean attraction is known for having a few secrets, including an actual human skull used in one of the displays in the Disneyland version. But there's a much larger surprise laying in wait for any movie fan, or a greedy pirate looking to trade their flesh for fortune.
The Chest of Cortez featured in Curse of the Black Pearl is on full display with all of its gold, and Disneyland guests are the only ones that can see it. While pieces of the cursed coin collection have been replicated, the chest itself is all too real.
Cens-O-Rama 360 (Journey Into Imagination With Figment)
Journey Into Imagination With Figment has more than a few movie props scattered throughout the Imagination Institute, all circulating around famous Disney sci-fi movies, and one of the most notable is the goofy-looking Cens-O-Rama from Honey I Shrunk The Kids.
The heavy piece of headgear was last seen being worn by Wayne Szalinsky in the growing/shrinking trilogy featuring Rick Moranis. With his contribution to the genre, it's a wonder that the iconic shrink ray wasn't also featured.
Medfield College Letterman Jacket (Journey Into Imagination With Figment)
Only die-hard Disney movie buffs might be able to recognize the reference, but the fictional institution of Medfield College plays a huge role across multiple films. Medfield has played host to the likes of Dean Jones, Kurt Russell, and even the late Robin Williams, all of whom have signed on as students and faculty.
The Absent-Minded Professor, The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes, and Flubber all feature Medfield as their backdrop, and a scarlet letterman jacket can be seen on a peg as the ride vehicle goes through the computer lab. No doubt its position is a reference to the Kurt Russell comedy.
Weebo (Journey Into Imagination With Figment)
Along with his own office in the institute, Prof. Brainard's robotic companion is also on display right at the entrance of the ride. While most fans might have been happier with just an appearance from Flubber himself, there's an undeniable nostalgia factor with Weebo's familiar yellow face.
While most of her work was accomplished through CGI, Disney did use an actual model for a decent handful of scenes. After seeing her bashed towards the end of the film, it's nice to see her fully restored and preserved for all to see.
Captain Nemo’s Pipe Organ (The Haunted Mansion)
A common fact amongst Disney fans but one not all riders might know about, this little tidbit concerns a certain eerie instrument in Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. Every classic gothic horror story needs a creepy pipe organ to set the mood, but there's something very special about the one in the ballroom sequence on the classic ride.
Not only is the organ an actual functioning instrument, but it's the exact same one played aboard the Nautilus by the enigmatic Captain Nemo in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. As mysterious as the captain himself, it's good to see that the organ not only continues to be played but has attracted a more appropriate audience.
C-3PO And R2-D2 (Star Tours)
A decent handful of celebrities have made guest appearances in a few Disney attractions, but there's one ride where guests can meet a pair of movie stars 24/7. Direct from a galaxy far, far, away, C-3PO and his counterpart R2-D2 can be seen continuing their schtick in the original Star Tours attraction in Disneyland.
The animatronics have been fitted with the original, movie-used exteriors from the original trilogy, as Imagineers wanted to create an experience as authentic as possible. The years have certainly been kind to the droids, despite all they've been through.
Various (Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream)
An often overlooked experience in Hollywood Studios but one that should be on the list for any fan of the man behind the mouse, One Man's Dream houses not only a large exhibit on Disney's history but has several pieces of memorabilia touched by Walt Disney himself.
The exhibit is practically a shrine to Walt's legacy, featuring various movie props, simple sketches and film cells, a model of Disneyland, and even a functioning multiplane camera. Far more than a simple display, the walkthrough attraction holds more than a few artifacts to inspire creativity and ambition for guests of any age.