Breaking Down the Craziest Disney Myths
With any large company or celebrity comes the thousands if not millions of people who speculate stories about them. Naturally, the Disney company and the late Walt Disney have tons of myths that fans have created over the years, with some having nuggets of truth. Let’s break down some of the most famous myths and find out what the truth really is.
Myth: Walt Disney said the quote, “If you can dream it, you can do it.”
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Many fans attribute the famous quote “If you can dream it, you can do it” to the late Walt Disney. However, the quote was actually from a now-extinct Disney attraction! If you visited Epcot in Disney World in the ’80s or early ’90s, you might have gone on the attraction Horizons, which took parkgoers on a ride through potential futures of the world. The quote was featured on the attraction and was actually written by Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald specifically for the attraction.
Myth: There is a basketball court inside the Matterhorn ride where cast members can go play on their breaks.
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The Matterhorn Bobsleds in Disneyland may give you the need for a chiropractor but is there also a secret hidden inside it? Many fans have heard that there is a full basketball court inside the rollercoaster where cast members can play basketball on their breaks. This one is partially true! There is not a full basketball court but there is a hidden break room with a basketball hoop inside.
Myth: One of the singing busts in the Haunted Mansion attraction is Walt Disney.
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Haunted Mansion is one of the most beloved attractions in the Disney parks and many have speculated who the iconic singing busts are supposed to be. Some believe that the one with the mustache whose head has broken off from his neck is Walt Disney. However, this has been debunked, and confirmed it is actually Thurl Ravenscroft. He was a part of the Mellomen who performed the song “Grim Grinning Ghosts.” He voiced several characters in Disney movies and rides and is even the voice of Tony the Tiger!
Myth: Walt Disney’s last words were “Kurt Russell.”
Walt Disney Pictures/Everett Collection
The myth began after a piece of paper with Kurt Russell‘s name was found in Walt’s office after he died. However, it was not his last words. Before his death in 1966, he had been working with Russell on several films including The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes. He was considering him for another film and luckily for Russell, he continued to work with the Disney company even after Walt passed away.
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August 2021
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