Rumor control is rarely a going concern for large corporations, most of whom prefer to pass them off as so much urban legend. Family oriented Disney, on the other hand, has a history of bristling when such stories arise. Image is everything, and whatever runs against the norm can quickly tarnish a squeaky-clean and carefully maintained facade of fantasy and magic.
And while most stories are much to fantastic to be believed, it's the tales that are equally incredible, and all too true, that they would rather just keep hidden away.
THE TRAGIC KINGDOM
For a handful of guests, a romp at the "happiest place on earth" has taken disastrous turns. Nearly ten people have met their end at the park since 1964.
Most lethal has been the Matterhorn, Disneyland's mountainous bobsled attraction that has earned the infamous nickname "widowmaker" among employees. On two occasions riders "safety" belts have unbuckled and thrown passengers to the track and an untimely end.
Even the slow-moving PeopleMover of Tomorrowland has been the end of the line for two unwitting patrons who have attempted to change cars as they glide along their rails at a seemingly placid two miles per hour. Other tragedies have included a knifing, being struck by monorail train, and two drownings in the Rivers of America.
THE EYES OF MICKEY ARE UPON YOU
Talk about paranoia. From the moment you enter the park you are under constant surveilance. Disney has taken a page from Orwell's 1984 and installed cameras everywhere - including the rides. Adding to the big brother syndrome is the amount of undercover security personal who at last count even outnumbered the police force of the city of Anaheim that surrounds it.
It is not uncommon for young couples who mistake the Pirates of the Caribbean for a sort of tunnel of love, only to have their amorous activities brought to a halt by ride operators who often gather around nearby monitors to check out the steamy happenings. Once the action gets a little carried away, cast members will take to the microphone and announce ever so politely, through hidden overhead speakers, something like "Do you mind? There are children present!"
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