Operation Catch The Mouse (Draft)

Investigating Disneyland Park Conspiracy Theories (along with food suggestions at the end)

*sorry the formatting is weird, will update later


Date: February 3, 2024


Location: Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, California 


Objective: Investigate Disney’s Hidden Secrets and Operational Tactics 


Field Notes: ​​

  • 4 prior teams sent in, none successful. Teams have never been the same after their mission. Words used to describe them: happier, ecstatic, overjoyed. No current cure. 

  • Our team will be sent into Disneyland Park to investigate the following:

    • (1) Brainwashing and Mind Control Allegations

    • (2) Walt Disney’s Frozen Head

    • (3) Ghosts at Pirates of the Caribbean

  • Wish us luck. 


Brainwashing and Mind Control: 

  • Upon entering the park, immediate immersion into the enchanting atmosphere was noted. 

  • Sights of Cinderella’s Castle promptly after entering the park inspire awed gasps and excitements from guests. Castle uses forced perspective and bright colors to look more magnificent, conveying hope and cheerfulness (Pepperdine Law Journal) 

  • Upbeat and lively morning music is playing. Psychological studies demonstrate music’s influence on consumers’ interaction with commercial environments (The Influence of In-Store Music) . Main Street is lined with stores and restaurants ready to take advantage of guests’ boosted moods and purchasing behavior. 

  • Delicious scent of freshly baked goods on Main Street swarms the air. Suspiciously strong vanilla scent. Yet so tempting.


Update #1: Mickey raspberry macaron purchased from Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe on Main Street. However, this will be the LAST diversion during this mission. 


Update #2: Team has been fully compromised. New discovery made regarding Disney’s “smellitzer machines”. Using vents around the park, Disney pumps certain scents to fully immerse guests with their surroundings. Examples include the baked goods scent on Main Street, salty sea scent on Pirates of the Caribbean ride, and honey scent on The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (Business Insider). This results in more food purchases from guests and further integration into the various park settings. Will be more careful treading the parks and will note any suspicious activities. 


Update #3: Suspicious activity found. Hidden “secrets” and Disney movie references are consistently made throughout the park. 

  • Refer to the following photos of hidden easter eggs (Business Insider): 

    • Mrs.Potts and Chip from Beauty and the Beast in Tarzan’s Treehouse

  • Snow White’s singing that echoes all day in the Wishing Well in Snow White Grotto 

  • Tombstones in Haunted Mansion’s Lawn engraved with real names off Disney Imagineers that bright the Mansion to life

  • Hundreds of more examples are present around the park. Humans brains have the tendency to reward itself in response to a surprise. Dopamine is released when we discover something novel or unexpected. These easter eggs around the park tap into human psychology to keep guests entertained and excited to discover these hidden details (Psychology Today).

  • Currently following Disney’s sidewalks to various sections of the park. Different color walkways assist in differentiating what parts of the park guests are in and subconsciously guide them in certain directions. Ultimately enhances guest experience by directing foot traffic flow and maintaining park magic (The Daily Meal). 

  • No signs of outright brainwashing or mind control found. Only the use of smart psychological tricks to create a magical and immersive experience for guests. 


Walt Disney’s Frozen Head: 

  • Rumors have it that after Walt Disney’s death in 1966, his frozen head was buried underneath the Pirates of the Caribbean ride (PBS). 

  • Some say Disney’s hit movie franchise “Frozen” was named such so that it covered up any Google search history of Walt Disney’s frozen head. 

  • Update #1: Sea salt scent and oceanness previously mentioned in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride is true. Additionally, the Blue Bayou Restaurant with gorgeous ambient lighting can be seen while on the ride. Reservations are required and almost certainly always filled.  Must stay focused. Must stay focused. Must stay focused. 


  • Update #2: No freezer storing Disney’s head was found underneath the ride. Will further investigate this matter. 

  • Update #3: After further investigation, interviews with many workers state these rumors stemmed from an interview with Bob Nelson, former president of the Cryonics Society of California in 1972. He said that Disney wanted to be frozen, but wasn’t. He was cremated shortly after his death from lung cancer (lamag). 

  • No signs of Walt Disney’s Frozen Head found. 


Ghosts at Pirates of the Caribbean: 

  • Story goes that George, a construction worker, died while building the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Different versions are told, but it’s emphasized that George is a mischievous spirit, not a malicious one.

  • If cast members don’t wish George good morning and farewell, the ride begins to malfunction and break down throughout the day. Many guests and cast members have reported feeling his presence. 

  • Additionally, it’s been confirmed that real bones were used in the ride when it first opened. Donated from UCLA, the skeletons were significantly better than faux skeletons that looked “too unconvincing” in the late 1950s (Disney Producer Jason Surell, Pirates of the Caribbean: from the Magic Kingdom to the Movies) 

  • Disney claims that skeletons on the ride have since been replaced with sculptured bones, but many Disney enthusiasts aren’t convinced. 


  • Update #1: The ride was amazing. The immersive storytelling, special effects, and detailed scenes highlight the memorable characters. 

  • Update #2: It was relaxing, yet filled with mild thrills at the same time to keep the ride interesting (there’s even a mini roller coaster drop!)

  • ACTUAL update #1: No personal encounter with George during the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. No malfunctions and no weird feelings of air blowing. Findings inconclusive. 

  • ACTUAL Update #2: No real evidence that points to Disney lying about removing the real skeletons used on the ride, especially after they confirmed that they used to be real. However, team encountered what is said to be the actual last remaining real skull on the ride. 


  • In 2014, a cast member confirmed that the headboard skull was real, and one of the originals was donated from UCLA’s medical department. (DisneyDose)

  • Again, findings are inconclusive as no other proof exists. 


Field Notes Summary:

  • Food was amazing

  • Rides were magical 

  • Team is planning on second trip to further investigate Disneyland soon 


Disney is the epitome of magic, enchantment, and pure joy. From the iconic Cinderella Castle to the whimsical characters that roam the streets, every moment at Disney is a testament to its enchantment. If you couldn’t tell, I went to Disneyland and California Adventure recently and I am officially hooked. 


Here is a speedrun of the best food I had at Disney, including where you can find them:

 *Photos will be added later 


Maurice’s Treats: Pretzel Bread stuffed with Cheesy Garlic Spread

Bengal Barbeque: Chieftain Chicken Skewer

The Tropical Hideaway: Dole Whip, lumpia


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