Disney World's Hidden Spaces

Jun 2

3 min read

When millions of guests visit Walt Disney World Resort each year, they expect dazzling rides, immersive lands, and unforgettable shows. What most visitors don’t realize is that the resort is also full of hidden rooms, secret lounges, and backstage spaces tucked away behind walls, above attractions, and even beneath entire parks.

Some were designed for VIP guests. Others support park operations. Some just became due to happenstance. And a few are simply Disney’s legendary Imagineering magic—details intentionally hidden in plain sight.

Here are some of the most fascinating hidden rooms scattered throughout Walt Disney World—from the ones you can visit to the ones that almost none of us will ever get to see in-person.

Main Street Apartment

Interior photo of the bedroom above the fire station in the Magic Kingdom. Red couch and curtains are visible with floral carport and white patterned wallpaper.

One of the most famous hidden spaces sits above the fire station on Main Street U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom. Inspired by Walt Disney’s private apartment in Disneyland Park, Disney Imagineers created a similar space in Florida. The apartment isn’t used as a residence, but it’s occasionally used for special events and media tours.

A small lamp placed in the window is often kept lit—symbolically representing Walt’s spirit watching over the park. Most guests walk right past it every day without realizing there’s a fully themed room above their heads.

Cinderella Castle's Suite

Interior of the Cinderella Castle Suite with 2 beds, a fireplace, chairs, and a couch.

Hidden inside the iconic Cinderella Castle is probably the most exclusive room in the world.

The Cinderella Castle Suite was originally envisioned by Walt Disney as a private apartment for his family when visiting Florida. Although Walt never got to see it himself, some estimates say that around 600 people have been lucky enough to sleep in this exclusive room. The first to ever say in it were in 2007/2008 when Disney gave away nightly stays in the suite as part of their Year of a Million Dreams sweepstakes.

Often referred to as the most exclusive room in the world, no amount of money can buy you a night in this suite. You'll just have to hope you're one of the lucky few through a sweepstakes, promotion, or special invitation.

Inside you’ll find:

Hand-painted ceilings
Mosaic tile floors
Royal-themed furniture
Hidden Disney character details
A luxurious bathroom with a starry ceiling

Only a very small number of people have ever slept inside the castle.

Club 33: Secret Membership

Club 33 doorbell at Disneyland in California.

If you've got tens of thousands of spare dollars lying around every year that are burning for something to be spent on, perhaps a chance to join Club 33 is in your future? Club 33 is an exclusive membership club at the Disney Parks that gets you into hidden bars and restaurants. At last report, the initiation fee was $65,000 and the annual fees hovered around $20,000.

Club 33 was originally Walt's idea for a VIP lounge so that corporate sponsors could have a place to go. You had to be invited by Walt himself to get in. About six months after his death, the Club 33 secret was out and it was open for business . . . if you have the money and can get past a rigorous selection process.

Locations:

Disneyland California: At New Orleans Square (33 Royal Street, to be exact). Entrance is unassuming, and the club itself is above Pirates of the Caribbean.
Disney California Adventure: 1901 Lounge at Carthay Circle.
Tokyo Disneyland: Located on Center Street in the World Bazaar.
Shanghai Disney: Mickey Avenue
Disney World
- Magic Kingdom: In Adventureland just as you enter from Main Street USA
- EPCOT: Constellation Club, above the American Adventure Pavilion
- Animal Kingdom: Harambe House within Africa
- Hollywood Studios: Spotlight Lounge is located above the Brown Derby Restaurant

Pinocchio's 2nd Floor Dining

Staircase leading up to the 2nd floor at Pinocchio's in the Magic Kingdom

Although this isn't technically a secret, it does feel a bit hidden and exclusive. Many people don't realize that at Pinocchio's when it gets busy, you have an option to sneak up a staircase and see the 2nd floor. They sometimes have it blocked off and only open it up during peak attendance times. But if it's open, check it out!

Mission: Space Playground

Photo of the Space Base playground at the ride exit of Mission: Space.

While not secret pre-se, many people end up just walking right past this space with games and a kid's play area on their way out of Mission: Space. It's a run respite from the sun and heat during the summer months. The indoor playground features tunnels, slides, and more for kids. It's easy to miss because of how dark it is, but next time you're here let your kids try it out.

Tunnels and play spaces at the Space Base playground.

The Utilidor

The Utilidor was Walt Disney's way to get cast members from one area of the park to another without being seen. It's a clever way to avoid a cowboy showing up in Future World or an alien in Fantasyland. Although most people will never see it, if you ever work at Disney or go on a behind-the-scenes tour, you might have a chance!