Disneyland Facts & History > New Orleans Square (6)
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The Green Haunted Mansion
On July 31, 2009 Disneyland's Haunted Mansion was specially lit with eerie shades of green and blue for a special photo shoot. The shoot was in preparation of the Haunted Mansion's 40th Anniversary Celebration on Sepetmber 9, 2009 (9-9-09).
Photo courtesy of Leah Ferraro Hidalgo.
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Disney Initials
French inspired ironwork incorporating hidden names and initials are prominent features on the gates and balconies of Historic New Orleans. Disneyland's New Orleans Square follows suit with similar decorative details. Walt and Roy Disney's initials have been hidden in the decorative iron railing found on the Disney Draem Suite's balcony (initially conceived as an apartment for the Disney Family, currently the Disney Dream Suite).
Update: The initials were highlighted in gold during the creation of the Disney Dream Suite in 2008.
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Gold Disney Initials
Walt & Roy Disney's hidden initials were painted gold in 2008, during the creation of the Disney Dream Suite.
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The Royal Suite - Disney Apartment - As Conceived & Designed by Dorothea Redmond
In the 1960's, Walt began plans to create a large, private apartment, to be built within Disneyland. The Disney Apartment, dubbed The Royal Suite, was meant to be a private space used by the Disney family or special guests (the apartment is attached to Club 33). The lavish suite was to be built above the Pirates of the Caribbean, but was not completed due to Walt Disney's death in 1966. The large space has served a variety of functions. It served as home to the Disney Gallery (1987-2007), until it was re-imagined as the Disney Dream Suite in 2008.
The composition & concepts for the space's interior were executed by Dorthea Redmond (famed Gone With the Wind set designer, who also designed the interiors for the Plaza Inn & much of New Orleans Square).
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The Exclusive Club 33
Club 33: Hidden in New Orleans Square, is an exclusive club strictly reserved to corporate sponsors and paid members. Located at 33 Royal Street (nestled next to the Blue Bayou) is the doorway for the exclusive Club 33. Walt Disney envisioned the swanky club (the only place inside Disneyland that officially serves alcohol) as a place to entertain dignitaries, close friends and corporate connections. Sadly, the private club was not completed until shortly after Walt's death.
Rumor has it that the Club owes its name to its street address, 33 Rue Royale, or Royal Street. State law required a specific street address in order to issue Disney's club a liquor license, so the address was created.
Why 33? According to Name & History page at www.DisneylandClub33.com, Disneyland had 33 corporate lease holders in 1966. Since Disney originally envisioned the club as a place to entertain special guests and corporate sponsors, the Club was named for Disneyland's investors at the time.
For more information, please visit our friends at www.DisneylandClub33.com
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Fortune Red
Have your pirate fortune read by ol' Fortune Red. Fortune Red is located just outside the Pieces of Eight pirate shop, adjacent to the Pirate of the Caribbean exit.
Fortune Red first appeared as part of the Pirate's Arcade Museum, a collection of unique pirate themed games, shooters and curiosities. The arcade debuted in 1967 (around the same time as Pirates of the Caribbean) and was originally located in the space that is currently occupied by Pieces of Eight.