The words “disturbing” and “the Disney Parks” are hardly ever used together in the same sentence — but we’re here to change that!

The Disney Parks usually provide plenty of wonderfully joyful memories, but that doesn’t mean they’re all sunshine and rainbows. In fact, when you consider the Parks’ history and behind-the-scenes happenings, you’d be forgiven if your mind starts to wander. Sometimes, those thoughts can lead to disturbing realizations.

The Disney Parks are full of strange and sometimes melancholy facts that can mess with your brain when you think about them for too long. So don’t say we didn’t warn you before you read our list of 16 things that have happened, constantly happen, and could happen at the Disney Parks that are actually disturbing when you sit back and think about them!

Ignorance is often bliss, so read ahead at your own peril! Not scared off yet? Good — let’s get into it!

1. The “it’s a small world” Animatronics NEVER Turn Off

While we can’t personally verify this, there are some substantial and some seemingly valid arguments that the “it’s a small world” dolls at both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom never turn off. While we don’t recommend ever testing out this theory, we can imagine experiencing the clicking of the dolls in the early hours of the morning would be something straight out of a horror film!

2. Disney Uses Cats to Kill the REAL Mickey Mouse

Sure, they’re beloved by the locals, especially at Disneyland where seeing a Disneyland cat is a badge of honor. And sure they’re adorable little guys. But the irony is not lost on us that these cute little killing machines are essentially hunting Mickey Mouse and his mouse family. It gets even worse when you realize that the Disney Parks openly allow these cats to roam the grounds because rodent infestation is an actual possibility without them. We salute you for your service Disney cats!

3. People Spread Ashes on Attractions

Disturbingly, the rumors that guests sometimes ILLEGALLY spread ashes on Disney rides are 100% true. In fact, Cast Members refer to the action as a Code A. The ashes can be spotted under a black light fairly easily and, if found, the ride is shut down until it is cleaned up and deemed not a biohazard. This disturbing occurrence happens on several rides at both Disneyland and Disney World, most notably on both Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.

4. Disney Apps Track You

Whether you’re using the My Disney Experience app or the Disneyland Mobile App, Disney is tracking your precise location and collecting your data to learn more about you. Sure, you agree to this and Disney doesn’t go out of its way to hide this fact, but that doesn’t make it any less uncomfortable for some.

5. Mission Space Has 18 Different Warning Signs

Green Side, Orange Side, it doesn’t matter. Mission: Space at EPCOT is NOTORIOUS for causing nausea, headaches, vertigo, and overall anxiety. Should a ride that requires 18 WARNINGS really exist? These are the questions we need to be asking!

6. Fatalities on Disney Rides

This is seriously not a fun one to think about, so we won’t hold it against you if you want to skip ahead.

With that said, there have been several attraction-related fatalities at the Disney Parks. Rides and attractions that have claimed lives either through Disney’s fault or the guests’ include Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, Rivers of America, the Disneyland Monorail, America Sings / Carousel of Progress, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Matterhorn Bobsleds, the PeopleMover, and Sailing Ship Columbia at Disneyland.

Ride-related deaths at Disney World include the attractions Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Pirates of the Caribbean, Disney World Monorail, Primeval Whirl, Splash Mountain, and the Magic Kingdom Skyway.

7. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror’s Caesar May Haunt You

Based on the The Twilight Zone episode “Caesar and Me”, Caesar the ventriloquist dummy can be spotted before you exit The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. It’s become a Cast Member tradition to acknowledge the dummy to help prevent any mischief, so we recommend being nice to the doll…just in case.

8. Pirates of the Caribbean Ghosts

Legend has it that the ghost of a young boy haunts Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean while the friendly ghost of a Disney Imagineer who died in the 1970s named George haunts the Magic Kingdom’s version. Spooky.

9. Codes U, V, and H

If you’re at the Disney parks and hear a Cast Member mention Code U, V, or H, they’re talking about urine, vomit, or poop, respectively. Yes, these bodily emergencies do happen daily at the Disney Parks, unfortunately.

10. The Germs!

Take advantage of the Disney Parks’ hand sanitizer stations because germs can be found everywhere. From people bringing illnesses to kids licking random things, germs spread fast, and whether or not you get sick doesn’t negate how disturbing this is.

11. River Country is Still a Thing

Disney’s River Country was Disney’s first water park and it was open from 1976 until 2001. While some work has occurred to tear it down, it largely still remains as a ghost park, deteriorating over time as it rots with long-forgotten memories.

12. A Wild Bear Can Just Show Up and Take Over Disney World

In September 2023, a wild bear actually wandered into Magic Kingdom, reminding us that Disney World is surrounded by real wildlife and not just the Country Bear Jamboree (more on the wildlife later). The 150-pound black bear fortunately was safely captured and released back into the wild.

13. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride Ends in the “Bad Place”

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at Disneyland mostly fits the mold of a classic children’s dark ride. That is, until the climax where the riders “die”, are judged, and end the ride in a heated room meant to represent the “Bad Place”. That’s pretty dark for a Disney ride — but also a little hilarious.

14. The Disney Parks Are Expensive

There’s no subtlety in this — Disney trips are expensive, and when you take a break from the fun and you’re having to think about all the money you’ve spent…well…saying you’re disturbed will likely be an understatement.

15. The Beatles Broke Up at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

The Beatles actually broke up at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, when John Lennon made it official on December 29th, 1974. We’ll never look at the resort the same way.

16. You May See Alligators at Disney World That Aren’t Part of an Attraction

We’re not talking about Disney’s Animal Kingdom alligators or the Jungle Cruise animatronics. There is a real reason you’re not allowed to swim in the water surrounding Disney World. While hundreds of gators have been relocated over the years, Disney World is still home to swampland and many alligators, so you should be cautious when around lakes and lagoons on-property.

There you have it! The Disney Parks can be kind of disturbing but they’re so much fun and mostly a good time so the feeling usually fades fast. As always, stay tuned here at DFB for all kinds of Disney fun facts, news, and more!

Want to learn more about Walt’s first theme park? Click here to see Disneyland’s 50 BEST hidden secrets!

What are some disturbing things you’ve seen at the Disney Parks? Share your experiences below in the comments!