The 1st fireworks display at WDW took place at the official dedication of the Polynesian Village Hotel on Oct. 24, 1971.

On one of our recent trips, we went over to the Polynesian for a Dole whip and headed down to the beach to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks one evening.  This is a great way to relax and spend some time on the beach, creating magical memories.

The date above the hall of presidents is the year the constitution was drafted.

and that year is: 1787.  

There are no bathrooms located in Liberty Square, in keeping with the time period of that area.

If you're traveling with little ones, you better take a break before you get there!

the red bricks on main street are to represent a red carpet to make you feel like you are entering/part of the show!

Oh the details!  How often do I tell you that it is in the details!  What makes Disney different from every other theme park on earth?  Probably a red carpet or something!

Did you know that when fish in the Living Seas do not maintain a "meets expectations" score on their annual performance reviews they are unceremoniously dumped in the World Showcase Lagoon?

Ok, so thats not true.  It is however very funny, and the world needs more laughter. 

There’s one million square feet of rockwork at Disney’s Animal Kingdom . . . that’s twice the volume of rockwork in the Mt. Rushmore sculptures or a volume that could create a monolith 10 feet by 10 feet by two miles high.

First dirt, then rocks.  That animal Kingdom is one exciting place!

Sixty dump trucks of dirt were delivered to Disney’s Animal Kingdom construction site every day for two years straight, equaling 4.4 million cubic yards of dirt.

Animal Kingdom facts are usually among my favorite (aside from facts about Toy Story Midway Mania).  This one is no exception.  I mean, really? who doesn't love facts about 60 dump trucks full of dirt?

The complete inventory of vehicles at "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show" includes more than 20 custom-built cars, 10 stunt motorcycles and two high-powered personal watercrafts.

It also takes over 35 cast members (actors, technicians and others) for the actual show.  This doesn't include cast members helping seat guests, or giving directions near the entrance.

From bonsai to roses, there's something for every gardening guru at the annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Disney horticulturists rotate the crops twice during the festival to keep the 30 million blossoms colorful and fresh.

The Flower and Garden Festival is coming up in March!  Have you made plans to visit? 

26.2 miles of bratwurst are served every 60 days at the Biergarten restaurant in the Germany pavilion. That, by the way, is the length of a marathon.

It's marathon weekend at WDW.  Why not stop by for some bratwurst?

The Land has a "tomato tree" that is the only one of its kind in the United States. The massive plant has produced a world-record harvest of more than 32,000 tomatoes from a single vine.

I love tomatoes!

At Spaceship Earth, Mickey Mouse is hidden in his own constellation just beyond the attraction's loading area.

Where are your favorite hidden mickeys located?

Watch for loose change in the prize scene -- Hamm is carrying more than $6 in coins when his cork pops.

Another Midway Mania Fact.  For a more educational pig with change, consider heading over to Epcot.  Innovations hosts "The Great Piggy Bank Adventure" where through a series of mini-games you can try to save up for various items, as well as learning the importance of saving and investing.

This is pretty cool!

 Ok.  So, on my search for new fun facts, I came across one I had seen several times before about Pirates of the Caribbean. and the stalemate chess game that you pass entering the ride.  Imagineer Marc Davis saw it this way:

I then found this fantastic article, which I wanted to share with all of you!  I encourage you to check out the story.  I read through it, and it seems to me, those pieces aren't being moved by cleaning crews, but by the skeletons playing at night when the ride is closed.  You can decide for yourself, but either way, you should check this out!

http://www.thefloridaproject.com/blog/pirates-of-the-caribbean-chess-stalemate-rumor/

In order to create a show that responds not only to every pull of a guest's spring-action shooter but also every move their midway tram makes, there are more than 150 computers communicating over multiple networks throughout the attraction.

I'm a sucker for these Toy Story Midway Mania Facts.  Awhile back, I spent a whole day on Twitter sharing facts about this terrific attraction.  It's just incredible!

The jolly headhunter who shows up near the end of the Jungle Cruise is known as "Trader Sam".

The Jungle Cruise is one of our favorite classic rides, and we love the slapstick corny humor that makes the old and young chuckle and enjoy the experience.

The name for the ride vehicles on th omnimover at the Haunted Mansion are called "doom buggies"

This style of attraction is now popular around WDW, as it allows for the ride to load and unload non-stop, making wait times shorter. 

Both the Carousel of Progress and It's a Small World made their debut at the 1964 New York World's Fair.

Which of these rides to you consider a "must do" for your trips?  I personally always head to Carousel of Progress, and my husband enjoys the short nap he gets as I enjoy te attraction. 

It always seems to me that I'm closer to the spirit the parks were created in when I enjoy that attraction--besides--it's a great history lesson that the kids don't even realize they are getting. 

Admission on opening day in 1971 was $3.50 for an adult.

Now, we pay that much for per gallon of gas to get to WDW. 

The opening day crowd at the Magic Kingdom in 1971 was approximately 10,000 guests.

That number is now considered a low attendance day across the WDW complex. 

This post holds a little secret:  book with me in November and receive a $25 Disney giftcard.  All you have to do is share this fun fact with me! Tell your friends!