Q: I am a very huge Disney fan—I realized that when I turned 11, and now I’m 13. So my first question is, is it true that Disneyland lets out cats at night to eat any rodents that they find? The second question is, is it true that most of the Matterhorn is made of chicken wire? And the third question is, did the ride Expedition Everest used to be the most expensive ride to build (in the world) or is it still?
Kyle, Upland, California
A: Disneyland has feral cats living there, but they were not introduced by Disneyland cast members. Their health is monitored, and food is left out for them. They are handy in keeping down the rodent population, which naturally occurs in rustic, jungle-like areas. The Matterhorn does not really use chicken wire. The structure was framed in wood, then covered with metal lath, a mesh that will hold plaster, which is then sprayed on. Disney does not publicize the cost of its attractions, but Expedition Everest was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most expensive roller coaster when it was built in 2006. Today that cost has no doubt been surpassed by Radiator Springs Racers and other attractions.
Dave Smith