Q: I have heard there is a tradition at the Disney parks, when one ride is replaced with another, the Imagineers save something from the former ride somewhere in the new ride. This may not always be easily visible to guests. I have seen the Melvin, Buff, and Max from the Country Bears in the Winnie the Pooh ride in Disneyland. How did this get started, and what is the most unusual item saved from one ride to the next? Is there any source, similar to Hidden Mickey books, that shares where these can be found?
Leslie, Newbury Park, California
A: While this may not be an official tradition, some designers have wanted to honor the former attractions somewhere in the new ones. Besides the ones you cited, others at Disneyland have included (1) parts of the town of Rainbow Ridge from the Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland reused at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad; (2) the Mighty Microscope from Adventure Thru Inner Space in the Star Tours pre-show film; (3) ride vehicles from past Tomorrowland attractions in the pre-show for Rocket Rods; (4) Autopia added a car from Midget Autopia along the track; and (5) the Gullywhumper of Mark Fink Keel Boats and a mine train from Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland were added as props along the Rivers of America. Walt Disney World has a number of attraction tributes also.
Dave Smith