How Disney Tricks You Into Walking Past Hidden Control Rooms

If you have ever wondered how Disney magic works, let's uncover six Disneyland hidden control rooms and how these locations can increase your Disney Magic!

[@RobertLocke-hn8vt]

Sword in the Stone is operated by a handheld controller that looks like a garage door opener, held by a plain clothes entertainment lead standing in the area. No secret control room. I know, I was the guy with the handheld. Next story!

[@princessmarlena1359]

That’s what a friend of mine told me how TSITS worked.

[@JamesFarrOfficial]

I am fascinated by this. Can you share the guidelines you were given about when to use and not use the controller? I assumed it might be a rule that you not use it for adults. Or is it just up to the individual cast member?

[@kristinotto102]

That’s what he said. He said the cast member is in the area and the light is just confirmation that they hit the button.

[@Canuck1000]

Indeed, this is what he said. The cast member stands near where is with a remote in his or her hand.

[@lilricky2515]

How dare you bring facts to click-bait fest! 😁

[@toddsworldofcooking8094]

Another way to know if the fireworks are cancelled is to look at the top of the Matterhorn. You can see a dark square at the top. That’s the open door that tinker bell comes out of. If the door is closed and turns white, they are cancelled. The door is closed about 10 minutes before the announcement is made.

[@smallworldfanmason]

Wow, thank you. This is really helpful to know because on my last trip to Disneyland, the fireworks were cancelled and it was my first time at disneyland coming from florida. So that was kinda sad.

[@chrisplacke13]

Watched this video yesterday and went to Disneyland today, and during the mixed magic fireworks, we noticed the fireworks stopped during the Coco scene. Then noticed a white balloon, then another, then a 3rd all released from the fireworks launch area. The balloons seemed to go mostly straight up, but they definitely stopped launching fireworks and got no finale. Thanks Brickey, for letting us know why we kept seeing balloons. We picked a spot in front of small world asked a cast member if it was OK to be where we were and she said we “may” be asked to move due to wind. Seemed like there was little to no wind, but they pulled the plug mid show. So glad we knew why. Again- Thank You Brickey for all your hard work!

[@LMGVids]

I was always wondering why I saw a white balloon fly up a little bit before the fireworks, great videos bricky

[@seanmulligan4123]

Got to do some work around the control rooms years back. CalOSHA made Disney raise height of guard rails and barriers on many of the roofs. We had to take old wood steps and platforms out that techs use to check conditions.

[@AdventureStop]

This is true

[@slamovgod]

Great video! It’s always a fun time hearing the “there’s not even any wind.” Complaints from guests who are completely oblivious to fire safety.

[@JesseAdventure]

I remember my last day at Disneyland in 2006 went and watched the fireworks in front of the castle Remember dreams come true! (Best Disneyland Fireworks show! I have my reason why it’s the best) after the show, went over and watch fantasy before the show started we were in front of one of the lighting rigs this guy came over rip open a rock 🪨 pull out the remote to bring the tower down so the spotlight guy went up and do his thing I’m still shocked about that today

[@adventuresinsplashmountain6]

2006?! That's 2 years before I was even born! You need to go back! It has changed so much!

[@JesseAdventure]

@@adventuresinsplashmountain6 I finally came back in October 2022!

[@MelissaAndAlex]

@@adventuresinsplashmountain6stop you’re making me feel old lol

[@OgasBoyfriend]

What a great video! I learned more from this than from any previous video from you or any creator. Brickey, you are an exceptional storyteller!

[@ScanFan_Ed]

He is amazing!

[@amandak1683]

Yeeess! Love the peek into the range of the simple analog controls to the complex rooms filled with screens.

[@catperson271]

I feel so smart after watching this fun video. They might be control rooms, but it still feels very magical to me. I loved this little peek into how the magic happens. Thank you, Brickey!

[@NYPlasticDoc]

Just wanted to give a what's up and thanks for everything shout out. My son Peter Parker and I live in AZ but try to get to Disneyland 8-10 times per year. We were just there last weekend and had a blast. Big crowds but still had a memorable time. Yesterday 2/19 got SOAKED at Universal Hollywood, it was crazy. I have lived in southern California and cannot remember such a downpour. Our pants and socks and shoes were totally soaked! LOVE your videos, such awesome content!!!!!

[@MiguelsAdventures]

Captain Jack Sparrow 😂@ 14:57

[@J_Pike]

🏴‍☠

[@user-tb6km7oy6e]

Awesome video. Thanks Brickey for giving the inside infos to understand Disneyland on another level.

[@reginaldnand2235]

You're the only Disney content creator that I don't skip or fast forward to the end. Don't change a thing!

[@HeyBrickey]

Thanks!

[@Rich.O]

Great video! For some reason I always thought the ballon was released closer to the castle. Now knowing where it is released from explains why I could never see it 😅.

[@DisneyLegoLemaxandMore]

I'm exactly like you, just one performance of Fantasmic in that control room is one of my lifetime dreams! I was watching Halloween Screams from there one time and I even asked one of the cast members who operated the show if I could go up there, and they told me that unfortunately, only "special" individuals can go, but he would have taken me up if that wasn't the case. All of the lighting, sound, fountain, fire, laser and operation cast members who operate all of these nighttime shows are severely underrated. People just think that someone turns on the program and it runs automatically, but it takes countless months and hours to program every microsecond of these shows. Thanks for the video!

[@jandalight1598]

Best Disney content. Not sure how your channel isn’t blowing up, it’s such a great change of pace from the usual merch/park reports.

[@mattalbrecht7471]

Maybe because he talks too much? doesn't actually show us any of the control rooms, like, from the inside?

[@timothygenewong]

Great content. Hiding the mechanics of everything is the very best part of the magic trick that is Disneyland. I got to visit the control room for World of Color through a professional development conference opportunity for live entertainment techs in 2011. It was both amazing and surreal to see the control board and the several small rooms worth of servers.

[@TheWorldAccordingtoJim]

Fantastic... and yes!! Hidden wonders.

[@marcmooney9293]

I knew about the fantasy Land sword room but that's about it! Very cool!

[@rudolphilaga9557]

I never even knew about the sword control room! 😅 I love the park even more with this kind of knowledge only Brickey can give us.

[@Kenjisan66]

Didn't know about the control room for the sword in the stone. Cool! I'm totally going to watch the fireworks from the intersection next time. That's such a brilliant point you made!

[@troystaiger6154]

Sweet, more stuff to look out for on our next visit

[@Drambles77]

Thorough and informative! Thanks, Brickey 👍

[@ScanFan_Ed]

Thank you very much for another great video, Brickey!

[@WaltsChiliBowl]

Awesome video, Brickey! Wow, I learned so much! Thank you, sir!!

[@scottcaldwell2786]

Good to see a video with more views! Love your channel

[@usroadtripper]

Fascinating! Now I want you to catch that balloon release on video for us! 😁

[@jordanrick007]

What time do they release it? I have a new must do!

[@HeyBrickey]

Normally 5-10 minutes before show time.

[@colesevertson3182]

I’ve mainly seen the balloon get released on the left side of the castle but mainly because my family likes to secure a spot ring in front of the castle

[@bruiser666]

Wow! These are awesome secrets! I love learning about all the behind the scenes tricks Disney uses to make the magic! Another great video Brickey!

[@towanasakura]

Wow wow wow!! Now This was awesome!!!!!!!!!! No one else brings this type of fun, mind blowing content but Brickey!

[@parkpiggy]

Never seen a video like this! I usually know a lot of fun facts about the parks, but this is a neat surprise! You've got a new subscriber for sure!

[@mikeavila7454]

Good stuff, I often wondered while in the park, where the command centers would be. I'm glad I'm not the only "nerdy" guy thinking about this! 🤣👍

[@HeyBrickey]

You are not alone ❤️

[@klacustoms]

Wow! Amazing content! Video packed with a lot of information I didn't know, all contained in this one video. I've learned more in this video than other content creators with one video! The incorrect flags I knew about because they're up all year long due to them not being real flags, so no need to take them down, but I didn't know that as to detect wind speed and direction for fireworks as well. Thanks again!

[@vinnysharma5344]

This is one of your greatest videos ever. Really interesting and amazing stuff.

[@HeyBrickey]

Wow, thanks!

[@JTKell]

Just like always, an amazing video! Can confirm the location of the 2nd hidden control room. As a CM years ago I had to go in that area to confirm and make a report on some very un-"Citizen of Disneyland" like behavior by one of the guests. Love how amazing these videos are coming out! 1313 Ride or Die!

[@Jonni8]

Awesome video! I have seen the Fantastimic control room lots of times.

[@yvettechristensen8315]

Another great deep dive!

[@movingloz]

Haha. Wow. That’s awesome to see behind the scenes like this. So cool to know.

[@bravosierra2447]

What fascinating & insightful content you posted. I really enjoyed it. Subscribed.

[@user-mw5eg8yb8f]

He who wishes to secure the good of others, has already secured his own.

[@danielswenson5502]

Really interesting and fun video

[@josephhalderman]

The green light for the sword in the window is just a status light that the system is on. It’s there to confirm to the cast member that the system is functional. The actual triggering is done with a wireless controller by the cast member.

[@HeyBrickey]

Thanks Captain Literal

[@josephhalderman]

@@HeyBrickey just trying to be helpful 😂

[@aayotechnology]

Thanks for sharing the extra details, Joseph!

[@FiS501]

Isn't that exactly what he said?

[@josephhalderman]

@@FiS501It wasn’t worded in a way I felt was clear. Not trying to bash him at all. Maybe I need to go back and watch it again.

[@nzjonty]

Such an original, informative and entertaining video! Around 1900 there were +/- 45 states, so the era-accurate flags also mean they aren’t “official”. I’ve always wondered how they hide the security cameras too? I’ve never managed to spot one

[@HeyBrickey]

Easy Security camera to spot is on the North East banister of the Haunted Mansion.

[@tommloye4626]

A quality 3mp surveillance camera can be as small as a golf ball, and pretty easily hidden. A 16mp camera can be placed far enough away you would never see it.

[@RedheadedMama]

Super cool! What a great video!

[@BruceBergman]

Often Merlin is on stage getting a child to pull the sword out, with a remote control in his pocket. The green light in the window is a confirmation it's triggered. 5:36

[@alleesutton]

What do you shoot on? This is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for this awesome video!

[@LIndalecio87]

Loved this one, Brickey!

[@Mr.SlashX]

This is great behind the magic content.

[@jasonmoyer1486]

Great work Brickey!

[@andreavigano6070]

wow💝thanks for sharing! my dream is to work at disney as a stage technichian so yayyyy i know more nowww

[@someweirdo9700]

I didn't know that the sword in the stone was still operational! I've only ever seen it back in the days when they did the Merlin shows and pulled a kid up from the audience. So, it is just a random thing now? That's neat.

[@MrGregBMX]

That is a tasty 6 pack of nuggets, thanks for always making the next visit to Disneyland even better!

[@russellthomson1020]

I was lucky enough to do the dessert buffet party in the 90s on Disney balcony when it was the museum. One of Parties best party one of the best views of all time my favorite view centerpoint one down from the control booth!

[@HeyBrickey]

Amazing!!!

[@StephenYang]

The space above the Disneyana ("the bank") store was originally where the park switchboards were located! I don't recall exactly when the switchboards were relocated, but it was sometime around DCA was constructed.

[@HeyBrickey]

Nice.

[@TheGreatPOD]

I'm not gonna read through all the comments to see if anybody else posts this out, but you got a few things wrong in this video and somethings right. The first big thing you got wrong was world of color. The room you pointed out is where the stage manager sits to call the show. All the technicians running the show are running it from a highly secured room backstage in a building. The control room has six control stations and is right next to the server room where all the Contant is stored, and I know this to be true because I've been in that room backstage. I also believe you're wrong about the control location for the firework show. It's actually closer to the hub I won't say exactly where, but if you were a professional in this industry, you know where to look because it's where you'd want to be for that show. I would also say for fantasmic at least as of the last time I saw the show several years ago the actual show show caller/stage manager is sitting on a temporary control cart, which is rolled out near the center tower. I believe that station also houses the safety officer for all the Pyro and fire effects as you would want that person to have a really good view of everything to maintain safety for the production. But other than that a great video.

[@DanOLGB]

You are the closest yet. There are actually multiple pyros operator positions on most shows as they have to be line of site. There are at least three for the main fireworks in different locations each covering different sections of the show.

[@lawedtenn]

Great video. Being a Disney Nerd, I love the channel.

[@DansGarageNC]

Another great video. Do you have the complete videos of the control rooms? Or did you just find those short snippets you shared?

[@Mnnyquintero]

Former guest relation CM here. The second floor of the Lincoln theater is where PBX( old school phone operators) are and a control room for fireworks and anything that happens in Main Street

[@alancranford3398]

Brickey, you showed me what became of Disneyland's switchboard after that system was automated. Thanks.

[@user-ko7iw6cv9d]

Always be mindful of the kindness and not the faults of others.

[@user-oc6ww3by2i]

A failure is a man who has blundered but is not capable of cashing in on the experience.

[@danielvandersall6756]

Dear GOD I want you to do this in Disney World. Just fascinating.

[@jesshavinfun3547]

Me too!

[@jimlinde2753]

Dang, Brickey, you are rooting through the nitty AND the gritty these days! I love it! I will admit, though, that during my park trip last October, my first in over 20 years, I missed some of the magic and I diagnosed myself with Disney over-smartyosis, the condition caused by, well, knowing too much about the Disney parks! The culprit? Why, you, Mr B, and your fantastic YT ilk, stuffing my all-too-complicit face with crispy reality nuggets that flush the glitter from my system! Any suggestions for regaining the wide-eyed wonderpuss I once wore while giving quarter to the pince-nez know-it-all you've helped me become? Asking for a friend...

[@HeyBrickey]

Welcome to my nightmare!!!

[@user-ub1oi2ww1t]

A suit of armor provides excellent sun protection on hot days.

[@user-id9il6es7f]

Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you'd have preferred to talk.

[@MickeyMousePark]

Fortune Cookie AI?

[@TheRickRatedShow]

Personally, my fave spot to view the fireworks is from the jacuzzi of the Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel, which is just on the other side of Ball Rd. behind Toon Town. It's amazing! Car alarms going off! Ash falling everywhere! Dogs and cats living together! Oh, the humanity! 🤣

[@bmiller949]

I miss the days when the kids are in school and people are in their offices and the park was easier to get around. Yep, that long ago...

[@OMG_No_Way]

As a kid, we always went on Fireman’s Night. The place was almost dead and we had free rain of it. Then over the years everyone realized how great it was to have their own night and figured out how to get tickets. Slowly it because more and more busy and there was nothing special about Fireman’s Night anymore. (Btw. My Dad was LACoFD. He’s retired now)

[@automatedelectronics6062]

Control rooms for visual attractions which need to be monitored to operate them are usually above ground. These are also observation rooms for security purposes. Control rooms which are pretty much automated, operating the attractions, may only need a babysitter. They are located in or under the attractions and are never visible to the park guests. There are also "backstage" passages where security and cast members can get to any place in the parks without having to deal with crowds. Now, at Disney world, it was built on top of swamp and marshlands. Tunnels and passages were built first and then buried. Disneyworld was built on top of them so that any part of the parks can be accessed almost immediately. The control centers are located in rooms along the passages.

[@user-sk2zq9cb1c]

If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place.

[@juliemartinez1099]

Whoa.. congratulations on the amount of views so far 🎉😊

[@simba001ly]

A++ video! Thank you for pointing all these out ( and Cpt Jack, too 😂) I know what I’m checking out on my next visit!

[@lisaharden695]

Something I always wonder about is the music during parades. How did they know when to switch music paired with one float to music paired with another float? Is it timed? Do they do it manually? Sensors as floats go by?

[@Tomsonic41]

The balloon method is pure genius! If a guest spots the balloon, they'd just think another guest accidentally let go of their balloon. I wonder if they use similar methods in Paris?

[@lauri-jeancarlson8476]

that so cool

[@MeghanLeeman]

I can confirm that the stage manager booth for the fireworks is on top of the old Kodak building. Or at least it was. I had a friend of a friend who was an imagineer and he gave us an informal tour. He was part of the team that programs all light shows, so probably a reliable source.

[@user-xj2zz9sj4n]

Even with the snow falling outside, she felt it appropriate to wear her bikini.

[@user-hr5fm8yu2q]

Our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world as being able to remake ourselves.

[@user-mk7nn3sn5r]

She was amazed by the large chunks of ice washing up on the beach.

[@ocsrc]

One of my first satellite feeds I had coming in to the satellite relay center in NY was a live feed at 5am EST from Disneyland I remember clearly seeing the Mickey ears on the Ferris wheel all lit up

[@garyhenderson5256]

the control room for all the audio in the park is right above Bank of America top right corner room. I have been in there. Back in the 90’s they controlled the main street electrical parade from in there amongst other things

[@PaulAdler11]

Amazing video

[@PeppersGhost]

Does front of house refer to up front by the performance area or the front where guests might enter an auditorium (if there was one)

[@kentslocum]

I'm a former Disneyland cast member. "Front-of-House" means anything guest-facing or visible from within the park. "Back-of-House" is anything that is hidden from guests and that only cast members interact with. In the case of the firework show control room, I guess Brickey called it "Front-of-House" because it is within sight of guests and directly controls the show, as opposed to an off-site recording studio where they prepare the music for a new show, for example.

[@HeyBrickey]

In the entertainment industry, the term 'front of house' refers to the location where the sound is mixed during a concert or live performance. Typically, this is located at the center of the event space. However, Disney has a different definition of 'front of house'. As someone who spent two decades in the music business, I am familiar with these industry terms and their meanings.

[@galacticcenter580]

COOL!!

[@Banjo_Tails]

41K VIEWS! killing it into the algorithm. It was at 13k when i watched. Well done!

[@elizabethwiggins3849]

I think sharing information like this opened the door for someone to try something.

[@JimAllen-Persona]

I always figured the second story was either facades or secret apartments. I should’ve guessed some of them would be control/security rooms. I guess since I’m mostly east coast all the control rooms would be underground (since the park is really on the second floor).

[@billbucktube]

Cool!

[@goodwillcriminals117]

all the names on the windows on Mainstreet are those of people who work or worked at Disney. they also pump cookie smells. the trash cans all have the trash drop down to the tunnels below. the tunnels are massive but totally necessary!!

[@tbas7161]

how / where can I get a pair of your Ray Bans? Big Mickey fan and would love a pair! Thanks! Tom

[@philopharynx7910]

I love the cameo of Captain Jack Sparrow!

[@billbucktube]

Makes sense‼️

[@quickclipsbyjmj]

I'm not tricked into ignoring control rooms. I am glad to be aware that spaces, above stores and attractions, are being made good use of.

[@sharonshade4437]

I always wondered if there were actual second stories on the Main Street buildings or if they were facades.

[@djkoeib]

The Main Street control center is above the old camera shop next to the corner dog cart. 😊for fireworks

[@HeyBrickey]

I knew it was somewhere on that block. That makes so much sense. Thanks.

[@djkoeib]

@@HeyBrickey there is a small control box at the roof of the building and that’s how they check the wind flags. There is a video as well of the control room on KZbin. If I find the video I will post the link

[@user-ox5ye1ju7b]

Happiness is found in doing, not merely possessing.

[@MickeyMousePark]

Fortune Cookie AI?

[@deevyl]

​@@MickeyMousePark definitely a lot of bots in the comments. Kinda sus.

[@TwoAcreMaker]

Just to clarify some miss information about flag code. There is nothing wrong with displaying the flag 24/7 and there are actually many places that display the flag for 24/7 without any needed permission. So Disney doesn't need to do anything to make them "not real flags."

[@dzmo-official]

14:59 “who’s this? Ah I got more important things 😂”

[@lohphat]

You missed that there’s another control room above the Opera House. It’s “Audio Control” used to control parade audio and tracking. Up in that area used to be where the bank of live telephone operators sat. Heh. I know KC too.

[@darrenabel6795]

Disney's not going to like all their secrets being given away. I'm surprised they haven't done anything with it yet. But hey I'm not complaining just saying knowing Disney 😊😊😊. Hey Brickey thank you for the videos man love you. Especially the bad Disney guests videos where I met you keep it up 😁.

[@HeyBrickey]

It's not a secret if they put it where a guest can see it.

[@darrenabel6795]

@HeyBrickey I never have it was new to me 🤨😁

[@darrenabel6795]

I won't tell Disney it's our secret LOL 😉

[@jeremyskeen9679]

Which intersection for fireworks do you mean, the one by refreshment corner, or the one by fortuosity shop?

[@HeyBrickey]

Where Center Street crosses Main Street. Go just north of the Market House and you're in my favorite spot!

[@jeremyskeen9679]

Thank you!

[@ryanworkman3032]

Are all of these behind the scenes secrets also true for Disney World in Florida?