How Disney Hid a Three-Story Building in the Middle of Disneyland

[@PorchPotatoMike]

Another thing most people don’t know is that Fowler’s Harbor is a functioning dry dock. The Columbia or the Mark Twain can be put in there, the locks closed and the water pumped out to allow access to the hulls. Admiral Fowler had to fight Walt to build the harbor, which turned out to be the absolute correct thing to do. I think the admiral may have known a little more about boats than Disney.

[@GilesWells]

I was seeing that and wondered if they had the ability to bring in a lock to turn that into a dry dock. It looked far too perfect not to have that functionality. Are the locks very well hidden in there or are they stored off site and brought in only when needed?

[@dshack4689]

@porchpotatomike Awesome! 13:35 perhaps very briefly on screen on the left is a green safety indicator light in regard to the operation of the dry dock?

[@allangibson8494]

Walt Disney was more into steam trains…

[@lisareed5669]

He grew up a landlocked boy. (KCMO)

[@neccron9956]

It is sad that Disney does not put this type of effort into current projects. Also, the quick services there is one of the hidden gems of the park.

[@quinnzykir]

They’d rather spend 400 mill on a Star Wars hotel that shuts down in less than a year. Than fix the people mover

[@J_Pike]

So smart for Disney to dig deep to have more room for infrastructure in their limited space. Thank you for digging deep to share how all this was put together.

[@siulanainad]

I see what you did there..👍😊

[@sagsfv3122]

Actually when the park was under construction, the ground floor (basement) for operations was built, the main park is the 1st floor. But there was a lot of additional undeveloped land available to play with. Too bad I turned down the job offer in 97, to be on the executive Imagineering design team for Disney Int'l Theme Park Development. But, hindsight is 20/20. . .

[@atpdx]

Seeing Splash Mt. dead and fenced off is truly heartbreaking.

[@mejdrichj]

That’s all we need to know about modern, Iger run, Disney. Such a great ride and great memories….

[@chrishintz1077]

It’s a double whammy with the boards up for the queue redo, etc. at HM. It’s like an endless kitchen remodel on a grand scale. I’m still mourning angels court in NOS, its being closed off except to 33. Help! Give me a break.

[@atpdx]

@@chrishintz1077 Absolutely, not a fan of the new Club 33 entrance situation. Angels court was classy and a nice spot to rest and take in the atmosphere.

[@chrishintz1077]

@@atpdx a quiet corner, the bench to rest, the trickling sound of the spigot fountain. Rip.

[@Johnnyblaze8219]

This is why I like your channel Brickey. You talk about all the little details in the park and all the story lines that tie everything together. Its great. Im here for it, everytime.

[@amyconnell5448]

The secret path is one of my favorite spots in Disneyland. Thanks for another great episode!

[@michaelsullivan3581]

Oh aye! Must agree!

[@PeppersGhost]

I've never been a passholder so I've only ever visited the park a dozen or so times, but it took me until last year to finally walk through the "secret path" and get an upclose look at Fowler's Harbor. It's very underappreciated. I guess I always figured the area around the dock was a maintenance-only path (this was before they added the extended dining area, which made it more obvious to guests), and I never noticed the other end of the path by Splash, as attention is always drawn towards logs going down the drop, or the Riverboat passing by.

[@jasonbrown9878]

As someone in the trades who works at a themed establishment, and also a Disney fan, I appreciate the engineering history involved in the Disney Parks. My wish someday is to do a behind the scenes tour of the awesome engineering of the parks. One can wish.

[@bootercup001]

Oh man that would be glorious, I hope you get to do a VIP behind-the-scenes tour!!! I wanna do that myself!! 🎉🎉

[@ainsleyperry5192]

Hey Brickey, Way back in Disneyland's early years Joe Fowler had his little office here. Every Wednesday morning Walt would have his Disneyland management meeting. Afterwards Walt and Joe would stroll back to Joe's hut. Joe kept a pot of coffee on the go there. Joe would sit behind his desk and Walt would sit in front to drink their coffee's and discuss any matters of the moment. When Walt left the park he usually drove over to WED for most of the afternoon before heading back to the studio. Cheers, Chris Perry.

[@jessicapettit328]

Love this kind of Disney Content. I am so fascinated with creative process that goes in to all of the parks.

[@jasoncarbone5553]

Keep the niche deep dive stuff coming Brickey. Another video that shows and shares your love of the park. Appreciate you and all you do!

[@davids6898]

I remember the old days of riding the skyway over the old fantasyland and all the pipes and hvac systems on the roofs of the buildings. It was ok with Walt obviously. But I’m still happy they decided to hide all that on this building. It looks really nice.

[@brianhinson5405]

Yes, when riding the Skyway or the Monorail as a kid, I was disappointed to see that the theming wasn't continued on the rooftops. And, more recently, I saw how hollow the center of Ornament Valley is at DCA from several of the rides on Pixar Pier. I still love everything, but I wish the illusions were complete.

[@michaelsullivan3581]

Thanks for the Expose' of Fowlers Harbor! It has been one of my very favorite places in Disneyland! Now even more so! It is a real work of art and a construction masterpiece! What really interests me is that most people just walk right by this gem and don't give it a second thought!

[@kristenw218]

I love Disneyland history and this was full of information that I had never heard before! Great video Brickey! Loved it!

[@WoodworkingforAnyone]

I assure you that no one wants to hear a buzzer go off every time you bork a word

[@crooker2]

It's fine. Just not so loudly. He could drop the volume back about 12dB.

[@MrCocoloco]

Just like Holly Jolly, from now on I'll forever know this area as the Galley Harbor. - Loved the edit, Brickey!

[@BILLDAVIS72]

I am truly enjoying these new video edit! Very professional. Keep up the good work Brickey! I'll watch them every time!

[@dreamincolor14]

Crazy how much they care about sightlines considering they do multiple constructions at once and put up fences everywhere to block everything

[@aseainfo]

These videos are absolutely awesome! I love these deep dives. I'm a total Disneyland history geek and love how in-depth you go in these. Unlike ANY other Disney Vlogger. Keep doing these for sure!

[@denisebrowne4630]

At one time it was the best kept secret place to have a little quiet time. Love that spot. so much detail

[@edstrong597]

Great episode full of amazing info about a wonderful spot of the park that often gets overlooked or passed by. Keep up the good work!

[@lautrufend]

I used to work on the Columbia both during day and also prepping and running it for Fantasmic. I spent a lot of time in Fowler’s Harbor. Thanks for this fantastic detailed view that took me down memory lane!

[@ChangeTheLAUSD]

Thanks for acknowledging your mistakes in the name and telling the viewers why. It is important to let others with the same types of learning disabilities know that they are not alone and that it does not need to limit their ability to succeed.

[@jugatsu23nichi]

LOVE this type of content! Please keep these niche deep dives coming!

[@Outrider916]

Thanks for all the detail here Brickey. It just goes to show you that even the smallest details are taken into consideration by Disney. Thank you for pointing all this out! I would have never even guessed all the details went into something so small.

[@jeffbengford7397]

Thanks for the deep dive into Fowler's Harbor, Brickey! Been to the park over 75 times in my 60 years - but with your deep dive, I learned a few things I never knew!

[@porterhouse_]

Nice video but stopped watching after 5min because that buzzer was so loud and annoying

[@Pr0toPoTaT0]

Did you come back just to post this?

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

What is the word he keeps buzzing?

[@stevensimmons1515]

Hey, brickey. I love this stuff as well. I love the passion you have for disney, and it shows in the care you take in these, I cannot wait for the next one

[@JeffA_]

Great Episode. So much cool info packed in that little corner of Disneyland.

[@raidermike3244]

Hey Brickey! I’ve honestly never notice Fowlers harbor. I’m definitely going to check it out the next time I go. Thanks for another great video 👊

[@shawnryan8345]

Yes Brickey ! Will look forward for more background and history. Really gives the place visited much more meaning and appreciation for the process involved -✨

[@huskeyfosterfail4980]

I am not sure about highlighting the name/phrase of the day with a blaring sound. It is jarring. I will subscribe nevertheless

[@ocdebi]

Love the attention to the details! Thank you so much for these deep dives it really makes me stop and appreciate Disneyland a bit more with each visit! Thank you thank you thank you for all your hard work it’s appreciated!

[@arronboss7423]

This is the type of stuff I love about Disney. I know a lot of Disney lore, but there's always more to learn. Thanks for sharing it.

[@tommied8914]

Thank you for giving me more info on one of my favorite spots, who knew all that fit into such a small area of the park. 🥰

[@jenniferselvig7177]

Awesome content. All of this design magic, hiding in plain sight. Can's wait to visit the park to see for myself!

[@Luxman35]

The best video on Disneyland. This makes the park more magical. As a Canadian, it’s a video like this that makes the park experience so much more special. Thanks for the great video

[@HeyBrickey]

Thanks so much ❤️🇨🇦

[@jamesl1130]

This is my favorite area inside of Disneyland

[@andrenathaniel7180]

Always appreciate deep diving with your Brickey, that you for another fun one from the below.

[@deuscaffeum526]

Diz has a ton of "Back Shops" (railroad term for the specialist shops that do the deep repair and maintenance off line) It would be a treat for us propeller heads to tour those. Like the Land at WDW used to have a deep dive walking tour of the works. Loved that.

[@discoverthis]

Fantastic video. Really appreciate all your details and showing us the things we easily overlook. Keep up this content, you do a great job!

[@ottobaron6392]

No plans for the Columbia survived, but MGM had made a replica of the HMS Bounty for the Charles Laughton and Clark Gable film, and so they were able to use those plans, when building the Disneyland "Columbia".

[@lalalauraann]

I really enjoyed this Brickey! Thank you! I had no idea about all of that! So nice to learn new things about Disneyland :)

[@joshtodd6054]

I am loving the styling and information in these episodes. Your approach is just so enjoyable to watch.

[@JBX302]

I really appreciate these deep creative dives. Thanks for another great video!

[@deltonabf]

As a relative late comer to your channel, I really appreciate you referencing this video in your latest one. It’s a gem, and as I watch, here in Orlando, Epic Universe and Disney’s response come to fruition, I can only hope they take note of this special bit of theming. Thanks.❤

[@heatherburnham3260]

Thank you for the deep dives / behind the scenes ! Your ability to story tale is phenomenal.

[@marxdesign]

One of these days your amazing videos will go viral so the world will discover your magic.🧐🤓😎🥳🤩 Keep it up and it will happen !!!

[@shashona3084]

A Thursday treat!!!

[@ProducerOfWhat]

So rad! There are ton of details in here that I had never heard before. Keep up the deep dives Brickey.

[@marysilva8675]

This video was so fascinating and I had no idea! I can't tell you how many times I have walked by this building and completely ignored it. Well no longer, and I plan to drop this knowledge on some of my other Disney friends. Thanks for another really great and interesting video!

[@AVIANcollabs]

hey man great video, but please if your gonna put in sound effects like that buzzer, you need to do audio balancing. its really annoying when i cant hear what your saying behind a loud buzzer, and that might effect audience retention.

[@ParkMind]

Great video and insights can’t wait for the next one

[@lohphat]

Between parades in the late 80s, early 90s I used to grab lunch at the fish shack and eat on that roped-off porch. There used to be a chair and a barrel to use as a table. They used to have a delicious popcorn shrimp which wasn’t battered but had a spicy, savory marinade. It’s been gone now for almost almost 30 years.

[@Michaeland]

Excellent. They got me on this one. I’d always overlooked this structural accomplishment. THANKS for pointing it out and explaining things so well. True magic…when technology becomes invisible.

[@Lou24Time]

Definitely love your deep dives into Disneyland design, thanks! 😎👍

[@julierose7347]

This is awesome! This is one of our favorite spots.

[@isaacrodriguez8668]

Thanks for the video! Can't wait for more!

[@monodelarimar]

Great deep dive, love the history that you provide. We hope to see you in the park at the end of August!

[@rossbrady468]

Nobody cares? This is one of your best videos. I didn't even know that it was a three story building. Great job!

[@joekadolph9184]

Keep em coming!! I am digging your vibe!

[@pamela_fay]

All brand new info to me. Thanks so much!

[@troystaiger6154]

Solid list, nothing better then a Disney Christmas! Great post

[@SeeUsFly]

Thank you, Brickey! This is also what I love about Disneyland...the seamless tie-ins to the actual history and legends of America's roots. I grew up in a family who cherished watching 'The Wonderful World of Disney' on Sunday evenings, and it all comes alive again each time I'm at the Park, particularly in Adventureland. I'd like to see you do an episode video Tom Sawyer's Island, which is equally rich with history and connections to "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain, and the 1930's movie by the same name. My brothers and I spent untold hours exploring that island as kids every visit, 60 years ago where we created so many wonderful memories.

[@HeyBrickey]

TSI is definitely on the list. Thanks for watching!

[@CupcakeGrogan]

Thank you for another amazing video. When we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary back in 2017, we went to Disney for three days And my husband’s favorite part was sitting there at the harbor galley and having what he said is his favorite lobster roll and enjoying such a peaceful afternoon. We were supposed to repeat that trip last year for our 30th wedding anniversary but unfortunately he had emergency surgery we had to miss it. Hopefully we can make up that trip sometime. Keep up the good work on making some great videos that I love watching

[@fromoutofthepastpodcast]

Another great video! Love - and genuinely appreciate - the Niche Content! Cheers sir …

[@davidcarroll8735]

What a magical video! We’re on the east coast and planning essentially our first trip to Disneyland (my wife and I each went in the 70’s with our respective families, but who can remember that far back!?). While we know every inch of WDW, videos like this are getting us excited differences!

[@HeyBrickey]

You sound like me back in 2021 when I went back to WDW for the first time in 25 years. I was so excited to see all the little differences from my home park. I’m glad you enjoyed the video and hope you have an amazing visit back home to Disneyland. Say Hey Brickey if you see me ❤️

[@damilla1958]

I love this stuff too! I can suspend my disbelief as I explore the park, but still marvel at what goes into making each area unique but intertwined with adjacent areas. And your posts add so much to that, Thank you!

[@brickman409]

I miss the Mcdonald's shack lol. They had one on the other side of the river too, near Big Thunder Mountain. Sure, it was the same fries that you could get an any old Mcdonald's but something about eating them during a long day at Disneyland when you were hungry just hit different.

[@daymonpearcey8468]

Thanks Brickey, another great watch 🙏

[@RJFP67]

There’s no way to justify the costs of attending Disney Land .

[@Sugarwooki]

Amen to that!

[@nzjonty]

Loved this one Brickey! This is one of my favourite areas of the Park and there was so much I didn’t know. An incredible mix of history telling, artistry, engineering and practicality. More of these please! It was a beauty

[@nancyraabe4927]

Awesome history. Thanks!

[@bootercup001]

I am thrilled to have you come across my feed!! Def subscribing; I adore behind-the-scenes stuff, and you’ve got great presence, as well as thorough research to back up your work. 🎉🎉🎉 Thank you!!

[@cobrag0318]

And that authentic looking 19th century wifi access point. Lol. I mean, gotta have them. Though curious Disney didn't find a way to camouflage it.

[@brucemarshall5110]

I'm lovin it! Keep 'em coming!👍

[@Operation_Latte_Thunder]

Brickey dropping science as usual!

[@Thatguyyoumettoday]

This is the perfect start to my random information rabbit hole hahaha...great video!

[@Believeinthemagic17]

I love the details!

[@donackerman4529]

Impressive work! The details are how Disney used to do things greatly. I love an episode on 1 “little” building.

[@alexandrabeck-berendsen2700]

Thank you for sharing all these details. So interesting

[@stevea8351]

Very cool video. I have walked past Fowlers' Harbor so many times and had no idea what was hidden inside and below ground. Brickey, why you do not have over 100K subscribers is a big mystery. Keep up the good work, bruddah!

[@Planet-Anime]

The stuff lengths Disney goes to make things seem magical is more interesting than Disney itself

[@mikespeedfromspeedway2812]

Always love learning of the hidden Imagineering details of the parks. It proves how dedicated they were to keeping the story telling or scenery realivent all while meeting necessary safety and operational requirements all while not disrupting the purpose of the theming. True testiment to the craft of theming. And big props on getting some rare construction photos! I absolutely love observing vintage construction photos of the parks!

[@richardtruxell6359]

Love the little history nuggets of Disneyland. Fantastic video...

[@wonderrob3225]

Is the tuna sandwich for sale at the Harbour Galley restaurant the same one that you used to get from Capt. Hooks Pirate ship which was sponsored by "Chicken of the sea" ? That sandwich was delicious, I remember it from childhood. excellent tuna salad with chopped pickles and celery. it was on a soft hoagy roll with melted american cheese. It came with Lays potato chips too😋

[@DavidSchPT]

One of the best videos on Disneyland details that I've ever seen. Thank you!

[@HeyBrickey]

Thanks David ❤️

[@barometricfunk]

Hey Brickey! Do you use your phone to shoot video, or do you have a specific camera? Also, what do you do in post to clean up the background noise and bring out your voice? Love these videos dude!!

[@bbarber1974]

One of your best videos. And I loved the videos of Splash under construction!

[@catperson271]

So interesting. I love this stuff too! There’s so much to appreciate about Disneyland and the incredible imagineers. Love you Brickey.❤️

[@reusslunar]

the buzzer whenever you incorrectly say the name of the place is so annoying.

[@Hirako_desu]

Knew about Disney's obsession with sightlines but never noticed the hidden vents on those buildings before, clever! One critique though: could use some audio balancing on the sound effects as they're overpowering your own voice whenever they're used, keep up the rest!

[@simonfea2]

Poor Splash Mountain, it broke down when I was just about to enter the building, that was in April 2018, the last time I was on SM was 1994. Im excited to check out the new ride. Im 45 and I proudly love ❤ Disneyland ❤

[@ericschmuecker348]

5:00 You also repeat info a lot. But it's all good! I enjoy your view.

[@tigerlilly522ify]

Leaving my comment to say yes! Love this type of content, please make more!

[@blueydsniper]

Here is my question if McDonald’s ran it from 01-08, what was the point of the fry wagon cart they had over by big thunder all those same years doing fries and drinks? Why need two? I vividly remember that McDonald’s fry wagon as you exited big thunder there.

[@raccoon874]

*yep I remember McD's being there back in 2003, first time the wife and I went there together*

[@JRMcDowell]

This was awesome to watch.. thank you for the history lesson. 💯

[@karebear3152]

I got a good chuckle when I saw Tiana on the Mark Twain at your 3ish minute mark. Must've been scouting out the construction progress of her food venture. 🤣

[@lindsaysmith2510]

Wow I didn't realize the buildings around The Rivers of America, are so full of secrets and purpose. This was fun. I didn't know any of this stuff!