Whats in 2nd floor of buildings in disney parks: Exploring the Magic Beyond the Ground Level

When you step into the immersive worlds of Disney parks, you might notice that many buildings along Main Street, Fantasyland, and other themed areas have meticulously detailed second-floor facades. But have you ever wondered what’s actually inside these second floors? In most Disney parks—like Disneyland in California or Magic Kingdom in Florida—the majority of second floors aren’t dedicated to guest-accessible attractions. Instead, their functions are surprisingly practical and deeply connected to the park’s operations and storytelling.

First, many of these second stories are cleverly designed “false fronts,” serving primarily as architectural scenery. Their purpose is to enhance the scale and ambience of the streetscape, utilizing a design trick called “forced perspective” to make buildings appear taller and grander than they actually are. Where operational space exists, it’s typically reserved for:

1. Offices: Some second floors are used as workplaces for park management, operations coordinators, and even design staff. For example, Walt Disney himself had an apartment above the Firehouse on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland.
2. Storage: Extra space often houses costumes, supplies, or maintenance equipment.
3. Show and Lighting Equipment: Many second stories contain technical gear—such as projectors and lighting systems—essential for shows and parades.
4. Private Lounges and Clubs: Some locations are home to exclusive venues like the famous Club 33 in Disneyland, accessible only to select members or VIPs.

As a designer, I see this approach as a masterful blend of storytelling and practicality. Disney’s architectural “illusion” amplifies the feeling of being in a magical, bustling town, without dedicating valuable theme park real estate to non-guest areas. When we design compelling spaces—even in homes or commercial interiors—we often use similar tricks, like varying ceiling heights or layered lighting, to make a room feel larger and more immersive. For those interested in experimenting with layered elevations and realistic layouts in your own projects, I recommend exploring a 2D floor planner to visualize these effects before you begin building.

Tips 1:

If you want your own space to feel just as captivating as a Disney street, try incorporating elements like false fronts (decorative shelving or facades), or play with vertical design using wall art and lighting. These design choices can create a sense of height and depth, making any room feel more dynamic and engaging.

FAQ

Q: Are there guest areas on the second floor of any Disney park buildings?

A: Very few. The best-known guest-accessible second floor is Club 33 in Disneyland, an exclusive members-only restaurant. Most second floors remain staff and operations-only, or are decorative facades.

Q: Why don’t Disney parks utilize more second-floor space for attractions?

A: It’s largely due to crowd flow management, accessibility, and maximizing ground-level interaction for guests. Building upwards sometimes complicates navigation and storytelling.

Q: What is “forced perspective” and how do Disney buildings use it?

A: Forced perspective is a design technique that makes buildings appear taller or deeper than they are by adjusting scale incrementally. Disney uses smaller windows and details on upper floors to trick the eye.

Q: Did Walt Disney have a personal space in the parks?

A: Yes, Walt Disney had a private apartment above the Disneyland Firehouse on Main Street, which is preserved today as a tribute to his legacy.

Q: Can these architectural techniques be used in home design?

A: Absolutely! Techniques like layered elevation, scaled facades, and smart lighting can be adapted for interiors to create similar visual interest and spaciousness.