Perhaps the BEST thing about going to Disney World is the little surprise moments that Disney Cast Members make!
Over the decades that we’ve been visiting the parks, we’ve seen many of these. From the elusive clap box to random pop-up trivia games to limbo and hula hooping in the streets. Cast Members are constantly finding ways to plus up our day just a little bit at a time! And one of our favorite examples of this is the incredible water art from the custodial staff.
If you don’t know what we’re talking about, then allow us to introduce you to a fun hidden detail! Select custodial Cast Members have trained in the magic of water art, where they can draw Disney characters on the ground around the parks using nothing but some water and a special mop. We most often see characters like Mickey, Donald, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, or even Oswald.
But on a visit to Magic Kingdom recently, we spotted a RARE character — the Hatbox Ghost! We just HAD to stop and talk to the wonderful Cast Member who created him.
Joel from custodial is the one who drew this incredible picture, and he shared a little bit of the backstory with us! He personally designed this water art, and it premiered as a drawing last year, but was exclusive to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. At the time, management approved the design for ONLY during the Halloween party because the Hatbox Ghost hadn’t yet premiered in the Disney World version of the ride.
Joel says that the Hatbox Ghost art took him about a day or two to design, and then once it was approved he practiced it for a week. It’s one of the more advanced designs out there, so you probably won’t see it in Magic Kingdom as often. If any custodial Cast Members want to learn it, Joel will need to train them personally.
Now that we know the backstory, we feel even more honored to have caught it during the few minutes before it dried. We tip our hats (and our hatboxes!) to all the talented artists and the incredible custodial team!
Did we just find the BEST water art in Disney World?? Last year the hat box ghost premiered as a water art option during the Halloween party and CM Joel was the one that designed it. Now because the Hatbox Ghost is in WDW CM’s are allowed to paint it any time! ??? pic.twitter.com/k5oBI14GWQ
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) February 25, 2024
Stay tuned to DFB for more magical moments from around the parks, and all the tips to make your Disney World vacation phenomenal!
4 Essential Magic Kingdom Meals — Click Here!
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Which character would you love to see in water art form? Tell us in the comments!
TRENDING NOW
Disney and Starbucks have once again joined forces to launch new mugs to their Discovery...
Check out this brand-new Bluey collection at H&M!
A favorite Disney World perk is returning to Disney's Animal Kingdom soon and we're bringing...
A NEW entertainment offering is coming to Disney Springs soon!
If you break this rule, you could be temporarily BANNED from Disneyland.
How to join Indy on stage!
Disney revealed the name and story details of the new pirates-themed lounge coming to Adventureland...
A new Disney Loungefly collection inspired by Sleeping Beauty just debuted online, and you're NOT gonna...
Disney adults -- you have to see these items on sale on Amazon!
Looking for a great spot to eat in Magic Kingdom? These are the three restaurants...
A recent project was just completed on Interstate 4 in Orlando that could make getting...
Fans of the Disney Dining Plan will want to sit down for this EPCOT news...
We tried TWO new items at Everything POP at Disney's Pop Century Resort, and while...
If you've been eying a new Loungefly bag, this sale is perfect for you!
Watch out, these Minnie ears may disappear faster than the speed of light!
Mother's Day is quickly approaching! Need a last-minute gift? We've got you covered!
Make sure you follow these rules if you ever visit Disneyland's Club 33!
These perks make staying at a Disney Hotel extra worth it.
Some of the popular styles of up to 1/2 OFF!
New Aldi stores are coming to the Central Florida area this year!