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!






Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.

TRENDING NOW
We finally know when Cinderella Castle is getting a makeover!
A couple of established Disney World hotel perks will look different in 2026.
There are tons of Disney World essentials available for great prices on Amazon!
A beloved Washington theme park has just announced its closure after the 2026 season.
There's a NEW Vera Bradley collection online that "The Little Mermaid" fans are going to...
2026 is going to be a challenging year for Disney World, and we're breaking down...
Looking for the perfect last-minute gift? These Disney finds on Amazon will arrive BEFORE Christmas!
If you are heading to Disney World in January 2026, here are the most common...
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has just made a suggestion that could eliminate tolls for Florida...
Here's how Disney World restaurant menus changed this week.
Disney Loungeflys are a great Christmas gift, and you still have time to get them!
A Disney World ticket deal is ending SOON!
We're sharing some thoughts on the UK Pavilion in EPCOT...from actual residents of the UK!
We've wasted a lot of money at Disney -- let us share our best tips...
Give your wallet a break and eat at these affordable Disney restaurants!
Conrad Orlando just debuted their AMAZING holiday chocolate sculpture for the season!
At least four actresses have reportedly screen-tested to play Rapunzel in the live-action 'Tangled' movie.
The Disney Visa Credit Card has you covered -- stop paying for these unnecessary things...
There's a LOT of progress being made over at Rivers of America, soon to be...
Here are three things you need to know before buying a MagicBand+ at Disney World!