1

Stars & Stripes Drive-In, Texas

Image: Josh Sanabria

The first entry on our list is a drive-in located in New Braunfels, Texas , that brings a breath of fresh air to the industry, having opened its doors as recently as 2003. It features three screens, all of which play double features on weekends, as well as a ’ 50s-themed café snack bar with an extensive menu, serving everything from Frito Pie and Funnel Cakes to Mexican sandwiches and box dinners, such as steak fingers served with fries, corn fritters, and gravy.

2

Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre, Pennsylvania

Image: David Clode

The oldest operating drive-in theater in the country, Shankweiler’s opened in 1934 in Orefield and operates year-round—even in those tough Pennsylvania winters. The theater shows double features on weekends, has a decent snack bar, and even offers visitors two drive-up party rental spaces , each of which holds about 15 people, in case you were wondering if such a thing was possible.

3

Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In Theatre, Illinois

Image: Tim Mossholder

Don’t let its 70 years of existence fool you, the Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In has one of the most modern and environmentally friendly features you could possibly find in an establishment of this kind: it is the country’s only wind-powered drive-in theater. The wind turbines power the theater’s screens, speakers, projectors, and snack bars. Additionally, the venue uses LED lighting and encourages recycling among its visitors.

It’s not often that one sees such a commitment to future generations from an establishment as old as this one!

4

Fairlee Motel, Vermont

Image: Manuell Tony

Imagine going to the movies and being able to sleep right there if you are too tired. That’s exactly what the Fairlee offers. A combination drive-in and motel, this venue lets you watch a show and then stay overnight. The theater and the roadside motel have both been open since 1950.

The snack bar comes especially recommended by locals for its burgers made with beef raised on the property owners’ farm.

5

Park Place Drive-In Theater, Virginia

Image: Pixabay

If you’re in Marion, Virginia , and have a craving for a round of mini-golf, the Park Place Drive-In is a sure bet. This one-stop shop for family entertainment offers not only a night out at the movies but also access to an ice cream shop and a mini-golf course . Play 18 holes of putt-putt, grab a scoop or two of Hershey’s Ice Cream, and then head over to the theater for a movie.

6

Rubidoux Drive-In, California

Image: RDNE Stock project

If a 1948 Art Deco-themed screen wasn’t appealing enough, the Rubidoux Drive-In also featured a petting zoo and a miniature railroad , among other family-oriented attractions. Alas, those two features have closed for the time being. Still, the drive-in theater offers plenty of amenities for families to enjoy on their visits.

The theater features two additional screens, aside from the Art Deco one, each of which plays double features on weekends.

7

Bengies Drive-In Theatre, Maryland

Image: Jeremy Yap

If you’ve ever wondered how big the biggest drive-in cinema screen in the country is, this one takes the prize. Bengies Drive-In has a screen that measures 52 by 120 feet, making it the largest in the United States.

This is an important feature, not just because of the cool factor, but also because it means movies can be shown at their full theatrical size, allowing viewers to see all the details in the corners of the screen, just as the filmmakers intended.

8

Wellfleet Drive-In, Massachusetts

Image: Maxim Benkendorf

A flea market, an 18-hole mini golf course, a cocktail bar, and the biggest screen in the New England area await you at Cape Cod’s Wellfleet, a local institution that has been entertaining moviegoers since 1957.

In recent years, the projection system was upgraded to digital with Dolby Digital sound, making the experience even more enjoyable for moviegoers.

9

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, Texas

Image: Noom Peerapong

This one is special, even among drive-in theaters. Alamo Drafthouse offers a unique screening of the classic thriller Jaws , where moviegoers watch the film from inner tubes on Lake Travis . This annual tradition provides a creative and immersive way to rewatch this iconic movie from a truly unique perspective. Would you dare to try it?

10

The Mahoning Drive-In Theater, Pennsylvania

Image: Christian Wiediger

Embracing the idea that drive-in theaters are a nostalgic experience, the Mahoning dedicates its three screens to weekend-long themed festivals . For example, Zombie Fest takes place over three nights and screens cult horror films, with overnight camping allowed.

Second Chance Weekend features critically panned films that deserve a closer look, such as a pairing of Howard the Duck with Masters of the Universe . Last but not least, Bite Night showcases 35mm prints of Jaws and Jurassic Park , and in July, the theater celebrates Christmas in July with holiday films.

1

George Washington

Image: Ben Noble

There was one American who laid the foundation for all the influential figures who would follow: George Washington. He led American forces to victory over Great Britain in the Revolutionary War and went on to serve as the nation's first president from 1789 to 1797. He set important precedents, such as the two-term tradition, that helped shape not only the US presidency but also democracy itself, inspiring nations around the world to follow a similar path.

2

Neil Armstrong

Image: NASA

Neil Armstrong was absolutely right when he said that reaching the moon was "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." In 1969, during NASA's Apollo 11 mission, Armstrong became the first human to set foot on the moon . This historic achievement marked a turning point in science and investigation, and the world was never the same again.

3

Martin Luther King Jr.

Image: Unseen Histories

If there is one name that could not be left off this list, it is that of Martin Luther King Jr., the most notable leader of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. Together with other activists, his efforts led to milestones such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Without his fight for equality, the world would be very different today.

4

Elvis Presley

Image: Adam Nemeroff

In the 1950s, one American completely revolutionized popular music and culture; no wonder he's called the King! That's right, we're talking about Elvis Presley, who took the stage and transformed rock and roll into a global thing. He wasn't just a singer; his style, his moves, his legacy, and even his private life marked a definitive turning point in music history.

5

Thomas Alva Edison

Image: Johannes Plenio

There's no doubt that daily life would be very different without the work of Thomas Edison. From a young age, he pursued his passion for invention, which led him to create the first practical electric light bulb in 1879. He was also the inventor of the phonograph, the first device that could both record and play back sound. In addition, his improvements to the motion picture camera made big contributions to the film industry.

6

Wright brothers

Image: History in HD

Imagine having to travel to another continent, and your only option is by boat. That might have been the reality if it weren't for the incredible Wright brothers. These two self-taught American engineers changed the world with a legendary milestone: in 1903, they invented and successfully flew the first powered, controlled airplane. Thanks to them, the dream of flight became a reality!

7

Walt Disney

Image: Jose Mizrahi

The world of entertainment and storytelling wouldn't be what it is today without Walt Disney. From the early 20th century, with iconic characters like Mickey Mouse, Disney revolutionized animation, transforming it into an art form that generated enormous profits and created millions of employment opportunities.

8

Susan B. Anthony

Image: Element5 Digital

Susan B. Anthony was one of the women who changed the course of history, not only in our country but around the world, by challenging the belief that politics was only for men. She became a leader in the fight for social reforms, including labor rights for women. Most importantly, her tireless work for women's suffrage led her to co-found the National Woman Suffrage Association, paving the way for generations to come.

9

Steve Jobs

Image: AB

When we think of Steve Jobs, his most iconic creation, the iPhone, comes to mind. But he did far more than that. By founding Apple, Jobs forever changed the way people interact with technology, designing devices and interfaces that are far more user-friendly and intuitive.

10

Benjamin Franklin

Image: David Trinks

Scientist, inventor, writer, statesman: Benjamin Franklin was all that and more! We could easily dedicate an entire article to his achievements, but here's a brief summary: he definitely changed the world thanks to his groundbreaking experiments with electricity and his important role in shaping modern democracy as a Founding Father of the US.

1

The parks are designed to disorient you

Image: Craig Adderley

Streets curve, landmarks are strategically placed, and sightlines are carefully controlled to keep you exploring. The goal? To encourage you to take in every detail of the park. And if you don’t have enough time to do that, good news—you can always come back !

Walt Disney famously said, "I don’t want the public to see the world they live in while they’re in Disneyland."

2

The smell of freshly baked cookies is not entirely real

Image: Andrijana Bozic

One of Disneyland’s signature details is the smell of vanilla and freshly baked cookies wafting through Main Street, U.S.A. Guests might assume it comes from the snacks others are buying and enjoying, but that’s only part of the source.

The parks use a strategy called "smellitizing," which involves hidden scent-producing systems designed to create an ambiance of coziness and nostalgia.

3

There’s a secret underground tunnel system

Image: Steve DiMatteo

You wouldn’t want to see a cowboy or a pirate casually strolling through Tomorrowland, breaking the illusion of magic! Well, at least Walt Disney wouldn’t want you to. That’s why he proposed a system of underground tunnels to allow cast members to move around unseen.

The Utilidor System is a sprawling network of tunnels in Magic Kingdom that has been in operation since 1971.

4

There’s a secret apartment in Disneyland

Image: Steven Beyer

Above the fire station on Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland, there’s a small apartment where Walt Disney himself used to stay. He designed it as a place to oversee the park and host guests. Today, a light is always kept on in the window as a tribute to him.

The apartment is off-limits to the public, though VIPs occasionally get a rare glimpse inside.

5

The height of the castle is an illusion

Image: Martin Robles

Sorry to break it to you, but Disney’s castles are shorter than they appear! Engineers use a technique called forced perspective to create this illusion. The bricks at the top are smaller than those at the bottom, making the castle seem taller and more majestic as you walk in front of it.

Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom, for example, stands at just 189 feet—short enough to avoid FAA regulations for structures over 200 feet.

6

Disney parks are a no-fly zone

Image: Zhen Yao

Speaking of the FAA, Disney Parks have been designated no-fly zones for years . This prevents aircraft from flying overhead, ensuring guest safety and preserving the park’s magical atmosphere. Disney argues that the absence of planes is essential for full immersion.

7

The Hidden Mickey Trend

Image: steven lozano

Hidden Mickeys are scattered throughout Disney parks—in ride designs, architecture, and even landscaping. These subtle Mickey Mouse shapes have become a beloved scavenger hunt for guests.

The trend began in the 1980s when Imagineers started hiding Mickeys as inside jokes. Some fans take the hunt so seriously that they’ve created entire guidebooks to track them.

8

The parks are spotless for a reason

Image: kaleb tapp

Disney’s cleanliness is legendary, thanks to a small army of custodial staff and a clever trick: trash cans are placed every 30 steps . This distance is based on research showing how long the average person will hold onto trash before deciding to litter.

Interestingly, Walt Disney once considered using robots for cleaning but ultimately decided that humans were more reliable—not to mention friendlier!

9

The Secret Club in Disneyland

Image: Steven Beyer

Oh, there’s a secret club—you didn’t know? Club 33, located above the Pirates of the Caribbean ride , is Disneyland’s most exclusive spot. Originally designed as a private lounge for Walt Disney’s VIP guests and sponsors, it has since become a members-only club with a hefty price tag.

Membership costs tens of thousands of dollars, and the waitlist is years long.

10

Not all trees are real

Image: Brian McGowan

We are sad to announce that not all trees in Disney parks are real. Take the iconic Tree of Life in Disney’s Animal Kingdom —it’s actually an enormous sculpture built around a repurposed oil rig, featuring over 300 intricate animal carvings.

Guests probably aren’t surprised to learn it’s not a living tree, but most agree it’s a masterpiece. Interestingly, Disney once considered using real trees for the structure but ultimately decided against it. Can you imagine the maintenance?

11

The parks have their own wildlife

Image: Brian McGowan

Disney World is home to a sizable population of feral cats that help keep the rodent population in check. These cats are cared for by Disney’s animal care team and even have their own feeding stations. Few guests can say they’ve spotted one—they are the true hidden celebrities of the parks.

12

A secret basketball court?

Image: Szabo Viktor

Unfortunately, it’s not accessible to the public, but hidden inside Disneyland’s Matterhorn Bobsleds ride there’s a hidden basketball court. It was built for cast members to use during breaks. The court was added during a refurbishment in the 1970s.

13

They have a "Kiss Goodnight"

Image: Victoria Orozco

After the park closes, the Magic Kingdom plays a special farewell message called the "Kiss Goodnight." This short sequence of music and lights thanks guests for visiting and signals the end of the day.

Some guests stay just to experience it, while others are too tired to notice as they head for the exit!