Disney theme parks take pride in creating immersive environments that transport guests to unique places. They accomplish this through a variety of design tricks, but one of the best guests aren’t even supposed to notice – Go Away Green.
What is Go Away Green?
Go Away Green is a special color Disney Imagineering created to conceal objects that don’t thematically fit in an area. The color is an interesting mix of green, gray and even a touch of blue depending on the lighting. The exact formula hasn’t been officially released, and it can even vary depending on where and how it is used.
It’s frequently used in locations where Disney doesn’t want guests focusing. This color is used on utility boxes, fences and even on buildings that Disney doesn’t want guests to see.
For example, guests may see the color used to “hide” show equipment around Cinderella Castle. Or on the side of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in Epcot to make the show building less noticeable.
Go Away Green is not a single paint color. Disney will use various shades and variations of the color depending on what works best in its surroundings. The ride building for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Epcot uses a couple shades of Go Away Green and Disney’s other concealing color, Bye Bye Blue (also known as Blending Blue).
How does it work?
There isn’t any magic to Go Away Green despite the fact it can work surprisingly well. The color is so muted and plain that it helps objects blend into their surroundings. Guests’ eyes will focus on more colorful, attention-grabbing objects and look past Go Away Green objects.
Summarized, Go Away Green is so dull that the eye wants to look elsewhere. Its main goal is to not attract attention and it usually succeeds fairly well.
Where does Disney use Go Away Green?
Go Away Green is the most effective when surrounded by landscaping. A speaker painted with the color blends in well with some bushes. A fence in Go Away Green doesn’t stick out as much with some trees.
But, Go Away Green is also commonly used directly in front of guests. Backstage areas near guest walkways are often painted in the color. Utilities, which can’t be hidden, are also commonly painted in the greenish-gray hue.
The color is used in a lot of places around Walt Disney World and other Disney parks. Take a moment and look around to see how often Disney uses this special color.