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 designs in one guests aren’t even supposed to notice – the ‘Go Away Green’ color.
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.
The color is frequently used in locations where Disney doesn’t want guests focusing. Go Away Green 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 different 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 Go Away Green Work?
There isn’t any magic behind 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.
A bunch of piping or an eletrical box in a guest area doesn’t stand out as much when it’s painted Go Away Green versus just about any other color. Summarized, Go Away Green is so dull that the eye wants to look somewhere else. Its main goal is to not attract attention, and it usually succeeds fairly well.
But, sometimes Disney does try to stretch Go Away Green and Bye Bye Blue a bit too far. Let’s be honest, there’s no hiding the massive ride building for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
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 often 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.
