When picking paint colors you tend to pick colors you like looking at, or neutral colors that make things nearby pop. So the concept of a paint color like Disney's “go away green” is a bit unusual. I've always enjoyed the magical feeling of being transported somewhere special when we visit Disneyland.
My earliest memories are of the sidewalks painted or decorated to tell you when you left Frontierland, and entered Fantasyland. Equally amazing was how the trash cans were decorated to fit the theme, so no matter what, you knew where you were in the park. This commitment to a great experience has always endeared me to Disney.
What You See or Don't See, at Disneyland
So imagine my surprise when I learned about Disney's go away green, a paint color used to make things disappear. Things like fences and trash bins that are necessary, but Disney wants them to fade into the background as if they're not there. It's part of the fantasy created, and the experience you have when spending the day at Disneyland.
Go away green paint isn't the only thing Disney does to enhance your experience, and if you're curious, you'll find Five Ways Disneyland Controls You with Psychology, fascinating reading.
Where to Use Go Away Green Paint
So you're probably wondering what go away green paint looks like? Go away green is used to paint many different things in the Magic Kingdom, so it's not clear that there's one formula. Taryn Fiol Williford described the color as a gray-green, with a hint of blue (she called it bluish) to allow it to blend in with many features found at Disney. There are rumors that some visitors have collected paint chips and taken them back to a local paint store to match, but does it really matter?
Taryn also showed how various paint brands have interpreted go away green. You shouldn't have any trouble finding the color when you've got something that needs painting, but you really want to hide it?
Like Disney, most of the things you want to hide with a paint like go away green … are outside. So let's walk around your house.
- The foundation that isn't covered by your siding, which might blend better with your shrubs if painted green.
- Enclosures to hide trash bins, utility boxes or the compressor for your air conditioner.
- Fencing that is more functional than decorative, so you'd rather not see it if that's possible.
- Skirting and other materials used to hide framing and open spaces under decks.
What do you want to hide in your yard? Share your ideas below, as we all learn from each other.
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