Gangs in Disneyland? Yes, but it's not what you think

Gangs of Disneyland. There is a new phenomenon happening at The Happiest Place on Earth. On the streets and pathways of Disneyland in Anaheim, California, groups of people in coordinating vests have become a common sight. And we're not talking matching family reunion t-shirts or high school team colors – these are Disneyland social clubs, and their ranks are swelling. Here's a look inside this burgeoning underground scene, where tattoos and piercings are typical but the behavior is decidedly different from what you'd expect.

The clothing optional country club. On some levels, the Country Club looks like a lot of other cool spots in New Orleans. It's got a cabana bar, pool, restaurant and lounge, all located in a 19th-century mansion. But what really makes the Country Club unique is its clothing-optional backyard. OK, we know what you're thinking: nudity, New Orleans, alcohol. What's so shocking? But if you think it means the Country Club is a spring break, Girls Gone Wild scene, think again. Caution, though: bare butts ahead.

Here's the deal with great big wheels. Remember when riding Ferris wheels meant sitting on an open-air bench, feet swinging in the breeze? Well, big wheels have come a long way, baby, and they just keep on getting bigger. When Tony Blair pressed the button to start the London Eye on New Year's Eve, 1999, at 441 feet it became the tallest observation wheel in Europe and sparked a global race to the top, with cities scrambling to out-wheel each other. Now there are no fewer than four big observation wheels in the works in Las Vegas, Dubai, New York and Japan. Which one will be the biggest?

The wonders of drinking down under. Melbourne, Australia is right up there with StarTrek, Elvis and Justin Bieber in the dedication it inspires. "You will LOVE Melbourne!" "Coolest city, hands down, ever." An arty waterside town known for its homegrown design scene? Yes, please. But after 30 hours of travel and two days of bone-chilling downpours, it became clear that Melbourne isn't always an easy mistress. She makes you work for it. That bespoke menswear-shop-cum-tattoo-parlor? That Eritrean hip hop party night? They're hidden down side streets and on the roofs of old terrace houses. Melbourne makes you break the rules and wander down dark alleys late at night — that's where the parties are. Here's where to find them.

Ozy.com is a USA TODAY content partner providing general news, commentary and coverage from around the Web. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.