I know that my instinct, as soon as I get to the park, is to head for my favorite ride. A day at the park can speed right by, so watch out that you don’t miss some of the most often disregarded Disney experiences. If your itinerary isn’t already full, you will want to incorporate some of these hidden gems of Walt Disney World.
The best part about this list is that since they are commonly overlooked park items you will have little to no wait. They are great filler items when you need to take it easy from running from attraction to attraction cramming in as much as possible.
The Magic Kingdom
Main Street Entertainment
There is always something happening on Main Street, but the entertainers shouldn’t be missed. Everyone knows about the parade, but the streetmosphere shouldn’t be missed. I enjoy the Citizens of Main Street, the Dapper Dans, and the varied musical offerings. Another area that has entertainers is Fantasyland. All ages will enjoy the Royal Majesty Makers.
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
Did you know that the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom is free and you can get your cards at the Firehouse on Main Street? There are 20 magic portals in the park to find and play.
People Mover
When the park starts to get busy and you are hot and tired, take time out to ride the People Mover in Tomorrowland. The short trip will give you some interesting facts about Walt’s concepts and get you off your feet.
Pressed Pennies
If you are looking for an inexpensive and unique souvenir from the parks, collect pressed pennies. A little research on Etsy will show you many creative ideas for your pennies. Plus be sure to take advantage of our FREE downloadable guide on Where to Find Pressed Penny Machines in Disney World.
PhotoPass Tangled Lantern
Towards the end of the day, an interesting PhotoPass opportunity is a Tangled Lantern. This can be found near Rapunzel’s Tower, where you should also take a look around and see how many Pascals you can find!
EPCOT
Live Performers
Once you have ridden Soarin’ and Test Track, it is time to explore the entertainment. You will need the Times Guide, so you know performance times, but many performers are overlooked in the rush to hit the big rides and explore the countries. Many people don’t know that the Voices of Liberty perform inside the queue area for the American Adventure. They usually perform for 15 minutes before the attractions show times.
Behind the Seeds Tour
Have you ever seen the tourists walking inside the land as you are on the boat ride? They are taking the Behind the Seeds Tour. This is a great option if the park is busy since it gets you out of the long lines and you will get to go to backstage areas. For a full look read, A Review of Epcot’s Behind the Seeds Tour.
Kidcot Fun Spots
Kidcot Fun Spots let your little ones collect stamps and meet ambassadors in 11 different countries. These short breaks to color and learn their name or simple phrases in different languages also gives the younger traveler a souvenir to take home with them.
Hollywood Studios
Posing for my mug shot with the Citizens of Hollywood at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
One Man’s Dream
Let’s face it – Hollywood Studios is under construction. Most people walk right by One Man’s Dream in their rush to get to Toy Story Midway Mania. This walk-through attraction has memorabilia and history from Walt Disney’s journey. In addition, there is a changing movie preview from an upcoming Disney movie!
Citizens of Hollywood
After I have ridden Toy Story at least three or four times (yes, it is my favorite ride of any park) I don’t miss at least one performance of the Citizens of Hollywood. They always entertain with spoofs of popular shows or by harassing the tourists. My favorite show of the day is their Funniest Citizen of Hollywood competition held on Sunset Boulevard.
The Animal Kingdom
Wilderness Explorers
As you enter Discovery Island, your gaze is immediately caught by the Tree of Life. Don’t miss the Wilderness Explorers Outpost, to get your free Wilderness field guide and collect all 30 badges through your travels.
Animal Trails
Take time to walk the Discovery Island Trail for animal encounters and great views of the Tree of Life along the way. See how many of the carved animals you can find, a few that are there might surprise you. Additional animal encounters at your own pace can be found on the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and Maharajah Jungle Trek.
Live Entertainment
Even though the animals are the star of the show at the Animal Kingdom, there are several entertainment options that you should definitely stop and enjoy. I recommend the Viva Gaia Street Band on Discovery Island and Burudika at Harambe.
UP – A Great Bird Adventure
Up – A Great Bird Adventure show is also a must see. The birds demonstrate natural behaviors and Russell, Doug and friends describe their habitats and challenges.
Bonus Tip
Hidden Mickey inside the new land of Pandora at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Don’t forget to look for hidden Mickey’s both the ones that the Imagineers created and naturally occurring ones! Wondering where all the Hidden Mickey’s are at? Don’t worry there, of course, is an app for that, and a book too!
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