When you think of a Walt Disney World vacation, you likely think of the famous rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, or the Tower of Terror. Or maybe you think of the iconic snacks like Mickey-shaped ice cream bars and Dole Whip. Whether your mind goes straight to classic snacks, exhilarating rides, Cinderella Castle, or the Fab 5 themselves, it’s worth knowing that there are a ton of other unusual things to do at Disney World you should add to your itinerary!
Believe it or not, there’s some pretty wild stuff you can do at the Most Magical Place on Earth and we’ve covered them all. Without further adieu, here are the most unusual things to do at Disney World:
Watch a Kiss Goodnight
If you’ve ever been curious as to what happens after Magic Kingdom closes, then stay 30 minutes past “closing” to witness the Kiss Goodnight.
The Kiss Goodnight is Disney’s way of officially closing the park down to guests at the end of the night. In other words, it’s Disney’s very magical way of saying “Go back to your resort.”
During this two-minute show, Cinderella Castle will turn different colors and twinkle, while a narration plays in the park bidding guests farewell for the evening.
Here’s what you’ll hear:
“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, on behalf of everyone here at the Magic Kingdom, we thank you for joining us today for a magical gathering of family, friends, fun, and fantasy. We hope your magical journey with us created wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.
Walt Disney said that the Magic Kingdom is a world of imagination, hopes, and dreams. In this timeless land of enchantment, magic and make-believe are reborn. Fairytales come true. The Magic Kingdom is a place for the young and the young at heart. A special place where when you wish upon a star, your dreams can come true.
Until we see you again, have a safe trip home. Thank you and goodnight.”
After the narration wraps up, Mickey Mouse will say goodnight and When You Wish Upon a Star will play. Once it does, the castle will go dark and the park will be considered officially closed.
This nighttime show is sporadic. This schedule is most likely when crowd levels are high and lots of people are in the park after the first closing. If you can catch this on your next trip, try and watch it because it’s very beautiful. It makes me emotional every time!
Become a Bounty Hunter
Becoming a bounty hunter is one of the newer additions to Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios. To play, all you need is a MagicBand+ and access to the Play Disney Parks app, available on both Apple and Android smartphones. You will need both to become a Bounty Hunter, but the good news is that the app is free to download!
Once your gear is on, head on over to the Black Spire station and find your bounty board. Press the button on your Magicband+ to get your first assignment. The app is interactive and will pick up your location and give you a map of the area so you know where to go next. As you get closer to a bounty, your MagicBand+ will turn green. Once you get really close and lock in on your target, it’ll turn purple and you can launch your thermal viewer.
Think of Batuu Bounty Hunters like Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. It’s the same kind of vibe. Once you’ve collected all your bounties, you’ll head to the Guildmaster’s Hideout near Ronto Roasters to collect your credits.
Don’t get me wrong, there is so much to see and do while visiting Batuu, but this can add some adventure to your time there to make it all the more interactive.
Meet Grogu
While we’re already visiting Batuu, why not take some time to meet Grogu? As the cutest “baby” in the universe, Grogu and his pal, Din Djarin, make daily appearances at Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Like the other characters that roam around Galaxy’s Edge, this isn’t a typical or scheduled meet-and-greet. Instead, the duo appear for about 15 -20 minutes every hour from late morning to late afternoon. However, keep in mind that this time frame can vary, as sometimes they do walk around longer than that. It’s going to depend on crowd levels that day.
To see them, you’ll have to time it just right. In most cases, they appear in and near Ronto Roasters and the Black Spire Outpost Marketplace. If you’re worried about missing them, just look for the giant crowd and follow it. They attract large guests, so once you locate this crowd, it won’t be hard to miss them.
Read more: How to Meet Grogu in Disney World
Become a Wilderness Explorer
If you’ve ever wanted to be like Russell from Disney Pixar’s UP, then now’s your chance! Animal Kingdom offers up several fun challenges for anyone eager to earn their Wilderness Explorer badge. These challenges include everything from testing your knowledge to completing a scavenger hunt.
To partake in these nature-themed challenges, just head on over to the headquarters located on the bridge connecting Discovery Island and the Oasis. Or, visit any Wilderness Explorer Troop Leader scattered around the park in Pandora – The World of Avatar, Asia, Africa, Dinoland U.S.A., and Rafiki’s Planet Watch to pick up your exploration handbook.
There are over 30 kiosks to visit, so get explorin’!
Drive From Land to Sea
Next time you’re visiting Disney Springs, take a ride on one of the vintage amphicars at the Boathouse. The vintage amphicar tour is 20 minutes long and you’ll experience the freakiness of driving from land and plunging into the sea – or rather, Lake Buena Vista. Tours are offered daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (weather permitting) and cost $125 per car. Each car can fit up to four passengers, so if you can find some friends, you’ll be able to cut back on costs.
Best of all, these tours don’t have to be booked in advance. Walk-up reservations are taken. This is one of the more unusual things to do at Disney World. Is it worth doing more than once? Probably not. But, it’s recommended to experience it at least once during your trip.
Explore the Skies in a Hot Air Balloon
Staying at Disney Springs, let’s leave The Landing and head on over to the West Side where we’ll find Aerophile – The World Leader in Balloon Flight.
Of all the unusual things to do at Disney World, taking a hot air balloon ride is up there. No, literally – you’ll be 400 feet up there in the air with stunning views of downtown Orlando and Spaceship Earth.
Tickets are $20 per child and $25 per adult (10 years and older). Each trip carries 29 people and was custom-built for Disney! If you can – and feel comfortable – I recommend doing this at night when everything is lit up. It’s pure magic. Just don’t look down.
Swim With Dolphins
If you’ve ever wanted to swim with dolphins, take a trip over to Epcot and visit The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion.
During this 2-hour experience, you’ll get to spend 30 minutes with dolphins in waist-deep water and for the rest of the time, learn about their dolphin care program, marine mammal research, and more.
This experience is pricy at $199 per person, but it’s a must-do for any aquatic mammal lover. It allows you to take a peak behind the curtain. Advanced reservations are recommended and you can do so conveniently through the My Disney Experience app.
Read more: 20 Epcot Must Do’s
Get Pixiedusted
Everyone knows that pixie dust is magic. While on Neverland, it may be used to make you fly, in Magic Kingdom, it’ll make you feel like a kid again.
Next time you’re at the Magic Kingdom, stop in Sir Mickey’s located right behind Cinderella Castle, and ask a Cast Member if there is any pixie dust left over. Of course, you can also just ask to be pixie-dusted if you don’t feel comfortable playing along.
After asking, the Cast Member will ask you to bow your head, close your eyes, and make a wish (ugh, swoon) and while you are, they will shake some magical pixie dust over your head. Be warned – the pixie dust is glitter, so you may be sparkling for the rest of your day at the parks!
This is a free experience that has only recently begun gaining traction. It’s fun for the guests and the Cast Members always seem to get a kick out of it, too.
Get Married
Sure, Disney World is a theme park, but it also doubles as one of the most magical places on Earth to get married!
Disney’s Fairytale Weddings and Honeymoons offers 46 venus for couples to choose from on property. These include but are not limited to the four theme parks, as well as several other notable areas including Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Ballrooms, Crescent Cove at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort, and the famous Disney Wedding Pavillion at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Prices and packages vary based on the location, number of guests, and whether it’s going to be a full wedding, or just a ceremony or reception. My husband and I utilized Disney’s Fairytale Weddings and Honeymoons to elope back in 2018, and they really went out of their way to create something magical but within our budget.
Here’s a photo from our magical day:
Read more: Best Disney Wedding DIY
Drink Beverly
There are two types of Disney fans: those who like Beverly and those who only trick themselves into thinking they like Beverly.
If you’ve never heard of Beverly, one of the top things you need to know about it is that it is probably the most divisive beverage in all of Walt Disney World. Available at Club Cool in Epcot, Beverly is a dry, but very sweet Italian soda with lots and lots of citrusy notes.
The reason why it’s so divisive is because, when compared to the other fountain drinks nearby, guests aren’t really expecting the tart dryness of it. If you can get passed it, it’s not terrible. But is it going to quench your thirst? No. But, hey, at least you can become a member of the “I tried Beverly at Epcot and survived club.” (No, that’s not really a thing, but let’s make it a thing anyway!)
Get a Massage
Don’t get me wrong, Disney World vacations are a lot of fun, but they can also be stressful and exhausting. That’s why many people, upon returning home from their trip say they need a vacation from their vacation (haha)!
Luckily, you can squeeze in some relaxation by visiting one of the many spas located around Disney World property. Zahanti Massage and Fitness Center at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers massage and facials, as does the Grand Floridian Spa, which also doubles as a full-service salon.
Prices on these services vary and are not posted online. However, from previous experience, you can expect a massage to cost around $250 per person, excluding add-ons. It’s an expensive treat but so worth it. I actually fell asleep in mine because of how relaxed I was!
Eat at a AAA Five Diamond Award-Winning Restaurant
For a truly luxurious dining experience, make a reservation at Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridian.
Victoria & Albert’s is the pinnacle of dining. It’s earned several accolades, including the AAA Five Diamond Award for more than 20 years, Forbes Travel Guide Five Stars, and has also been included in the Florida Trend Golden Spoon Hall of Fame – American Regional.
The food here is unique and served in small portions, because you’re getting between eight and 12 courses, including dessert. Each menu is personalized. For example, I don’t eat seafood, so they created a menu free of fish just for me, while my husband’s menu was chock full of it. Their wine list is just as opulent as their food servings.
Dining here is reserved for those who want an intimate, luxurious, and romantic setting. As such, guests under the age of 10 are not allowed to dine here. The last time I was there, there was a harpist, which just added to the ambiance.
If you’re celebrating a honeymoon, or anniversary, or are looking to pop the question (which I also did witness here), add this to your itinerary. Reservations can’t be made online, so you’ll have to call ahead.
Read more: Tips for Planning a Romantic Getaway to Disney World
Explore the Underground Tunnels
By now, everyone (likely) knows about the not-so-secret underground tunnels that run beneath the Magic Kingdom. They’re called the utilidors and they are how Cast Members travel to their designated areas around the park, move trash and supplies, and get ready to perform.
Though you won’t be able to access all of the tunnels (Disney’s got to preserve the magic somehow), you will be granted access to some of the backstage areas down here when you book the Keys to the Kingdom tour.
This VIP tour costs $114 per person and is a fun way to peak behind the curtain. While some may argue that breaking this fourth wall, so to speak, ruins the magic, I think it just adds to it to see how sophisticated this system that was built decades ago really is. It’s wild to think about!
Read more: VIP Disney Tours
Drink Around the World
Drinking Around the World is the unofficial slogan of the World Showcase when the International Food and Wine Festival comes to town.
This festival has limited offerings, both in terms of food and beverage – all of which are worth trying. Of course, you don’t have to wait for this festival to drink around the world. Each World Showcase pavilion has its own offerings in terms of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
We have a whole guide to drinking around the world for you to explore. This is a fun way to add a little humor to your trip with friends. Some go the extra mile and print out little checkboxes they can update or even add temporary tattoos. Just remember to pace yourself and drink responsibly.
Do a Bar Crawl
In keeping with this alcohol theme, one of the more unusual things to do at Disney World is a bar crawl.
While this isn’t an official offering from Disney (can you imagine??), many guests hop on the monorail to visit the bars at each resort on the monorail loop (The Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and the Contemporary).
Each hotel has a bar, so guests will grab a drink at each one before finishing it and moving on to the next resort. Since the introduction of the Skyliner, people have done a Skyliner bar crawl, as well, which includes the Riveria, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, and Art of Animation.
Again, drink responsibly if you’re considering partaking in one of these bar crawls. If you can time it right, I’d recommend visiting the Polynesian during Happily Ever After, so you have a great view of it while enjoying a cocktail (or two).
Wake Up With Giraffes
Hands down, one of the coolest things I’ve ever done at Disney World was wake up with giraffes while staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
These giraffes are visible from the Savanna-facing rooms at the resort and can be seen early in the morning and throughout the day while they roam free on the property.
Of course, the Savanna offers more than just giraffes, but personally, I think the ability to be this close to them is truly one of the more unique offerings in Disney World!
While you can get up close and personal with giraffes at local zoos, there aren’t a ton of opportunities to sleep near them in the United States, outside of the appropriately named Longneck Manor in Texas.
Because of this, Animal Kingdom Lodge’s offering is a wild experience that every animal lover should try at least once during their Disney World travels!
Be like Jesse and Ride a Horse
If you’ve visited the Disney parks and resorts, you know that there are horses on property that are either used in parades or for carriage rides.
But did you also know that you can go horseback riding while staying on Disney property? The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort offer 45-minute horseback riding sessions that take you around the resort area and campgrounds.
Horseback riding costs $55 per person. Advanced reservations are recommended, as these do tend to fill up pretty quickly, especially for those staying at the actual campsite. There are weight and height restrictions to keep in mind – riders should weigh less than 250 pounds and be at least 48” tall.
This is a relaxing experience for visitors of (mostly) all ages and I highly recommend it if you haven’t done it already.
Get a Haircut
If you didn’t have time to get a haircut before your trip, a quick visit to the Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street, U.S.A. is all it takes to update your look!
This classic barbershop offers a multitude of services, including both child and adult haircuts, beard trims, and even your child’s first magical haircut. Advanced reservations are recommended and services are available daily from 9:00 am – 4:45 pm.
Out of all the unusual things to do at Disney World, getting a haircut is a cut above the rest (ha!)
Learn Archery From the Pros!
Take a page out of Merida’s book and learn how to shoot a bow and arrow at the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.
Available for guests aged 7 and up, this 75-minute session includes lessons on how to use a compound bow and includes some archery practice.
It costs $45 a person and like many of the other unusual things to do at Disney World on this list, advanced recommendations are recommended. However, if you don’t have time to do so or forget, you’ll usually be able to get a walk-up reservation.
Sleep Outside
If you want to experience one of the most unusual things to do at Disney World, how about sleeping outside? Fun fact: when I was around 12 years old, somehow my family and another got stranded in the Epcot parking lot. This was before cell phones, so we had to just wait for someone to get us, so technically I did kind of sleep outside…on the concrete, but I don’t recommend that one.
Instead, book a stay at the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Here, you can “rough it” in comfort by parking your RV or setting up camp. You can even rent a cabin for the ultimate nature-loving experience!
Though you will have to pay to stay here, this is one of the cheapest resort areas on property that also includes pools, golf carts for rent, and tons of recreational activities including horseback riding, canoeing, and more. You can even bring your pet along, too!
Read more: Why Disney’s Fort Wilderness Cabins Make for Great Vacations
After you’ve earned your Wilderness Explorer badge in Animal Kingdom, it would seem that a night here will be well-deserved!
Try These Unusual Things to Do at Disney World for a One-of-a-Kind Vacation!
Have you tried any of these unique offerings at Disney World? If so, let us know which ones and what you thought about them. We’d love to hear from you!
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As a self-proclaimed Mouseketeer, Courtney Dercqu is a fan of all things Disney. Between decorating her desk with souvenirs from the park, to making unique mouse ears and having a dedicated Disney Instagram, Courtney is a true believer in the magic of a Walt Disney World vacation. Having had more than 200 articles published on various content, Courtney’s excited to share her knowledge and experience with everyone! Be sure to follow her on Instagram for all the Disney magic.
