Make Your Own Sangria and Other Disney World Hotel Offerings You Would Never Know Existed

When you think you know about all of the activities you can enjoy at Disney World, think again. While Disney World is known for its immersive theme parks, awesome attractions, and its attention to detail. It's also known for the incredible theming you'll find at each of its over thirty hotels.

But did you know about all the cultural immersion activities you can experience at many of the hotels? Disney does a fantastic job at bringing cultures from all over the world to you so that you can learn and have fun while doing it.

Here's a list of the most exciting cultural immersion experiences at the Disney World hotels.

Note: Not Every Disney World Hotel Made This List

While every Disney World hotel has a fun collection of activities you can experience, not every hotel made this list.

The experiences on this list are specific to the culture and theming that's represented at that particular hotel. So for example, at the Polynesian Village Resort, you'll find certain experiences centered around Polynesian culture. At Wilderness Lodge, you'll find certain experiences centered around the America's Great Northwest. Or at Port Orleans Resort, you'll find certain experiences specific to New Orleans culture.

On the other hand, the Disney World hotels that didn't make this list host activities that are more general (yet still very fun). For example, you'll find that many hotels host painting classes that teach you how to paint or make mosaic art with a Disney twist. You'll also find that many hotels host arts and crafts, poolside trivia, movies under the stars, and campfires with s'mores.

That doesn't mean that many of these general activities aren't at the Polynesian Village Resort or Wilderness Lodge though! While activities like poolside trivia and movies under the stars are at these hotels, the hotels that did make this list offer extra-special experiences that make them stand out. These experiences are also not very well-known, making them hidden gems of the Disney World hotels!

Let's jump into our list of Disney World hotel experiences you never knew existed.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Artwork displays: Did you know that Animal Kingdom Lodge has the largest private collection of African art outside of Africa? One of my favorite parts of the hotel is being able to wander around and explore the entire hotel. You're bound to find interesting pieces of art everywhere you look!

African Mosaic Art: Inside the Palace Library at Kidani Village, this two hour class has you learn how to make beautiful mosaic art out of glass tiles. For this class, you can select from different mosaic shapes, ranging from different animals to baby Simba to Mickey Mouse. Classes are usually offered on Tuesdays at 1:30pm and cost $25. Advanced reservations are required

Jambo House Lobby Art Tour: This free guided tour teaches you about many of the art pieces at Animal Kingdom Lodge. The Lobby Art Tour meets every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 11:00am at the Medallion. No reservations required

Arts and Crafts: Both Kidani Village and Jambo House have African-inspired arts and crafts activities that include making your own African Bangle ($8-$10) and designing your own safari sipper ($12-$15). Reservations are not required

Starlight Safari: At Kidani Village, you can take an after-dark safari tour of the savannas in an open-sided safari vehicle. You'll even get to use a night vision device! This one hour tour costs $89. All guests are welcome, but advanced reservations are highly recommended

String of Memories Bead Activities: Join Disney Savanna Guides for eight different complimentary education activities and add beads to your String of Memories. Activities include how to track animals, an interactive matching game about cultural diversity and African wildlife, and learning about African music!

Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort

Wonders of the Lodge Art and Architecture Tour: This free guided tour teachers you about some of the details at Wilderness Lodge Resort that make it so unique. The tour starts near the fireplace in the beautiful resort lobby and takes you on a one hour walk exploring art, artifacts, and classic craftsmanship that celebrate the majesty of the wilderness. Especially if you have a rest day during your vacation, this tour is a great way to spend time outside of the theme parks. Tours happen daily at 9:00am. Reservations are not required

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Contemporary Resort

The Magic of Mosaics: Inside Lakeside Landing by the marina, this two hour class has you learn how to make beautiful mosaic art inspired by the artwork of Mary Blair! For this class, you can select from different mosaic shapes. Classes are usually offered on Mondays and Fridays at 1:00pm and cost around $25. Advanced reservations are required

Disney's Polynesian Village

Make Your Own Kukui Nut Leis: Learn about the history of the kukui nut while making your own kukui nut lei! Select from two different sized leis (child-sized and adult-sized), choose your ribbon color and kukui nut color, and learn how to make your own lei with a loop tool. This is a great way to celebrate the Polynesian culture! Classes happen every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:00 to 1:00pm in the Great Ceremonial House Lobby. Leis range from $15 to $20. No reservations are required

Pain a ceramic pineapple: Hawaii is popular for its pineapples, so why not decorate your own ceramic pineapple? At the Lava Pool Deck every Tuesday and Saturday from 4:00pm to 5:00pm, you can paint your own ceramic pineapple to take home. These ceramic pineapples cost around $10

Port Orleans – French Quarter

Scat Cat's Club – Lounge: Jazz music is quintessential to New Orleans, so why not immerse yourself in the music at Scat Cat's Club – Lounge? At the lounge, you can listen to local musicians swingin' to the groove while sipping on an adult beverage and enjoying New Orleans inspired dishes. Live entertainment starts at 7:30pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

Spanish Mosaic Art: Inside Dahlia Lounge at Gran Destino Tower, this two hour class has you learn how to make beautiful mosaic art out of glass tiles. For this class, you can select from different mosaic shapes, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse. However, what makes this class more immersive is getting to learn about the historic Spanish art tradition of mosaic making. Classes are usually offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 1:00pm and cost around $30. Advanced reservations are required

Sangria University: Led by professionals, this afternoon course teaches you the history of sangria and reveals the recipes used to make the four in-house sangria varieties at Three Bridges Bar and Grill, one of the best Disney World resort lounges. The best part: having the opportunity to make your own glass of sangria from a selection of fresh fruits and base spirits! The class ranges from $69 to $79 and advanced reservations are required

My Favorite Cultural Immersion Experience

It's easy to say that any of the cultural immersion experiences at Animal Kingdom Lodge are my favorite.

To be fair though, Animal Kingdom Lodge does offer the most cultural experiences for you to enjoy. One of my absolute favorites is the String of Memories Bead Activity where you learn about African music – and even learn how to play a traditional African drum!

The free tours at Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge are a well-kept secret and are perfect for Disney aficionados. And if you want an extra-magical tour, the Starlight Safari at Animal Kingdom Lodge is truly special.

But my favorite cultural experience? Sangria University at Coronado Springs Resort.

Sangria University takes you in-depth into the history of sangria and what makes up a traditional sangria. So of course, not only are you tasting different flavors of sangrias, you're learning in the process – it's a win-win! But what good is learning about the mixing process without mixing a sangria yourself? Being able to create a sangria that you can call your own is the icing on the cake when it comes to this experience.

After reading this, which cultural experience do you want to do next?

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