When it comes to Disney World, most guests think of the classics. But do you know about these hidden gem, off-the-beaten-path experiences?
Like everyone else, I love Walt Disney World for its rides and shows. I can't tell you how many times I've ridden Haunted Mansion and watched Festival of the Lion King. There's a very slim chance that I'll get tired of these attractions.
But given all that Disney World has to offer, you can't help but think: What other experiences does Disney have?
We visit Disney World every week and do our research. Here are the top 15 hidden gem experiences at the Disney World theme parks and resorts.
This first Disney World hidden gem is located in Disney's Animal Kingdom.
When guests first enter the theme park, they typically hurry over to Pandora to ride Flight of Passage. However, while they focus on other lands, they fail to realize that some of the most peaceful trails in the theme park are right under the park's icon. The Discovery Island Trails make up the area surrounding the Tree of Life. With quiet pathways that give you up-close views of the intricate animal carvings of the tree's trunk, it's the perfect place to explore the park's details and snag perfect photos.
The Discovery Island Trails are also perfect for escaping the crowds.
While this experience is popular at Disney California Adventure in California, it's not as well known at Disney World – making it another hidden gem at Disney World.
One big reason behind this is where its located. Deep in Disney's Animal Kingdom, you can take a 5 minute ride on the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki's Planet Watch. It's here where you can learn how to draw your favorite Disney characters from Disney animators.
The best part: you'll get to take home your own artwork, drawn on an animator-style palette!
READ MORE – We Go to Disney Every Week. Avoid These Rookie Mistakes.
I firmly believe that one of the best rides at EPCOT is Living with the Land.
Feeding into EPCOT's mission of providing educational entertainment (or as Disney calls it, “edutainment”), Living with the Land gives you a glimpse of how Disney grows the plants they use in some of their popular restaurants. This attraction is also the location of the Behind the Seeds Tour, where you can learn more in-depth information on Disney's innovative farming techniques. You can even sample some of the crops grown inside the park!
Behind the Seeds is also one of the most affordable tours you can take at Disney World.
At Japan Pavilion in EPCOT, Mitsukoshi Department Store is the most popular spot guests visit.
But practically hidden in plain sight are 2 beautiful attractions. The Japanese garden offers crucial moments of reprieve and escape from the busy crowds of EPCOT. And featured inside it, the Koi Pond features a variety of beautiful carp in combinations of black, white, gray, blue, orange, and yellow colors.
The next time you're in Japan Pavilion, take a few moments to soak in the true beauty that Walt Disney Imagineers put into it.
Another hidden gem tucked away in a quieter part of Disney's Hollywood Studios is this hidden gem – and a absolute must-do for all guests.
Walt Disney Presents features rare photographs, artifacts, and models from Walt Disney's life and early career. This often-empty exhibit is a treasure-trove of great information on the history and expansion of the Disney company from its animated shorts and films to its theme parks.
And since it's indoors, this air-conditioned walkthrough exhibit gives you yet another chance to get away from the crowds.
Unlike its counterpart in Disneyland Park, The Swiss Family Treehouse often times is empty.
You might have to walk several flights of stairs to explore the treehouse, but I guarantee you that it's totally worth it. On the way up, you get to explore the different rooms inspired by the classic film Swiss Family Robinson. And once you get to the top, you're rewarded by the magnificent view of Adventureland, Tomorrowland, and Cinderella Castle.
Remember, when you explore The Swiss Family Treehouse, you can go at your own pace!
If you make it through an entire day at Magic Kingdom, you'll be in for a pleasant surprise.
Usually about 30 minutes after Magic Kingdom closes, you can experience an extra-special farewell message along with a beautiful light display and the enchanting notes of When You Wish Upon a Star. It's a sweet and touching end to your day in the Magic Kingdom that most guests miss because they leave the park too soon.
The Kiss Goodnight is something that every Disney fan should experience at least once.
When most Disney World guests think of nighttime spectaculars, they think of the fireworks and often overlook this cute and whimsical hidden gem.
Lighting up the waters of Seven Seas Lagoon, the Electrical Water Pageant delights guests with its twinkling lights and whimsical melodies. With a procession fun characters and an inspirational medley of popular tunes, this show cannot be missed. The Electrical Water Pageant is the perfect way to end your day at Magic Kingdom.
The best part: you can view this nighttime show from a number of different areas, including Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Wilderness Lodge, and Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.
When it comes to theme parks and resort hotels, Disney's attention to detail is unmatched.
This absolutely holds true for the bars and lounges at Walt Disney World. There are a number of themed lounges I recommend guests go to time and time again. Here are 5 of my favorites (Note: I intentionally left out Trader Sam's Grog Grotto because of its popularity):
Did you know that there's a way you can meet 2 classic Disney characters without stepping inside any of the theme parks?
Over at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, you and your party can enjoy an evening around the campfire with Chip and Dale. Complete with marshmallow roasting and a sing-a-long led by a guitar-playing cowpoke. And after the singing, cozy up for a classic Disney movie in a theater under the stars.
Not only is this experience a hidden gem, it's also free!
Have you ever wondered where Disney houses the horses that pull the trolley down Main Street, U.S.A.
Look no farther than Tri-Circle-D Ranch. Nestled in Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, Tri-Circle-D Ranch gives you an up close and personal view of 1 of Disney's 90+ majestic horses. You can even marvel at the Dragon Calliope – a horse-drawn musical instrument with a deep Disney history!
Tri-Circle-D Ranch even offers pony rides and horseback riding for guests!
This is easily one of the most romantic experiences you can enjoy at Disney World.
There are 2 places you can experience this. At Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, you can experience the rustic beauty of the Louisiana Bayou. At Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, you can look around at the cabins and campsites as you travel through the lush pine and cypress forest.
At both locations, this 25-minute ride is a truly unforgettable experience!
Did you know that you can meet classic Disney characters at a non-Disney hotel?
The Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & His Pals is a true hidden gem of character dining at Disney World. Located in the Four Seasons Orlando, many argue that this this is one of the best character dining meals on Disney World property. The food is excellent, the restaurant is spacious, and the character interactions are absolutely special.
It's crazy to think how little guests know about this experience!
This activity is something most Disney World hotels offer, but not enough Disney guests know about.
Movies Under the Stars are perfect for families or anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing evening after a theme park day. Usually located outdoors near a pool or on the lawn, Movies Under the Stars usually features classic Disney and Pixar films. More times than not, blankets and loungers are available for you to relax in.
Movies Under the Stars is a hidden gem offering a laid-back, family-friendly activity most guests don't even realize is available!
If you're looking for the type of entertainment offered at Disney Springs without the crowds, look no further.
The BoardWalk offers spectacular entertainment, dining, and even shopping reminiscent of old Atlantic City. While strolling the water's edge, you can play midway games marvel at the carnival-style performers. You can even sing along to dueling piano players at Jellyrolls!
While Disney Springs is popular for its nightlife, you absolutely shouldn't skip out on The BoardWalk's offerings.
Disney has a variety of rules in place for the safety and happiness of its guests, and if guests break these rules, there can be consequences—even for celebrities. See the celebrities who have been banned from Disney Parks and what they did!
Disneyland has changed and evolved quite a lot since its opening in 1955. With the park's history comes an interesting past, including some things that we look back on today and find really weird…from real alligators in the Jungle Cruise to live mermaids in the lagoon of Submarine Voyage. See the 11 weird things we can't believe were once at Disneyland!
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1. Discovery Island Trails
This first Disney World hidden gem is located in Disney's Animal Kingdom.
When guests first enter the theme park, they typically hurry over to Pandora to ride Flight of Passage. However, while they focus on other lands, they fail to realize that some of the most peaceful trails in the theme park are right under the park's icon. The Discovery Island Trails make up the area surrounding the Tree of Life. With quiet pathways that give you up-close views of the intricate animal carvings of the tree's trunk, it's the perfect place to explore the park's details and snag perfect photos.
The Discovery Island Trails are also perfect for escaping the crowds.
2. Animation Experience
While this experience is popular at Disney California Adventure in California, it's not as well known at Disney World – making it another hidden gem at Disney World.
One big reason behind this is where its located. Deep in Disney's Animal Kingdom, you can take a 5 minute ride on the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki's Planet Watch. It's here where you can learn how to draw your favorite Disney characters from Disney animators.
The best part: you'll get to take home your own artwork, drawn on an animator-style palette!
3. Behind the Seeds Tour
READ MORE – We Go to Disney Every Week. Avoid These Rookie Mistakes.
I firmly believe that one of the best rides at EPCOT is Living with the Land.
Feeding into EPCOT's mission of providing educational entertainment (or as Disney calls it, “edutainment”), Living with the Land gives you a glimpse of how Disney grows the plants they use in some of their popular restaurants. This attraction is also the location of the Behind the Seeds Tour, where you can learn more in-depth information on Disney's innovative farming techniques. You can even sample some of the crops grown inside the park!
Behind the Seeds is also one of the most affordable tours you can take at Disney World.
4. Japan Pavilion's Zen Garden and Koi Pond
At Japan Pavilion in EPCOT, Mitsukoshi Department Store is the most popular spot guests visit.
But practically hidden in plain sight are 2 beautiful attractions. The Japanese garden offers crucial moments of reprieve and escape from the busy crowds of EPCOT. And featured inside it, the Koi Pond features a variety of beautiful carp in combinations of black, white, gray, blue, orange, and yellow colors.
The next time you're in Japan Pavilion, take a few moments to soak in the true beauty that Walt Disney Imagineers put into it.
5. Walt Disney Presents
Another hidden gem tucked away in a quieter part of Disney's Hollywood Studios is this hidden gem – and a absolute must-do for all guests.
Walt Disney Presents features rare photographs, artifacts, and models from Walt Disney's life and early career. This often-empty exhibit is a treasure-trove of great information on the history and expansion of the Disney company from its animated shorts and films to its theme parks.
And since it's indoors, this air-conditioned walkthrough exhibit gives you yet another chance to get away from the crowds.
6. The Swiss Family Treehouse
Unlike its counterpart in Disneyland Park, The Swiss Family Treehouse often times is empty.
You might have to walk several flights of stairs to explore the treehouse, but I guarantee you that it's totally worth it. On the way up, you get to explore the different rooms inspired by the classic film Swiss Family Robinson. And once you get to the top, you're rewarded by the magnificent view of Adventureland, Tomorrowland, and Cinderella Castle.
Remember, when you explore The Swiss Family Treehouse, you can go at your own pace!
7. The Kiss Goodnight
If you make it through an entire day at Magic Kingdom, you'll be in for a pleasant surprise.
Usually about 30 minutes after Magic Kingdom closes, you can experience an extra-special farewell message along with a beautiful light display and the enchanting notes of When You Wish Upon a Star. It's a sweet and touching end to your day in the Magic Kingdom that most guests miss because they leave the park too soon.
The Kiss Goodnight is something that every Disney fan should experience at least once.
8. Electrical Water Pageant
When most Disney World guests think of nighttime spectaculars, they think of the fireworks and often overlook this cute and whimsical hidden gem.
Lighting up the waters of Seven Seas Lagoon, the Electrical Water Pageant delights guests with its twinkling lights and whimsical melodies. With a procession fun characters and an inspirational medley of popular tunes, this show cannot be missed. The Electrical Water Pageant is the perfect way to end your day at Magic Kingdom.
The best part: you can view this nighttime show from a number of different areas, including Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Wilderness Lodge, and Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.
9. Themed Lounges
When it comes to theme parks and resort hotels, Disney's attention to detail is unmatched.
This absolutely holds true for the bars and lounges at Walt Disney World. There are a number of themed lounges I recommend guests go to time and time again. Here are 5 of my favorites (Note: I intentionally left out Trader Sam's Grog Grotto because of its popularity):
- Nomad Lounge at Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Enchanted Rose at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Abracadabar at Disney's BoardWalk Inn & Villas
- Dahlia Lounge at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
- Territory Lounge at Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort
10. Campfire Sing-Along with Chip and Dale
Did you know that there's a way you can meet 2 classic Disney characters without stepping inside any of the theme parks?
Over at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, you and your party can enjoy an evening around the campfire with Chip and Dale. Complete with marshmallow roasting and a sing-a-long led by a guitar-playing cowpoke. And after the singing, cozy up for a classic Disney movie in a theater under the stars.
Not only is this experience a hidden gem, it's also free!
11. Tri-Circle-D Ranch
Have you ever wondered where Disney houses the horses that pull the trolley down Main Street, U.S.A.
Look no farther than Tri-Circle-D Ranch. Nestled in Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, Tri-Circle-D Ranch gives you an up close and personal view of 1 of Disney's 90+ majestic horses. You can even marvel at the Dragon Calliope – a horse-drawn musical instrument with a deep Disney history!
Tri-Circle-D Ranch even offers pony rides and horseback riding for guests!
12. Disney Carriage Ride
This is easily one of the most romantic experiences you can enjoy at Disney World.
There are 2 places you can experience this. At Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, you can experience the rustic beauty of the Louisiana Bayou. At Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, you can look around at the cabins and campsites as you travel through the lush pine and cypress forest.
At both locations, this 25-minute ride is a truly unforgettable experience!
13. Character Breakfast at Ravello
Did you know that you can meet classic Disney characters at a non-Disney hotel?
The Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & His Pals is a true hidden gem of character dining at Disney World. Located in the Four Seasons Orlando, many argue that this this is one of the best character dining meals on Disney World property. The food is excellent, the restaurant is spacious, and the character interactions are absolutely special.
It's crazy to think how little guests know about this experience!
14. Movies Under the Stars
This activity is something most Disney World hotels offer, but not enough Disney guests know about.
Movies Under the Stars are perfect for families or anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing evening after a theme park day. Usually located outdoors near a pool or on the lawn, Movies Under the Stars usually features classic Disney and Pixar films. More times than not, blankets and loungers are available for you to relax in.
Movies Under the Stars is a hidden gem offering a laid-back, family-friendly activity most guests don't even realize is available!
15. Entertainment at The BoardWalk
If you're looking for the type of entertainment offered at Disney Springs without the crowds, look no further.
The BoardWalk offers spectacular entertainment, dining, and even shopping reminiscent of old Atlantic City. While strolling the water's edge, you can play midway games marvel at the carnival-style performers. You can even sing along to dueling piano players at Jellyrolls!
While Disney Springs is popular for its nightlife, you absolutely shouldn't skip out on The BoardWalk's offerings.
READ MORE – Disney Bans Guests From Theme Parks. No Exceptions Were Made For These Celebrities That Broke the Rules!
Disney has a variety of rules in place for the safety and happiness of its guests, and if guests break these rules, there can be consequences—even for celebrities. See the celebrities who have been banned from Disney Parks and what they did!
READ MORE – 11 Weird Things We Can’t Believe Were Once at Disneyland
Disneyland has changed and evolved quite a lot since its opening in 1955. With the park's history comes an interesting past, including some things that we look back on today and find really weird…from real alligators in the Jungle Cruise to live mermaids in the lagoon of Submarine Voyage. See the 11 weird things we can't believe were once at Disneyland!
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