Top 11 Hidden Spots at the Disney World Hotels You Never Knew Existed

Do you know about all these hidden spots of the Disney World hotels? Nowadays, everyone seems to know everything about the lesser-known areas of the Disney theme parks. From its hidden Mickeys to homages to past attractions to practical jokes, it's all people talk about.

But what about the Disney World hotels?

Yes, I'm talking about the hotels, each with their own special theming. The hotels that were designed and built with attention to the smallest detail. I'm talking about the same hotels that I personally visit once a week just to see these details. Let's go over the top 11 hidden spots of the Disney World hotels – I bet you didn't know about number six!

Best Hidden Spot to Watch the Electrical Water Pageant

Did you know that the Electrical Water Pageant has been delighting guests since 1971? If you did, you may not know that one of the best ways to view this nighttime spectacular is over a drink at Narcoossee's. Located along the water at the Grand Floridian, Narcoossee's is my personal favorite spot to watch the fireworks at Magic Kingdom and the Electrical Water Pageant. This floating nighttime parade is one of the most underrated, little-known attractions at Disney World, and Narcoossee's is even lesser known as a fantastic viewing spot.

Voyageur's Lounge at Riviera Resort

Voyageur's Lounge is a Walt Disney museum hidden in plain sight.

It’s also my go-to spot to do work at Disney World. This library-inspired lounge is a great place to sit down and rest or take out your laptop and catch up on some work. However, its true beauty is in the details. You'll find books that inspired Walt Disney's movies and attractions, reproductions of historic Disney memorabilia, and across the hallway, you'll see photos of Walt's travels through the French Riviera.

All around you are nods to Disney's history and Walt Disney's love for travel.

Disney Characters Hidden in Plain Sight

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There's a popular saying that goes, “Don't forget to look up.” However, in the case of the lobby at the Grand Floridian, “don't forget to look down,” because embedded into the Italian marble floor is chalk full of hidden Disney characters! They line the entire floor at the lobby – happy hunting!

My Favorite Hidden Mickey at the Disney World Hotels

Speaking of hidden characters, the best hidden Mickeys are the ones you accidentally stumble upon. In my case, my favorite one is the one that I've looked at countless times without even realizing it was there. This hidden Mickey is most easily seen approaching the Riviera Resort just after disembarking from the Disney Skyliner. It's made from three palm trees – how cool is that?

Carolwood Pacific Room at Wilderness Lodge

This hidden room at the Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge is the perfect place to relax or do work in a serene environment. But did you know that it's also a tribute to Walt Disney's love of trains? The Carolwood Pacific Room was named after the Carolwood Pacific Railroad, the miniature railway that Walt Disney built in his Los Angeles backyard. In the Carolwood Pacific Room, you'll even find the very same train that was kept at Walt's house!

The Hidden Details of the Bellvue Lounge at BoardWalk Inn

While Bellvue Lounge at the BoardWalk Inn is known for its relaxing atmosphere and tasty adult beverages, its true beauty is in the details. Designed like an old fashioned sitting room by an Atlantic City boardwalk, if you look around you'll see books and board games from the 1930s, including Eddie Cantor's Game: Tell it to the Judge, a huge piece of New York history. My favorite part? The 1930s-era radios playing real audio programs from that time.

The Solarium at the Beach Club Resort

Across from the BoardWalk Inn is Disney's Beach Club Resort, home to its own secret lounge area. Inspired by 19th century Newport seaside cottages, The Solarium gives you the perfect place to sit down and rest from a long park day. But my favorite detail is along the walls. You can find several Hidden Mickeys in the paintings as you enter The Solarium!

Scat Cat's Club – Lounge at Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Scat Cat's Club – Lounge is one of the best kept hidden secrets at the Disney World hotels. Not only is it one of our top picks for lounges at the Disney World hotels, but it's also one of the most unique lounges because it has live jazz music Fridays through Sundays! For a truly immersive New Orleans experience, Scat Cat's Club – Lounge is a must.

Visit Disney Horses and See a Piece of History

If you're even remotely interested in any of the horses that work at the Disney theme parks, this place is a must-visit.

Tri-Circle D Ranch over at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground houses the majestic horses that walk down Main Street, U.S.A., pull the carriages at Fort Wildernress and Port Orleans – Riverside, and pull Cinderella's carriage for Disney Fairy Tale Weddings. And while you're visiting these beauties, make sure to check out a real piece of Disney history: the Dragon Calliope, a horse-drawn musical instrument that Walt Disney purchased for the Mickey Mouse Club Circus Parade at Disneyland Park.

The best part: Tri-Circle D Ranch is open for anyone to visit during the day.

The Biggest Collection of African Art Outside of Africa

Sure, Animal Kingdom Lodge is known for its beautiful views of the savanna and the animals that graze there.

But did you know that it's also home to the largest collection of African Art outside of the African continent? Showcasing nearly every aspect of traditional African culture, you can enjoy over 380 museum-quality art pieces at Animal Kingdom Lodge's public space. However, within each guest room is more than 4,000 handcrafted pieces that decorate the private spaces.

The best part: viewing the much of collection is FREE to you!

The Best Hidden Spot to View Magic Kingdom Fireworks

It's difficult not to mention this spot one more time.

But instead of staying here for the Electrical Water Pageant, you'll have a hard time finding a better spot to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks than from Narcoossee's. Situated directly across the water from Magic Kingdom, Narcoossee's gives you a breathtaking ground-level view of the fireworks.

And since Narcoossee's pipes in the fireworks music, you won't miss a beat as you marvel at the fireworks lighting up the sky.

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