Cool, overlooked things to do at WDW????

[shyjade]

Check out this thread...there are over 2,000 posts and lots of great tips!

Your BEST WDW theme park secret!

 

[matt&jakesmom]

Sometimes I think I've done it all and then this thread comes along. What great ideas. I have a lot written down. We almost did the Nestle Cooking last year, but we went on Soarin'

 

[CinderellaIam]

I don't know if it's overlooked but I like that fountain at Epcot in Future world. The one that dances to music. That's one of my favorite things at Epcot because it's something cool to watch when you need to rest or something.

We love to stop at the fountain cafe for an afternoon caffeine fix and sit outside and watch this.

I just got and read the Imagineers Guide to EPCOT and learned that this is called The International Fountain. Walt Disney's wife christened this fountain when the park opened, along with 23 representatives of 23 nations who each poured water from a river or lake from their respective nation into the fountain as symbol of bringing the nations together.

So, although this has been a favorite spot in the past, I think it's true meaning has brought even more affection for it to us and we will enjoy it even more in the future.

 

[sameyeyam]

There is a water fountain for kids to play in at Epcot. It is located in an area not far from the crossroads near Ellen's Energy, Test Track, Mission Space. I am sure there are probably other's, but my son really enjoyed this one.

I spent nearly an hour there watching my DS(7) play in the water and get soaked. Felt sorry for all of the parents that wouldn't let their kids get wet. My son dried in about 10 minutes! But you could take along extra dry clothes or swim trunks. It was fun, it was cooling on a hot day & I got some of our best vacation photos of my son having fun in that fountain.

I am considered (at least by my family) to be a Disney Commando. But this year I took it easier and enjoyed just the small things that WDW has to offer and had a lot of fun. Instead of rushing from ride to ride, take the time to stroll along and you will discover a lot of overlooked things!

 

[AStamm]

Two summers ago we let our DS spend about 30 minutes playing in the fountain at DTD. Like the one at Epcot, it randomly shoots up varying levels of water. He was soaked to the core, but had such a great time.

I love all these great ideas--now if only I could get DH to be a little less commando and spend some time checking off some of these "off the beaten path" ideas. I swear my DS will FINALLY get a chance to see the Sword in the Stone ceremony this summer! We've been talking about doing that one for each of the past 5 trips.

 

[WDWtinkbell1982]

Even though it may not be classified as truly off the beaten path, but try Tom Sawyer’s Island in Frontierland. It only operates from about 10 am to 6 pm, but if you get there first thing in the morning and find one of Tom’s paint brushes, turn it into a CM and get a nice prize! We found one last year…and got 4 “head of the line passes.”

Try and find Injun Joe’s cave. It is a hidden adventure on Tom Sawyers Island. It is cool and dark with lots of neat and somewhat scary affects inside . I have never seen it busy!

Once you do Injun Joe’s cave, head towards the Fort. Once you start to hear Thunder Mountain Railroad, start heading towards the water. You will find some nice rocking chairs and a checker board. Sit back, play checkers, and wave at the guests flying by on Thunder Mountain Railroad!

 

[slk537]

I'm not so sure it's a secret, but well worth mentioning are the Grand Adventures for kids at the Grand Floridian. DS did the Pirate Cruise and the Tea Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter on our last trip and loved both. We plan to have him do the Pirate Cruise again next time, as well as Grand Adventures in Cooking.

Both events he did cost $30 with tax and he had a blast.

 

[Eeyore2003]

We love to stop at the fountain cafe for an afternoon caffeine fix and sit outside and watch this.

I just got and read the Imagineers Guide to EPCOT and learned that this is called The International Fountain. Walt Disney's wife christened this fountain when the park opened, along with 23 representatives of 23 nations who each poured water from a river or lake from their respective nation into the fountain as symbol of bringing the nations together.

So, although this has been a favorite spot in the past, I think it's true meaning has brought even more affection for it to us and we will enjoy it even more in the future.

Thanks for the information, I love the fountain also and what a neat beginnning. I'm going to have to pick up that book. I got a couple Imagineer books at Virgin records on tapping into your imagination, and will also check this one out.

 

[shyjade]

slk537, did you stay at the Grand Floridian or can kids participate if they are staying at another Disney resort? I think my DD might enjoy the tea party, and I'm not paying $200 for us to go to the Princess Tea Party at the GF!

 

[Jen76b]

We love hanging out in Adventureland and watching the camel at the Alladdin ride "spit" on unsuspecting folks walking by. It's a riot!!

That is my favorite thing at MK. People look around and try to figure out where the water is coming from. We're just sitting across from it laughing!!! A must see if you like to laugh at people!

 

[Dustball]

Hi,

These are both open to anyone...but they fill up fast so book your ressie ASAP.....The child has to be 4 and potty trained...no adults allowed!!

I have signed up my DNiece and DS for the Wonderland Tea Party in Aug!!!!

 

[birdiesunshine]

Tom Sawyer Island at MK. There are hidden paint brushes and the kids have a blast trying to find them. There are caves and lots of areas to explore. It's fun

 

[Sinclare]

Also, I am determined to find the talking garbage can at Epcot if it is still there on our next trip. And keep your fingers crossed we get to be a flag family some morning at WL.

"Push" The trash can is in Tomorrowland in MK. It was funny because the first time I ever saw him, my son and I were wearing our "guest of honor" badges. When we walked by him, he called us by name and blew our minds (till I finally figured it out)

 

[jenjen212]

Ok, so I just read that there's a Nestle cookie baking experience in Epcot, and the Keg tapping at Germany (Epcot)....I am wondering what other things there are like that in ALL of the parks?? I LOVE doing stuff that is kinda off the beaten path, and I would have never known about this stuff if it wasn't for this board. So please, share with me (and everyone else) your favorites!!

Keg Tapping at Germany??? what's this? sounds like something a few people i know would enjoy. any info on it?

 

[Jrabbit910]

I dont know if this was said yet because I didnt go thru all the pages...
But theres a water pagent parade that you can see from the POLY/ WL/ and Floridan...

 

[Jaybrad]

If you have an early tee time at Magnolia, you could be selected to place the pin on the 18th green for the day.

I have a 8:10 tee time for June 8th. I will be there early. Thanks Much

 

[katytrott]

On our last trip, we thought we would check out disney quest for half hour or so. Four hours later, we were practically chucked out. We went back later in our trip for half the day. Have just read on another thread that they might be closing it in 2007. I am now heart broken

 

[Redwitch]

Hang out after Illuminations at Epcot. Walk slowly around the showcase as the crowd clears, the lights are beautiful. As you pass the fountain as you're leaving there is a show. Music is playing and the fountain dances and colors change -- amazing. As you continue to exit, veer to the left. There are lighted designs in the walk ways. I've tried to see what it is during the day, but I can't tell.

 

[new mom11]

A couple years ago (before I discovered these boards) we just decided to give BOMA a try. After an incredible meal there, we strolled out to the savannah in the back. It was just before dusk, there was maybe one other family there. There's a CM / guide on duty. Ours was from Africa. He held my DS way up to the fence, pointed out several animals, gave us all kind of info, answered endless questions, etc. Nicest, most informative person you'd ever meet. This was truly a Disney moment, especialy after spending several hours fighting crowds at AK and really not seeing any animals at all. He really spent a lot of time with my DS, made us all feel very special. It was the hilite of our trip. We've gone back a couple times since and had similar experiences. (A little busier, but could have been the timing). However the guides there are some of the best cast memebers in all of Disney.

 

[Lil' Grumpy]

i think this type of post has a "need" to be repeated every
so often & i never get tired re-reading it. [we have learned so much from
these posts and made our last trip extra special for our lil' ]

we do alot of cruises and by accident "discovered" after debarking
but before getting on the bus..if you go back up to the ternimal, it
will be completely empty. you can take some really cool pics including
placing the mickey-shape enterance upon your family "heads". also
the magic model is there! me actually>