Favorite hiden gems

[Derby Scott]

I have been to WDW many times. Obviously, always looking for something new to discover. I was hoping some of you would share one or two of your "hidden gems" that always makes your trip special. Such as, we always find a place in the alley in France. We then enjoy Creme Brulee and a glass of wine. Having a relaxing yellow bird in the lobby of the Grand Floridian is quite nice also. Thanks for sharing suggestions!!

 

[pavol]

long time reader - first time poster.

My group loves the flag retreat at MK. Its pretty quick, pretty cool and often pretty touching.

 

[Cando86]

I don't know how hidden these are but we love the Animation Academy at HS and the Pick-a-Pearl in Japan!

 

[RustManFan]

We like some of the less traveled pathways at AK where we can get closer to the Tree of Life to enjoy the animal carvings. Peaceful!

 

[DisneyFive]

One comes to mind.

We love taking the path from behind Space Mountain, over to what is now the new fantasyland. Hardly ever many people on it, which is unique in MK.

Dan

 

[FLchick415]

One comes to mind.

We love taking the path from behind Space Mountain, over to what is now the new fantasyland. Hardly ever many people on it, which is unique in MK.

Dan

That is DEFINITELY one of my faves!

 

[DisneyFive]

long time reader - first time poster.

My group loves the flag retreat at MK. Its pretty quick, pretty cool and often pretty touching.

Crazy coincidence... this reply to your first post turns also marks my 2000th exactly.

What time is the flag retreat normally? Haven't seen it and sounds like something new and unique for us. I've heard and read about it, but we've never seen it.

Dan

 

[skriegerjr]

One comes to mind.

We love taking the path from behind Space Mountain, over to what is now the new fantasyland. Hardly ever many people on it, which is unique in MK.

Dan

Awesome shortcut to new fantasyland. Discovered it on our last trip and used it many many times!

 

[nkosiek]

The garden in Japan is a nice little place.

 

[snuggly duckling]

We love the hidden Pascals by the Tangled bathrooms in MK. At Christmas, we spent an hour looking for them all. It was one of our favorite trip moments, and so simple!

 

[Dr Gevil]

Characterpalooza now at the exit of ToT in DHS. You can meet and greet a lot of characters - many you can't find in the parks in a 10-15 minute time span.

Last trip we met Mulan, Evil Queen, Brer Fox, Pocahontas, Genie, and Mary Poppins and Bert - (skipped Aladdin and Jasmine - saw them in MK). Got great pics and done in 15 min.

 

[jamieann]

The drawing class at Animation Courtyard in DHS. I've done it as many as 4 times back to back and it never gets old!

 

[autismgoesdisney]

Characterpalooza now at the exit of ToT in DHS. You can meet and greet a lot of characters - many you can't find in the parks in a 10-15 minute time span.

Last trip we met Mulan, Evil Queen, Brer Fox, Pocahontas, Genie, and Mary Poppins and Bert - (skipped Aladdin and Jasmine - saw them in MK). Got great pics and done in 15 min.

When did they move them? They were near the Frozen sing a long in August?

 

[Emca11]

What time is the flag retreat normally? Haven't seen it and sounds like something new and unique for us. I've heard and read about it, but we've never seen it.

Dan

Flag Retreat Ceramony is held daily @ 5pm in the Magic Kingdom's Town Square, part of Main Street USA

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

I love to get a cupcake from Starring Rolls (or, when they have one of the seasonal ones at ABC Commissary, I get one there) and taking a seat outside ABC Commissary. I really like it as close to Sci Fi as I can get. I love to sit there and people watch while I listen to the old theme songs playing. It just makes me feel at ease.


Also, I love to ride the railroad from Main Street to Frontierland and see all of the little things they put in like the Indians, animals, and such. Then, I like to take the riverboat and see it from the other side. Hope that makes sense.

 

[dandemom]

I don't see the Characterpalooza on either the MDE app or the Lines app. Does anyone know if they are still there and what time?

We leave for WDW in 49 hours (not that I'm counting!)

Thanks!

 

[FencerGirl]

It's not advertised, but here's everything you need to know.

http://www.kennythepirate.com/category/character-palooza-2/

 

[wdwjeffc37]

I don't know if they still do it but if you are late "night owls" the "Kiss Goodnight" at the Magic Kingdom is cool. I won't give it away but it requires you to stay in the MK for about an hour after park close. We have done it a couple of times a few years ago. At park close we grab a snack and a drink, find a bench in the hub, sit, people watch and wait. The people watching is fun because it's late and it sometimes looks like the zombie apocalypse and we like to find the kid in a stroller that is sleeping in the most awkward position. If you can stay up late, check it out.

 

[pavol]

Flag Retreat Ceramony is held daily @ 5pm in the Magic Kingdom's Town Square, part of Main Street USA

As noted, 5 pm. Lasts maybe 10 minutes - Pledge of Allegiance, patriotic song or two, lowering the flag and retreat with a veteran. Unobtrusive, but very nice.

 

[DisneyFive]

Flag Retreat Ceramony is held daily @ 5pm in the Magic Kingdom's Town Square, part of Main Street USA

Thanks. That's probably why we haven't seen it yet. Our dinners are normally around 5 to 5:30 and we're heading to dinner at that time.

Dan