Hidden gems at Disney World

[JMarieVeith]

I am taking my third trip to Disney is December. I was wondering what hidden gems or largely unknown things there are to do at Disney besides just visit the theme parks. Anyone have a favorite sort of secret, fun thing to do?
THANKS!

 

[msp2mco]

I wouldn't say these are secret things, but if you haven't done so, I would suggest leaving the parks and having dinner at some of the resorts and enjoying those amenities. Dinner at the Boardwalk and walking around that area is enjoyable. One of our memorable nights was arriving for Hoop de Doo early and watching our kids play at the playground while we enjoyed a drink on the porch. With each visit, we always try to do something new too. One trip we took a segway tour in Epcot, and that was fun too.

 

[MichaelH]

I would suggest doing some of the tours they have. My wife and I did the Backstage Magic tour several years ago. I can't wait to do this again when the kids are old enough to do it. Also, like the other poster said the Segway tour in EPCOT is great too.

 

[WizardLarz]

Visit the other Resorts, take picture, lounge around.

Fort Wilderness has several outdoor activities like Horseback riding, and a Segway tour.

Also the in Parks tours are great and several are very inexspensive.

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

There are several boats/launches that can make for an enjoyable excursion if the temperature is not in the 90's. The boat ride from MK to Ft Wilderness is nice(but based on your siggy you may have already done that).

It is nice to ride the boat from DHS/Boardwalk/Epcot.......making sure to get a sweet treat at the boardwalk!

 

[standleyent1]

If you are going in December you are going at one of the best times of the year, as the Christmas decorations will be up at the resorts!! Every resort is different and its fun just to walk around or find a nice 2nd or 3rd level deck inside the lobby at the Wilderness lodge and enjoy the sights, sounds and unique places around each resort.
I like to go to the Contemporary either during the day to the California Grill and have a drink at the bar and then go out to the north observation deck and take some great pics of the MK or the property around the area. I will sometimes go during the evening just before the Wishes fireworks and have a drink and then go out on the North obervation deck and watch Wishes as they pipe the music in from the show!!

 

[Waltfan54]

If you will be there at the Christmas season, by all means visit the different Disney Resorts during the park's peak operating hours. Start where you want and finish at the Grand Floridian Resort. I enjoy seeing historical exhibits at the Magic Kingdom hall of Presidents and EPCOT American Adventure. At the Moroccan Pavilion at EPCOT you can see a replica of the letter George Washington wrote to the king of Morocco. People watch.

 

[DiznyDi]

December is a wonderful time to enjoy the World decked out in all it's holiday finery! Take time to visit the deluxe resorts and immerse yourself in the magical splendor of the decorations and the entertainment provided.

We also enjoy a sleigh ride through Fort Wilderness. Book early as these fill up quickly. IIRC it's $60.00 (+ tip for the driver) for 4 persons. You'd be surprised how elaborate the decorations are at the campsites!

You might also want to consider either an Illuminations or a Wishes cruise. We've taken several. While this can be a pricey venture, there's a thread on the Theme Parks Community board for 'sharing' and makes the cost much more reasonable. We usually pay around $40.00 per person.

 

[hooch11bear]

One of the really fun things we did while we were there around Halloween time was take the Haunted Carriage Ride at the Fort Wilderness Campground. It was so much fun. We still talk about it. We have also done the Segway tours at Epcot and at The Campgrounds. I wish they did more tours on the Segways in different locations, because we really enjoy those.

 

[hooch11bear]

Sorry. Wasn't paying attention to the time of year. I would also suggest going over to the Grand Floridian to see the gingerbread house. I know the Beach Club has a gingerbread carousel too.

 

[Rhiannona]

My biggest secret isn't really a secret. It's just something forgotten in the hustle-bustle of every day. Take a few moments each day to relax, stop where you are look around you and enjoy it. Each area of disney is thought out and little gems can be found wherever you look, as long as you can stop to look.

Taking a moment out for a hug or a few sweet words can make a moment your own personal secret!

 

[wolfepack]

If you really want to experience the whole package, next time you're at the Magic Kingdon check out "Keys to the Kingdom" tour.
You will uncover all sorts of hidden secrets at the Kingdom.

If you're into the Iron Horse, Check out the "Behind the scenes Steam Tour"
you'll learn all about the locomotives that carry you around the Kingdom.

Just something to experience.

 

[Jenene]

This isn't a secret either, but my kiddos are always looking up and seeing amazing things... Disney does everything wonderful from top to bottom. The magic is in the details!

 

[DLB]

EPCOT
-Club cool
-innoventions
-shopping in all the countries. It just really makes you feel like you are there.

MK
-the talking trash can. (my son still talks about it)

HS
-The shows! They are so worth the wait.

AK
-Pangani Forest Exploration trail, with a train ride to boot! Kids loved this and sadly we skipped it the first few times we went not knowing it was so great.
-The dinosaur play park - Such a great way to let the kids run for a little bit! We sat and had a snack while the kids played. It was a nice break!

Any boat ride.. We stayed at POFQ and loved the boat ride to DTD! So peaceful.

Just the detail in everything there. They have put so much thought into everything even the landscaping!

and last but certainly NOT least HIDDEN MICKEYS!! It kept the kids busy and no matter where we were, lines, dinner etc. They still look for them even at home!! I do agree with all the pp and just take a moment to "smell the roses" Disney has so many little things built in. Enjoy!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

If you have a car, go to the Team Disney Building, which is across the street (Buena Vista Drive) from Planet Hollywood. It is only open during business hours. If the day is fairly sunny, you can go into the world's largest operating sundial; which is both accurate and entertaining.

 

[glocon]

I just got a book from my library called "The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World" by Susan Veness.
I just started it but it tells you secrets and about hidden things in each park, and things to look for and notice- maybe things you have seen but not really looked at before.
There is a section for each of the four parks in the book.
Makes me want to be there RIGHT NOW.....

 

[Kelblum]

Have to agree with everyone about the Resort decorations! They are all so beautiful and so different. Well worth going to see.

DH and I also loved the Epcot Segway tour!

 

[ont/ohana]

One time on our fourth trip ours kids wanted to see how many modes of transportation we could use in one day...plane-monorail-bus-boat(SSR)-walking-boat-bus-train-monrail-bus! it was very busy but really fun!! MK was busy that day-filming the Christmas Parade so off to the resorts we went. We agree that checking out the resorts in Dec is great.
We also love the Cinderella fountain in MK, when you take a pic of someone in front it looks like you have a crown on.
We also go into Tinkerbell's treasures and ask to see Tink!!