Hidden Gems of the Magic Kingdom!

[huntconn]

Where pray tell is the entrance to this?

There is a staircase on the inside of the building as well as the outside. I believe it is on your right after you enter the restaurant. I also think the window seats overlooking ISW are nice if you can get one. It's fun to wave at the folks on the boats going by. They actually increased the number of windows overlooking ISW with it's recent rehab.

 

[huntconn]

Where pray tell is the entrance to this?

There is a staircase on the inside of the building as well as the outside. I believe it is on your right after you enter the restaurant. I also think the window seats overlooking ISW are nice if you can get one. It's fun to wave at the folks on the boats going by. They actually increased the number of windows overlooking ISW with it's recent rehab.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

This will be a post for those of you who have returned to WDW multiple times, but what are those hidden gems of the Magic Kingdom that most people might miss, but you have noticed in slowing down and taking it all in?

How about the literal little gems hidden in the pavement near Aladdin? I think they are one of the magical touches that only Disney would do.

 

[Miniefan]

My favorite little "hidden gem" is the frontierland shootin' arcade. It seems like most people don't realize that it is there, because most people just pass right on by it, but my kids love it, and they are always trying to shoot out the most targets, I like it too, we all get to have a friendly little competition and slow things down for a minute. But, personally I LOVE the MK at night, and get really aggravated there during the day.

Kim

 

[Figment's Friend]

I wonder if most MK guests take the little boat over to Tom Sawyer's Island? It's so much fun to just wander through the walkways and secret caves and bridges, you always run into something new there! It's also fun to sit in the rocking chairs and overlook BTMR!

 

[MarinaAndCharlie]

I wonder if most MK guests take the little boat over to Tom Sawyer's Island? It's so much fun to just wander through the walkways and secret caves and bridges, you always run into something new there! It's also fun to sit in the rocking chairs and overlook BTMR!

Tom Sawyer Island was DBF's (23 yrs old, btw) favorite place in all of WDW. He'd never been there before and I had a HECK of a time convincing him to go with me last year. The first day at MK we ran from ride to ride and it was a lot of fun but he didn't turn into a little kid until we went to Tom Sawyer Island. He was running around and screaming with laughter, it was hilarious. Thats what disney is all about... getting 23 year old men to giggle while exploring a fake fort.

 

[Poohbear123]

I LOVE riding the TTA, I sometimes ride it twice in a row. I have done ALL and MOST of the tips above, and I learned about them ALL on this Board! My last trip May 5 I "smelled the roses" and relaxed over by the old Swan Boat loading dock!

 

[MKFan-PR]

Great thread!

Columbia Harbour House has a 2nd floor seating area. If it's open (it may not be in less busy seasons), there's an area that's right over the passageway between Liberty Square and Fantasyland. It's never crowded, and a great place to seat and enjoy a Clam Chowder in a bread bowl, people watching from the windows or enjoying the nautical themeing of the restaurant. Even during busy seasons, you'll feel like you're away from the crowds, and it's great both during the day and at night.

Also, have to agree on NOT rushing after park closing. Just sit on the rocking chairs or the benches near city hall and relax, maybe with a Mickey Bar.

 

[Maverick Mike]

These are so great! It's making me want to get there right now!

I love the ideas of how to get away from the crowds, but still enjoy the park!

Please keep them coming!

 

[todd222222]

Hey Mike, speaking as a former guest, I love your show.

This is a bit simple, but frankly I think MK has the best funnel cakes in the world. But I guess everything taste better at MK.

On our last two trips and I know on our next we will enjoy a funnel cake, the best part is that each time we have done it the seating area (I can't remember the name of the place) is always empty and we can sit there in peace enjoying our cake with the castle in the background...

It just doesn't get any better then that!

 

[iHEARTflorida]

Christmas store in LS is awesome. And the little patio areas in LS, too.

wheres/whats LS?

 

[iHEARTflorida]

Mine is food related. My kids and I love going over to Sleepy Hollow and getting a chocolate chunk cookie. They are good and a nice snack in between meals.

us to we always go to sleepy hollow for an snack, thou we get ice cream wedged between those two freshly baked chocolate chips cookies. hmmm love them so much

Also, have to agree on NOT rushing after park closing. Just sit on the rocking chairs or the benches near city hall and relax, maybe with a Mickey Bar.

dont CM's getting annoyed with people just sitting around at park closure and make you leave?

 

[joshsmom]

dont CM's getting annoyed with people just sitting around at park closure and make you leave?

I don't know about the experience of others, but I have never had a CM get annoyed while we were just lounging. There are SO MANY PEOPLE leaving the park at closing time--the streets are jammed, the buses and other transportation options are jammed, the STORES are jammed. Now, we don't sit there until dawn of course, but I think waiting 1/2 an hour-45 minutes after the park closes makes a HUGE difference re: ease of leaving. We're not poked and prodded, I don't feel like I'm part of a herd of cattle, and we usually get to sit down on the bus. It's a beautiful thing!!!! I'm sure they shoo people out at some point--we've just never waited that long!

 

[Mickey_Man]

dont CM's getting annoyed with people just sitting around at park closure and make you leave?

It depends on how long you sit around. The stores are still open for tinkering around and it is nice to watch the crowds leave and get those last few moments of the park "to yourself". Of course if you stay around to long, they will encourage you to head on out, but I don't think this post meant for you to squat down protest style and wait to be carried out by security!

 

[joshsmom]

but I don't think this post meant for you to squat down protest style and wait to be carried out by security!

Although sometimes that's what I WANT to do!!!! (especially on my last day there!! )

 

[aribelle]

wheres/whats LS?

Probably Liberty Square?

 

[goltedl]

I love the Hall of Presidents. It is a great place to relax and it reminds me what a great county we live in.

 

[WeatherbySwann]

Christmas store in LS is awesome. And the little patio areas in LS, too.

wheres/whats LS?

Probably Liberty Square?

Yes, I believe they were referring to Liberty Square, which has a Christmas shop.

us to we always go to sleepy hollow for an snack, thou we get ice cream wedged between those two freshly baked chocolate chips cookies. hmmm love them so much

I love those, too! It's tradition for us to get one while waiting for the MK parade to start.

 

[Maine-iac]

Although sometimes that's what I WANT to do!!!! (especially on my last day there!! )

Yep I can see you sitting there Indian style, with your bottom lip stuck way out, pouting and saying "I am NOT leaving!!"

 

[kmaclou]

During our last trip we were on Tom Sawyer's Island when the Dreams Come Ture parade started. We sat on the rocking chairs at Aunt Polly's and could see most of it. No one came around the whole time we were there. It was a nice break before hitting the "main land" again.

I love the rockers at Aunt Polly's...I could sit there for hours.