Lesser Known Attractions

[summermac]

My kids loved Tom Sawyer island. Plus the view of BTMR is awesome.

Someone remind me where Flights of wonder is. It's been on my list for the last two trips and we keep missing it.

At DHS, I agree - the street performers are great. My son loved it!

And at Epcot, don't laugh but my then 2 year old daughter was mesmerized by the pelicans saying "mine! mine!" at Seas entrance. We still joke about it!

 

[AgentGabs]

This is going to sound completely random, but the last few trips, we have taken to people watching. Our last trip, we camped out in Adventureland, near the Jungle Cruise, had ourselves some ice cream and had a running commentary on fellow guests as they walked by. Mostly we were surprised at the number of women wear 4 inch heels.

Hehe, aside from that, I've always loved checking out the scenery. Everything from the set pieces at HS to the details for each country in Epcot (love that bike parked under the bridge in France). Plus they make for great pics- get your group, find something interesting and have at it.

Oh and Muppet Vision 3D. By this point, I know the show by heart, but there is just something about the show and set that brings a smile to my face every time.

 

[CarrieR]

In EP there is a small one modeled after the Cars stuff not far from TT, and then there is another one I believe on the right side of the park (right side if you are facing WS) kind of as you leave FW and head into WS. Also in MK my kids loved Tom Sawyer Island.

That one on the right is seasonal. It's usually put up just before Flower & Garden - not sure when it's taken down but at the moment it's a bank of porta potties. Glamorous, huh?

I don't think the people mover is a lessor known attraction

I don't recall ever seeing it in a commercial, promotional video, or highlighted on the website. It is not a huge secret here on the DIS boards, but in the parks, it is very easily overlooked. If you ask people entering MK what they hope to accomplish that day, you'll hear plenty of Space, Splash, etc but I highly doubt the TTA would make many lists, particularly of lay guests who have not done uber research beforehand. That's why I listed it as lesser known.

Animation is another great one, but I fear the secret has gotten out - it's been much busier our past few trips.

Also, touring the Seas - there is a ton to look at in those tanks. I wouldn't put it on a must-do list, but it's a nice diversion if you need a calm, quiet few minutes.

And Club Cool!

 

[CNYDisneyFan]

People Mover

 

[Flamingeaux]

Another vote for Animation Academy in DHS. You can "sneak" in through the gift shop if you don't want to see the show.

The Candy Lady in Japan- Miyuki!!!

 

[DisneyRegulars]

For instance, my three year old is a huge fan of fire trucks, and I just found out about the "Where's the fire?" exhibit in Innoventions West. Anybody have anything they think many people overlook while touring? (Our trip will include myself, my DH, DS3 and DS1). Thanks in advance!

So you'll want to plan to spend some extra time in the Dumbo queue area. There is a little fire truck in there and my son is obsessed with it.

My DS loves the Boneyard. Funny to think, but for a "park" there really aren't alot of places for kids to just burn some energy. Instead, there is much time spent in strollers or carriers of some type and alot of waiting. The playgrounds can be a bit of a life saver.

Yes the BoneYard! Make sure you go up over the bridge to the sand digging area. It's more like pebbles than sand, but your 1 and 3 year old will probably love it. Took us 4 trips to find the sand that everyone was talking about.

This is going to sound completely random, but the last few trips, we have taken to people watching. Our last trip, we camped out in Adventureland, near the Jungle Cruise, had ourselves some ice cream and had a running commentary on fellow guests as they walked by. Mostly we were surprised at the number of women wear 4 inch heels.

Every time I see a woman in high heels I want to stop her and ask "WHY WHY WHY?!!!!!!"

 

[Rose23]

Movies in Epcot @ Canada, China and France are wonderful and good breaks. Also, pavilions in China and bakery towards the rear of France are hidden gems. Show/movie in America @ Epcot is good also.

In the Magic Kingdom, here's another vote for the PeopleMover.

 

[goofydad621]

another vote for Wedway people mover AKA tomorrow land transit authority and Carousel of Progress, there is a lot of history in that attraction and anybody in my family can start singing the song from it and everybody chimes in, no matter where we are it has started to be a family joke but brings back memories from that attraction every time

 

[surferdave]

Someone remind me where Flights of wonder is. It's been on my list for the last two trips and we keep missing it.

It's on the path from Asia to Africa in AK, to the right as you leave Asia.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Monsters Inc Laugh Floor!

Also, there are a couple Dumboesque rides that have no line because they are not Dumbo. Dinosaurs in AK, for example.

 

[Egdisney]

Peoplemover! It is up above Tomorrowland and not a headliner, so I think it often gets overlooked - but it's our fav

People mover has parts that are dark and my 3 year old and 1 year old weren't impressed!

 

[ZiPaD3doDAH]

I have been going to Disney for the past 2 years almost every other month and until recently I found out about Tom Sawyer section at MK

It's a nice little spot to get away from the crowds and just discover things and walk around.

 

[DakotaRose]

If your kids like music, I suggest the Main Street Philharmonic, not to be confused with Mickey's Philharmagic. They are wonderfully talented. It's fun to see young kids just start dancing while they listen. The hoedown in Frontier land is a hoot, too. Last time we were there, there were over 100 people, adults and kids, who joined in trying to line dance with the characters. Lots of laughing!

 

[wn01aa]

That one on the right is seasonal. It's usually put up just before Flower & Garden - not sure when it's taken down but at the moment it's a bank of porta potties. Glamorous, huh? I don't recall ever seeing it in a commercial, promotional video, or highlighted on the website. It is not a huge secret here on the DIS boards, but in the parks, it is very easily overlooked. If you ask people entering MK what they hope to accomplish that day, you'll hear plenty of Space, Splash, etc but I highly doubt the TTA would make many lists, particularly of lay guests who have not done uber research beforehand. That's why I listed it as lesser known. Animation is another great one, but I fear the secret has gotten out - it's been much busier our past few trips. Also, touring the Seas - there is a ton to look at in those tanks. I wouldn't put it on a must-do list, but it's a nice diversion if you need a calm, quiet few minutes. And Club Cool!

Went to Club Cool at Epcot a couple weeks ago. Very interesting to try those free samples of different types of Coke brand soda from around the world.

 

[crazymomof4]

*may* be overlooked bc of it's location--- The boat tour (official name: "Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Cabelleros") in the back of the indoor marketplace in Mexico.

I recently spoke with someone who has been to WDW several times and considers Epcot her fav park, yet had no idea about the boat tour in Mexico.

 

[bcrook]

Went to Club Cool at Epcot a couple weeks ago. Very interesting to try those free samples of different types of Coke brand soda from around the world.

It is fun to visit. The sticky floor at times is overwhelming. I would mop if they let me!

*may* be overlooked bc of it's location--- The boat tour (official name: "Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Cabelleros") in the back of the indoor marketplace in Mexico.

I recently spoke with someone who has been to WDW several times and considers Epcot her fav park, yet had no idea about the boat tour in Mexico.

I really enjoy the fireworks room on that ride. That was first attraction I visited in Epcot oh so many years ago. I couldn't wait to get back to the countries - we just flew past all of future world.

 

[nkereina]

Another vote for animation academy at DHS. We wouldn't have known it existed if we didn't see the show. Now, we skip the show and go in through the gift shop. I am not an art fan or artistic by any means, but it's actually fun and mostly everyone can produce a recognizable character!

 

[dalayney]

I so totally agree with the people mover in Tomorrow Land at MK. It is just the right amount of time to take a break and has incredible views. We rode it probably over a dozen times in 3 days.

 

[Moonwolf]

I love the paths around the Tree of Life in AK. Not only can you get a closer look at all the animals carved into the tree but if you wander though every possible part you may find some hidden animal exhibits. My friend and I walked up what was basically a dead end path turned around and found some kangaroos lounging in a hidden corner.

 

[klacey1]

It is fun to visit. The sticky floor at times is overwhelming. I would mop if they let me!

Augh, I lost a flip flop to that sticky floor! It was so annoying!
My favorite overlooked attraction is definitely the Affection Section at Rafiki's Planet Watch. Love petting those sheep/goats!