Searching off the beaten path...

[booksandbandaids]

What are some fun things that most people don't realize are available or take advantage of when at the World? Usually when my family goes we are ride focused. I had no idea archery lessons were available. Also, I've recently heard about the Barber shop.

Or what are some fun things to keep our eyes opened for that would bring a little extra magic. Such as the talking trash cans. We are going between Christmas and New Year's and we realize we won't be riding tons of rides but want to have some things to look out for. TIA!

 

[stindall]

Allears.net actually did a series on this sort of thing. Here's the Magic Kingdom one: http://allears.net/ae/issue559.htm and you can find the other parks as well as resort/misc. towards the bottom.

I read this

Some brooks babble, but at Epcot the babbling is done by some of the enchanted drinking fountains! You can find at least three fountains that will talk back to you: 1) Face the "Fountain of Nations" with Spaceship Earth behind you. The talking water fountain is outside Mouse Gear, on your left. 2) There's another to the right of the magic/play fountain between World Showcase and Future World. 3) The third is behind Innoventions West, near the restroom.

in the Epcot one and now I'm going to be seeing if that's true on my next trip!

 

[Dizisfun]

We had been several times before we realized that Tom Sawyers Island existed. If you have never explored Tom Sawyer's Island, it's a nice quiet place to let the kids explore and get out of the hustle for a little bit.

 

[Dizisfun]

And I don't know how old your kids are but if they are younger-At Animal Kingdom they used to bury dinosaur bones in the sandy play area for the little ones to find. (I'm not sure if they still do this, it was like 4 years ago when I was there)

 

[lisakramer]

We enjoy putt putt as a nice break from the parks. Getting there can be a challenge if you don't have a car. But the Fantasia course is a lot of fun.

 

[Dizisfun]

We enjoy putt putt as a nice break from the parks. Getting there can be a challenge if you don't have a car. But the Fantasia course is a lot of fun.

Oh where is this? This is something that I didn't know about.

 

[Puget Peach]

You can access Fantasia Mini Golf from the boat to the Swan and Dolphin. Allears.net just ran an article about it:

DRIVING: Traveling west on Buena Vista Drive from DOWNTOWN DISNEY, turn right at the second Epcot Resorts Boulevard traffic signal. Traveling east from World Drive, on Buena Vista Drive, turn left at Epcot Resorts Boulevard traffic signal.

ON FOOT: From Disney's BoardWalk Resort, cut through the resort lobby to the Boardwalk. Turn left and continue to the end between Atlantic Dance and Jelly Rolls Piano Bar. Cross the bridge toward the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin and continue straight ahead to the street. Fantasia is on the left and the tennis courts are on the right. (If the big tent is set up, guests may walk through the tent.)

WDW TRANSPORTATION: You can get to Fantasia Gardens by taking WDW Resort transportation to the Swan, followed by a short walk from the hotel.

If you take the boat to the Swan/Dolphin, take a left once you walk up the dock on the walkway and head towards the Swan. Before you get to entrance door of the Swan, take a right and walk along the lake as it curves, passing the lap pool on your left. Once you pass the beach chairs and just before you get to the beach volleyball area, turn left and follow the lighted sidewalk that goes across the street to Fantasia Mini Golf. Not more than a 5 minute walk total. Use caution crossing the street on foot!

 

[Lumiere Lover]

The phone at Tomorrowland in the MK is a great little find. No one really notices it, but when you pick up the handset and dial, you get quite a few different funny responses. People were watching DH and I do this, and after we left others then started trying it.

 

[solar]

Oh where is this? This is something that I didn't know about.

You can also take the bus to Blizzard Beach, and play at the other golf course, Winter Summerland (two versions of the course, one summer, one winter) - get off the bus, and follow the path (there are signs)...these are fun courses as well. You simply use the same bus stop to go back to your resort.

 

[hfuellgraf]

We look at the windows; search for hidden mickeys stop and enjoy the parades; the wishing well; and pin trading. Look for the "magic" We stopped at Studios to watch the street comedians too!

 

[TeamTilson]

When you go to your pool resort and "if" it ever gets quiet (maybe late at night when the kids go to bed) put your head under the water and "listen" for your resort music playing underwater. We discovered this at the Polynesian pool and that was an amazing touch we never noticed before! The Big Blue Pool at AoA does the same thing!

 

[GRUMPY D]

we love to sit on the bench outside rose & crown in Epcot and call the phone booths just to see peoples reaction when they answer and you tell them what there wearing ( and describe it to a t to them ) is cute

 

[Kimmumum]

We like going to Ft Wilderness (the campground) and seeing the horses. All of the Disney horses are corralled there. There are other animals there too.

There is also a lawnmower that has a tree growing out of it. lol

 

[hfuellgraf]

Another fun thing to do is go hotel hopping, looking at all the christmas Decor. at least the ones on the monorail.... and a don't miss is the Ginger Bread House in the Grand Floridian Lobby....YUM.

 

[RunnerMomO]

The Agent P activity at world show case is great and my kids really like the Sorcer's game at Magic Kingdom...I often see adults doing it as well. I do love afternoon tea at GF, but reservations may be tough. I like the suggestion to go hotel hopping decorations can be just breath taking. And there are special holiday happenings at EPCOT. Enjoy your holidays!