Underrated Gems!

[SDA]

Ok - what are the underrated gems at the parks! The things you did that really helped make your day that I can't find in a Disney Blog somewhere. We are definitely ride focused, trying to use LLs, and going at a busy time, but I also don't want to be so rushed I miss some truly special stuff. Special snack, favorite shop, attraction that doesn't get any attention in online articles.

I know we can't do it all, but would like do make it to more that a list of rides. Also would love to have other options if the day goes off plan due to weather, rides breaking down, etc.

We will be visiting all four parks and Typhoon Lagoon (weather permitting). Husband, myself, and teen daughter (her 1st time to Disney)

 

[slo]

For Me…..it’s the details everywhere. My DD22 and I are incredibly guilty of not taking our time to look at the details everywhere we go. We watch certain YouTubers, like Mammoth Club, and Molly is constantly showing details in places I’ve been many times, and then I’m annoyed at myself for never seeing these details myself. I told my DD22 that we have to start slowing down and really start taking in the creativity everywhere - we don’t need to be rushing from ride to ride as much anymore, and she agrees. There’s so much more to the parks than just rides and food and it’s time for my DD22 and I to start enjoying those gems that are in all the details. We gotta stop and smell the roses.

 

[3gr8boys]

I love Philharmagic at MK. And taking the time in Momento Mori to see Madame Leota appear.
I highly recommend For the First Time in Forever at HS. It's entertaining even if you aren't a Frozen fan.
It's not everyone's cup of tea, but interacting with characters makes me so happy. Whether at a character meal or meet n greet, I have a couple character specific questions planned and the conversation goes from there.
There is a lot to catch in the Epcot World Showcase when you "slow down" - the juggler in Italy, little museums in Morocco and Norway, beautiful gardens in Japan, art in Mexico...

ETA should have noted that Madame Leota appears in the mirror.

 

[SDA]

I love Philharmagic at MK. And taking the time in Momento Mori to see Madame Leota appear.
I highly recommend For the First Time in Forever at HS. It's entertaining even if you aren't a Frozen fan.
It's not everyone's cup of tea, but interacting with characters makes me so happy. Whether at a character meal or meet n greet, I have a couple character specific questions planned and the conversation goes from there.
There is a lot to catch in the Epcot World Showcase when you "slow down" - the juggler in Italy, little museums in Morocco and Norway, beautiful gardens in Japan, art in Mexico...

Questions for the characters! That is a fun idea. I do believe we are going to do the Frozen show. It had almost fallen off of my list, but I was reminded about it in a question I had asked on this board about HWS shows. My daughter loves it (it is the Disney movie of her generation!) and she is also in chorus, so I think it might be the one to do.

Love the advice with World Showcase - we definitely want to slow down and enjoy throughout EPCOT!

 

[marmentrout85]

I'm never disappointed when we walk through the various animal trails at Animal Kingdom (Maharajah Jungle Trek, Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, Discover Island Trails).

 

[3gr8boys]

I'm never disappointed when we walk through the various animal trails at Animal Kingdom (Maharajah Jungle Trek, Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, Discover Island Trails).

Yes, totally this! I especially love the Aviary in the Maharajah Jungle Trek.

 

[NickC]

For us, the hidden gem is family time. Between dance and basketball and cheer and college essays and SAT prep and chorus and guitar and work and home improvements, we don't get to spend as much time together as I'd like. And we are always exhausted by the end of the day. WDW does a great job of providing a place where our family can stay together and enjoy each other's company. Sure, we split up here and there, but for the most part the kids are stuck with us.

My favorite memories happened: 1. In line waiting for HDDR. 2. A random monorail ride. 3. Having a drink sitting on the steps at the Italy pavilion. 4. In line for the safari. 5. Walking to the buses. 6. In the hallway to the room at the Poly. 7. Coloring at the KidCot stations. 8. The walkway up to the land pavilion. 9. Oddly a lot of memories happened around popcorn carts. So, it's kind of us creating the memories and WDW providing the backdrop.

As far as special things that don't get mentioned a whole lot, I would say that the 'snow' on Main Street during the party is pretty special. I think they do it at Disney Springs too. The Adventureland egg roll cart is always a hit. Polite Pig is our favorite restaurant in the whole bubble. Hidden Mickeys are fun. Getting passport stamps at Epcot was fun. Voices of Liberty is a nice show.

If the weather is bad, and depending on the time, we like to wait it out until it clears. Depending on how bad it is, a lot of people might leave.

 

[loves to dive]

One of my favorite things to do is when walking the trails at AK to stop and talk to the CMs stationed there. They are full of knowledge about the animals there and love talking about them. So many people just pass them by. I spent a good 10 min. talking to the CM at the tiger enclosure, just asking him questions.

I also love to talk to the CMs in World Showcase at Epcot. Again, they love to talk about their home country and can really tell you some interesting stuff.

If you are a fan of gardens, all the ones in Epcot are great. Canada, GB, France, Japan, China all have some great ones.

 

[scrappinginontario]

Look up and down. There are amazing details everywhere!!

 

[Disneylover99]

If you see a Main Street Vehicle as you enter the MK, hop aboard. It will take you to the castle. Wave to people as you travel down Main Street and enjoy the vibe.

 

[HappyGal]

Mickey’s Philharmagic is the first thing that came to mind, quintessential Disney!

 

[lovethattink]

The trains in Germany. The koi pond in Japan. Photo at night with Tink’s lantern in United Kingdom.

Collecting pressed pennies or gold coins.

 

[disneyfan123]

We clap on everything and try to get others to join! Some of our best memories are just us clapping and getting others to join along, especially on the trams to/from the parking lot. The tram operators LOVE it when we are enthusiastic! Be energetic and enthusiastic, you never know what will happen. One thing I love about WDW is it lets me act like a kid.

Other gems for us are sharing funnel cakes in MK (at Sleepy Hollow), People Mover, and Carousel of Progress. The trail around the Tree of Life is pretty neat; make sure to take a close look at the tree and all the carvings in it! Also, be on the lookout for character meet and greets in more tucked away locations (ie Pocahontas in AK, just off the main path between the entrance gates and the Tree of Life, or Chip and Dale near Adventureland in MK); they can have short lines as many people miss them.

In Epcot, take time to explore the different pavilions; the UK has a great garden and some interesting shops, and we could spend a lot of time/money eating all the great snacks at Karamell-Kuche in Germany.

 

[CarolynFH]

Look up and down. There are amazing details everywhere!!

I agree. Look at the windows in the upper stories on MK Main Street and DHS Hollywood Blvd. (and elsewhere) to see the names of people significant to Disney history. Look at the theming of buildings in AK, especially the pavilions along the lake near Flame Tree BBQ - each one is themed to a different predator-prey pair!

 

[thanxfornoticin]

I'm never disappointed when we walk through the various animal trails at Animal Kingdom (Maharajah Jungle Trek, Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, Discover Island Trails).

Absolutely agree. Some folks say there's not that much at AK, but we love it. The trails are amazing, Rafiki's Conservation Station, and our gkids just absolutely love the African music and dancing that goes on throughout the day in Harambe - such a great time. Last trip we spent an hour in Harambe just enjoying the energy of the music and the performers!

 

[teach22180]

I adore Enchanted Tales with Belle! One time I could not find anything open that I wanted to rope drop so I rope dropped that! There were only a few families inside, so they asked me to be part of the show.And I got to play a role that's usually given to fathers. I don't think people go inside because they don't realize what it is.

 

[Nicnicnic.nic]

Monsters inc laugh floor and turtle talk with crush

 

[3gr8boys]

So many great perspectives and ideas!
Like PP said, the CMs along the animal trails in AK are great to talk to. There are also CMs in SeaBase in Epcot that can tell you a lot about the creatures in the aquariums.
One of my favorite Disney memories is walking around the Tree of Life with my then 12 year old son and attempting to identify as many of the animal carvings as we could.

 

[Bete]

MK: It's A Small World

Makes me feel like a kid. Look everywhere including the ceiling.