Underrated Gems!

[Gabby01]

In EPCOT, I like to check the purple martin condos to see if anyone's home. There are also a lot of birds, especially on the islands in the lake, that you might not see at home. See if you can spot an anhinga, a double-crested cormorant, a white ibis, a great egret . . . (just google image search if you don't know what they look like). And of course, sample the international soda flavors at Club Cool.

I would also recommend downloading the Play Disney Parks app. You can use this to play special games in the queues for different rides (I especially like Resistance Encampment for the usually-long line for RotR), and, if you have a magicband+, to keep track of all the gold statues you find in each park.

 

[scrappinginontario]

We enjoy the Epcot scavenger hunts.

 

[hardcorestitch]

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)

If you’re scripting your Magic Kingdom window, might I suggest meeting up with Elena of Avalor? She’s one of the lesser known princesses, but she’s so darn gorgeous! She usually meets just outside of the Town Square Theater until 2:30pm.

 

[SDA]

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.

YES!! We are a dance family and so busy all the time. As I'm going through my daily tentative plans, I keep reminding myself of this part - just hoping to be able to hit some fun rides but also just remember to take the day as it comes and enjoy each othere.

 

[SDA]

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.

Yes! Wonderful suggestions!

 

[SDA]

In EPCOT, I like to check the purple martin condos to see if anyone's home. There are also a lot of birds, especially on the islands in the lake, that you might not see at home. See if you can spot an anhinga, a double-crested cormorant, a white ibis, a great egret . . . (just google image search if you don't know what they look like). And of course, sample the international soda flavors at Club Cool.

I would also recommend downloading the Play Disney Parks app. You can use this to play special games in the queues for different rides (I especially like Resistance Encampment for the usually-long line for RotR), and, if you have a magicband+, to keep track of all the gold statues you find in each park.

Great idea! My daughter will love this. I think we are getting her a magic band as well.

 

[SDA]

These are all such amazing ideas, thank you!! Exactly what I was looking for.

 

[pixiedust2u]

Engaging with the CMs. Building rapport with CMs can really make time even more magical- and I don’t mean in the sense with intent to get pixie dusted.

We love the little lesser explored areas in Epcot like the koi pond area in Japan. Also love mariachi Cobre in Mexico.

Chatting with other guests when waiting for nighttime spectaculars or in lines. Joy is contagious.

Embracing inclement weather. Jumping in puddles, running to through the rain, finding a rainbow.

 

[Simba's Mom]

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!

I love talking to the Cast Members there and getting information on different animals. For example, did you know that when one Meerkat has to go to Veterinary Services for something, they all go? The Meerkats are such herd animals that they don't like being separated. Then the ones that are just there to see what's happening to one of "their own" act like they all want to have the same procedure.
And below the fruit bats, there are peacock-like birds walking around, cleaning up (eating) the watermelonlon seeds. I always learn something new.

 

[Miffy]

Tree of Life Awakening at DAK (an after-dark experience). Really beautiful.

There's also a bird show at DAK that's near Island Mercantile (not the bird show in the theater in Asia). I've never planned for it but I've caught it several times and I always enjoy it.

The puppeteers at DAK in the wintertime with the white-and-blue puppets. Very cool.

 

[Simba's Mom]

There's also a bird show at DAK that's near Island Mercantile (not the bird show in the theater in Asia). I've never planned for it but I've caught it several times and I always enjoy it.

That's called "Winged Encounters-The Kingdom Takes Flight. It's right in front of the Tree of Life. And it is a wonderful show, but very brief.

 

[M&E]

Our favorite thing is remembering favorite memories. Since it's your daughter's first trip you can't really do that, but for this trip consider if more "collecting memories." For example, we can't go on Spaceship Earth without remembering when my oldest son (22 yo now, 4 yo then) told use he had to go potty right as we were first in line. Of course at the very top of the ball with all the stars he pees and leaves a huge puddle. I was mortified and we had to purchase a VERY expensive pair of new shorts for him. But it's such a memory. When I stand in front of the castle and watch the night time show, I can't help but think about and remember all the other times we've stood there. When we ride the little train to Raffiki's I can't help but remember the time my youngest son got to ring the train's bell. I can't walk through the queue at the Nemo ride without picturing my middle son (then 6 yo) holding hands with his BFF who just happened to be at Epcot the same day as us. Just slow down, take lots of photos and try to remember it all, because the trip itself goes so fast.

 

[NickC]

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.

Haha. We do this too. From the plane landing to RnRC to Philharmagic...

 

[hardcorestitch]

YES!! We are a dance family and so busy all the time. As I'm going through my daily tentative plans, I keep reminding myself of this part - just hoping to be able to hit some fun rides but also just remember to take the day as it comes and enjoy each othere.

Can agree. No need to Lightning Lane me to death in most cases like that…

 

[NickC]

YES!! We are a dance family and so busy all the time.

On one WDW trip, I 'choreographed' a 10 second dance for me and my daughter who must have been 7 or 8 at the time. Every time I said "5-6-7-8" we had to do the dance. We would be walking around the parks, and I would randomly count off. Now, I am not a dancer and should not be allowed to dance even in private. But, she did it every time and wasn't embarrassed. It was a lot of fun and something we will remember forever.

 

[TikiRob]

Went on a trip with my DD16 and we had a blast doing the DuckTales game in EPCOT and Pirate's Adventure. While I never like to be on my phone, the DuckTales was a hoot and we caused a scene (or several) around the world (Japan was the best!). The use of MagicBand and paper maps was a lot of fun with Pirate's Adventure.

 

[KPeterso]

I love talking to the Cast Members there and getting information on different animals. For example, did you know that when one Meerkat has to go to Veterinary Services for something, they all go? The Meerkats are such herd animals that they don't like being separated. Then the ones that are just there to see what's happening to one of "their own" act like they all want to have the same procedure.
And below the fruit bats, there are peacock-like birds walking around, cleaning up (eating) the watermelonlon seeds. I always learn something new.

Oh oh oh - I knew that about the meerkats! I have chatted with the keepers so many times and asked about a zillion and 1 questions. For hurricanes, the meerkats also go to the veterinary services area in a padded room as there normal backstage home floods easily! The keepers have also taught me how to tell the gorillas apart. I need to see most together to get it right, but I can do it. Did you know that AK actually has 3 kimodo dragons? The smaller female lives in a contained area at Rafiki's Conservation station and the other 2 (male Sheldon and female Tia as I recall) rotate each day who is out. And you can definitely tell the male from the female as he is much bigger. If you ask the animals names, they will tell you if they can (they are not allowed to share all the names due to the animals hearing their names and expecting to do something for a treat --- Konrad the male tiger is one example). Did you know a lot of the fish (smaller ones) in the hippo area by the window were not put there by Disney? They typically come in the mouths of birds who fly into the area. So AK staff add them to their counts to determine how much to feed in that area. So spend my advice is always spend time on the trails and stop to chat with the keepers.

 

[Rory607]

So many good suggestions here! I will echo exploring World Showcase at Epcot and all the countries and their details. I’m always amazed at people who don’t like Epcot or just want to rush from ride to ride and be done.

Our kids have always loved it, even when they were little and I feel like it’s a more relaxing park. It’s a great place to interact with cast members and learn something new. My H and I always get a grapefruit beer in Germany and sit and people watch for a while. It’s a tradition because we used to get both kids to nap in the stroller and then we’d get our drink. No stroller anymore, so now they just have to sit there with us and also relax

 

[4Ds4Diz]

So many good suggestions here! I will echo exploring World Showcase at Epcot and all the countries and their details. I’m always amazed at people who don’t like Epcot or just want to rush from ride to ride and be done.

Our kids have always loved it, even when they were little and I feel like it’s a more relaxing park. It’s a great place to interact with cast members and learn something new. My H and I always get a grapefruit beer in Germany and sit and people watch for a while. It’s a tradition because we used to get both kids to nap in the stroller and then we’d get our drink. No stroller anymore, so now they just have to sit there with us and also relax

Yes, to the grape fruit beer and relax. Last few visit have allowed us to slow down, people watch and relax! Makes for a great trip!