What are your Hidden Gems?

[mrsjoannh13]

In another thread, I asked for some input on taking my DD (3) to Epcot. I was amazed at the responses and some of the suggestions of things to do that I had never heard of. One of the ideas was Pick a Pearl in Japan. So it got me thinking....

I've perused the Disney website about a million times and there are still lots of hidden gems (literally and figuratively) to discover.

For those of you who are WDW veterans, what are some of your hidden gems? Things that are really fun and cool to do but not widely known. I'm not talking about the "go back to your room and nap midday" type of tips. Just things that maybe off the beaten path a bit or that not many people seem to know about.

Thanks!

 

[Alesia]

The campfire sing along at fort wilderness sounds fun.

I highly suggest getting a good guidebook - the Disney website is a pretty bad planning tool. I like The easy Guide to Your First Walt Disney World Visit. The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World is also good, but can be overwhelming.

 

[PTownGirls]

The fishing hole at Port Orleans Riverside- My kids , once they were old enough to wander off by themselves , loved to leave an early morning note saying "Gone Fishing" - They loved the stick fishing poles and still talk about those days years later!!!

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Hidden Mickey hunt. Got the hint book. They are all over wdw.

 

[hooch11bear]

If you have an evening off, I would suggest heading over to Port Orleans Riverside to see Yehaa Bob. He puts on a very entertaining show for adults and kids. He's there Wednesday through Saturday and starts at 8:30.

 

[itchin2go]

In another thread, I asked for some input on taking my DD (3) to Epcot. I was amazed at the responses and some of the suggestions of things to do that I had never heard of. One of the ideas was Pick a Pearl in Japan. So it got me thinking....

I've perused the Disney website about a million times and there are still lots of hidden gems (literally and figuratively) to discover.

For those of you who are WDW veterans, what are some of your hidden gems? Things that are really fun and cool to do but not widely known. I'm not talking about the "go back to your room and nap midday" type of tips. Just things that maybe off the beaten path a bit or that not many people seem to know about.

Thanks!

This immediately sprung to mind, but it's even more appropriate given the above (Epcot with 3 year old):

The jumping fountains outside the Imagination pavilion on Future World!

I think this was my daughter's favorite "attraction" for years. She loved chasing the water and trying to catch it. We just watched her and laughed. It's free, there's no line, no FP+ needed, and yet, it's priceless!

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

Club Cool at Epcot. Many people don't realize you can go in and taste all the sodas for free!

Tom Sawyer Island. Not hidden, but many don't appreciate what a nice break it can be from the hustle and bustle of the park. Feels like you're in another world when you're over there. Great for a little break when the kids start to get overwhelmed.

Devine at Animal Kingdom. Just as much fun to watch everyone else's reactions! She is truly amazing!

 

[Baptist]

How about the Animation Academy at Hollywood Studios? This is where a Disney artist walks you through how to draw a character. Everyone participates and takes home their drawing as a souvenir. It seams like not many people know about this, so let's keep it our secret!

 

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

Using the precious first few minutes of rope drop to do characters. We spent 15 minutes in Pete's Big Top alone with Donald, Goofy, Daisy and Minnie. My little guy got to "play" hide and seek with Goofy and Donald, then Minnie and Daisy "fought" for his affection. It was hilarious. This time I think we'll use our second MK day to RD Townsquare Mickey and Tink then head upstairs to meet Ms. Poppins.

 

[vicb]

Yes I agree with Club Cool !

Not hidden but a gem is AKL. I have never stayed there but twice I have been to tour, see the animals and dine. Once for breakfast at Boma with my kids, and once in the evening for dinner at Jiko with another couple. Have done the same at Poly, Wilderness Lodge and GF. So I guess touring a resort you are not staying at can be a hidden gem.

Interactive souvenirs are a gem too. When my kids were little it was the Mr/Mrs. Potatohead kits they could assemble on their own and purchase. Last trip I saw at HS Star Tours gift shop build your own lightsabers and droids... my 18 year old was tempted to build a droid but a bit put off by all the little kids waiting in line.

I also agree with Pick a Pearl, my DD has done that and the whole Japanese gift shop is really great for kids. Something for every age, boy or girl, every price range. My kids over the years love to shop in there and have bought Pokemon, Hello Kitty, Yu-Gi-O cards, japanese candy and treats etc...

And the Passports in the WS at Epcot..assuming they still do that? It's been a few years. Took my children two trips to get to each country but it helped give them a focus in WS. Too bad they don't still do the masks.

 

[laurafaith]

they don't do the masks?

 

[Mel.I.Am]

My kids are really looking forward to the fishing at POR. Since we're staying there i'll have to keep any eye out for that Yehaa Bob show. Thanks for the tip @hooch11bear .

 

[vicb]

No, I think it got replaced by Duffy the bear but looks like you can still purchase a passport. My "kids" ages 19 and 23 still have their passports.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/epcot/kidcot-fun-stops/

 

[NurseMcStuffins]

RE: Animation studio

We have been to Disney many times and just discovered this on out last trip! What a blast!

 

[msmama]

My son has been doing the Duffy bears at Epcot since he was about 3. We get it stamped in every country and. Then take a picture in every country too. Some of the countries got back really far (and not many people venture back there) so exploring the nooks and crannies of world showcase is fun.

Agree about Tom Sayers island. It's really fun to run around over there and it's pretty empty.

Also, just stop and watch stuff has it happens. We found a guy paintingthe ground with water on our last trip. There are cool street performers on Main Street and at HS. I love the big fountain in the middle of Epcot. We stumbled upon the new bird "show" thing at AK which was cool.

 

[vicb]

I've seen that guy painting with water, really cool !!

That reminds that I really like the Jammitors at Epcot FW too.

 

[CaryHaven]

Also, just stop and watch stuff has it happens. We found a guy paintingthe ground with water on our last trip.

Last time we were at Disney World, we saw a perfectly painted Donald Duck in water on the ground of Tomorrowland. I wondered who had done that, and if it had been an employee or just a gifted visitor. Now I know! Thanks!

 

[JaxDad]

As other posters have said, we really like Tom Sawyers Island, especially walking through the caves.

We also like the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse (followed by a Dole Whip).

 

[lovndisney12]

Ditto on Tom Sawyer Island and the "hidden gem" part is to plan extra time because it is such a nice break from the traditional hustle and bustle of the park. People Mover / Transit Authority is also not hidden but fun to ride over and over again and just see the park from a different perspective including inside Space Mountain (a few times we have been through space mountain with the lights on so you can see all the track) - also fun at night!

Stop and observe the street entertainment and resort entertainment - in the early years we would want to rush from attraction to attraction and it is these little additions that really make it magical.

 

[lovndisney12]

Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse is my DH's favorite!