Your favorite "hidden gem" in each park?

[goofy4wdw2]

What is your favorite "hidden gem" in each park...a little known experience, an off the beaten path snack kiosk or gift shop, or anything else in any of the parks that you love that many people might not know about since it isn't a major attraction? We're looking to see/experience some new things we might have missed while just trying to get to the headliners during our past trips. Thanks in advance!

 

[Pirate4Ever]

My wife and I love the little bookstore/coffee shop in DHS. It's easy to walk right by, so there's rarely a crowd. We enjoy grabbing a drink and a book, and sitting in a comfy chair and enjoying some air conditioning on a hot Florida day. We always are sure to stop when we visit.

 

[Lady_Gracey999]

In AK there is lower level outdoor seating for Flame Tree BBQ. It's almost on the water and has a fabulous view of EE. I always get my mandarin chicken salad from Yak and Yeti (quick-service) and go sit there. It's out of the main drag and covered.

In EPCOT I always try to visit the bakery in France. I wouldn't say it's "hidden" per se, but it's off the beaten path a bit. They have excellent pastries and the cheese plate is FABULOUS!

There's a somewhat narrow alleyway past Pizza Planet and Mama's that is very rarely crowded. I use this "shortcut" when leaving Lights, Motors, Action! stunt show.

As for MK... I love to sit upstairs in Pinnochio Village Hause restaurant. You can even sit outside on a narrow balcony AND there are stairs leading from said balcony to the ground. This area is sometimes closed though.

 

[Pirate Me]

I really like the second floor of Colombia Harbor House. It's usually very quiet.

 

[Pirate4Ever]

In AK there is lower level outdoor seating for Flame Tree BBQ. It's almost on the water and has a fabulous view of EE. I always get my mandarin chicken salad from Yak and Yeti (quick-service) and go sit there. It's out of the main drag and covered.

Love this one! We like to find it as we assent to the top of Everest! The only downside of this spot is the large number of ducks that like to hang out while you eat.

 

[mariamouse]

I absolutely love this thread idea!

This isn't that "hidden," but I still love just sitting on the TTC at night watching the castle change colors. Always gives me chills and never a long wait.

I also agree with the PP who mentioned the Studios coffee shop.. it was a great refuge after freezing our butts off watching the Osborne Lights last December.

And I feel like I am always discovering new nooks and crannies in the World Showcase-- I was amazed by how quiet the Morocco pavilion felt in particular.

 

[Phatoomch]

My wife and I love the little bookstore/coffee shop in DHS. It's easy to walk right by, so there's rarely a crowd. We enjoy grabbing a drink and a book, and sitting in a comfy chair and enjoying some air conditioning on a hot Florida day. We always are sure to stop when we visit.

On my list!! Thanks for that

Great thread!

 

[RedfromNL]

On Lberty square when looking towards Fromtierland, there is a porch there with some rockingchairs. It's a bit out of the way but still a great spot to take a break and peoplewatch

 

[kristin08]

Where is the coffee shop/ bookstore located in DHS? Anyone know the name of it?

 

[MissMouseInTheHouse2]

Pick-a-Pearl at the Japan Pavilion in Epcot lets you pick a real pearl from an oyster and put it in a jewelry setting if you want. In AK, Restaurantosaurus is a quick place to eat with good food too. And in HS, next to the Legends of Hollywood store on Sunset Boulevard, the is an "Old Hollywood" kind of car that is a great photo op In MK, there is a restaurant called Cosmic Ray's which has good food and a fun atmosphere. Those are some of my favorites, I hope you enjoy them too!

 

[Epaima]

Where is the coffee shop/ bookstore located in DHS? Anyone know the name of it?

It's called Writer's Stop and is located by Sci-Fi Dine-In in the Streets of America part of the park.

This is also one of my family's favorite "hidden gems"; they always have something delicious to eat and fun books to look through.

 

[SmallWorld71]

While not hidden, I think you can really enhance your visit by taking time to talk to some of the CM's. So many of them are so knowledgeable. In particular, we find we can really make our AK experience better by interacting with the CM's there. A walk through the Maharajah Jungle Trek can be just that, a walk through. But, if you talk with the CM's you will find they really know their subject and your trek will become a whole new experience. My kids once spent about 45 min. identifying birds with a CM in the aviary. A great experience we would have missed if we just rushed off to the next attraction.

On a similar vein, you can also enhance a character experience by knowing what to say to characters before you meet them. For example, when DS13 was about 8, he asked Aurora if the fairies were still fighting over the color of her dress. It was cute because he was quite serious and Aurora really took the time out to answer his question. He also had questions for Cinderella about Gus and Jaq and it is amazing to see how "in character" the characters remain.

 

[Missymouse18]

In MK there is a little snack shop called Sleepy Hollow. It has the most awesome Nutella and fresh fruit waffle sandwich you will ever sink your teeth into! The upstairs at Columbia Harbour House is very pleasant.

Epcot - There is a koi pond that is really quite serene just outside of the entrance to the main building in Japan. Also, one place people overlook a lot of times is the stave Church in Norway - you can actually go inside - it is like a mini museum. OH! And the Cool Spot in Future World with all the different "cokes around the world."

DHS - There is a little landscape "wall" about 2 1/2 feet surrounding a tree several feet before the entrance to Lights, Motors, Action - It is a nice place to sit and cool off and enjoy a snack.

AK - Definitely the little seating area in FTBBQ that overlooks the water. I also love finding all of the corny signs at Dinoland USA.

 

[prune1977]

What is your favorite "hidden gem" in each park...a little known experience, an off the beaten path snack kiosk or gift shop, or anything else in any of the parks that you love that many people might not know about since it isn't a major attraction? We're looking to see/experience some new things we might have missed while just trying to get to the headliners during our past trips. Thanks in advance!

I don't know if this is hidden or not but last year while at Epcot we stumbled upon as it was getting ready to start a street show called King Arthur and the Holy Grail. I hadn't laughed that hard in a long time. One of my favorite parts of our last trip.

 

[Lady_Gracey999]

OH! And the Cool Spot in Future World with all the different "cokes around the world."

OM gosh CLUB COOL!!! How could I forget that?! Most awesome place EVER! And the drink samples are FREE! As much as you like! Its around the corner from the ice cream shop in Future World. Kinley is my fav. It's like a very tart Sprite. Yum!

 

[bball15fan]

I love going to the Art of Disney to check out, but it's not too hidden. As an autograph collector, I also love going to their autograph store, that I am sure a lot of people do not know about, even though it is as soon as you walk into DHS.

 

[matt&jakesmom]

My not so hidden gem is in the art of animation. There is an area where you can learn to draw a character by an animator. It also becomes a "free" souvenir.

 

[disneydee6]

Epcot - There is a koi pond that is really quite serene just outside of the entrance to the main building in Japan. Also, one place people overlook a lot of times is the stave Church in Norway - you can actually go inside - it is like a mini museum. .

Found this little spot during our last visit. Got to sip our drinks enjoying a very quiet and pretty spot in Epcot. I would suggest to enjoy little things is to take your time in exploring world showcase.

 

[hpygrll]

It's called Writer's Stop and is located by Sci-Fi Dine-In in the Streets of America part of the park.

This is also one of my family's favorite "hidden gems"; they always have something delicious to eat and fun books to look through.

Don't tell everyone! LOL

They also have the best peanut butter cookies and the best chocolate chunk cookies on property. Hands down.
Jenny

 

[bellebud]

In MK, dd and I always take pics at the wishing well down a side path from the back of the castle (it's not hidden, but a lesser-used area).

There's a store that sells kitchen items, sort of between the entrance to Haunted Mansion and the Columbia Harbor House (right??). I always buy something there and have it shipped home. There's always a kitchen item I could use, and it's a great way to extend the magic after we're home. (actually, I buy little souvenirs a lot and ship them home - pens, stationary, a tote bag, etc). I usually forget what I've bought and surprise myself! I'm easy to please!!

In the Mexican pavillion, there's a a store that sells crystal, etc. They have (or had when we were there), beautiful little jeweled (fake) tiaras. It was small enough to wear everyday (almost the size of a bun-holder), special enough to be a great souvenir, and very girly and fun. We'll both get one our next trip and wear them everyday.

And the Mexico ride - never a long line, totally cheesy, but a must-do for us many times. I don't know why... just a relaxing, cool place to get out of the sun for a while.

I like to pick one country in Epcot and really see and experience every inch of it's pavilion. It's so easy to walk by the little things.

In France, the ice cream cart (maybe they sell crepes there too?) The vanilla ice cream (maybe it's not really "ice cream") is to die for. It's a must have on every trip!

We love PUSH (the talking trash can) in tomorrowland. We must find him every trip and talk to him and get a pic.

When you get off the Norway ride, there are houses/windows in that room. If you stand next to one, you can hear a conversation going on "inside" the house. I can't think of anymore little extra touches like that, but I know there are a lot more all around disney.

It's fun to print out a hidden mickey list, and try to find some wherever you are.