Your favorite "hidden gem" in each park?

[luvmylatte]

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.

I agree with talking to CMs. When my DD started taking French in HS, we stayed at POR and she was able to speak to 2 CMs in French. It was really cool to see her put her French to use and she felt more confident using it. Another experience we had was years ago when we were raising ducks for meat. A CM started talking to us about the lovely ducks at AK. My DD was very interested and told her "we had ducks too.....We ate them." the look on the CMs face was shock and terror. I had to explain to her they were meat ducks not the cute little AK ducks. We all had quite a chuckle at my DD's very honest response and still talk about it to this day.

 

[ZoZo]

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

Me, too! CHH is my favorite CS restaurant at MK, and the upper floor is usually very uncrowded (and nice and cool!). I think most people don't know it's there.

I also like the "Candy Lady" at the Japan pavilion at Epcot. She demonstrates Japanese candy-making two or three times a day, and is very entertaining to watch.

I also like to go to Conservation Station at AK. You can watch veterinarians perform medical procedures on animals, and also watch a very fun, small animal show on the stage by the petting farm. The keepers usually bring out three different animals and talk about them - it's really interesting!

Also love Flights of Wonder show at AK.

 

[DisneyMom5]

I agree with so many of these.

Although it's not off the beaten path, we find that many times the TTA in Tomorrowland is empty. We love it for a nice cool break with a great view of MK.

Also, I really encourage people to go into the World Showcase countries and explore. Morocco and Japan in particular are wonderful.

Also, if you stay onsite, set aside a little time to explore the resort. Just as many little gems at the resorts as at the parks.

Just keep your eyes open in general and drink in the theming. That's the best part...all the little details everywhere. Main st. is just chock full, but everyone gets tunnel vision with the castle and zooms past.

Have a GREAT trip!

 

[goofy4wdw2]

I LOVE all of these ideas! We've visited some of them and some are totally new to us...can't wait to add them to our November to-do list! Thank you so much...keep them coming!

 

[Lancer]

DHS - Officer William Club(streetmosphere) one day we happened upon him nonchalantly writing out parking tickets for strollers outside the beauty and the beast show. There was no crowd around him, but he seemed real serious with his ticket book as he wrote what seemed like 20 tickets. What made it funny was everyone walking by was oblivious to what he was doing as if it was completely normal.

AK - Before the tree limbs started falling, there are little travelled paths around the tree of life where several CM's were stationed with small animals and displays.

EPCOT - In the Mexican pavillion are the most amazing artist that paint intricate designs and patterns on hand carved wooden mythical animals. I bought several myself.

MK - TTA, A nice way to take a break and get off your feet for a few minutes.

Overall, I think some of the hidden gems can be found in the qeues and preshows of many of the attractions such as EE, Test track(before the refurb), TOT(love the twilight Zone),space mountain,etc. Some of which, you dont take the time to enjoy with FP.
The great movie ride film clips

 

[Hollywoodsign]

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.

where abouts in DHS is this...? Do they have mny books for sale??

 

[CanadianPaco]

Although it's not off the beaten path, we find that many times the TTA in Tomorrowland is empty. We love it for a nice cool break with a great view of MK.

This is our fav little quiet thing to do. We get root beer floats at Auntie Gravities and ride the Peoplemover!

 

[Ambersgram]

Great thread. Taking notes of all the good ideas.

 

[Zuzu03]

We love the little path that runs from the back of the new circus area to Tomorrowland. It's never, ever crowded and a pretty little walk away from the crowds and noise!

 

[geenerbell]

where abouts in DHS is this...? Do they have mny books for sale??

Near Sci-Fi diner.

 

[nooneshome]

I thought the Writers Stop place in DHS was also known for the carrot cake cookie. Last trip we made an effort to try one but something happened and we missed out. Our hidden gems are fairly well known here on the DIS but are rarely very crowded.

The candy lady in Japan. She's great and the kids love her. I wish she could give away the "candy" animals again.

The Animation Academy in DHS. We love to draw the characters.

 

[coachb]

At AK, ask a CM if DiVine is out and about. Always fascinated by her, very beautiful. It's a blast watching other people struggling to figure out what exactly she is. Great photo opportunities.

 

[lmbcdb]

where abouts in DHS is this...? Do they have mny books for sale??

If you stand in front of Sci-Fi diner and look at the entrance, it's off to your left. It helps to know what it looks like. We had trouble finding it the first time, even though we knew what it looked like. They have lots of books for sale, and board games.

 

[skysmom99]

Great thread! I'm making a list so I can once again amaze my family with all the cool stuff I know about WDW. lol

 

[Missymouse18]

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!

And here I thought you were going to say Beverly was your favorite, lol. Thanks for the correction. Club Cool.

 

[Lady_Gracey999]

And here I thought you were going to say Beverly was your favorite, lol. Thanks for the correction. Club Cool.

Oh HOW could I forget about BEVERLY?? It's a MUST for every trip! Just love that yummy taste!

And P.S. I almost put Cool Zone instead of Club Cool, but then looked it up for the location and had to correct myself LOL.

 

[Maleficent53]

Not in a park but....we love to ride the boats! Between Epcot and HS, from downtown to POR, from MK to WL/FW. Pretty scenery and. usually, cool breezes on a hot afternoon.

 

[miniaudrey]

I also like the "Candy Lady" at the Japan pavilion at Epcot. She demonstrates Japanese candy-making two or three times a day, and is very entertaining to watch.

We LOVE her. I had heard about her and missed her in the past and made sure we went on our last trip. I'll want to go every time from now on.

Here is her website from Disneyworld.com: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/entertainment/miyuki/

I think she has some youtube videos too if you want to do a search to see her in action.

 

[bellebud]

Not in a park but....we love to ride the boats! Between Epcot and HS, from downtown to POR, from MK to WL/FW. Pretty scenery and. usually, cool breezes on a hot afternoon.

good one! We also love to ride the monorail from TTC to epcot, just for the ride.

also, visiting another resort for lunch is fun. whatever park you're at, go to the bus stops, and hop on the first one that you've never been to that resort. eat lunch, visit gift shops, wander around pool area, etc (of course, no swimming).

 

[stormer]

I also like to go to Conservation Station at AK. You can watch veterinarians perform medical procedures on animals, and also watch a very fun, small animal show on the stage by the petting farm. The keepers usually bring out three different animals and talk about them - it's really interesting!

We love this, too. We also love looking for Hidden Mickeys at Conservation Station. There is a wall with a giant mural full of HMs. You can find them as spots on a butterfly, the eye of a frog, etc. My boys love to take pictures pointing to them.

Another favorite is Kaki Gori in Japan. There is a little cart right where Japan meets the American Adventure that sells them - basically shaved ice that they flavor with fruit flavored syrup. Great on a hot day!