DisneyTips.com Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Most Guests heading to Disney World know the basics of what to see and do when it comes to Disney planning. Take pictures with Cinderella Castle, say hello to Mickey, ride the mountains in the theme Park, etc. These are great experiences that should be a part of your Disney World vacation, but we also have some unknown gems that are great experiences. Check out some of these gems on your next Disney World vacation.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Trails
When Guests visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom, they know that they need to ride Flight of Passage, Kilimanjaro Safari, and Expedition Everest, as well as grab a bite to eat at Satu’li Canteen or Flame Tree Barbecue, but most don’t take time to check out the trails. Three different trails are great hidden gems throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Right at the front of the theme Park, Guests can find the Discovery Island Trails. These trails are fantastic ways to get great, close looks at the Tree of Life. There are also a few animals hidden around on the trails, such as otters. The Maharajah Jungle Trek in Asia allows Guests to see the beautiful tigers, bats, and even a Komodo Dragon. Over in Africa, there are the Gorilla Trails which bring Guests closer to, you guessed it- gorillas. This is an excellent attraction that allows Guests to see gorillas interacting with one another. There are also numerous birds and hippos along these trails. All three of these trails are fantastic hidden gems that help Guests feel closer to the beauty of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We highly recommend that you take time to experience these trails while in the theme Park during your Disney vacation.
Conservation Station in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Another hidden gem in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is over in Rafiki’s Planet Watch and Conservation Station. Many Guests skip this experience as you have to take a train to get back there, but we think it is worth a trip on the Wildlife Express Train. The Conservation Station is a great way to see how Disney cares for the animals throughout the Park. The exciting part is if they are doing a check-up or other procedures, there is an area where you can see this unique experience. The Animation Experience, when happening, is another hidden gem. Here Guests work with a Disney artist to draw some of their favorite characters. Finally, don’t miss out on the Affection Station, where you can pet some goats, pigs, and sheep. This area has so much to offer Guests and is a quiet area that is a great option during the middle of the day at a theme Park.
EPCOT’s Aquariums
An amazing area in EPCOT that many Guests zoom right past is the aquariums that make up most of the Seas Pavilion. These aquariums are outstanding and well worth taking some time to walk around and enjoy. With two floors full of discovery, Guests can enjoy seeing sharks, dolphins, manatees, and so much more. This aquarium at 5.7 million gallons of water is the second largest in the United States! Over 2,000 animals call it home, so be sure to check them all out during your next stop in EPCOT during your Disney World vacation.
World Showcase’s Exhibits In EPCOT
So many Guests focus on eating or drinking around the World Showcase while in EPCOT on their Disney vacation, but a hidden gem in this beautiful area are the exhibits that can be found in the different pavilions. These change often, but there are few right now that are fantastic. In the American Adventure Pavilion, Guests can enjoy a great display focusing on Jazz in the USA. The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure tells the history of Jazz using characters from Pixar’s Soul. There are some outstanding displays from famous musicians that are so neat to see. Over in Japan, Guests will enjoy seeing Kawaii: Japan’s Cute Culture. This is a fun exhibit that is full of items that show off Japan’s culture. See a bedroom, bathroom, and so much more from Japan. We have all probably walked by the Stave Church in Norway, but how many take time to visit. Guests can go inside the church and learn about the Gods of the Vikings. There are artifacts on display that can help Guests learn more about mythology. Finally, in Morocco, the Race Against the Sun display is hidden behind closed doors but make sure you seek it out. This is a great educational display that shows the tradition of off-road races throughout the Sahara desert. When you walk past these pavilions in EPCOT, you might not know that these exhibits are available. Take some time to investigate, as you will find some outstanding hidden gems within a theme Park.
Photo Credit: Disney
Mini Golf
Did you know that Disney has two mini golf courses on the property? Even though they might be hard to get to and hidden, they are so much fun for the whole family. The two themes- Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens and Fantasia Fairways (the more difficult course) are a great evening option or afternoon activity when you want to be out of the theme Park. Don’t overlook them during your next trip.
Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
Those that don’t stay at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground might not know all the amazing hidden gems it has to offer. This is an excellent location for a non-theme Park day or an afternoon out of the crowds. There are a lot of trails that allow you to explore, or you can do bike rides or even horse rides. The Tri-Circle-D Ranch is home to the magnificent Disney horses and a great stop while exploring the Resort. There is so much to do at this Resort, so make sure you consider a stop during your non theme Park day or for a meal.
Disney’s BoardWalk
Like Fort Wilderness, Disney’s BoardWalk has so much to offer Guests that many don’t know about. It is an area that provides great food, entertainment, and shopping all in one beautiful location. With a short walk from EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Guests can quickly get to the Boardwalk area for some fun. The dueling piano bar Jellyrolls has opened back up, and we hope to see more of the entertainment and dining continue to open up in the future. Flying Fish, Trattoria al Forno, Boardwalk Bakery, and AbracadaBar! Are all options that bring excitement to the Boardwalk area. Next time you are in EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, consider a quick stopover on your Disney trip.
Walt Disney World Resort has so much magic to offer that sometimes we miss out on the small hidden gems that aren’t right in front of us. We hope that the next time you take a Disney vacation, you consider checking out some of these hidden gems throughout the Disney Resort.
