Things You May Not Know You Can Do in Disney World

Everyone probably already knows about all those regularly mentioned magical offerings that come as part of an all-immersive Disney vacation experience. Still, there is so much more to Walt Disney World Resort than most first-time vacationers realize. Even those who have visited before may still not know about all the additional activities and experiences waiting in the wings. So, before you decide to focus all your time solely on riding the rides, Character Meet and Greets, photo ops, and delectable dining, here are some enchanting extra experiences you may not even know you can do onsite at Walt Disney World.

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Get A Haircut at Magic Kingdom Park

How about you forgo that haircut you planned on getting just ahead of your upcoming Disney World trip and wait until you arrive instead? Because believe it or not, you can actually have your hair cut and/or styled right within the limits of Magic Kingdom Park! Near the entrance along Main Street, U.S.A., you will notice Harmony Barber Shop over to the left side. This isn’t just a scenery prop; it’s a full-service barbershop. And what could be more magical than a haircut here?

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Indulge in a Spa Treatment

Did you know that you can get stellar award-winning spa service treatments with all the works at Disney World as well? This is great news and a possibly unexpected surprise for those who initially come here on vacation expecting to be largely focused on hustle and bustle action without any chances to relax and rejuvenate. Various Disney Resort locations have resident spas, but availability is not guaranteed. For now, Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort & Spa is back in full operation and offerings, though. You can also enjoy stellar treatment over at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin.

Go on a Tour

While many first-timers visit Disney World theme parks with a focus that’s mainly on pursuing rides and attractions, there are several unique guided tour offerings to consider as well. All options range in pricing, what is included in the package, location, and duration. There are even options for customizing your day and experiences via Private VIP Tours. Other beloved favorites include the Magic Kingdom’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour, EPCOT’s Behind the Seeds, and the Animal Kingdom’s Wild Africa Trek.

Sip on International Soda Samplings

Did you know that you can sample several different soda varieties from all around the world for free? Just head to Club Cool over in EPCOT. From all outer appearances, you may think that this is your typical Coca-Cola-affiliated shop with merch and more. But inside, they actually have several self-serve beverage stations with sample-size cups, all featuring various soft drink offerings from many different nations. Guests are welcome to their own unlimited soda flights, sampling every flavor (or just those they like) as many times as they want. What a way to get a complimentary refresher while on the go!

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Go Scuba Diving

It may surprise you to learn that you can actually go scuba diving in the Living Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion over in EPCOT. It’s an experience known as DiveQuest, and is part of EPCOT Seas Adventures offerings. A two-hour immersive experience that lets you gear up and take a deep dive into EPCOT’s own immersive 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium alongside myriad marine animals do take note that participating in such an endeavor requires SCUBA certification. If you are not SCUBA-certified but are looking toward an alternate aquatic encounter to write home about, there’s also EPCOT Seas Adventures—Dolphins in Depth.

Take Up Archery

Have you ever wanted to learn how to shoot a bow and arrow? Well, you can do so over at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort under the guidance of professionals who will teach you how. Available to Guests ages seven and up, you can sign up for 75-minute lessons where you will learn how to hold a compound bow properly, aim, and even fire into range targets.

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Ride a Horse

Experienced equestrians and interested amateurs alike may be interested to learn that Disney World even provides Guests with opportunities to go horseback riding. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is a horse-lovers haven with its resident Tri-Circle-D Ranch and surrounding scenic wooded trails. It’s definitely worth taking a daylong detour to explore.

Take a Carriage Ride

If you love horses but aren’t keen on saddling up for an excursion on horseback, how about taking a horse-drawn carriage ride instead? What a way to embrace the whole storybook experience! Carriage rides are offered at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort—Riverside. Most last a half hour.

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Go Canoeing and Kayaking

While you may already know that you can rent motorized watercraft, such as pontoon boats, at various Disney Resort marinas, did you know that you can actually row rowing too? Again, you’ll want to return to that versatile Resort, Disney’s Fort Wilderness. Both kayaks and canoes are available to rent out by the hour on a first-come, first-served basis at the Bike Barn in the Meadow Recreation Area.

Learn to Draw Disney Characters

Have you ever wanted to learn how to draw your favorite animated animal characters from beloved Disney films? Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park presents the perfect opportunity to do just that at Conservation Station. On location at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, the Conservation Station is a multi-faceted facility laden with many co-occurring animal-related activities, exhibits, and events at any given time. But one of their newer, uniquely artist-designated offerings is the Animation Experience. For this, Guests are invited to participate in ongoing 25-class sessions, each one led by Disney Animators who will guide and instruct participants in learning how to draw the currently featured animated animal from a Disney film.

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Decorate a Cake

With so many delectable goodies to choose from, you probably already know that Disney World is one place where you can actually have your cake and eat it too. But did you know you can decorate your own cake as well? Over in Disney Springs, Amorette’s Patisserie offers 90-minute cake-decorating sessions you can sign up for. Participants get to work directly with Amorette’s professional cake decorators to customize their own Mickey Mouse Dome Cakes. At the session’s conclusion, you even get to take your creation along with you! How sweet is that?

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Most Disney World extras understandably come at an additional cost than what is included with regular Park admission. And while this list briefly examines all the current elaborate offerings, all experiences are subject to change. Furthermore, Disney World is forever premiering new magical endeavors. So, you may rest assured that the future is bright and even more wonderful experiences are just on the horizon.