I just HAVE to separate Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Both parks are so different and offer different experiences that I cannot combine them both into one post. This is a post I will add to over the years as I am sure I will find even more exciting things to do that people may not know about, so check back often. For now I have complied some of my favorite things about Walt Disney World that people may not realize were available. I have been to Walt Disney World a lot, in fact I worked there for a while. So I definitely have some expert knowledge on some of the hidden gems of Walt Disney World. I hope this will help you make your own vacation even more magical, cause lets be honest, any experience at Walt Disney World is bound to be magical!
1. Get your hair cut on Main Street
Did you know you can get your hair cut on Main Street? There is an old fashion barber shop hidden between the fire station and the Emporium. The official name is the Harmony Barber Shop. It was built because Walt Disney himself regretted not putting a barber shop in Disneyland and it has been there since the park opened, as have some of the barbers. We got our twins very first hair cut there and that was an experience I will NEVER forget. They gave us locks of their hair, a certificate, and each child got their very first pair of Mickey Mouse ears that say: My first hair cut.
My husband and his dad also got their hair cut while we were there, it was my husband's birthday and they gave him pixy dust in his hair. The prices were very reasonable, and the cast members are super friendly. There was one that spoke Spanish that cut my father-in-law's hair, which made the experience even better. I have heard the Dapper dans come in to sing, but they did not do that while we were there. I do recommend making reservations as they fill up rather quickly, you can make them here.
2. Attend Star Wars Weekends
I have worked at Star wars weekends and attended as a guest and both experiences were phenomenal. Certain weekends in May and June each year are dedicated to the Star Wars movies and cartoons. They have stars from the movies come, sign autographs and give presentations. You can have meals with the stars and characters from the movies. They have characters from the movie all over the parks, even classic Disney characters put on their Star Wars best. There is a special parade, meet 'n' greets, music and Jedi Training sessions. You can find a complete list of activities here.
There is also an area dedicated to Star Wars merchandise with special guest experiences. When we went on my husband's birthday we pre-registered to have a D-Tech me experience. They took a 3D picture of him and about 6 weeks later a storm trooper (my husband's favorite) action figure that looks just like him, came in the mail. That was a pretty neat thing to do, he could choose between a storm trooper or Hon Solo frozen in carbonate. Now they have added a Princess Leia in her white gown and an orange jump suit fighter pilot option. Again I recommend making reservations for this, and you should also know this was a pretty spendy experience, prices should be listed on the link above. After the experience we got to walk around the merchandise area and we stocked up on exclusive Star Wars/Disney merchandise. Because we had done the D-Tech me experience we missed the hour + line just to get into the building.
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| His personalized Storm Trooper action figure |
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| Some of the items we bought |
3. Always make dinning reservations
I have tried for years to get into Cinderella's Table at the Magic Kingdom without success. I have called before hand to make a reservation but they were always full already. I believe (but don't quote me) that you can make dinning reservations up to 180 days in advance of your trip and I recommend it. I never made mine that early and as a result I had few options as to where to have my husband's birthday dinner. We ended up eating at Tony's on Main Street and it was wonderful, as most if not all Disney dinning experiences are, but I am still longing to eat at Cinderella's Table while watching the fireworks!
4. There is more than one place to watch the fireworks
One of my favorite places to see the Magic Kingdom fireworks show was outside the Polynesian resort on one of their lounge chairs. All of the hotels allow anyone to come in, eat in the restaurants, shop in the stores, and walk around the hotel inside and outside. When I was in the mood to watch the fireworks but didn't want to deal with the crowds at Magic Kingdom (and taking the boat or Monorail to get there) I would go to the Polynesian and get a magical, crowd-free, view of the fireworks! You can also see them from the Contemporary Resort and the Grand Floridian.
5. Plan carefully which day you go to each park
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| We went to Animal Kingdom on mother's day and they gave carnations to every mom! |
Each park has different times they open and close depending on what day it is. There are also magical morning days where park resort guests get into the parks earlier than non-resort guests. It is my personal recommendation that you do not attend that particular park on that day, unless you are staying in a Disney resort and are willing to get up that early. The parks are usually busier on their magical morning days, so by the time non Disney resort guests arrive the lines are long and the park is full. I also recommend going to Animal Kingdom on the day it is open the longest. It may be a bit busier that day, but that park always closes early, even in the summer, so the longer it is open the better for you. We arrived pretty close to when the park opened and couldn't believe it was already time to exit the park when it closed. The day flew by!
6. Try to stay in a Disney resort if you can
I have yet to stay on property at either Disneyland or Walt Disney world. My in-laws have a time share in Florida, so we only pay around $100 for a week stay and I just can't justify spending way more than that just to stay on property. But there are definitely perks. They will pick you up at the airport and the bus system is awesome and will take you anywhere on property including the water parks and Down Town Disney, so there is no need to rent a car. If you buy anything at any park they will take it to your hotel so you do not need to carry it around the park with you. And as mentioned above there are magical morning days where you can enter the parks early on a certain day. The Disney staff is amazing and the hospitality, cleanliness, and Disney magic is out of control at the resorts. Staying at a Disney resort is definitely on my to do list.
7. Don't spend all your time at the parks
Don't forget that the Walt Disney World resort is full of activities besides the four theme parks. Down Town Disney is so much fun. They have night clubs, Disney Quest which is a five story arcade, a theater, Cirque 'du' Soliel which I've been to twice and LOVE, restaurants, shops, and you can even go up in a hot air balloon! My husband and I rented a little speed boat one time and went all around the lagoon on it. There are always live performances and D.J's and every night in the summer they have a free dance party for all ages at one end of the district, at least they did last year.
Walt Disney World also has two water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. I have been to both. I think Typhoon Lagoon is better for little kids and relaxing. There are some great slides, but my favorite part was the lazy river. You can also learn to surf at their wave pool which is pretty cool. Blizzard Beach definitely had more thrilling slides, not to mention summit plumit.
A lot of people know about the water parks and Down Town Disney but few know there is a full golf course on property. And mini golf. You can also have a camp fire with Disney characters, do archery, horse back riding, fishing, para-sailing, water skiing, go on the different running/walking trails and Walt Disney World has a race track where you can get behind the wheel of a real race car. So if you are needing some away from the parks time look into one of these other activities.
8. Be aware of extra experiences offered
Walt Disney World has several events that happen during the year after the park closes. There is Mickey's- Not-So-Scary Halloween party in the fall where you can come and trick-or-treat around the park with special parades, fireworks and characters. There is also Night of Joy which is a musical event and they have a Mickey's Christmas party as well. I have honestly not personally attended any of these events, but have heard they are great. I have been to one at Disneyland and enjoyed how the park was a bit emptier since it has limited attendance. You do have to buy a separate ticket to the event, but they usually let you into the park late afternoon, so you can spend more time in the park before the event starts. It may not be something you do yearly, but going at least once is worth it.
Another little perk that Disney Visa card members get (besides 10% off merchandise when you spend over $50 and points that equal money you can spend in the park) is the private character meet 'n' greet offered at EPCOT. You show your visa card and then wait in a usually small if any line to go and see some Disney characters. You do not always know which characters it will be, but it is always fun to get a private meeting with them. You also get a free 5X7 photo you can pick up later at the photo center. Annual pass holders get a lot of discounts and perks and if you read the Disney Parks Blog they are always doing special blog reader experiences. They do advance screenings of Disney movies, and private events at the park such as Mickey's-not-so-scary Hallowing party for blog readers only. These events fill up super quick and sometimes it is a random drawing as to who can go, but they are worth it.
9. Don't be afraid to volunteer
We have had several experiences where we just swallowed our fear and stepped up to volunteer for something and they have been amazing! I auditioned for the American Idol Experience at the Hollywood Studios and made it into the show and sang in front of tons of people! My husband volunteered for the Special Effects Water Tank show at the Backlot Tour and had so much fun! You can also volunteer at the Indiana Jones show and can be picked for various other activities around all four parks. It isn't guaranteed that you will be picked or make it onto any show or activity, but don't be afraid to ask. I know at the Backlot Tour they are always looking for volunteers and will gladly accommodate anyone that asks to be in the show as long as they meet the requirements. The cast members make you feel at ease and you feel like a super star.
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