Every year millions of people make the trip down to Orlando, Florida to visit the happiest place on Earth. When people visit Disney World, they tend to come down with a set plan in mind, wanting to hit up all the big attractions, restaurants, and resorts. What a lot of people do not realized is that there are so many amazing, hidden gems all around the Walt Disney World Resort area. After spending six months living down here, I had the chance to really explore the whole property and I came across some incredible finds. There are way too many underrated attractions and places that most people do not even know exist! So next time you are at Walt Disney World, make a point to stop by and experience these amazing hidden gems!
1. The Kiss Goodnight
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This is by far one of the most magical things to experience at The Magic Kingdom and definitely tops my list of hidden gems. At the end of each night, Cinderella’s Castle lights us and a beautiful message plays, thanking everyone for spending their day at the park. Next time you visit, make sure to stay passed close, lay in the hub grass, and listen to The Kiss Goodnight.
2. Tom Sawyer's Island
If you have never taken the time to venture onto this island located in Frontierland you need to do it! No other place can you explore hidden caves and a giant fort, all while smack in the middle of The Magic Kingdom.
3. The Window on Main Street
When you walk down Main Street, tear your eyes away from Cinderella’s Castle and stop to look at all the windows that line the street. Each window is dedicated to an Imagineer who helped Walt create the magic. Walt himself has a window and it is located at the very end of Main Street, facing the castle, so that way he can always look out over his kingdom.
4. Club Cool
Want to sample soda from all around the world? Club Cool in EPCOT is one of those hidden gems where you can sneak off into some air-conditioning and grab yourself a free drink. Might I suggest The Beverly?
5. DiVine
Street performers are a common thing to find around the parks but none of them top the amazing DiVine. Disguised in the foliage in Animal Kingdom, be on the lookout as you roam the park for a beautiful woman dressed like a forest. She will seriously captivate your attention like nothing before.
6. The Peoplemover
By far the most underrated ride at Walt Disney World, the Peoplemover is the best. Take a tour around Tomorrowland, the Peoplemover is the best way to get off your feet in a relaxed environment. Also, if you ever want to see Space Mountain with the lights on, jump on the Peoplemover while its broken down. COOLEST THING EVER.
7. Wishes from the Polynesian Beach
Most people only think about watching Wishes, the nighttime firework show at the Magic Kingdom, from Main Street. However, one of the best viewing spots can come from outside the park, across Seven Seas Lagoon on the beach of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Most of the time it will be less crowded and it offers a unique view of the fireworks. Also, if Disney is ever running 360 degree fireworks, the beach is the best place to watch! Their 4th of July fireworks were the most incredible thing I have ever witnessed.
8. Sci Fi
Did you know in Disney’s Hollywood Studios you can dine in a restaurant set up like a 1950s drive in movie theater? At the Sci Fi Dine In Theater Restaurant, you get to sit in these old fashioned cars, drink milkshakes, and watch horrible B rated sci-fi movies from the 50s. In my opinion, this is the most unique dining experience on property and something that everyone should get the chance to do at least once!
9. Wild Africa Trek
Want to take a trip on the wild side? This unique experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom allows guests the opportunity to get up and close with the animals on the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. This 3 hour tour allows you the chance to traverse a rickety bridge over crocodiles, come in close contact with hippos, and get a spectacular view of the Savannah. There is no other place than Disney World where you can go on a full African safari trek right in the comfort of central Florida.
10. Carousel of Progress
There is only one attraction at Disney World that Walt has rode himself and that is the Carousel of Progress. Created at the 1964 Worlds Fair, this is one of the most timeless attractions you can find on property. You can find this attraction in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom, reminding everyone that there is always a great big, beautiful tomorrow, shinning at the end of every day.
