When visiting Florida, it is often at the top of people’s holiday itineraries to take a trip to the magical Walt Disney World parks. Each and every park is bursting with thrilling rides, mementoes to all of our favourite Disney films and plenty of exciting events.

While we all know about the beautiful castle at Magic Kingdom and the gigantic geodesic sphere at Epcot, there are many parts of the parks that are often missed or forgotten about! In this blog, we take a look at the countless hidden gems dotted around the Walt Disney World parks so that you can make the most of your trip to Orlando and see absolutely everything these magical spots have to offer.

Magic Kingdom

Sometimes known as the hub and central part of Walt Disney World, Magic Kingdom is full of everything Disney. Here, you’ll find all of your favourite Disney characters, rides and attractions associated with some of the biggest films; such as Aladdin, Beauty and The Beast, Tangled and many more!

We recommend having a close look at the park map when you arrive and figure out a clear idea of where you would like to visit. Check to see if there are any events at specific times you would like to attend, this way, you can try to plan your day and avoid any disappointment.

Now, with so much to see and do at Magic Kingdom, some parts are often overlooked. So, we thought we’d share with you some of the secret tips and tricks that many don’t know about! If you arrive at the park as it opens, you’ll be able to experience their special opening ceremony outside Cinderella Castle with Mickey and the gang, as they welcome you to the park.

If you take a trip on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train when the ride comes to an end and you are about to exit, hold off and go to the unloading dock. To your right is a small house where you are able to see audio-animatronic characters. These are from the original Snow White attraction!

For those that have a sweet tooth or if your children are looking for a treat, take a trip to Adventureland and try Dole Whip; a frozen yoghurt that features pineapple. It is the perfect refreshment and can kill your hunger until your next meal, plus, it tastes delicious!

While you make your way around the park, why not turn it into a game and enjoy the interactive scavenger hunt “Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom”. If you head over by the Firehouse on Main Street USA, you are able to pick up nine quests, a sorcerer key card, Merlin’s map and spell card; everything you need to tackle the missions! The story goes like this: Disney villains are attempting to take control of the park and it is down to you to save everyone. The best part about this hidden gem is that it is free! You can enjoy the challenge at no extra cost and have even more fun during your time at Magic Kingdom.

Animal Kingdom

It states in the name what this park is all about! Animal Kingdom is dedicated solely to animals and is a fascinating part of Walt Disney World. Films including Lion King, Avatar and Pocahontas feature across Animal Kingdom. You can meet the characters from your favourite films and enjoy rides and experiences that are dedicated to the Disney favourites.

Along with the Disney attractions, there is also the wonderful Kilimanjaro Safaris where you are able to get up close and personal with some of the animals. Experience this ride in the morning for the best animal sightings. Amongst all of this glorious wildlife and Disney fun, there are some hidden gems that visitors to the park often walk straight past because they simply aren’t aware of them.

The Tree of Life is a central and iconic part of Animal Kingdom. If you walk around Discovery Island Trails, you’ll get an up-close view of this magical tree, where you can spot over 300 animals carved into its trunk. The work is quite remarkable, so why not get a picture with it? There are some real-life animals to spot along this trail too.

Located at the back of the Africa section is the Animal Express Train, which takes guests on a scenic ride to Rafiki’s Planet. Here you can see some of the backstage workings of Animal Kingdom.

Stay into the evening and experience Pandora: World of Avatar at night, as it reveals its bioluminescent rainforest. The entire land glows and is a beautiful sight.

Epcot

Also known as the most grown-up park, Epcot is packed full of plenty of attractions and rides to discover. The park is home to two primary sections; Future World and World Showcase. Future World has everything Space related along with the popular Soarin’ ride, The Seas with Nemo and Friends, plus so much more! Here, you are also able to meet characters such as Ralph and Vanellope from Wreck-it Ralph, Joy and Sadness from Inside Out, Pluto - Mickey Mouse’s pet, and so many more!

Once you make your way through Future World, you will arrive in World Showcase, which features 11 areas representing different countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Morocco, Japan, America, Italy, Germany, China, Norway and Mexico. Each country is made to look authentic and traditional, as well as featuring eateries that offer food from the native country. Disney characters that you may come across here include Anna and Elsa, Mulan, Snow White and Jasmine from Aladdin, just to name a few. World Showcase is also home to the Frozen Ever After ride and the new Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along attraction.

While strolling through the different countries in the World Showcase section of the park, be sure to stop off at the American pavilion and enjoy the Voices of Liberty. A performance of classic patriotic songs along with some of the well-known Disney favourites are showcased by some talented acapella singers.

Inside the Seas with Nemo and Friends, we suggest visiting the underwater viewing area; here you’ll spot sharks, stingrays, dolphins, turtles, and numerous other marine species. In addition to this, if you are a certified scuba diver, you can have the chance to dive in yourself and swim with the sea animals.

Along with collecting character autographs, stop at the Morocco, China and Japan pavilions and ask a cast member to sign your book. They will add your name (or child’s name) as it would be written in their country’s language. You’ll find street performers at some of the World Showcase countries around Epcot too. Check the Times Guide to see when they’re performing. Behind the quaint buildings of the UK pavilion, you’ll come across a mini hedge maze, which is inspired by the real-life Somerleyton Hall Maze in Lowestoft.

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios brings movies to life. As you make your way around the park, you will come across attractions in homage to many big movies, such as Indiana Jones, Star Wars and Toy Story! There is plenty to see and do at Hollywood Studios, so it is recommended to take a look at the map when you arrive and make a plan of action. Also, check for any events or shows that are taking place throughout your day, so you don’t miss out on any you want to see.

While the main attractions at Hollywood Studios are brilliant and certainly worth visiting, there are some hidden secrets around the park that are worth looking out for to add to the magical experience. One very handy secret is that if you want to ride the Tower of Terror and it says there is a 13-minute wait, there isn’t actually any wait at all, so make sure you jump on then! There’s a ‘child swap’ section on this ride, so families can stay together in line, even if the kids are not able or are too scared to ride. You get a fantastic view of the park whilst riding the Tower of Terror too!

Also, while visiting the Streets of America, there is a replica of the umbrella from Singing in the Rain. Why not stop and take a picture here as it can make for a lovely memory? When you visit the Indiana Jones Stunt show, outside of the attraction there is a rope that has a sign saying “Warning: Do Not Pull Rope” with the “not” crossed out. So, we suggest you give the rope a pull and enjoy some surprises!

Star Tours - The Adventures Continue is a simulator attraction that has nearly 300 variations, so it’s possible to ride several times and not have the same experience twice!

Spot hidden Mickey’s around each and every one of the parks. The classic Mickey shape can be found within many of the attractions, restaurants, shops and more. It can certainly make your experience at Walt Disney World more exciting when trying to look out for them. Why not count how many you find?

So, that concludes some of the best hidden gems across the Walt Disney World parks. We hope that you have found our tips and tricks useful and they add to your experience when you visit the magical Disney parks. If you have any questions about visiting Walt Disney World, take a look at our previous blog that answers the most common questions. Also, when you plan to visit theme parks, we highly recommend plenty of organisation. To help you, we have put together a list of essentials for a day at Orlando’s theme parks.

If you would like to visit Orlando and enjoy all of the fantastic attractions, then why not stay with Debbie’s Villas? Orlando villa holidays are perhaps the best way of experiencing the area. You can enjoy your own cooking and dining, all of the guests can stay in one place and also if you choose a villa with a swimming pool, you can relax and cool off in your backyard!

For more information on the options available at Debbie’s Villas, do not hesitate to get in contact. Give us a call on 01892 836822 or drop us an email at info@debbiesvillas.co.uk. Alternatively, you can visit our social media channels and learn more about who we are and what we offer.

Photo credits:

• Tree of Life: CC by Jennifer Lynn
• Seven Dwarfes Mine Train: CC by Theme Park Tourist
• Hidden Mickey: CC by Matt Wade Photography