Let’s be honest about planning a trip to Walt Disney World – you’ve already got a list a mile long about all the things that you want to do. From the best attractions to popular restaurants and some of the most iconic shopping in all the land. Does that mean that you’re getting everything that the resort has to offer? Maybe you should consider visiting some of the best hidden spots that are hiding in plain sight.
Here are our top secret destinations that you just gotta experience on your next visit to Disney!
WATERFALL IN CANADA PAVILION
Most folks just walk past the Canadian Pavilion en route to another adventure OR they wander through the gardens on their way to Le Cellier. Does that mean that you shouldn’t adventure through the rest of the pavilion? Absolutely not! There’s actually a waterfall in the back of the land, which disguises the Canadian attraction.
FANTASIA GARDENS MINI GOLF
With no direct buses, you actually have to make Fantasia Gardens a destination. Located in behind the Swan & Dolphin Resorts, it’s two mini-golf courses that stretch the skills of even the most confident golfer!
MOROCCO’S HIDDEN ART GALLERY
Need a break from the World Showcase crowds? Tucked away in the Morocco pavilion’s side streets is this peaceful art gallery that hardly anyone finds. Best part? It’s got actual cushioned benches (a Disney World rarity!) plus air conditioning. Perfect spot to recharge during your EPCOT day.
DISCOVERY ISLAND TRAILS
Flamingos, Lemurs and up-close views of the Tree of Life! Literally – you can walk right up and touch the tree on the trails that surround the Animal Kingdom icon. Pro tip: hit these trails right at park opening when the animals are most active.
SECRET PATH BEHIND NOMAD LOUNGE
Between Festival of the Lion King and Pandora, there’s a hidden path that most guests never find. Follow it to discover a quiet wall where you can sit and watch the river flow by. It’s one of Animal Kingdom’s best quiet spots!
PINOCCHIO’S HIDDEN TERRACE
Look for the exterior staircase near Village Haus (most folks walk right past it). Head up those stairs to find a quiet balcony overlooking Fantasyland that’s perfect for enjoying your lunch away from the crowds.
WASHROOMS AT PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
When you think about washrooms at the Magic Kingdom, there’s a list of popular (aka busy) spots…and then there’s the huge set of bathrooms in behind the Pirates of the Caribbean retail store. Skip the Tangled Washrooms and don’t even bother with the Breezeway ones, because…well just because.
PETE’S SILLY SIDESHOW MEET & GREETS
You can meet Mickey in the Main Street Theatre, but at the VERY back of the Magic Kingdom…past Dumbo and The Barnstormer is a building that is home to an interesting meet & greet location. Meeting Donald, Goofy and Daisy in their circus outfits should be on your list of things to do because it’s such a hidden spot!
HARAMBE MARKET
Looking for something to eat in Disney’s Animal Kingdom? We know that Satuli Canteen is the best, but lurking in the shadows is the Harambe Market, which is a fairly new outdoor quick service area in Africa. Talk about unique eats, you’re more than likely to walk right past it because…just like everything else on this list…it’s not on the main walkway. Trust me, it’s worth checking out the menu to see if there’s a winner for you and your party. IF not – it’s a spot to relax and recharge without too many folks around.
SEEK OUT THE UNUSUAL AND OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH
Disney World is filled with surprises behind every turn, but nothing is as exciting as discovering your own hidden spots. The best hidden gems are usually down paths that seem to go nowhere or around corners that look like dead ends. Don’t be afraid to explore – that’s where the real magic happens!