Whether you’re a newbie to the World and itching to be as bold as Mufasa and Taka, or you’re struggling to stuff all your ears from home into your Disney-bedecked luggage, this guide is for you. Tune in to our top 10—including honorable Minnie-tions—hidden secrets at Walt Disney World.
Disney’s bright gondolas sail past several Walt Disney World Resorts; you can board the Skyliner from EPCOT or Hollywood Studios, too. Old news. The twist is to make the Skyliner into your own food crawl—make it a pirate’s map of X’s for the family, or a string of romantic dates punctuated by clouds.
Grab a smoothie at Caribbean Beach’s Centertown Market Grab & Go. Or treat your party to a Parisian bite at Le Petit Café—that’s correct, The Aristocats—at the Riviera Resort.
If you’re supercalifragilisticexpialidocious about your new ears, get a seat in a gondola, and face out the window for a photo from behind. You’ll frame those ears against the sky’s backdrop. Be sure to check hours of operation for the Skyliner before you go.
In search of a magical family photo? Explore spots around the Skyliner stations to catch gondolas in mid-flight, even getting in order by height according to the Skyliner’s line.
Tucked away, winding, filled with birdsong, the Conservation Station at Animal Kingdom hides an artist’s nook—shall we say, artists’ nook.
You’re invited! Line up for The Animation Experience, complete with chairs, paper, and a quirky animator leading this free workshop on drawing a Disney character.
It’s for beginners—so soak up the peace and natural light, as much as you do frown lines that you’re not the Jedi—erm, artist—you should be.
“This place is a ZOO?!” exclaims a voice to the left. “Go on! We’ll stay here!” If that’s ever been you coiling around the Oasis at Animal Kingdom, there’s so much more—warm hay breath, velvet noses, fresh shavings. You guessed it.
With a skip and a hop to Fort Wilderness, Tri-Circle-D Ranch stands tall, home to more horses than you’ve met in your life. Say “howdy” to Appaloosas, Arabians, Belgians, Clydesdales, Percherons, Quarter Horses, and a big (small) favorite, Shetland Ponies.
Look for the classic striped barber pole on Main Street, and you’ve arrived! Harmony Barber Shop is not only an exterior, but an interior, too—step inside. To the tunes of the Dapper Dans, this barber shop may not be what you expect.
It’s fully operational! You can get a haircut yourself, or choose a beard trim. Kids age 9 and under can have a child’s haircut. Or, for a sweet memory, opt for “my first haircut.” Be sure to book advance reservations.
Spend a couple hours making Disney-themed mosaic art at a Spanish rooftop lounge at Coronado Springs Resort.
Ask around at a few resorts for a schedule of yoga classes during your stay, or grab a spot at runDisney’s sunrise yoga this April.
Book a footgolf tee time at Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course—a typical golf course, only with Cheshire-Cat-sized holes.
These aren’t the Mickey ice cream bars you “hid” for your friend (mysterious, Mr. Napoleon, sir—ask Edgar). Hidden Mickeys are all over, in props along queues, in the grate of a pool. Tally ‘em up!
Movies Under the Stars, a picnic-style outdoor movie theater at your resort, remind you where it all started for you at Disney—a movie you’ll never forget.
