Hidden Gems At Walt Disney World

6. Movies Under the Stars

If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort, you can ask for a schedule from the front desk to see what movies will be shown outside each night. The resorts host Disney movies outside nightly, and this can be a great way to unwind from the parks, or round off an evening on a day when you don’t have a park ticket. I usually pick up dinner, or a pizza, from the quick service restaurant at whatever resort I’m at, and bring it with me to enjoy dinner and a movie under the stars.

5. Beaches

While Orlando is clearly not located on the coast, there are a number of beaches located on the shores of lakes on Disney property. Many of the resorts are home to beaches, and though you can’t swim in the water they can be a nice place to relax. Some guests also choose lounge chairs on the beach, as they’re often quieter than the pool area if being close to the pool isn’t a priority. A couple of the beaches even have hammocks, making them the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the parks and get in a quick nap on your next vacation.

4. Food Trucks

Disney has taken food trucks to a whole new level with the Food Truck District in Disney Springs. The food trucks at Disney Springs can be a great way to get your fix of tasty food without going to the parks.

3. Street Performers

All of the parks, as well as Disney Springs, have a variety of street performers. Many guests overlook street performances in favor of going on rides or seeing shows however the street performers at Disney are just as entertaining. My favorite street performers in each park are the Jammitors in Epcot, the Dapper Dans in the Magic Kingdom, the Citizens of Hollywood at Hollywood Studios, and Viva Gaia Street Band in Animal Kingdom.

2. Dinner Shows

For dinner and a show at Walt Disney World, consider going to the Hoop de Doo Musical Review, or the Spirit of Aloha dinner show. The Hoop de Doo, located at the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is one of the longest running dinner shows in the country, and it features all you can eat food along with interactive and entertaining song and dance numbers. The Spirit of Aloha at the Polynesian Resort, brings together all the elements of a traditional luau show, that you probably never thought you’d be able to experience in Florida.

1. Hidden Mickeys

The concept of Hidden Mickey’s might not be so hidden, but the Mickey’s themselves are. Hidden Mickey’s are generally in the form of Mickey’s silhouette, with the three circle design. They can be found pretty much anywhere on Disney property. From rides, shows, resorts, restaurants, even walkways and Cast Member costumes, Hidden Mickeys can be anywhere. You can find some of them on your own if you tend to be very observant in how different areas of the parks are decorated, or you can pick up a Hidden Mickey guidebook from many of the gift shops, and hunt for Hidden Mickeys that way and check them off as you go along. Happy searching!