Walt Disney World is full of “must dos”. Guests have their pick of four theme parks, two waterparks, miniature golf courses, Disney Springs, and let’s not forget to visit some of the resorts, too!
Having been to Walt Disney World numerous times, I still find myself checking things off my “new to us” list. And then, I find that we work time in our trip for some of the overlooked experiences at Walt Disney World.
It is so worth it to visit some of the lesser popular attractions, especially for us who frequently visit the Disney Parks.
Here are some of my favorite Walt Disney World attractions and experiences that I feel are overlooked.
1. Disney’s Miniature Golf Courses
Did you know that with your Magic Your Way Package, you are entitled to entry before 4PM at one of the miniature golf courses on Walt Disney World property? Yes!
These are perfect for your “down day” when you need something to do outside of the theme parks. Plus, they are well themed and a lot of fun. Disney’s Fantasia Gardens and Winter-Summerland Miniature Golf courses are both 18-holes of family fun.
2. Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
This show is one of my favorites. The choreography is fun, the costumes are beautiful, and it hits all your favorite Beauty and the Beast numbers.
The theater is outdoors, but it is covered. We like to sit in the bleachers toward the back of the show, under the shaded canopies. I would consider this one of the best shows at Walt Disney World, and an attraction everyone should add to their park plan.
3. KidCot Fun Stops in EPCOT’s World Showcase
Tucked away in each of the World Showcase pavilions is a KidCot Fun Stop. Your children can visit with a Cast Member from that country, and create something special to take back home with them.
Each activity is unique to the country itself, and all the supplies you need for your creation are at your fingertips!
Each Cast Member shares stories and insights about his/her own country, and your family can have fun AND learn something. This is perfect for the family who wants to wander World Showcase, but still wants something for the kids to do.
4. Via Napoli in EPCOT’s World Showcase
LOVE Via! This is my “must eat” location on every trip, and I love it more and more each time. I think a lot of guests see it as “just a pizza place”, but it truly isn’t!
First, Via Napoli’s pizza is wood fired. A little charred, thin, amazing crust with your favorite toppings….yum! Plus the waiters are pretty handsome, and the whole place has a vibe of Italy.
The open eating area, prompt service, and enough food to share makes it a great value and a good place for your family to eat! Oh, and don’t forget the Red Sangria….which is fantastic!
5. L’Artisans de Glace in EPCOT
A little ice cream, a little sorbet, and a whole lot of “YUM” is what you fill find at L’Artisans de Glace.
This little shop is tucked away in the French Pavilion of World Showcase, off the beaten path. This artisanal French sweet shop is perfect for any time of day. Their Mango Sorbet is my personal favorite.
And if you are feeling fancy, you can enjoy an Ice Cream Martini or a Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich.
L’Artisans de Glace is worth a visit, and a great change from the typical ice cream treats you will find in the Disney Parks. Although, keep in mind it does not accept the Disney Dining Plan.
6. Finding Nemo the Musical at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Admittedly, I saw this show on my 8th Disney trip…and wondered why I had waited so long! I feel as if this gets overlooked because it’s counterpart, the Festival of the Lion King, is so amazingly popular.
However, I think that Finding Nemo the Musical is definitely worth the visit. The story is super cute, the production is really well done {it can’t be easy to make an underwater scene on a stage!}, but Disney does it well! Every stage show at Walt Disney World is fantastic, and this is no exception.
7. The Kiss Goodnight at Magic Kingdom
For guests who can stay in the park until closing, this is a special treat! About 30-minutes after the park has officially closed, this 2-minute show plays several times on Cinderella’s Castle. It’s a sweet, magical way for the Magic Kingdom to say good-bye to guests at the end of the night.
The castle starts to twinkle, and it plays “When You Wish Upon a Star” as the castle continues to twinkle and change colors. Being in an almost empty park, while the magic of Disney wishes you a good night and thanks you for coming, is amazing. The best place to view it is from Main Street USA, or just behind the railing of the Plaza Garden.
8. Journey into Imagination with Figment
You can find Figment, and his amazing imagination, in Future World at EPCOT. The theme of this attraction is whimsical, and Figment the dragon shows you that imagination works best when it is set free.
We love to hit this attraction when we are making our way from Soarin’ over to World Showcase. The wait time are typically low, plus it is a nice break from the heat!
9. Pressed Pennies
This suggestion is from Cheryl.
My kids love collecting pressed pennies during our travels. We have many from Disney World, a few from Europe when we cruised with DCL last year and a lot from all around North America – New York, Alaska, British Columbia etc.
It’s a great way to keep kids busy while touring the less interesting parts of the parks and gives the kids something to look forward to when we visit the different WDW resorts for lunch or dinner.
Every year we add to our collection of pressed pennies and thankfully it’s one less bulky item/souvenir we need to find space for in our already full suitcase. We’re now on our second pressed penny book.
Head on over to our Pressed Pennies at Disney World post for more details about this kid and budget-friendly activity.
As you can see, Walt Disney World is way more than just headliner attractions! Sure, the classics such as Peter Pan’s Flight, Dumbo, and the more popular attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Slinky Dog Dash should be at the top of your list of “must dos”.
However, I hope that in this list you have found some “new to you” experiences at Walt Disney World to try on your next trip!
