There are lots of “hidden” things to do at Disney World. Some of them you can sign up to do and some of them you just have to get lucky by being in the right place at the right time. Most of these are free experiences.
While we lived in Florida we spent a year going to Disney World as much as we could. Over the course of that year we had some of the most incredible experiences. Many of which no one seems to know about.
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10 Hidden Experiences You Didn’t Know You Could Have at Disney World
Assist with the Dinosaur Ride
As we were in line for the Dinosaur ride at the Animal Kingdom Noah was selected for a special experience because it was his birthday. If it’s your birthday you can get a free birthday button to wear that day. He got to suit up just like the people running the ride and go to the front of the ride.
Become an Official Pirate Apprentice
At Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial, Captain Jack Sparrow’s shows up un-expected in Adventureland and leads the kids in a Pirate Tutorial. Kids are given a “saber” aka a fake sword to follow along with Captain Jack’s favorite sword-fighting practices, including the art of “distract and flee”. Afterwards, your kids are given an Apprentice Pirate certificate.
Kid Crafts around Epcot
There are free crafts kids can do around the world in Epcot. They are called Kidcot Fun Stops. You can do all of them if you want. At each one you collect a stamp for completion and at the end you can trade in your stamps for a souvenir.
Where to Find Kidcot Fun Stops
- Mexico Pavilion (near Animales Fantasticos)
- Norway Pavilion (at The Puffin’s Roost)
- China Pavilion (near the exit of Reflections of China)
- Germany Pavilion (at Volkunst)
- Italy Pavilion (outside, near La Bottega Italiana)
- American Adventure Pavilion (outside, near Heritage Manor Gifts)
- Japan Pavilion (in the Bijutsu-kan Gallery)
- Morocco Pavilion (at the Marketplace in the Medina)
- France Pavilion (at Souvenirs de France)
- United Kingdom Pavilion (at The Toy Soldier)
- Canada Pavilion (at the exit of O Canada!)
Get a Free Balloon
If you are staying at a Disney hotel then you can go to the front desk and ask for a balloon. All the hotels offer this except for the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Play Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Game
There is a free game you can play the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. You can pick up the game cards at the Main Street Fire station. The will scan your ticket to record that you picked up your cards for the day. I didn’t feel adequate to explain the game since we’ve only done it once, but I found a video on YouTube that explains it.
Try Cokes from Around the World
Cokes from around the world at Epcot
Inside of Epcot there is a Coca Cola store where you can sample Cokes from around the world. Countries include Italy, Greece, Thailand, Japan, South Africa and more. The one from Italy is disgusting in my opinion.
Collect Transportation Cards
Disney World Transportation Cards
You can ask for a transportation card anytime you are using Disney transportation, but keep in mind sometimes the drivers do not have any. These are completely free and they give them out on buses, boats, and the monorail. I am unsure how many different cards there are but when I was looking it up I found at least nineteen collector cards.
On the front of each card is a picture of the mode of transportation. On the back of the card is facts about the mode of transportation. Three of the nineteen are dedicated to the Disney buses that take you to and from the parks and resorts.
Watch the Fireworks with Pirates and Desserts
Disney World offers different types of VIP tours and VIP experiences. One of them is a dessert party on a boat with Captain Hook and Mr. Smee. It’s called the Pirates & Pals Fireworks Dessert Voyage. This is offered at the Contemporary resort.
Learn to Surf
Learn to surf at Typhoon Lagoon in their wave pool.
Typhon Lagoon opens up early sometimes for those that want to surf. You can even take a lesson. You have to be 8 years or older to take a lesson.
Get a Haircut
Baby’s 1st Haircut at Disney World
There is a barber shop inside the Magic Kingdom where you can get a haircut or a hairdo with glitter and color. I took Jonah there to get his “Baby’s 1st Haircut“.
Disney constantly makes an effort to create magic moments for families, so hopefully I will be updating this article soon with more.
Best of luck on your trip to Disney World. I hope you have a one of a kind experience while you are there!
Have you had a secret experience at Disney World that no one else has? We would love to hear about it in the comments below!
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