Disney World is full of fun extras and lesser known things to do. Plan for more than one vacation to accomplish these 35 things most guests do not know they can do at Disney World.
1. Get Free Celebration Buttons
Celebration Buttons are a great way to celebrate anything. There are ones saying: Happy Birthday, Happily Ever After, 1st Visit and I’m Celebrating: (Fill In The Blank), truly able to customize your special milestone or occasion. Learn 3 places to find celebration buttons.
2. Get a Haircut
Consider your child’s first haircut for a special keepsake set of ears, costing $25. Kids and adults may also stop by for a haircut, cost is under $20. Visit Harmony Barber Shop on Main St USA at Magic Kingdom.
3. Get a Spa Treatment
Disney World is home to 9 spas. Get a massage, your hair or nails done and more. Learn more about Walt Disney World spas and health centers.
4. Eat as a Vegan
Disney World is very accommodating to allergies and diet restrictions. Read 10 Vegan friendly options at Disney World.
5. Watch a Flag Retreat
The daily Flag Retreat happens in Magic Kingdom. Watch this special tribute in Magic Kingdom.
6. Play Volleyball
Volleyball is an amenity offered at select Disney World Resorts. This includes at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and more. See the Full list.
7. Go Golfing
Husbands will be happy to know Disney World offers Golf Courses, play a round or even get some lessons. Plus, Disney World has 2 miniature golf courses on property.
8. Ride in a car boat
Adjacent to The Boathouse is the launch of the Amphicar Tours. These tours take 3-4 guests in vintage style cars that drive on land and water, on a water tour of Disney Springs. Cost is $125 per car.
9. Take a surf lesson
Typhoon Lagoon offers surf lessons for guests prior to park opening. Cost is $190 per person.
10. Get Free Ice Water
No need to buy bottled water in Disney World. As most Quick Service restaurants will gladly give you a cup of iced water to go. Starbucks is my favorite.
11. Order a celebration cake
Mickey Mouse Celebration Cakes can be ordered at any Walt Disney World table service restaurant. The Celebration Cakes are offered to guests with the choice of chocolate or white chocolate. The cost will be $35 (excluding tax) and feeds 4-6 guests. Learn more ways to order a cake while at Disney.
12. Dine with an Imagineer
Have you ever wondered about the people who work behind the scenes to make Disney what is it today? Well this is your chance for lunch or dinner with 1 special Disney person. They will talk about what they do and even answer some questions. This is a separate ticketed event at The Hollywood Brown Derby (in The Bamboo Room) at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
13. Go Bar-Hopping
Disney World is home to some amazing nighttime entertainment for those 21+. Proving it is not just for kids! Consider these 3 Pub Crawl Ideas for Adults at Disney.
14. See a Liberty-Bell Replica
Step back into colonial America times when you enter Liberty Square, in Magic Kingdom. Guests can see a replica of the Liberty Bell and Liberty Tree. Read, 5 things people do not notice in Liberty Square.
15. Get a Behind the scenes look at Elephants
For guests who are fascinated by Elephants, this affordable $30 tour is for you. Caring For Giants is an hour long outdoor tour brings guests up close to Animal Kingdom’s majestic African Elephants. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate. Get closer than ever before to the African Elephants that call Animal Kingdom home (80-100 feet away) and learn more about the care for these giant animals at Kilimanjaro Safaris.
16. Go Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding at Disney World is offered at Tri-Circle-D Ranch at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. For ages 9 and up, cost is $55 per person.
17. Watch Disney Movies under the stars
Disney World Resorts offer Movies under the stars. This allows guests to watch Complimentary movie screenings outdoors at Disney Resorts. Check with the front desk for schedule.
18. Take Part in a Secret Mission at Epcot
Disney Phineas and Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure is a free game, sign up at the Agent P kiosk at the International Gateway or on the Odyssey Bridge between Future World and World Showcase. Complete your secret missions before time runs out!
19. See a Backwards Water Fountain
The Reverse Fountain at Epcot defies gravity. Be sure to visit the Reverse waterfall fountain in Future World, outside of Journey Into Imagination With Figment, where the water flows up instead of down!
20. Soar in a Hot-Air Balloon
Soar over Disney Springs in a helium balloon with Aerophile—The World Leader in Balloon Flight. Guests go up to 400 feet in the air, and enjoy panoramic views for up to 10 minutes above Disney Springs. Cost is $20 for adults and $15 for children (age 3-9).
21. Rent a Surrey Bike
Guests can rent a 2-person, 4-person or 6-person Surrey Bike. Cost is $25. Locations: Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Disney’s Old Key West Resort , Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter & Riverside and more.
22. See a Lego Serpent
Find the LEGO store at Disney Springs and look to the water. Find Brickley The Sea Serpent, a massive Lego display in the water of Disney Springs. Other LEGO structures are found around The Lego Store.
23. Camp at Disney World
Guests can bring their own tent, or rent from Disney and camp at Ft. Wilderness campgrounds. This is a cheap way to stay on Disney property and still get all the benefits of staying at a Disney Resort.
24. Visit Chip n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long for free
A s’mores kit is available for purchase from the Chuckwagon Snack Bar (or bring your own). Roast Marshmallows and listen to music. Plus, enjoy a visit from Chip n’ Dale for pictures and autographs. Free for all Disney guests, not just those staying at Resort.
25. Take a Horse-Drawn carriage ride
Take your family on a Horse Drawn Carriage Rides at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside or Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Each carriage fits up to 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 small children. The cost is $45 for 25 minutes.
26. Take a boat to Disney Springs
Disney Transportation is complimentary for those staying at Disney Resorts. This includes boat transportation. Instead of taking a bus to Disney Springs, enjoy a relaxing boat ride. Available from: Disney’s Port Orleans Resort—French Quarter & Riverside, Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.
27. Free Restaurant Tours
Consider, The Culinary Tour at Animal Kingdom Lodge. This 30-minute tour happens at the Boma and Jiko restaurants and includes samples! Or consider, the Wonders of Wilderness Lodge tour. Even if you are not staying at the resort, any guests may still take a tour.
28. Relax in the Hub
The Central Plaza Area is also known as The Hub is the perfect place to stop and relax. It is a picnic perfect area, since Disney World allows small coolers into the parks – a picnic is possible! The Hub contains a beautiful water fountain which lights up in the evening, statues, topiaries and grassy areas to sit. Find this area just before Cinderella’s Castle on Main St USA.
29. Magic Shots
There are various PhotoPass Photographers located around Disney World that can add a Magic touch to your photo, known as Magic Shots. Be sure to ask the photographer for any Magic Shots. See a complete list of magic shots available.
30. Defeat Villains
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
Head to the Fire House on Main st to register and receive your special map. From there, proceed to your first spell casting portal and use your spell card to defeat Disney Villains. Plus, the spell cards are yours to keep.
31. Stay Late
Main St USA stays open later than the attractions in Magic Kingdom. Therefore guests can actually stay up to 1 hour late in Magic Kingdom, save your shopping for this time.
32. Go On Unlimited Water Slide Rides
Debating between a Value Vs. Moderate Resort at Disney World? If your kids like water slides you may want to go Moderate. As Disney Moderate Resorts contain a water slide at their main pool. This makes pool time even more fun with unlimited water slide rides.
33. Play Mini Golf Or Visit ESPN Wide World of Sports For Free
Guests staying at Disney World Resorts will receive vouchers, one for each person in your party. For a free round of mini-golf and a visit to ESPN Wide World of Sports (during events only, check website for events).
34. Be In The Show
In Hollywood Studios, the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! pulls adults from the audience to participate. Be prepared to get dressed up!
35. Meet Disney Characters at your Disney Resort
Did you know you may just happen upon a Disney Character at your Disney Resort? Here are Tips to meet Disney characters at your Resort.
Learn more tips and tricks for your next Walt Disney World vacation. Destinations in Florida can also help you add tips and tricks to your next vacation.