If you think you’ve done ALL that there is to do in Disney World — you’re (probably) WRONG. In fact, there are some things that very FEW people have done or will ever get the chance to do in the Most Magical Place on Earth!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Disney World has no shortage of ICONIC rides, attractions, and snacks that guests know and love. But there’s so much more to experience. Even if you’ve been to Disney World hundreds (or thousands) of times, there are still some epic experiences that most people have NEVER done.
Whether you’re a Disney World newbie or a seasoned pro, the sheer amount of entertainment options — and edible options — throughout the parks and resorts means that there’s almost always something new to discover in the Most Magical Place on Earth!
Disney Springs!
Here are 25 things that very FEW guests have done in Disney World! How many of them have YOU done? Tell us in the comments after reading this article!
1 — Stayed in the Cinderella Castle
You might stand a better chance of winning the lottery than actually earning a chance to stay overnight in the Cinderella Castle Suite 😂, but it’s still technically possible!
Cinderella Castle Suite ©Disney
Filled with Disney princess-worthy furniture, a glass slipper (naturally), and a magic mirror, the Cinderella Castle Suite is a once-in-a-lifetime lodging experience in the heart of Magic Kingdom! In the past, Disney let guests win the chance to stay here during the Year of a Million Dreams.
Since then it’s essentially become the most exclusive hotel room in the entire resort and isn’t currently available to book like a normal room. Instead, it’s usually reserved for special guests like those who win a contest or VIPs and celebs. Still, we’ll keep wishing upon a star for it!
Click here to go INSIDE the Castle Suite!
2 — Gotten Archery Lessons
When most folks think of activities at Disney World, they probably think of going on rides or eating Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bars. Practicing with bows and arrows? Not so much.
Archery
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers numerous outdoorsy and adventurous activities, and archery lessons is one of them! Ya know, in case you’ve always wanted to be Merida.
Click here to see how to camp at Disney World!
3 — Enjoyed Dinner And a Show
Dinner in Disney World is an obvious must, but dinner with a side of toe-tapping entertainment? Now we’re REALLY talking!
Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue
The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is a super fun show that provide some family-friendly entertainment with dinner! Because what goes better with fried chicken than some all-American line dancing?! And, this show is about to open it’s doors again on June 23rd!
Click here to learn more about Hoop-Dee-Doo!
4 — Eaten at Victoria & Albert’s
For a VERY different kind of dining experience, look no further than the ritziest Disney World restaurant of them all: Victoria & Albert’s.
Tagliatelle Pasta with Italian White Truffles
Note that currently Victoria & Albert’s is closed but is scheduled to reopen on July 28th. When this fine dining restaurant in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa reopens (and assuming you can snag a reservation!), this luxe tasting menu experience is one you’ll need to check off that Disney bucket list. And if you splurge and get a seat at the EXTRA fancy Chef’s Table in the kitchen you’ll surely have a delicious story to tell!
Click here to see our full review of Victoria & Albert’s from before the park closures!
5 — Gotten a Haircut on Main Street, U.S.A.
Need a haircut while on vacation in Disney World? No problem! Just take a seat for the most magical haircut of your life at the Harmony Barber Shop in Magic Kingdom!
Barber Shop on Main Street, U.S.A.
It’s true: there really IS a full-service barber shop in Disney World, offering cuts and trims for all ages! While you won’t be able to get a dye job or anything too wild here, it’s a fun way to freshen up your ‘do and add a little pixie dust to your look.
Note that the Harmony Barber Shop is currently unavailable but will be reopening on July 31st.
Click here to learn more about Magic Kingdom!
6 — Played Carnival Games
Typically, carnival games are reserved for…well, carnivals! But classic Americana-style boardwalk games (you know, the types involving basketballs and squirt guns) can also be found in Disney World!
Basically a carnival!
Notably, you can get in on the action at the underrated BoardWalk area and also in DinoLand U.S.A. in Animal Kingdom!
Click here to see our ultimate guide to Animal Kingdom for 2022!
7 — Explored the Discovery Island Trails
Speaking of Animal Kingdom, there’s a lot to discover here, and probably a whole bunch of things you’ve never even explored! In addition to popular walking trails like the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and the Maharajah Jungle Trek, there’s actually a THIRD trail that’s more of a hidden secret!
So Beautiful!
Nestled in the shadows of the Tree of Life, the Discovery Island Trails wind their way around the base of the iconic Animal Kingdom landmark, providing amazing new views of the Tree, as well as new opportunities for animal-spotting!
8 — Gone Swimming…in EPCOT!
Generally speaking, diving into a tank of water in Disney World is frowned upon and not allowed. But at EPCOT (under very specific conditions) you can do just that!
Ready to Scuba?!
For those who are SCUBA certified, you can actually dive into the tanks in the Seas with Nemo & Friends for a 40-minute DiveQuest tour! Like, for real! Not SCUBA certified? No problem — you can opt for the Aqua Tour and do some snorkeling, or get to know the dolphins with the Seas Adventures Dolphins in Depth experience.
Note that all of these experiences are temporarily unavailable. Check for updates ahead of your next trip!
Click here for our ultimate guide to EPCOT for 2022!
9 — Taken a Shot at the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade
Like the carnival games, the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade in Magic Kingdom is an interactive attraction that most guests walk right past!
The Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade
Considering the fact that guests are probably walking speedily along to the big Frontierland rides like Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, we get why it can be an easy oversight. But the Wild West-style shooting gallery can be a nice activity to do when you need a break from the go-go-go. It’s filled with almost 100 targets to aim at and is FREE to enjoy!
Click here to learn more about Frontierland in Magic Kingdom!
10 — Sailed Around in an Amphicar
You’ve probably seen them a hundred times in Disney Springs, but how many of you have ACTUALLY been in one of those Amphicars? We didn’t think so! 😉
Amphicars
The amphibious cars literally drive into the water and act like boats, providing a unique ride option outside the parks! So the next time you’re by The BOATHOUSE, hop aboard for a 20-minute ride! The cost isn’t exactly cheap at $125, but each car can generally seat up to three guests so if you split the cost it isn’t too bad. Plus you can say you road a boat/car in Disney Springs — how cool is that?!
Click here to see our full review about the Amphicar ride and whether it’s worth the cash!
11 — Seen Disney Springs and More from the SKY
There’s ANOTHER attraction in Disney Springs that you’ve probably seen a LOT, but have never actually experienced!
Well Hello There Giant Balloon!
We’re talking about the impossible-to-miss Aerophile — a helium-filled balloon flight that takes guests up into the sky (up to 400 feet!!) above Disney Springs with views for DAYS. It’s not for those with a fear of heights, but it’s certainly an under-the-radar experience that goes over-the-top in the best way possible! At $25 per adult and $20 for kids, it’s not terribly expensive and could be an awesome experience to add to your next Disney trip!
Click here to see more about what you can do in Disney Springs!
12 — Gone Horseback Riding
Another option for outdoor recreation at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground involves a little equestrian fun!
Horseback riding at Fort Wilderness
Tri-Circle-D Ranch offers horseback rides, which can be fun for the whole fam, especially those looking to get out in nature a little bit while also pretending like they’re part of a Magic Kingdom Cavalcade. 😂 The 45-minute trail riding experience is $55 per person (guests 9 and up) or little ones can saddle up for a pony ride.
13 — Earned Wilderness Explorer Badges in Animal Kingdom
A free activity in Disney World sounds almost too good to be true, right? Well, free activities DO exist and one of the ones you might want to try is the Wilderness Explorer activity in Animal Kingdom!
Wilderness Explorers Handbook
The Wilderness Explorers Guide is a totally FREE handbook that’s awesome for adventurous kiddos — and kiddos at heart! Snag one from any of the Troop Leader locations in the park and embark on a scavenger hunt full of fun tasks to perform at stations throughout Animal Kingdom in order to receive badges. If you’ve completed your guide and gotten ALL of the badges, drop us a comment below ’cause that’s a seriously impressive accomplishment!
Click here to see what things are still FREE in Disney World!
14 — Taken an Animation Class
Another fun freebie you can enjoy in Disney World are the complimentary drawing classes! That’s right — you can live out your dreams of becoming a Disney animator(!) or just take the opportunity to laugh at how bad your friends’ drawings are and NEVER let that down. 😂
Ready. Set. DRAW!
For kids and adults alike who are feeling particularly inspired by the animated atmosphere, you can attend free classes taught by animators throughout the day. In the past, we’ve seen these offered at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. The offering there may be suspended or simply unavailable at the moment — be sure to check with the hotel ahead of your visit.
But not to worry, you can still head to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to get your draw on. Just stop by The Animation Experience over at Conservation Station and see just whose drawing should go on the fridge, and whose will serve as Instagram blackmail! 🤣
Want to try your hand at drawing Disney characters at home? Click her to check out some videos!
15 — Checked Out Chip ’n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long
The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort are underrated in general, but so is one of the campground’s best experiences!
Campfire Sing-A-Long
Chip ’n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long is a fun way for kids to meet some of Disney’s cutest woodland creatures, roast some marshmallows, and then follow it all up with a movie under the stars! It’s a great way to meet characters outside of the parks without having to pay for any kind of character meal!
Note that the Chip ‘n’ Dale Campfire Sing-A-Long is temporarily unavailable. Check to see if this has changed ahead of your next trip!
16 — Stayed in a Bungalow
Though a LOT less economical than camping and roasting marshmallows, the bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort are no less memorable! Seriously, these things are bucket list-worthy!
Bora Bora Bungalow at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
These high-end cottage-style accommodations on the Seven Seas Lagoon are definitely some of the coolest places you can stay in Disney World. They come with their very own dip pool and some EPIC views of the fireworks from Magic Kingdom. But these AIN’T CHEAP! These bungalows can set you back $3,000-$5,000 though they do sleep 8 people.
Considering the cost and the fact that there aren’t very many of them, it’s something that most guests have never done (and something many guests might never do!).
Click here to see the 10 most EXCLUSIVE places to stay in Disney World!
17 — Gone Golfing!
Mini golf is an awesome activity to do at Disney World (and can be very underrated), but did you know you can also play a FULL round of ACTUAL golf?
Get In! Let’s Go Golfing!
There are four golf courses in Disney World, each one beautifully manicured and full of fun for golf aficionados (and those who are just along for the ride). So the next time you’re in Disney World and itching to tee off, you have no shortage of underrated options! And don’t forget you can also play FootGolf (yes, it is basically what it sounds like) too!
Click here to learn more about FootGolf!
18 — Participate in a runDisney Race
Typically, the only racing we do in Disney World involves making a beeline to Trolley Car Cafe first thing in the AM to get that coffee in our veins, but there are also ACTUAL races that guests can compete in too!
2022 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Dopey Challenge Medals
runDisney hosts races each year, which prove to be quite popular among many travelers! For the average Disney-goer, it might not be something on the typical itinerary, but it’s something to consider experiencing at least once.
A smaller race, like a 5K, can easier one for even non-runners to participate in. And along the run you’ll get to see unique characters and beautiful Disney sights you may have never seen before! Or you can simply congratulate those who you see in the parks with their medals!
Click here to see the runDisney races and events schedule!
19 — Gone Bowling!
For a more leisurely sporting activity that can also involve some seriously good eats, how about a round of bowling?!
Bowling Alley Lanes
Disney World’s signature bowling alley is Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Disney Springs. It’s a fun and contemporary spot with impressive food and drinks to pair with a relaxing afternoon of indoor bowling fun. Bring out your competitive side and see just how many strikes you can score!
Click here to see our review of some of the tasty treats at Splitsville!
20 — Taken a Photo with…a Polar Bear?!
You’ve probably taken lots of photos in Disney World with all kinds of characters and park icons, but have you taken a photo with…a polar bear?!
Polar Bear
It’s not a real polar bear (of course) — it’s the Coca-Cola Bear! This photo op is VERY underrated and many guests probably don’t even know it exists! To find this unique character, you’ll want to head to the Coca-Cola Store in Disney Springs, where the Coca-Cola Polar Bear can typically be found taking photos on the second floor.
Note that the Polar Bear Photo Op is temporarily unavailable. Check to see what has changed ahead of your trip.
21 — Had Alcohol at Magic Kingdom
Compared to the other parks, it’s significantly more difficult to get an alcoholic drink in Magic Kingdom! They’re mostly only available at Table Service restaurants, the number of which pale in comparison to the number of Counter Service spots here.
One of the few places that serves alcohol
Couple that already small number with the fact that some of the table service restaurants here, like Be Our Guest Restaurant and Cinderella’s Royal Table, are notoriously difficult to get into, and you, like many others, may have just opted for LeFou’s Brew instead (which is non-alcoholic by the way!). You can also get alcohol at things like the Fireworks Dessert Parties, but unless you’re already splurging for that experience it might not be an option.
Heading to EPCOT instead? Click here to see the 1 drink you should get from each EPCOT pavilion!
22 — Watched Awesome Planet in EPCOT
Awesome Planet is a wildly under-the-radar attraction. Like Living with the Land or Reflections of China, it’s more about education than thrilling entertainment, so perhaps it’s no surprise that most families skip it en route to Soarin’ Around the World.
Awesome Planet
The next time you have the time, though, and you’re curious to learn more about planet Earth in an immersive theater experience, you might want to stop by Awesome Planet. It might just surprise you with its beautiful imagery and great message! We might just venture to say it’s…awesome! 😉
Click here to see more about Awesome Planet!
23 — Gotten the High Score on Toy Story Mania
We’ve all been there. We’re riding Toy Story Mania, firing away at targets so rapidly that by the end of the ride our arms are sore! Yet somehow our score is still shockingly low?!
Toy Story Mania
There are some serious sharpshooters are who get the daily (and weekly or monthly) high scores on Toy Story Mania though — have you been one of them?! If not, it’s time to start practicing that aim and getting your hands/arms into shape for next time!
24 — Listened to the Piano Player at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
There’s a lot more to the ornate lobby at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa than quick photo sessions with Christmas trees and gingerbread houses.
Piano
In fact, one of our favorite underrated pastimes in Disney World is simply sitting down and marveling at the talented live pianists who make appearances here. It’s one of the loveliest and most relaxing things you can do in Disney!
25 — Dined With an Imagineer
You’ve dined with Mickey Mouse and Pluto before, but dining with a Disney Imagineer? Now that’s NEXT level!
The Hollywood Brown Derby
In the past, Disney World has offered this elite experience, where guests get the chance to dine with Imagineers at restaurants like The Hollywood Brown Derby or Citricos. During their meal, the guests get to learn all about the wonders of Imagineering! It’s a thrilling, fascinating, and RARE treat!
Note that the Dine with an Imagineer offering is not currently available. Check to see if that changes ahead of your next trip.
Imagine eating Cobb Salad with an Imagineer!
So just in case your Disney World bucket list wasn’t already a mile long, those are 25 more options to add to it!
How many of these have you already done? Which ones will you check off of your list during your next trip to Disney? Tell us in the comments. And stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news, tips, and tricks!
Click here to see 22 things Disney Pros NEVER do!
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We spent multiple days between two Disney trips getting all of the wilderness explorer badges at animal kingdom. The kids were so excited to get their actual badges at the end as listed in the book. Turns out that’s not a real thing. The cast members were so sweet when we brought them the complete books. They were in shock we actually finished the books and said that they feel bad when someone actually gets all the badges because it’s a let down that there is nothing at the end of it. Of course there is the fun of the experience and sense of accomplishment which is great! It would have been enough to do it just for that had they not put in the books what “badges” you get for completing each number of stops. They gave us a sticker and told us that we could put the sticker on one of the pins and then they wrote on it a note about being wilderness explorers, so in typical Disney fashion the cast members were amazing and sweet. It was a letdown though.
Only 10
6
Loving the golfing activity! This will be added to our up and coming trip! I just need to do some research now as to where and when it takes place!
I suspect even the teenager will be impressed at the Mickey golf buggy!!
Thanks DFB for another great activity 🙂
Played Carnival Games at Dino Land
Walked Discovery Island Trails
Did Dive Quest at Epcot (Highly Recommended)
Frontierland Shootin
Aerophile (at night) I recommend a night flight, after the parks close, weather permitting
Animation Class at Animal Kingdom (Flick)
Golfing (have played Magnolia, Lake and Eagle as well as Winter Summer Land Putt Putt)
Alcohol in MK (although I don’t know why this is something special)
Awesome Planet
Hight Score at Toy Story (and Buzz Lightyear as well)
We have done the scuba dive at Epcot 3 times and loved it every time. We loved going up to the windows of the Coral Reef Restaurant to interact with the diners. Well worth the price.
We have had alcohol at times at some of the restaurants, but we aren’t big drinkers.
Those are the only two things in the list we have done!
Only 10 as well…enjoyed them all
Only two for me: I was treated to a celebratory meal at Victoria and Albert and I listened to the pianist play in the lobby of the Grand Floridian because I was too full from a meal eaten at 1900 Park Fare to go back to my hotel room.
Just 6- Amphicar in Disney Springs, Wilderness Explorers, Polar Bear Photo, Grown Up Beverage in MK, Piano Player at GF, Awesome Planet at Epcot… they were good ones!
I’ve only done 9 of these, but i was aware of the others… we have dined with an animal specialist tho, so im counting that as a bonus haha!
So – 25 things you can do, except you can’t do 18 of them right now (or ever) and three are so expensive no one can do and, oh, yes, four are things you can do ANYWHERE (like bowling and riding a horse). So – kind of a clickbait list, I guess. (For the record, we HAVE done all of the things here you can do or at least would reasonably WANT to do. But there are far better things NOT mentioned, like doing the behind the scenes Land tour).
18
In 2000 my son (7 at the time) got to be a guest actor in the Hoop-De-Do Revue. It was one of the highlights of our trip.
Done most, been an extra at Indiana Stunt Spectacular Show, Been on Stage at the Tim Allen/Home Improvement Show as Al Borlan, been in the storm water chair at the back stage Navy show, done Victoria and Alberts, and the (Now Defunct) Spirit of Aloha show, done the Behind the Seeds tour at Epcot, Behind the Magic Tour at MK, Segway around the World Tour at Epcot, River Country twice. How about the Wilderness Lodge tour, or the Richard Petty Driving Experience at the “Mic-Yard” outside the MK or the rental of the Water-Mice at the Contemporary Marina. Most of the above is lost to history and not even offered anymore. Disney was much more fun in the 1990’s…
18. But have been going since 1974, so lots of chances to do many of them.
Sub Grand Californian piano player for Grand Floridian and I’ve got five.
Then there is riding in the Monorail Cab, and enjoying the Dueling Piano’s show at Jellyrolls, and then there was the short lived Swan Boats in the MK and the Surfing school at Typhoon Lagoon, or the Osborne Family Lights or the Wilderness Campground Train Service. If they brought back one tenth of what they took away, WDW would be much better.
The diving and dinner at V&A I’ve done several times as well. Too bad some of the more exciting Explorer trails don’t exist anymore at DAK.
Some more unique experiences that could go on the list:
– Do the full-day Backstage Magic tour
– Ride shotgun at Kilimanjaro Safari (Don’t know if they are still allowed to do it, but during the soft opening phase of DAK, I had a friend who worked as a driver at Kilimanjaro Safari and he would invite me to sit up front with him and would let me do several rounds.)
– Enjoy a jazz concert on weekends at the Scat Cat Loung in Port Orleans French Quarter or the musical comedy of Yeehaw Bob at Riverside.
– Another must do for me are the Voices of Liberty and Carol, the piano lady at the American Adventure.
– Watch the sun rise at Riviera Resorts quiet pool with a cup of tea and the amazing cinnamon roll from the Quick Service place.
– Do the guided tours at Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Excellent suggestions, Marc! Thank you so much for sharing.