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5 Magical Experiences You Won’t Want to Skip at Disney

As we plan our Walt Disney World vacations, it is easy to make sure the big must-do experiences get done.  We know when we are going to watch Disney Enchantment, ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistances, meet Mickey and Minnie, and eat our favorite character meal.

What about those magical experiences that you often skip right over when visiting Walt Disney World?  We understand that it isn’t possible to experience all the magic that Walt Disney World has to offer, but these five magical experiences are ones that we would highly recommend adding to your Disney plans.

Gorilla Exploration Trail
Credit: Disney

Do the Trails- Disney’s Animal Kingdom

In Disney’s Animal Kingdom, everyone focuses on Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, and Kilimanjaro Safaris, and we don’t blame them as these experiences are outstanding.  But while you are visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom, don’t miss out on the trails throughout the Park as well.

One of the hidden gems in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the trails around the Tree of Life.  These trails (called Discovery Island Trails) allow Guests to get closer to the tree and truly see the beauty and detail up close.  Most Guests walk right past these trails as they head to the different rides, but slow down and make sure you experience them and the details they offer.

The other two main trails are the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail as well as the Maharajah Jungle Trek.  These two trails offer an up-close look a the gorillas and tigers that make Disney’s Animal Kingdom home.

Take some time during your day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to slow down and enjoy the beauty and details that are found in these trails.

Art of Animation Big Blue Pool
Credit: Disney Tips

Fun at the Resort

We realize that when most people travel to Walt Disney World it is to experience the four theme parks; however, we highly recommend taking some time at the resorts.  Disney’s magic surpasses the parks and finds its way to the resorts as well.

We spend hours determining where we want to stay at Walt Disney World and then often don’t take time to actually enjoy it.  Take some time to enjoy the fun afternoon activities at the pool.  Kids can compete in trivia, races and so much more.  Often this is a highlight for many kids!

Make sure to pick up an entertainment guide for your Resort as well.  You will be surprised at all the activities that happen throughout the day.  From crafts and movies under the stars, many of these fun events happen daily.  We are often so busy rushing to and from the parks that we aren’t aware of the fun and excitement happening right at our Resort.

wilderness explorers
Credit: Disney

Enjoy Free Activities

That’s right FREE activities are available in both EPCOT’s World Showcase as well as Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  Unless you are truly Disney die-hard you might not even know these activities exist.

In EPCOT around the World Showcase, kids can visit the Kid Cot stations.   Here kids are given fun activities that represent that country.  It is a great way for kids to learn, and be creative and it also gives grown-ups time to relax and even enjoy a snack or beverage of choice.

In Disney’s Animal Kingdom, kids can work to become Wilderness Explorers just like Russel in Pixar’s UP!.  Stop at headquarters located on the bridge between the Oasis and Discovery Island to get your packet and take the Wilderness pledge.  Once you have done this, you can then visit different stations throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom to learn about the animals and receive your badges.  It is a self-paced exploration that keeps kids engaged and provides them with a nice souvenir as well.  Earn all the badges and receive a price!

You can also take time to search for Hidden Mickeys throughout the Disney Parks or check out to see if your Resort has a scavenger hunt as well.  These are fun, free activities that get you experiencing some of the hidden magic that Disney does such a great job at.

Play Now App
Photo Credit: Disney

Play Disney Parks App

We spend a lot of time talking about the importance of My Disney Experience, but Disney also has an interactive app that is fun for the whole family.

Many of us remember standing in line when we were little and being bored or if we were really lucky we had an old-school game boy to play with to pass the time.  Now Disney has its very own entertainment for kids called the Play Disney Parks App.

This app is an interactive app that has trivia and games themed to the area of the Disney Park you are in.  The app offers so much including becoming a data pad and extremely interactive in Galaxy’s Edge.  Make sure you have it downloaded before heading down on your vacation.  It is an excellent way to have fun while waiting in line together.

Typhoon Lagoon Disney World

Disney Water Parks

Finally, if you have time in your schedule, consider visiting one of Disney’s water parks.  Disney has two wate parks for Guests to enjoy: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.  Currently, Typhoon Lagoon is the only one open.

 

The Disney magic expands to these fun water parks where the family can enjoy a lazy float together or take on some exciting water slides.  No matter your style, you will be able to do it at these Disney water parks.

 

These are five magical experiences that many Guests visiting Walt Disney World skip right over.  We hope that you take the time to enjoy them during your next Walt Disney World vacation.

As we plan our Walt Disney World vacations, it is easy to make sure the big must-do experiences get done.  We know when we are going to watch Disney Enchantment, ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistances, meet Mickey and Minnie, and eat our favorite character meal.

What about those magical experiences that you often skip right over when visiting Walt Disney World?  We understand that it isn’t possible to experience all the magic that Walt Disney World has to offer, but these five magical experiences are ones that we would highly recommend adding to your Disney plans.

Do the Trails- Disney’s Animal Kingdom

In Disney’s Animal Kingdom, everyone focuses on Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, and Kilimanjaro Safaris, and we don’t blame them as these experiences are outstanding.  But while you are visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom, don’t miss out on the trails throughout the Park as well.

 

One of the hidden gems in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the trails around the Tree of Life.  These trails (called Discovery Island Trails) allow Guests to get closer to the tree and truly see the beauty and detail up close.  Most Guests walk right past these trails as they head to the different rides, but slow down and make sure you experience them and the details they offer.

 

The other two main trails are the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail as well as the Maharajah Jungle Trek.  These two trails offer an up-close look a the gorillas and tigers that make Disney’s Animal Kingdom home.

 

Take some time during your day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to slow down and enjoy the beauty and details that are found in these trails.

 

Fun at the Resort

We realize that when most people travel to Walt Disney World it is to experience the four theme parks; however, we highly recommend taking some time at the resorts.  Disney’s magic surpasses the parks and finds its way to the resorts as well.

 

We spend hours determining where we want to stay at Walt Disney World and then often don’t take time to actually enjoy it.  Take some time to enjoy the fun afternoon activities at the pool.  Kids can compete in trivia, races and so much more.  Often this is a highlight for many kids!

 

Make sure to pick up an entertainment guide for your Resort as well.  You will be surprised at all the activities that happen throughout the day.  From crafts and movies under the stars, many of these fun events happen daily.  We are often so busy rushing to and from the parks that we aren’t aware of the fun and excitement happening right at our Resort.

 

Enjoy Free Activities

That’s right FREE activities are available in both EPCOT’s World Showcase as well as Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  Unless you are truly Disney die-hard you might not even know these activities exist.

 

In EPCOT around the World Showcase, kids can visit the Kid Cot stations.   Here kids are given fun activities that represent that country.  It is a great way for kids to learn, and be creative and it also gives grown-ups time to relax and even enjoy a snack or beverage of choice.

 

In Disney’s Animal Kingdom, kids can work to become Wilderness Explorers just like Russel in Pixar’s UP!.  Stop at headquarters located on the bridge between the Oasis and Discovery Island to get your packet and take the Wilderness pledge.  Once you have done this, you can then visit different stations throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom to learn about the animals and receive your badges.  It is a self-paced exploration that keeps kids engaged and provides them with a nice souvenir as well.  Earn all the badges and receive a price!

 

You can also take time to search for Hidden Mickeys throughout the Disney Parks or check out to see if your Resort has a scavenger hunt as well.  These are fun, free activities that get you experiencing some of the hidden magic that Disney does such a great job at.

 

Play Disney Parks App

We spend a lot of time talking about the importance of My Disney Experience, but Disney also has an interactive app that is fun for the whole family.

 

Many of us remember standing in line when we were little and being bored or if we were really lucky we had an old-school game boy to play with to pass the time.  Now Disney has its very own entertainment for kids called the Play Disney Parks App.

 

This app is an interactive app that has trivia and games themed to the area of the Disney Park you are in.  The app offers so much including becoming a data pad and extremely interactive in Galaxy’s Edge.  Make sure you have it downloaded before heading down on your vacation.  It is an excellent way to have fun while waiting in line together.

 

Disney Water parks

Finally, if you have time in your schedule, consider visiting one of Disney’s water parks.  Disney has two wate parks for Guests to enjoy: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.  Currently, Typhoon Lagoon is the only one open.

 

The Disney magic expands to these fun water parks where the family can enjoy a lazy float together or take on some exciting water slides.  No matter your style, you will be able to do it at these Disney water parks.

 

These are five magical experiences that many Guests visiting Walt Disney World skip right over.  We hope that you take the time to enjoy them during your next Walt Disney World vacation.

Jennifer Retzlaff

Jennifer became a lifelong Disney fan during her first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of her life. She quickly started to introduce her love of Disney to her family with a Disney honeymoon and then family trips when her youngest was 18 months old. She loves the magic that Disney brings to people through theme parks, cruises, and adventures. As a teacher, she tries to bring Disney magic into her classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” She is also part of the Magic Vacation Planner team as a personal travel advisor. With this team, she can now help others plan magical vacations. She loves bringing her love to Disney to readers with How to Disney.

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