There are countless experiences across Walt Disney World property that provide for a memorable family vacation. Seeing the fireworks, meeting Mickey Mouse, and eating at the popular restaurants tend to be on everyone’s lists. But there are a handful of forgotten Disney experiences that are worth your time!
Here are the top six unknown Disney experiences you should prioritize in your next Disney vacation!
Colors of Coronado Painting Experience
This one-of-a-kind experience takes place at Toledo on the top floor of the Grand Destino Tower. Be inspired by the beautiful views of Walt Disney World and create your own masterpiece to take home! This two-hour class is led by local artists and occurs every Friday from 1-3p.m. You get to walk away with your own 11″ x 14″ canvas, and the experience is only $35 per person.
This class can be booked up to 60 days in advance and can fill up quickly. Make sure you get your spot saved as soon as possible! Find more information here.
Capture Your Moment
Ever wanted a professional, private photography setting for you and your family inside a Disney Park? Disney Photopass is now offering “Capture Your Moment” in each one of the major Disney Theme Parks at Walt Disney World!
Each session is 20 minutes long and gives you the ability to visit at least two different locations inside the same park. Disney does give the option to book two sessions back to back to give your family more time to capture the memories!
Celebrating an adoption? Birthday? First trip to Disney? Bachelorette party? This is such a great experience to add onto your family’s vacation to hold on to those memories forever. The photographer will discuss available locations at the beginning of the session. You can then customize what is right for you and your family!
Each session is $99, but none of the photos are included. If you have Memory Maker, or a qualifying Annual Pass, all of the photos will be eligible for a complimentary download.
Some things to not: There are occasionally same-day reservations available if you have not made an advanced reservation. You must also have a park ticket and a park reservation for the day and location you have booked. The maximum party size is 8 people. The official Disney page for this experience can be found here.
Behind the Seeds
The Land Pavilion at EPCOT is more than just the location of Soarin. Living with the Land is a beloved attraction, and now has an amazing one-hour walking tour for you to learn more! You are invited behind the “seeds” of four greenhouses and the fish farm. Learn about their forward-thinking agricultural techniques and how they supply the surrounding restaurants.
The tour is offered in many time slots every day, and is $35 per person. We recommend riding Living with the Land just before your tour so you can get a full picture of what your are seeing. There is also no age-limit on this tour. Feel free to bring the whole family! The official Behind the Seeds page with Disney is here.
Caring for Giants
Every pass the elephants on Kilimanjaro Safaris and want to spend more time learning about them? Now is your chance! The Caring for Giants Tour is a one-hour walking tour giving you a new look at these beautiful creatures. You even get a nametag that is made out of 85% elephant poop!
This tour happens almost daily, and is $35 per person. Caring for Giants is available to book 60 days in advance online or over the phone.
Things to note: Guests must be four years or older. The elephants are viewed at a distance, and no petting of them is involved. There is also a limited area where photos are allowed. Separate theme park admission is required. The official Caring for Giants Tour page with Disney is here.
Up Close with Rhinos
The White Rhinoceros is the second largest and animal in the world. Go learn about the intricacies of this massive animal from passionate experts! The most unique part of this tour – you DO get to pet the rhinos if they are up for interacting with the Guests!
This tour happens almost daily, and is $45 per person. Up Close with Rhinos is available to book 60 days in advance online or over the phone. Guests must be four years or older. The official Up Close with Rhinos Tour page with Disney is here.
Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise
Looking for a unique way to view Magic Kingdom fireworks? Watching them from Seven Seas Lagoon is an incredibly magical way to do that! Not only do you have a view of the fireworks over the water, there are plenty of yummy bite-sized snacks for the whole family. Crackers, cheese, cupcakes, oh my!
When you board the boat, you are handed some blue champagne to kick off the fun! There are also signature drinks (alcohol and non-alcoholic) for the whole family. The boat takes off 50 minutes before the fireworks begin, giving you plenty of time to snack and sip.
While the parents sip on their bubbly, the kids can do the Hidden Mickey scavenger hunt! Each child is given a special flashlight and are tasked to find nine Hidden Mickeys around the ferry. Adding to the Mickey Mouse fun, everyone is handed special “Mickey Vision” glasses. These make the fireworks even more magical, transforming your whole viewing experience.
This experience happens most evenings during the week. Advanced reservations are highly encouraged. The cost is $99 for adults, and $69 for kids ages 3-9. The official Disney Ferrytale Dessert page can be found here.
Many of these experiences offer discounts for Annual Passholders, Cast Members, and Chase Disney Visa Card holders. Be sure to ask about discounts when you book to see if you are eligible!
