Disney ParksPlanningTips

Hidden Gems in Disney You Won’t Want To Miss

As we plan trips to Walt Disney World,  most of us focus on the big, flashy attractions.  We want to make sure we get on top rides such as Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Avatar: Flight of Passage, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, or Big Thunder Mountain.  We agree that these are all experiences that should be on your must-do list, but we also feel like there are some hidden gems that shouldn’t be missed.

These hidden gems, found in all four Disney Parks, aren’t the big flashy attractions.  These experiences though are just magical and sometimes even become a favorite.

Take a look at these hidden gems so you don’t miss them on your next Walt Disney World vacation.

Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Trails

There are a lot of fantastic experiences throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but one that often gets overlooked is the trails.  These hidden gems are a great way to step out of the crowd, slow down, and enjoy the absolute beauty that is Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Three different trails are great hidden gems throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Right at the front of the theme Park, Guests can find the Discovery Island Trails. These trails are fantastic ways to get great, close looks at the Tree of Life. There are also a few animals hidden around on the trails, such as otters. 

The Maharajah Jungle Trek in Asia allows Guests to see the beautiful tigers, bats, and even a Komodo Dragon. Over in Africa, there are the Gorilla Trails which bring Guests closer to, you guessed it- gorillas. This is an excellent attraction that allows Guests to see gorillas interacting with one another. There are also numerous birds and hippos along these trails. 

All three of these trails are fantastic hidden gems that help Guests feel closer to the beauty of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We highly recommend that you take time to experience these trails while in the theme Park during your Disney vacation.

World Showcase

World Showcase Pavilions

Even though we love eating and drinking around the World Showcase, it is truly a big miss if you don’t slow down and enjoy the different countries.  Each of these pavilions uniquely provides Guests with a small glimpse into the country.

There are hidden gems throughout these countries.  You can find unique dining and shopping as well as beautiful gardens.  A huge hidden gem in some of these countries is the special exhibits that are featured.

In the American Adventure Pavilion, Guests can enjoy a great display focusing on Jazz in the USA. The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure tells the history of Jazz using characters from Pixar’s Soul. There are some outstanding displays from famous musicians that are so neat to see. 

Over in Japan, Guests will enjoy seeing Kawaii: Japan’s Cute Culture. This is a fun exhibit that is full of items that show off Japan’s culture. See a bedroom, bathroom, and so much more from Japan. 

We have all probably walked by the Stave Church in Norway, but how many take the time to visit? Guests can go inside the church and learn about the Gods of the Vikings. There are artifacts on display that can help Guests learn more about mythology. 

Finally, in Morocco, the Race Against the Sun display is hidden behind closed doors but make sure you seek it out. This is a great educational display that shows the tradition of off-road races throughout the Sahara desert. 

These exhibits are constantly changing and are such a hidden gem.  They really give a great insight into the country and allow Guests to explore and learn while enjoying their day.

American Adventure

Films in EPCOT

Often times we are hot and tired and aren’t sure where to rest.  There are a few films hidden throughout EPCOT that offer a great escape from the heat.  In the Land Pavilion, Guests can enjoy the beautifully created Our Awesome Planet.  This film is a great look at our planet and why we need to take care of it.

Back in the France Pavilion, Guests can enjoy Impressions de France.  This is an 18-minute film about the charm and beauty of France.  It takes turns with the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along so make sure you pay attention to what is playing.

Reflections of China is a 12-minute Circle-Vision 360 film that takes Guests through the sights and sounds of China.

Each of these films are hidden gems that can provide a great way to cool down, learn, and enjoy one of the most amazing countries in the world.

Vacation Fun Mickey Shorts Theatre
Credit :Disney

Vacation Fun- An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie

Along the same lines as the films in EPCOT, don’t miss out on the Vacation Short film in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  In a Park where you are rushing from thrill ride to thrill ride, it can be super easy to miss this hidden gem.

This short film features our beloved Mickey and Minnie (and Pluto) as they get ready for a vacation together.  It is a cute film that gets you out of the heat and allows you to relax a little during your busy day.

We all love the top rides in each of the four Disney Parks, but you don’t want to miss out on these hidden gems either.  These hidden gems are also magical experiences that bring the Disney Parks to life and add to a vacation.  We hope that you will stop during your next Disney trip to enjoy one of these hidden gems.

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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