Disney World in Florida may be one of the most popular entertainment resorts in the world. However there some hidden secrets that even the reported 58 million annual visitors may not know about.
These secrets compiled by experts at AttractionTickets.com can add a little extra magic to your trip. From a secret entrance that could help you steer clear of crowds, to queues with interactive elements such as a lost archaeologist ‘stuck’ at the bottom of the well, these hacks should fill your Disney World trip with even more fun and magic.
Eavesdrop on conversations between Disney characters on hidden phones in the Magic Kingdom
You may not be able to have actual conversations with your favourite Disney characters, however you can do the next best thing. Locate an old-fashioned telephone inside The Chapeau on Main Street, Magic Kingdom where you can listen in to clandestine conversations between Disney characters.
The only place to meet The Beast is at the Be Our Guest restaurant
If you were ever curious about what it would be like to meet the Beast, wonder no more. Dine at the Be Our Guest restaurant and say hello to the friendliest Beast in the Disney-sphere.
Demand is high for the restaurant which is the only place where you can meet The Beast. Reservations open 60 days in advance and are almost always fully booked on the day, so be sure you plan your visit early.
Belle meanwhile likes to get out and about, so she won't be there at the restaurant. Instead, search for Belle in the rest of the Magic Kingdom, perhaps she is may be holed up in a library somewhere.
It is impossible to take a bad photo at Walt Disney World
You don't have to be an influencer to appreciate camera-friendly locations. Reports suggest that all castles' south-facing design means the sun can never ruin your photograph.
Hunt for all the hidden Mickeys
Mickey Mouse epitomises Disney which is why there are hundreds of hidden Mickeys around the entire Walt Disney resort. Give your competitive spirit a Disney twist and create a Mickey Mouse treasure hunt for your family.
This is the exact time you can watch animals being fed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge
Animal lovers can revel in the incredible experience of seeing animals being fed at Disney World. You don't have to be a resident staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge to see this - visitors passing through on the day can also be part of the audience.
Make sure you are there between 4pm and 5pm when the animals chow down on their evening meal.
Pull the rope in the Indiana Jones queue at Hollywood Studios for a surprise
Queues may be tedious and tiring, especially if you have a boisterous family in tow. No matter how big the urge to jump the line, stay put because some queues at Disney World have interactive elements to make the wait more fun.
Whilst in line for the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, look out for a rope and a sign which says Do Not Pull. Be a rebel with a cause and pull the rope, because you will hear the voice of an archaeologist ‘stuck’ at the bottom of the well.
Take home your own personalised fan when you visit the China pavilion in Epcot
Every trip to Walt Disney World should be memorable and this secret means you can take a piece of the magic home with you. At the China pavilion in Epcot, you can purchase a fan and have it personalised in Chinese for free, which is the perfect keepsake or gift for a loved one.
Tell Guest Services if it is your birthday and enjoy a free treat
Feel like a prince or princess on your birthday by picking up a birthday celebration button from the front desk. Enjoy freebies and plenty of birthday wishes as you make your way through the resort on your special day.
Find hidden animal exhibits in the Animal Kingdom
If you love to explore and seek out adventure, then this secret is for you. Take yourself and your family on a self-guided animal tour.
There are many hidden animal exhibits tucked away across the park, waiting to be discovered. Say hello to the hippos and mingle with the meerkat.
The Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail located at the exit of Kilimanjaro Safaris is also a popular destination for people of all ages.
Make Snow White magically appear with this queuing hack
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a fun hack worth queuing for. Look out for the seven rotating barrels.
If you are able to get them spinning at the same time then a projection of Snow White will magically appear and dance across the ceiling.
Spot the Cinderella illusion in Fantasyland
Some parts of Walt Disney World are seen best through the eyes of a child. Head over to the Cinderella fountain in Fantasyland and kneel down to a child’s height.
Suddenly you will see a crown appears right on top of Cinderella’s head. Disney Imagineers use tricks like this all of the time to customise the parks for its guests and to make sure there is plenty to explore at the child’s sightline.
You don’t need to be in the Magic Kingdom to enjoy fireworks
In order to get one of the best views of the fireworks you need to grab yourself a space at the hub, right in front of Cinderella’s castle. Ensure you arrive at least 60 - 90 minutes before the beginning of the display.
If the area is already packed, there are other places outside the Magic Kingdom where you can watch the fireworks. Enjoy views from anywhere around the Seven Seas Lagoon, the beach at Polynesian Village, California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and the boat at Wilderness Lodge.
Make sure to double-check the start time of the display as this changes from season to season.
The secret entrance will save you time and help avoid crowds
To get from Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Epcot and avoid a time-consuming change at the Transportation and Ticket Centre, take a scenic pedestrian walkway between the two. The path isn’t overly sign-posted so only those in the know, will be aware it is there.
When leaving Hollywood Studios turn left. The entrance is behind the bus stop area.
It is a 25-30 minute walk and you’ll see Disney’s Boardwalk and a few resort hotels before arriving at the International Gateway entrance to Epcot, at the back of the park. It is also less crowded and right near the World Showcase where you can stop off for a tasty snack and drink after your walk.
