7 Secret Things You Must Experience On Your 2016 Disney World Vacation
Disney World has been one of the favorite family vacation spots since the park opened in 1971. They’re going on 45 years of being in the business of good, family fun in one of the United States’s most popular destination states.
Thanks to the simple meal plans, fast-pass ride passes, Disney apps for estimated wait times, and hotel resorts surrounding the parks, the park provides an all-inclusive experience for families. What’s more, it’s a vacation adults can enjoy too.
That being said, the fun at Disney’s largest theme park isn’t all that meets the eye. There are actually several incredible experiences guests can enjoy that the majority of park visitors don’t know about. Here are several secret Disney World experiences you have to try.
Sleep in Cinderella’s Castle
There’s a special place for lodging built right in the middle of Disney World in Cinderella’s Castle. You can’t simply purchase a night in this hotel. You must win a contest hosted by Disney. Every day you spend in Disney World, you can put your name in a drawing to win a four-night stay in Cinderella’s Castle, including passes for a five-day excursion in the park.
Try “The Grey Stuff” at Be Our Guest
One of the more upper-end dining establishments in Disney World is called Be Our Guest, and it’s fashioned to look like the ballroom in the film Beauty and the Beast. As you might recall, a line from the song “Be Our Guest” says, “Try the grey stuff; it’s delicious.” “The grey stuff” isn’t on the menu, but if you ask your waiter or waitress for it, they’ll bring some out for you to try.
Find a Fast Pass on Tom Sawyer’s Island
Want a VIP pass for any ride in the park? Visit Tom Sawyer’s Island. If you see a paint brush (yellow handle with dried white paint on the bristles), be sure to scoop it up. Locate the nearest park employee, and they’ll get you free fast pass tickets for everyone in your party that’s good for one ride. When you consider the fact that many rides in the park have lines that can last three hours during the busy season, this is one experience you don’t want to pass up!
Spot Mr. Toad
Back in the day, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride was a very popular attraction for children. However, as the park evolved, the ride was replaced by The Many Adventures of Winnie the Poo ride. But if you look closely at the artwork displayed throughout the ride, you’ll find an image of Owl dancing with Mr. Toad. In addition, there’s a tombstone for Mr. Toad at The Haunted Mansion graveyard.
Find Mickey’s Silhouette
For a fun game to keep the kids happy while you’re walking around or standing in line, look around you for Mickey Mouse. His silhouette is incorporated in several aspects of the design throughout the park, including on rugs, along fences, and on the sides of staircases.
Visit the Secret Apartment on Main Street
When you’re walking down Main Street, look for the USA fire house. Not many visitors realize that there’s a secret apartment above the fire house that guests can tour.
Tour the Captain’s Quarters
There’s much more to see on the Mark Twain River Boat ride than Tom Sawyer’s Island. If you ask the ship’s pilot to visit the captain’s room, he or she will take that as a code that grants you access to the room where the ship is piloted out of. It’s just one of the many secret experiences you and your family can enjoy on the next trip to Walt Disney World.
[Photo by Handout/Getty Images]
