Hidden gems

meldud · Feb 6, 2016

We are going to WDW in August for the 5th time and have a 15 and 16 year old with us. We like to have a new or different experience each time we go, mostly ..... except for the hotel..... we love the Yacht Club, lol.

We are staying Club this year, so this is new for us, but I am looking for some hidden gems please..... the sort of thing that you walk past without noticing unless you know they are there. I am sure we must be missing stuff as we go from one thing to another and are thinking of slowing down a bit, so we can see more.

Is there a book I can buy? Or do any of you have fave things you have seen or done?
We are hoping to do the Wild Africa Trek this year too.

Any help gratefully received.

mickeychickie · Feb 6, 2016

hi Meldud - have you tried the EPCOT Fireworks cruise?? It is fantastic and so much fun to see Illuminations in a whole new way... and best of all, you can take it from your resort marina and don't need a park entrance for it as you don't get off the boat. Check that out - it's super cool and really awesome. Availability is very limited, but you might get lucky

Best of luck!

meldud · Feb 6, 2016

mickeychickie said:
hi Meldud - have you tried the EPCOT Fireworks cruise?? It is fantastic and so much fun to see Illuminations in a whole new way... and best of all, you can take it from your resort marina and don't need a park entrance for it as you don't get off the boat. Check that out - it's super cool and really awesome. Availability is very limited, but you might get lucky Best of luck!

Ooh yes, we did this the first year we went as we stayed at the Beach Club then. Hubby booked it as a surprise and we ended up on a boat to ourselves (instead of sharing). It was quite expensive and we have booked meals in appropriate locations since around the world showcase instead. But illuminations is hubby fave. xx

craigkerstiens · Feb 6, 2016

There's a number of more private dining experiences, the intimate dining experience at Grand Floridian (http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/artic...ence-disneys-grand-floridian-resort-and-spa-0) or Chef's Tasting at Flying Fish (http://www.thedisneywineblog.com/2015/07/19/chefs-tasting-at-flying-fish/)

meldud · Feb 6, 2016

craigkerstiens said:
There's a number of more private dining experiences, the intimate dining experience at Grand Floridian (http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/artic...ence-disneys-grand-floridian-resort-and-spa-0) or Chef's Tasting at Flying Fish (http://www.thedisneywineblog.com/2015/07/19/chefs-tasting-at-flying-fish/)

Thanks for this.

We have a book about hidden mickeys also, so may go hunting for them this year too. So if anyone has any more hints about that sort of thing, I would be grateful.

tinkerpea · Feb 7, 2016

I 2nd a illuminations cruise, we booked one for ourselves and our best friends when we travelled and our trips over lapped, absolutely the most perfect evening.

Jon84 · Feb 8, 2016

They have just announced Afternoon Tea at Beach Club if you like that kinda thing

Tony Bush · Feb 8, 2016

There's a great book of hidden stuff - 'The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World' by Susan Veness (wife of Simon Veness who wites the Brits Guide books)
Lots of fun stuff to look out for and behind the scenes info.

Tony

Elise79 · Feb 8, 2016

Drinks & snacks in the lounges at the resorts are a fun way to relax.

meldud · Feb 8, 2016

Tony Bush said:
There's a great book of hidden stuff - 'The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World' by Susan Veness (wife of Simon Veness who wites the Brits Guide books)
Lots of fun stuff to look out for and behind the scenes info.

Tony

Ooh, hubby would love this. I will have a look online. Thanks

meldud · Feb 8, 2016

Elise79 said:
Drinks & snacks in the lounges at the resorts are a fun way to relax.

We hadn't thought of this. We have visited a few resorts to have meals but have not really spent much time watching the world go by in each one. I will run this past the hubster.

pgcmoo · Feb 8, 2016

Have you tried the Sea racers which you hire from the Contemporary ? They work out at a good price with DVC discount and you get a fab view of MK, the secret island where Animal Kingdom was going to be built. You can't go on the island but the staff will tell you about the history. We had a fab afternoon.

meldud · Feb 8, 2016

Thank you, I have not heard of this. I shall investigate now!!

Elise79 · Feb 9, 2016

pgcmoo said:
Have you tried the Sea racers which you hire from the Contemporary ? They work out at a good price with DVC discount and you get a fab view of MK, the secret island where Animal Kingdom was going to be built. You can't go on the island but the staff will tell you about the history. We had a fab afternoon.

The island in the middle of Bay Lake isn't a secret island. It used to be an attraction called Discovery Island it was pre-AK. The are lots of CM stories surrounding the island - most these days are fictional lol

On the shoreline near FW you can also see the abandoned River Country - the original water park.

@meldud it has given me another idea of things to look at - Parasailing with Sammy Duval at the CR. I've done it twice - once solo and once tandem with DD. You could do two tandems with the four of you. It's an amazing experience with great views of the whole of WDW.

meldud · Feb 9, 2016

Elise79 said:
The island in the middle of Bay Lake isn't a secret island. It used to be an attraction called Discovery Island it was pre-AK. The are lots of CM stories surrounding the island - most these days are fictional lol

On the shoreline near FW you can also see the abandoned River Country - the original water park.

@meldud it has given me another idea of things to look at - Parasailing with Sammy Duval at the CR. I've done it twice - once solo and once tandem with DD. You could do two tandems with the four of you. It's an amazing experience with great views of the whole of WDW.

I do like the sound of Discovery Island, although going on it would be very cool.

I'm not sure my scared of heights hubby will cope with parasailing, but I would love it!!

1andrea · Feb 11, 2016

How about those car boat things at Disney Springs. They look fun? x

mickeychickie · Feb 24, 2016

1andrea said:
How about those car boat things at Disney Springs. They look fun? x

Those are so much fun! A bit on the expensive side, but it's a really cool and different thing to do - i highly recommend it

mickeychickie · Feb 24, 2016

Does anyone know about the Night time safari at Animal Kingdom Lodge? I'm trying to get in on it and I'm having trouble booking... any tips?

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