Things Disney Offers But Doesn't Advertise (New)

[JodyLynC]

I found a thread with this same title, but it was from 2007. So I would like to start a new thread regarding activities or events at Walt Disney World that you might not be aware of.

Some posts talked about a ladybug release that no longer happens. Another post stated that you could request the old flowers in hotel lobbies when they are replaced. (I don't know if that still happens.) Still another post mentioned the Chip n Dale Campfire Sing along at Fort Wilderness. Other posts talked about movies on the beach, the electrical water parade, and pool activities.

Some of these activities are well known and others are open secrets or are simply not advertised. Do any of our frequent WDW visitors have any other things we can check out?

 

[JodyLynC]

I'll start with the AKL Boma restaurant tour. I understand if you go to the hostess stand by Boma at 3:45pm, you can request to go on the tour for free.

 

[Dr.Mickey]

Wow. I never knew that. It smells so very good in there...

Ok, I've never stayed at WL, but I think they choose one family per day to go up on the roof for a flag ceremony every morning (very early). That's a little trickier, though, because it's more luck of the draw. I'd love to see some more things everybody can do.

 

[loves to dive]

You can tour the BW lobby area, they don't advertise it but you just have to ask at the front desk.

 

[gcmeyer2]

Not sure how to get in on this but my DD a few years ago had a very early BBB appointment (at DS). She had a Merida dress on and when she was done she was asked to be the princess to open WOD for the day. Like the WL post above, it was luck of the draw but something she'll never forget. She also got a special pin to commemorate the honor.

 

[roxymama]

Our Jan 2016 last day of trip was all sorts of hidden things we didn't know about.

After our early park breakfast in MK we stopped into the xmas shop with my toddler (since she didn't want to ride haunted mansion with rest of group) and they gave her a box of ornaments to hang on a tree. Then put up a sign that said "today's tree was decorated by" and then put up her name. They gave her a small Mickey ornament and a certificate to take home. She was thrilled.

We then were in the haunted mansion gift shop waiting for our family to exit and they did a magic mirror thing and gave her a bag of green spooky cotton candy for helping them open up.

She also got snowed on by Anna Elsa and Kristoff but that was because the half marathon was finishing running through the castle and she was the only one down there after last people and race security rode through.




No rides that morning and totally lucky.

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

this was several years ago - we had the earliest dinner ADR for 1900 Park Faire - DD was dressed as Cinderella and she was chosen to open up the dining - she got to walk in with Cinderella and Prince Charming it was really special.

 

[ZephyrHawk]

I know they have kids "start the fireworks" at Epcot. DD got picked to do that at the Rose and Crown last time we were in WDW. They gave her a crown and a light up "magic" sword, and helped her wave it to send out the first firework.

 

[TAK]

These are fun but I'd love to hear more that anyone can do, not just get chosen for specially.

There are free animation classes at Art of Animation. My husband really wants to do these; they had them on the Disney Fantasy, too,

 

[Amelia :)]

The "kiss goodnight" isn't really listed or advertised but I hear it's really special

 

[roxymama]

Afternoon pool activities for kids at resorts! We did one at BLT and kiddo got a beach ball and a rubber duck and liked the pool fun-leaders (or whatever you call them)

 

[100AcreWood]

About 6 years ago I was at the front of the line waiting to enter EPCOT. My oldest dd and dh were there early for a YES program.

We bee-lined to the character spot and were the first ones there. An older gentleman ran up behind us jokingly frustrated that we beat him to the front. I had no idea if you're the first person in line all of the characters would come out to greet you and escort you inside. We have the best pictures with the fab 5!!! Sadly two of us were missing but it is a wonderful memory.

 

[jlsmith376]

All of the resorts have Halloween themed activities (costume parties, games, trick or treating, and character meet n greets) on Halloween. We never go to MNSSHP on Halloween because we'd rather go another night so we can take advantage of the free activities at the resorts. I hear Ft. Wilderness campground even has trick or treating from camper to camper.

We were one of the first families to arrive at Garden Grill for breakfast one morning and were chosen as family of the day. All of the characters came to our table at once and took a group photo. I wonder if all character meals do something similar?

 

[DVC Jen]

Wow. I never knew that. It smells so very good in there...

Ok, I've never stayed at WL, but I think they choose one family per day to go up on the roof for a flag ceremony every morning (very early). That's a little trickier, though, because it's more luck of the draw. I'd love to see some more things everybody can do.

You can actually sign up for this. Go to check in or concierge and ask about being the Flag Family. If there is an opening during your stay - you can sign up for it.

 

[JodyLynC]

You can tour the BW lobby area, they don't advertise it but you just have to ask at the front desk.

That sounds interesting. Is it a guided tour?

 

[FastPasser]

I hear Ft. Wilderness campground even has trick or treating from camper to camper.

That's true, but it's no longer advertised or promoted by Disney, it just happens. It's a really fun night. They're selective about who they let into the Fort, so it's best to arrive by WDW transportation.

 

[JodyLynC]

The last time we went to WDW my DDs were 5. We were able to ride in the front of the monorail from MK to the Grand Floridian one afternoon. I am sorry that you can no longer do so. It was such a precious memory.

 

[HydroGuy]

The Outdoor movies come to mind...

http://www.buildabettermousetrip.com/wdw-outdoor-movie-schedule

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/chip-n-dale-campfire-sing-a-long/

 

[HydroGuy]

Also the Electric Water Pageant

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/magic-kingdom/electrical-water-pageant/

 

[HydroGuy]

For good measure the tours at AKL/AKV

http://blog.touringplans.com/2012/03/24/free-tour-series-sanaa-cultural-tour/

http://blog.touringplans.com/tag/free-tour-series/