Disney World secrets and techniques to make your subsequent journey extra magical

Typically, it will possibly really feel like it is advisable know some form of secret handshake to maximise a go to to Disney World.

There are tickets to buy and Lightning Lane picks to make if you wish to skip the road on in style rides. You additionally should determine on issues like which bank card to make use of and whether or not you need to purchase an interactive MagicBand+.

Whereas we at TPG love sharing sensible suggestions that can assist you unlock a profitable Disney World trip, we additionally take pleasure in letting you in on some lesser-known suggestions and secrets and techniques that may make your journey extra attention-grabbing and pleasant.

Listed here are 23 Easter eggs, hidden spots and insider secrets and techniques to make your subsequent go to to Disney World much more magical.

There’s additional kid-friendly enjoyable this summer season

For those who plan a Disney trip between Might 27 and Sept. 1, Disney is bringing much more magic to the parks with a number of limited-time experiences for households with younger children. Dubbed “Cool Child Summer time,” households will discover particular areas with characters, dance events, video games, magicians and extra in all 4 parks.

This is the place to go at every park:

• Epcot — GoofyCore at CommuniCore Corridor
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom — A Celebration Sing-Alongside at Discovery Island
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Animation Courtyard
• Magic Kingdom — Large High Bash at Storybook Circus and Galactic Blast at Tomorrowland that includes Sew

There are Hidden Mickeys in every single place

A hidden Mickey is a delicate picture of Mickey Mouse that Disney Imagineers snuck into rides, partitions, carpeting, wallpaper and different design parts throughout Disney World. There are a whole lot — most likely hundreds — of hidden Mickeys across the parks.

Some are so small, you have most likely walked proper previous (and even stepped on) them with out noticing they had been there. I’m notoriously dangerous at recognizing Hidden Mickeys, however fortunately, some are simpler to identify than others.

A number of of the extra apparent ones embody:

• Mickey-shaped vegetation on Dwelling With the Land at Epcot
• A Mickey-shaped place setting within the feast scene on the Haunted Mansion on the Magic Kingdom
• A Mickey-shaped rock show on the backside of one of many tanks at The Seas with Nemo and Mates at Epcot

You’ll be able to go it alone and seek for Hidden Mickeys in your subsequent journey, or you may decide up one in every of many beneficial guides, comparable to this Hidden Mickey guide on Amazon by Keven Neary, who’s featured within the TPG video beneath.

You’ll be able to go on scavenger hunts

For those who go to Disney World frequently and also you’re seeking to shake issues up a bit, strive a enjoyable (and infrequently free) scavenger hunt.

There are some Disney World scavenger hunts which are free and out there year-round. Within the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland space, you may seek for Pascal, the chameleon from “Tangled,” close to the Rapunzel-themed restrooms (there are 10 in whole).

Additionally within the Magic Kingdom, you may grow to be a real-life swashbuckler at A Pirate’s Journey ~ Treasures of the Seven Seas in Adventureland. This interactive scavenger hunt is free and has plenty of enjoyable surprises.

For those who occur to be staying in a Disney World lodge, there are sometimes scavenger hunts that ship you operating across the lodge grounds. You earn a prize (we have gotten buttons or a candy deal with) once you full the hunt, and the clues are generally themed to holidays and particular occasions.

Associated: Learn how to save your Disney trip when the parks are absurdly crowded

There are additionally paid scavenger hunts that take your search to the following degree.

Throughout Epcot’s limited-time festivals, you should purchase a map for about $10 that leads you across the park to seek for clues. While you full the hunt, you flip in your map for a prize. Throughout the Epcot Worldwide Meals & Wine Competition, for instance, you may participate in Remy’s Ratatouille Conceal & Squeak and earn a enjoyable prize like a personality spork or miniature cornhole.

Youngsters can grow to be Wilderness Explorers

As Russell from “Up!” mentioned, “The wilderness have to be explored!” At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, children can be part of Russell’s ranks and grow to be official Wilderness Explorers. While you enter the park, search for the Wilderness Explorers headquarters and decide up a handbook.

Contained in the guide, there are a number of actions that train children about animals and conservation. For every exercise they full, they earn a badge. Gather greater than 25 badges they usually’ll grow to be official Wilderness Explorers.

You’ll be able to take part in as few or as many actions as you want, and it is a enjoyable option to discover all the things this park has to supply past the rides.

You’ll be able to mail a letter with a Disney postmark

The turn-of-the-century mailboxes on the Magic Kingdom’s Major Avenue, U.S.A. are extra than simply well-themed decorations. They’re actual, working mailboxes, and the mail is collected each day by Disney solid members who cross it off to the USA Postal Service.

You’ll be able to carry your personal postcard and stamp or buy them from areas round all 4 Disney World parks. Earlier than you drop mail within the field, cease by Visitor Relations to get your unique Disney postmark.

Youngsters can run round play areas

Whereas Disney is without doubt one of the most kid-friendly parks on the market in terms of points of interest with low (or no) peak necessities, any guardian who has taken their children to Disney World is aware of that children cannot simply go from trip to trip to trip all day and not using a break.

Youngsters want an opportunity to expend pent-up power, and all 4 Disney World parks have indoor and out of doors play areas the place they will just do that. A number of of my favorites embody:

• Circus-themed indoor (i.e., air-conditioned) play space within the queue for Dumbo the Flying Elephant on the Magic Kingdom
• House-themed play space (with video video games for older children) on the exit of Mission: House in Epcot
• The Boneyard fossil dig web site at Animal Kingdom’s DinoLand U.S.A.
• Outside playground in Epcot behind the Creations Store
• Interactive indoor play space on the exit to Journey Into Creativeness with Figment at Epcot

You’ll be able to guide a personal picture session

Whether or not you need a particular memento of your journey or that excellent picture with out different vacationers within the background however lack Photoshop expertise, Disney provides non-public picture classes in any respect 4 theme parks.

At $99 for a 20-minute picture session for as much as eight company, it is surprisingly reasonably priced so far as Disney costs go.

You should utilize it to commemorate a birthday, household reunion or different big day, or guide a morning session to get all of your trip photographs out of the way in which earlier than the warmth and humidity set in.

Though same-day classes are sometimes out there, you may have higher luck reserving your session prematurely by way of Disney’s web site.

Associated: One of the best $120 I’ve spent at Disney this yr acquired me into Magic Kingdom’s secret tunnels

You’ll be able to take residence free souvenirs

I have not cracked the code on the best way to get a free Disney trip but (although utilizing factors and miles may also help), however I do know the place you will discover a number of free souvenirs to carry residence out of your journey.

The primary one it’s possible you’ll already know as a result of it is a fairly in style one, however you may decide up free buttons at any visitor providers location within the parks. There are buttons to rejoice a primary go to, birthday or anniversary or generic “I am Celebrating” buttons the place a solid member can write within the particulars of your particular celebration.

Different free souvenirs embody transportation buying and selling playing cards you may accumulate from bus, monorail and ferry drivers and on the Skyliner stations. Youngsters also can get KidCot postcards from every of the World Showcase pavilions, they usually’ll obtain a bonus postcard for gathering all 11 KidCot playing cards.

You’ll be able to commerce pins with solid members

Pin buying and selling has been an official Disney exercise for 25 years. There are a number of ranges of pin buying and selling. Some company have hundreds of pins and go to the parks particularly to commerce for sure pins and meet up with different pin-trading fans. Others are extra informal merchants, utilizing it as a possibility to gather a novel memento from their trip.

All it is advisable get began with pin buying and selling is only one pin. You should purchase particular person Disney pins or starter units with a lanyard and a number of pins from a number of Disney purchasing areas contained in the park and at Pin Merchants in Disney Springs.

Upon getting a pin (or pins), search for a pin board or a solid member with a lanyard or pouch with pins and ask them to commerce. You’ll be able to commerce your pin for any of their pins. Typically, there are hidden pins which you could solely commerce for when you accurately reply the solid member’s trivia query.

Pin buying and selling might be plenty of enjoyable for youths or adults who need to add one other layer of enjoyable to their journeys, whereas gathering cheap souvenirs.

You’ll be able to hop a trip down Major Avenue, USA

There are all types of magical methods to bop round Walt Disney World — the Skyliner, the Monorail or a red-and-white polka-dot Minnie Van, to call a number of.

One of many lesser-known modes of transportation at Disney is the Major Avenue Automobiles within the Magic Kingdom.

You’ll be able to hop on a colourful trolley, omnibus, jitney or fireplace engine and luxuriate in a whimsical trip between City Sq. and Cinderella Fort. It is mainly like being in a Disney parade, so remember to wave at your adoring followers. These can be found on a first-come, first-served foundation and usually solely run within the early working hours, although they sometimes make a return late within the afternoon.

The Magic Kingdom is definitely on the second flooring of the park

OK, follow me on this one. While you stroll via the doorway tunnel to the Magic Kingdom and onto Major Avenue, U.S.A., you’re technically on the second flooring of the Magic Kingdom.

The primary flooring is hidden underground and permits solid members, characters and provides to maneuver all through the park whereas staying out of sight. Dubbed the “Utilidor,” this tunnel system is sometimes called underground, but it surely’s really the park’s floor flooring.

The tree in Liberty Sq. was hand-chosen by Walt Disney

The Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Sq. is themed after Colonial America, full with a duplicate Liberty Bell and Liberty Tree, the place the colonists’ first act of defiance in opposition to the British was staged in 1765. Disney’s Liberty Tree was hand-chosen by Walt Disney and transplanted about 6 miles from its unique location elsewhere on Disney property.

The tree is so vital to the park that acorns from the tree are collected and planted in order that they can be utilized to switch the present tree ought to misfortune (or lightning) strike.

You’ll be able to taste-test (free) sodas from all over the world at Epcot

Membership Cool has been an Epcot staple because the late Nineties, although it lately moved into some new digs. The Coca-Cola-sponsored venue lets company pattern sodas from Italy, Korea, the Dominican Republic and different nations from all over the world at no additional cost.

Some sodas are tastier than others, however making your approach via every taste to search out your favourite is a part of the expertise. The truth is, probably the most well-known flavors is named the “Beverly” — a bitter nonalcoholic aperitif from Italy — that’s virtually universally disliked. Consuming it’s virtually an Epcot ceremony of passage, as are the sticky sneakers you may stroll out with once you’re via.

There are plenty of Easter eggs

From the enterprise names on the home windows on Major Avenue, U.S.A. to numbers painted on a trash can in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, virtually each element in Disney World has a narrative behind it.

The home windows, for instance, bear the names of women and men who’ve been influential to The Walt Disney Firm over time. For those who see a reputation, quantity or character — or anything that you simply suspect might need a hidden that means — you’re most likely proper. Ask a solid member to substantiate your hunch.

Listed here are a number of of my favourite Easter eggs at Disney World:

• There’s a portray of Mr. Toad handing the deed over in The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh trip within the Magic Kingdom as a result of Mr. Toad’s Wild Journey was closed to construct the Winnie the Pooh trip. You will additionally see a small statue of Mr. Toad within the graveyard on the exit of the Haunted Mansion.
• There’s a window above the Emporium on Major Avenue, U.S.A. with the identify “Elias Disney” on it. This was Walt Disney’s father.
• For those who have a look at Cinderella’s fountain within the Magic Kingdom on the proper angle, the crown seems as if she is carrying it on her head (just like the princess she is).
• Barnabas T. Bullion, the proprietor of Large Thunder Mountain Mining Firm, whose portrait hangs within the queue for the Large Thunder Mountain Railroad coaster, is modeled after Tony Baxter, a Walt Disney Imagineer who labored on the attraction.
• On Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway in Hollywood Studios, the poster for “The Nice Transferring Journey” is a nod to “The Nice Film Journey,” the attraction it changed. You will additionally see an indication for a flower store with the tackle “1401.” It is a reference to the situation of Walt Disney Imagineering in Glendale, California, at 1401 Flower St.

You’ll be able to watch a each day flag retreat ceremony

Every day within the Magic Kingdom’s City Sq., Disney pays tribute to our U.S. navy veterans with a patriotic flag retreat ceremony. As a part of the ceremony, a veteran is chosen (usually at random) to help with the reducing of the American flag whereas the Major Avenue Philharmonic performs the “Star Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America.”

The ceremony often takes place round 5 p.m. as a result of it’s customary solely to show the American flag from dawn to sundown, in response to the U.S. flag code. Different flags you see contained in the Disney parks aren’t topic to this code as a result of they’re lacking a star or stripe and aren’t technically “actual” American flags.

There are grown-up variations of Disney treats

I’d by no means flip down a Dole Whip or Mickey-shaped beignet, however I might be much more inclined to partake if it had an extra-special adults-only spin. A few of Disney’s hottest treats have spiked variations that could be simply the deal with you deserve after spending an extended day at Disney.

You will discover these treats on the parks, Disney Springs and a few of Disney’s resort lodges, and they’re properly definitely worth the bus trip. Higher but, take a Minnie Van.

This is the place you will discover my favorites:

• Frozen margarita made with lime-flavored Dole Whip at Barefoot Pool Bar at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Boozy Baton Rouge Beignets at Scat Cat’s Membership at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter
• Spiked Blue or Inexperienced Milk at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
• Frozcato (Dole Whip, Moscato and vodka) at Wine Bar George in Disney Springs
• Pineapple Dole Whip with a rum floater at Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

You’ll be able to personalize your souvenirs on a budget

For those who take our recommendation and decide up free memento buttons once you stroll into the Magic Kingdom, you may pay just some {dollars} to have them personalised by a Disney artist at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Sq..

You’ll be able to select from a wide range of fonts, colours and illustrations to jazz up your memento, they usually additionally promote a wide range of customizable vacation ornaments within the store. Pricing for objects such because the TPG button we made on a current journey begins at $3.

1 land within the Magic Kingdom has no bogs

You might be by no means too removed from a toilet (or trash can) at Disney World, however there may be one land within the Magic Kingdom the place you will not discover a single public restroom: Liberty Sq..

Liberty Sq. is ready in Colonial occasions when indoor plumbing didn’t exist. Disney, ever the masters of theming, selected to stay to the timeline and construct the land with out public restrooms.

No want to fret, although. There are restrooms close by in Frontierland and Fantasyland, or, in case you are eating at Columbia Harbor Home or Liberty Tree Tavern, you need to use the restroom there.

Youngsters can get a magical haircut

Even on a regular basis issues like haircuts are only a bit extra magical at Disney World than they’re at residence. Youngsters (and adults) can get their hair reduce at Concord Barber Store within the Magic Kingdom for an inexpensive worth (beginning at round $20 or half that for a beard trim).

The barbershop provides a particular “first haircut” package deal that comes with a commemorative Mickey Ears hat, a souvenir lock of hair and a certificates, however even normal haircuts include the choice so as to add a sprinkle of “pixie mud” to complete off your new ‘do.

Advance reservations are extremely beneficial, and pricing doesn’t embody gratuity, which have to be paid in money.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is filled with secrets and techniques

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is by far essentially the most immersive land at any Disney theme park. A lot thought and care went into each small element of the land, and it is rife with Easter eggs and easy-to-miss callouts to the “Star Wars” movies.

Not solely is the Millennium Falcon the primary full-size model ever created, however there may be additionally a tiny Millennium Falcon hidden within the ship’s undercarriage. Search for it beneath the vented a part of the cockpit close to the doorway to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

You will additionally most likely see the numbers 77, 80 and 83 all through the land (a simple one to identify is contained in the Docking Bay 7 eatery). These are references to the years the three unique “Star Wars” movies had been launched.

One in every of my favourite issues concerning the land is how seamlessly it interacts with the “datapad” within the Play Disney Parks app.

You’ll be able to translate indicators written within the Star Wars language of Aurebesh, decrypt secret messages and hack into droids. Taking part in with the datapad function unlocks one other degree of enjoyable within the land, which is available in particularly helpful if the traces are lengthy.

You’ll be able to grow to be a Batuu Bounty Hunter

Talking of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you may grow to be a bounty hunter a la Boba Fett, and all you want is a MagicBand+ and your smartphone.

You will begin by visiting the “bounty board” positioned between the Droid Depot and {the marketplace} stalls. While you faucet your band to the touchpoint with the Batuu Bounty Hunters image, you may be assigned a bounty to find (in your first spherical, additionally, you will obtain an introduction to the sport).

Bounties are hidden behind doorways in Galaxy’s Edge (the doorways even have the Batuu Bounty Hunters image painted on them). Begin by selecting a route and strolling. If you’re getting nearer to the proper door, your MagicBand+ will vibrate and light-weight up inexperienced. If you’re getting additional away, it will flip pink. The nearer you get to your bounty, the faster your band will vibrate.

For those who stroll as much as a door and your band turns purple, you have discovered your bounty. Open the Play Disney Parks app and use the thermal scanner function to scan the door and reveal the bounty hiding behind the door.

After you have positioned your bounty, head to the doorway to the fitting of the bounty board to gather your credit. From there, you may stroll proper again over to the bounty board to gather your subsequent bounty. You’ll be able to play as little or so long as you want, and the app will save your progress so you may decide the sport again up on future journeys.

You’ll be able to watch free Films beneath the celebrities

All Disney World lodges have a each day actions schedule. Some, like arts and crafts or tie-dye T-shirt making, carry an extra payment, however many are free for lodge company. All Disney World lodges have weekly complimentary out of doors film screenings.

You must see each day exercise schedules posted across the resort, however you may as well ask a lodge solid member when the property is displaying films that week. Different free actions embody issues like pool video games and nightly campfires. You’ll be able to roast marshmallows totally free or go all-out and buy a s’mores package.

There are shock character conferences

Most Disney character meet-and-greet occasions and areas are displayed within the Disney World app, however Disney would not be Disney and not using a few surprises. Do not financial institution on it, however there are occasions when it’s possible you’ll occur upon a uncommon character assembly or a complete slew of characters making their approach via the park collectively.

Sometimes, Disney will do “check runs” earlier than bringing characters out for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Occasion or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Occasion. For those who go to within the weeks main as much as these occasions, it’s possible you’ll get fortunate and spot them training for his or her upcoming appearances. Or, even when you do not spot them, it’s possible you’ll get tapped on the shoulder by a solid member and requested if you need a particular meet-and-greet that occurs backstage.

Some fortunate Disney company have additionally gotten caught up in what Disney followers check with as “Character Palooza” — a bunch of characters who all come out on the similar time for photographs and autographs. Typically, uncommon characters just like the penguin from “Mary Poppins” and Gepetto from “Pinocchio” will present up with the standard solid of characters.

You do not even have to go to a theme park to satisfy uncommon Disney characters. Characters additionally make the rounds in Disney World lodge lobbies. You might even see an indication within the foyer with the dates and time home windows for these meet-and-greets, or you may ask a solid member on the entrance desk.

This summer season, choose lodges (Disney’s Artwork of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Seaside Resort and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge) will submit particular meet-and-greet occasions in order that households can see their favourite characters with out ready in line on the parks.

Backside line

One factor I’ve observed over time is that vacationers hear about “magical moments” that generally occur at Disney World and hope for their very own little little bit of pixie mud, like a free Mickey-shaped ice cream, skip-the-line cross or one other shock perk. If they do not get a magical second, they’re generally upset.

One of the simplest ways to keep away from that disappointment is to make your personal magic.

You’ll be able to seek for Hidden Mickeys, cease in for a confetti-topped haircut or decide up a free memento … and possibly even add an additional artist’s contact to it for a number of {dollars}. You will come residence with numerous pleased reminiscences and newfound Disney information to share with family and friends.