Best Lesser Known Things to Do

[DMBdiva26]

Hi there,

I am a newbie to this awesome site. My Boyfriend (whose birthday we're celebrating), my sister, my BIL, my 3 year old and 5 year old nieces and I are going to WDW May 11-17th. Can you tell me your favorite things to do there that no one knows about, or that people hardly do? Or even the stuff everyone does but that I shouldn't miss?

Thanks so much everyone!!!

[DisneyTeen]

Welcome, everyone is going to come with their own favorite thing, I would make sure to get your boyfriend a birthday pin at town hall. He will get wishes all day from people.

Also, on a side note, if the DMB in your name stands for what I think it stands for, then your alright in my book.

[DMBdiva26]

Hahaha yeah it does stand for what you think it does!!

(I wish I had a fist of rock Emoticon right here)

[#1donaldfan]

Welcome to Intercot

My advice would be not something you CAN do, but HOW you do Disney.

Enjoy your week, and take it slow and easy....don't try to rush around and get everything done at once. Disney is a big, big place and it's not done in a week, really !! I'm sure you'll have a great time, but don't get in such a hurry to "SEE IT ALL", or you'll just stress yourself out....

[JMTStone]

Where are you staying? Onsite? I agree with Donaldfan (as another Steeler person I would), take it slow.

Make your ADRs
Don't forget to FastPass
Work the park front to back if you're there when it opens.

Do a water park!

Dress up for Pirate and Princess party

For birthday, go to DisneyFlorist.com and order something to be delivered to your room for him. There are a few cool guy-things.

[DMBdiva26]

How does the fast pass thing work?

[DMBdiva26]

Oh, and also is there somewhere I can find a list of what may be closed for renovations while we're there? Do they release that info or is it just potluck?

[joonyer]

Ride the Monorail, even if you are not staying at a monorail resort. My boys thought riding through the inside of Contemporary Hotel was ultra cool!

I also recommend visiting one of the Disney water parks. We had as much fun there as any of the theme parks. Especially if you go during hot weather, its a great way to cool off in the afternoons.

Another fun thing with little ones (adults too) is a character breakfast. We like Crystal Palace (Pooh & Friends) and Donald's Breakfast at AK (now at Tusker house) with Donald Mickey Pluto & Goofy. One added bonus of a character breakfast in a park is you can get a head start on the crowds if you get an early ADR (before park opening) When you finish Breakfast, you'll already be inside the park and can get to your favorite attraction as soon as they open, well ahead of the big crowds.

Another fun thing to do is visit resorts you are not staying at. You can really get an idea of where you'd like to stay on your next visit. Which you will want to start planning as soon as you leave WDW!

Lastly and most important be sure to stay in the MK until you can see Wishes. Watch from somewhere along Main Street USA for the most magical view of the fireworks over the castle. If its late for the little ones, plan your day so they won't be too tired before the show. It's an absolutely DO NOT MISS attraction. Definitely the most magical moment in WDW to me, and a great way to end your day.

[DMBdiva26]

That was an awesome response! Thanks so much!

[phatcatrun]

Here is a link that explains the fast pass: http://intercot.com/infocentral/calendar/refurb.asp

And here is a link that will tell you the scheduled refurbs: http://intercot.com/infocentral/calendar/refurb.asp

If there is a history buff in your group, show up to the Hall of Presidents about half an hour early. The CM usually gives tons of facts about the different presidents and the history of the United States.

Another thing I think people miss is the Hoe Down that happens outside Country Bears. They pick people from the crowd to help them square dance and it ends with the Hokey Pokey. We happened to have caught it about 5 - 10 minutes after the 3pm parade ended. I'm sure if he has a birthday button on they will grab him to join.

[DMBdiva26]

Thanks for the links!!

[Gottaluvgoof]

When you are in Epcot, go to the Plastics Factory, (It's named something like that) in Innoventions. You can build your own plastic robot and you get to take them home. IT'S FREE and everyone in our group really enjoyed our robots. To top it off, Mousekeeping at our resort arranged them everyday in different poses. It was fun coming back at night wondering what they would be doing when we got back.

[DMBdiva26]

When you are in Epcot, go to the Plastics Factory, (It's named something like that) in Innoventions. You can build your own plastic robot and you get to take them home. IT'S FREE and everyone in our group really enjoyed our robots. To top it off, Mousekeeping at our resort arranged them everyday in different poses. It was fun coming back at night wondering what they would be doing when we got back.

That is adorable!!

[GrumpyFan]

PhatCat, both those links were for the Refurb schedule.

Here's the fastpass link:
http://intercot.com/themeparks/ticke...ss/default.asp

Also, be sure to check out InfoCentral there is lots of helpful information there.

More Specifically, take a look at Hidden Treasures & Magical Surprises

[SBETigg]

A lot of people don't know about the special tours you can take at extra cost. Behind the Scenes Tours. Or things like The Richard Petty Driving Experience.

Or some of the recreational experiences, like Horseback riding, carriage rides, or Fishing excursions, golf, tennis or boat rentals.

But then, if you're a first-timer, you'll probably want to spend most of your time in the parks visiting attractions, shopping, and dining. Study maps and make a prioritized list of things you want to see. And something a lot of people miss that's fun? The Electrical Water Pageant nightly on the Seven Seas Lagoon. You can catch it from the beach of the Polynesian Resort, also a great place to watch Wishes, the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

[tink2006]

If you are staying on Disney property, take an afternoon break. It is amazing how that helps! Remember, you are on vacation.

Also, if you ride the monorail, ask to ride upfront. They will allow four people (?) at a time so you will have to divide up. Well worth the wait.

[DMBdiva26]

You guys are awesome. Keep em comin!!

[mook3y]

Use the photopass. There are photographers all over that will take great pictures for you and it goes on the card. At the end of the trip you can review all your pictures and get 1 or 2 ($$$$$ way to go) or purchase the CD with ALL the pictures and take it home with you. You can even pre-purchase it for $99 i believe.

Plus, you can add all kinds of borders to your pictures before you have the CD sent.

[Gator]

Whatever you do, don't miss the fireworks. To me, it's what keeps me coming back for more.

Also, when you see a live show at Epcot, stop and get the best seat. Especially for the World Showcase Players at the Italy and UK pavillion.

[Jasper]

One attraction that is not to be missed at the Magic Kingdom is The Carousel of Progress. This show doesn't get a lot of press because it is one of the very earliest attractions in the park but it is really great fun. And if you don't spend the rest of the day singing the theme song from the show then I would say you slept through the show!