Anyway, one of my favorites is Carosel of Progress and Columbia Harbor House
Its basically Disney's Timeshare. Its actually better than an average timeshare.
Judging by most guests I've encountered it appears that FASTPASS may be the best kept secret. It's mindboggling how many people don't understand the system.
Oddly enough if your not to keen on the ticket price go over to Prime Outlets off of International Drive and do a Time-share tour. Yes, they can be annoying but you can also get breakfest/lunch and spend an hour of time for $25 tickets to both Epcot and DHS. It's a way to save a little bit of money if your looking to cut your costs down.
Always good advice for any theme park is to talk to your locals! They tend to know where and when specials are going on. Anything from restaurant discounts to where to find merchandise deals.
And speaking of Merchandise, take a little side trip! There are 3 WDW outlet stores in Central Florida. There are two located in the Prime Outlets located off International Drive and One more located in the Premium Outlets off Vineland Ave. You can get theme park items for yourself, friends or family anyplace from a 30% discount to 75%!
These little bits provided by your friendly Ex-Central Florida Resident!
The Coca-Cola Cool Zone in EPCOT---As much FREE soda as you can drink. Granted it's all soda from other countries, but there's bound to be one or two that will quench your thirst on a hot day.
The Canada Pavillion in EPCOT---Everyone knows about LeCellier Steakhouse and "O' Canada," but the rest of the pavillion is one of the best places to take a break. It's somewhat secluded and quiet, and most people don't usually stop to see our neighbors to the north.
The Magic Kingdom Barber Shoppe---What a cool place to get a haircut, especially if you have a kid. Some people know about it, but it's far enough the beaten path that there aren't ridiculous lines to do it.
Tours---There are many different guided tours through all four parks, and they all cost money, but give repeat visitors some new and interesting ways to visit Disney World.
Monorail Driving---During peak times, it's not worth trying, but if you're ever the first person on a monorail platform, ask a cast member if you can ride in the front. There are a few seats in the very front car with the driver that provide a whole new experience, and your kids will get a kick out of it.
There are others, but they're probably best kept secret so that they stay special.
More specifically, he believes his name to be Abe Lastvogel. With the right keyword, though, the illusion will be broken, he'll remember who he is, and he will return to his empire to vanquish the small-minded fiends who were responsible for letting Michael Eisner in the front door to begin with.
The only problem is that the keyword is unknown, and the last person who purportedly knew it has been offered "early retirement" by the Department of Homeland Conspiracies.
This bit of concentrated weirdness has been sponsored by Hoover Brothers, makers of Dim Flakes cereal and Dead Cats Hand and Body soap, 93.7% pure! Just look for the colorful cross-eyed cat on the label.
(With a nod to the Firesign Theater for the borrowed material, I'm going down for the evening. G'night all...)
across from the Swiss Fam Tree house in the MK, there is a cut-through that bypasses the rest of Adventureland and takes you part way through Frontierland. You can use this to bypass the Caribbean plaza and double back to splash mountain and the run-away train.
Also in the MK, isntead of going into the main hub moving towards the castle to go into tomorrowland by the bridge, cut through the restaurant to the right by the ice cream shoppe and it will be dead empty. It puts you out across from Stitch and bypasses the lolligazers taking pictures in front of the walt statue and the castle itself...this also goes for Advertureland; there is walkway next to the Crystal Palace that bypasses the hub and brings you to the bridge to Adventureland.
Epcot has two bypasses such as the one above that veer off after the fountain on the other side of Spaceship earth going towards the countries. They move the left and the right and will take you directly in front of Mexico and Canada respectively.
I find these to be short-cuts...you may not
Not so secret, but still secret...Hidden Mickeys...although there is a book with all of them, it is still up to the viewer to find them. It is a great hunt for folks who have been to Disney a lot. I have never purchased the book and I tend to find a new one every time I go.
During Magic Hours, run to the back of the parks if you have the stamina and hit the big rides first. Sounds like a "not so secret" but I always find people taking their time...kinda of defeats the purpose. You can hit the "big three" of each park in the first hour if you hustle, anytime of year, even week 52. Try doing that after the park opens to non-resort guests! Not only will you hit the big three, you will also be able to fastpass your fave and hit it again pretty early in the day!
Someone mentioned the hammock at the Poly for the fireworks and stole one of my best kept secrets. Please, all members on the board here, lets keep that one quiet :) There is no beating it...especially since the pool bar is not too far away!
I think Jellyrolls on the boardwalk was the best place for drinks outside the parks but still on property. I haven't been in a few years, so I am not sure if it is still there, but man, the dueling pianos was super fun. You write the song you want to hear on a slip of paper and place it on one of the pianos, and they would get to it if they knew it. I wrote "hey-ya!" from Outkast on a five dollar bill and they rocked it. They were standing up and slamming the top of the piano down on itself to make a HUGE clap on beat...getting the "fellas and the ladies" to kick in at those parts in the song. It was intense!
What else? What else?
Mexico in Epcot has the San Angel Inn restaurant. If you time it just right, you could eat dinner with the full Mariachi band performing behind you. You can ask for a table that will provide you a view of the plaza. People really bunch up to see them because they are really authentic and it can get too crowded. Silly, but fun.
When going the Downtown Disney area at night, be sure to start at Downtown disney since it closes around 11 or 12p depending on the time of the year you go and then make your way to West end where the shops and bars are open later. Pointless to do it any other way, especially if you can only do it one night on your trip.
The Earl of Sandwich Downtown Disney has some of the most affordable and delicious quick service food in Disney. They have many different choices for all types of eaters, even finicky ones. This is the late lunch/early dinner spot.
Although expensive, the Fultons Crab House is seriously one of the better seafood restaurants I have even eaten in...and being from the island with Montauk in driving distance, this is a bold statement. No kidding, it is totally worth the price and if you hit it when it opens, you can walk right in to a table that overlooks the lagoon. Priceless.
I have more, I think I have given over some of my good ones (you may think different depending on your attendance level), but you all deserve it. Themeparkheads and Coasterjunkies got to stick together!!! Let see some more!
Happy Travels,
LeeMak
Lee already mentioned the Hidden Mickeys - those are a blast. I've still never found the one that's supposedly in the boiler room queue of ToT.
Not necessarily a huge secret - but the single rider lines earlier in the day for Test Track and Mission: Space can significantly decrease your wait time.
Other "secrets" or suggestions:
If you have a room or restaurant table overlooking the lagoon and the Magic Kingdom, not only can you eat in peace while enjoying the show BUT you also get a bonus electrical light parade on the water.
Many animals remain inactive in the Animal Kingdom during the peak hours of the day because of the intense heat. By going during Extra Magic Hours, you can leisurely enjoy the animals without hordes of people harassing you.
Many attractions allow you to "loop-through" the ride again without disembarking. This usually occurs during evening Extra Magic Hours and when few people are waiting to get on. Rides I've re-rode without getting off include:
Space Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Splash Mountain (four times in a row)
Expedition Everest
Kali River Rapids (six times in a row)
Star Tours
If you ride late at night (especially during Extra Magic Hours), the Cast Members are usually more lenient about, uh, lewd gestures in the on-ride photos. We've got pictures of "the shocker" on Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and "the finger" on Kraken. Makes a great keepsake for weirdos.
There is a second Indiana Jones Outpost near the Indiana Jones attraction. It's nearly empty and in a dead-end zone, and it features some great souvenirs plus props from the movies.
Nearly every Epcot pavilion has flower gardens, although some are harder to find than others. See if you can find them all, especially the Japanese gardens.
In Disneyland:
1. I never knew about the Lily Bell Caboose on the Railroad until this last year when a friend of mine from WDW actually got us on...you need a ticket (guest relations?), but you get to ride with a conductor on the large, "luxury" caboose that Roy and Walt designed for dignitaries....it's one of the best things ever (if you like nostalgia). It's filled with China, chandeliers, photos of Walt, Roy and the family....
At Walt Disney World...
1. I LOVE the museum at the back of the Japanese pavilion in Epcot...rarely crowded, it's very interesting.
2. Hammock at Poly....THE BEST. I stumbled upon this light parade on the water while enjoying a swing in that hammock.
3. Campfire and free movies in Fort Wilderness...for those who've never done this, you MUST go do it....back in the middle of Fort Wilderness, they have a campfire area set up for nightly smores and songs with Chip N Dale, then they show a movie on a big outdoor movie screen....and it's all FREE (they have a snack bar there to buy hotdogs, burgers and smores).
4. Hayrides in Fort Wilderness...
5. Fruity drinks and a steel drum band out by the water in Caribbean Beach Resort. Perfect ending to a perfect day.
6. La Patisserie in French Pavilion -- not much of secret, but worth putting on your list.
7. Bird Aviary along the Jungle Trek in Animal Kingdom.
8. Night vision binoculars at the Animal Kingdom Lodge allow you to see the animals roaming at night -- when they're much more active.
9. Boma restaurant at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is the best gourmet all-you-can-eat buffet you're likely to ever find. The best!
10. The comedian/piano player inside the Rose & Crown at Epcot...she's new, brought over from the Comedy Warehouse.
11. Polynesian Luau at the Poly Resort. WOW. Great food, hula dancers, lots of music, and Stitch.
I could go on an on...
In Disneyland:
1. I never knew about the Lily Bell Caboose on the Railroad until this last year when a friend of mine from WDW actually got us on...you need a ticket (guest relations?), but you get to ride with a conductor on the large, "luxury" caboose that Roy and Walt designed for dignitaries....it's one of the best things ever (if you like nostalgia). It's filled with China, chandeliers, photos of Walt, Roy and the family....
At Walt Disney World...
1. I LOVE the museum at the back of the Japanese pavilion in Epcot...rarely crowded, it's very interesting.
2. Hammock at Poly....THE BEST. I stumbled upon this light parade on the water while enjoying a swing in that hammock.
3. Campfire and free movies in Fort Wilderness...for those who've never done this, you MUST go do it....back in the middle of Fort Wilderness, they have a campfire area set up for nightly smores and songs with Chip N Dale, then they show a movie on a big outdoor movie screen....and it's all FREE (they have a snack bar there to buy hotdogs, burgers and smores).
4. Hayrides in Fort Wilderness...
5. Fruity drinks and a steel drum band out by the water in Caribbean Beach Resort. Perfect ending to a perfect day.
6. La Patisserie in French Pavilion -- not much of secret, but worth putting on your list.
7. Bird Aviary along the Jungle Trek in Animal Kingdom.
8. Night vision binoculars at the Animal Kingdom Lodge allow you to see the animals roaming at night -- when they're much more active.
9. Boma restaurant at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is the best gourmet all-you-can-eat buffet you're likely to ever find. The best!
10. The comedian/piano player inside the Rose & Crown at Epcot...she's new, brought over from the Comedy Warehouse.
11. Polynesian Luau at the Poly Resort. WOW. Great food, hula dancers, lots of music, and Stitch.
I could go on an on...
We always pack some towels and a change of clothes for the kids when we go to the Magic Kingdom
We always arrive early at opening -- get through eight or nine attractions and then watch the 3 PM parade in Town Square.
We then exit the park and take the little boat over to the Polynesian Resort. We while my wife and I enjoy a drink at the tiki bar the kids jump in the pool. After a little swimming, the kids change and we have an early dinner at that great little cafeteria (nice choices and fair prices) and then take the boat back to the parks.
I suppose the pool is just for hotel guests. But in our defense we usually drop $60 or $70 on dinner and drinks.
Forgive me, Walt!
Now all of a sudden the music changes and you hear Britney Spears, Justin TImberlake, and all the different types of music you hear on the radio. Thats what I get to hear everytime I work in the morning! Its the strangest thing to hear and seeing maybe 1 or 2 other cast members either going to work or working to clean the park!
I Respond: AMEN BROTHER! This past summer we visited all four Florida parks, took in a character breakfast and more than one shopping trip and movie at Downtown Disney. Then we travelled out to California where we visited both parks, stayed at the Grand Californian and had dinner at the Blue Bayou.
CHA-CHING!
Also, I guess I was wrong about Space Mountain, but I have a memory of re-riding without departing. I definitely do not remember traveling through the closed-off area to get back to the loading dock ...
But this might be a secret... you can get FREE dole whips at "the Poly". We went over on the monorail after finishing MK one evening, and ate dinner at the small restaurant near the pool area. The cashier gave us free whips! We sat outside and enjoyed the fireworks show!
Also cool is that they pipe the music/audio for the fireworks into the restaurant and pool area at the Polynesian.. was a great way to end our evening at MK.
Another secret - the fabulous Mariachi Cobre at the Mexico Pavilion in EPCOT. The musicians are fantastic and it is a great way to relax for a while and beat the midday heat. The band leader, Carlos, even let my 9 year old son play his violin during one of the band's breaks! Thanks Carlos!
2) Is my favorite snack shop in Hollywood Studios the Writers Stop it has the best sticky buns and coffee.
My favorite candy is the Mickey Mouse Coconut Patties that they sell at Caribbean Beach Resort.
WORD!!!!!!!!!
I'd happily kill people for their Sweet Pretzels, having moved out of Orlando about 5 years ago now I miss them. Anytime a friend goes to Epcot they get marching orders to overnight me one!
Another favorite for myself is Tom Sawyers Island. It's a nice place to find some shade and relax for an hour or two.
Unbeknowest to most but WDW can be romantic
I took my Wife on a night time Horse Drawn Carriage ride at the Port Orleans Resort. She though it was great.
Also at the Downtown Disney area Hotels the Double Tree will give free cookies, I have done this the last two times i visited WDW, I was not a guest there both times.
Just go in and ask the front desk.
They are warm and really good.
2. Want to eat in one of the Epcot full service dining restaurants but it's too expensive or can't get a dinner reservation? Book them for lunch instead! You get the same dining experience, pretty much all the same food, and it's less expensive than dinner. Then you can use the money you saved for a quick service dinner and take advantage of the rides as everyone else leaves the parks or sits down for dinner.
3. This probably isn't a huge secret, but Soarin', Test Track, and Mission Space are the most popular rides at Epcot and all have Fastpass. When first entering the park, go straight to your favorite Fastpass ride, grab a Fastpass ticket, then try to get another Fastpass for your next favorite ride. If the ride times do not overlap, you can have more than one Fastpass, then while you wait, you can hop right on the rides with shorter waits. You can get through all the rides much quicker this way, and then have time to re-ride your favorites or relax a bit while others stand in line for 60-90 minutes.
Magic Kingdom:
1. It's best not to go to MK on a Extra Magic Hours day or on a Saturday, even if you're a Disney Hotel Guest, unless you only go during the Magic Hours times only. In this case it's a good idea to upgrade your park tickets to Park Hopper, so that you can enjoy extra magic hours (if you are a Disney Hotel Guest) but not be committed to that park for the whole day.
2. As another poster has mentioned, I too was able to re-ride Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain Railroad during Extra Magic hours. We didn't go on as soon as the park closed, it was still fairly crowded, but we waited an hour or so and then got on, and they let us re-ride each one without having to get off... it was fantastic and quite a different experience at night...fun!
3. If you're a planner, then Google Earth is a must, they have 3D overlays of Disneyworld and you can clearly see all the paths between all your favorite rides... a good way to avoid the crowds and figure out the best transportation. It's great for checking out hotels too.
The trail is still there just hard to get to due to a character greeting zone right by it.
Another one that I experienced as a kid is "corporate sponsor lounges". Many of the attractions that are sponsored by corporations have "secret" resting rooms for employees of the company that sponsors it. Ask ur employer before u go to Disney or Universal.
Example, my dad used to work for AT&T that sponsored the E.T. ride at universal. There was at that time a "secret" room for employees with free snacks and drinks and air conditioning. We went in there for like 30 minutes and just rested.
I actually felt pretty bad for being less-than-honest....it's Disney after all.
Park wide, even though its not really a secret, Beaches and Cream ice cream shop is a great place to go and take a break during the hot days.
Fast Pass...Don;t worry if you don;t make it back to the ride that you fast pass for in time. As long as you use the pass after the designated start time, you can go anytime after that. No need to rush and get there within the one hour window that is stated on the fast pass. I found this to be a great added benefit so that we did not lose time rushing around trying g to get to the fast pass at a certain times.
Le Cellier Steakhouse (Canada)...Can't get reservations??? No worries! You can actually order take out from there! You can order their soups and breads for take out!
