Some Disney Secrets...
Hi, guys! How are you all today? I hope great! This is a traveling/personal blog and I hope you enjoy it specially when I talk Disney!
The post today is going to be in English because I am helping some great mamas that I have met in a FB grupo called <<Smart Moms Planning Disney>> and it is all about those little things you can only find at Disney parks and hotels. So we have put our brains together and we came up with a list of things you should not miss out during your trip to WDW- so we are talking Orlando, mainly. Please, share your "little thing" on the comment section and I will add up to our list very soon (If it is land, let me know and I can create a new section for them!).
Here are for all parks/restaurants at WDW:
1- When going to any park or Disney hotel for the 1st time (or for an special occasion: b-day, anniversaries and so on), you may ask for a button that says so! They are free and super cute to keep it as a souvenir. Well, some people are not aware of this info! So... take note and start your list from here!
"You can celebrate your birthday if it falls 6 months before or after you visit per Disney rules btw." [Hint by: Amy B.] \o/ I may celebrate mine next trip.
2- "Also— don’t forget to keep your eyes out for hidden mickeys in all the parks! There’s TONS! There a book and an app about it". It's a fun game to play while waiting in line! [Hint by: E. k. Guyre, Jodi F. and Rea M.]
3- "And if you ask for a recipe of something you like, they will give it to you. Our kids fell in love with the Strawberry soup and found out when we returned we could have gotten a recipe card for it"! [hint by: Tiffany O.] This one is from 1900 Park Fare:
4- "Oh! The Garden Grove (not sure if I have the name right) buffet in Swan/Dolphin! If everything else is booked up, try this one! They also have some more adult things on their buffet. And it is easier to get in without reservations!" [Hint by: Gabrielle L. and Julie H.]
5- "There are penny presses all over the park cute little keep sakes (super inexpensive souvenirs!). You can Google the locations in every park (or ask around) and it is- normally- 2 quarters plus the penny!" [Hint by: Melanie S. and Gabrielle L.] Here is a cute ideia of what to do with them [hint by: Lizzie M.]:
8- "The
s’mores campfire at the campground is an awesome and relaxing activity
that is free (if you bring stuff for s’mores) or $8 if you get the
stuff there". [Hint by: Brandi M.] You can meet Chip & Dale at Fort Wilderness! As far as everyone knows, you do not have to be on-site but you must check the times/days for this activity and for the bus.
9- "The website Kenny- the Pirate’s is a character locator for some hidden/pop up character meets!" Very special! [Hint by: Katie A.]
10- "If you go on Valentine’s Day all of the princes are with the princesses." [Hint by: Mel A.] Even Belle is with Beast. OMG! How great would that be?
11- "Grand Floridian is one of the best places to watch fireworks. There's a little courtyard in the back and the kids that are staying there are usually in their pajamas running around playing with each other. They also have free ice cream inside the little deli that's right beside the courtyard. That was one of my favorite memories!" [Hint by: Wanda G.]
12- "If you happen to have a reason to be at the Grand Floridian around 3:30, Cinderella & her Prince Charming comes down the staircase in the main lobby on the way to 1900 Park Fare. Kids can participate in the promenade too." [Hint by: April H.] I am not crying, you are crying!
13- "I read somewhere that you can't buy gum on property and that's why you don't see gum on the ground and stuck places like at other theme parks. And they have trashcans placed every 20 feet(I think) so that people are less likely to throw their trash down."[Hint by: Laura W.] Note to self: bring some gum with me!
When there, you MUST NOT miss:
When there, you MUST NOT miss:
1- "Doc McStuffins is at AK in the health clinic at the Rafiki Experience". [hint by: Sandy S.] The Rafiki Island has a train ride and you can even see some animals getting checked on. [hint by: Magan C.]
2- "Animal kingdom has a game for kids which is a scanvenger hunt with different stations and activities". [Hint by: Isabel P.] just ask a CM at the park and get there early!
3- "I haven’t seen anyone post about about the Bark Translator in AK. It is right by the meet and greet area for Dug and Russell. You bark into it like a dog and it will “translate” it for you and tell you what you just said in “dog.” Super funny!" [Hint by: Sunny M.]
4- "If you’re at the Animal Kingdom and there's a long line to get in, try going through the Rainforest Cafe. There's a park entrance at the rear of the gift shop." [I read it right here: http://www.wdwinfo.com/best-kept-secrets_AK.htm ]
When there, you MUST NOT miss:
1- "In the Muppets Ride, they have a sign that says something along the linea of “be back later the key is under the mat”. If you find the mat, there is a really a key
[Hint by: Isabel P.] It is buried in resin but cute to see/know.
2- "Supposedly, the Imagineers working on The Twilight Zone/Tower of Terror liked to play pranks on each other, many of which involved a certain jar of pickled sausages. They hid and surprised one another with the jar, until an Imagineer mistakenly left it behind one night, which just so happened to be when every prop was being glued down. The jar still sits behind the photo pickup area today as an insider nod to Disney’s geniuses having fun while on the job." [Hint by: Torie H.]
3- "At the Tower of Terror If you look at the board with the waiting times and it says there’s a 13-minute wait, then head right over – it means that there is no queue!" [I read it at Secret Things to See and Do at WDW]
When there, you MUST NOT miss:
1- "If you go to the Coke Cool Zone on your b-day you get a free slushie. You do not have to show ID or anything. They normally see you wearing your b-day pin and come to talk to you!" [hint by: Abbie T.]
2- "Pictures in Moracco. Absolutely beautiful". [hint by: Heather R.]
3- "Delicious Salmon in The Land pavilion in EPCOT. A QS meal that felt like a TS meal". [hint by: Lisa M.] I am sooooo having this.
4- "Epcot has something like a scanvenger hunt with a passport and stamps! Lots of fun!" [Hint by: Isabel P.] Just ask a CM once you get there!
5- "England - Epcot. The back store. All the way in the back is Christopher robins room. If you ask super nice and they aren’t busy, they will let you in for pictures!" [Hint by: Mel A.] OMG! OMG! Sometimes this is where the meeting and greeting with Pooh happens!
6- "We like the rock band that plays a few times per day in the garden tucked in the back of England in the Epcot World Showcase!" [Hint by: Helen M.]
7- "Christmas in Epcot is amazing! Each country has little places tucked away with their versions of Santa and traditions for the holidays!
" [Hint by: Gabrielle L.]
8- "I recommend the Behind the Seeds tour in Epcot. You get a tour of the greenhouse that you ride through in Living with the Land. Very cool and interesting if you like gardening and healthy eating!!" [Hint by: Brandie M.]
9- "If you have a train obsessed toddler boy, be sure to stroll by (and then get stuck at) the model trains
🚂 in the back of Epcot near Germany. Our son loves watching them and they are located conveniently near jumbo soft pretzels 
" [Hint by: Brittany K.] I am not into trains but I am considering for the pretzels. Hahaha
10- "If you get one of the refillable popcorn buckets go to the Canadian Pavillion (out front on the promenade near the ramp down to Le Cellier) there is a cart that has maple popcorn!
🍿
" [Hint by: Erin E.] Soooooo going there!
11- "The macaron ice cream sandwich in France is definitely worth a snack credit! (...) And the CARAMEL shop in Germany has tons of things you’ll want to eat forever!!" [Hint by: Caroly H.] Writing down France and Germany on my list, too. Right after Canada.
12- "Their is a boat ride in the pyramid in Epcot (Mexico) like the 3 musketeers including Donald... never knew this till yesterday walked right on..." [Hint by: Trish C.]
BEST PLACES FOR PICTURES: Elizabeth A. (and Nicole S.) gave us this cool link with 14 great walls for pictures. If you are traveling with teenagers or if you "just" love pictures like I do o/ this one is for you.
But this one bellow is not in the list above: The Tangled-themed restrooms is in between the Haunted Mansion and it’s a small world. As this hint is mine, I have learned that you should be there around 6pm. Normally, a photographer is there, too. The lantern stays right there as well... so you take your pict and pass it on to the next person in line. Soooo pretty.
2- Get Memory Maker (it's a Disney photo service) and take advantage of it. It is a big YES! DO it! for everyone in our FB group. "There’s a few photo booths around you can use memory maker, too, on Boardwalk (near Trattoria al Forno, for example) and Disney Springs!" [hint by: Katie A.] It is cheaper to get MM through the website before arriving at Disney. You will only need one for your group. Link everybody to you MDE account app. and have fun! Photographers can be found through MDE app and are at the M&G places.
So, this is it for now! Please, feel free to share this post with family and friends, and to add up to our list if you have more "little things" for us! And one last thing, this post "was written" by a lot of people that went to Disney in different times of the year. Please, double check the times/days/places for the things you like or just ask a CM once you are there. Also, if you left a hint at our group and I missed it or if I missed your name in any of the hints I have mentioned, please, forgive me and leave it again here in the comments section.
There were over 600 hints/comments/great ideas and I really tried my best to organize them! You can also leave ideias or themes for me to write about. Also, my first language is Portuguese (I am Brazilian), my second is English and I understand some Spanish and French... So, forgive my language and feel free to let me know if I misspelled something.
Thank you all! I cannot wait to write another Disney post. :)
Here are for all parks/restaurants at WDW:
1- When going to any park or Disney hotel for the 1st time (or for an special occasion: b-day, anniversaries and so on), you may ask for a button that says so! They are free and super cute to keep it as a souvenir. Well, some people are not aware of this info! So... take note and start your list from here!
"You can celebrate your birthday if it falls 6 months before or after you visit per Disney rules btw." [Hint by: Amy B.] \o/ I may celebrate mine next trip.
2- "Also— don’t forget to keep your eyes out for hidden mickeys in all the parks! There’s TONS! There a book and an app about it". It's a fun game to play while waiting in line! [Hint by: E. k. Guyre, Jodi F. and Rea M.]
3- "And if you ask for a recipe of something you like, they will give it to you. Our kids fell in love with the Strawberry soup and found out when we returned we could have gotten a recipe card for it"! [hint by: Tiffany O.] This one is from 1900 Park Fare:
4- "Oh! The Garden Grove (not sure if I have the name right) buffet in Swan/Dolphin! If everything else is booked up, try this one! They also have some more adult things on their buffet. And it is easier to get in without reservations!" [Hint by: Gabrielle L. and Julie H.]
5- "There are penny presses all over the park cute little keep sakes (super inexpensive souvenirs!). You can Google the locations in every park (or ask around) and it is- normally- 2 quarters plus the penny!" [Hint by: Melanie S. and Gabrielle L.] Here is a cute ideia of what to do with them [hint by: Lizzie M.]:
 |
| OMG! How cute! |
6- "I'm
sure people know this one, but if you reserve dinner at the Poly (I
suggest the Luau!), you can absolutely stay and watch the MK fireworks
from their beach! It's a perfect view! If you plan right, you can
experience MK fireworks 2 separate nights if you visit the park one day
and then just do dinner at the Poly another. 
" [Hint by: Gabrielle L.]
" [Hint by: Gabrielle L.]
7- "On
the monorail, boat, bus, and parking lot shuttles, ask for
transportation trading cards! The cast members have them (some run out)
and they’re neat! I’ll take a picture and post." There’s little fun facts
about the character on the card. They are free and another cute souvenir. [Hint by: Kaylee H.]
 |
| Great for scrapbooking, too! |
9- "The website Kenny- the Pirate’s is a character locator for some hidden/pop up character meets!" Very special! [Hint by: Katie A.]
10- "If you go on Valentine’s Day all of the princes are with the princesses." [Hint by: Mel A.] Even Belle is with Beast. OMG! How great would that be?
11- "Grand Floridian is one of the best places to watch fireworks. There's a little courtyard in the back and the kids that are staying there are usually in their pajamas running around playing with each other. They also have free ice cream inside the little deli that's right beside the courtyard. That was one of my favorite memories!" [Hint by: Wanda G.]
12- "If you happen to have a reason to be at the Grand Floridian around 3:30, Cinderella & her Prince Charming comes down the staircase in the main lobby on the way to 1900 Park Fare. Kids can participate in the promenade too." [Hint by: April H.] I am not crying, you are crying!
13- "I read somewhere that you can't buy gum on property and that's why you don't see gum on the ground and stuck places like at other theme parks. And they have trashcans placed every 20 feet(I think) so that people are less likely to throw their trash down."[Hint by: Laura W.] Note to self: bring some gum with me!
Magic Kingdom
When there, you MUST NOT miss:
1- "When you enter the park, there is a store called Le Chapeau. I heard you have to pick up the phone and you can hear a mother and a daughter talking about prices and stuff. There is also a payphone in Tomorrowland near the Lunching Pad that you can listen in on."
[hint by: Wendy BB and Silvea M.]
2- "Go
into the barber shop on Main Street in Magic kingdom and ask for some
pixie dust or pirates booty! It’s free and adorable! (They just sprinkle
glitter from a ‘magic wand’ over your head...) It can also be done in BBB and the Princess Shop across the carousel, too." [Hint by: E. K. Guyre, Ashley P. and Kendall B.]
3- "Ride Dumbo and 7DMT during the fireworks (not planned), and it was amazing!" [hint by: Sadi B. and Kiera M.]
4- "We did the silhouettes that are on Main Street!" [hint by: Lydia B.] Another great memory around U$10 per person/ U$ 10 per frame. They take around 3min but you have to wait another 5min for them to frame it.
5- "If
you are going to Magic Kingdom, make sure you go to the fire station.
They have sorcerer’s cards (they are free) and it lets you have special
interactions with different parts of the park 
" [Hint by: Isabel P.]
" [Hint by: Isabel P.]
6- "Tom
Sawyer‘s Island has a picnic table that we eat our lunch on because we
bring sandwiches and chips and drinks into the park every trip. Not only
does it save us a ton of money but it’s quiet and calm, and a great
place to recharge." [Hint by: Melissa C.]
7- "We absolutely love the view at the top of the Swiss Family Robinson tree house." [Hint by: Tara A.] It is located at Adventureland and you must climb 116 stairs to get to the top.
8- "This
is a little more for the adults, but we had a big rain storm one year
when we were in the MK and ducked in the glass store on Main Street.
They actually make some if the glass goods in the back where the big
oven is. We ended up standing in there for
45 minutes while it rained and watched a guy make a Mickey martini
glass. He started from the beginning by mixing in the different colors
and explained how everything worked together to create a piece." [Hint by: Brandie M.] Such a cool experience, right?!
9- "Haunted
Mansion: the story is thar the bride threw her ring out the window of the
attic... right where the standard line and the fast pass line meet...
there is a trash can. On the ground in the cement there is her ring!!" [Hint by: Megan C.] Cool picture right there.
10- "Cinderella’s wishing well is located to the right of the castle down a small path." [Hint by: Silvea M.] Such a cool picture place.
11- At
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor and Plaza Restaurant on Main Street, U.S.A,
you’ll find Mickey’s Kitchen Sink Sundae in an adorable “sink” in the
shape of Mickey’s red pants. Get ready to share – it’s
hand-scooped chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream drizzled with
hot fudge, strawberry and caramel topping and topped with chocolate and
peanut butter chips, whipped cream, and, of course, a cherry or two.
Grab a few spoons and dig in! Cost is $16.99 (but may be more bc you Can
add more stuff)and it’s not on the Disney Dining Plan. [Text: Disney page. Hint by me]
 |
| You Get To Keep It! I wanna! |
12- "The
Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh ride in Magic Kingdom used to be Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. There’s a picture of Mr. Toad handing the deed over
to Owl in the ride. When Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride closed, a tombstone for Mr. Toad was placed in the graveyard at The Haunted Mansion." [Hint by: Torie H.]
13- "As
you finish your ride on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, you’ll see Snow White
dancing in the house with the Dwarfs. As the train moves into the
station, glance behind you and you’llspot the old witch bringing her the poisoned apple, getting ready to knock on the door." [Hint by Sunny M.] Wow!
14- "Look on the ground in Storybook Circus (near Dumbo in Fabtasyland in MK), and you will see circus peanuts in the cement." [hint by: Sunny M.]
15- "If you look at the board with the waiting times and it says there’s a
13-minute wait, then head right over – it means that there is no
queue!" [I read at Secret Things to See and Do at WDW]
Animal Kingdom
When there, you MUST NOT miss:
1- "Doc McStuffins is at AK in the health clinic at the Rafiki Experience". [hint by: Sandy S.] The Rafiki Island has a train ride and you can even see some animals getting checked on. [hint by: Magan C.]
2- "Animal kingdom has a game for kids which is a scanvenger hunt with different stations and activities". [Hint by: Isabel P.] just ask a CM at the park and get there early!
3- "I haven’t seen anyone post about about the Bark Translator in AK. It is right by the meet and greet area for Dug and Russell. You bark into it like a dog and it will “translate” it for you and tell you what you just said in “dog.” Super funny!" [Hint by: Sunny M.]
4- "If you’re at the Animal Kingdom and there's a long line to get in, try going through the Rainforest Cafe. There's a park entrance at the rear of the gift shop." [I read it right here: http://www.wdwinfo.com/best-kept-secrets_AK.htm ]
Hollywood Studios
1- "In the Muppets Ride, they have a sign that says something along the linea of “be back later the key is under the mat”. If you find the mat, there is a really a key
[Hint by: Isabel P.] It is buried in resin but cute to see/know.2- "Supposedly, the Imagineers working on The Twilight Zone/Tower of Terror liked to play pranks on each other, many of which involved a certain jar of pickled sausages. They hid and surprised one another with the jar, until an Imagineer mistakenly left it behind one night, which just so happened to be when every prop was being glued down. The jar still sits behind the photo pickup area today as an insider nod to Disney’s geniuses having fun while on the job." [Hint by: Torie H.]
3- "At the Tower of Terror If you look at the board with the waiting times and it says there’s a 13-minute wait, then head right over – it means that there is no queue!" [I read it at Secret Things to See and Do at WDW]
Epcot
When there, you MUST NOT miss:
1- "If you go to the Coke Cool Zone on your b-day you get a free slushie. You do not have to show ID or anything. They normally see you wearing your b-day pin and come to talk to you!" [hint by: Abbie T.]
2- "Pictures in Moracco. Absolutely beautiful". [hint by: Heather R.]
3- "Delicious Salmon in The Land pavilion in EPCOT. A QS meal that felt like a TS meal". [hint by: Lisa M.] I am sooooo having this.
 |
| WOW! Around U$13 (on July/2018) |
5- "England - Epcot. The back store. All the way in the back is Christopher robins room. If you ask super nice and they aren’t busy, they will let you in for pictures!" [Hint by: Mel A.] OMG! OMG! Sometimes this is where the meeting and greeting with Pooh happens!
6- "We like the rock band that plays a few times per day in the garden tucked in the back of England in the Epcot World Showcase!" [Hint by: Helen M.]
7- "Christmas in Epcot is amazing! Each country has little places tucked away with their versions of Santa and traditions for the holidays!
" [Hint by: Gabrielle L.]8- "I recommend the Behind the Seeds tour in Epcot. You get a tour of the greenhouse that you ride through in Living with the Land. Very cool and interesting if you like gardening and healthy eating!!" [Hint by: Brandie M.]
9- "If you have a train obsessed toddler boy, be sure to stroll by (and then get stuck at) the model trains
🚂 in the back of Epcot near Germany. Our son loves watching them and they are located conveniently near jumbo soft pretzels " [Hint by: Brittany K.] I am not into trains but I am considering for the pretzels. Hahaha10- "If you get one of the refillable popcorn buckets go to the Canadian Pavillion (out front on the promenade near the ramp down to Le Cellier) there is a cart that has maple popcorn!
🍿" [Hint by: Erin E.] Soooooo going there!11- "The macaron ice cream sandwich in France is definitely worth a snack credit! (...) And the CARAMEL shop in Germany has tons of things you’ll want to eat forever!!" [Hint by: Caroly H.] Writing down France and Germany on my list, too. Right after Canada.
12- "Their is a boat ride in the pyramid in Epcot (Mexico) like the 3 musketeers including Donald... never knew this till yesterday walked right on..." [Hint by: Trish C.]
BEST PLACES FOR PICTURES: Elizabeth A. (and Nicole S.) gave us this cool link with 14 great walls for pictures. If you are traveling with teenagers or if you "just" love pictures like I do o/ this one is for you.
 |
| Deep in Animal Kingdom ;) |
2- Get Memory Maker (it's a Disney photo service) and take advantage of it. It is a big YES! DO it! for everyone in our FB group. "There’s a few photo booths around you can use memory maker, too, on Boardwalk (near Trattoria al Forno, for example) and Disney Springs!" [hint by: Katie A.] It is cheaper to get MM through the website before arriving at Disney. You will only need one for your group. Link everybody to you MDE account app. and have fun! Photographers can be found through MDE app and are at the M&G places.
Pixie Dust:
It is a little something you can do for people in your group/family or to others around the parks/hotels. For ex. give away stickers to kids in line or so. I have heard of families that give away their extra food-plan credits on their last day by talking to a CM during a meal and asking if it is "ok". I have also heard about leaving a few things with a letter inside someone else's stroller. Disney is all about the magic and if we can do our share, too, it is great, right?
So, this is it for now! Please, feel free to share this post with family and friends, and to add up to our list if you have more "little things" for us! And one last thing, this post "was written" by a lot of people that went to Disney in different times of the year. Please, double check the times/days/places for the things you like or just ask a CM once you are there. Also, if you left a hint at our group and I missed it or if I missed your name in any of the hints I have mentioned, please, forgive me and leave it again here in the comments section.
 |
| The sharing and comment buttons are right bellow Snow White. |
There were over 600 hints/comments/great ideas and I really tried my best to organize them! You can also leave ideias or themes for me to write about. Also, my first language is Portuguese (I am Brazilian), my second is English and I understand some Spanish and French... So, forgive my language and feel free to let me know if I misspelled something.
Thank you all! I cannot wait to write another Disney post. :)
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