Everyone loves Walt Disney World “secrets”, but how many are really left? Are there any unexplored frontiers left in the Most Magical Place on Earth for veteran guests?
We certainly think so! Indeed, even after years of regular visits, there are still hidden pockets throughout Walt Disney World that most regulars have never seen. We’re not talking about completely inaccessible areas like the forbidden interior of Discovery Island or River Country. These are areas of Walt Disney World beyond the parks proper that you can go visit yourself without guilt or fear of drawing the ire of Disney security. Here are our five favorite hidden gems in and around Walt Disney World that even the most dedicated guests may have never seen. What are your favorites?
1. The Four Seasons Orlando
Image: Jett Farrell-Vega
A visit to the Four Seasons Orlando might leave you wondering why any guest at this amazing resort would even bother to visit Walt Disney World parks. Young or old, there is so much to do at this hidden paradise, you might never want to leave!
Most guests miss the Four Seasons Orlando because of its secretive location tucked away in Disney’s exclusive Golden Oak community. However, all you need to get in are the magic words that you are visiting one of the resort’s outstanding restaurants. The PB & G pool bar alone is a writer favorite here at Theme Park Tourist and is nicer than a majority of restaurants in Walt Disney World, while Ravello offers a character breakfast that even hardcore foodies say is one of the best offered anywhere on Disney property. You can also pick up sandwiches at the Tranquilo Golf Clubhouse’s restaurant, Plancha, or make a reservation for a world class steakhouse experience at Capa on the 17th floor.
Oh, and if you aren’t in the mood for all that fuss, just pick up an ice cream and some amazing coffee from Lickety Split. Seriously, this coffee shop is one of the only places (besides the Java Bar at the Swan) to get a truly outstanding no-Joffrey’s-or-Starbucks cup of coffee in Disney World!
While you’re visiting, be sure and take a stroll through the resort’s mind bogglingly beautiful grounds. The pool is reserved for guests, but you should still explore the sprawling lagoons that make up the resort’s water recreation area. The pools surround a replica of a Spanish fortress, complete with a water slide and a rock-climbing wall. Teens in particular will love the resort’s outstanding youth center! In short, the Four Seasons Orlando is an attraction all on its own well worth a visit.
2. The trails at Fort Wilderness and Old Key West
Image: Disney
Florida’s beautiful ecosystem is an ever-present part of Walt Disney World that many guests completely miss. If you want to spend some time watching birds and taking in nature at the Most Magical Place on Earth, the best place to start is a visit to the hiking trails surrounding the Fort Wilderness campground, as well as the Old Key West resort.
The trail that runs between Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge is a favorite of guests looking to jog, bike, or simply watch for local wildlife. Guests have reported seeing Floridian birds and even deer along this lovely trail. It has several off-shoots for those who like to explore as well. Similarly, the Old Key West resort has a lovely nature trail that goes between it and Downtown Disney that is a favorite of regular visitors. It travels along the Walt Disney World waterways and is also known as a very good birding and jogging trail. Don’t be confused by the signage. The trail is referred to as the Old Key West Nature Trail, Saratoga Springs Nature Trail, and Conch Flats Trail. They are all the same!
3. Behind the scenes of the parks (including the Magic Kingdom tunnels)
Image: Disney
You would think that becoming a Walt Disney World Cast Member is the only way to get a peek backstage at Walt Disney World. However, tours of the Disney backstage in all four of their parks have been regularly available at the Most Magical Place on Earth for decades. Despite being available, however, many guests never even consider tagging the cost of a tour onto their vacation. How cool can the backstage of the parks be?
Speaking for myself, I would say the Backstage Magic and Keys to the Kingdom tours have been some of the most fun experiences I had at Disney, particularly the tours I took as a teenager. For Disney superfans, getting to hear the secrets of the Most Magical Place on Earth and see the inner workings of the tunnels beneath Magic Kingdom (which aren’t actually underground—rather the park is built on a second story!) or the backstage of the other three parks gives a whole new perspective on Disney. If you’ve never done one of these tours and seen the Walt Disney World backstage, it’s well worth the price of admission!
4. The Disney Wilderness Preserve
Image: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Flickr (license)
While not located directly on Disney property, The Disney Wilderness Preserve, run by the Nature Conservancy, is one of the true gems most Disney guests have never heard of. A large portion of Disney’s property in and around the parks has long been dedicated to wildlife preservation. These areas aren’t particularly accessible to guests (The Disney Institute used to offer tours and classes to visit them, but alas, these are no more), so the next best thing is a trip down to the Wilderness Preserve. As Disney’s parks and resorts have expanded and shifted, so have the conservation wetlands in and around the Preserve.
The Disney Wilderness Preserve isn’t directly associated with Disney parks, but many people still call it Disney’s secret park. As part of the Everglades ecosystem, the Wilderness Preserve feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Orlando and Kissimmee. While the preserve can be visited by car, the real highlight guests love is the hiking trails. In the preserve’s pristine wetlands, guests can find over 1000 varieties of plants and animals, and those looking for some peace and quiet away from the parks will love it! Especially if you’re hoping to do some birdwatching, this is a must-visit experience for nature fans.
5. Walt Disney World’s waterways
Image: Disney
Back on the main Walt Disney World property, there is one other beautiful refuge hiding right under guest’s noses. Besides a quick trip on the ferry or a friendship boat, most guests never take the time to explore Walt Disney World’s gorgeous waterways. The easiest way to do this? Rent a boat!
Boat rentals aren’t necessarily cheap at Walt Disney World, but if you plan your trip accordingly, you can make one heck of a day exploring Bay Lake, the Seven Seas Lagoon, and the winding waterways of the Most Magical Place on Earth. Boat rentals range from small kayaks to family-sized pontoons, and restrictions vary how far you can venture from the marina where you rented. Guests particularly rave about the Sea Raycer Speed Boats, which can be blasted to full speed in wake zones in Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon. While boats can be rented at the Beach Club Resort (and in the past, even at Old Key West), most visitors say the best experience is renting boats from the Magic Kingdom resorts.
Love Disney secrets? Renting a boat is one of the only permitted ways to get a closer look at the exterior of the long defunct Discovery Island and River Country water parks. The latter might already be inaccessible due to upcoming construction, but you can still find some pretty neat little islands, coves, and streams throughout the Walt Disney World waterways to feed your inner explorer. Don’t forget bottled water and a hat!
