Walt Disney World has no shortage of entertainment options. From regular character meet and greets to live performances, there are tons of ways you can fill a day at Walt Disney World without going on a single ride.
However, even though you may be a master of the times guide, did you know that there are several, unpublished entertainment offerings that happen throughout the day that are not made public on purpose? These “secret” events aren’t always scheduled, but if you find yourself at the right place at the right time, you can take part in some truly memorable events that are so far off the beaten path, some Cast Members might not know about them!
1. Character Palooza at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Character Palooza is a character meet and greet experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios that occurs on most days when the park has performances of Fantasmic between the hours of 4 PM and 7 PM. During this unpublished secret event, between 5 and 10 random characters will randomly appear to take photos, sign autographs and converse with guests for about 20 minutes before disappearing.
Because Character Palooza features characters that appear in the Fantasmic finale, it is a great way to meet rare characters like Brer Fox, the Genie, Mushu, Meeko and more. Though this event is really amazing, one drawback is the location for Character Palooza is always changing. Past locations include the Streets of America, Echo Lake, and the gates near Tower of Terror, and there’s no telling where Character Palooza will happen on a given day. And if you’re hoping to get some inside info from a cast member on where this event is taking place, don’t get your hopes up, as most Cast Members won’t divulge any information about this event.
In fact, Disney doesn’t even deploy PhotoPass photographers prior to Character Palooza in an effort to avoid tipping off eagle-eyed guests on the lookout for this secret event’s location. Though there’s some element of luck involved in catching Character Palooza, for those who are committed (and don’t mind jogging around the park for three hours) this is a unique and rewarding event to experience.
2. Magic Cookie Hour at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Image: Disney
Though there are a quite a few freebees at Walt Disney World, this unpublished event is one of the least-known around the resort. Every Saturday from 2-3PM, guests can head over to the Roaring Forks restaurant at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge to take part in Magic Cookie Hour. During this special event, guests will be able to grab a freshly-baked sugar cookie and decorate it with up to three colors of icing and all the sprinkles anyone could want.
Though this event only happens at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, you don’t need to be a guest of this resort (or staying anywhere else on property) to take part in this fun, weekly event.
3. Kiss Goodnight at the Magic Kingdom
We’ve all seen nightly spectaculars Celebrate the Magic and Wishes at the Magic Kingdom, but if you leave directly after these shows, you might be missing something truly magical. 20-30 minutes after closing time Cinderella Castle becomes the centerpiece of the Magic Kingdom once again for Kiss goodnight, a five minute closing show that includes music, color-changing lights illuminating the castle, and a short narration. Though the park has already closed, those who are still loitering around the shops on Main Street USA can see this mini-show just as they are departing. However, be aware that once Kiss Goodnight ends, Cast Members will really start encouraging guests to leave!
4. Frontierland Hoedown at the Magic Kingdom
Image: Disney
The Frontierland Hoedown (also known as Hoedown Happening) is an interactive parade featuring dancers and the Country Bear characters that occurs Flashmob-style Mondays and Saturdays at 4:55 and 5:40PM. During this secret event, guests will be invited to participate in a country-themed dance with Cast Members and characters. . Though this non-published event regularly takes place twice a week, you won’t find it on any times guide, so your best bet is to head over towards the Country Bear Jamboree attraction and wait in the area near the Prairie Outpost & Supply and Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn & Cafe for the festivities to start.
5. Magic Kingdom character tests
Image: Jason Wohlford, Flickr (license)
Though characters appear for meet and greets at every single Walt Disney World park, the Magic Kingdom looks like it may be on the cusp of a character renaissance. Though long-time fans of this park probably remember a time when characters used to roam around the park, in recent years Disney has been keeping the Magic Kingdom’s characters behind walls and at Fairytale Halls.
However, in recent years, it looks like Disney may be walking back on this policy slightly, as several limited time character tests have been going on this year which have brought characters like Snow White, Flynn Rider, Peter Pan and more into the park in a more informal way. Now that the hub expansion project is nearly complete, Disney has been testing walk-around characters in front of Cinderella Castle, to the enthusiasm of many fans.
While Disney has yet to confirm that it is bringing back wandering characters for good at Walt Disney World, these tests have been going on for several weeks, and guests can count on seeing at least one character walking around during their visit as a part of these ongoing tests. While Disney does occasionally post character tests in the times guide, for the most part Disney guests who want to meet a testing character at the Magic Kingdom will need to wait around the hub area during the morning and afternoon hours (in between showings of Dream Along With Mickey) and keep their eyes peeled.
Have you ever experienced any of these limited-time secret events at Walt Disney World? Which is your favorite?
