It’s a theme park standard: attractions exit into gift shops. This forced shop stroll has become a cliche – and the butt of many jokes and eye rolls – and Disney is stepping up and taking notice. Most Walt Disney World attractions do employ this blatant merchandising push, but there are a few exceptions: a few that offer something different. When the souvenir budget is depleted, and you’ve purchased enough plush Mickeys and t-shirts to commemorate your visit, it may be tempting to fly right through those post-attraction zones on a mad dash to the next “fun” spot, but don’t neglect to notice the exit areas worth stopping for. Here are 8 post-attraction areas guests shouldn’t miss.
1. Space Mountain
Although my family loves Space Mountain, I am not a fan. While waiting at the exit for the completion of their cosmic run one day, I noticed a large room adjacent to the gift shop. Lo and behold – it’s an arcade – and perhaps the finest one on Disney property.
There’s something for every gamer here – even those who don’t see themselves as modern-day masters of gaming. From classics like Space Invaders, pinball, and skee ball to the newest, most innovative favorites, the Tomorrowland Arcade has it all. This area also serves as a charging station (unattended and unsecured, but with seating).
The Tomorrowland Arcade is a fantastic, spacious spot for an indoor break. While most Space Mountain riders make a beeline for the shop’s exit, very few people even seem to take notice of this quiet little nook. A quiet arcade? Yes, it actually is! As an added bonus, photographers will appreciate the large windows offering a unique view of Space Mountain’s exterior and the Walt Disney World Railroad.
2. Tower of Terror
Even when an attraction does exit into a shop, it can be worthwhile to take a peek at the offerings. Some shops line the shelves with somewhat generic souvenirs that can be found almost anywhere on property, but others stock more original product lines uniquely themed to the location. One example of merchandise done temptingly right is at the Tower of Terror.
The Tower of Terror is themed around the Hollywood Tower Hotel. That theme lends itself nicely to an exclusive assortment of souvenirs quite unlike the standard park mementos. This “hotel” gift shop features plush robes, slippers, soaps, lotions, and other luxurious goods to make your stay more comfortable. Naturally, there’s more to this shop, but the quality and creativity of the hotel-related products are a genuine display of the Disney standard. If mouse ears are a requirement, however, they’ve got those too – in the form of the Tower of Terror bellhop costume.
3. Spaceship Earth
Epcot’s Future World is teeming with technology and postmodern demonstrations in science, medicine, ecology, and more. Spaceship Earth is the central hub of Future World, and it is also home to an intriguing 9,000 square foot post-attraction area, known as Project Tomorrow.
Presented by the electronics and engineering giant, Siemens, Project Tomorrow offers four interactive exhibits that highlight new technologies. Innervision tests your memory skills while providing a glimpse into the future of medicine – from preventive care, to diagnosis, and treatment. Super Driver is a motor vehicle simulator showcasing traffic management and accident avoidance systems. The shuffleboard-styled Power City demonstrates the challenges of energy production and conservation in a burgeoning population. The future of medical diagnostics and remote treatment is the focus of the 3-D Body Builder exhibit, which invites guests to piece together a lively skeleton on a virtual operating table.
Nothing like making learning fun, right? This is the running theme of most of the Future World area, and Project Tomorrow is only one example of Disney’s impressive progress toward that goal.
4. Test Track
In 2012, Test Track underwent a high-tech refurbishment, integrating new interactive elements into both the attraction itself, and the post-attraction area. Prior to entering the gift shop, guests are routed through the Chevrolet Showroom.
The showroom displays the most extravagant of all Disney gift shop merchandise – current Chevrolet model vehicles. For those not in the market for a new car on their vacation, there’s still opportunity for automotive fun. Give It a Spin digital gaming tables offer multi-player racing adventures, enhanced by the personalized features of your own Test Track vehicle creations. For a unique, fun photo session, green-screen stations lining the showroom virtually transport guests to dramatic scenes and landscapes, alongside concept vehicles.The appropriately named Showroom Showoff area invites guests to make a 15-second commercial promoting their original vehicle designs, which can then be emailed to dazzle friends and family back home.
5. Mission: SPACE
Mission: SPACE is not suitable for everyone. Height restrictions and physical advisories will prevent some guests from the ride itself, but all ages and tolerances are welcome to experience galactic adventures in the Advanced Space Lab at the Mission: SPACE exit.
Advanced Space Lab delivers four unique space-themed amusements. Forget postcards from Orlando! Create and send the most extraordinary vacation Postcards From Space, with various celestial backdrops, to share your out-of-this-world experience with earth-bound loved ones. Explore the surface of Mars on a treacherous mission to save fellow astronauts at Expedition: Mars gaming kiosks. Even the youngest astronauts have exploration opportunities, in the form of the Space Base playground.
The main attraction within the Advanced Space Lab is Mission: SPACE Race. Here, 56 players divide into two teams – ground control versus astronauts – in the ultimate, fast-paced, round-trip rocket race to Mars and back.
6. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion features an Aztec pyramid which houses the Gran Fiesta Tour slow boat ride, but this is only one small part of what’s in store within the towering structure. The interior of the pyramid serves as both a pre- and post-attraction area, providing an array of shopping, dining, and amusements.
La Vida Antigua is a simple museum-esque exhibit depicting life in Ancient Mexico and Mesoamerican culture. Along with various artifacts on display, skilled artisans demonstrate the age-old Oaxacan craft of woodcarving – creating vibrantly colored masterpieces representing animals, mythical beasts, and the powerful spirits within them.
Wood carvings are also made available in the pyramid’s Mexican village and marketplace. The village is elaborately themed to resemble a bustling, open-air market at twilight. Carts and kiosks overflow with authentic Mexican treasures: pottery, jewelry, clothing, musical instruments, and so much more. Prices run the gamut, meaning that there is an original souvenir for every budget.
The Mexican marketplace provides one of the most alluring locations for simply taking a break from the fast-paced chaos of a day at the theme park. The famed La Cava del Tequila is known for being a favorite respite for weary Epcot travelers. Is that due to it’s cozy, intimate atmosphere, or its seemingly endless menu of Tequila varieties? You be the judge! If nothing else, the marketplace certainly offers up one of the most breathtaking views on property.
7. The Seas With Nemo and Friends
Technically, The Seas With Nemo and Friends is a pavilion housing multiple attractions, all themed around the “big blue world” of Earth’s oceans. The innovative dark-ride centered around Nemo and his fishy pals is only the beginning of an awe-inspiring underwater journey. The ride unloads into a colossal, multi-level complex bursting with marine life and aquaculture.
Over 5 million gallons of saltwater fill a series of aquariums loaded with a variety of oceanic residents, including sharks, turtles, manatees, and more. High-tech model research facilities, natural habitats, and educational presentations combine to inform and amaze guests of all ages. Among the displays, look for the aquarium that challenges you to find Nemo for yourself!
Little ones will delight in Bruce’s Sub House, an interactive play zone centered around Bruce the shark, and his efforts to educate pint-sized guests on the facts and myths surrounding his species. Near the exit from the aquariums to the gift shop, be sure to make time for some Turtle Talk With Crush!
8. Journey Into Imagination With Figment
After joining Figment on a Journey Into Imagination, test the boundaries of your senses in a virtual wonderland playground that could only come from the fanciful mind of a spunky, purple dragon. ImageWorks is a spectacle like no other – a sensory adventure that encourages wonder, curiosity, and creativity in the form of interactive play and creation.
Compose your own rhythms and tunes with the help of cutting-edge attractions such as Figment’s Melody Maker and Stepping Tones. Melody Maker allows guests to conduct an entire orchestra like a maestro. Conversely, Stepping Tones makes use of your fancy footwork to command a symphony.
When you’ve completed your masterful, musical compositions, move on to “composing” a Figment of your own imagination. Design a virtual dragon at these easy-to-use creation stations, through a variety of physical features and color options. Then, email your brilliant design to family and friends.
ImageWorks, and the adjoining gift shop, feature a host of photo-related souvenirs to capture your freshly inspired creative spark. Options include self-service photo booths, and digitally-enhanced green screen photos with your image superimposed on a variety of clever, Disney-themed scenes.
A rainbow of colors and a spectrum of sounds create a whimsical environment fostering creative thought and of course, the value of imagination. Unfortunately, ImageWorks lost a bit of its appeal after a refurbishment cut the ImageWorks area in half. An entire upstairs level of additional exploration has been shut down, which is perhaps one of the biggest renovation-related heartbreaks for longtime park visitors. While I’d be somewhat pacified with simply reopening the brilliant neon rainbow tunnel that once led into ImageWorks, it’s impossible to avoid a nostalgic sadness when considering all that was lost in the renovation. I value my park privileges too much to risk them, but a few guests have managed to make their way into the now-abandoned upper level of ImageWorks, where some of the displays remain eerily still and silent.
Though its true that many exit areas are just simple gift shops, they aren’t all just blatant cash grabs! Some exit areas are attractions all by themselves. These 8 post-show areas offer guests a whole lot more than just souveniers, and many can be considered attractions all by themselves!
