Many people associate Walt Disney World’s attractions with long lines above all else. If you’re dreading the potential for hours of lengthy queues on your visit, try tweaking your itinerary to include some of the many park highlights that come with no line at all.
Wildlife Trails – Animal Kingdom
Image: Sam Howzit, Flickr (license)
Animal Kingdom offers several opportunities to meet their animals outside of the major attractions. You don’t have to wait in line for Kilimanjaro Safaris to see many of the same animals.
- Maharaja Jungle Trek – Explore Southeast Asia and meet komodo dragons, Asian tigers, and gibbons among the ruins of an ancient palace.
- Discovery Island Trails – Circling the Tree of Life, Discovery Island trails give you unbeatable views of the carvings that make up this majestic tree. You’ll also find animal exhibits featuring macaw, Asian small-clawed otter, ring-tailed lemur, and others.
- Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail – This African trail features everything from small adorable meerkats to massive yet majestic gorillas.
The Boneyard – Animal Kingdom
Image: Michael Gray, Flickr (license)
Tucked away in DinoLand U.S.A., The Boneyard is a wild playground set in what was purportedly an archaeological dig side. Slide through tubes, play with musical dino bones, and hop on prehistoric footprints for roaring fun. Cross the bridge and you’ll find an excavation site where you can grab a shovel and start digging up new discoveries.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch – Animal Kingdom
Image: Loren Javier, Flickr (license)
Just a short train ride from the main area of Animal Kingdom, Rafiki’s Planet Watch offers several attractions that you can enjoy without any time in line.
- Affection Section – Head into the petting zoo and say hello to the park’s sheep and goats.
- Conservation Station – Meet snakes, birds, and more as you learn how Animal Kingdom works to promote global conservation efforts.
This is also one of the best places in the park for spotting hidden Mickey’s and meeting rare characters, so keep a keen eye out and be ready for surprises.
Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station – Magic Kingdom
If you’re battling your way through a long hot day with several rides that the little ones are afraid to board, head to the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station. This water play area features fountains and misters surrounding the famously cheerful choo-choo train. Kids will play the day away in this whimsical little play land in Fantasyland’s Storybook Circus area.
Cinderella Castle – Magic Kingdom
Image: Michael Gray, Flickr (license)
The towering icon of Magic Kingdom, Cinderella Castle is impossible to miss in the center of the park. You can get closer and appreciate it in more detail by taking a stroll through the castle itself. Inside, you’ll find five stunning mosaic murals depicting Cinderella’s story in more than a million pieces of colored glass. This walkway is easily missed, but an absolute must-see if you’re a fan of the princess tales. Head outside to pay a visit to the wishing well, too.
Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream – Hollywood Studios
One Man’s Dream is a walk-through attraction with over 400 artifacts from Walt Disney’s lifetime. You’ll find Walt’s desk from second grade, Walt’s earliest animations, a model of Main Street at Disneyland, costumes from Mary Poppins, and more. There’s a short 15-minute film at the end that plays continuously so you can catch a convenient showing any time.
Sea Base – Epcot
Image: Jeremy Thompson, Flickr (license)
The Seas with Nemo & Friends lets you ride through the massive aquariums in The Seas Pavilion, but you can experience it all without waiting in line simply by strolling into the SeaBase and taking a look around. Watch dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, and rays play in the 5.7-million-gallon Caribbean Coral Reef Aquarium. Time your visit for 10:00 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. for extra fun watching a feeding.
World Showcase Galleries – Epcot
Image: Sam Howzit, Flickr (license)
The countries around World Showcase in Epcot house many delights that are easily missed. You won’t wait in line to view these exhibits. There are highlights to discover from all over the globe.
- Mexico Folk Art Gallery, Mexico – Climb the steps of the pyramid in Mexico and head in to explore native culture and arts.
- Bijutsu Gallery, Japan – Delve into Japanese culture as you explore toys, artifacts, and art. Higlights include the Harajuku girl sculpture formed from pieces of jewelry and tchotchkes, and a replica of a modern-day apartment in Tokyo.
- American Heritage Gallery, United States – Interactive displays bring African-American history to life in this exhibit covering 400 years of history.
- Stave Church Gallery, Norway – View some of the art and artifacts of Norway and see how they served as inspiration for the famous Frozen film.
- Gallery of Arts and History, Morocco – Take a peek in the Morocco pavilion to catch this gallery of tattoos, jewelry and textiles. Learn about the ritual of henna tattoos, the meaning of the hamsa, and the Fantasia horse and rider show in this exhibit.
You don’t have to suffer a long line for hours of entertainment in Walt Disney World. These stunning attractions make an outstanding case in point.
