We all know Walt Disney World is a magical place to play—but did you know there are quite a few “secrets” to discover about the most magical place on Earth? We scoured the planet to hunt down some of the world’s experts on all things Disney, and they've shared the insider tips you need to know before you plan your trip to Disney World or Disneyland.
Elayna Fernandez of ThePositiveMom.com shares these secrets for Disney World:
1) Arrive 15 minutes before the park opens and you will be able to see the Let the Magic Begin show. It sets the mood for a magical day. You won't want to miss it.
2) Stay 30 minutes after the park closes so you can indulge in the magic of The Kiss Goodnight. It is a display of lights on the Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World. As music from "When You Wish Upon a Star" quietly builds, the castle twinkles and is lit with a changing hue of colors. Sometimes, it repeats 30 minutes later. Accompanied by a closing statement, this Disney's way of saying goodnight to guests.
3) Speaking of photos, PhotoPass cast members will take free photos of your family with your camera or phone, just make sure to adjust your settings. They are very friendly and great at capturing great memories, and very friendly. Plus, you know they won't run off with your smart phone.
4) Most people want their picture taken from the front Cinderella Castle, but the back of the Castle is equally gorgeous, more unique, and a lot less crowded.
Look closely for the "haunted wedding ring" embedded in the pavement around the Haunted Mansion in Disney's Magic Kingdom. Although sometimes removed, this has become a fan-favorite to search for. Back in the day, the exit for the Haunted Mansion used to be through a turnstile that let guests off at Liberty Square. When the turnstile was removed, a bit of the machinery was left in the ground. Many people thought it resembled a wedding ring, and a legend was born.
After the ring was eventually paved over, fans became upset. Over the years the fake ring became a popular spot for people to propose. Little did they know, they were proposing to their loved ones over a piece of broken pipe. Because it was a fun little Easter Egg to find when visiting, the Disney Imagineers decided to add an official haunted ring to the ride. The only problem is that you have to find it. But, don't worry Disney cast members are happy to help you find the haunted mansion wedding ring.
When you walk along Main Street in the Magic Kingdom Park, go through the gates and under the train station. When you look up to see Cinderella’s Castle, you’ll notice a hat store. Inside there’s an old-fashioned telephone. Pick it up, and eavesdrop on a funny conversation.
At Hollywood Studio’s Muppet Vision 3D attraction, if you go to the ticket office, you'll see a sign saying the crew has stepped out but has left a key under the mat. Sure enough, if you lift the mat, there’s a key.
According to Anna Hider, there are many things that you never knew that you could do at Disney World.
-You can get surfing lessons at Typhoon Lagoon
-Also at Typhoon Lagoon, you can swim with sharks in Shark Reef
-You can learn to ride a horse at Tri-Circle-D Ranch
-If you're an aspiring Imagineer (Disney's high-level creative thinkers), you can have lunch with one
-Future race car drivers can hit up Epcot's Test Track
-Get a great view of the park from a hot air balloon above Disney Springs
-Get spruced up with a haircut from Harmony Barber Shop in the Magic Kingdom
Since it floats across the Seven Seas lagoon at night, you can watch the Electrical Water Pageant from outside of Magic Kingdom. Kevin Barry of frugalmouse.com notes that the best places to view it outside the park for free are Disney's Grand Floridian, Polynesian Resort, Wilderness Lodge, and Contemporary Resort. According to Barry ,you can also join Chip and Dale at Fort Wilderness for a campfire sing-along every night at 8 p.m.
Did you know that Disneyland in California allows feral cats to roam the park at night? According to Will Owen of TravelStrong.net it’s to keep the mouse population under control. There’s even feeding stations set up throughout the park to keep the kitties fed.