Two years ago, my family of four and my mom went to Walt Disney World for the first time. When our friends asked us about the trip later, even my husband, who wasn’t initially thrilled about going, proclaimed, “It was magical!” We reserved a character lunch at Tusker House. We met DiVine and enjoyed Finding Nemo – The Musical at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We sang our hearts out at For the First time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, our oldest went through Jedi Training, and we cowered at the March of the First Order at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We went on a safari, took pictures with our favorite characters, traded pins with Cast Members, and basically conquered Walt Disney World. We saw and did all of the things. Or, at least, I thought we did.
While researching our upcoming Walt Disney World trip, I thought we should try something new. Little did I know, we’d only scratched the surface. There are so many experiences we didn’t explore. Below, I’ve rounded up 10 unique adventures you can book before your next Walt Disney World experience.
Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour
Whether you’ve been to Magic Kingdom once or many times, you’ve probably never seen some of its most secret locations. During a five-hour tour, you will get a glimpse of all that goes on behind-the-scenes at Magic Kingdom. You can explore the park’s famed underground “Utilidor” tunnels and learn little-known facts about the park and Walt Disney. Your reservation for the tour also includes a delicious lunch.
The UnDISCOVERed Future World Tour
VIP lounges, backstage areas of pavilions, and the wardrobe department await you at the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (which you may know as EPCOT). There are so many hidden features you’ll uncover during a four-hour tour around this 300-acre park as you acquaint yourself with Walt Disney’s vision for his ideal city of the future.
Ultimate Nights of Adventure Tour
Take a four-hour guided group tour under the glow of moonlight in Walt Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Journey to Pandora, explore the icy peaks of the Himalayas, and marvel at the nighttime spectacular, Rivers of Light. The tour includes snacks, beverages, and access that will make you feel like a VIP.
Wild Africa Trek
Two years ago, my family and I loved our time on the Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We had no idea that we could have taken our journey to the next level with the Wild Africa Trek tour. This private tour gives you three hours amongst the animals living in the Safi River Valley. You’ll actually walk along grassy paths, cross a rope bridge, and learn about the animals and their care. Bonus: Your tour includes a trained photographer who will capture every moment, a gourmet meal, and a special souvenir.
Epcot Seas Adventure – DiveQuest
Scuba dive with more than 6,000 sea creatures in the clear waters of a 5.7 million gallon saltwater aquarium. Sea turtles, angelfish, and sharks will join you during your 40-minute dive. The three-hour tour also includes a backstage tour where you’ll see what it takes to maintain this pristine environment. You must be Scuba-certified to go on this adventure, but giant windows allow the entire family to enjoy the view.
Backstage Magic
Grab the tweens and teens in your group, and gear up for this seven-hour, immersive, behind-the-scenes Walt Disney World experience. Watch how the pros design costumes for the characters, shows, and parades at Magic Kingdom. Enjoy a family-style BBQ lunch in the Whispering Canyon Café at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Check out the world’s largest laundry facilities, and pay a visit to the artisans who make the intricately designed stage sets. The tour takes you all around Walt Disney World to see how the magic comes to life!
Star Wars Guided Tour
Star Wars fans will really enjoy this tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Experience two live shows from a reserved viewing area, encounters with friends from a Galaxy Far, Far Away and dine at the Backlot Express during this tour. This guided adventure will even grant you reserved access to a fireworks display that’s out of this world.
My First Haircut
Did you know that there is a barber shop in Magic Kingdom? Boys and girls can get the VIP treatment at the Harmony Barber Shop when you reserve the My First Haircut package. Your little ones will not only receive a great hair cut but also a certificate and commemorative Mickey ears. Older kids (or kids at heart) can add colorful mohawks, glitter, or just a trim to their ‘do.
Pirates & Pals Fireworks Dessert Voyage
Gather your crew and head to Disney’s Contemporary Resort for a sweet boat cruise across Seven Seas Lagoon. Before setting sail, enjoy delicious desserts, drinks and the chance to meet the legendary Captain Hook and his first mate, Mr. Smee. After you board your vessel, Captain Patch will entertain your family with trivia and sing-alongs as you make your way to a fantastic vantage point for the fireworks at Cinderella Castle.
No matter which of these Walt Disney World adventures you choose, you’re bound to have amazing tales to share when you get home.
