Top Seven Hidden Gem Experiences at Walt Disney World

There is so much to see and do at Disney World that you can’t possibly have done everything. Even the Disney veteran can find new things to do on every visit if he/she looks hard enough.

Here are seven experiences you probably haven’t tried yet.

1. Hotel Hopping

Disney transportation makes it very easy to go from your resort to the parks, but did you know that you can go between resorts, too? Anyone can visit any restaurant regardless of which resort you’re staying in. Visit the California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort then hop onto the monorail and head over to the Polynesian Village Resort. Walk the white sand beaches over to the Grand Floridian and explore the shops.

Hop on the monorail and go to three of Disney's Deluxe Resorts.
Hop on the monorail and go to three of Disney’s Deluxe Resorts.

Some pools require that you are a guest at that resort to visit, but unless you’re wreaking havoc, most Cast Members don’t check reservations. This can be a great way to experience all of the different water attractions without visiting the water parks.

2. Bob Jackson, River Roost Lounge, Port Orleans Riverside

Bob Jackson, also known as Yehaa Bob, has a piano bar feel but is a family-friendly atmosphere. Shows run from 8pm to 12 am, and you’ll be entertained the whole time with his witty songs, both classic and original, audience participation, and over all fun show.

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3. Water Sports on Bay Lake

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, be sure to visit Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Marina. Guests can rent jet skis or speedboats for tubing or skiing.

4. House of Blues

The nightlife at Disney Springs is beyond compare. House of Blues offers some of the best late-night entertainment. Guests will enjoy good food, a dance hall, and concerts from both famous and up-and-coming artists.

Don't miss the fun night-life at Disney Springs's House of Blues.
Don’t miss the fun night-life at Disney Springs’ House of Blues.

5. Camping

With so much emphasis on Disney resort hotels, it’s easy to forget that guests can rough it in Disney, too. Fort Wilderness Lodge has a camping area, and guests can use everything from a tent on a primitive site to an RV with full hook-ups. All campsites have access to a bathroom area, campfires, and transportation at the Wilderness Lodge bus stop.

Experience camping at Fort Wilderness.
Experience camping at Fort Wilderness.

6. Resort Fire Pits

Almost every resort now has a fire pit area in which Cast Members will build a fire at sunset. The campfire is complete with unlimited marshmallows. That’s right: unlimited! The Cast Member will give you a stick and one marshmallow and explain the rules including not setting the marshmallow on fire, not burning your stick, and not using the stick as a light saber. Once you roast your marshmallow and eat it, you can keep going back until you’ve gotten your fill.

7. Movie Night

Many resorts also now show a movie at dark. These are usually shown on a large projection screen, and the movie schedule changes frequently. Since schedules are released monthly, be sure to check the recreation schedule for your resort a few days before you arrive or upon arrival.

Have you ever gone ‘resort hopping’ at Disney World?