OVERLOOKED ATTRACTIONS AT WDW

Feature Article

This article appeared in the April 3, 2000, Issue #23 of ALL EARS® (ISSN: 1533-0753)

WDW has over 100 rides and attractions that can be found listed on the Theme Park Guide maps. But did you know that there are many many other things to see and do during your visit that you won't find on a map. Well, there are and I call these "Overlooked Attractions".

Let's start with Epcot! As part of the Millennium Celebration, there is a special place to mail postcards in Epcot where a special millennium postmark will be put on the mail. If you come in the main gate, it is to the left in Millennium Central. You will find a big postmark on a sign above the bin.

Do you like flowers and butterflies? In addition to the Butterfly garden at the United Kingdom pavilion, there is also one near Test Track! Follow the path near the Cool Wash on your way to World Showcase.

Send special emails from Innoventions. Most folks know that at the IBM exhibit, you can have your photo taken and emailed anywhere you like. Did you realize you can also make a 10 second video and email it? This can be done in Innoventions East.

Do it Around the World! I have heard of many fun things guests try to do in each country of World Showcase. Some of the fun ones include: Take a photo in that country's marketplace with a traditional hat on; have a unique beverage in each country; eat something chocolate from each country; buy at Epcot passport and have it stamped at each country, have your children learn how to say hello and goodbye in each language of the countries in World Showcase. The list goes on and on.

Magic Kingdom

The Barbershop on Main Street is a working Barbershop! Sometimes the barbershop quartet members will serenade you….there is sometimes a special treat if it's your child's first experience!

A Flag Ceremony is held daily at 5:00pm on Main Street. If you are a veteran and would like to participate in the ceremony, stop by City Hall early in the day and inquire!

Enjoy the beautiful rose gardens down near the old Swan Boat Dock, as you head over to Tomorrowland. This is also a SUPER place to take a time out from the crowds and just relax in quiet for a while.

The Disney-MGM Studios

There's a neat photo op available as you exit Star Tours. Go right across the walkway and you'll see the STARCRUISER backdrop! There are several photo backdrops available for pictures at the Studios.

Check out the "Singing in the Rain" umbrella that is attached to one of the streetlights near the Hunchback theater. Grab the umbrella and step on the black square embedded in the cement underneath it for a nice surprise!

Animal Kingdom

Can you find the Hidden Mickeys at Conservation Station? While you are at Conservation Station, be sure to check out "Sounds of the Rainforest".

Visit Pizzafari and try to guess the themes of each of the different rooms.

When the park opens at 7am, be there — grab a coffee and a bagel and go sit in one of the Tree of Life Gardens. Most folks are busy rushing to an attraction and the animals are often out and about at this time of day. The Kangaroos are my favorites to watch!

Resort Hotels

Visit the hotels! Doesn't matter if you are staying at a Disney hotel or not….see what's there!

Some of the hotels offer guided tours. Inquire at the front desk for details. The Wilderness Lodge tour is wonderful and includes (sometimes) a visit to the Smokehouse. At the Yacht and Beach Club horticulture staff will give you a tour of the grounds. I understand the Grand Floridian even offers tours on a limited basis.

And my favorite overlooked attraction: CAST MEMBERS! Take time to visit with the Cast Members you encounter. Many have lots of stories to share and enjoy talking to you. Those from other lands are anxious to tell you about their country, it's culture and much more!

A complete listing of Overlooked Attractions can be found on WDWIG at: http://allears.net/tp/ola.htm

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Editor's Note: This story/information was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all current rates, information and other details before planning your trip.