There is SO much to do at Walt Disney World…but if you’re at the right place at the right time, there are some absolutely “magical” things that take place that only a few people get to see (because they’re not at the right place at the right time). Here are 10 of them…

1. The Polynesian Resort’s Lighting of the Torches

We’ve been to the Luau and the show is good. But for a free mini-show, be at the front of the Polynesian Resort’s main building near dusk (call the resort to find the actual time): One of the performers from the show - a fire-twirler - puts on a little show and then runs through the resort’s grounds, “lighting” the tiki torches throughout. While you’re there, stroll across the grounds (very nice) and along the sandy shore next to the lagoon.

2. “Hidden” Paths at Animal Kingdom

So many people are used to running from one ride or show to another, that they fail to take all the side trails and paths that lead to many really neat places, including some amazing animals. The same thing goes on little paths surrounding the Tree of Life. Take the time to take the paths, especially if your children love animals.

3. Boat Transportation

There are lots of ways to get around Walt Disney World, but not that many people make use of the boats…and especially in the evening, they’re a wonderful and relaxing (dare I say even romantic) diversion. There are lauches at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, the Wilderness Lodge, Port Orleans, the Boardwalk, Fort Wilderness Campgrounds and more. Hop a boat and see where it takes you…you can always turn around and return to your original spot.

4. Like Campfires without Camping?

If you’re a resort Guest, you can head over to Fort Wilderness Campground (over by the Meadow Trading Post) for a nightly campfire and sing-along, led by Chip and Dale. Then, watch a couple of Disney movies on their outdoor screen. It’s all free, and there’s transportation to get you there and back (when you get there, take the internal bus system and get off at the Meadowlands Trading Post stop). Fort Wilderness also does (at a small charge) hour-long hayrides in the evenings, and also for a small charge, you can make smores (or bring your own supplies).

5. Let Your Birthday Boy or Girl Shine…

If your child (or child-at-heart) has a birthday during your stay at WDW, let the world know! Tell the resort front desk know in advance…some wonderful things can take place in your hotel room that day (sometimes, things like balloons, autographed pictures of your child’s favorite character, etc.). And if you go to City Hall just inside the Magic Kingdom, get your child a birthday button. Cast Members will oooh and ahhhh over your child all day long, and characters will pay particular attention to the special birthday girl or boy.

6. Have Your Kids Be Monorail Pilots

If it’s not too crowded (or if you’re willing to wait a turn), ask if there’s room for you and your kids to sit up in the front of the monorail. It’s a GREAT view and your kids get a little card recognizing them as “pilots.” You can only do this on the Resort Monorails.

7. The Live “Spontaneous” Shows

Throughout the parks, there are bands of singers, dancers, acrobats and various electronic creatures who “just show up,” perform for 15-20 minutes, and then disappear. The times for the shows are easily found out by getting information in the parks or by asking a Cast Member, but most Guests don’t bother, so it’s hit-and-miss. But the shows are absolutely spectacular, some of them. We were impressed last visit by the Kenyan acrobats in Animal Kingdom, outside the Dawa Bar…fun and phenomenal.

8. Flag Retiring Ceremony in Magic Kingdom

For everyone, this is a moving event. For veterans, even more-so. And if you’re a U.S. veteran and are interested, you can check at City Hall (early in the day) about playing a part in this ceremony (one veteran is picked each day to assist in retiring the flag).

9. Tom Sawyer’s Island

Few people take the time to head from Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland to this island. You have to take a raft there. But it’s a great place for kids to run free (and there’s shade for adults). Here’s a secret from allearsnet.com: On the island, your kids might find one of the paintbrushes Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn left behind. If they find this and return it to a Cast Member, they may get a prize.

10. The Animation Tour at Disney-MGM Studios

Fewer people take this tour these days, since Disney moved the animators out of Florida (and that’s a shame). But it’s still a pretty cool tour that features a new segment borrowed from Disneyland, featuring one of the Cast Member “animators” and Mushu the dragon from “Mulan.” Kids will appreciate the interaction between cartoon and human, and parents will get a nice air conditioned break.

If you learned at least one thing from this article, I’d appreciate you marking this eBay Guide as “Helpful” below. And if you want to save money at WDW or not get scammed when doing Disney pin trading, I hope you’ll look at some of my other articles. THANKS and have a great Disney vacation!