Have you ever wanted to know all the little Disney World hidden secrets and gems? I’m here to give you all the extra little things to do at Disney World and things to look for that you may have never thought about.
On this guide, we will go through each theme park and unlock some of the mysteries and Disney World hidden gems behind the legendary gates.
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Now, let’s jump in the BEST Walt Disney World hidden secrets for you to explore!
Walt Disney World Hidden Gems
Disney’s Magic Kingdom opened on a glorious day in October of 1971.
That charming day has led to the start of millions of magical memories from the old to the young.
What you do not know is while we think we may see all that the Magic Kingdom has to offer, there are quiet a few Magic Kingdom secrets you should take note of on your next Walt Disney World vacation!
The Magic Kingdom is divided into six lands:
- Main Street U.S.A.
- Tomorrowland
- Fantasyland
- Frontierland
- Liberty Square
- Adventureland
The lands are centered around the hub, which is Cinderella Castle.
This is especially important to note when planning and mapping out your trip to discover each hidden gem.
Magic Kingdom Secrets and Fun Facts
Town Square Secrets and Facts
1 – Main Street U.S.A. Red Carpet
Main Street U.S.A. is bordered by red pavement to give you the Red Carpet Treatment.
2 – Fire Station 71
In honor of the year Magic Kingdom was opened, you get the name of Fire Station 71.
3 – Lady and the Tramp in Tony’s Town Square
Tony’s Town Square is named after the restaurant where the main characters from Lady and the Tramp enjoyed their famous meal.
4 – Disney History in the Windows
Second story windows have names of fictional businesses with real-life Imagineers, artists, and other significant people in Disney history.
5 – A View for Everyone
Store windows on Main Street are lower than normal to allow little ones the ability to see through them.
6 – Join the Party Phone Line
Use the wall-mounted phone in the General Store and listen to a hot party line.
7 – Listen to Singing Lessons
If you turn on the first street right off of Main Street, you may hear some singing and dancing lessons near the small café area.
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Fantasyland Secrets and Facts
8 – Hidden Offices
Fantasyland is actually on the second floor. The first floor is known as Utilidors, which are used to house offices of the Magic Kingdom.
9 – The True Castle Height
Cinderella Castle appears much higher than it really is by using forced perspective.
10 – Real Castle Name
The world-famous castle in the Magic Kingdom is actually called Cinderella Castle NOT Cinderella’s Castle.
11 – Bow to a Princess
On the side of the castle is a fountain with Cinderella on it. Take a drink from the water fountain and you’ll automatically be bowing down to a princess.
12 – Wake up Tinker Bell
The first person who walks inside Tinker Bell’s Treasures will be given the opportunity to “awaken Tinker Bell.”
13 – Find a Submarine inside Pooh’s Playful Spot
At Pooh’s Playful Spot is a tribute to the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction. Find the picture of a submarine on the inside of the tree’s front door.
14 – Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
There’s also a tribute to Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride inside the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction.
When you enter Owl’s house, look back and find the picture on the wall showing Mr. Toad handing the deed to his house to Owl.
15 – Peter Pan’s Flight
On Peter Pan’s Flight find the building blocks by Wendy’s bed that spell out P Pan and D Disney.
Read: Magic Kingdom FastPass+ Tiers (Ultimate Guide)
Liberty Square Secrets and Facts
16 – Ship Lost at Sea in Columbia Harbour House
Each section of the Columbia Harbour House is dedicated to a ghost ship or a ship lost at sea.
17 – Columbia Harbour House Sea Captain Artifact
The Haunted Mansion sea captain spear can be seen as one of the artifacts in Columbia Harbour House in the area where you order food.
This same sea captain can be seen in the portrait after you exit the stretch room of the Haunted Mansion.
18 – No restrooms in Liberty Square
There are no restrooms in Liberty Square (besides ones required in restaurants) to mimic the time period.
19 – Madame Leota’s Final Resting Place
Pay close attention to Madame Leota’s tombstone. Her eyes may magically open for you.
20 – Gargoyles in the Haunted Mansion
As you leave the stretching room of the Haunted Mansion, listen for gargoyles talking. They are making sure you “stay together.”
21 – Haunted Mansion Pipe Organ
There’s a replica of the pipe organ from the film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea in the ballroom scene of the Haunted Mansion.
22 – Tony the Tiger in the Haunted Mansion
One of the singing statues in the Haunted Mansion was the voice of Tony the Tiger from Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes!
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Frontierland Secrets and Facts
23 – Hidden Paint Brush
Find the paintbrush laying around in Tom Sawyer’s Island. When you find it, turn the paintbrush into an Island Cast Member for a special surprise.
24 – Listen to Disneyland’s Opening Day Speech
Near the telegraph office, you will hear Morse code of Walt Disney’s opening day speech at Disneyland in California.
25 – A False Splash on Splash Mountain
The splash on Splash Mountain is not cause by the log-flume, but by a water-cannon hidden in the landscaping.
26 – Wild Party on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
While on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, look towards the window on the second-floor of the saloon to see the “wildest party in the Wilderness” in progress.
Adventureland Secrets and Facts
27 – Listen out for Pirates
On Pirates of the Caribbean, as you board your vessel look for a tunnel on your right and listen closely for pirates digging.
28 – Illusion of a Straw Hut
While waiting for the Jungle Cruise, look for the small hut. Believe it or not, the “straw” on the roof is actually metal.
Tomorrowland Secrets and Facts
29 – Listen to Your Space Friends
There’s a special phone booth in Tomorrowland where you can pick up the receiver and listen to something interesting.
The booth is located near the Lunching Pad quick-service counter.
30 – Tomorrowland Transit Authority Previous Name
The TTA (Tomorrowland Transit Authority) was once known as WEDway Peoplemover after Walter Elias Disney.
31- Listen out for Mr. Tom Morrow
Towards the end of your TTA experience listen for the paging of Mr. Tom Morrow.
Get it???
Mr. Tomorrow!
As you can see, the Magic Kingdom theme park has so many hidden gems ready for you to discover.
On your next solo Disney trip, make it a fun game to discover each little secret.
Where are hidden Mickeys in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom?
- Examine the scroll work of the roof of the Main Street Train Station
- On Big Thunder Mountain Railroad look for a hidden Mickey to your right near the end of the ride.
- Walk inside Liberty Tree Tavern and check out the rear wall of the waiting area to find a classic Hidden Mickey.
You can find all the hidden Mickeys in this book below!
Disney World Epcot Secrets
Disney’s Epcot opened on a beautiful day in October of 1982. That magical day has sparked millions of enchanted memories from the young all the way to the old.
What you may not know is that while we think we see all Epcot has to offer, there are quite a few secrets you should look out for on your next Walt Disney World vacation!
Epcot is divided into two sections:
- Future World
- World Showcase
Future World highlights the technological advances of yesterday, today, and tomorrow while World Showcase goal is to highlight learning and living with people of other cultures.
Future World Secrets and Facts
32 – E.P.C.O.T
Epcot stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.
33 – It’s Magic!
Spaceship Earth (the big golf ball) is designed with a runoff system that prevents water from reaching the ground when it rains.
34- The Original Mailing System
When riding through Spaceship Earth, pay attention to the Egyptian scene. The scrolls are duplicates of a real document sent from a pharaoh.
35– What’s with the Computer Guy in Spaceship Earth???
A lot of people think it’s Bill Gates or Steven Jobs asleep at the computer on Spaceship Earth, but it’s actually a nod to all the dreamers and builders out there who have made the computer technology we love today.
36 – Landing on the Moon
On the Mission to Mars ride you’ll notice gold spheres scattered across the moon in the Planetary Plaza.
They represent the 29 moon-landing missions of the United States and the Soviet Union from 1959 through 1976.
37 – Horizons is Still Here
In the queue line for Mission to Mars, look for the Horizons logo in the center of the rotating gravity wheel.
Horizons was one of my favorite rides and was such a Disney classic because it focused on the possible ways we could live in the future, including living in space.
38 – Listen to Trash Bin Conversations
In Future World near the Electric Umbrella Restaurant, you can find a trash bin marked “waste please” next to the toppings area of the bar.
Get close to it to hear some cool sounds from kids arguing over who gets the last of the fries.
39– Beautiful Land Mosaic
As you approach the Land Pavilion, you’ll notice a stunning mosaic right outside the pavilion.
The mosaic shows a variety of layers that represent the layers of the earth after a volcano eruption.
40 – Balloons and More!
On the ceiling inside the Land Pavilion are balloons that represent earth’s seasons.
The green balloon represent spring, the yellow balloon is for summer, the orange balloon is for fall, and the blue balloon is for winter.
41 – Live with the Land
On my favorite ride, Living with the Land, lookout for the little farmhouse that will be on your left. You should be able to notice the house number on the mailbox that says number 82. This is an homage to 1982, the year Epcot Center opened.
42 – Eat the Land
Many of the restaurants inside Epcot such as, Sunshine Season Food Fair and the Garden Grill, serve food that was grown inside of the Living with the Land attraction.
43 – Secret of Soarin Around the World
On the ride, Soarin, you’ll notice a pre-flight video with the flight number of 5505. This number is in honor of Soarin’s official opening at Epcot on May 5, 2005.
44 – Nemo’s Past
The Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion was formally known as Living with the Seas Pavilion and is the only place in Epcot with live animals.
45 – The First Manatee
Chester was the first manatee born in captivity at Epcot in 1991.
46 – The Largest Saltwater Aquarium
Believe it or not, the saltwater aquarium inside The Seas with Nemo and Friends pavilion was once the largest in the world until Georgia opened up the aquarium in Atlanta in 2005.
47 – Beware of the Beach Signs
When boarding the Nemo and Friends attraction, look for the beach signs. You will notice the advertiser is called Nautical Exploration and Marine Observation, or N.E.M.O.
48 – It’s Just Your Imagination
There is a water fountain outside the Journey through Your Imagination attraction that shoots water upwards!
49 – Is it Upside Down or Right Side Up???
On the Journey Through Your Imagination with Figment, you’ll notice in the upside-down room red and yellow paint spots. They are Figment Pigments.
Epcot World Showcase Lagoon Secrets and Facts
50 – Tower of Terror at Epcot???
If you’re ever gazing across the World Showcase Lagoon, look at the structures of the Morocco Pavilion and check out Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the distance.
Tower of Terror blends in with the Moroccan colors and themes, mixing them perfectly so that you still feel like you’re in the African country.
51 – Mexico’s History
As you approach Mexico, you’ll see the famous pyramid that represents three Mexican cultures:
- Architecture is Mayan
- Decor is Aztec
- Artwork Toltec
52 – Don’t Climb the Pyramid
Ever notice that a beautiful piece of art with the pop of blue in the front of the Mexican pavilion pyramid?
When the Mexico Pavilion was created, it was common to see people trying to climb it. Disney Cast Members constructed a piece of artwork to prevent further climbing of the pyramid. However, people still try to climb it today.
The Mexican pavilion is always twilight.
Why?
Twilight is the time of day where friends and family gather in the plaza for socializing in Mexican culture.
54 – The Mexican Wooden Figures
Animales Fantasticos are the colorful wooden figures that you can see being created inside the marketplace of the Mexican Pavilion.
They area an ancestral Zapotec art form in Oaxaca, Mexico.
55 – Norway Architecture
As you leave the Mexico Pavilion, you’ll see the Norway pavilion in the distance. T
his area of the World Showcase diplays architecture found in Oslo, Alesund, Bergen and the Setesdal Valley.
56 – Christianity and Nordic Gods
The famous Norway stave church with the Viking in the front represents a Christian church, but it honors Nordic gods.
57 – Chinese Culture
In the Chinese pavilion at Epcot, you will notice themes showing the phoenix and the dragon, which signifies the Empress and the Emperor.
58 – Perfect Acoustics in China
The building inside China Pavilion’s Temple of Heaven (a representation of the Beijing temple), is acoustically perfect. This allows your voice to vibrate directly back to your ears.
59 – China’s Twelve Pillars
Also, the China Pavilion has columns inside the temple that represent the four seasons. There are squares beans that represent earth, and round beams that represent the heavens.
The 12 pillars are symbolic for the 12 months of the Chinese year.
60 – Move Water with Your Fingers
The Young Feng Shangdian shop has a copper bowl on a pedestal towards the back. Put your finger in the water and rub it in a circle.
The vibrations from your finger will cause the water to ripple and make a splash.
61 – Coat of Arms
In Germany there are 16 painted coats of arms outside Summerfest and the Biergarten Restaurant that represent Germany’s 16 regions.
62 – Miniature German Town
In Germany the train set up is a small replication of a Germany-style town.
63 – God of the Sea
In the Italy pavilion there is a statue towards the back that is a replica of the statue of Neptune, god of the sea.
64 – Colonial Times in America
At the clock on the top of the American Pavilion are numbers from the colonial period such as, 4 represented as IIII rather than IV.
65 – Stay True to the Times in America
Also, in America there is a hidden elevator. It’s behind the store near the main front doors of the pavilion.
This is hidden because there were no elevators in colonial America.
While you are watching the American Adventure show, notice the cinematic changes such as the paintings displayed to represent post-Civil War, then the paintings transitioning to photographs, ending at the 20th century with moving pictures.
Just a nice little touch of Disney magic.
66 – Japanese Architecture
When you arrive to the Japanese pavilion inside Epcot, you’ll see a temple that’s similar to Yakushiji Temple. This is one of the Seven Great Temples in Nara.
67 – A Roller Coaster in Japan
There were plans to have a Mount Fuji roller coaster ride, but Disney was not able to secure Kodak as a sponsor for the attraction since the name “Fiji” would have been in alignment with their competitor, Fiji Film.
68 – Shop and Learn Inside Japan’s Mitsukoshi Store
The Mitsukoshi Store is based off the original and oldest Japanese department store (300+ years old).
69 – Sacred Grounds in Japan
Have you ever noticed the bright red gate in Japan on the World Showcase Lagoon? It is based off the Shinto Itsukushima Shrine and indicates holy ground.
70 – Moroccan Secrets
As you enter the Moroccan Pavilion, look for the Arabic writing near the Tangerine Café. It states, “Tourist Information.”
71 – Moroccan Courtyard and Home
The fez house in the Morocco Pavilion is located in a small courtyard and is decorated entirely in tiles.
The upper story of this area is where Moroccan home owners living quarters are.
72 – Moroccan Conversations
Near the small fountain to the right of the Marrakesh Restaurant entrance, is where you may hear a conversation from a merchant and one of his patrons discussing some of the shop items.
73 – The Beauty of France
In the France Pavilion, you may notice how the color of the pathway changes to show the dark pigment representing the Strait of Gibraltar.
74 – The Eiffel Tower
France’s Eiffel Tower was created using forced perspective which gives you the illusion of a 1000-foot tower instead of the 1/10 in scale model you seen at Epcot.
75 – France in Your Eyes
In France, you will also notice the fountain in front of the Eiffel Tower has a row of plants that are wider at the front.
Each plant after the first one, gets more narrower, giving the illusion of a much longer walk way.
76 – A Delightful Tea Shop
In the UK Pavilion, there’s a small cottage with a Tea Caddy Shop inside reminiscent of the Stratford-upon-Avon cottage owned by William Shakespeare’s wife, Anne Hathaway.
77 – Palace Inspirations in the United Kingdom
While you’re touring the lovely UK Pavilion, check out the back area where you will see the Hampton Court-inspired building that has a Toy Soldier Shop inside.
78 – Finding Mr. Banks
Inside the Toy Soldier Shop of the UK Pavilion is a large coat and umbrella rack bundle up and addressed to Mr. Banks, 17 Cherry Tree Ln., London.
A nod to admirers of the popular Mary Poppins series.
79 – Totem Poles in Canada
In Canada you’ll notice only one of the totem poles is real.
Walt Disney Imagineering realized they didn’t make a true authentic totem pole, so they brought on Canadian artist David Boxey to create one authentic to the country.
80 – The Gardens of Canada
Across the Le Cellier Restaurant is a sunken garden inspired by the beautiful one in Vancouver, Canada.
81 – Canada’s National Symbol
Canada’s national symbol is the maple leaf.
As you can see, Epcot theme park has so many hidden gems ready for you to discover. On your next solo Epcot Disney trip, make it a fun game to discover each little secret.
Disney World Hidden Secrets: Hollywood Studios Facts
Disney’s Hollywood Studios opened on May 1, 1989 and was the third park to open at Walt Disney World.
That spectacular day has led to millions of wonderful memories all the way from the young to the old.
What you may not know is that while you think you can see all that Hollywood Studios has to offer, there are still quite a few secrets you should search for on your next Walt Disney World vacation!
One of the cool thing about Hollywood Studios is that the attractions and shows are not too far apart, which makes it easy to navigate the park and find all the little hidden gems.
Hollywood Studios is divided into different sections:
- Hollywood Boulevard
- Sunset Boulevard
- Animation Courtyard
- Grand Avenue
- Toy Story Land
- Commissary Lane
- Echo Lake
- Soon-to-be Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
The Hidden Gems of Hollywood Studios
82 – Steamboat Willy
At the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard, is a tip board with an oval plate in the pavement that states “established 1928.”
This is the year Mickey Mouse was first featured in a cartoon as Steamboat Willy.
83 – Culver City brought to Florida
The shops that you see inside Hollywood Studios are inspired by real places in Culver City, California.
84– AAA Diamond Rated Hotel in Hollywood Studios
Inside the lobby at the wall directly to the right of the concierge desk, you’ll see that the Hollywood Tower Hotel has been awarded a 13-Diamond rating from AAA (American Automobile Association).
The only catch is that AAA only has ratings that go up to 5 diamonds.
85 – Twilight Zone Library
Inside the library section of the Tower of Terror are references to a classic Twilight Zone episode called “A Passage for Trumpet.”
Just look for a trumpet sitting on the top of the page of sheet of music.
86 – Original Mickey Mouse Plush
When you watch the preshow of the Tower of Terror, you’ll see an original Mickey Mouse plush held by the child star as she and her group get ready to board the elevator.
87 – Double Check the Elevator Safety Certificates
Once you enter the elevator, find the safety inspection certificate signed by Mr. Cadwallader, stating that the elevator is in good working order.
Be sure to notice the certificate date of October 31, 1939, the day the Hollywood Tower Hotel opened.
88 – Look out for an Original Tower of Terror Bellhop
While you’re exploring Tower of Terror, if you see a bellhop with goal epaulets, then you’ve found an original Tower of Terror Cast Member.
89– Customize Your Rocking License Plate
On Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, look at the custom license plates of the limos before they launch. You will see:
- UGOBABE
- 1QKLIMO
- H8TRFFC
- 2FAST4U
90 – A Famous Hollywood Landmark
In the center of Hollywood Studios is a unique replication of the Chinese Theater. This theater is a famous Hollywood landmark called Grauman‘s Chinese Theater which opened in 1927.
91 – Learn About Walt’s Early Years
In the attraction Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream, pay attention to the school desk from Walt’s school days. You will see his initials carved into his desk.
92 – Mr. Potato Head’s Carnival
Mr. Potato Head is the first Audio-Animatronic character that was able to remove and replace his own body parts. You can find him inside the queue line of the Toy Story Mania! attraction.
93 – Toy Story Mania! Barcodes
On Toy Story Mania pay attention to the barcode. The number on the bottom left of the barcode is 121506.
That number is the date the original Toy Story Midway Mania was officially announced to be one of Hollywood Studios newest attractions.
94 – Life of a Vulcan in Toy Story Land
When you shoot your final dart in the Woody’s Rootin’ Tootin’ Shootin’ Roundup section of Toy Story Mania!, you’ll see and Buzz Lightyear total your score.
Pay close attention as he splits his fingers to say goodbye.
It’s the “live long and prosper” Vulcan sign.
95 – Hidden Key
In Jim Henson’s Muppet Vision 3-D attraction, there is a ticket seller who has stepped away, but there’s a note indicating that a key is under the mat.
Check to see if you find a key there.
96 – A Unique Muppet Directory
Read the two bulletin boards on the left-hand wall once you pass through the turnstiles.
You’ll see the Muppet*Vision 3-D Headquarters Directory with a fun list of hilarious names to read over.
97 – See the Muppet Version of Jim Henson
Towards the left side of the preshow area, you’ll see a poster of a Muppet that has been created in the memory of the Muppet’s founder, Jim Henson.
98 – Listen Out for Your Page on Star Tours
On Star Tours listen to the many pages over the intercom.
You will hear a page for Egroeg Sacul, which is George Lucas spelled backwards and the famous Tom Morrow.
99 – Out-of-the-World License Plate
While in the Star Tours queue, be sure to listen out for another intercom page asking the owner of a speeder whose license plate has the number THX 1138 to please remove it from the no-hover zone.
This is a tribute to the first movie made by George Lucas in 1971.
100 – Get the Perfect Endor Shot
The popular Imperial Speeder bike is a prop directly across from Star Tours.
Here, you can get the best forest scene from the Endor planet shot, if you align yourself and your camera perfectly.
101 – A Real Indy Adventure
As you watch Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, you should note that Indy has the ability to control the release of the spheres.
He does this by stepping on the square keypads. This lets him know exactly when they will spring.
Believe it or not, they are real.
102 – Crushed by a Boulder
The famous giant boulder crushing scene is always a fan favorite, but you can see the Cast Members roll the ball back into its starting position if you pay close attention after the stunt.
The giant boulder is made a 400 pounds of rubber.
103 – Look for Clever Indiana Jones Props
Explore the Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost.
Here you will find movie props such as a War World I tank and an army truck.
104 – Walt and Roy’s Humble Beginnings
Near Hollywood Boulevard on the building next to cosmetic dentistry, is a for rent sign on the top window.
This is in reference to one of Walt and Roy’s first studios that they rented above their uncle’s garage.
105 – Lighting Capital of the World
Fantasmic! is the most canceled Walt Disney World show. This is because the stage is made of metal with around 1,9000,000 gallons of water surrounding the stage.
Not the safest place to be in a Florida lighting storm.
As you can see, Hollywood Studios has so many hidden gems ready for you to discover. On your next solo Disney trip to Hollywood Studios, make it a fun game to discover each little secret.
Read: Everything You Need To Know About the Rides Inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Disney World Hidden Items: Animal Kingdom Secrets
Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened on Earth Day on April 22, 1998.
That special day has led many exciting memories of the animal inhabitant theme park.
You may think you see all that Animal Kingdom has to offer but, there are quite a few secrets you should remember for your next Walt Disney World vacation!
Animal Kingdom is located in the Orlando area and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and has more than 1700 animals on property.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a great park to take your time, get lost, and discover so many different creatures of this world.
There are so many unique hidden gems and facts that you’d love learning about as you walk through each highly themed area.
But first, don’t forget to grab your FREE Walt Disney World itinerary here.
Animal Kingdom Lands and Sections
- Oasis
- Discovery Island
- Pandora – World of Avatar
- Africa
- Rafiki’s Planet Watch
- Asia
- Dinoland U.S.A
Oasis Area – Animal Kingdom
106 – Beastly Kingdom
As you approach Animal Kingdom you may notice in the parking lot that there are not just animal sections, but you also have a dinosaur and a unicorn section.
The reason why you may see a unicorn section or a dinosaur section is because the park was supposed to be called Beastly Kingdom.
107 – A Peaceful Oasis
There are no rides located in the Oasis area of Animal Kingdom, which is at the beginning of the park.
This is done to show what little human impact has on the environment.
108– Moving Tree
While you’re in the Oasis section of Animal Kingdom look for Divine.
She is majestically draped in foliage and is definitely something you should see at the start of your Disney day.
109 – Recycle…Reuse…
All the benches and Disney’s Animal Kingdom are made of recycled milk jugs.
Discovery Island – Animal Kingdom
110 – The Original Discovery Island
The Discovery Island section of Animal Kingdom is named after the original 11.5-acre Discovery Island attraction that was located on Bay Lake near the Magic Kingdom Theme Park.
111 – A Tree Filled with Life
The Tree of Life (the large tree that welcomes you in Animal Kingdom) is 145 feet tall, with 325 reptiles, mammals, and birds.
112 – More than Just a Tree
The Tree of Life houses a one-of-a-kind 4-D attraction. This attraction is call It’s Tough to Be A Bug and it’s hidden deep inside the roots of the Tree of Life.
DinoLand U.S.A. – Animal Kingdom
113 – Boneyard Secrets
Discover Boneyard secrets by lifting the lid on the second crate in the play area. You should be able to hear something scary going on inside the crate.
114– Big Footprints to Fill
Step on the giant footprints on the ground inside DinoLand U.S.A. You should hear a growl and other sounds around in the Boneyard.
115– Milder Ride with Dinosaurs
Countdown to Extinction is not the same ride it was when it originally opened. Today’s version is much milder than it originally was prior to 2000.
The attraction was renamed Dinosaur! to go with the movie release of the same name in the year 2000.
116 – Find a Live Dinosaur
Search DinoLand U.S.A. and find the life American crocodile sits next to the dig site and Dino Bites.
117– Learn the Secrets of the Paleontologist
Inside a Restaurantosaurus just before you enter the Hip Joint section of the restaurant, go through the bookshelf.
You’ll see many funny titled books that the paleontologists enjoy such as, Dino’s in Love and Captain Cretaceous.
118 – Encounter the Tyrannosaurus Rex
Don’t forget to check out the 40-foot long, 20-foot high Tyrannosaurus Rex as you make your way to Dinosaur!
119 – Scientific Demarcation Point
When you enter the Dino Institute (inside Dinosaur!) Look for the dark layer next to you.
This dark area is the K-T boundary which is the time between the age of dinosaurs and the age of mammals.
120 – A Parking Lot Inside Animal Kingdom
Around the game area of DinoLand U.S.A. you can see some of the white parking space lines.
Letting you know that this area was previously a parking lot in the storyline following Chester and Hester, the DinoLand mascots.
Asia – Animal Kingdom
121 – Prayer Flags in Asia
Look at the many colorful flags throughout Asia. These are called prayer flags and are found in Tibetan culture.
122– Five Main Colors
In Asian culture the five color flags are shown in one order: yellow, green, red, white, and blue, signifying earth, water, fire, cloud, and sky.
123 – Expedition Everest Secret to Wealth
Notice all of the firewood on the roofs of the Expedition Everest attraction. Wood is sacred in the Mount Everest area.
This means the more wood you have on the top of your roof, the more wealthy you are.
124– Lots of Red Throughout Expedition Everest
Inside Expedition Everest you will notice lots of red coloring throughout the building. Red is thought to be a color of protection. It is also thought to keeps evil spirits away.
125 – Honor the Yeti
Check out the red mark on the forehead of the Yeti’s statue. It’s a symbol of honor and respect.
126 – A Classic Steam Train
Note the old tea company steam train. Look carefully to see real steam coming from the train through the tracks below, right when the train takes off.
127 – Don’t Forget the Shrine
The shrine next to the telescope in Asia is an outline of the mountain range across the lake.
You can see the shrine right before you head towards Expedition Everest.
128 – Kali River Rapids
Kali is the Hindu goddess of “time end of the transformation that comes with death.”
A violent interpretation of Mother Nature, which is why Kali River Rapids is an intense water-raft attraction.
129 – Royalty in Asia
Try to find the picture of the Royal Couple of Anandapur. You can see this in the shops around the Asian section of the park. This picture indicates how wealthy a shop owner is.
The bigger the picture, the wealthier the owner.
130 – Boat Tours in Animal Kingdom
On the walk to Africa from Asia, you’ll notice a boat dock on the waterway to the left, right across from Flights of Wonder.
Believe it or not, there was once a boat tour that you could take from one area of Animal Kingdom to the other when park originally opened.
Africa – Animal Kingdom
131 – Harambe Village
Harambe Village in the Africa section of the park is where you you’ll find lots of music, wildlife, and even more hidden gems.
Harambe is Swahili for “let us all pull together.”
132 – African Phone Booths
You will notice a phone booth near the restrooms across from Tusker House. This indicates the time period in which British ruled parts of east Africa.
133 – Kenya’s Independence
Around Harambe Village, look for signs with the year 1961. This is the year the Republic of Kenya became an independent country.
134 – Kilimanjaro Safaris
The jeeps used for the Safari operate on liquid propane. This keeps the emissions low around the wildlife.
135 – Hidden Wildlife Dividers
On Kilimanjaro Safari you cannot see the hidden barriers between you and the animals, because of human-made boundaries.
These boundaries help you feel as if you’re right in the middle of a safari, while protecting both you and the animals.
Pandora: World of Avatar – Animal Kingdom
136 – In the Steps of the Navi People
Check out the large footprints on the ground in front of the Na’vi River Journey.
137 – Predatory Bats
Right before you enter the Avatar Flight of Passage caves, look towards your left to see sleeping stingbats.
Read: Animal Kingdom FastPass Tiers (Disney World FastPass Secrets)
Final Thoughts on the Disney World Secrets
There you have it!
Those are some of the best secrets for you to uncover on your Walt Disney World trip.
Let me know which Disney secret surprised you the most in the comment section below.
If you’d like to read more Walt Disney World secrets, then purchase this amazing book The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World: Over 600 Secrets of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom by Susan Veness.
Now go out and have fun!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
NikkyJ
Planning a trip soon? If so, read the Disney Vacation Planning Guide for your next dream trip!
(Original Article Date: April 14, 2019/Updated May 29, 2020)