Disney World offers lots of iconic attractions and experiences that are often must-dos for your trip!

Activities like taking photos in front of Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom, drinking around the world in EPCOT, taking a ride on Kilimanjaro Safari in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and traveling to Batuu in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are things we easily associate with Disney World (and must-do’s in our book!). BUT, there are also plenty of hidden gems that many people don’t check out during their trips — and we think you should! Here are five things you’re NOT doing in Disney World, but we really think you should be!

Using the Play Disney Parks App

You can download the Play Disney Parks App onto your phone for FREE to make downtime in Disney World (or Disneyland, when it’s open) more entertaining! In the app, you’ll be able to play special games, answer trivia questions, listen to themed music, and more. These activities will be themed to the area of the park that you’re in, so you can feel immersed while you’re waiting in line!

This app is especially interactive in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. It transforms into a Star Wars: Datapad that will give you plenty of tools to explore and discover Batuu. You can translate different languages like Aurebesh throughout the land, interact with droids and control panels, decrypt communications, and go on many other galactic ventures! This app is especially useful now while we’re waiting for the return of FastPass+. Next time you’re about to hop in line for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, whip out your phone and check it out while you pass that time.

Check out some of Disney’s upcoming inventions here!

Taking Advantage of Virtual Queues

Sometimes virtual queues are required in Disney World, like for the mega-popular Rise of the Resistance. But, we think you should still be using them even when they’re not required! We recently saw HUGE crowds in Disney Springs during the holidays. World of Disney was using both a virtual queue and a standby line and the wait for both lines was thirty minutes. Though you’d still be waiting the same amount of time, by using a virtual queue you can spend that time how YOU want. 

In the amount of time you’d be spending in the queue, you can eat, shop, or even rest, if that’s what you need to do. We spend plenty of time in Disney World standing in line, so why add to it? Sign up for virtual queues when you have the chance!

The virtual queue for Gideon’s Bakehouse was HOW LONG?!

Checking Out Lesser Visited Trails in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom has lots of amazing trails where you can spot different animals and see tiny details that make the park so immersive! Plus, they can be pretty secluded and quiet. The theming is incredible and you may even forget you’re in Disney World! Maharajah Jungle Trek in Asia gives you a look at a komodo dragon, tigers, and has a free-flying bird sanctuary.

Africa’s Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail offers views of a whole family of gorillas ?. Plus, there are meerkats, hippos, and zebras! Another quiet area is the Discovery Island Trails. Here, you can get up close and personal views of the Tree of Life. You’ll be able to see the details of the carvings and spot the different animals in its design you might never have taken the time to notice!

Check out Animal Kingdom’s updated park map!

Collecting Wilderness Explorer Badges in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

In Animal Kingdom, anyone can become a Wilderness Explorer like Russel from Up by collecting over 25 “badges” (aka stickers) in your very own FREE Wilderness Explorers Handbook. You can complete each challenge at your own pace, ranging from digging for fossils to observing animals, to learning skills to survive the wilderness. The challenges are located all throughout Animal Kingdom at designated stations, where you can collect your “badge” from a Cast Member.

Oh, did we mention that this activity is FREE?! Plus, the handbook can double as a cool souvenir. All you have to do to begin is pick up your Wilderness Explorer Handbook from “headquarters,” which is located on the bridge between the Oasis and Discovery Island. You can also visit the Wilderness Explorer Troop Leader locations in Africa, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Asia, Dinoland U.S.A. and Pandora – The World of Avatar. If you collect all your badges, you can even earn a prize!

Check out other free souvenirs you can score at Disney World!

Participating in Free Activities Offered at Resorts

Each of Disney’s resorts offers daily activities that can be fun for the whole fam to enjoy. Some do cost extra, but many are free! With the current health and safety guidelines in place, not all of them are going on right now. But, you can expect activities like movie nights, scavenger hunts, trivia, tie dye, cookie decorating, and special photo ops.

These activities are often themed to match the resort. Plus, you can find special holiday activities during those times of the year! You’re already shelling out lots of money to stay at your resort, so you should take advantage of their free offerings when you can! We especially like the trivia boards many gift shops put out each day. It’s fun to chat with the Cast Members and see what trivia everyone knows!

Check out 30 things your Disney Resort can do for you!

Have you tried any of these activities in the past? While we love riding Disney’s classics, like “it’s a small world” and Space Mountain, it’s also super fun to check out some of the hidden gems in the parks and resorts! If you’ve got some room in your schedule during your next trip, we recommend trying some of these out. Follow along with us for more Disney tips!

Learn all about our Park Hopping experience in Disney World here!

What’s your favorite hidden gem in Disney World? Tell us in the comments!