by Sunny

The Sword in the Stone: a great photo opportunity that is usually not so crowded.

So much of the Disney magic is right out in the open waiting to be enjoyed by the massive crowds each year.  There are a few hidden gems that I like to keep in my back pocket for times of meltdown (probably will happen) and exhaustion (definitely will happen).  These little spots will give you a much needed break and leave you refreshed for more fun!

“The Laughing Place” Playground at Splash Mountain Exit – My motto when traveling anywhere with a preschooler is “never underestimate the power of a playground.”  Kids have a lot of energy and although standing in lines may wear out the adults, it will just make the little ones antsy.  Let the big kids take a turn on Splash Mountain while the younger ones play on this adorable little play area.  It is a completely shaded area that fits into the Brer Rabbit motif.  Kids can scurry in and out of the holes in Brer Rabbit’s tree.  There is also a small slide.  And if you don’t know the story of Brer Rabbit, it’s worth googling before your trip.  MJ graduated from the Laughing Place this year and rode Splash Mountain for the first time in February.  I told her the Brer Rabbit tale while we were waiting in line.  She wanted to hear it over and over again, and she was so excited to see the characters in the ride.  I bet the people waiting in line behind us who also heard the story over and over were, too.

The slide at the Laughing Place.

Coca-Cola Spot Epcot – Food is literally EVERYWHERE is Disney, but do you know where to find a free fizzy beverage?  Walk toward the fountain behind the big golf ball (you know you call it that, too) and hang a right.  Spend a few refreshing minutes at the Coca-Cola spot trying Coca-Cola products from around the world.  Watch your fellow travelers pucker at the sour ones and scowl at the bitter ones!  There are some nice sweet ones, too.  Which ones, you ask?  You’ve got to try them for yourself!

Interactive Area of Journey into Imagination with Figment – If Figment has not yet won your heart, you must take a turn on Journey into Imagination on your next visit to Epcot.  Figment is an animated purple dragon that follows you throughout the attraction singing an obnoxiously  catchy tune (don’t say I didn’t warn you). After you exit the ride, you are dropped off in an interactive play area.  Kids can create music by stepping on certain areas of the floor or magically waving their hands in the air.  There are computer screens where they can color pictures of Figment and have them emailed to their parents.  Let them explore and maybe even wear themselves out enough to escape the adjacent gift shop without a purchase.

Splash Pad at Epcot – Nearing the end of a trip around World Showcase with our two year old, we were flirting with meltdown stage.  The May sun was beating down leaving us tired, sweaty, and exhausted as we left the Mexico pavilion. My husband suggested heading back to the resort for a swim and nap when lo and behold we spot jets of water shooting out of the pavement like a mirage in the desert!  MJ was drawn like  a moth to the flame at first sight of that splash pad! We luckily got her shoes and socks off before she bolted to the refreshing water.  No longer a sweltering cranky pants, she became a bundle of giggling, smiling, squealing joy.  Jimmy and I relaxed on a bench and watched her frolic, all of us recharging our low batteries.  A few tips I learned from that day: have the kids wear a swimsuit under their clothes, remove shoes and socks, pack dry undies in a Ziploc bag and a hand towel from the hotel.  After playtime, head to the nearest restroom to have your little ones put their wet swimsuit in the Ziploc bag, dry off with the towel, and dress in their dry clothes.  Ready for more fun!

Now THAT’S a happy kid!

Electric Water Parade – You know the Wishes fireworks show.  You know the Main Street Electric Parade.  If you’ve been in the last five years, you know the awesome Celebrate the Magic projection show on Cinderella’s castle (seen it four times and am STILL in awe of it).  But there is another nighttime tradition that takes place right outside of the Magic Kingdom gates on the Seven Seas Lagoon.  While everyone is jockeying for a spot on the bus, monorail, or ferry, stop for a few more blissful moments and take in the Electric Water Parade.  Not as grand or spectacular as the aforementioned shows, but a charming sight nonetheless and one that most overlook. At the very least your kids will be happy to stall for just a few more minutes in the happiest place on earth!

What’s your Disney Hidden Gem?  Share with me in the comments below!