How Many of These Underrated Spots Have You Visited in Disney World?

You’ve been to Walt Disney World LOADS of times. Maybe you even consider yourself to be a bit of a Disney expert.

But Disney World is immense, and while most people have taken a photo with Cinderella Castle and ridden Soarin’ Around the World, there are some underrated spots all around property that many people have NEVER been to!

Today we’re breaking down some of the most underrated places in Disney World. Have YOU been to all of these?

1. Disney’s BoardWalk

You may have gone to Disney Springs for some shopping and dining in Disney World, but have you ever been to Disney’s BoardWalk before?

The BoardWalk is an entertainment, dining, and shopping complex that is right in the middle of several EPCOT hotels and within a short walking distance to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

At the BoardWalk, you’ll find restaurants and bars like the Flying Fish , Trattoria al Forno, and even a magic-themed lounge called AbracadaBar! There’s also the BoardWalk Bakery with some delicious sweet and savory treats. If you’re looking for nightlife, the BoardWalk has that, too. There’s Jellyrolls, with its sing-alongs and dueling pianos, and Atlantic Dance Hall, where you can dance the night away.

There were also jugglers and other entertainment that would walk around the BoardWalk at night. At the moment, some of the restaurants and entertainment on the BoardWalk are temporarily unavailable due to the pandemic. But even if you just visit to grab a cupcake at BoardWalk Bakery and take a nice, quiet stroll, it can be an awesome little escape just a short walk away from some of the parks.

Click here to learn more about the BoardWalk!

And while you’re at the BoardWalk, be sure to take a walk all around the area connecting the EPCOT resorts for some great views.

2. Animal Kingdom Walking Trails

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again — the animal walking trails in Disney’s Animal Kingdom are MASSIVELY underrated. You can start at the front of the park with the Discovery Island Trails, or begin your journey with the Maharajah Jungle Trek in Asia or Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail in Africa. We’d highly recommend you visit all three!

You’ll get incredible views of the Tree of Life on the Discovery Island Trails (and even see animals like otters!). At the Maharajah Jungle Trek you’ll get to see bats, a Komodo Dragon, and some majestic tigers. And at Gorilla Falls you’ll see hippos, birds, naked mole rats, and (of course) gorillas.

If you haven’t been on these trails in the past, we HIGHLY recommend them. They’re beautifully themed, can be quite peaceful, and can give you the chance to see some amazing creatures.

3. Conservation Station/Rafiki’s Planet Watch

Another place that many people have not ventured over to is Rafiki’s Planet Watch and Conservation Station. It might have to do with the fact that you cannot walk there but instead have to take a train to get to this spot. But we think you should totally board the Wildlife Express Train and check out this area!

After your short train ride, you’ll get the chance to visit Conservation Station and learn about the care that goes into the park’s animals. You may even get to see a check-up or other procedure take place on a REAL animal while you’re there.

You can also check out The Animation Experience in this spot and learn how to draw some of Disney’s beloved characters.

Or you can visit Affection Section, and pet some sheep, pigs, goats, and other animals!

Whether you love petting animals, drawing animals, or learning about animals — Rafiki’s Planet Watch has something for you. If you’ve never been over there, consider visiting during your next trip.

Click here to see more about Rafiki’s Planet Watch!

4. Exhibits in EPCOT’s World Showcase

You’ve probably eaten your way around the world in EPCOT, and maybe you’ve even done some shopping at the stores there. But have you really taken the time to walk into and around each of the pavilions? If you do, you’ll discover some totally underrated spots — specifically, we’re talking about the exhibits contained within many of the countries’ pavilions. 

In the American Adventure pavilion, there’s an exhibit called The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure. You’ll get to see characters from Pixar’s Soul throughout and learn about the history of Jazz. And you can see some incredible displays with pieces from famous Jazz musicians.

In Morocco there is an exhibit called Race Against the Sun that is located behind some closed doors you may have never even thought to open!

Inside, you’ll learn all about Morocco’s history with the desert. Everything from tribal traditions to off-road rally races, and even a six-day run through the Sahara desert is covered in this mini museum.

Over in the Japan pavilion you’ll find one of this writer’s FAVORITE spots in all of EPCOT — a fun and unique exhibit called Kawaii: Japan’s Cute Culture. The exhibit is PACKED with all kinds of amazing items from Japan showing off their culture of cute. There’s a mock Japanese bedroom, bathroom, and so much more. AND there’s some awesome music typically playing in here, too!

In Norway, you’ve probably walked past this Stave Church tons of times…but have you ever gone INSIDE of it?

Inside the church, you’ll find a small exhibit all about the Gods of the Vikings. You might even recognize some of the names like Thor, Odin, and Loki! You’ll get the chance to look through displays of artifacts and learn more about how mythology helped the Vikings understand the world around them.

And in China you can stop by the House of the Whispering Willows to see an exhibit all about Shanghai Disney Resort! There are drawings, photos, and artwork representing Shanghai Disneyland. You might just leave that exhibit planning a trip ALL the way to China!

These exhibits, like some of the movies in the countries, can get overlooked compared to popular rides like Frozen Ever After. But they’re definitely worth taking the time to check out! Be sure to see if they’re available and open during your next trip, and step into some spaces you may have never seen before.

5. Carolwood Pacific Room

If you’re not a Disney Vacation Club member, you may have NEVER heard of this next space at all. Tucked in the DVC area in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, known as the Boulder Ridge Villas, you’ll find a space called the Carolwood Pacific Room.

If you or someone you’re traveling with LOVES trains, this is a spot you’ll want to walk over to and check out. It’s covered in amazing railroad items and memorabilia.

The room is inspired by Walt Disney’s love for trains. You’ll even find historical photos of Walt here and two small scale models of the trains that Walt created for his own backyard.

The room is open to anyone. If you’re really big on Walt Disney history or the history of Disney’s trains, you’ll definitely want to check it out.

6. Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds

If you haven’t stayed AT Fort Wilderness or eaten at one of the restaurants there, you may have never walked around the resort. But if you’re looking for a total escape from the theme parks, this is the place to go!

There is SO much to do at Fort Wilderness. You can just walk or hike around the nature trails. You can rent a bike and ride around. You could take archery lessons at an additional cost, ride horses (again for an additional cost), stop by the Assay Station to look for gems (additional cost), and overall just enjoy the outdoors.

You could also stop at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch. There, you’ll be able to look at the amazing horses that are cared for on Disney property and peek into the stables.

All in all, if you’re looking for a bit of an escape from the theme park world and want to spend more time in nature — Fort Wilderness is a place that tends to be SUPER underrated but has lots of fun things for you to do!

7. Main Street Train Station

The Walt Disney World Railroad is currently closed as the TRON construction continues. But previously you could go to the upper floor to hop aboard the train. Too often, though, people didn’t actually look around the space and some of the vintage-style machines located up there. You can’t get to this space at the moment, but we hope it will become available again in the future to look around.

On the bottom floor of the train station, there are also LOTS of unique things to see. For example, you’ll find a Train Bulletin Board listing departures and arrivals. The bulletin actually references Disney Legend and animator Ward Kimball and other parts of Disney history.

You’ll also find all kinds of photos, train-related items, and things detailing some Disney history on the bottom floor. Next time you’re in Magic Kingdom, take some time to look around this space and really read through all of these amazing items. You will probably learn something new and get to explore an area you may have never even stepped into before.

8. Wishing Well

You may have walked up to and through Cinderella Castle, and you may have walked on the paths to the side of it, but have you ever taken a minute to stop by the Wishing Well?

To the side of Cinderella Castle, on one of the paths right next to it, you’ll find a beautiful little Wishing Well covered in characters from Cinderella. You’ll want to spend a few minutes really just admiring all of the amazing little details on the fountain.

And then, of course, it’s time to throw in a coin and make a wish! You know what they say, “no matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true!”

9. Aquariums at The Seas with Nemo and Friends

After you’ve guessed jellyfish for the millionth time with Dory on The Seas with Nemo and Friends, be sure to stop by the aquariums that make up the bulk of this pavilion. So often, people hop off the ride and head right out the doors to their next attraction, reservation, etc. But the actual aquariums here are AMAZING and totally worth some of your time.

There are unique exhibits on the bottom and top floors with areas for you to look at lots of fish, sharks, dolphins, manatees, and SO much more!

Did you know that the aquarium here is actually the second largest in the entire United States?! It contains 5.7 MILLION gallons of water, and roughly 2,000 animals call it home. That’s a lot of animals swimming around in there.

Be sure to stop by next time and really explore all of the spots here.

10. Mini Golf Courses

And finally, last on our list are Disney’s Mini-Golf Courses! Because these courses are a bit more tucked away, you may not have even noticed them. There are actually a couple different mini golf courses available including the heavily themed and super fun Winter Summerland…

…as well as the cute Fantasia Gardens and the more difficult Fantasia Fairways (made for more serious golfers).

Winter Summerland is over near Blizzard Beach, while Fantasia Fairways and Fantasia Gardens are located near the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel. For just around $14 for adults and $12 for kids, you can enjoy some serious fun and check out some spots you might not have visited before.

Fantasia Gardens is currently open — check out our experience there!

And that’s our list of some of the most underrated places in Disney World you may have NEVER enjoyed! How many of these places have you already been to? And how many will you check out on your next trip? We hope you add a few to your next vacation and get to experience something totally new and magical!

Click here to see the most underrated part of every Disney World theme park!

How many of these underrated spots have you been to? Tell us in the comments!

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