Disney World Cast Members Do NOT Want You to Know These 4 Secrets

Disney World may be the world’s most visited theme park destination, but the resort is still holding on to some secrets.

Whether it’s how to get into an in-demand dining experience, meet your favorite characters, or keep expectations in check when it comes to new experiences, knowing these Disney World secrets can make your next trip even better!

Eating at Space 220 with NO Reservation

Since its opening in 2021, EPCOT’s Space 220 has been one of the most popular restaurants at Disney World. However, to see the space (pun very much intended), you have to snag a hard-to-get reservation AND commit to a prix fixe menu ($55 per person for lunch, $79 per person for dinner). Or so you thought…

Space 220 in EPCOT

Turns out, you can often find walkup availability at the restaurant’s bar! In fact, you’ll still get to experience the “Stellavator up to the Centauri Space Station” experience. (And bonus, this is one of the few Disney lounges where kids can sit at the bar, so the whole family can experience space.)

Now, there are a couple of downsides. Specifically, you won’t be as close to the giant space windows, and the appetizer menu available at the bar is much smaller (though also cheaper) than the lunch and dinner menus.

Concept Art WILL Change

For decades, concept art of upcoming Disney attractions has tantalized fans. However, where once this art was only on display in small preview centers at the parks or in quarterly reports for shareholders, it’s not broadcast across social media and other online channels, both official and not. While this is a welcome way to allow even more fans to be excited for upcoming projects, it can also create unrealistic expectations since pretty much every Disney project changes immensely from concept art to actual construction.

©Disney

For example, many of the complaints that some guests have about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge stem from the fact that elements like the Bantha Ride or free-roaming Droids from the concept art were missing from the complete land.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

So, as Disney World adds multiple new projects in the upcoming years, including the new Monsters, Inc. land, Villains Land, the Frontierland Cars Expansion, and Animal Kingdom’s new Tropical Americas, among others, it’s important to bear in mind that what’s eventually built will be different from what you’re salivating over now.

©Disney

Speaking of new Disney projects…

Opening Date Timelines Can’t be Trusted

Speaking of those new Disney projects, we have a quick recommendation: If you’re planning to take a trip to Disney World solely to see one of these new additions, wait until Disney officially announces an opening date before booking.

Coming to Frontierland at Magic Kingdom, a new area themed to Pixar Animation Studios’ “Cars” will leave Radiator Springs and head to the wilderness with two new attractions, including an off-road race.

Yes, the company will often announce rough opening timelines, but those can often change and shift. Wait until something definitive is set in stone before booking. (And bear in mind that even those dates are arguably subject to change.)

You Can Now Meet Certain Disney Characters for “Free”

As announced by Disney earlier this month, “This summer, guests staying at select resorts – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – will be able to enjoy even more Disney-themed activities designed for families with kids. These activities will include character visits with set appearance times to help you plan your day and an expanded itinerary of things to do with your family throughout your stay at these four resorts. “

Character experiences!

Having scheduled character meet and greets at these Disney hotels is a game changer for Disney hotel guests, who will be able to meet their favorites BEFORE heading to the parks for the day, OR add some Disney character magic to a day otherwise spent just relaxing at their resort. However, it also means that anyone visiting a Disney World hotel — even those not staying there — will have the chance to see these characters.

Art of Animation Resort

Now that you know these Disney World secrets, use them to help plan your next trip to the “Most Magical Place on Earth”! Stay tuned to AllEars for more fun facts about Disney World!