My Favorite Disney "Secret" Spots

Anyone who has been to Walt Disney World has their own special memories and favorite places. We've been to Walt Disney World four times now and we've barely scraped the surface of things to do. However, we have found our own favorite spots.  Some of these are in the Parks and some are in Disney Resorts - even though we've never stayed at a resort! I admit it - I'm a resort crasher. I think of it as "auditioning" the resorts to determine which I'd like to stay at.

You don't have to be a resort guest to eat at a resort restaurant. Simply make a reservation or drive in and tell the attendant at the gate that you'd like to eat at one of the restaurants. You must show your ID and they will probably take down your name and license plate number. It  is typically FREE for up to 3 hours, but there might be a parking fee (about $12) unless you have a parking permit from another Disney Resort.

You're allowed to stay for up to 3 hours to eat, shop and explore the resort. Exploring the resort doesn't include using the pools! Those are reserved for resort guests and they sometimes require wristbands. However, there is so much more to do than swim at the resorts that you're sure to have a good time. You might catch a movie, sit by a bonfire or see the fireworks from a new spot.


We especially liked dining at Sanaa in the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It's off the beaten path because its not in the park, but anyone can eat there.The best part of eating at Sanaa is the amazing view of the wildlife on the nearby savanna. If you're lucky you can get a table right next to the windows.

We watched two cranes build a nest while we lunched there last year. They were building it in front of the window next to our table! We also saw zebras, antelope and some sort of ox at a distance.


Not to minimize the food at Sanaa. It was delicious! Two of us have food allergies so I mentioned these to the server. We were given menus designed to accommodate our food allergies. The chef even came to the table to discuss our meal options. You can have a burger and just enjoy the scenery or you can throw yourself into the Indian spirit and sample the diverse menu.

We did a little of both. We started with the Indian Style Bread service. We chose Naan, Roti and Paneer Paratha with Cucumber Raita, Mango Chutney and Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus for dipping. I ordered the tandoori chicken. The girls had the kids cheeseburger meal.  Danielle had the sorbet for dessert. It was, in her own words, "as beautiful as a sunset."

Still, the best part of eating at Sanaa was having the opportunity to roam the Animal Kingdom Lodge. We enjoyed walking out on the decks and watching the animals through mounted binoculars. The concierge told us that we were welcome to explore any of the trails through the Lodge.

Friends who have eaten dinner at Bomba in the Animal Kingdom Lodge said that they were able to join the nightly campfire, toast marshmallows and were even loaned night vision goggles to view the animals after dark! They suggested that if you go for dinner that you go around 5:00 PM  because that's when the feeding troughs are filled and it draws the animals closer to the viewing areas.


We've also taken the opportunity to get a little "beach time" after a meal at one of the resorts.

I love sitting on the beach at the Beach Club after the character breakfast. The buffet breakfast at the Cape May Cafe is one of my personal favorites. You meet with Minnie, Goofy & Donald. There is an "all you care to eat buffet" so, unlike some character meals, you don't leave hungry.

The food choices are standard American fare so the kids have no complaints. You can chose from an assortment of dishes served at a central buffet area. There are fruits, scrambled eggs, omelets and eggs to order, biscuits and gravy, French toast, bacon, sausage, seasoned potatoes, hot & cold cereals, bread pudding with vanilla sauce, muffins, danish, bagels and donuts. And, let's not forget- and Mickey waffles!

 

 

It's often an empty stretch of beach as most resort guests are enjoying the various pools. However, my kids both love it here. You can watch the boats go by, rest in the shade or play in the sand. After building sandcastles and relaxing under the palms you can walk right over to EPCOT. This back entrance is never crowded so there is the added bonus of no lines to enter the park!

 

 

Another favorite spot is the beach at the Polynesian Resort. We wandered down one night after dinner at the Kona Cafe and fell in love.  The food at the Kona Cafe is good, but I thought the atmosphere was crowded and loud.   It felt a bit like a cafeteria to me, even though I didn't have to carry my own tray. My husband, however, had a great chat with the Sushi chefs and thoroughly enjoyed his meal.

 

I don't remember what the rest of us ordered - it just wasn't a memorable meal. I do remember that the girls & I really enjoyed our glowing drinks! (Mine was alcoholic so I probably enjoyed it more than they did.) And we all loved the leis we were given by the Front Desk staff.

After a slightly less than ideal meal it was wonderful to discover this pretty beach.  It's not a swimming beach - just lots of lovely white sand to play in, complete with a volleyball net and bench swings.  If you time it right you can watch the delightfully retro Electric Water Pageant- you may even catch an outdoor movie if you're lucky.

There wasn't a ramp onto the beach, but there are paved walkways throughout the Polynesian. They light tiki torches along the paths at sunset which makes it very picturesque.

 

The Electric Water Pageant from the Polynesian Beach

  Just because you can't use the pool, doesn't mean you can't use the poolside bar. Order a drink, sit back and relax on the beach while you watch the sun set. Heavenly!