5 Fun Discoveries We Made On Our Recent Disney Trip

Every trip to Walt Disney World yields some new (and oftentimes unexpected) surprises. Typically, these occur when you experience a new attraction for the first time, or when you try out that restaurant that you’ve been longing to go to. But just as often, these surprises come in the form of a small detail that you never noticed before. And it’s always those moments that make me pause, smile, and appreciate all the magic that Disney’s Imagineers give us. No detail is too small!

On our recent trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth, we ran across some fun finds that we thought we would share. Some of them are new (arriving with this year’s Festival of the Arts) while others have probably been there for quite a while…we just never noticed them before. By sharing this, we hope to give you something new to look forward to on your next trip – the better to show to your family and friends (thus proving that you are indeed the Official Family Disney Expert). Ready? Then here we go to our first stop on Main Street, U.S.A.

1. The Popcorn Scoop at the Main Street Confectionery

If you haven’t been to the Main Street Confectionery in a few years, then you’re in for a real treat (pun intended)! The entire shop is brighter and whimsically appointed (be sure to look for the interwoven backstory about the Sweets, the champion chefs who wield the nation’s sweetest spoons). A recent addition to the Confectionery is the Kernel Kitchen, where you can create your own gourmet popcorn mix (you start with your choice of four popcorn flavors, to which you can add chocolate drizzle and yummy candy toppings!). The shop replaced the former Chapeaux shop (you can now pick up those coveted Mickey Ears at Curtain Call Collectibles on the other side of the Confectionery).

The aromas inside are to die for, but you can also find a fun detail outside. Visitors to the old Chapeaux shop will recall that a pink hat box (inspired by Lady and the Tramp) used to hang over the door. In its place today is a sculpted scoop of popcorn, complete with colorful M&Ms! We’re sure this has been there for quite a while now, but this trip was the first time we noticed it (largely because we usually enter Kernel Kitchen from the Confectionery, or at night when the scoop is harder to see). But the scoop is just part of the story, be sure to check out the beautiful (and mouth-watering) window displays. And as always, keep your eyes open for Hidden Mickeys.

2. Character Artwork in World Showcase

This was a fun discovery! As we wound our way back into the Parisian courtyard toward Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, we noticed a new detail that we hadn’t seen before. The mysterious part is that it wasn’t for lack of looking. We’ve spent plenty of time scouring the courtyard for fun details…and there are certainly a lot to discover here. From the Health Inspector signs and macaroons to the wine bottles at Chateau Ego (be sure to check out the vintage years on the labels for a nice surprise!), there are countless Easter eggs and fun surprises to find.

That’s why we were surprised when we saw tiny little painted images of Remy and Emile on the building facades as we made our way down the avenue. How did we miss these before? Well, the simple answer is that they are part of the Festival of the Arts, which had started a few days before we arrived.

Other images can be found elsewhere in World Showcase. We found Luca and his friends in Italy, along with Pascal in Germany. If you go down for the Festival of the Arts, see how many you can find! Only time will tell though if they will stay permanently.

3. The Lamps of Wonder at Morocco

The alleyways and passages in the Morocco pavilion are filled with exotic treasures and unexpected finds. From bustling marketplaces to the tucked away lounge at the Brass Bazaar, there’s so much to discover. One curious spot we came across was called the Lamps of Wonder, and a peek inside (through one of the windows) revealed a colorful room decorated with beautiful lamps and exotic tapestries. In the heart of the room is a table, upon which sits a large book that’s open to a page reading “The Legend of the Magic Lamp.” But what does the rest of the book say? What mysteries might it unlock? And just what is this place anyway? Well, if you come across this “shop” at night, its purpose may indeed be a mystery. But during the day this serves as the meet and greet area for Princess Jasmine! If you didn’t know that however, the random appearance of this empty shop that’s clearly home to a treasured and ancient book just serves to heighten the exotic nature of this beautiful pavilion.

4. The Chocolate Leopard

One of our favorite places to relax in all of Walt Disney World is the lobby of the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. There’s nothing quite like relaxing on a Victorian-style sofa while listening to the talented piano player as she performs an assortment of songs from the likes of Mary Poppins (to thunderous applause I might add, the pianist we saw on this trip was truly amazing, she had the entire lobby entranced!)

But on this trip, we discovered something new! We’re all familiar with the grand staircase opposite the glass elevator, yes? On this trip we were looking for an outlet (our phones were running low on juice!), and we remembered that were some seats and a convenient outlet tucked away behind the staircase…one that was usually overlooked by Guests as they huddled in the main part of the lobby.

We wandered back there on our recent visit…and discovered something new! (At least, new to us.) The artisans at Disney are known to put beautifully crafted chocolate sculptures on display at various times (some of our past favorites were found at Gasparilla’s and Narcoossees). But this one might just be the most amazing of them all…a chocolate leopard resting on a tree branch. While it may not be life-size, it’s still very impressive (and if we think in terms of our own cat – who often fancies himself as a fierce tiger roaming the jungle – it’s more than life-size!). This was such a wonderful find, and our only concern is that many Guests might not see it since it’s tucked out of the way. If you find yourself at the Grand Floridian, be sure to wander behind the grand staircase so you can see it for yourself (but hurry before it disappears, chocolate doesn’t last forever).

5. The Walt Disney Display in the Hall of Presidents

Our last discover takes us to Liberty Square and the Hall of Presidents. This has undoubtedly been there for quite a while, but it has admittedly been a while since we’ve taken in the show (and even when we have, it’s been even longer since we had the luxury of being able to wander around the lobby and examining all the cases. Highly recommended by the way!)

In addition to the presidential mementos and clothing that you see on display, you’ll find this special exhibit showcasing Walt Disney and Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln was Walt’s childhood hero, and the plaque recounts the story of how Walt chose Lincoln to be the subject of his first major Animatronic creation (resulting in Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln).

Incidentally, if you examine the portrait of Walt, you’ll discover another great detail. The tie clip that you see Walt wearing was based on one he actually wore in real life. The design on the tie clip is the symbol for the Smoke Tree Ranch, a rustic retreat in Palm Springs where Walt would often go to get away and recharge his batteries. You can also see the tie clip on the Partners Statue at the Magic Kingdom!