16 of the most underrated things to do at Disney World

Whether you're staying in a Disney resort hotel or elsewhere nearby, the on-site hotels are more than just a place to rest your head after a long day at the parks.

Each resort has uniquely themed lounges, dining options, and shops, so you can soak in a little bit of Disney magic while taking a break from the crowds.

"Resort hopping is a great way to take a break from the parks and have a more relaxed Disney vacation," said Steve Griswold, experienced Disney traveler and trip planner, owner of Pixie Vacations travel service, and host of the Disney-themed podcast Mouse Chat.

Griswold recommended exploring Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, which has Trader Sam's Grog Grotto and Tiki Bar. He also suggested checking out Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa for its stunning lobby and evening entertainment, where guests can enjoy live music while sipping a drink at the Enchanted Rose.

He especially advised exploring the resorts during the holiday season.

"All of the resorts also decorate to the nines for the holidays," he told Insider, noting the festive decor and picture-perfect gingerbread houses that can be found in many of the locations.

Whether you're staying at a Disney resort or not, the transportation options to the parks and around the property are plentiful.

There are ferries, water taxies, and buses for those who prefer more traditional means of transportation that will take you from point A to point B.

But if you're looking to get out of the sun and experience some cool views of the parks, take a trip on the Disney monorail train or hop a ride on the Skyliner gondolas.

Magic Kingdom is full of nostalgic attractions — many of which have existed since the park's opening day in 1971 — that keep the classic spirit of Disney alive.

Beloved favorites include Country Bear Jamboree, Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room, Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress, Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, Swiss Family Treehouse, The Hall of Presidents, and Tom Sawyer Island.

Since these have been around for a while, they usually have much shorter lines and fewer crowds than the newer attractions.

While you're at Epcot's The Land pavilion, don't miss Living With the Land, a serene and informational ride touring the Disney greenhouses and all of its plant-based technology.

Afterward, make an appointment for the Behind the Seeds backstage tour. For an additional fee, guests can visit four greenhouses in Epcot and learn about the future of agriculture, plants, insects, and fish.

If you want to enjoy the great outdoors without leaving Disney property, there are plenty of options at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, even if you're not staying there.

Visitors who are at least 9 years old can go horseback riding along wooded trails for a fee.

When you're done saddling up, guests of all ages can enjoy the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, a vaudeville comedy show and themed dinner. When it's running, the two-hour show and all-you-can-eat buffet dinner books up fast, so you'll want to make a reservation in advance.

Aside from the wildlife that is out and about all over the park, guests can enjoy several guided expeditions (some of which cost extra), including the Discovery Island Trails, Gorilla Falls Exploration Trails, Wild Africa Trek, and Up! A Great Bird Adventure.

"If you are looking for something extra special to do at Walt Disney World, one of my favorite tours is the Wild Africa Trek," Griswold told Insider. "Instead of jumping in a safari jeep and whizzing past the savanna animals, this private tour gets you up close and personal with the animals, where you cross a hanging suspended bridge, feed the hippos, and enjoy a lunch on the savannah with your travel guides."

In addition to its four main theme parks, Disney World also has two water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.

Both are great if you're looking for a way to cool down on a hot Florida day, but Typhoon Lagoon has something extra special to offer: surfing lessons.

When they're available, a certified instructor leads surfers through the wave pool in the early mornings or evenings when the park is closed to other guests.

Strolling through the many shops lining Main Street USA, you'll find more than just Mickey Mouse souvenirs.

From a glassblowing studio inside Crystal Arts to a real-life barbershop where guests can get a haircut for an affordable price, there are endless ways to beat the heat or take a quick break before venturing back out to the park.

Outside, you'll want to take some time to enjoy the live entertainment that usually appears throughout the day, like the Dapper Dans barbershop quartet and the Trolley Show dancers.

Each evening, you can also watch the Magic Kingdom Flag Retreat, a processional lowering of the American flag with the help of a guest veteran.

If you're willing to wake up a little earlier and fight your way to the front of the crowds, the first guests at Magic Kingdom can experience a mostly empty Main Street USA with a clear view of Cinderella Castle.

When it's running, there's also usually a little show on the castle stage with beloved Disney characters that kicks off the day at the park after opening.

At the end of the day, if you stick around a bit after Magic Kingdom closes, you might get lucky enough to witness the Kiss Goodnight, a lesser-known experience where the castle and the Main Street lights twinkle to bid the remaining guests farewell.

Disney Springs is a world-class shopping and dining destination for anyone visiting the Orlando area who wants a bit of Disney magic without paying for a park ticket.

You can shop for your Disney souvenirs, go bowling, catch a movie, or watch live entertainment around the complex.

For a truly unique experience, hop on the Aerophile, a balloon that takes guests soaring into the sky, offering a birds-eye view of Disney World Resort. Tickets are $20 for kids and $25 for adults, so it's a much more affordable outing than hitting the parks.

The Disney parks offer plenty of live entertainment and musical shows, but when it's running, "Finding Nemo – The Musical" at Disney's Animal Kingdom is not to be missed.

The 40-minute stage show is exclusive to the parks, and it features 14 original songs by Tony-winning composers Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, who went on to do the music for the "Frozen" franchise.

At the end of a long day of exploring the parks, guests can curl up on the lawn at many of the resorts to watch a classic Disney movie under the stars.

"Strolling around World Showcase is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening, and Epcot has several festivals where they have food and drinks from around the world," Griswold told Insider.

The themed attractions, like Impressions de France, Reflections of China, O Canada!, The American Adventure, and the Gran Fiesta Tour, are not to be missed. You can also take some time to see each country's shops and live-entertainment experiences.

Many Disney fans love to "Pick-A-Pearl" at the Mitsukoshi Department Store in the Japan pavilion, watch the Jeweled Dragon Acrobats in the China pavilion, and enjoy the Voices of Liberty in the American pavilion.

Don't overlook Disney's Boardwalk, a quarter-mile stretch in between Epcot and Hollywood Studios that features unique shops, dining, and nighttime entertainment.

For the over-21 crowd, check out Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar, or Atlantic Dance Hall, a stunning nightclub where you can let loose to your favorite songs.

If you're seeking a little bit of adventure, look no further than Disney's boat-rental services, which let guests get in the driver's seat and soak up the sights around man-made lakes and lagoons.

The services are usually available at a few of the Disney resorts and offer a variety of rentals, including motorized boats, kayaks, and canoes.

If you're willing to shell out a little more for a unique experience, you can reserve a spot in one of Disney's behind-the-scenes tours within the parks.

They allow guests to go into backstage areas alongside knowledgeable park employees and learn about the history and inner workings of the parks.

When it's available, a popular choice is the Backstage Magic tour, a seven-hour journey that gives a glimpse behind the scenes at Epcot and Magic Kingdom.

Editor's Note: Some of the experiences on the list have been temporarily suspended amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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