Walt Disney World- Unexpected Magic Part 2

​This is part 2 of our Unexpected Magic Series by our amazing client Rebecca Farrell.

Audience Participation in Flights of Wonder

I worked in New York City for almost 15 years. To me, birds were pigeons. It wasn’t until I had a chance to experience Flights of Wonder (FOW) at Animal Kingdom (AK) that I had a true appreciation for our magnificent feathered friends. FOW is now one of my favorite attractions and I look forward to taking my son there in October.
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On two separate trips, I have participated in the show by being selected from the audience to sit on the stage while one of the trained birds flies from the rear of the auditorium to a perch on the stage. The show’s host asks for a volunteer and requests that they wave their cameras high in the air. I’m pretty tall, and by sitting up very straight and looking very eager, I was lucky enough to be picked.

If you look very closely in this photo, you can see the bird coming towards me, wings fully spread. Feeling the WOOSH as the bird went over my head was a feeling I’ll never forget. The photo I took of the owl flying in was a blur, so instead I’m sharing the photo I took after he landed on the perch behind me.

The next time you’re at FOW, raise your hand up high for a fantastic experience!

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Tom Sawyer Island Paintbrushes
Most Disney guidebooks at least mention the mystery of the paint brushes the Cast Members hide on Tom Sawyer Island in Frontierland (Magic Kingdom) every morning. In fact, many intrepid park guests head straight for the attraction at Rope Drop to seek out their prize.

In 2009, I mentioned the paint brushes in passing to my husband. We were at the Magic Kingdom somewhat late in the day and never in a million years did I think that there would be any paintbrushes left to find. I was casually walking around, taking it all in…and here comes my husband with a paintbrush in his hand. What a find! Our prize was Fast Passes to Splash Mountain and another park visitor was kind enough to take our picture on our way back to Frontierland. I’m sorry to say we’ve yet to find another paintbrush since then, but it is definitely a memory we’ll have forever.

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In-Room Celebrations
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There are several elaborate ‘In-Room Celebrations’ available through the magicians at Disney Floral & Gifts. On many of my trips, my husband and other family members have treated me to lovely floral arrangements (and vice versa). But on our 5-year anniversary trip to Walt Disney World in November 2011, my husband truly went above and beyond, having me declared a Princess – complete with sash, certificate, tiara, wand and crown necklace.

This kind of experience doesn’t come cheap, but it is worth investigating if you want to make your trip extra special and memorable. Not to mention, the tiara has also been worn for the royal wedding and dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table. 

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A Kiss from Snow White

If you’re as lucky as me and have a son with very little hair, this is the one for you. When meeting Snow White at a character encounter (either in Princess Fairytale Hall or Cinderella’s Royal Table, for example), be sure to ask her to give the little one a kiss. The result is a very cute picture and a big, red lipstick mark you the child’s head. On my son’s first trip, we met Snow White twice, and twice he got a kiss. I had to ask for it, though, so don’t be shy!

What special encounters have you and your family sought out at Disney? Share your experiences in the comments!

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About the Author

Rebecca M. Farrell, Client & Contributor
Rebecca is a public relations professional, mom, and MAJOR Disney fan. She has been visiting parks since she was a child and now as a mother loves sharing the joy of Disney with her son. Rebecca regularly contributes to Disney-themed blogs and websites across the internet.