Regarding a trip to Disney World, the general expectation is to prepare a meticulous itinerary. Overwhelmed with so many options—attractions, dining, and just plain experiences—too many of us throw our hands up and create a detailed (and often crazy-making) game plan. But what if the best way to enjoy the magic of Disney is to forget that game plan, go with a bit of whimsy, and explore? We call this the “Anti-Itinerary.” It’s largely just a philosophy, really—it encourages you (and us) to let go of the planning frenzy and embrace the wonder of Walt Disney World.
The Joy of Spontaneity
Some of the most unforgettable experiences that happen during your trip are the result of spontaneity. Rather than a sticking to a schedule, allow yourself the freedom to wiggle, explore, and find out what there is to see and do. The attractions at Disney World are set up to be immersive, and sometimes the most surprising moments happen when you’re off the clock.
Visualize walking through the verdant Epcot gardens, pausing to witness a street performer in action, or suddenly engaging in conversation with a cast member. These unplanned moments can create bittersweet memories that are much richer and more textured than the attractions you diligently mapped out in advance.
Embracing the Unexpected
One of the most captivating parts of Disney World is its power to astonish. It is, after all, the most visited vacation destination in the world, with nearly 60 million guests in 2019 alone. It has also become, since its founding in 1971, the most profitable segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), whose revenue in 2020 was $65.4 billion in 2020.
Take, for example, the way some people move through the park. Instead of hurrying to a particular ride, they might find themselves stopped and captivated by a pop-up show. Or they might linger at a unique character meet-and-greet. Following along with this kind of free-flowing schedule lets you experience the park in a way that feels both personal and authentic.
Hidden Gems for Downtime
Although the excitement from rides and attractions entices numerous visitors, it is just as important to take a breather and rejuvenate. This is where the “Anti-Itinerary” comes in. Here are a few undiscovered treasures around Disney World where you can steal some away time:
The Quiet Pool (Disney Resort Hotels)
When you stay at a Disney Resort, you can take advantage of the little-known quiet pools. These pools are often less populated than the main pool areas and offer a peaceful environment in which to relax and enjoy the sunshine.
The Enchanted Tiki Room (Magic Kingdom)
Though frequently neglected, this timeless draw and decorum provide a charmingly unusual escape from the Florida sun. Flip through the pages of the book detailing the attraction’s history, and you’ll be amazed by the number of famous folks who’ve performed here.
The Gardens of Epcot
Epcot houses stunning gardens that create a tranquil environment. You can meander through the Butterfly Garden or unwind beside the water. These calm locations are ideal for contemplation. And we chose not to mention the sheer size and the number of plants in the gardens that themselves make it worthwhile to visit Epcot for experiencing the wonder of nature.
The BoardWalk
Merely a few footsteps from Epcot, the BoardWalk area presents a delightful atmosphere. It is one of the many destinations in the World Showcase where guests can enjoy shops, dining, and entertainment. BoardWalk is a fun place to take a leisurely walk, enjoy a “snack to go,” or just sit and watch the watercraft pass by.
The Wilderness Lodge’s Geyser
At Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, there is a lovely geyser that erupts every hour. Most guests don’t know about this unique feature, but it’s a good idea to take a moment and enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds this area.
The Magic of Unplanned Moments
Some of Disney World’s most enchanting instances arise from experiences that are not planned. Whether it is coming across a surprise appearance by a character or discovering a hidden Mickey in an unusual location, these instances can make your visit beyond compare.
Character Interactions
Rather than standing in long queues for character meet-and-greets, look for character sightings all over the park. You might spot Mickey and friends frolicking nearby, ready for an impromptu photo session. These unplanned encounters can be just as memorable as the meet-and-greets themselves.
Street Performers
Disney World boasts numerous skilled street performers who strut their stuff for park guests. The performers I saw were from Duo (a couple’s acrobat act), a juggler, and a band of musicians. I assumed that they were all hired directly by Disney, and I later confirmed that they perform regularly in the parks. Philharmonic Percussion is a street band that plays at various times on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California.
Seasonal Events
Walt Disney World plays host to a roster of seasonal events all year long, including food festivals and holiday celebrations. Give a wink to the spontaneity that these events afford in your Disney itinerary by embracing the opportunity to try something new and unexpected that might not have been in your original plans.
Tips for Embracing the Anti-Itinerary
Maintain a Flexible Attitude: Don’t be afraid to shift from one plan to another. If you spot a ride with a lengthy wait, use that time to discover an adjacent area, or target a nearby ride.
Pay Attention to Your Gut: If something grabs your attention, pursue it! Be it a novel nosh or a distinctive draw, count on your gut.
Take Breathers: Plan moments of stillness into your day, but do not hesitate to make those pauses longer if you discover such a beautiful location to decompress.
Interact with Cast Members: Cast members are an abundant source of knowledge and can frequently offer suggestions for hidden treasures and experiences.
Chart Your Path: Maintain a log or document via photography your unplanned escapades. Those reminiscences will be revered well after your voyage ends.
The “Anti-Itinerary” approach to Disney World permits you to take in the parks in a way that feels genuine and personal. If this method were a character in a Disney movie, it would probably be the Fairy Godmother—because her magic is all about the spontaneity and joy of unexpected gifts, which is what this trip-planning style is all about. Course-correcting from UPS-style efficiency to good old-fashioned park-hopping, the Anti-Itinerary aims for true-to-you serendipity.