From a pirate club to magic spells, get the scoop on 12 of Orlando’s most unique activities at Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando and LEGOLAND® Florida Resort.
Updated August 16, 2021
Orlando’s world-famous theme parks offer an unparalleled collection of unique experiences, but some of the most unusual are also frequently unknown. To help you plan the best vacation ever in the Theme Park Capital of the World, we’ve compiled a list of 12 one-of-a-kind activities that everyone can enjoy at Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando and LEGOLAND® Florida Resort.
Cross them off your bucket list the next time you’re in town — and keep in mind there are plenty of other surprising secrets waiting for you in Orlando!
Uniquely Orlando Experiences at Universal Orlando Resort
Cast Spells Like Harry Potter™
Spell it out with the wave of a wand at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Universal Orlando Resort. Cast spells to create magical experiences and watch magic unfold throughout Diagon Alley™ at Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade™ at Universal’s Islands of Adventure when you use one of the interactive wands available for purchase in both parks.
Unlock Secret Songs
Anyone who’s experienced Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios Florida knows that it’s a rip-roaring, adrenaline-pumping roller coaster fueled by music that you select — but did you know that it also has a secret song list? Once you board, press down on the song-selection menu’s Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit logo for about 10 seconds, then take your finger off and a keypad will appear. Enter a random, 3-digit code starting with 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9 to unlock hidden tracks!
Snap a Dinosaur Selfie
Perfect for a daring photo-op, a nearly 9-foot-tall velociraptor awaits at Raptor Encounter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Although these creatures, which have a reputation as the most clever dinosaur in the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World movies, are quite excited to meet outsiders, they can’t escape their electrified paddock … probably.
Uniquely Orlando Experiences at Walt Disney World Resort
Get a Haircut at Disney
Visit Magic Kingdom® Park’s Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street U.S.A. for a once-in-a-lifetime trim, or even a whole new look. Welcoming all ages, the shop also has a special “First Haircut” experience for little ones, complete with commemorative Mickey Ears and a certificate.
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Play I-Spy With Mickey
Embark on a scavenger hunt for Hidden Mickeys, a famous "secret" of the Disney parks. Everything from rides to décor and even walking paths at Disney properties feature subtle Mickey shapes, some easier to spot than others. While books have been published to help guests find them all, half the fun is in the discovery.
Join Captain Hook’s Crew
At Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew is looking for new recruits, and children ages 4-12 are invited to join. During this nightly experience, kids learn how to become a pirate, solve puzzles and gather clues. Dinner is also included with pirate-themed entrees such as Macaroni and Gold Sauce, Cannon Meatballs with Marinara, and others.
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Uniquely Orlando Experiences at SeaWorld Orlando
Make Friends With Rescued Manatees
Visit SeaWorld’s Manatee Rehabilitation Area to learn more about the plight of manatees, which have been rescued from illness or injury in the wild. You can get a close look at some of the world’s gentlest — and most vulnerable — creatures, including calves, “teens” and adult manatees, all of which are undergoing treatment with the goal of successfully returning them to the wild.
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Collect Free Souvenirs
Throughout SeaWorld, animal experiences are staffed by friendly, knowledgeable education representatives who will be happy to tell you more about their charges. What’s more, they’ll give you a free trading card for asking questions or, better still, showing off your own knowledge of the featured animals. See how many you can collect on your next visit!
Meet Pets That Went From Shelters to Stars
In addition to rescuing aquatic animals, SeaWorld provides a second chance for cute critters rescued from animal shelters, including dogs, cats and even ducks. These adopted animals now steal the stage — and hearts — in Pets Ahoy, a funny, fast-paced, animal-training show that supports local animal shelters. You can also meet the animal ambassadors and their trainers after the show.
Uniquely Orlando Experiences at LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Trade Your LEGO® Minifigures
Have some LEGO Minifigures at home that aren’t integral to your collection? If they’re in complete form with body, legs, and hat or hair, bring them with you to LEGOLAND Florida. Once you arrive, seek out a Model Citizen (aka LEGOLAND Florida employee) and ask to trade. He or she will give you a brand-new Minifigure that you can keep or trade with other Model Citizens!
Save on discount tickets: LEGOLAND Florida Resort
See Portions of Florida’s Original Theme Park
Although LEGOLAND Florida opened in 2011, it was built on the site of Florida’s first theme park, Cypress Gardens, and you can still visit pieces of that past. First, enjoy the predecessor’s beautiful, historic Botanical Gardens, which were established in 1936 and have LEGO-built homages to the Southern Belles and other features from the original attraction. Also, three of LEGOLAND Florida’s attractions — Coastersaurus, The Dragon and Flying School — started life as Cypress Gardens’ Triple Hurricane, Okeechobee Rampage and Swamp Thing, respectively, before getting updated with fresh features and new names.
Let Kids Learn to Drive
At LEGOLAND Florida’s Ford Driving School attraction, red means “stop” and green means “go.” That’s all your kids need to know as they drive their own car through the city streets! This attraction doesn’t have any tracks, so drivers are in total control as they earn their own LEGOLAND driver’s license. As a result, kids ages 6-13 can really drive cars and take the lead during this fun experience.
Stay Connected to Orlando!
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