3. Sanaa Cultural Tour

Sanaa is a beautifully designed high end African restaurant located in the lower level of Kidani Village – the DVC villas associated with the Animal Kingdom Resort.  It’s way off the beaten path, which means that you really have to plan a visit – there’s no way you’d just “drop by.”  But Sanaa is absolutely worth a visit, and if you arrive at 4:00 you’ll have a chance to experience a free tour of the restaurant with an African guide that includes a meet-up with the restaurant chef.  Sanaa is famous for its many different signature flatbreads, and tour members get a free sampling of the breads at the end of each tour.

4. All Around the Art of Animation

The concept behind the Art of Animation is an immersive leap into the worlds of Finding Nemo, The Little Mermaid, Cars, and The Lion King. The resort has many amazing artistic touches, including numerous oversized sculptures of characters from animated movies, giant murals, and cool themed suites. If you’re interested in exploring the Art of Animation from the point of view of its creators, you’re in luck. A free one-hour tour starts in the lobby each day, and provides behind-the-scenes details about the planning, design, and creation of the resort.

5. Boardwalk Ballyhoo

Disney’s Boardwalk is a loving recreation of the Atlantic boardwalks of the early 20th century.  Show up at 9:00 on the dot at the Belle Vue Lounge, and follow a guide for a quarter-mile, 45-minute stroll through last century to explore the “Showplace of the Shore.” This is an opportunity to hear the back story behind the architecture, artifacts, and artwork that graces the restaurants, buildings, and detailed recreations of the Boardwalk.