4. Hidden Mickey hunters

Image: Jett Farrell-Vega (@mykingdomforamouse Instagram)

For some, searching for hidden Mickeys is a fun game to pass the time with the kids in the parks. For others, however, the hunt for hidden Mickeys is serious business and has even sprouted its own unique corner of fandom.

There are entire books dedicated to chronicling hidden Mickeys throughout Walt Disney World and Disneyland. For hidden Mickey hunters, the chase is similar to that experienced by pin traders. It’s the thrill of discovery, of looking to see if you might just be the first to notice that particular homage to the Mouse. For these superfans, locating a new hidden Mickey means an opportunity to share that find with the world, and this dedicated fanbase makes it a point to acknowledge the pioneers who found each one. Don’t forget to take pictures if you find one yourself!

5. Future Club 33 Members

Image: Josh Hallett, Flickr (license)

This one used to just apply to Disneyland, but Walt Disney World is fair game now too. I thought I was a pretty dedicated Disney parks fan until I met a future Club 33 member.

Club 33 is sort of a Disney superfan club for the ultra-wealthy. Indeed, the Disneyland Club 33 requires a $25,000 buy in followed by $10,000 a year in dues to maintain membership, and the wait list just to apply is insane—it was 14 years at one point! With locations hidden in all four parks, the Walt Disney World version is even more expensive with an approximate $35,000 buy in and $15,000 a year in dues. Talk about sticker shock. The perks include access to the clubs (some of which include special viewing areas for fireworks), premier passes for the member and their immediate family, private concierge, 50 1-Day Park Hopper Passes a year, access to instant Fastpass+ reservations, private concierge, and 5 days of guided VIP tours.

While Club 33 would seem hilariously out of reach for the average Disney visitor, there are dedicated fans who have made it a life goal to someday join Club 33, even if just for a year. Indeed, I know one who even managed to get in to the Disneyland location for a day! These are people who love, love, love Disney and want to experience everything Disney has to offer, even if it means years of saving and determination. Their enthusiasm for all things Disney is contagious, and they are extra fun people to visit the Most Magical Place on Earth with.

6. Challenge buffs

Image: Disney

We love Walt Disney World challenges here at Theme Park Tourist. Whether it’s conquering every Disney mountain in a day, eating or drinking around the world, or even (gasp!) hitting both Disney World AND Disneyland in one day, some Disney superfans gamify their park visits with insane goals. Every Walt Disney World trip becomes an adventure, and challenges can range from the serene (like an ultimate scavenger hunt) to the exhausting (like trying to ride every Walt Disney World attraction in a day—not sure if this is even possible!). Some visitors even turn this into a competition, breaking up into teams then comparing results. Even It’s a Small World can feel thrilling if a challenge is at stake!

7. Dapper Day participants

Image: Kevin Gaudin, Flickr (license)

Ever wish you could just visit Walt Disney World looking Dapper? You could think of Dapper Day as a charming cousin of Disneybounding. Dapper Day is a special event at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World where guests put on their finest fancy duds to tour the Most Magical (or Happiest) Place on Earth. Guests can opt to go modern or vintage, though the participants generally tend to lean towards the historical fashion side. The first time we saw a Dapper Day crowd all wearing garb from the 20’s and 50’s, we thought a flash mob was about to break out!

The events aren’t officially sanctioned by Disney, but the organizers work closely with Disney to set up each expo to include special events and a celebration of fashion from yesteryear and today. Anyone can participate. If you’re lucky enough to visit Walt Disney World or Disneyland on a Dapper Day, you might just think you’ve been sent back in time!