Secret things you can do in Florida theme parks – from decorating a Christmas trees everyday to swimming with dolphins
You may have bought your theme park tickets for the rides and attractions but there are so many other things you could do
IF you like theme parks, you know what you’re going to get when you visit one.
There will usually be a rollercoaster, a simulator, a carousel and some kind of stage show - but there are many things you can do in theme parks that aren’t so well advertised.
As the theme park capital of the world, Florida is home to four Disney theme parks, two Universal parks, SeaWorld, Kennedy Space Center, Busch Gardens and, more recently, Legoland.
But behind the rides, shows and queues, there are some hidden gems that are really worth checking out.
Decorate a Christmas tree every day of the year inside the Magic Kingdom
OK, so nobody wants to eat Brussels sprouts every day of the year, but there’s at least one Christmas tradition we can never get too much of and that’s decorating the tree.
If you’re the first family to visit in the Magic Kingdom, you can decorate a tree no matter what the time of year.
Every day, the first family through the door will be asked if they would like to decorate the Magical Moments Christmas Tree and, once it’s decorated, they will proudly display your family’s name as the decorators for the day. How cool is that?
It's free, just make sure you’re quick!
Get up close and personal with some aliens at Universal Studios
Even if you’re not a fan of rides, you have to appreciate the intricate detail that goes into the queues, back stories and facades of popular attractions.
is one such ride – a real fan favourite that takes you on an MIB training mission.
But what some people don’t know is that you can get up close and personal with the friendly aliens you can see while you queue.
If it’s quiet, you can ask cast members for a tour of the immigration room, which is basically like walking straight on to the set of the first Men in Black film. The only thing missing is Will Smith.
And it's completely free.
Go scuba diving in Epcot
The Seas with Nemo & Friends is a .
You can take a gentle ride through the aquarium, following Nemo and friends, but did you know that you can go diving in the water?
SCUBA-certified guests can delve into the 5.7 million gallon saltwater aquarium and swim with more than 6,000 sea creatures.
The clear water and absence of currents allow amazing views of sea turtles, angelfish and even dolphins and sharks.
It costs $179 (£141.43) per person
Pick your own pearl oyster at SeaWorld
Finding a special and unique piece of jewellery on holiday can be tricky, but at .
You can choose from a selection of pearl oysters from an enormous tank – the trick is to choose the ugliest oyster for the prettiest pearl.
Once the oyster has been retrieved, a hostess will perform an opening ceremony and you will be the first person to touch the pearl the oyster has created and take it home.
There is a jewellers on site where you can have your new treasure set into a ring or pendant, or you can take it home as it is.
It costs $16.95 (£13.39) for the pearl, with ring and pendants sold separately. But check with the park first as it's not always available.
Spend the night in Cinderella’s Castle at Magic Kingdom
If you thought a penthouse in the New York Plaza was an exclusive hotel room, it’s got nothing on .
Situated in the iconic Magic Kingdom structure and hidden from guests, the lavish room can sleep six and is fit for royalty.
Originally intended as an apartment for Walt Disney and his family, the visionary animator passed away before the Magic Kingdom opened.
The space lay empty until around ten years ago, when Disney decided to open it to the public.
It features a starry jacuzzi and the clock inside the suite is permanently fixed to 11.59 - since Cinderella’s magical evening ended at midnight - but, in this room, the magic needn’t end.
To stay here, you have to win your place.
Watch out for competitions and sweepstakes throughout the year and, sometimes, families are plucked from the park on the day and invited to stay.
Get paid to preview new TV shows and adverts - Universal Studios
Theme parks can be expensive so a lot of people will jump at the chance to make a little spending money while at the parks.
The recently refurbished allows guests to preview new TV shows and adverts and give their opinions.
You usually get paid between $15 - $20 (£11.85 - £15.80) per show
It’s not well publicised but the studio is very easy to find in the Garden of Allah Villas between Hollywood and KidZone.
It’s not always available, but it’s a fun experience to look out for.
Get a haircut inside the Magic Kingdom
If you didn’t have time for that all-important pre-holiday haircut, Walt Disney World has you covered.
Main Street USA is the fictional street in the Magic Kingdom that Walt himself designed from memories of his own home town in Missouri.
There are many facade shops and buildings but one that is very real is - look out for the classic striped barber pole.
Inside, you’ll find a delightful old-fashioned barbers with fully-qualified stylists who will entertain while they trim your mane.
If it’s your child’s first haircut, you can opt for the first haircut package with commemorative Mickey Ears and a certificate.
It costs $19 (£15.01) for adults, $18 (£14.22) for children, and $25 (£19.75) for the first haircut package
Dine with an astronaut at the Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center is a theme park like no other – it’s where you can view the historic Apollo launch sites and get up close to a giant Saturn V rocket.
For space enthusiasts, there is no better experience than .
While enjoying a buffet meal, you can find out exactly what it’s like to launch, live and work in space, see photos from the astronaut’s missions and have your own photo opportunities with your new best friend.
The experience costs $69.95 (£55.27) for adults and $35.95 (£28.40) for children (4 - 11)
Feed a giraffe in Busch Gardens
is famous for two things: exotic animals and big rollercoasters.
For those who want to skip the latter, there are ample opportunities to get a one-on-one with your favourite four-legged friends.
There is a great safari option where you can trek across the 65-acre Serengeti Plain in an open-air vehicle and have the chance to hand-feed giraffes as well as observing other African wildlife.
It costs $29 (£22.91) per person.
Take part in a night-time Lego competition inside LEGOLAND
For budding architects looking for an evening activity, and it's all included in the cost of the tickets.
Unleash your master builder and see what creations you can come up with.
The competition is on every night and models need to be ready by 6.45pm, with judging beginning at 7pm. Winners are announced later in the evening.
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Sun Online previously revealed other Disney secrets, including why you never see bins being emptied in the Magic Kingdom.
It turns out, there's a whole network of tunnels beneath the park and rubbish is vacuumed down.
The park also has special devices used to eliminate bad smells.