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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
For those who want to skip the latter, there are ample opportunities to get a one-on-one with your favourite four-legged friends.
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.
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.