As Walt Disney World has transitioned through an unprecedented period of growth and change, many aspects of the vacation planning experience have adjusted in response. What used to be a somewhat simple and relatively straightforward process has transformed into a months-long competition to attain the most sought after FastPasses and reservations.
While this is completely understandable, and often the right course of action to ensure that popular attractions are experienced, it has become increasingly apparent that some are being overlooked in relation. New expansions such as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, and Pandora – The World Of Avatar have only added to the must-experience list of attractions that can become a trip-centered priority at the expense of some that are under the radar. Just to clarify, no one should be questioned for making popular attractions a priority over scavenger hunts, however, those few that are easy to miss can add a new (and spontaneous) experience to your day at the parks.
If you’re looking for something at your own pace that’s both FastPass free and line-free (most of the time), look no further than these Walt Disney World scavenger hunts: A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas at Magic Kingdom, Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure at Epcot and Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom (you can probably guess where it is).
A Pirate’s Life: Treasures of the Seven Seas
Lying on the border between Adventureland and Frontierland, A Pirate’s Life: Treasures of the Seven Seas can be easily missed. After entering the nondescript house, you’ll find a cast member that will direct you to scan your ticket or MagicBand and choose one of multiple “treasure hunts” with different story lines. Once the treasure hunt is activated, you’ll be given a physical map that provides directions to various points around Adventureland. Along the way, you’ll be helped by Captain Jack Sparrow as you make your way through indoor and outdoor areas of the land. Each destination you’re directed to includes a brief but very cool interaction with something in the immediate area. For example, scanning your band/ticket on a barrel in the left alleyway facing Pirates of the Caribbean may make the cannons shoot off on top of the fort. Once you’re finished with your first hunt, you can head back to the house to sign up for another. Not only do you get to keep your physical map, you may also receive a fast pass for Pirates of the Caribbean if you complete enough hunts. This is the perfect low-key attraction for both solo visitors, families with members who want to avoid lines, and any Pirates of the Caribbean fan.
Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure
Themed after Phineas and Ferb and playable at many World Showcase pavilions, Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure works very similarly to Treasure of the Seven Seas, but with a few key differences. Unlike the physical starting point that A Pirate’s Life: Treasure of the Seven Seas has, this experience only requires visiting a website on your phone to activate your adventure after picking the country that you’d like to play in. Once you’ve selected a country, head to that pavilion and follow the on-screen instructions to begin helping Agent P foil the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s plans. Each mission includes even more interactive experiences than Treasures of the Seven Seas. A particular part of a favorite mission involves setting off the volcano behind the pyramid inside the Mexico pavilion.
Note: This attraction has a physical “sign up” location between what is soon to be World Celebration and World Showcase that tends to inconsistently have Cast Members to help you get started. If no one is there, there should be a sign that provides instructions.
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
Aside from A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas and Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure, you can also seek out a similar, but more in depth, park-wide game experience called Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. Located in the fire station on Main Street U.S.A., you’re able to walk right in and be provided with both trading cards and instructions from cast members on how to play. Unlike the previously discussed scavenger hunt attractions, Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom uses unique cards with various Disney characters on them at “portals” spread throughout the park to defeat Disney villains. After leaving the fire station, head to your first portal, select a card, and hold it out. This will activate the interaction and provide you with your next destination. Be sure to choose your cards carefully as some are stronger than others. This game has a dedicated following and can be a great way to add an extra layer to your exploration of Magic Kingdom.
Next time you’re looking to add a spontaneous experience to your day, give one of these easy-to-miss attractions a try. Who knows? You may even find yourself in a previously unexplored corner of your favorite park.
Jacob Dryer is a marketer, writer and former Cast Member from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Having first experienced Walt Disney World at the age of 10 in 2004, he spent subsequent years passionately helping others plan their own magical vacations. Later on, he moved to Orlando where he worked in various roles across Magic Kingdom, Disney Springs, and ESPN Wide World of Sports. His favorite attraction is Space Mountain.
