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Magic Kingdom Secrets, Tips and Facts
Having just returned from a family and Disney VIP trip, I felt it was time to post about Magic Kingdom at Disney World and some fun tips and facts! I also picked up a few 'insider Disney secrets' during my VIP tour and wanted to share.
Whether it is your first time at Disney World, or you are a seasoned Disney veteran, the child-like excitement hits everyone the moment they step into Magic Kingdom.
Did you know that Magic Kingdom is home to Disney's longest running parade, the Main Street Electrical Parade? It has been around since 1971! Many of the trees and shrubbery throughout the Magic Kingdom are fake, but they were designed to look so realistic that you wouldn't even know.
The Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom is filled with secrets. One of the most iconic is the pet cemetery out front, which features headstones with names of Disney staff members' pets. There's also the secret room behind a hidden bookcase, the hidden hatbox ghost, and the fan favorite - the Hitchhiking Ghosts. Inside the mansion, you can also find a music organ and the secret bride, who can be seen in the attic, if you look closely!
Main Street USA in Disney's Magic Kingdom is full of surprises! Here are a few to look out for:
Just inside the entrance to Main Street, you can find a hidden Mickey Mouse! Look for a pattern of three circles in the brickwork.
The names on the windows of the shops on Main Street are the names of actual people who worked for Disney in the past.
The clock tower at the end of Main Street is actually based on the clock tower at the Harvard University campus.
If you look closely, you'll notice the sound of a train whistle and steam engine when you walk down Main Street. The sound is actually coming from the speakers hidden throughout the area.
The windows of the buildings on Main Street spell out a secret message. If you look closely you'll be able to read the message and discover its meaning!
There are lots of secrets to discover at Adventureland in Disney's Magic Kingdom! For instance, did you know the music playing in the area is inspired by 1950s South American exotica? There's also a hidden tiki room tucked away in the back of the Swiss Family Treehouse. And if you listen closely, you can hear a secret audio-animatronic show! The Swiss Family Treehouse is also full of hidden treasures and is worth exploring. Lastly, be sure to look up in the sky to spot the hidden Mickey in the wooden beams of the bridges.
One of the best-kept secrets about Fantasyland in Disney's Magic Kingdom is that Cinderella's Castle has a hidden suite inside. It's called the Cinderella Castle Suite and it was originally designed as a private apartment for Walt Disney and his family. Additionally, it's rumored that the Fantasyland Skyway station is still intact and can be seen during the parade route. Fantasyland has some interactive elements that many guests don't know about. There are several interactive statues, such as the Mad Hatter's hat and the Sword in the Stone, that can be triggered to move and/or animate when guests approach them.
Frontierland in Disney's Magic Kingdom is a land of adventure and discovery. Here are a few fun facts about Frontierland that you might not know about:
Look for the hidden Mickey's throughout the land. There are plenty.
There is a pet cemetery in the back of Splash Mountain.
The Frontierland Train Station is the only one in the Magic Kingdom that has a functioning whistle and bell.
If you listen carefully, you can hear the sound of a banjo coming from the Country Bear Jamboree.
There is a secret area behind the Haunted Mansion gift shop where you can take pictures with the hitchhiking ghosts.
If you look carefully, you can spot a hidden audio-animatronic of a frontier explorer in the bottom of the Rivers of America.
The Country Bear Jamboree was the first ever audio-animatronic stage show.
The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was the first roller coaster in the Magic Kingdom.
Tom Sawyer Island has a secret underground tunnel system.
The Mark Twain Riverboat is powered by four paddlewheels.
One of the secrets about Liberty Square in Disney's Magic Kingdom is that it is the only land in the park that was part of the original opening day in 1971. Something commonly known is the Liberty Bell and the Liberty Tree, two iconic symbols of the American Revolution, are both featured in the land. There's also a ghost lurking about in the Liberty Square Riverboat attraction - it's said to be the ghost of a former riverboat captain! Finally, the Hall of Presidents attraction, which opened in 1971, is also located in Liberty Square - it's the only place where you can see all the U.S. presidents in one place!
One of the secrets of Tomorrowland in Disney's Magic Kingdom is the secret entrance to the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. Do you know about this one and how to access the entrance from the Carousel of Progress? Another secret is that the Tomorrowland Speedway is home to a real-life race car, the Indy 500 Pace Car, which is located in the center of the track. Finally, the Astro Orbiter has a secret hidden star! Look for it when you ride the attraction!
What is VIP access and what do you get with VIP access at Disney World?
With VIP access at Disney World, you can enjoy exclusive benefits like reserved seating at shows and attractions, VIP viewing areas for parades and nighttime spectaculars, and access to exclusive lounges. You can also take advantage of complimentary snacks, beverages, and merchandise, along with exclusive discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise throughout the parks. Additionally, you get to skip the regular lines at attractions to make the most of your Disney World experience!
The cost of VIP access at Disney World depends on the length of your visit and the type of access you're looking for. Disney offers a variety of VIP experiences, ranging from a few hours to multiple days. Prices typically start at around $450 per person and can go up to over $900 per person / hour for a multi-day experience. You can find more information about the different VIP experiences available at Disney World on their website.
What is Club 33 at Disney World?
Club 33 is an exclusive members-only club located in Walt Disney World Resort's Magic Kingdom Park. It is an exclusive and luxurious club with private lounges, fine dining, and a variety of unique experiences and amenities. Membership is limited and very expensive, but it provides a completely unique experience for members with access to exclusive events, private lounges, and some of the best dining options in the park.
Disney's Magic Kingdom Easter Eggs
Disney is full of Easter eggs waiting for guests to find them. No, I am not talking about the beautifully hand decorated chocolate eggs on display at Disney's Grand Floridian during the Spring. I am talking about an Easter egg that is a secret message, item, or image that has been added as a bonus within a Disney movie, theme park, or resort. These Easter eggs are added for close watchers and observers who are devoted fans of Disney and the brand.
Now that we know what type of Easter eggs we are looking for, you may be asking yourself why these secrets have become so important to Disney fans. By providing these hidden gems within the movies and theme parks, Disney is supplying their fans with endless entertainment. Some Easter eggs are easier to notice than others, but others are more hidden. What started as an inside joke with Imagineers, has grown into a clever way to keep Disney fans coming back for more. Let's look at some of our favorite Easter egg's hidden within Disney's Magic Kingdom Park.
Mainstreet U.S.A
Our journey to find Disney's Magic Kingdom Easter eggs starts the moment you enter the park. Welcome to Mainstreet U.S.A! Centered in the square, near the train station, is a large American flag. This flag is the only REAL American Flag in the park. There is a ceremony every morning to raise the flag and every evening to retrieve the flag. This ceremony is always accompanied by a United States military veteran who is a guest in the park that day. All the other flags seen on top of buildings are, in fact, imposters. To prevent all the flags on Mainstreet U.S.A needing to be raised every morning and taken down or lit every evening, they are missing stars and stripes. This means they are not considered real American flags. While you are spotting the fake American flags at the top of the buildings, look at the building windows. You will find the names of people responsible for creating the Magic Kingdom or the names of the dummy corporations Disney used when buying Florida land for the parks. As you continue your journey through Mainstreet U.S.A. look down. Do you notice the red sidewalks? The sidewalks are red because Walt Disney wanted to roll out the red carpet for all guests. They also consulted with Kodak to find the perfect shade of red to show up as the best complimentary color in photos taken at Magic Kingdom. Towards the left of the Emporium, you will find Harmony Barbershop. Many people do not realize that this is an actual operational barbershop. Although anyone can get their haircut, they have a special package for kids who are getting their first haircut. It is highly recommended!
Fun Magic Kingdom Facts
Walt Disney Statue
1. Walt Disney's statue stands waiving to guests entering Magic Kingdom at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The park originally opened October 1st, 1971, and although Walt had been highly involved in the planning of Walt Disney World, he passed away just before construction began in 1967. His vision is still seen in the brand today making it one of the most successful businesses in the world.
2. 'May Walt Disney World bring joy and inspiration and new knowledge to all who come to this happy place ... a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn together.' - Roy 0. Disney reading the dedication plaque during the October 25, 1971, grand opening, and dedication.
Tangled Theme Bathroom
1. Need a break? Located on the edge of Liberty Square and Fantasyland this restroom is themed after the Disney Movie Tangled making this a fun stop for the whole family. Also stop by the charging stations right across from the restroom to recharge your batteries.
2. Forget hidden Mickeys! The Tangled themed restroom has hidden Pascals for you to find! It is rumored that there are 10 of these cute chameleons hidden around this restroom. Can you find them all?
Tomorrowland Entrance
1. Welcome to Tomorrowland! This retro-futuristic designed area of Magic Kingdom has seven different attractions to enjoy. What is your favorite Tomorrowland attraction?
2. 'Tomorrow is a heck of a thing to keep up with.' -Walt Disney
Pirates Chess Game
1. Did you know pirates were stubborn? While in line for the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction don't miss this pair of pirates who got stuck in an eternal stalemate during their chess game. It is said that they died in a chess stalemate because neither would agree to a draw!
2. These pirates stuck in a stalemate didn't get much attention until Disney guests noticed the chess pieces were being moved from their previous stays. It is rumored that there is a game being played among cast members that has yet to be completed. This chess game has grown its own fanbase and you can even find biogs tracking each player's next moves, sometimes taking months in between moves!
Uncovering Disney's Haunted Mansion Secrets
As a fan favorite, the Haunted Mansion attraction at Disney's Magic Kingdom was one of the original rides that opened with the park in 1971. It has become such a beloved ride that it has been know that guests have spread loved one's ashes in the graveyard scene.
Surprisingly, this is not the only ride that happens on ... However, despite the spooky atmosphere there is no evidence that the ride is actually haunted. There are plenty of Easter eggs to find before you even sit down on the Haunted Mansion ride located in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom. Our first Easter egg can be spotted in the queue in the interactive portion. A wedding ring can be found stuck within the pavement. This ring is hard to spot, so do not be afraid to ask a cast member for assistants in locating it. Disney fans manifested this Easter egg themselves as there were so many previous claims that an old pipe flush with the pavement was really the ghost bride's wedding ring.
This story got so popular among Haunted Mansion fans that Disney added a wedding ring into the pavement in this area. The story of the bride and her wedding ring was purely created by Disney fandom, so the story may vary depending on who is telling it. A popular rendition of the story is that the ring was embedded in the pavement when the bride threw herself off the balcony. Another version of the story states that Mr. Gracey got so upset at the bride for cheating on him that he threw the ring off the balcony and his horses stomped on the wedding ring embedding it into the pavement. As you are about to enter the attraction, to your left, there is a tombstone you should keep your eyes on. Or should we say she is keeping her eyes on you?
Magic Kingdom Hidden Mickey Scavenger Hunt
Hidden Mickeys
This story got so popular among Haunted Mansion fans that Disney added a wedding ring into the pavement in this area. The story of the bride and her wedding ring was purely created by Disney fandom, so the story may vary depending on who is telling it. A popular rendition of the story is that the ring was embedded in the pavement when the bride threw herself off the balcony. Another version of the story states that Mr. Gracey got so upset at the bride for cheating on him that he threw the ring off the balcony and his horses stomped on the wedding ring embedding it into the pavement. As you are about to enter the attraction, to your left, there is a tombstone you should keep your eyes on. Or should we say she is keeping her eyes on you?
Here are 20 Magic Kingdom locations to get your Hidden Mickey searchstarted:
1. Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin2. Pirates of the Caribbean x23. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train4. Carousel of Progress5. Swiss Family Tree House6. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover7. It's a small world8. Splash Mountain9. Haunted Mansion x210. The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh11. Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid12. Jungle cruise13. Peter Pans Flight14. Train Station Ticket Office15. Sir Mickey's Store Sign16. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad17. Columbia Harbour House18. Walt Disney Statue (not Mickey Mouse standing next to him)19. Be our Guest Restaurant20. Fairytale Garden
You could spend days searching for all the hidden Mickey's in Magic Kingdom. We are not lying, there are rumored to be over 1,000 hidden Mickeys out there. This is one of the best past times while waiting in line at your next attraction. There are also some fun phone apps that will allow you to track your progress and mark what Hidden Mickeys you have found. If you are stuck, do not be afraid to ask a cast member for a hint!
VIP tours!!
Did you know that Disney World has VIP tours with a private guide that walks you to the Lightening Lane entrance for all the rides you can fit in?! We even walked into special entrances for a few of the rides and skipped right to the front! It also includes Mickey bars, pretzels or other snacks and unlimited water. This is an amazing way to experience the parks and fit in a lot of rides. It has a minimum of 7 hours for up to 10 people and prices at $450-$900 per hour depending on dates.
We would love to help you experience the Disney parks in a different way! Here is what our day looked like:
Started at Magic Kingdom
We rode Big Thunder Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Seven Dwarves Mine Train, Space Mountain
Break for Mickey bars and water
Escorted through the backstage of Magic Kingdom to our SUV transfer over to Hollywood Studios!
Greeted with snacks when we arrived!
We rode Rockin’ Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, Toy Story Mania, Slinky Dog Dash, Millennium Falcon, Rise of the Resistance, and planned on Minnie and Mickey’s Runaway Railway but it went down right when we were ready to ride!
We ended with Mickey pretzels as our special snack of the day! 🐭🥨🍿🎢 It was a great day!
This is a great way to enhance your vacation! We would love to help add this to your next trip!
Get in touch with Lia Vincent
Lia Vincent
Lia Vincent is the founder and owner of Vincent Vacations, All Inclusive Weddings, Magical Vacations, TravelAgentPro, Vincent Cruises and Vincent Events.
Vincent Vacations is an award-winning travel agency established in 2013 that is based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. All Inclusive Weddings is an affiliate of Vincent Vacations and was established in 2019.
Lia has been recognized for her own work as a travel advisor since 2002 but has transitioned her focus to managing the brick and mortar location as well as a team of over 250 independent advisors across the country. She is passionate about marketing and enjoys planning incentive travel and events for her team. She hosts an annual awards gala for the top in sales as well as recognition travel for agents with over 1 million in annual sales on her independent team. While being a sales powerhouse is of course a motivation, the culture of her agency is one of the things she is most proud of. The team loves to travel together, attend events and be in each other’s corner.
Lia was recognized as a Trendsetter with TravelAge West in 2021 for her agency growth during the pandemic offering training classes to dive into the travel industry. She took it as a positive and let’s get ready for when travel is back. Lia is a regular guest travel speaker on Oklahoma NBC news, member of American Airlines Vacations Advisory Council, Delta Vacations Emerging Leaders, Hilton Advisory, Marival Advisory and La Coleccion’s Think Tank.
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Magic Kingdom SecretsTips and Facts
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Lia Vincent is the founder and owner of Vincent Vacations, All Inclusive Weddings, Magical Vacations, TravelAgentPro, Vincent Cruises and Vincent Events. Vincent Vacations is an award-winning travel agency established in 2013 that is based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. All Inclusive Weddings is an affiliate of Vincent Vacations and was established in 2019. Lia has been recognized for her own work as a travel advisor since 2002 but has transitioned her focus to managing the brick and mortar location as well as a team of over 250 independent advisors across the country. She is passionate about... Read More >>>
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Walt Disney World's 4 Theme Parks Make dreams come true in four uniquely themed parks, each with its own special version of Disney magic! Fantasy becomes real and reality becomes fantastic as you relive childhood memories and create new ones.
Make sure you have a chance to see the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration! Only available through March 2023!
Also, don't miss your last chance to see Beacons of Magic - Behold dazzling spectacles as classic Disney Parks icons light up the night. And Mickey's Celebration Cavalcade - Wave to some of your favorite Disney pals as they float down Main Street, U.S.A.
Balloons Balloons have been a guest favorite since day one. Disneyland started selling them in 1955! And fun fact – if you pop your balloon while in the park just bring it back to the vendor and they’ll replace it! Ready to pick up yours? Then, let’s get planning! What’s the Disney souvenir of choice for you or your little ones? Balloon? Plush? T-shirt?
Beast and Belle Flower and Garden The Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot runs annually starting in the spring. Did you know that more than 500,000 plants, trees and shrubs are installed for the festival? A lot of people call it their favorite. Are you ready to find out? Our personal favorite Flower and Garden Festival topiary can be found in the France pavilion – Belle and Beast. If you’ve been, what was your favorite?
Boardwalk Staying on Disney property is special. Not only are you immersing yourself in a story and experience, but you might even be so close to the parks that you have this view! Ready to explore the onsite possibilities? Tell us, do you stay on Disney property? What is your favorite and why?
Carousel No visit to the Disney parks is complete without a ride on the carousel. With the backdrop of the castle, it stands as the most classic ride of them all. Ready to put this attraction on your must-do list? Do you know how to identify Cinderella’s horse?
Castle Fireworks Another Disney tradition is catching the nighttime fireworks! There have been many iterations over the years, and they just keep getting better and better. If you’re ready to see them in person, let’s connect! What has been your most recent fireworks show favorite?
Cinderella’s Castle Cinderella’s Castle as pulled straight from the movie, is said to have drawn influence from Versailles and Fontainebleau in France as well as Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. Do you see the resemblance? The regal Cinderella’s Castle stands as our favorite castle from any park across the globe. Which castle is your favorite? What memories does it hold for you?
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Epcot holds a lot of festivals throughout the year and our favorite can be seen here – the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. Watch the park come to life in bloom each spring. Ready to schedule a visit to one of Epcot’s festivals? Topiaries? The fresh snacks? Scavenger hunt around World Showcase? What’s your favorite part of Flower and Garden?
Epcot Skyliner The Skyliner is the newest form of transportation on property having opened in September of 2019. It connects four resorts and two theme parks. The system is easy to navigate, convenient and the views while riding are mesmerizing. Ready to ride? Let’s get you there. The Skyliner has quickly become a transportation favorite among guests. Have you had the chance to experience it? Did you love it?
Expedition Everest There are a bunch of fun facts about Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Most notably, it’s the tallest attraction on property. But did you know that despite its name, riders aren’t actually navigating Mount Everest? Instead, it holds the fictitious name of Forbidden Mountain. Disney Imagineers created it just for the storyline of the attraction! Riding forward…Riding backward (in the dark)…An 80 foot drop. Yikes! Do you love or hate Everest, um Forbidden Mountain?
Haunted Mansion As you weave through the Haunted Mansion queue pay close attention. The names on the tombstones are those of Imagineers! Some even worked on the build of the attraction itself! Another fun fact, as you exit there’s a pet cemetery. Towards the back there’s a tribute to Mr. Toad! Besides it’s 999 happy haunts, there’s a hidden Mickey inside the Haunted Mansion! Do you know where it’s located?
Mickey Ears and Castle Ears for some are a must have collectible. During your visit to WDW keep an eye out for ears that pay tribute to certain attractions and characters. If you’re looking to jump on an even hotter trend, go for one of the many color specific ears. Rose gold and purple potion are two favorites. Get your ears on!
Mickey Waffles Some say that waffles just taste better when they’re in the shape of Mickey and consumed on property. There is an abundance of breakfast locations where you’ll find this icon! And, while the mouse himself is the most widely available, you might spot Stitch or Simba at some spots as well! We love Mickey waffles! What’s your favorite Disney snack?
Monorail There are three different monorail lines. The Epcot line connects guest to Epcot via the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). The Resort line stops at Magic Kingdom, all three surrounding resorts and the TTC. The Express line is a direct connect between MK and the TTC. If the Express line is too long, hop on the Resort line if there’s a much shorter wait time and only make one additional stop at the Contemporary! The classic. The monorail. It’s our favorite. Is it yours too?
Pandora The stunning Pandora – World of Avatar. The film’s writer and director James Cameron played an integral role in the design of this land in Animal Kingdom as did producer Jon Landeau. They were joined by legendary Imagineer Joe Rohde. Did you know they left a little easter egg at the exit of Flight of Passage? Keep an eye out for it during your next visit! Flight of Passage. Pandora’s must-do attraction. Do you rope drop it? Or save it for your last attraction before close?
Spaceship Earth Spaceship Earth or as some call it, “the giant golf ball” is the very first ride that we take when visiting Epcot. We just can’t get over the fact that we travel in there! Imagineering at it’s finest. What is the first attraction on your list when visiting Epcot? What’s your favorite scene on Spaceship Earth? Rome burning? The Phoenicians?
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge The most recent addition to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Galaxy’s Edge was announced in 2015. After over six years of concept development and construction, the first guests were welcomed in 2019! And, for reference, the timeline you’re entering when coming into the land is between the eighth and ninth film! Did you know there’s a hidden mini– Millennium Falcon ON the Falcon itself? Know where it is?
Teacups The teacups were our first ride EVER in the Magic Kingdom! We spun that thing so fast …you could hear the joy and excitement in our screams and laughs! What was your first ride EVER at a Disney Park? Share with us below. Ready to ride again? Let’s chat! Did you know the teacups were a Magic Kingdom opening day attraction? Can you name some others?
Tomorrowland Tomorrowland was a land that opened when the park itself opened on October 1, 1971. But it only featured two attractions, and Space Mountain wasn’t one of them! They were the Grand Prix Raceway and Skyway to Fantasyland, which, sadly, no longer exists. Rank your favorites! Choices – Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover and Carousel of Progress.
Tower of Terror The Imagineers on the attraction watched every single episode of The Twilight Zone for inspiration, and it can be seen in the attraction’s queue area. There are a ton of easter eggs and the attention to detail is incredible. You might even spot some props used in actual episodes! The story of the hotel is that it was struck by lightning, and that’s the state you see it in. Do you know what date that strike occurred?
Tree of Life We encourage you to take the time and explore the paths that surround the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom. They’re often overlooked as most others head straight for the main attractions. Here you’ll get a break from the crowds, an up-close view and excellent photo ops! There are 300 animals carved into the Tree of Life.
And did you know, it's NOT a Small World After All! Disney World encompasses over 50 square miles.
Are you thinking about booking a cruise or have just booked one and aren’t sure what to expect? We know you may have questions about taking a vacation at sea which is why we’ve created this guide. We’ll explain everything you need to know about sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line!
Take advantage of the best value at sea with Norwegian’s all-inclusive Free At Sea. This offer includes Free Airfare^, Free Unlimited Open Bar, Free Specialty Dining and more!
Savor up to 20 incredible culinary experiences with the freedom to dine when and where you choose.
Enjoy award-winning entertainment including Broadway musicals, dinner shows and themed parties.
Choose an accommodation to suit your style and budget including luxurious Suites in The Haven by Norwegian®, Balcony Staterooms with ever-changing views and stylish Studios, designed and priced for solo travelers.
Thanks to Norwegian’s award-winning fleet and highly personalized service, you can book with confidence knowing your cruise vacation will be incredible.
CRUISE MYTHS. BUSTED.
I'LL GET BORED ON THE SHIP
With so much to do on board, you'll have to book another cruise just to experience it all! We have a seemingly endless choice of activities such as go-karting, wine tastings, sports games, arcades, the spa, pools, Aqua parks, and so much more. Choose from multiple superb entertainment options each and every night including Broadway shows, comedy clubs, nightclubs, live bands, karaoke, kids and teen clubs, and multiple bars and lounges!
IT’S TOO EXPENSIVE
Experience the best value at sea with Norwegian’s Free At Sea promotion where you can take advantage of free offers. Enjoy Free Airfare^, Free Unlimited Open Bar, Free Specialty Dining, Free Excursions, Free WiFi, and Free 3rd and 4th Guests. Plus, with worldwide cruises of varying lengths and a wide range of staterooms, you’ll find the vacation that’s perfect for you and your budget.
I’LL GET SEASICK
Due to the ship’s size and the use of stabilizers when needed, you may not even feel that you are moving! However, if it is a concern, you can book a stateroom mid-ship where there is the least movement, and there are many medicinal and natural remedies available.
I’LL HAVE TO EAT WITH STRANGERS / EAT ON A SCHEDULE
We offer you the freedom and flexibility of dining when, where, and with whomever you want. With a variety of incredible restaurants — up to 20 dining venues — to please any palate, Feel Free to be a little epicurious and follow your mood, not a schedule.
THERE WILL BE TOO MANY PEOPLE
Our contemporary ships are designed for comfort and space, giving you plenty of room to roam at sea. From relaxing at the Mandara Spa and reclining poolside to strolling along The Waterfront® on select ships and enjoying delicious room service on your own private balcony in your stateroom or Suite, finding your happy place on board is a breeze. Also, Suites in The Haven by Norwegian® offer exclusive access to a private courtyard with pool, and their own bar and restaurant on select ships.
Freestyle Cruising: Offers flexibility in dining times, seating arrangements, and attire, catering to a relaxed vacation atmosphere.
Wide Range of Destinations: Sails to diverse destinations including the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Alaska, appealing to various traveler preferences.
Award-Winning Entertainment: Boasts Broadway shows, live music, comedy clubs, and more for top-tier onboard entertainment.
Accommodation Options: Provides a range of staterooms from luxurious Haven suites to studio cabins for solo travelers.
Comprehensive Dining Choices: Features numerous dining options, from fine dining to casual eateries, satisfying all tastes.
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On February 1st, 2024, for the first time, Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres, opened their doors to guests. I was there first hand to witness this. When I say first hand, I was literally the first guest to check-in to the resort. Here’s how it all played out…..
I was with some of our sales team at a different resort in the destination. When I saw I would be checking out the day one of the most highly anticipated resorts would be opening, I couldn’t pass up this opportunity. I had our agency’s preferred transportation company in the destination, Amstar, pick me up early so I could hopefully be the first guest on property. I did travel to opening day of Secrets Moxche in 2022, and I was the 6th guest to check in. I had to beat my record and we did it!
Let me paint the picture for you.
We are pulling up to the resort and hanging out the window asking the security guards if anyone had arrived yet and then squealing.
When we got out of the transportation, we were met with a mariachi band, executive team, and so many more hotel employees. They played music, cheered, clapped…..it was like we were celebrities arriving for the Academy Awards.
We were invited to join for the ribbon cutting, which of course we said, yes. They passed out scissors with the resort engraved and all cut at the same time. We spent time with the social media team doing interviews of what we thought of the resort. We also did some great drone shots with the pool. We felt like real influencers. This was so eye opening on how much work goes into the Grand Opening day of a hotel. There were so many moving parts. The team did a great job.
Now was time to enjoy the resort. Let me tell you all about it. This is a large resort and they were supposed to open in December. They are doing a phase opening as there are a few things not quite open yet. The tune of this blog will be June. There will be 5 months without some things but there is still most things everyone will do especially for a resort that won't be at capacity right early on.
There were 3 amazing pools open. There is one more pool – the Jungle Pool – that will open by June. They are building a massive spa and gym. It’s going to be 2 stories. It sits in the back of the property. They are well underway but it will be June before guests can do hydrotherapy for example. They are offering massages and facials in some hotel rooms set up like spa cabins. We went and saw the set up and it’s a perfect set up in the meantime. The rooms even smell like you’re in the spa.
The resort will have a theatre by June 2024 as well as the popular Desires nightclub that you might have seen at other Secrets Resorts. Right now they are having nightly entertainment around the round bar. This will be the hub of people coming for a drink to hang out before dinner and sunset cocktails. It has a great atmosphere. The chairs were made by Mexican artists. Each of the chairs took 24 hours to make and were made in the state of Oaxaca. The pillows were also made by artisans. The attention to detail at this resort is impressive. When we stayed they did a casino night, DJ, live band and Cirque type show. Each night they change it up. The butlers send out the schedule but there is also an App you can find the information on.
Our room we enjoyed was so spoiling. They put us in a Preferred Club Oceanfront Master Swim Out Suite. This room is so spacious and has a double balcony that connects to a wrap around shared pool with other swimouts. It faced straight onto the beach and ocean. The sunrise view was perfection. There’s a living room and bedroom, half bath and then large bathroom. It is a very open concept so not super ideal for more modest friends traveling together but we made it work. One amazing perk that was such a pleasant surprise for February travel is the swim out pool is heated. I’ve experienced some ice cold swim out rooms and this was perfection. We were also spoiled by our butler, Frank. He was assigned to us. He would send us the daily activities via Whatsapp. He also did things like help us with extra pillows or when you forgot your key and were locked out of your room (the hike to the lobby would be long in this category) and we also drew a fun bubble bath. He asked us what time and was there on time with a special tea oil that made it smell so good.
The rooms are pretty easy to figure out and I all of them face into the resort or straight onto the beach or ocean. The inside of the junior suites are all the same as far as the layout. There are a very limited number of rooms with 2 beds so just keep that in mind. This resort is more geared toward couples. The Preferred Club rooms have a tub on the balcony in addition to a more desirable location. The swimout rooms do not have the tub though.
One big question I have seen is if the Preferred Club level rooms are worth the extra cost. This is the resort group’s version of Club Level or Concierge Level at other hotels. To be perfectly honest I don’t think it is worth the extra cost at a lot of the resort group’s hotels. This one is one you will want to spring for. Preferred Club gives you access to the top pool. It’s a gorgeous infinity pool with cushy pool chairs and waitstaff ready to bring you frozen cocktails or food while you lounge. Another big perk of Preferred Club is the special beach club which is only for these guests. There’s going to be a beach bar and restaurant for the beach club and I know it will be the popular spot with upgraded chairs and service. The beach bar and restaurant are still under construction but by the looks of it will be finished before June. The Bali beds are also up for reservation specifically for Preferred Club guests. They are located in the PC beach club. The way they do the reservations is with the pool concierge and you need to do bottle service. The prices range from $150 - $250 depending on what kind of bottle you want and then this gives you the Bali bed for the day. They are set up for 2 people.
How was the food? This is always a question with a new resort. We had such a great food experience. The Market Café had all the typical fresh omelets, chilaquiles, and French toast anyone would be looking for. I would also like to give a shout out about the bacon. It was so good. I think we experience such blah bacon at most all inclusives and I was like, “Wow it’s just like restaurants at home!”
The Grand Opening Day there were a total of 88 guests. They did not need all the restaurants open. They will all be open by the end of February 2024. We really enjoyed the Seaside Grill which is up by the pools with a great firepit for pre or post dinner hanging out. I had the Catch of the Day which was a Sea Bass. It had great flavor sitting on a yummy sweet potato mash. Another food shout out needs to go to the spinach dip appetizer. It comes with wonton chips and we all couldn’t stop talking about it. The other restaurant open for Grand Opening was El Patio. This is their Mexican restaurant and you also can get a really good filet. The filet was the favorite here as well as the corn soup. El Patio also has a Mezcal and Tequila cellar which can be used for private dinners. It has such a cool atmosphere.
One unique dining experience I was able to have with my co-worker Becky was at the Chef’s Table. This experience is at an additional cost but oh my goodness please do this if you have time. You are taken in the back to the kitchen where there is a special table with a window into the kitchen. This is a wine pairing meal and when you book they will go over the options of wine which will dictate the cost. The chef came out and explained about the food and a sommelier spoke of the Mexican wine he paired. The lava cake had a spice sauce with it that I am still thinking about. We all kept saying we couldn’t believe how good it was.
We loved the resort and are already planning a trip back. The resort is set on such a nice stretch of beach in Costa Mujeres. You can see the island of Isla Mujeres so it seems the island is blocking the sargassum. I know it’s mother nature but the resort had such perfect turquoise water and white sand beach that I know is what so many people are looking for.
We would love to help you plan your vacation to Secrets Playa Blanca