We’ve spent a LOT of time at Disney World hotels.

Besides countless overnight stays, we also visit the resorts frequently to see what’s new in merchandise, food, and activities. And throughout those many hours spent at the resorts, we’ve learned all about the hidden secrets of the Disney World hotels!

Today we’ve rounded up a list of cool things you’ve probably never seen at the Disney World hotels. Be on the lookout for these fun details during your next visit!

The BoardWalk Nanny Chairs

Let’s start this list out in the lobby of the BoardWalk Inn. There, you’ll find the iconic (and terrifying!) nanny chairs. These spooky-looking seats often sit on either side of the fireplace, and their faces will probably haunt your nightmares for the foreseeable future.

These types of chairs were originally designed for nannies to sit and take a break while children rode carousels, but now there are a few of them that call BoardWalk Inn home. And as a fun little bonus — if you look at the back of them, you’ll see that they’re each painted with a unique name.

The Hidden Train Room

Next up let’s talk about the HIDDEN train room at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge! This room is located inside the Boulder Ridge Villas, on the ground floor, just off the lobby. It’s dedicated completely to Walt Disney’s love of trains!

Before the Disneyland Railroad existed, there was the Carolwood Pacific Railroad, which was a small railway that Walt Disney built in his own Los Angeles backyard. This room is named after that very railroad, and you’ll find train nods throughout — from trains in the decor to scale models of the very train that lived at Walt’s house. It’s a great spot for Disney history buffs to explore!

Secret Areas to Spot Animals

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is known for its stunning savanna filled with exotic animals, but did you know that there are SECRET places where you can go to watch these creatures? It’s perfect for those who aren’t staying in a savanna view hotel room!

You don’t need to walk down to the crowded viewing area in front of Jambo House — one of our favorite places to sit are the hidden balconies on either side of the lobby. You’ll simply exit the main building and climb the spiral staircases to these sequestered areas with rocking chairs and stools. A great spot to drink your morning coffee, if you ask us!

The 5-Legged Goat

One of the most iconic pieces of art at a Disney World hotel is the gigantic mural on the fourth-floor concourse of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This magnificent piece of artwork was designed by Mary Blair, and it contains a rather famous “mistake.”

One of the goats in the mural actually has five legs instead of four! In her artwork, Mary Blair was paying homage to Southwest Native Americans, so she wanted to include one of their beliefs in her design. They believe that nothing made by man could ever be perfect since man is imperfect. The 5-legged goat pays homage to that belief — people make mistakes in their artwork. Look out for it on your next visit!

The BEST Place to Work

One of our favorite spots to chill out, read a book, or catch up on some work is at Disney’s Riviera Resort. Outside of the lobby, past the cafe, you’ll find the Voyageurs Lounge. It’s the perfect space for some peace and quiet!

This room has multiple tables with various seating arrangements, and there are plenty of outlets where you can plug in your devices. With the cafe next door, you can grab a coffee and a pastry, and just sit here for a little while to enjoy the ambiance if you’d like. Plus, there are little pieces of Disney memorabilia on some of the shelves that you may want to check out!

Another Low-Key Lounge

And speaking of low-key lounges, we love the Solarium at the Beach Club Resort! Located across from the Beach Club Marketplace, this bright and airy room has plenty of seating, a TV, and a generally serene atmosphere. 

We’ve been known to come in here when we wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle. And since the EPCOT International Gateway entrance is just a short walk away, this is a great stop for if you need a little break from the parks.

So the next time you visit the Disney World resorts, make sure to check out these fun hidden secrets and impress your family and friends with your knowledge! Stay tuned to DFB for all the details on the Disney World hotels.

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What’s your big “hidden secret” from a Disney World hotel? Tell us in the comments!