Disney Guests Share ”Once-In-A-Lifetime” Rare Experiences - Inside the Magic

There’s something about the experiences that Disney Park Guests are able to enjoy at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

No matter where you’re visiting, whether it be Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure at Disneyland Resort, you’re sure to have a magical time.

There are plenty of experiences that simply never get old. Riding iconic attractions like Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, “it’s a small world”, Space Mountain, and Splash Mountain is something that simply has to be experienced every time you head to the Disney Parks. Enjoying a churro, Mickey Mouse ice cream bar, an iconic spring roll, or a Dole Whip is an absolute must.

Taking time at the end of the night to enjoy epic nighttime spectaculars like Fantasmic!, the Main Street Electrical Parade, Disneyland Forever fireworks show, and “World of Color” all at Disneyland Resort, or EPCOT Harmonious and Disney Enchantment at Walt Disney World Resort simply can’t be skipped.

However, there are some experiences that simply go above and beyond the expectations that Disney Park Guests have for their trip. Here’s a look at some of the rare and “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences that Guests have had and others that you can enjoy.

Disney Park Guests Share Their Rare Experiences

In a recent Reddit thread, many Disney Guests shared rare experiences that they say are simply “once-in-a-lifetime” occurrences.

A Guest shared they found themselves all alone with their family members on one of the most popular Walt Disney World Resort attractions and the result allowed them to ride it eight times.

“It was getting dark and the lake light show was about to begin, so people began to flock onto the bleachers that surround the lake where the show happens,” the Guest said. “I really enjoyed riding Everest once earlier in the day, so while two members of my group saved our seats in the bleachers I ran over to see how long the line was. It was completely empty. My siblings and I rode Everest 8 times and still made it back in time to fully enjoy the light show. By the 4th time I felt like I had every single drop, twist and turn of the ride memorized.”

Another Guest shared how they were simply roaming around Disney’s Yacht Club when they were offered a ride.

“We were roaming around yacht club (staying at dolphin) and we were offered a boat ride around the inside of the world showcase and to watch illuminations from a special spot,” the Guest said. “We were allowed to bring our own bottles of wine/ beer etc and they had snacks on board. This was all free (other than the drinks we carried on board with us) and an unforgettable experience. We didn’t ask to do this it was just something they were testing and offered it to us as a family. It was lovely.”

How about being named “king for the day” at Magic Kingdom? This Guest said their son got to experience just that after pulling the sword from the stone at Magic Kingdom.

“We were walking around fantasy land and as usual, my boys ran up to the sword in the stone to give it a pull,” the Guest said. “When my youngest son, about six years old at the time, went to grab the sword all of the sudden there was loud horns and music! Oh my gosh it actually happened!! They came out and did a little show where they tried a couple of big brawny guys who couldn’t budge it and then they asked my son and he pulled it out!! (Well, not out but you know!) They made him king for the day and it was just such a fun thing! We’d heard that show happened but in all our years at Disney had never seen it before. And haven’t seen it since!”

Just recently, the Sword in the Stone monument has received quite a bit of fanfare. A viral TikTok trend has almost “revived” the attraction and there have even been lines spotted at the Magic Kingdom experience spot despite many longtime Guests admitting that they had completely forgotten about it.

Once-In-A-Lifetime Experiences You Don’t Want to Miss Out On at Disney World

No one can guarantee that you have a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience when visiting Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort. Many times these situations just simply unfold to a Guest who is in the right place at the right time.

However, there are some special opportunities in which can help you have the best experience possible, and who knows what may happen along the way?

Here’s a look at five things you can do to create “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences while visiting Disney.

1. Of course, you’ve got to ride the iconic attractions and enjoy the foods.

Just as we listed earlier, riding iconic attractions like Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, “it’s a small world”, Space Mountain, and Splash Mountain simply can’t be forgotten. If it’s your first time at Disney, these can be “once-in-a-lifetime experiences” but even if they’re not, you still don’t want to miss out.

Diney food can be magical and tie the whole experience together, as well.

2. How about a backstage tour? 

Disney is currently offering a limited-time 50th anniversary tour at Walt Disney World Resort. Of course, it’s an extra cost, but you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at all of Disney World. If you’re a major fan of the Disney Parks, we definitely suggest attempting to book one of these tours, as they can open your eyes to things that you simply haven’t noticed before.

Disney’s official description of the 50th Anniversay Tour reads:

3. Special Events

If you’re not an avid Disney fan, you may not even know that Disney has some of the biggest holiday celebrations in the world. We recommend the Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland Resort and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom in Disney World. In addition, you won’t want to miss out on Mickey’s Very Merriest Christmas Party. All these experiences just returned this year and they offer unique holiday experiences that simply can’t be enjoyed anywhere else.

4. Get Married

If you’ve got the money, getting married in Disney is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that simply won’t ever be forgotten. Disney Fairytale Weddings can help you plan a perfect wedding at many different location across the world, but there’s something special about getting married inside the Disney Parks.

5. Become a Disney Vacation Club Member

If you’re not a Disney Vacation Club member and you frequent the Parks quite often, it may be something worth looking into. Disney Vacation Club is Disney’s timeshare program and allows Guests to have a “home” Resort. This gives you access to the commodities and benefits of the Disney Deluxe Resorts and lets you earn points to use on more trips.

What is your once-in-a-lifetime Disney experience? Let us know in the comments!