You don’t have to spend your Magic Kingdom day racing between rides, because these often-overlooked experiences are worth slowing down for.

Magic Kingdom has a way of making you feel like you’re supposed to be moving constantly. There’s another attraction to get to, another Lightning Lane to catch, another snack you’ve been meaning to try. But after enough Disney World days, I know that some of my favorite Magic Kingdom moments happen when I’m not trying to accomplish anything at all.

If you’re willing to slow down a little, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this park that don’t involve racing toward the next big attraction. These underrated experiences will likely end up being the most memorable parts of your day.

Pause While Walking Down Main Street, U.S.A.

It’s incredibly easy to treat Main Street, U.S.A. as a path to Cinderella Castle and the lands around the hub. You arrive, snap your castle photo, and move on as quickly as possible. But if you speed walk down Main Street, you’re missing a big part of the experience if you don’t actually spend some time here.

Photo by Laurie Sapp

Instead, wander through the shops, peek into the windows, admire the architecture, grab a snack and listen to the music. There’s also plenty of entertainment happening along Main Street throughout the day. It may not feel as productive as checking an attraction off your list, but that’s kind of the point. 

Main Street is one of the few places at Magic Kingdom where you can simply enjoy being there.

Give Country Bear Musical Jamboree a Chance

Country Bear Musical Jamboree isn’t likely to be the first attraction your family begs to experience at Magic Kingdom (and it’s never my own first choice), but that’s exactly why it’s easy to overlook. And if you skip it because you’re trying to prioritize the “big” rides, you’re missing one of the park’s most entertaining places to take a break.

Photo by Cliff Wang

The updated show features the familiar Audio-Animatronic bears performing country and Americana versions of popular songs, all inside a cool, comfortable theater. It’s cute, it’s wonderfully weird, and it’s a chance to sit down without feeling like you’re wasting precious park time. (Bonus: Young kids will enjoy it, too.) 

Don’t save it only for when everyone is exhausted — make it part of your actual Magic Kingdom plans.

Take a Spin on the PeopleMover

The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover has long been one of Magic Kingdom’s easiest attractions to overlook, but it deserves more credit than simply being a convenient place to sit down.

Photo by Judd Helms

The elevated ride gives you a completely different perspective on Tomorrowland, including views of the park that you simply can’t get from ground level. You’ll also glide through Space Mountain, giving you a quick peek inside the attraction (or a chance to shut your eyes while it’s dark inside). It’s calm, breezy, and wonderfully low-key, making it one of my favorite ways to experience Magic Kingdom when I want a break from the hustle without actually leaving the park.

Watch the “Small” and “Unexpected” Entertainment

One of the most underrated ways to experience Magic Kingdom is to stop treating the My Disney Experience app like your entire itinerary. Not every worthwhile experience has a reservation time or a posted wait. Little gems pop up across the park, and seeking them out is a great way to soak up the park’s magic. 

The piano player is a hallmark of Casey’s Corner. Photo by Laurie Sapp

Keep an eye out for smaller performances, character appearances, cavalcades and musicians as you’re moving through the park, like the piano players at Casey’s Corner and the Dapper Dans popping up on Main Street. If you happen to see something starting, stop and watch. 

You don’t have to plan your entire day around every performance — you just have to be willing to let yourself be distracted.