- I’ve been going to Disney World since I was a child, and I even worked in the parks for two years.
- When I go back to visit, I always make sure to ride the PeopleMover and Kilimanjaro Safaris.
- I highly recommend the cheeseburger egg rolls in Magic Kingdom and the Tatchos in Hollywood Studios.
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I’ve been going to the Disney parks multiple times a year since I was literally in the womb.
As an adult, I even worked at Disney World for two years, so now I have a full list of things that I always have to make time for when I visit.
Read on for all of my favorite things to do, eat, and see at Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
The cheeseburger egg rolls at Magic Kingdom are always on my list
When I first heard that Magic Kingdom offered cheeseburger egg rolls, I didn’t think anything could sound more disgusting. But now it’s my favorite snack across the Disney World property, so it may surprise you, too.
The stand is located right outside of Adventureland in Magic Kingdom.
When it comes to entertainment, ‘Festival of the Lion King’ is a must
“Festival of the Lion King,” which includes amazing dancers, singers, acrobats, fire dancers, and audience participation, is located in Animal Kingdom.
It’s by far my favorite show on the property. The talent level of the performers is astounding.
I love resort hopping when I need a break from the parks
The more time I spend at Walt Disney World Resort, the more I realize how much there is to enjoy outside of the parks.
There’s so much to see at the Disney resorts. If you have time on your next vacation, I recommend checking out some of their entertainment offerings, dining services, photo spots, and views.
The best part is that you can check out all of the resorts for free even if you’re not staying at one. You might just have to pay for parking or transportation there.
Baseline Taphouse is the hidden gem of Hollywood Studios
Baseline Taphouse is a nice, relaxing bar located right next door to Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater at Hollywood Studios.
It offers a long list of different beers and cocktails. I highly recommended the California Sunset, a vodka-based cocktail with Southern Comfort, orange juice, sweet-and-sour, and pomegranate juice.
The taphouse is such a nice place to sit under the twinkly lights with a good drink and ridiculously big soft pretzels.
I’m a big fan of Kilimanjaro Safaris
I can ride Kilimanjaro Safaris in the Africa section of Animal Kingdom over and over again, and it never gets old.
The attraction takes you through an animal reserve, and every time I ride it, I learn or see something new.
It’s different every time you ride it depending on things like the time of the day, your safari guide, which animals are out, and the weather.
Totchos are one of my go-to meals at the parks
“Tatchos” from Woody’s Lunch Box at Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios consist of tater tots with chili, shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
It’s one of my favorite meals in all of Walt Disney World, and no trip ever feels complete without these loaded tater tots.
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The PeopleMover is one of my favorite classic attractions
The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover is one of those classic rides that never gets old.
It’s located in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom, and the ride provides a full tour of the section of the park, including most of the attractions.
It’s a very relaxing ride, and it’s the perfect way to catch a nice breeze on a warm day.
I always make time to watch the entertainment on Main Street USA
There are a number of different entertainment offerings up and down Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom, and I’ve always found them extremely underrated.
Without even mentioning the big parades, the experiences include character meet and greets, the Trolley Show where performers sing and dance on the Main Street trolley, the Dapper Dans barbershop quartet, and the roaming Suffragettes who interact with guests.
I highly recommend sitting on the curb and taking in all of the fun performances.
I like to take pictures in front of each park icon
Walt Disney World has so many spots for photos, but every trip I make sure to take one in front of all the park icons: Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom, the Spaceship Earth ball at Epcot, and the Chinese Theater at Hollywood Studios.
Casey’s Corner is the best quick-service restaurant at Magic Kingdom
I love eating at Casey’s, and not just because I worked there during my Disney College Program. You can never go wrong eating good comfort food right in front of Cinderella Castle.
The menu is small and mostly consists of different hot dogs and fries, but those items are done right.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is worth the wait
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is Disney World’s newest attraction, and I highly recommend riding it.
It’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, from its stellar pre-show and theming to its catchy song and new ride system.
I don’t want to give any of the surprises away, but I promise it’ll become one of your new favorites.
I try to make it in time for the Opening Ceremony at Magic Kingdom
When the Magic Kingdom opens every day, there’s a short stage show in front of Cinderella Castle where the Fairy Godmother welcomes guests to the park along with a full crowd of iconic Disney characters.
The show is so magical and starts your day off on the right note.
It’s fun to search for the wandering characters in Galaxy’s Edge
One of my favorite things about being in Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios is how it actually feels like you’re in a galaxy far far away.
There are even roaming characters around the land who walk alongside the guests. You never know who you’re going to run into from Rey and Chewbacca to Kylo Ren and the Stormtroopers.
It makes every interaction unpredictable, and I’m always excited to see what’s going to happen next time I visit.
Walt Disney Presents is a must for longtime Disney fans
Although it’s not a thrill ride or a live show, Walt Disney Presents is a little hidden gem for diehard Disney fans.
The museum in Hollywood Studios is dedicated to Walt Disney, and guests can roam through the exhibits and learn about his life and the parks.
For most of the year – unless there’s a special trailer or seasonal video – the museum ends at a theater where guests can watch the “One Man’s Dream” documentary about Disney’s life and work. It always leaves me feeling inspired to follow what I believe in.
I do most of my shopping at World of Disney
World of Disney in Disney Springs is the biggest store on the property, and it’s where I like to do my shopping. I could spend hours in the store just browsing everything it has in stock.
It’s also the perfect way to end any Disney trip so you don’t have to lug your souvenirs around the parks.
‘Happily Ever After’ is the perfect end to a magical day at the parks
“Happily Ever After” is the firework and projection show that’s shown most nights at Magic Kingdom, and it’s the experience that fills me with the most “Disney magic.”
I’m always blown away by the beauty of the castle, the overwhelming nostalgia of the Disney music, and the inspiration to go after my dreams.
It’s the perfect way to end any day at the Magic Kingdom.
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