Walt Disney World is such a magical and amazing place to visit. With four different theme parks, there is so much to see and do. In the rush to visit all the attractions, shows and activities, don’t miss out on these fun moments. They are some of my absolute favorites!
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1. Meet Your/Your Child’s Favorite Characters
There is nothing better than seeing your child’s eyes light up when they see and get to meet their favorite character. If your child is old enough to engage and ask questions of the character the more animated the character will be. Don’t worry though if your child is shy a talking character will fill the silence by talking away and asking their own questions.
2. Tinkerbell’s Flight and Magic Kingdom’s Firework Show
You do need to pay attention so that you do not miss Tinkerbell (a real person in a light up costume) flying from the right side of the castle to a building on Main Street. Some of the best places to see Tinkerbell fly is on Main Street, in the hub right in front of the castle or on the Tomorrowland bridge.
There is just something so magical about seeing the fireworks show over Cinderella’s castle. The music, the attention to detail with the timing of the fireworks, and grand finale makes dealing with the crowd worth it.
3. Mickey Shaped Food
Anything shaped like Mickey or Minnie is a favorite in my book. Our must have every trip is Mickey Ice Cream bars!
4. Parade at Magic Kingdom
I am a sucker for a good parade and Disney always knows how to throw a parade. My favorite is the now retired Electromagic Parade, however, their daytime parade, Festival of Fantasy, is really good too! With interactive characters, a swinging Flynn Ryder, and a fire-breathing dragon the whole family is sure to be entertained.
5. Live Stage Show and Street Performers
Disney is known for their stories and a visit to the most magical place on Earth is not complete without taking in one of their many live Broadway-style stage shows (and they are all good). You can choose from Beauty and the Beast Live, Finding Nemo – The Musical, Festival of the Lion King, and more.
More fabulous talent can be found popping up around the parks in the form of Street Performers including Main Street Philharmonic, Tam Tam Drummers, Dapper Dans, Citizens of Hollywood, and so much more. They are fun, engaging and a crowd pleaser.
6. Kilimanjaro Safari
This is one of my favorite attractions at Animal Kingdom (a close second to Flight of Passage). On this ride, you will be immersed in Africa and will not believe that you are still in Florida. Most of the animals roam freely (or look like they do) and can get quite close to the safari trucks. Each ride is different depending on your driver, the time of day that you visit, and the animals roaming choices.
7. Photo in Front of Cinderella’s Castle
No visit to Walt Disney World is complete without a classic photo in front of Cinderella’s Castle. There are Disney photographers on Main Street who will take your picture with their camera and with your own. I have previously written about all my favorite photos of Cinderella’s Castle beside just Main Street.
8. Extra Magic Hours
This is probably one of my favorite benefits of staying on site at Disney World is being able to take advantage of Extra Magic Hours. My family really enjoys the morning Extra Magic Hours but have also been known to take advantage of the evening ones too. Usually, the park is cooler and quieter in the morning with fewer crowds and we can get a lot of rides in before the park starts to get busy.
9. Wear Minnie/Mickey Ears
There is nowhere else in the world where you can get away with wearing Mickey or Minnie Ears. While in the parks, you should definitely wear ears and/or disneybound and enjoy yourself. The characters will enjoy it and so will you.
10. Experience a Festival at Epcot
Some of my favorite times to visit Disney World is during either the International Flower and Garden Festival or the International Food and Wine Festival at Epcot. It’s like getting a bonus since most of the activities are included with your admission ticket.
11. Mickey Balloon
Just remember that you can not take your balloons into Animal Kingdom. If you forget, you can check your balloon at Guest Services and then retrieve it before you leave the park for the day.
12. Holidays at Walt Disney World
Christmas is my favorite time of the year, so of course, Christmas at Walt Disney World is one of my very favorite times to visit. Disney World is already magical but when you add in Christmas it is amazing! Magic Kingdom gets decked out for Halloween too.
13. Play in the Fountains
Maybe more for your child, however, I have seen many adults cooling off in the fountains around the parks too. These little moments are ones that your child will remember for a long time to come.
14. Ride on the Monorail
We always try to ride on the monorail at least once during our trips because it’s like a ride in of itself. I particularly love to arrive at Epcot on the monorail because you get to go through Epcot on your way to the station.
15. Character Meal
One of my favorite ways to see the characters is by booking a character meal. We always book at least one character meal each trip. The characters come to each table to greet your family, take photos and sign autograph books. The fun is getting to see your kids interact with the characters without having to wait in line. One of our favorite character meals is the Bon Voyage Adventure at Trattoria al Forno with Rapunzel, Flynn Ryder, Ariel, and Prince Eric!
What is your not to miss moment at Walt Disney World?
This is a great list! We are going for the first time in 10 days! Feeling a bit lost since there’s so much to do and see, so this was helpful!
Thank you! You will have a wonderful time at Disney World!