Whether you have been to Walt Disney World or not, chances are you have a must do list. Most first time visitors do research on the internet or utilize a travel agent to give them ideas of what are some must do activities. I have been to Walt Disney World too many times to count and I still have a list of must dos or my trip doesn’t seem complete. On the flip side, there are things I have not yet tried at Disney. So now when I go, along with my must dos, I make it a priority to try at least one new experience, whether it is a ride, a restaurant, a tour or even check out a resort I haven’t stayed at. Here is a list of some of my must dos:
1. Soarin’ – This Epcot attraction simulates a hang gliding ride over California. I just love the scent of oranges as you “soar” over the orange grove and the ocean scent that you experience over the Pacific Ocean. By far one of the best rides to experience.
2. Rockin Roller Coaster – Not for the faint of heart, but this limo style roller coaster will take your from zero to 60 in about three seconds launching you into a darkness filled with Aerosmith music, twists and a loop. This is my all-time favorite ride in Disney.
3. Electric Parade – I remember this parade from my childhood and I get that same feeling of excitement when I see it now. Something so simple as little twinkling lights put together to create favorite Disney characters can bring joy and brighten your spirits. Catch this parade on select nights on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom.
4. It’s A Small World – I know, that song! It will get stuck in your head but it is a classic and how can you do Magic Kingdom without it? I love that little ride in all it’s pre-high tech glory, plus I like to annoy my son!
5. Pirates of the Caribbean – This is always our first ride at Magic Kingdom. We just love it and it brings back childhood memories of our family trips to Disney. Now they have updated it to add Captain Jack Sparrow, who wouldn’t want to do this ride!
6. Fantasmic! – Without a doubt my favorite nighttime show at Disney. Sorcerer Mickey fights the Disney Villains in this spectacular show with pictures and film clips displayed on a screen of water! You can feel the heat from the pyrotechnics and spray from the water. All of the Disney characters float by on a riverboat at the end and it is the perfect way to end a day in the parks.
7. Kilimanjaro Safari – We hit this attraction first thing when we get to Animal Kingdom. The animals are more active in the morning and we have been up close and personal with giraffes, rhinos and several other animals. Make sure you don’t miss this at Animal Kingdom.
8. Character Interaction – Whether it is a character meal, or getting in line to meet your favorite character or princess, you have to do this no matter what your age! This is all part of the Disney magic. Some of our favorite character meals are Tusker House in Animal Kingdom, Ohana Breakfast at the Polynesian and breakfast or dinner at 1900 Park Fare.
9. Take Pictures – No matter what, capture those memories. When my whole family goes we like to utilize Memory Maker which allows for all of us to be in the picture and the photographers at Disney know how to capture the best shots with the icons in the background. We have even found Tinkerbell photobombing our pictures when we get home! The Memory Maker includes ride photos as well.
10. Have Fun! This is a vacation after all! Go with a plan and understand that you may not get everything done on your list, and that is ok. That is what a return trip is for. If it is your first visit or your twentieth visit, you may find yourself planning the next visit before this one is even over!
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