Every year, Walt Disney World attracts over 20 million visitors from all around the world! Considering the world-class attractions offered by this complex, it’s hardly a surprise that it is so popular.
But for many people, a Disney World vacation is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You might only have a limited time for your visit. And considering how big the park is, you may be unable to see and do everything your heart desires.
Before you make your trip, you need to make a detailed plan. Keep reading to find out the best things to do at Disney World for your upcoming trip and get some important travel tips.
Before the Fun Begins…
When you get to Disney World, you’ll no doubt be eager to jump in and experience all the fun the park has to offer. But it pays to stop at one of the visitor centers, pick up a map, and check your itinerary.
Parks
Disney World isn’t just a theme park. It’s a whole collection of different theme parks! That means it offers something for everyone, whatever your age and preferences.
The Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom represents classic Disney themes and plays host to a cavalcade of rides, attractions, games, and more. Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or you just enjoy a little magic in your life, this is the place for you.
Cinderella Castle
The Cinderella Castle is a truly iconic structure. It appears at the start of Disney TV shows and movies. And it’s one of the images most associated with Disney and its parks.
When you visit Disney Land, you can check out Cinderella Castle for real. The interior is beautifully decorated with mosaics that tell the story of Cinderella. And you can explore the rooms of this magical castle.
There are plenty of Disney World activities inside, too. You can visit the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and get a makeover to look like a real princess! The makeover includes a sash, tiara, wand, and manicure.
If you have time, be sure to stop by Cinderella Castle at night. The light show around the exterior is simply stunning. And it provides the perfect backdrop for the ultimate selfies!
Country Bear Jamboree
Country Bear Jamboree is another iconic Disney attraction that young children and families will love.
Here, you can enjoy a variety of songs performed by different bear bands. You’ll be toe-tapping before you know it.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
This gold rush-themed ride allows you to board a mine train and hurtle through an underground world. It’s part of Frontierland, a Wild West-themed area.
Although this is a fun ride, it’s not quite as thrilling as some of the other rollercoasters at Disney World.
Jungle Cruise
If you’ve ever dreamt of sailing down the jungle rivers of the world, now you can! Jungle Cruise is a watery ride featuring 12 boats and crossing mock-ups of famous rivers like the Amazon and the Nile.
You’ll encounter crocodiles, lions, and hippos. You may even see a group of curious gorillas who have taken over a jungle camp! Don’t worry though, your boat’s wise-cracking skipper will protect you with their water pistol.
Haunted Mansion
If you love a fright, the Haunted Mansion might be the place for you. This lavishly decorated attraction features a pet cemetery, mysterious ghosts, and a range of dazzling special effects.
Inside, you’ll have to solve puzzles while ghosts and spooks follow your every move. The attraction is regularly updated with new features.
Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland is a subsection of the Magic Kingdom park. It features a range of rides and attractions representing the Disney vision of the future. You’ll also find rides based on
Attractions include shooting rides like Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and Autopia, a fun race track. Or visitors can enjoy rides like Space Mountain and the Astro Orbiter. It’s a great way to get plenty of excitement and it’s perfect for those who love sci-fi adventures.
Epcot
This area showcases all kinds of amazing exhibits, representing cultures from around the world and imagining visions of future ages. Epcot features two areas: the World Showcase and Future World.
Epcot doesn’t have too many exciting rollercoasters or other rides. Most of its attractions are slightly slower dark rides or shows. That makes it perfect for more thoughtful and inquisitive types, or those who don’t enjoy thrills and spills.
Spaceship Earth
Spaceship Earth is probably the most recognizable feature at Epcot. This vast spherical structure contains an amazing dark ride that takes 15 minutes to experience in full.
The ride takes you on a journey through the history and future of humanity. From cave-dwelling hunter-gatherers to the intrepid space explorers of years to come, there is so much to see.
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Finding Nemo is one of the most iconic Pixar movies of all time. So, it makes sense that Disney World offers a whole set of attractions based on the characters and their world.
It all starts with a ride through a watery world. Screens and special effects allow you to see Nemo and friends up close.
Once the ride is over, you can take a tour of SeaBase, an area where you can view a vast aquarium. There is a whole world of underwater life to explore, including clownfish just like Nemo. It’s fun for all ages and educational too.
Finally, you can attend a Turtle Talk with Crush. This allows you to talk in real-time with a sea turtle character who can answer questions about turtles and their environment. This is an extremely popular attraction with young children thanks to the smart, funny actors who play Crush.
Mission: SPACE
This flight simulator allows you to be an astronaut for a little while. You’ll experience what it would be like to train for a trip to Mars.
During the ride, you’ll have to complete a variety of puzzles and activities to generate major G-forces.
World Showcase
Epcot features a variety of pavilions representing different cultures of the world. These are well worth a visit if you want to enjoy a little escapism, or just learn more about different countries.
The Morocco pavilion features a mock version of a traditional Moroccan house. The outside is surrounded by olive trees and date palms. In the evening, you can enjoy live entertainment or eat at one of the Moroccan restaurants hosted in the pavilion.
The Japanese pavilion features a beautiful pagoda and shrine. You can also enjoy authentic Japanese dining at one of several restaurants and cafes.
Germany’s pavilion is built in the style of a traditional German town, taking influences from different regions of Germany. There is a clock tower, statues, and various buildings to explore. You can also buy traditional German foods and crafts from the stores in the area.
There are also pavilions representing the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, China, Norway, and more.
Animal Kingdom
This combination zoo and theme park is home to a wide range of animals. Visitors can enjoy all kinds of fun activities in this remarkable park.
Conservation is important to Disney World. So, you can be sure animals at the park are acquired ethically and are treated well.
Pandora
This Avatar-themed attraction allows you to experience visiting James Cameron’s sci-fi world.
Take a cruise on the Na’vi River where you’ll meet weird and wonderful beasts along with a mysterious shaman. Or try the Avatar Flight of Passage, a simulator ride that allows you to fly high above the world of Pandora.
Tree of Life
This 145-foot tree sculpture has over 100,000 leaves and 8,000 branches! It’s a truly amazing artificial plant and you won’t see anything like this anywhere else in the world.
Inside the tree’s base, you’ll find a secret where you can watch special movies and shows. The Tree of Life is located on Discovery Island.
Harambe Village
Harambe Village is one of the most unique and exciting attractions across Disney World. It’s a lovingly created fantasy village sitting on the edge of an African safari park.
The village is exquisitely detailed. Everything from the actors to the fading ads on the wall makes you feel like you’re really in the village. It’s a truly immersive experience that might have you feeling as if you’re really in Africa.
From the village, you can head out on various quests and adventures. From the Kilimanjaro Safaris, taking you through an array of landscapes, to the Wildlife Express train ride, you’ll never be short of things to do.
If you fancy taking in a show, you can enjoy watching the Festival of the Lion King. Featuring the colorful characters from the Lion King movie, this show features songs and an original story.
African Birds
The African Birds section allows you to get up close and personal with a host of feathered friends. From the northern Carmine Bee-Eater to the African Pygmy Goose, you’ll see all kinds of different birds.
Certain times of the day feature live feedings, talks, and shows. Check the Animal Kingdom website for more information.
Expedition Everest
Looking for more fun rollercoasters? Expedition Everest might be for you! This ride lifts you high before sending you into a rapid descent.
This is the largest attraction in Animal Kingdom and the most thrilling by far.
Affection Section
Looking for something a little more relaxed to cool off after a busy day? The Affection Section is a fun petting zoo where you can pet farm animals like goats and pigs.
Hollywood Studios
This film and TV-themed park showcases some favorite Disney properties from different eras. It’s especially popular with film buffs.
There are all kinds of great rides at Hollywood Studios. Some of the best include Toy Story Mania and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, a thrilling ride that drops you 13 stories!
Chinese Theater
The Chinese Theater is an eye-catching building, a replica of the real-life Grauman’s Chinese Theater on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The spot pays homage to the cinematic history of Disney.
Inside, you’ll find Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. This fun dark ride uses innovative technology to tell a unique story. The ride also offers you the opportunity to spot a wide range of hidden Mickeys.
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Indiana Jones has some of the most impressive stunts ever performed on the silver screen. At the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, you can see them performed right before your eyes.
The performers show off their acrobatic skills and make use of special effects. They even explain and demonstrate how the stunts are performed to the audience.
Waterparks
Disney World also contains two different waterparks! It’s a great way to cool off in the Florida heat. If you’re visiting Disney World in summer, be sure to dedicate at least one afternoon to some watery fun.
Typhoon Lagoon
Typhoon Lagoon is perfect for thrill seekers. It features one of the world’s largest wave pools.
While you’re enjoying the rides and attractions at Typhoon Lagoon, soak in the shipwreck-themed scenery. There is a whole backstory to the park with plenty of details for eagle-eyed visitors to spot.
Blizzard Beach
Blizzard Beach is a mountain-themed waterpark offering a wide selection of attractions.
This park is centered around Mount Gushmore, an artificial mountain. It offers a range of slopes and drops for visitors to enjoy.
Blizzard Beach closes for maintenance every winter, so switch to Typhoon Lagoon if you still want fun in the sun.
Places to Eat
After all this fun, you’re bound to have built up an appetite. Luckily for you, there is a wide range of great eateries around Disney World. Not only do they offer yummy things to eat, but many are also fun places to be where you’ll make special memories.
Wilderness Lodge
If you want to feel like you’re getting away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, the Wilderness Lodge might be the location for you.
This area features a variety of different restaurants surrounded by forest-style scenery. You can enjoy eating at one of several restaurants and cafes in the area.
Getting Around
Learning about the different ways to get around Walt Disney World has two advantages. First off, you’ll be able to move quickly around the park, giving yourself more opportunities to enjoy everything Disney World has to offer. Also, there are many fun ways to explore the park.
Ferryboats
The park offers a network of ferryboats to take visitors around the park. There’s nothing quite like getting a view of some amazing Disney attractions from the water.
Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney Springs all offer travel by ferryboat. It’s a good way to cut down on travel time between parks or to different areas inside the parks.
Monorail
If you want a new way to see the park, look no further than the monorail. This elevated railway system runs from the Transportation and Ticket Center, offering three separate lines.
The three lines are:
- Express, running from the Transportation and Ticket Center to the Magic Kingdom
- Resort, running through several of the most popular Disney World resorts
- Epcot, taking you directly to the Epcot gates from the Transportation and Ticket Center, offering good views of the World Showcase and Future World along the way
Taking the monorail is a great way to get hyped up before enjoying everything the parks have to offer.
Seasonal Events
Things aren’t the same at Walt Disney World all year round. Throughout the year, there are some amazing holiday and seasonal events.
We offer a variety of packages, allowing you to find discounted tickets for Disney World during the holidays throughout the year.
Christmas
The most wonderful time of the year is extra special when you enjoy it at the most magical place on earth.
Attractions like the Country Bear Jamboree get a special overlay, allowing visitors to slide into that festive spirit.
Halloween
Halloween is an excellent time to visit Disney World. The whole park is decorated with spooky decorations and you may encounter all kinds of scary characters from the Disney universe.
Attractions like the Haunted Mansion are especially popular at this time of year. So, it’s a good idea to get there early to avoid disappointment!
If you’re traveling with younger members of the family who may want a gentler experience, don’t worry. Events like Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloween Party are sure to keep everyone happy.
Easter
Want to find all kinds of chocolate treats while you enjoy one of the world’s best resorts? Then visit Disney World on Easter! Around the parks, you’ll find a variety of events to experience, and you can also find special desserts and candy sold at various stores and kiosks.
Although Easter isn’t as big an event as Halloween or Christmas, it’s still a lot of fun. Be warned though, crowds can be fairly large at this time of year thanks to the influx of Spring Breakers!
People to Meet
Many people love Disney because of its amazing characters. From iconic Jedi to your favorite Pixar villain, you can meet them all at Disney World.
Wherever you turn in Disney World, you might encounter some of these characters. You’re welcome to approach them and ask for a photograph, or autograph, or just say hi!
It’s fun to trade Disney pins with characters, too. Pick up a few from the store of your choice, then get trading. Trade with the right characters and you might even find some unique pins to take home with you.
Cinderella
Many of us dreamt of meeting Cinderella since we first saw her hit our screens. She’s even more beautiful and elegant in person! Find this magical princess wandering Fairytale Hall.
Chewbacca
Everyone’s favorite Wookie has burst out of the Star Wars universe and into Disney World. Track him down at Hollywood Studios at the Star Wars launch bay. Maybe if you ask nicely, he’ll let you hold his bowcaster!
Peter Pan
Visit Peter Pan’s flight at Magic Kingdom and you might run into Peter Pan himself. He’ll be happy to tell tales of Captain Hook and Neverland.
Woody
Ever wanted to meet Sherriff Woody from the Toy Story movies? He hangs out with friends like Buzz Lightyear at the Toy Story Land attraction in Hollywood Studios. Careful though, he might have a snake in his boot!
Go Shopping!
Retail therapy may not be the first activity that springs to mind when you think about Disney World.
Disney Springs is the main shopping resort at Disney World. Here, you can check out everything from art stores to exclusive boutiques.
At Disney Springs, you can also enjoy live shows and world-class restaurants. It’s a great place to be at night when performers and customers throng the streets.
Main Street USA is another great place to go shopping. This street is styled after a 20th-century American small town. So, you can enjoy the feeling of nostalgia while you pick up unique souvenirs. You can even enjoy getting a haircut at a traditional barbershop here!
Along with these excellent shopping experiences, you’ll also find many kiosks and small stores throughout the park. Be sure to pick up some Disney merchandise to help you remember your trip.
Hunt the Hidden Mickeys!
Every Disney theme park has Hidden Mickeys tucked away in rides, attractions, and décor. You might spot those famous ears popping up anywhere, from a decorative pillar to the inside of a rollercoaster. Ask cast members for tips on finding Hidden Mickeys.
Many Disney aficionados love to hunt for these hidden icons. It’s a great way to challenge yourself while you explore the park. Some friends and family members like to compete with each other to see who can spot the most.
Plan Ahead to Enjoy the Best Things to Do at Disney World
It’s well worth creating a detailed itinerary to ensure you can enjoy all the best things to do at Disney World. By thinking ahead when planning a trip, you’ll make the most of your visit. You don’t want to head home disappointed that you missed out on an amazing attraction.
The more money you can save on tickets, the more fun you’ll be able to have at Disney World! We offer a range of discounted tickets throughout the year. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you.