Walt Disney World Resort is a place where magic happens every day. From thrilling attractions to beloved character meet-and-greets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. But whether it’s your first visit or you’re a Disney pro, there are some unforgettable experiences you simply cannot miss. Here’s our ultimate guide to the must-do experiences at Walt Disney World Resort.
Capture the Magic with Iconic Photos
No Disney trip is complete without snapping a photo in front of the iconic landmarks. Whether you’re capturing a shot with Cinderella Castle or posing in front of Spaceship Earth in EPCOT, these picturesque locations are perfect backdrops for your vacation photos.
Here’s where you can find some of the most memorable spots:
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Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom
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Spaceship Earth in EPCOT’s World Celebration
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Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
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Hollywood Tower Hotel (home to The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror) at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Pro Tip: For the best photos, visit these spots during different times of the day to capture them in both daylight and nighttime lighting.
Meet Mickey Mouse and His Friends
A Disney vacation wouldn’t be the same without meeting Mickey Mouse and his friends. Here’s where to find the Disney icon around the Central Florida Disney parks!
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Magic Kingdom Park: You can find Mickey Mouse in his magician attire at the Town Square Theater on Main Street, U.S.A.
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EPCOT: Find Mickey Mouse and his friends in their most famous outfits at Communicore Hall in the World Celebration neighborhood.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Find Sorcerer Mickey, inspired by Fantasia (1940), at Red Carpet Dreams in the Commisary Lane area.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park: Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse meet together in their adventurer gear at Adventurers Outpost on Discovery Island.
No Walt Disney World Resort trip is complete without getting a photo with the most famous mouse!
Try Different Transportation
Getting around Disney World is part of the fun, and the resort offers some truly unique transportation options. Not only do these options add to the charm of your trip, but they also provide stunning views of the parks and resorts.
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Disney Skyliner: Glide above the parks and resorts on this gondola system. It connects EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort.
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Monorail: A true Disney icon, the Monorail provides quick transportation between Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, the Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC), Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
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Boat Rides: Take a relaxing ride across Bay Lake or the Seven Seas Lagoon for a peaceful and picturesque experience.
The best part about Walt Disney World Resort transportation? It’s free!
Indulge in Mickey-Shaped Snacks
No Disney vacation is complete without a few Mickey-shaped treats. These snacks are as iconic as the parks themselves.
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Mickey Ice Cream Bar: A classic Disney snack that’s both delicious and iconic.
- Mickey Ice Cream Sandwich: Delicious cookies and cream ice cream pressed between two chocolate Mickey Mouse cookies. Perfection!
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Mickey Pretzel: Salty, doughy goodness shaped like Mickey’s ears. Don’t forget a side of cheese for dipping!
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Mickey Beignets: Light and fluffy, these treats are a must-try at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter.
Everything tastes better when it’s Mickey-shaped!
Dine at Disney’s Best Restaurants
From character dining to world-class cuisine, Disney offers a variety of dining options that cater to all tastes and preferences. Here are some experiences you shouldn’t miss:
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Cinderella’s Royal Table: Dine with royalty inside Cinderella’s Castle at Magic Kingdom Park. It’s the most magical dining experience at Walt Disney World Resort!
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Be Our Guest Restaurant: Step into the Beast’s Castle for a meal in the Magic Kingdom.
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Akershus Royal Banquet Hall: Try authentic cuisine and dine with Disney Princesses in EPCOT’s Norway World Showcase Pavilion.
You might not want to eat at a Table Service restaurant for every meal, but they’re a great way to relax, enjoy the air-conditioning, and even meet your favorite Disney characters!
Discover the Thrills of Disney’s Theme Parks
Each of Disney’s theme parks offers something unique, with unforgettable attractions, immersive lands, and classic Disney storytelling. Here’s what you don’t want to miss.
Magic Kingdom Park: The Heart of Disney Magic
Magic Kingdom is home to some of the most iconic Disney attractions. Here are a few you won’t want to miss:
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Space Mountain: An indoor roller coaster that takes you on an exciting journey through space.
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Pirates of the Caribbean: A must-see boat ride with classic Disney storytelling and catchy tunes.
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Haunted Mansion: A not-so-spooky ride through a haunted house filled with “999 happy haunts.”
EPCOT: Explore Innovation and Culture
EPCOT is known for its educational and immersive attractions, blending culture, technology, and entertainment. Don’t miss:
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Soarin’ Around the World: Fly above some of the world’s most stunning landmarks in this high-flying adventure.
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Frozen Ever After: Journey through Arendelle in this Frozen (2013)-themed boat ride.
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Luminous: The Symphony of Us: A breathtaking nighttime show celebrating the unity of humanity through music and lights.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park: A World of Nature and Adventure
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and thrilling attractions, such as:
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Avatar Flight of Passage: Fly on a banshee through the lush world of Pandora.
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Expedition Everest: Face the Yeti on this thrilling roller coaster ride.
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Kilimanjaro Safaris: Go on an African safari adventure to see exotic wildlife in their natural habitats.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Lights, Camera, Action
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the place to experience the magic of movies with thrilling rides and interactive shows:
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Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway: Step into a cartoon world with Mickey Mouse and friends.
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The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: A thrilling elevator ride you won’t soon forget.
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Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Step into a galaxy far, far away with attractions like Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Relax and Take in the Atmosphere
Sometimes the best moments are the ones spent simply relaxing and soaking in the magic around you. Here are some ways to slow down and enjoy the Walt Disney World Resort atmosphere:
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Stroll through the World Showcase at EPCOT and explore the pavilions from around the globe.
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Relax on Discovery Island in Animal Kingdom, where you can enjoy the serene beauty of the park and admire the hand-carved animals on the Tree of Life.
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Watch the Happily Ever After fireworks show at Magic Kingdom Park to end your day with a hearty serving of pixie dust!
Enjoy Disney Shopping
Shopping at Disney is an experience in itself. From adorable Disney merchandise to one-of-a-kind souvenirs, there’s something for everyone:
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Creations Shop: The ultimate store at EPCOT, where you can find Disney merchandise for all ages.
- The Emporium: This sprawling store occupies almost half of Main Street, U.S.A., at Magic Kingdom Park!
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Disney Springs: This shopping district offers a wide variety of stores, dining options, and entertainment, perfect for a day of shopping and exploration. Don’t miss the biggest Disney shop at Walt Disney World Resort: the World of Disney!
What’s Changed Since Your Last Visit?
Disney constantly updates its attractions, dining experiences, and policies to keep things fresh. Here are a few essential updates since your last visit:
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Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has replaced Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom Park. This reimagined attraction brings the characters of The Princess and the Frog (2009) to life. Get ready for the kind of party only New Orleans can offer!
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Lightning Lane has replaced the free FastPass+ system. To make the most of your time at the parks, be sure to check out the latest changes to the system.
Make Magical Memories
Walt Disney World Resort is a place where dreams come true. Whether you’re capturing magical moments with iconic photos, enjoying the best dining experiences, or exploring Disney’s most thrilling attractions, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences.
Don’t forget to take a moment to relax and savor the magic of your surroundings. With so many amazing things to do, every visit to Disney is bound to be filled with joy and wonder.
Are you planning your first Disney trip or your 10th? What’s your biggest planning challenge? Share your thoughts with How to Disney in the comments!
