For our family, visiting Walt Disney World each year is more than just a vacation—it’s a beloved tradition. Each trip brings new rides, shows, and attractions to explore, and Disney always seems to have something fresh in store. Yet, alongside these new experiences, we’ve developed a few traditions that we cherish and revisit on each trip.
Here are our favorite family traditions at Disney World, and we hope they inspire you to create some magical memories of your own!
1. Riding Our Favorite Attractions Together
It probably comes as no surprise that a big part of our Disney traditions is riding our favorite attractions in each park. Each member of our family has a “must-do” ride that we look forward to experiencing together, no matter how many times we’ve been.
Our son’s favorite is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, while our daughter can’t wait for the thrill of Space Mountain. I prefer a slower-paced ride and love gliding along on Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. With the closing of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, my husband is still looking for his new must-do ride at Magic Kingdom—though we think TRON Lightcycle / Run could be a contender!
Sharing these attractions together, year after year, adds a unique layer of nostalgia as our children grow up with these Disney favorites.
2. Watching the Nighttime Spectaculars
No Disney World trip is complete without experiencing the magic of Disney’s nighttime shows. For us, watching Fantasmic and Happily Ever After has become a family tradition that we eagerly anticipate.
Fantasmic holds a special place in our hearts as it was the first nighttime show my husband and I watched together on our honeymoon back in 2004. The magic of seeing all the characters on the steamboat at the finale is something we’ll always cherish. Recently, the updated version with scenes from Frozen 2, Mulan, and Moana made it extra special as our kids could enjoy new additions that reflect their Disney favorites.
Another essential part of our tradition is gathering on the hub grass to watch Happily Ever After. With its message of hope, breathtaking projections, and mesmerizing fireworks, this show has become a core part of our Disney experience.
3. Pool Time and Midday Breaks
We learned early on that pool time is essential to our Disney World vacations. We always schedule breaks in the middle of the day to enjoy the beautiful pools at our Disney Resort. During these breaks, we relax and recharge, taking a break from the parks and crowds.
When our kids were little, they loved the splash pads, and now they enjoy the quieter pools where they can relax. Recently, we added nighttime swims to our tradition, where we enjoy the calm atmosphere of the pools after a busy day. It’s an ideal way to unwind and prepare for another exciting day ahead.
4. Family Photo Traditions
Capturing our Disney memories is one of my favorite parts of our trips. Taking photos in specific spots in Magic Kingdom has become a family tradition, and these snapshots have become keepsakes we treasure long after we’re home.
Our daughter loves taking a picture by the Cinderella statue behind the castle, while our son insists on photos in front of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I never miss a picture near the side of the castle close to Sleepy Hollow. These photos show how much our kids have grown over the years and serve as reminders of each magical trip.
5. Meeting Mickey Mouse
It wouldn’t be a Disney trip without saying hello to Mickey Mouse! Meeting Mickey is a Disney tradition that has stayed with us even as our kids have grown. While they might be a bit less enthusiastic about this tradition now, they still join in to make Mom happy.
With so many opportunities to meet Mickey across the parks, we often opt for character dining experiences, like Wish Makers Enchanted Dining, where Mickey makes an appearance. These character meals provide more time for interaction and allow us to enjoy a meal together as we share a magical moment with Mickey.
6. Discovering Disney’s Entertainment Offerings
One of the best parts about visiting Disney frequently is discovering the incredible entertainment throughout the parks. From the big productions like Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to smaller performances like the Dapper Dans in Magic Kingdom or Voices of Liberty in EPCOT, we’ve made it a tradition to experience something new each visit.
These performers are exceptionally talented, and watching their shows brings another layer of magic to our Disney days. Whether it’s a Broadway-style show or a talented a cappella group, these moments add a special touch to our Disney trips.
7. Creating Magical Moments and Traditions
Over the years, we’ve built so many traditions that make each Disney World vacation uniquely ours. From riding our favorite attractions to watching magical shows, enjoying pool time, capturing memories, and meeting Mickey, these experiences have become the foundation of our family’s Disney trips.
We hope that sharing our Disney traditions inspires you to create your own special moments at Walt Disney World. Disney’s magic is that it offers something for everyone, and building traditions is a wonderful way to keep that magic alive year after year. So next time you visit, take a moment to enjoy not just the new but also the timeless experiences that can become cherished family traditions of your own.
