PlanningThe ParksTips

First Time to Disney? Don’t Miss These Experiences

If you are in the middle of planning your first trip to Walt Disney World, you might be feeling overwhelmed. There is so much to think about and many decisions to make. We want to help you as much as possible as you make these decisions.

We have some experiences you won’t miss out on during your first trip to Walt Disney World.  Some of these are classics others might be unique to Walt Disney World. Our goal is to help you prepare for your World Disney World vacation.

Mickey 50th
Credit: Disney

Visit Mickey Mouse

A first trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Mickey Mouse. Luckily there are numerous places throughout the four Disney Parks and even some Disney Resorts where Guests can see Mickey during their trip.

Guests can once again meet Mickey and Minnie together at the Magic Kingdom. On Main Street, U.S.A., Guests can stop by the Town Square Theatre, where both are waiting to say hello in their adorable 50th Anniversary Celebration outfits.

Check out all the places to meet Mickey HERE. During your first trip to Walt Disney World, you will want to take some time to get an autograph and some pictures with Mickey.

delish-disney-mickey-pretzel-620x330
Credit: Delish

Eat Something Mickey Shaped

Speaking of Mickey Mouse, it wouldn’t be the first trip without enjoying an iconic Mickey-shaped snack. Luckily Guests have numerous options in this area. From a Mickey ice cream bar, Mickey Pretzel, or a Mickey ice cream sandwich, take time to enjoy a delicious Mickey-shaped snack while taking in the magic of Disney Park.

You can find these snacks throughout the Disney Parks and some Disney Resorts. Look at some candy shops throughout the Walt Disney World Resort property if you want something different. These areas often have specialty snacks that feature Mickey as well.

Memory Maker Magic Shot
Credit: Disney

Capture Those Pictures

Take time throughout your vacation to slow down and take some pictures. The Walt Disney World Resorts and Parks are stunning, and you will want to take time to enjoy that beauty.

As you visit the four Theme Parks, stop and get photos in front of the different icons. Cinderella Castle, Hollywood Tower Hotel, Chinese Theatre, Tre of Life, and Spaceship Earth are all excellent icons to snag photos in front of during your visit.

While getting photos in front of well-known Theme Park icons is fun, think about snagging pictures in front of those lesser-known spots.

The Wishing Well in Magic Kingdom, Millennium Falcon, or Pixar Ball are fun photo opportunities. Don’t rush by these opportunities to take fantastic family pictures.

Grand Floridian

Take Advantage of Free Transportation

Disney is all about the rides, but their unique modes of transportation is another area they have exceeded in. Disney does offer buses and boats, but the monorail and Skyliner are options you won’t find at your local Theme Park.

During your first vacation, schedule some time to experience these two modes of transportation. Take the Skyliner between EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or ride the monorail to see some Magic Kingdom resorts.

It is fantastic to have free transportation offered as it makes getting around less stressful as you don’t have to worry about car seats and getting lost. Take advantage of it and also take time to enjoy it.

Experiences the Amazing Lands

Throughout the four Disney Parks, Guests will find unique lands that take them to a planet far, far away or makes them feel like a toy. During your first trip, enjoy these well-detailed and immersive lands.

One of the most immersive lands in Walt Disney World is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, found at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Even though we highly recommend that you experience the top ride, Rise of the Resistance, we suggest you slow down and enjoy all the small details throughout the land.

This also goes for Pandora in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. From the rides in the land to the food, shops, and everything that makes the land special, take time to be transformed during your vacation.

Dumbo Ride

Ride the Classics

Your first trip to Walt Disney World wouldn’t be complete without experiencing some of the classic Walt Disney World attractions throughout the Parks. These rides are what makes Disney special. From the technology to the storyline, the classic rides are a big part of Disney magic.

Don’t skip out on Dumbo the Flying Elephant, no matter your age. This is the iconic ride we have all seen in the Disney commercials, and everyone should fly high with Dumbo once.

Other iconic rides that shouldn’t be missed are Pirates of the Caribbean, it’s a Small World, Peter Pan’s Flight, Spaceship Earth, and Living with the Land.

Although many new and more advanced riders have come to the Parks, these classics are what Disney is all about.

Happily Ever After Fireworks

See a Nighttime Show

We are so happy that nighttime shows are back in Walt Disney World. There is nothing like a Disney nighttime spectacular.

Nothing is more magical than a nighttime show in one of the Disney Parks. Seeing the outstanding fireworks, how the projections transform the castle, and the music bringing the whole story together is moving.

A first-time trip to Walt Disney World is so memorable. There is so much to experience and do while you are visiting. We hope that providing these suggestions of what not to miss will help you have a magical experience you won’t forget.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jennifer Retzlaff

Jennifer became a lifelong Disney fan during her first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of her life. She quickly started to introduce her love of Disney to her family with a Disney honeymoon and then family trips when her youngest was 18 months old. She loves the magic that Disney brings to people through theme parks, cruises, and adventures. As a teacher, she tries to bring Disney magic into her classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” She is also part of the Magic Vacation Planner team as a personal travel advisor. With this team, she can now help others plan magical vacations. She loves bringing her love to Disney to readers with How to Disney.

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