Just this past week my family and I packed our bags and toothbrushes and took a drive to the south. Where did we go? Disney World! This was the first time a majority of us had ever gone to Disney World, other than my Mom who had gone when she was a kid, so we weren’t really sure what we should go and do. After asking around, and through our own trial and errors, we ended up figuring it out fairly well. It was a struggle, though, so for anyone who plans on attending Disney anytime soon, here is a list of things you should definitely check out while you’re there.
1. Walk around the World in Epcot.
One of my favorite parts of Disney was Epcot. The whole theme of Epcot was to appreciate the world we live in and how we can protect it and better it for future generations. One of Epcot’s main attractions is its World Showcase located in the back of the park. At the World Showcase, visitors can visit different “countries” from all around the Globe. Each country has it’s own set of shops and markets designed to simulate what it would be like to shop at the actual place. Also visitors can try different types of cuisines ranging from French sandwiches to Japanese Frushi to Norwegian pastry rolls. Other countries, such as China, also offer 360 views of their home in large circular theatres. For those who love to travel, this is a must do!
2. Eat at other intriguing places.
Disney is home to a bountiful supply of restaurants that you cannot find anywhere else. Most of these restaurants are more thematic than typical restaurants. Disney really wants its visitors to be immersed in the dining experience. One of my favorite restaurants to eat at was Be Our Guest in Disney’s Magic Kingdom. The restaurant serves French food in Beast’s castle from "Beauty and the Beast," and visitors can even choose to eat in the forbidden west wing. They even serve a cupcake with the “gray stuff” that was alluded in the song. Disney doesn’t spare any details! Other restaurants I would suggest would be the Biergarten in German Village of Epcot, T-Rex in Disney Springs, and La Hacienda de San Angel in Mexico of Epcot!
3. Experience Disney Springs.
Do you like the city life? Well, Disney Springs is the place for you. Disney Springs is Disney’s prime shopping and entertainment center. It’s full of little shops and restaurants. Disney Springs is also home to the largest Disney store in the world: The World of Disney. This massive store holds merchandise from every park in Disney World and even has it’s own Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (a salon for Disney’s little princes and princesses). Disney Springs is also home to some street acts such as a bassoon player and even a couple dueling rappers. So if you want to have a good nightlife while on vacation, make sure to check out Disney Springs!
4. Meet the Characters.
Disney is very well known for its memorable characters in all of its films. To carry on the magic that these characters have brought to many people, Disney World hires actors and actresses to play as these characters and hang out in all the parks. Anyone can meet these characters and even get their pictures taken. Some even give autographs. All one has to do is explore around, and who knows, you might run into Mickey Mouse himself.
5. Watch some live performances.
When I thought of Disney World, I never thought about the live performances they might have. Disney is full of them, though! From reenactments of "Indiana Jones" to the musicals productions "Beauty and the Beast," there is a wide arrangement of different types of stage acts. My personal favorite was "The Festival of the Lion King" in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This musical takes you through the story of Disney’s "The Lion King" with amazing acrobatics and stunning dances. It’s a whirlwind of lights, color, and sound that will leave anyone awestruck!
6. Go to the Fireworks.
Besides the Military, Disney is the largest consumer of explosives in America. What do they do with all these things that blow up? Well… they blow it up. Disney parks are home to spectacular displays of explosive colors. I only was able to attend two of them but even the ones I saw left me speechless. Epcot’s firework display is called IllumiNations. I actually got to see this one twice! It begins with a narration of how the world is connected and then they turn off all the lights at once and suddenly guests are thrown into an intense battle of fire and water in the middle of the lake, which ends in its amazing fireworks display with a chorus of people singing with it. Magic Kingdom also has an amazing firework show known as Wishes. This firework show takes visitors through the story of Disney itself all with visuals displayed on Cinderella’s castle. Both shows are too spectacular to capture in words. You honestly just have to watch them.
7. Safari in Animal Kingdom.
A really cool thing about Disney’s Animal Kingdom is their safari attraction located in Africa. Here guests can be taken on a more authentic feeling ride through the savannahs and jungles of Africa. While driving through muddy and flooded terrain, to hills and dry grasses, guests can feel as if they are really on a safari adventure. If you don’t mind getting up close and personal with the wildlife then this is the place for you!
8. Ride some rides.
Now what theme park is complete without some rides. Of course Disney has it’s fair share of rides but if you’re a thrill seeker, these rides may not be your cup of tea. There are some thrills and spills sprinkled throughout the park, but most of the rides are meant as family rides. Nonetheless, all guests can enjoy these family friendly adventures. Some of my personal favorites include Hollywood Studios Tower of Terror, a drop tower that immerses you in an episode of the Twilight Zone; It’s a Small World, Haunted Mansion, and Pirates of the Carribean in Magic Kingdom; Spaceship Earth and The Seas with Nemo and Friends in Epcot.
9. Magic Kingdom Parades.
Magic Kingdom is Disney’s oldest and most popular park. It is home to all of Disney’s famous characters such as Tinkerbelle and Ariel, and famous Disney settings such as Beast’s Castle and the infamous Cinderella Castle. But Magic Kingdom is also popular for its twice a day parade. The first parade is Disney's Festival of Fantasy which features all of the famous characters in the park. The second parade that Disney holds at night is it’s Electric Parade. This parade preludes Disney’s Celebrate the Magic and Wishes, and is a fantastic parade of twinkling lights and electrifying colors. These are events you don’t want to miss!
10. Find time to Relax.
Finally, with all the craziness that is Disney’s Parks, take care of yourself. You will be exhausted by the park ongoings and all the things that you planned on doing that it can seriously take a toll on your vacation. Luckily, Disney has your back! With all the surrounding resorts, there is plenty of options to find a pool to go swimming. Each resort has its main pool, but they also have their miniature quiet pools strewn throughout, so if you feel like taking a dip, then you have all the options you could ever want. But maybe you need a massage? Well, Disney also has a select few resorts that have a full service spas located on the premises. So go ahead and take some me time and relax!
