Top 15 Most Iconic Disney World Experiences Everyone Should Enjoy

There are so many amazing experiences to have when vacationing at Walt Disney World.  I would recommend trying to experience everything at least once, but if you have to prioritize, here are the top fifteen most iconic Disney World experiences that all guests should be sure to enjoy on their next Walt Disney World vacation:

15 – Listen to the Dapper Dans – Magic Kingdom, Main Street, U.S.A.

So many guests breeze on by Main Street, U.S.A., in order to get to the rides within the lands, but that would definitely be a mistake. The Dapper Dans perform throughout the day, and they are definitely an act that you won’t want to miss.

14 – Stay at a Disney World resort

There are Disney World resort options to meet all different budgets, and we definitely recommend that you stay at a Disney resort during your vacation. You will have a variety of different additional perks and amenities that you won’t be able to get anywhere else. It is also sure to be a more magical stay where you can still be immersed in the Disney magic when you aren’t in the parks.

13 – Photos in front of Cinderella Castle – Magic Kingdom

This is probably the most iconic photo spot in all of Walt Disney World. You can’t leave Walt Disney World without getting a picture with your family in front of the castle!

12 – Eating or drinking around the world – Epcot, World Showcase

The World Showcase is home to eleven different countries with a variety of different food and beverage options. Many guests enjoy eating and drinking around the world, so you get the chance to sample and enjoy everything that the World Showcase has to offer.

11 – Watch Festival of the Lion King – Animal Kingdom, Africa

Festival of the Lion King is a Broadway-quality production featuring the music and some of the characters from the Lion King. It is a must-see performance for the entire family.

10 – Get a thrill on attractions like Aerosmith’s Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – Hollywood Studios

Disney World may not be known for having a ton of thrill rides, but the ones that they do have are quite amazing. Aerosmith’s Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror are both located across from each other within Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and they are both unique in their own right.

9 – Riding classic attractions like the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean – Magic Kingdom

There are so many iconic attractions throughout the Magic Kingdom. The Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, It’s a Small World, etc. are all classic attractions that all guests must experience.

8 – Dine at a character meal – Various Locations

There are a ton of different character dining experiences around Walt Disney World. All of them are great opportunities to meet some of your favorite characters and enjoy a delicious meal. They are one of the most magical ways to dine.

7 – Go an African Safari on Kilimanjaro Safaris – Animal Kingdom, Africa

You can go on a real safari through the savanna at Walt Disney World. You get to see lions, giraffes, elephants, and many other amazing animals along the way. It is fun for the whole family and an excellent opportunity to learn about the inhabitants of the savanna.

6 – Take a ride on Spaceship Earth – Epcot

Spaceship Earth is an extremely iconic attraction at Epcot, which tells the story of how information and technology have evolved throughout the generations. It is definitely an attraction that can’t be missed when visiting Walt Disney World.

5 – Enjoy a Dole Whip – Various locations

This is probably the most iconic snack option at Walt Disney World. It used to only be offered at one location within the Magic Kingdom, but because of its popularity has become an offering across the different theme parks and resorts at Walt Disney World. You have to try it at least once, but we have no doubt that once you do, it will have you coming back for more.

4 – Enjoy the Nighttime Spectacular at EPCOT

3 – Enjoy a showing of Fantasmic! – Hollywood Studios

Fantasmic! is the evening show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In this show, guests will be seated to enjoy a show where the villains try to take over Mickey’s imagination, and you’ll have to watch for yourself to see if Mickey is able to save that day!

2 – Watch the fireworks from Main Street, U.S.A. – Magic Kingdom

Watching Happily Ever After fireworks at Magic Kingdom is one of the most memorable experiences at Walt Disney World. There are many different vantage points from which to view them, but every guest has to view them standing right within Main Street, U.S.A., at least once.

1 – Meet Mickey Mouse (and your other favorite characters) – Various locations

You can’t visit Walt Disney World and not make sure to meet the Big Cheese, Mickey Mouse. He is the mouse that started it all, and you have to commemorate your trip with a picture with him. Be sure to also visit the meet and greets for many of your other favorite characters. They are all located throughout each of the theme parks.