Our 9 Favorite Experiences We Can’t Skip at Disney World

Trying to narrow down a list of experiences we can’t skip at Disney World to just ten things is almost a painful task. We love so many rides and attractions, but the list would quickly get very, very long, so we have created a list of just nine amazing experiences we can’t skip at Disney.

9 – Opening Ceremony – “Let the Magic Begin”

“Let the Magic Begin” opens the Magic Kingdom five minutes before the posted opening time. A Royal Herald invites you to join Mickey and friends as they open the park in a magical way. This stage show takes place at the Castle Forecourt Stage and features a lot of your favorite Disney characters, including Mickey and Mickey! It’s a fantastic way to start the day!

8 – Meeting Our Favorite Character

Everyone should meet their favorite Disney character. We have a few and make a point of meeting them when we visit. Meeting Tiana and having a photo taken with her in her beautiful gown is such a magical experience. We’d only dreamt of making fish faces with Ariel as kids, and of course, getting a hug from Mickey Mouse is the cherry on top. Nothing beats interacting with your favorite Disney character, who in that moment, is as real as can be!

7 – Dole Whip

A Dole Whip is a must on each and every visit to the Magic Kingdom. Nothing beats the cool, refreshing pineapple soft serve from Aloha Isle on a hot day at the park (or even a cool day). The Dole Whip can also be found at a few other locations, like at the Polynesian Resort, and at Tamu Tamu Refreshments, you can get one with rum added. But the real deal Dole Whip must be had in Adventureland for the quintessential Dole Whip experience.

6 – Festival of Fantasy

The Festival of Fantasy parade at Magic Kingdom happens every afternoon, and it is a must-see simply because of all the classic Disney characters, new and old, that are in this parade. Belle and the Beast, Anna, and Elsa, and Philip battle Maleficent in her massive dragon form, and even characters from Fantasia appear! The parade is full of color, music, and dancing, and it’s the perfect way to see so many characters all in one place.

5 – Table-Service Meal

Dining at Disney is such an integral part of a Disney vacation. There are so many amazing restaurants to choose from, and each one offers a totally different dining experience. Sometimes it’s fun to try somewhere new, but other times it’s nice to return to a favorite spot. Whether it’s fine dining, a character dining experience, or a buffet, all the restaurants at Disney offer fantastic theming, delicious food, and wonderful service.

4 – Mickey Shaped Snacks

When in Disney, a Mickey-shaped snack must be consumed. There are a number to choose from, like soft pretzels, ice cream bars, cookies, candy apples, and the list goes on. A personal favorite is the coconut patties. Somehow all snacks seem to taste better when shaped like Mickey Mouse.

3 – The World Showcase

There are so many wonderful things to do, see and eat at the World Showcase in Epcot. We never get tired of wandering through each of the pavilions, chatting with the cast members, trying snacks like baklava, and gelato or grabbing a meal at Katsura Grill or Tangerine Café. There are performances to see, benches to just sit on and relax, or it’s also nice to grab a drink and walk along the promenade.

2 – The Mountains

Tackling all the mountain attractions at Disney is a must! That means Space Mountain, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Big Thunder Mountain, and Expedition Everest must be experienced on every Disney vacation. They offer thrills, excitement, and amazing theming. Each one tells a unique story, so you wouldn’t want to miss out by skipping one or two!

1 – Nighttime Spectaculars

The nighttime shows are an essential part of the Disney experience. Seeing Happily Ever After is the perfect way to finish off your day at the Magic Kingdom. “Luminous the Symphony of Us” at Epcot is truly beautiful. Fantasmic! is full of excitement and energy. Scheduling time to see each and every nighttime spectacular is a priority on our Disney trips. What better way to end your day than with amazing fireworks, lasers, lights, music, and everything Disney?