9 Things We Absolutely Must Do Every Walt Disney World Vacation

Every family or group of friends have certain traditions that make each Disney vacation special. For some guests it’s a certain spot to take a photo in on each trip, for others it can be meeting a favorite special character, and for others it can be making sure to experience a favorite attraction. No matter what the tradition, there are several things on each Disney vacation that guests must do to make the experience as magical as can be.

9. Picture in front of Cinderella Castle

While many guests like to take a special photo each vacation in various spots, the most popular and iconic location is in front of Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom. Never changing, always recognizable, and beautiful in the background, this is a great place to capture a traditional moment on every Disney vacation.

8. Meet Mickey Mouse

No vacation in Walt Disney World is complete without meeting the big cheese! Mickey can be found in a variety of locations, but there are two that are most popular. Town Square in the Magic Kingdom is home to Mickey in his magicians costume. The Character Spot in Epcot features not only Mickey, but photo opportunities with other favorite characters like Minnie Mouse and Goofy.

7. Watch Happily Ever After

No day in the Magic Kingdom is done without scoping out a fantastic spot to watch Happily Ever After. The fireworks show runs each evening (with the exception of special event nights such as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party) high above Cinderella Castle and tells a beautiful story paired with Disney music and characters. For those guests looking to have an optimal viewing spot, try watching from the Walt Disney World Railroad Train Station balcony at the beginning of Main Street or make a reservation for one of the Happily Ever After Dessert Parties.

6. Explore World Showcase

Located in the rear of Epcot, World Showcase features eleven different countries and the opportunity for guests to travel around the world without leaving Central Florida. Combining authentic culture and architecture with extensive food and beverage options, there is something around every corner to explore. A whole day can easily be spent wandering through each country and seeing all that they have to offer.

5. Ride Toy Story Mania

Located in Pixar Place in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Mania is one of the most popular attractions in Walt Disney World and can have massive wait times to prove its popularity. Shrinking guests down to the size of a toy, the attraction features all of the beloved characters from the Toy Story movies. Guests are taken into a midway setting and play several different 3D games. With interactive components and a little competition, this is a must do on a Disney vacation. Just wait until Toy Story Land opens soon!

4. Ride the Monorail

The monorail is without a doubt the most iconic of all transportation in Walt Disney World and there are several ways to experience a ride on it. One option guests can choose is to ride the Resort Loop which passes through Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, the Ticket and Transportation Center, and the Magic Kingdom. The other loop takes guests from the Ticket and Transportation Center to Epcot and makes a sweeping circle through Future World before coming to a stop at the station. No vacation would be complete without a ride on the monorail and a chance to hear “por favor, mantengase alejado de las puertas!”

3. Meet a Princess

No matter who your favorite Disney Princess might be there is a place to see her. The best option to directly interact with Disney Princesses is at Storybook Princess Hall in the Magic Kingdom. There are several Princesses to meet at this location like Rapunzel, Cinderella, Elena, and Princess Tiana. Keep in mind these Princesses change out regularly so check your Times Guide on your My Disney Experience App in advance of scheduling a FastPass or entering the standby line. Guests can find Ariel nearby in her Grotto in Fantasyland, and Merida in a meet and greet location next to Cinderella Castle. Anna and Elsa can be found in Norway at The World Showcase in Epcot. Guests can also interact with the Disney Princesses by booking a character meal featuring them such as Cinderella’s Royal Table or Akershus in Epcot’s Norway.

2. Have a Snack!

One of the best parts of a Disney vacation is the food! It should come as no surprise then that one of the must do things is to indulge in one of the many decadent and tasty snacks that the parks have to offer. Including the classic Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars, the iconic Dole Whip, and the cult favorite Turkey Leg, there is a snack to satisfy every guest.

1. Take Tons of Photos

While a Disney vacation is going to be magical no matter what, the best way to keep that magic alive once home again is through memories! What better way to keep memories from the vacation than by taking photos along the way. These keepsakes will let guests look back on their vacations for years to come and are an absolute must do on any Disney trip.