Walt Disney World Resort is a dream destination for families, offering a wide array of experiences beyond classic theme park attractions. Whether you’re a Disney Park enthusiast or a first-time visitor, this guide will help you uncover the best experiences that make the Central Florida Disney destination unforgettable.
From Disney Resort visits to Disney Springs, there are countless ways to create magical memories beyond Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
1. Disney Resort Visits: Immersive Theming at Its Best
One of the best ways to experience Walt Disney World Resort’s unique atmosphere is by visiting its various themed hotels. Each Disney Resort hotel offers a distinctive experience extending the magic beyond the theme parks. Hop on the Monorail, Disney Skyliner, bus, or watercraft transportation to visit one of over 20 Disney Resort hotels!
Consider visiting:
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Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – A tropical getaway that feels like a Hawaiian escape. Enjoy dining at ‘Ohana or grabbing a drink at Trader Sam’s.
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Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Known for its modern aesthetic and iconic design, this resort offers dining experiences like California Grill and Chef Mickey’s.
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Disney’s Yacht Club Resort – Perfect for those who appreciate nautical charm. It has a relaxing atmosphere and dining options such as Cape May Café.
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Disney’s Riviera Resort – European-inspired theming with the most beautiful coffee shop at Walt Disney World Resort, Le Petit Cafe.
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Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – A vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere featuring oversized Disney and Pixar characters. Check with the front desk for information on free sketching classes!
2. Disney Springs: A Must-Visit Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment District
Disney Springs is an entertainment hub where guests can enjoy shopping, dining, and live performances all in one place. Whether you’re seeking a place to shop or enjoy a delicious meal, this district has something for everyone.
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Dining: Don’t miss out on dining at world-class locations such as Morimoto Asia, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, and The Boathouse.
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Shopping: Explore the World of Disney store, where you’ll find the latest Disney merchandise, or visit specialty shops like the Star Wars store and Uniqlo.
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Entertainment: Catch live performances at Raglan Road and House of Blues, or check out the seasonal outdoor shows throughout the year.
Disney Springs is a perfect spot to unwind after a long day at the parks, offering entertainment and a variety of dining options that fit every budget. Every Disney Resort hotel provides complimentary transportation to the shopping and dining district!
3. Stunning Disney Resort Dining Experiences
While Resort Hopping, make sure to indulge in some of the best dining experiences Walt Disney World has to offer.
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Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort provides a fun, family-friendly atmosphere for breakfast or dinner with beloved Disney characters.
- ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort offers breakfast with Lilo and Stitch or an unforgettable family-style dinner.
- Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn offers a culinary tour of Italy for breakfast and dinner.
Be sure to make reservations in advance to secure your spot at these popular dining spots.
4. Enjoy the Best Disney Shows and Parades
Walt Disney World Resort offers a variety of performances and parades that are an essential part of the Disney Park experience. You can’t visit without seeing some of these spectacular shows:
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Happily Ever After: This nighttime fireworks and projection show at Magic Kingdom is a fan-favorite. With breathtaking visuals and music, it encapsulates the spirit of The Most Magical Place on Earth.
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Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a vibrant, Broadway-style live performance that brings the story of Simba and his friends to life.
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Fantasmic! is Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ long-running nighttime spectacular. Step into Mickey Mouse’s dream as he fights some of Disney’s iconic Villains!
5. Rides That Can’t Be Missed
While many of Walt Disney World Resort’s rides are world-famous, there are a few that stand out as essential experiences:
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Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway: Dive into a cartoon world with Mickey and Minnie on this interactive, family-friendly ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
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TRON Lightcycle / Run: Hop onto a Lightcycle and race across the grid in a high-stakes challenge in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park.
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Avatar Flight of Passage: Journey through the stunning world of Pandora on this exhilarating flight simulator at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
6. Magical Character Experiences
Interacting with Disney characters is a magical experience that makes your visit even more special. Whether you’re dining with characters or meeting them in the parks, here are a few not-to-miss moments:
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Meet Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater in Magic Kingdom for an iconic Disney photo opportunity.
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Character dining experiences, like those at Cinderella’s Royal Table or Hollywood & Vine, are a great way to meet multiple characters in one place.
These moments will leave children (and children at heart) with big smiles and unforgettable memories.
7. Unwind at the Parks’ Hidden Gems
Take a moment to relax and explore these hidden gems at Walt Disney World Resort:
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Animal Exploration Trails: Visit the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail or Maharajah Jungle Trek to get an up-close look at some of the wild residents at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
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The Carousel of Progress: Step back in time (and into the air conditioning) at this classic attraction in Tomorrowland, showcasing the evolution of the American family.
These attractions provide a slower pace and a chance to enjoy Walt Disney World from a new perspective.
Your Magical Adventure Awaits
Walt Disney World Resort is much more than just theme park rides; it’s a place where unforgettable experiences await around every corner. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or the fiftieth, there’s always something new to discover.
From resort hopping to experiencing world-class dining and entertainment, make sure to carve out time for these essential experiences during your visit. With so many incredible things to see and do, your Disney Park adventure is sure to be filled with magical memories that will last a lifetime.
What are your favorite experiences at Walt Disney World Resort? Let Disney Dining know in the comments!
