10 Must-Do Experiences For The Most Fantastic Disney Vacation

You’re excited because you’re going on a Walt Disney World vacation! You work hard and you deserve an amazing and relaxing time with friends and family. Here are some must do experiences to help you to have the best time ever.

1. Stay on Property

If you want to visit Walt Disney World why leave the magic at the end of the day? There are many Walt Disney World Resorts and they are in all price ranges, so you can pick the one that’s best for you. There is transportation around Walt Disney World to and from the resorts so you don’t even need to worry about a car. Whether it’s taking a bus, the Disney Skyliner, a boat, or the monorail, getting around Walt Disney World is magical. Don’t leave that magic after you’re done at the theme parks for the day.

2. Rope Drop

There is something about getting to the Magic Kingdom right as the park opens. Arriving before the official opening time is referred to as Rope Drop. When you Rope Drop you’re able to get the most out of your day and be a part of everything from the very beginning. The crowds are the lowest of the day, you’ll be amazed by how much you can do! It’s also a great time to see characters, there are often extras out at the beginning of the day.

3. Try the Four Park Challenge 

The Four Park Challenge is an unofficial game that many people like to play. You will need to hit all four theme parks in one day! You can make your own rules, but many people say that you need to ride one ride and eat one snack or meal in each park. You also need to take a picture in front of the park’s icon. The Four Park Challenge is a bit harder right now because you can’t Park Hop until after 2:00, but it is doable. It could be the best day of your vacation.

4. Visit a Water Park

For the time being Disney’s Blizzard Beach is the only water park that is open but don’t let that stop you from adding it to your ticket. Blizzard Beach is not requiring reservations and parking is free, unlike at the theme parks. In the summer months it gets brutal in Florida so a melted ski resort is very refreshing. At Blizzard Beach there are extreme thrill rides, family rides, a huge wave pool, and many shaded areas. There is something for the entire family at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park.

5. Plan a Nice Meal

There are many ways that you can save money at Walt Disney World, but you also should reward yourself and indulge once in a while. Walt Disney World prides itself on its many amazing dining options. You deserve to splurge on something fancy. Look over the full service restaurant menus before you leave home and make a reservation 60 days in advance. If this isn’t your first trip to Walt Disney World pick a restaurant that you have never tried before.

6. Souvenirs

Everywhere you turn at Walt Disney World there is another gift shop. That’s because there are many wonderful treasures that you can take home with you. Put some money aside specifically for souvenirs. Remember as well that Disney souvenirs make great birthday presents for friends and family. Buying souvenirs is a great way to show off to your friends back home how awesome your vacation was.

7. Iconic Snacks

There are plenty of snack stands all around Walt Disney World. There are a few snacks that are classic that you need to try. These include Dole Whip, Mickey Pretzels, and Mickey Ice Cream Bars. If you have dietary restrictions, Mickey Pretzels (without the cheese sauce) and Dole Whip are vegan. These iconic snacks are just three of the favorites of Disney fans everywhere.

8. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

You want to get a Boarding Pass for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. At this time there is no Standby Line and a Boarding Pass is required. Download the My Disney Experience App to get your spot. Boarding Groups open at 7:00 each morning and 1:00 each afternoon. You need to have a Disney Park Pass Reservation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios to get in a group. One word of warning, the groups will be full in just a few seconds. This ride is truly unlike anything that you’ve been on before. It is a must do whether you’re a “Star Wars” fan or not.

9. Relax Day

If at all possible you will want to schedule a relax day into your vacation. As much fun as the theme parks are they can really wear you out. Try to add an extra day to your vacation so that you can hang out by the pool or go shopping at Disney Springs. If you plan your relax day partway through your vacation then you will have that extra energy to continue running around the parks for a few more days.

10. Fireworks 

When Walt Disney World reopened after the COVID-19 closure there were no fireworks. Recently the nighttime shows have come back to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Disney fireworks are something you do not want to miss! Looking around the crowd is an emotional experience, especially since they were gone for so long. Fireworks are the perfect way to end a day at Walt Disney World.