Been There, Done That: 10 Disney World Picks You Don’t Need To Do Twice

Walt Disney World is packed with incredible rides, dining spots, and souvenirs that make every visit magical.

While some experiences are worth repeating, others might be best enjoyed just once. Whether it’s due to high costs, long lines, or a lack of variety, these “one and done” experiences are worth trying—but maybe only once.

Attractions Worth Experiencing Once

1. It’s a Small World

A classic Disney ride, “it’s a small world” is known for its catchy tune and colorful dolls representing different cultures.

It’s a great experience for first-time visitors, but the slow pace and repetitive song might not make it a must-do on every trip. The detailed artistry and cultural representation in each scene make it fascinating, but it lacks the thrill factor of other Magic Kingdom attractions. It’s also just not as charming as the version found at Disneyland Resort.

Pros: Iconic Disney attraction, great for young kids, excellent for nostalgia.

Cons: The song can get stuck in your head, lacks excitement.

2. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

This high-speed roller coaster launches riders from 0 to 60 mph in seconds while rock music plays in the background.

Though the coaster itself is well-engineered with intense inversions and a dark ride atmosphere, newer attractions might feel more immersive. Adrenaline junkies will enjoy it, but those looking for more immersive storytelling might prefer other rides.

However, if you love Aerosmith, ignore our advice and ride it to your heart’s content; Disney has announced plans to retheme this ride with The Muppets at some point in the near future.

Pros: Fast, exciting launch, great music, smooth ride.

Cons: Ride experience stays the same, long wait times, outdated theming.

3. Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

This animatronic show features singing birds, flowers, and tiki statues in a Polynesian setting.

It’s a fun throwback to Disney’s early theme park days, but unless you’re a diehard fan, there’s little reason to return. The animatronics, while charming, are dated, and the show’s humor may not resonate with all audiences. For history buffs, it’s a neat experience but not a must-repeat.

Pros: Classic Disney nostalgia, shaded seating for a break from the sun.

Cons: Slow-paced, animatronics feel outdated, limited engagement.

4. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

A rotating theater attraction that takes guests through different time periods, showing how technology has changed over the years.

It’s historically significant but doesn’t change much, making it a one-time experience for many visitors. The storyline follows a family through various decades, highlighting technological advancements, but the slow-moving nature may not appeal to younger audiences.

Pros: Great for Disney history fans, indoor seating for a break.

Cons: Dated technology, slower pace, lacks interactivity.

5. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Previously Splash Mountain, this newly reimagined ride based on The Princess and the Frog (2009) opened at Magic Kingdom Park in  2024 with a sister version of the attraction also debuting at Disneyland Park.

It features an updated storyline and beautiful visuals, but the ride layout remains similar to its predecessor. The ride’s animatronics and storytelling are beautifully executed, but if you were a fan of Splash Mountain, there’s no denying that the experience is lacking that certain something. It’s a refreshing update, but it may not become an every-trip attraction for everyone.

Pros: Beautiful theming, immersive story, great music.

Cons: Ride structure is similar to Splash Mountain, long wait times expected.

Dining Experiences to Enjoy Once

6. Victoria & Albert’s

This fine-dining restaurant at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort offers an upscale, Michelin-starred meal with top-tier service.

It’s an unforgettable experience, but the high price and long meal time make it a special occasion splurge rather than a repeat visit. The courses are exquisite, but with so many incredible Disney dining options, many guests find this experience best reserved for once-in-a-lifetime occasions.

Pros: High-end dining, amazing service, world-class menu.

Cons: Very expensive, lengthy dining experience, strict dress code.

7. Chef Mickey’s

A buffet-style character dining experience featuring Mickey Mouse and his pals.

While the atmosphere is fun, the food quality is poor compared to other Disney buffets. While you can take your pick from a variety of choices, it lacks standout dishes that make it a must-repeat. Families with small children might find it charming, but for adults, it may not be worth the money.

Pros: Great for families with young children, fun character interactions.

Cons: Pricey for buffet food, average meal quality, noisy atmosphere.

Snacks and Souvenirs That Don’t Need a Repeat

8. Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar

This vanilla ice cream bar covered in chocolate is a Disney classic.

It’s a fun treat, but (don’t hate us for saying this) it’s pretty boring compared to the other snacks on offer at Disney World. While nostalgic, it’s essentially just a standard chocolate-covered ice cream bar that you could find elsewhere for a lower price. Many guests prefer specialty treats like Dole Whip or seasonal snacks instead.

Pros: Iconic, Instagram-worthy, easy to find in the parks.

Cons: Expensive, melts quickly in Florida heat, other snacks offer more variety.

9. Light-Up Souvenirs

Glow-in-the-dark Mickey ears, wands, and swords look great at night in the parks but often get forgotten at home.

Unless you’re collecting them, one is usually enough. These items add to the nighttime magic but can be cumbersome to carry, and they often don’t get much use outside the parks.

Pros: Fun for nighttime at the parks, kids love them.

Cons: Short-lived fun, not practical after your trip, can be pricey.

10. Memory Maker

Disney’s Memory Maker lets you download professional park photos, making it a good option for first-time visitors or big occasions.

However, frequent visitors may prefer to take their own pictures and skip the extra cost. While the quality is excellent, it’s not always necessary for those who visit regularly, as smartphone cameras have become more advanced. Unless you manage to snag a ticket package that includes Memory Maker, we wouldn’t recommend splashing out every trip.

Pros: High-quality photos, great for special trips, including ride photos.

Cons: Expensive, not necessary for repeat visitors, personal photos can be just as good.

Whether it’s a nostalgic ride, a once-in-a-lifetime meal, or a souvenir that loses its charm, these “one and done” picks are worth experiencing—but maybe just once. If you have limited time in the parks, you may want to prioritize attractions, restaurants, or experiences that offer more variety on return visits.

Do you agree or disagree with this list?