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12 Walt Disney World Special Items For Your Bucket List

Whether you’re a seasoned Walt Disney World guest or you’re new to the game, putting together a bucket list is a fun way to remember all of your experiences from your trips. Read on to learn about our bucket list items, and let us know what you’ve done or what you’d add in the comments!

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1. Stay in a deluxe resort

If you’ve never been able to justify the cost of staying in a deluxe resort at Walt Disney World, it may be time to start saving and check this one off your list. As someone who stays in value resorts the majority of the time, I totally understand not wanting to spend the money on a deluxe resort. If you’re like me, and you’re only in your hotel room to sleep and shower, it may seem like a poor use of your trip budget to stay at a nicer resort. It’s a memorable experience to check off your bucket list though, and even splitting a trip between your usual resort and a deluxe can be a dream come true.

2. Attend a fireworks dessert party

What could be better than watching your favorite nighttime spectacular with tasty Disney treats in hand? Check this one off the list by making advance reservations to attend a dessert party of your choice during the fireworks. The experience doesn’t come cheap (otherwise we would do it all the time!) but it will certainly make for some amazing memories, so we suggest saving this one for a special occasion.

3. Be “that guy” at Monsters Inc. or the rebel spy at Star Tours

There is really no way to strategize checking off either of these points, unless you happen to visit the parks all the time and probability-wise you’d have to be picked sometime. Still, being part of one of your favorite Disney attractions is a cool way to check something off your bucket list, and you’re probably happy to visit the parks enough times to make this happen.

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4. Conquer the Kitchen Sink

Love ice cream? You have to try the Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. This mammoth bowl of ice cream comes with all the toppings in the house (including a whole can of whipped cream!) Grab your family and friends and make this one a team effort, and feel accomplished if you’re able to finish off this sweet treat.

5. Race through the parks at a RunDisney Event

Before you say you don’t run, hear me out. I didn’t run (at all) until I began training for my first runDisney event. There is a pacing requirement of a 16 minute mile, but you can honestly power walk and get through the races just fine as long as you budget time for bathroom breaks and character meet and greets. runDisney is not only a great way to get into running and get in shape, but it’s also a fun way to meet rare characters and enjoy exclusive events and merchandise only available to runners. Plus, running through your favorite theme parks is a blast!

6. Take a behind the scenes tour

No Disney bucket list is complete until you’ve taken a behind the scenes tour. There are plenty to choose from in each park, and you’re sure to find one that meets your interests. Book in advance to be sure you’ve secured your spot, and wear comfortable walking shoes as you take in what goes on behind the magic at your favorite parks and resorts.

7. Be the first one in your favorite park

Time to get up early! Hop on the first bus or monorail and get to your favorite park just before the open for the day. Enjoy being among the first guests in, and relax knowing you’ll have minimal wait times and plenty of photos that are free from guests in the background. To really make sure you’ll get in early, make a breakfast reservation for before the park opens.

8. Be the last one out of your favorite park

You might not want to be the last one out on the same day that you’re the first one in, but it’s still a fun experience to add to your bucket list. There is something magical about being the last one out of the parks, and it’s difficult to know quite what it’s like until you experience it for yourself. Depending on when the parks close this could be a very late night– be sure to get some rest (or a cup of coffee!) before trying this one.

9. Visit each of Epcot’s Festivals

Whether you prefer Food and Wine, Flower and Garden, Arts, or the Holidays, make it a point to visit Epcot at least once during each of the annual festivals. Check online for which special events are happening during your next trip to be sure you’ll make an appearance.

10. Celebrate Halloween and/or Christmas at Walt Disney World

Chances are one of your favorite holidays is Halloween or Christmas. Walt Disney World goes all out for both with decorating, special events, and parties in the Magic Kingdom. Even if you don’t spend the actual date of the holiday in the parks, you’ll find that Disney celebrates early so you’ll have plenty of time to join the festivities.

11. Go resort hopping and check out each Disney resort

Have you been to each Disney resort? All of the Disney resorts are unique in their own way, and the themes, restaurants, shops, and entertainment are not to be missed! Spend some time hopping between resorts (especially during the holidays) and you won’t be disappointed! (Don’t forget that resort pools, fitness centers, and other specific amenities are reserved for guests staying at those resorts only).

12. Face your fears and ride an attraction you’ve been too afraid of

If you’ve been to Walt Disney World numerous times but have yet to experience one attraction you just can’t bring yourself to ride, it’s time to face your fears. Check this one off your bucket list, and you might even find something you love that you never thought you would.

About Brittany DiCologero

Brittany is a New England-based writer focused on the history of the Walt Disney World Resort. She is the author of "Red, White, and Disney: The Myths and Reality of American History at the Walt Disney World Resort," and "Brittany Earns Her Ears."