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Essential Experiences at Walt Disney World

An image of the Tower of Terror, a gloomy, haunted-looking building, illuminated by a neon sign under a stormy sky with a lightning bolt striking.
Credit: Disney

Whether you’re heading to Walt Disney World for the first or the fifth time, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. After all, there’s a lot to see and do throughout the parks, and with limited time, what should you prioritize? You’re bound to discover your favorites that you’ll return to every vacation, but if you need help narrowing down the list, look no further.

Here are some essential experiences at WDW that are the perfect jumping-off point when planning your days in the parks!


1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

If you experience only one thing while at Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it should be Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. It’s unlike any ride you’ve ever been on before. It’s nearly 20 minutes long and full of dozens of Audio-Animatronic figures, including Stormtroopers, Droids, and even Kylo Ren. There are a whopping 18 show areas, making it seem more like an immersive Star Wars adventure than a ride.

Your favorite heroes from the films (Finn, BB-8, Rey, Poe, and more) show up to help you on your mission, and you’ll travel through Batuu’s caves, take part in a space battle, and even escape from the Star Destroyer – if you’re lucky!

A bustling theme park scene with people gathered around a large, detailed spacecraft and rugged, rocky structures. The sky is partly cloudy, enhancing the adventurous atmosphere of the location.

Credit: u/VIDGuide via Reddit


2. Kilimanjaro Safaris

Don’t leave Walt Disney World without going on safari! Our favorite experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is Kilimanjaro Safaris, which allows you to experience the best African safari without leaving the US. You’ll ride in a rustic safari vehicle through Harambe Wildlife Reserve, which consists of more than 100 acres of land populated by 34 species.

Your eagle-eyed guide will point out all the animals you come across, and you’ll be mesmerized as you get up close and personal with zebras, giraffes, hippos, lions, rhinos, and more!


3. Pandora at Night

Visiting Pandora: The World of Avatar is one of the most unique and immersive experiences in Walt Disney World. But if you just visit during the day, you miss half the fun! When darkness falls, Pandora is transformed as bioluminescence brings it to life around you.

Wander around and check out the alien plant life glowing in various gorgeous shades, and don’t forget to look down because even the path beneath your feet glows with bioluminescent footprints, tracks, and other natural features.

The most impressive spot is the glowing waterfall, which makes for a perfect selfie!


4. Happily Ever After

Walt Disney World comes alive completely differently at night, and an essential experience is watching one of the fireworks spectaculars on the property. We recommend the Magic Kingdom’s Happily Ever After show, which returned in April 2023 after a brief hiatus. Featuring your favorite Disney songs, this awe-inspiring display celebrates the most heartwarming moments from Disney animated films.

The show transforms Cinderella Castle with lasers, projections, and special effects. And then there are the fireworks themselves, which – fair warning – will honestly ruin you for fireworks anywhere else!


5. Meet Mickey Mouse

Of course, one of the most iconic Walt Disney World experiences is meeting the world’s most famous mouse himself! Mickey Mouse is now greeting Guests at the Town Square Theater in Magic Kingdom, where you can pose for that coveted photo op and grab his famous autograph.

Mickey occasionally appears in other locations, but the Town Square Theater is his primary spot. For the most up-to-date schedule and locations, check the My Disney Experience app.

Mickey Mouse is waving and smiling while standing on a stage. He is wearing his signature outfit, which includes red shorts with white buttons, a black tuxedo jacket, a white shirt, and a yellow bow tie. Sparkling golden lights and a dark background create a festive atmosphere.

Credit: Inside the Magic


6. Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!

Predictably, live entertainment at Walt Disney World is unparalleled. One of the standout live shows on the property is Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This updated show, which debuted in 2022, reimagines the beloved Finding Nemo—The Musical with a fresh perspective inspired by Finding Dory (2016).

Huge, whimsical puppets bring your favorite characters to life, and extraordinary sets immerse you in an underwater adventure. The new original score and stunning special effects make this show a must-see masterpiece for Disney fans.


7. Photo Opps in Toy Story Land

Hollywood Studios’ Toy Story Land is fun for the whole family! And luckily, our essential experience here doesn’t even require waiting in line. Toy Story Land is a feast for the eyes, and you can enjoy it by simply walking around, taking advantage of the many stellar photo ops scattered throughout the land.

Keep your eyes peeled for the larger-than-life Woody at the entrance (he’s hard to miss), the popsicle stick wall and checkerboard wall, the ginormous Buzz Lightyear (by the Alien Swirling Saucers), and the Babybel cheese chairs at Woody’s Lunch Box, among others.


8. Space 220

If you’re looking for an out-of-this-world dining experience, Space 220 at Disney’s EPCOT is a must. Since its grand opening in September 2021, this immersive restaurant has taken Guests on a journey 220 miles above Earth to dine aboard a space station. After taking an elevator with stunning visual effects, you’ll be treated to breathtaking planet views while enjoying an exquisite meal.

People are dining inside a space-themed restaurant with large windows displaying a view of Earth from space. The scene includes tables set with food and diners enjoying the unique setting.

Credit: Disney

Choose from a menu of international dishes and an extensive wine list as you marvel at Earth’s stars and rotating vistas.


9. Haunted Mansion

Waltzing spirits, a disembodied Ghost Host, Madame Leota, her eerie séance, a delightfully spooky graveyard, and the famous Hitchhiking Ghosts – what’s not to love about the Magic Kingdom’s Haunted Mansion? We ride this attraction multiple times whenever we visit Walt Disney World, and we can’t get enough!

The interactive queue sets the mood for the ride, and the creepy pre-show is so memorable that many Guests have memorized the lines! Board your Doom Buggy and get ready to meet the 999 happy haunts that call Haunted Mansion home.

About Stacy Milford

Stacy has lived in 4 countries on 3 continents, and travels whenever humanly possible. Passionate about music theatre, dessert, and adventure in the great wide somewhere, she visits Walt Disney World every year, usually during Halloween! Stacy currently divides her time between writing and teaching English as a second language to children in China, and is pretty sure growing up is over-rated.

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