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Must Do Experiences for a First Trip to Walt Disney World

fireworks-magic-kingdom-castle
Credit: Disney

If you are planning your first trip to Walt Disney World, we have experiences that you won’t want to miss out on. These are classics or uniquely Disney experiences that we think are must do for a first trip. We hope that they help you as you prepare for your Walt Disney World vacation.

Ride Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Even though this ride might not be thrilling, it is a classic Walt Disney World ride. Dumbo is the ride that we all see in the commercials and it is often one of the rides that come to mind at Walt Disney World.

Little ones will love being able to “fly” Dumbo moving him up and down as he soars around Magic Kingdom.

Adults will enjoy the magical moment as they ride in Dumbo and see the sights of Magic Kingdom.

A ride on Dumbo the Flying Elephant is a must do for a first Disney World vacation.

Meet Mickey Mouse

A first trip, or any Disney vacation, wouldn’t be complete without a stop to meet Mickey Mouse.

Guests can now once again meet Mickey in Magic Kingdom at Town Square Theatre. Although this is a modified experience, it is wonderful to be able to have some one on one time with Mickey.

During your first trip to Walt Disney World, you will want to take some time to say hello to Mickey and get those pictures.

credit: Disney

credit: Disney

See the Fireworks Show

We are so happy that nighttime shows are back in Walt Disney World. There is nothing like a Disney nighttime spectacular.

Schedule an evening at Magic Kingdom to see Disney Enchantment if you are visiting for the first time.

There is nothing more magical than a nighttime show in Magic Kingdom. Seeing the outstanding fireworks, how the projections transform the castle, and the music bringing the whole story together is moving.

If the idea of firework crowds makes you a little uneasy, consider looking into some of the firework dessert packages offered. These give you reserved seating for the show.

Eat Something Mickey Shaped

Don’t forget to grab an iconic Mickey shaped treat during your first visit to a Theme Park. Try a Mickey ice cream bar, Mickey pretzel, or a Mickey ice cream sandwich. These can be found throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

There is nothing more delicious than having that Mickey shaped treat in front of Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom.

Credit: Zach Riddley

Take Photos

Even though you might be focused on running from ride to ride, make sure to slow down and take photos throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

As you visit the four Theme Parks, make sure to stop and get photos in front of the different icons. Cinderella Castle, Hollywood Tower Hotel, Chinese Theatre, Tree of Life, Spaceship Earth are all excellent icons to snag photos in front of during your visit.

While it is fun to get photos in front of the well known Theme Park icons, think about snagging pictures in front of those lesser known spots.

The Wishing Well in Magic Kingdom or the Millennium Falcon or Pixar Ball are all fun photo opportunities.

 

 

Ride Kilimanjaro Safari

Not many of us will ever have the opportunity to travel to Africa, but Disney allows us to get close with Kilimanjaro Safari.

This 18-minute open air ride through the Harambe Reserves is a ride experience. Guests won’t get anywhere else.

See over 34 different species as they make this reserve their home. Giraffes, lions, elephants, cheetahs, zebras, and many more animals can be seen in a natural environment.

Each safari experience is unique and different and is one of a kind experience that shouldn’t be skipped out on during a first trip.

Enjoy the Free Transportation

Disney is all about the rides, but another area they have exceeded in is their unique modes of transportation.

Disney does offer buses and boats, but the monorail and Skyliner are options you won’t find at your local Theme Park.

During your first vacation, schedule some time to experience these two modes of transportation. Take the Skyliner between EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or ride the monorail around to see some Magic Kingdom resorts.

It is fantastic to have free transportation offered as it makes getting around less stressful as you don’t have to worry about car seats and getting lost. Take advantage of it and also take time to enjoy it.

Visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Disney has taken the Star Wars movies from the screen to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to create Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Make sure you take time during your first trip to experience this Land and all it has to offer.

Rise of the Resistance is the most popular ride in all of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and for a good reason. This ride immerses Guests into the story as we have never been before.

Take time to ride this fantastic ride during your first trip, as the technology and immersive experience will leave you amazed.

Make sure to walk around Batuu and check out all the details of the Land. From the rides, food, and shops, everything in the Land helps transform Guests into a galaxy far, far away.

Ride the Classics

The first trip to Walt Disney World wouldn’t be complete without a ride on some classic Disney attractions

Pirates of the Caribbean, it’s a Small World, Peter Pan’s Flight are just a few of the rides in Magic Kingdom that a first timer should take time to experience.

In EPCOT, ride Spaceship Earth and Living with the Land to experience classic EPCOT.

Although many new and more advanced riders have come to the Parks, these classics are what Disney is all about.

Planning a first time trip to Walt Disney World can be stressful trying to determine what you should prioritize. We hope this list helps you in your Disney planning and will help with a magical trip to Walt Disney World.

About Jennifer Retzlaff

My name is Jennifer Retzlaff and I became a lifelong Disney fan during my first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of my life. I live in Iowa with my husband and two kids who are growing up too quickly for my liking. I started introducing my love for Disney early to my family with a Disney honeymoon and then trips when our youngest of 18 months. Since then, our family has been to Walt Disney World over five times and we continue to plan and dream for the next trip. I love the magic that Disney brings to people through the theme parks, cruises, adventures and movies they create. As a teacher, I try to bring that magic into my classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” I recently reached a dream of mine as I joined Magic Vacation Planner as a personal travel advisor. With this team, I can now help others plan magical vacations. As a passionate writer, I also have my own blog at magicalvacationsbyjen which is also where you can follow me on instagram for trip reviews along with tips and tricks for your next magical vacation.