Menu

The Ultimate Walt Disney World Bucket List

If you love the Walt Disney World Resort as much as we do, then you’ll probably have a bucket list, with the aim of experiencing all that there is to offer there. Whilst The Walt Disney Company doesn’t make it easy to achieve everything as things are constantly changing and moving forward, just as Walt wanted, there are plenty of things that you can achieve on a Walt Disney World bucket list. 

Are you looking for inspiration in starting your own bucket list that you can tick experiences off, during future vacations in Lake Buena Vista? Or do you already have a Walt Disney World bucket list but are wanting to check if you have everything on it? Well, we’ve got you covered. Here’s the ultimate bucket list for any Guest that will return to the Walt Disney World Resort, time and time again!

Stay in every Walt Disney World Resort hotel

With the theming of every Disney hotel being completely different, it’s a given that most Guests will want to stay in every single one. This is something that will need a few visits to Orlando, as there are 22 of them. Split into three categories, there is something to suit every budget. Which of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels have you stayed in so far? How many are you waiting to tick off your list?

Value Resorts are the cheapest of the Disney hotels to stay in, and include:

  • Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
  • Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
  • Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
  • Disney’s Pop Century Resort
  • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – with 4 sections to stay in here, you may wish to stay here 4 times, to experience the different Guest rooms that there is to offer

Moderate Resorts are perfect for Guests that want a little more luxury without paying Deluxe Resort prices, and include:

Deluxe Resorts offer Guests a luxurious experience. Guest rooms have their own balcony and there is a variety of restaurants and recreational activities to experience in each Resort hotel. They include:

  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
  • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Disney’s Riviera Resort
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
  • Disney’s Beach Club Resort
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort
  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
grand-floridian-lobby

Credit: V Mills

Ride every single attraction in each Disney Park

Visiting each of the Walt Disney World theme parks is achievable during practically every Disney vacation, and depending on the time of year that you visit, will allow you to experience most, if not all of the attractions too. The opening of new and exciting attractions is one of the reasons why Guests will want to return though, especially with new and innovative ride experiences, like this year’s debut of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT. Do you already have a vacation planned to experience the new Tron Lightcycle / Run, opening in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park in 2023?

Dine in every full-service and quick-service restaurant

Have you really experienced everything that there is to offer in Walt Disney World unless you’ve dined in every full-service and quick-service restaurant? Whilst we are likely to have our favorite restaurants, there are some that may offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity like Victoria & Albert’s and dining with an Imagineer, or a unique Disney experience that you’ll savor every once in a while, such as California Grill and Citrico’s.

The opening of new dining locations is another reason to continue to return to Lake Buena Vista; it’s your opportunity to try new dishes and have new experiences. 

Try every Disney cocktail

This is something for Guests who are partial to a little drink! There are so many different cocktails to enjoy both inside and outside of the Disney Parks, that you may need to spread this bucket list item over a number of Disney vacations!

pina-colava

Credit: Pinterest

Try every Disney snack

Have you even been to Walt Disney World without trying every Disney snack, whether it’s Mickey-shaped or not? If you’re going to do this properly you’ll need to have tried the infamous Turkey Leg too, unless of course, you are vegetarian or vegan!

Experience all Four of EPCOT’s International Festivals

With ever-shorter windows between each of the four EPCOT Festivals that take place throughout the year, it’s easy to time a vacation that coincides with one. If you’ve experienced one EPCOT Festival, then you’ll know that each one will offer something wonderful and unique, and so it’s only right that you experience them all. Only then will you be in a position to explain which one is your favorite! 

The four EPCOT International Festivals are:

  • International Festival of the Arts, which runs through January and February
  • International Flower & Garden Festival, which runs from March through June
  • International Food & Wine Festival, which runs from July through November
  • International Festival of the Holidays, which runs through November and December
epcot-flower-and-garden

Credit: Disney

Run in a Disney Park in a runDisney event

Whether you’re a consistent runner, or are new to the sport, if you are a Disney fan then you’ll certainly welcome the opportunity to run through each of the four Disney theme parks in Walt Disney World. With events running from November through to April, there are plenty of races to suit individual runners. Why not sign up to one soon, and set yourself a new goal or challenge?

Complete the WDW Marathon

Any Guest that is a runner will probably have one marathon in mind that they wish to complete at some point in their lives; that being the Walt Disney World Marathon. This is the only runDisney race that provides Guest the opportunity to run through Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. The race takes place during early January each year. 

Walt Disney World Marathon Medal

Credit: Disney

Take part in Yoga in Walt Disney World

Guests have several opportunities to practice Yoga in Lake Buena Vista. Several of the Disney Resort hotels offer complimentary yoga classes for Guests to take part in. Be sure to check your Resort recreation calendar upon check-in to plan some yoga into your Disney vacation.

If you’d love to watch the sunrise over Cinderella Castle whilst practicing Yoga in Magic Kingdom Park, then check out the runDisney website. Currently, Guests can take part in Disney Princess Yoga during the Princess Half Marathon Weekend in February, and Springtime Surprise Yoga during the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend in April.

run-disney-yoga

Credit: Disney

Rent a surrey bike

This is a great way to explore a Disney Resort hotel, whilst taking a break from walking. It’s reasonably priced, and a fun activity for the whole family to take part in. It’s not every day you get to take a ride in a surrey bike after all!

Take a horse-drawn carriage ride

Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offer the perfect locations to take a horse-drawn carriage ride. It’s a unique experience that offers gorgeous sights, and the opportunity for you to find out about some of the Disney equestrian residents too.

Attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Not only is this your opportunity to dress up and trick-or-treat around Magic Kingdom, but it’s your opportunity to see the Disney Park like you’ve never seen before. Get ready to see the best (in our opinion) Disney parade that there is, Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade, watch as the Sanderson Sisters conjure up a perfect Halloween party potion in the Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular, and interact with unique Disney characters too at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

Halloween Party Tips

Credit: V Mills

Attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

If you love Christmas, then you won’t want to miss Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Watch the festive Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, see the sky light up above Cinderella Castle with Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show and meet Disney characters in their festive outfits. 

Take a Disney vacation during Easter, Halloween, Christmas and New Year

Any Disney fan is bound to want to see how The Walt Disney Company celebrate the biggest holidays throughout the year. Each season brings something new, creating a truly magical Disney experience that’s different from any other time of year. 

See all of the Disney Resort hotels decorated for Christmas

As you would expect, Disney knows how to do Christmas right. And we’re not just talking about inside the Disney theme parks. When visiting during the Holiday season, Guests have to venture to each of the Disney Resort hotels to see the stunning Christmas decorations that are displayed there. Visiting at this time of year also offers Guests the chance to see gingerbread houses like they’ve never seen before…

gingerbread-giraffe

Credit: Disney

Become a Disney Vacation Club Member

This is one way to guarantee a lifetime of magical Disney vacations. Not only that, but Disney Vacation Club Members will get to call Walt Disney World home, as they will have a Home Resort, where they are guaranteed time during each year of being a Member. Which Disney Resort would you love to have as your Home Resort?

Become a Galactic Hero

Have you ever achieved the maximum score of 999,999 on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom? If not, then keep aiming high! Don’t forget to collect your Galactic Hero sticker from Cast Members in the store you exit the ride into!

galactic-hero-sticker

Credit: V Mills

Become a Senior Wilderness Explorer

Be sure to collect all of the Wilderness Explorer badges in Disney’s Animal Kingdom to gain the highest title of Senior Wilderness Explorer. Hopefully you’ll see Kevin wandering around Discovery Island soon after, so you can celebrate your achievement with her!

Be the Magic Kingdom Family of the Day

You’ll have to get to Magic Kingdom super early ahead of rope drop to be in with a chance of being chosen as the Magic Kingdom Family of the Day. Who doesn’t want their own private tour of Main Street USA, and the chance to help open the Disney Park?!

Empty Photo in each Disney Park

You may need to stick around a while after Park close to secure that photo with no other Guests around, but it really is worth the late night. Cinderella Castle, Spaceship Earth, the Hollywood Tower Hotel and the Tree of Life are the ideal backdrops for that perfect photo with nobody else around!

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Credit: fox35orlando.com/Disney

Attend a H20 Glow Night at Typhoon Lagoon

Would you love to experience all that Typhoon Lagoon has to offer in the dark, whilst enjoying a dance party on the beach and indulging in Disney snacks and beverages? Then you should definitely have the Disney H20 Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon on your bucket list!

Attend a Disney After Hours Event

Whilst extra hours that Guests can be in the Disney Parks are limited nowadays, attending a Disney After Hours Event in your favorite Disney theme park is a great way to enjoy the attractions with short line times. Get ready to feel like the theme park is open exclusively for you!

Play a Disney round of golf

Whether you’re an avid golfer or prefer to play a round of mini golf for fun, there are 7 golf courses for Guests to play in the Walt Disney World Resort. For the golfers, there are 4 to choose from: Disney’s Oak Trail; Disney’s Magnolia; Disney’s Palm; and Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Courses. For the mini golfers, there are three to enjoy: Fantasia Gardens; Fantasia Fairways; and Winter Summerland Miniature Golf courses. 

winter summerland

Credit: Disney

Stay in the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

You need to be ready to splurge when it comes to staying in the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. Prepare for a 2-night, immersive adventure aboard the Halcyon Starcruiser. Call it a once-in-a-lifetime experience that any Star Wars fan will never forget.

Ride every mode of Disney Transport

There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to navigating your way around the Walt Disney World Resort. You’ll most certainly want to experience them all to ensure that you’ve had the full Disney experience when it comes to transport. 

Watch a Movie Under the Stars

This free activity is available at every Disney Resort hotel. It’s a great way to unwind after a busy day, and made even better if the movie showing is your favorite Disney movie too! Be sure to check the Recreation Calendar at your Disney Resort hotel upon check-in to find out what films are showing during each of your Disney vacations.

Toast Marshmallows at a Disney campfire

This is another experience that is available at every Disney hotel. Stop by the Front Desk of your Resort to find out the time and location of the campfire during your Walt Disney World stay. If you’re looking for an extra-magical experience, head over to Disney’s Fort Wilderness to take part in Chip ’N’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-a-long!

chip-dale-campfire-sing-along

Credit: Disney

Visit Disney’s Wedding Pavilion

You have to visit Disney’s most romantic location at least once. A visit will be made even more special if it means you can attend a Disney Fairytale Wedding, maybe as a Guest or even as the Bride or Groom at your very own wedding in Disney’s Wedding Pavilion.

Participate in a Disney Show

Is it on your bucket list to be chosen to take part in the Hoop-De-Doo Musical Revue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness, or be an extra in the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Make sure to make some noise and do whatever it takes to get noticed when a member of the audience is being chosen, and we’re sure you’ll be ticking this item off your Disney bucket list!

Take part in each Behind the Scenes Tours

There are plenty of tours that take place around the Walt Disney World Resort, that allow Guests an insight into the magic of the Disney Parks? If you love Living with the Land in EPCOT, then you’ll definitely want to take part in the Behind the Seeds Tour. There’s always the classic tour to take part in too, Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour.

For the adventurers out there, venture through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, by taking part in the Wild Africa Trek. Or if you’ve always wanted to ride a Segway, then book onto the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure at Disney’s Fort Wilderness.

plaid-cast-member-disney

Credit: Disney

Take part in a painting experience

Try your hand at a little creativity. There are currently two experiences offered around the Walt Disney World Resort, that allow Guests to get crafty: 

  • Colors of Coronado Painting Experience
  • Spanish Mosaic Art

We’re hoping that Painting on the Bayou returns to Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort too!

Visit a Disney Spa

A little relaxation doesn’t go amiss during a Disney vacation. Why not upgrade that relaxation with a massage or body treatment at the Grand Floridian Spa?

Enjoy a Fireworks Dessert Party

With the return of Happily Ever After, this is the perfect opportunity to get a perfect view of Cinderella Castle whilst indulging on sweet treats that are inspired by the nighttime spectacular. If you can’t wait that long, then check out the Magic Kingdom 50th Anniversary Dessert Parties or the Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise. 

Take a Disney Cruise

Upgrade your Walt Disney World vacation with a cruise with Disney Cruise Line. It’s a great way to begin or end your Disney vacation, whilst experiencing the Disney magic in a whole new way!

disney fantasy cruise

Credit: Disney

Take part in a scavenger hunt

There’s plenty of scavenger hunts to take part in around the Disney Resort hotels. If you’re anything like us, you’ll want to complete every one! Stop by the Front Desk of your Disney hotel and ask a Cast Member about the scavenger hunt. If there isn’t one taking place at the time of your visit, you should have able to find out the Disney Resorts that are offering them.

Become an Annual Passholder

It’s probably every Disney fan’s dream of, one day, becoming an Annual Passholder. Not only does it guarantee you a year of magic, but it also brings nice little extras, such as collectible magnets, access to exclusive merchandise and Disney discount too!

passholder magnet

Credit: Disney

Stay Club Level

Possibly another once-in-a-lifetime experience, but you should definitely treat yourself to a Disney Club Level stay during one Walt Disney World vacation. It’s a chance to experience all that the Resort has to offer, whilst enjoying unlimited snacks and beverages in the Club Level lounge!

How many of these things have you ticked off your bucket list already? Are there any that you have added, making your bucket list a little longer? It’s fine to have something to aim for during every Disney vacation!

About Victoria Mills

Victoria is a Disney-loving, tea-drinking, Math teacher from Liverpool, England. Her motto is 'work hard, Disney harder'! Having taken part in the Disney College Program back in 2010, Victoria's love and appreciation for Walt Disney World only grew, and it's the place where she feels most herself - it's home!