Table of Contents
A trip to Disney World has now become synonymous with so many things we never fail to do. It’s not just a trip to the parks, but something even beyond that.
So, hop on board and jot these down for your next Disney World trip, because we can’t recommend them enough!
The Top Things We Always Do in Disney World
Here’s our list of the things that add one (or more) little spark of inspiration to our Disney vacation:
1. Stay on Disney Property
Gone are the days of renting an Airbnb near the parks; it’s not worth it.
When you’re staying at Disney, you want to stay at Disney. In our opinion, there is no choice; staying on Disney property is the only way to go.
But, we get it. It’s expensive. You can probably find a place for half the price off-property. So, why do we always stay on property? Well, have you ever heard of the Disney bubble?
If not, then we invite you to stay on property at least once. From being greeted by cast members in the lobby right on your arrival day to getting all the perks like early entry to the parks, we really wouldn’t have it any other way.
2. Schedule a Mickey Wake-Up Call
In your room, you can schedule a morning wake-up call from the mouse himself. So when you wake up feeling groggy and tired, you’ll hear, “Oh, boy! Looks like you’ve got a lot planned today! It’s time to get right to it and have a magical day!”
Right when I hear his voice, I instantly feel the child-like excitement of the day I’m about to have. This is seriously one of the best features as it just starts your morning off right.
3. Ride the Skyliner
The skyliner has become synonymous with a Disney World trip for us. In fact, we send each other reels on Instagram of the audio that plays when you’re in one of the gondolas.
By far the best method of Disney World transportation, these gondolas are basically like you’re first ride of the day. They’re both convenient and fun; what’s not to love?
4. Wake Up Early for Rope Drop
That’s right, we’re talking 6:30 am wake-up so we can get into Animal Kingdom half an hour before the public does. If you wanted a relaxing vacation, you should’ve gone to an all-inclusive resort.
There is no better feeling than waking up super early, walking to the busses, coffee in hand, trying to get to the line as quickly as possible.
You know you’re about to have the best day and this is exactly what you came for. No sleeping in on this vacay!
5. Get Joffrey’s Coffee
And that leads us to our next thing – Joffrey’s coffee! Whether it’s the pods in the hotel room or from a cart on the way to the theme park, Joffrey’s is like a nice warm hug at any point in the day.
Some Joffrey’s locations have specialty drinks, like the Toy Story drink at Hollywood Studios!
Plus, they even have these gigantic donuts that look like they’re straight outta the Simpsons. They’re perfect for when you need a sugar rush around the middle of the day.
6. Use the My Disney Experience App When Waiting in Lines
Sure, riding Rise of the Resistance is cool, but do you know what’s even cooler? Getting lore before you ride it.
The Star Wars Data Pad is a feature you can use in Galaxy’s Edge, and it was designed to keep guests occupied in line for the most popular Disney World ride.
But it’s even cooler than just a time-waster because the app serves as a prequel to Rise of the Resistance.
With the app, you find out why we’re being transported by Poe’s team (hint: it has something to do with Finn, who you might even miss on the ride!)
Plus, the Data Pad allows you to translate things written in Arabesh, the language used in the Star Wars universe.
Fun fact: the strange symbols written on the trash cans actually spell out “trash!”
7. Meet the Characters
Who said this was just for kids? Adults can meet characters, too!
In fact, this is one of our favorite parts of any trip. The characters really do make each trip all that special.
Here’s a transcript of my conversation with Daisy Duck in Epcot:
Me: “Oh my god, Daisy! I love you! You’re my favorite!”
Daisy: *grabs me by the hand and embraces me in a big hug*
Me: “How’s Donald been treating you? Are you keeping him in check??”
Daisy: *Nods emphatically*
Me: “Can we get a picture together?”
Daisy: *Nods excitedly*
Seriously one of the best parts of our trip.
8. Eat Mickey Waffles
These will be the best things you eat in Disney World. We aren’t lying.
The fluffy batter literally melts in your mouth and you feel like you’re eating a cloud. They aren’t dry or soft; they’re just perfect.
They’re available at most cafeterias located at value resorts, but they’re also scattered around the parks in the morning, too.
We definitely recommend adding these to your breakfast list!
9. Browse the Gift Shops
There is something so thrilling about walking through a gift shop, trying to find merchandise you haven’t seen before.
This rings true for the resorts, the parks, and even Disney Springs.
In fact, I found a little Sebastian plush that rested on my shoulder at the Caribbean Beach resort, which I hadn’t seen anywhere else. And I had so many people come up to me throughout the week asking where I got him!
One souvenir or five should absolutely be factored into your budget. So go ahead and buy your third MagicBand; we allow it.
10. Check Disney Pin Boards
Disney World has this awesome feature called pin trading where collectors come together and share their love for Disney. Situated around the parks are pin stations where cast members put their pins on display.
The rule of thumb is: take a pin, leave a pin. If you see something you like on the pin board, then trade it for one currently in your possession.
Not only does this strike up a conversation with someone you might not have spoken to before, but it also allows you to secure a potentially out-of-print pin that you really like.
The community aspect is huge in Disney World. Everyone is there to have a good time and get in touch with their child-like wonder that might have been suppressed for years. You really feel it when you become part of the pin trading community.
11. Visit the Wonderful World of Disney Store
If you can’t find anything you’re looking for around the parks or resorts, then The Wonderful World of Disney will definitely have what you’re looking for.
This is by far the biggest Disney store on property and will have all of their latest merch.
Whether it’s seasonal or limited edition, this store has you covered. It even has some things that aren’t in the parks, like my Scarlet Witch loungefly.
You have to go to this store when you come to Disney World. It’s basically a rite of passage at this point.
12. Take Breaks Through the Day
Around noon, we start to feel the heat exhaustion kick in and our energy levels dip. That’s when we take a break.
That’s why we always recommend staying on Disney property since you can just take a skyliner or a bus ride back to the hotel for a quick nap.
But if we aren’t going back to the resort, then we’ll sit down and grab some food. Or we’ll relax at a Joffrey’s cart or somewhere we can beat the heat.
The Coca-Cola refresher building at Epcot is the perfect place to just wind down for a little break before tackling the rest of the park.
13. Give Cast Members a Thank-You Card
Cast members literally make the entire Disney World experience. Without them, we wouldn’t have the Disney World we know and love.
That’s why we always thank them when we get the chance. Whether it’s just a simple “thank you” when checking our lap bar, or if they go above and beyond, we always go out of our way to thank them.
You can either make your own cards or buy special thank-you cards from sellers on Etsy. We always remember to pack a few cards in our bags at a park day to hopefully make someone’s day just a little bit more magical.
You can also give a compliment to a cast member in the My Disney Experience App. There is a section for you to add a compliment with the name of the cast member who made your day!
14. Plan Our Day Around Showtimes
Disney World shows are seriously on another level. Actually, they’re on a Broadway level.
So that’s why we always plan our day around showtimes we know we want to see.
We’re talking Festival of the Lion King, Finding Nemo, Frozen Sing-a-Long, and more. You can check the My Disney Experience app to find out when the showtimes are playing and schedule your day around that.
15. Watch a Nighttime Show
We always end our day with a bang by watching the nighttime spectaculars. The combination of lights, music, and pyrotechnics is truly breathtaking.
Our personal favorite is Fantasmic! over at Hollywood Studios as it’s truly out of this world. Just make sure you line up early, because you definitely want good seats for this one!
16. Have Dole Whip
Did you know there are over 35 flavors of Dole Whip? We know, it shocked us too!
Scattered around the parks and Disney Springs are 35+ ways to have Dole Whip. The best part is trying to check each one off your list!
We personally love the purple/green swirl over at Trilobites at Magic Kingdom, but test out each one to see which one your favorite is.
17. Go Left
If you come to a fork in the road or need to know how to escape the crowds, go left.
Why? Because everyone goes right.
Our general rule of thumb is that the pathway to the left is the best way to avoid crowds. While this isn’t quite true for every situation, it’ll definitely help you in a pinch.
18. Pose for Photos with Iconic Landmarks
These cast members aren’t set up in front of these for no reason! We love taking advantage of gorgeous picturesque backdrops.
Even if you aren’t paying for the photopass, you should still take the photo. Who knows? When you see the picture, you might just buy the Memory Maker add-on. What’s another $150?
19. Say Hi to Kevin
Kevin is a roaming character at Animal Kingdom and she’s someone we always say hi to.
As one of the few roaming characters in Disney World, Kevin makes the experience at Animal Kingdom better.
And did you know you can get a reaction out of her? Next time you see her, yell “THE WILDERNESS MUST BE EXPLORED!” and see what she has to say… or, squawk.
20. Hidden Mickey Hunt
There are Hidden Mickeys all over Disney World. These are subtle representations of Mickey Mouse hidden in the design of rides, buildings, and attractions.
We always make a game out of finding as many as we can.
And we’re still finding new ones so many years later.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! 20 things we always do in every Disney World trip.
From the thrill of riding the Skyliner to the simple joy of a Mickey wake-up call, these tips are designed to help you create unforgettable memories and fully enjoy the wonder of Disney World.
So go ahead and make the most of every moment in the happiest place on Earth!
