There’s a reason why Disney World bills itself as the most magical place on earth. From the characters to the parks to the food and themed hotels, there’s something fun in store for everyone who visits the Orlando-based theme park. Regardless of age, the myriad rides, attractions and activities at Disney continue to draw in visitors every year. After all, there’s no better feeling than walking around one of the parks, Mickey balloons in hand, Mickey ears on top of your head, enjoying a Mickey Ice Cream on a summer day.
Whether you’re planning a magical escape to Disney for the first time, or you’re a Disney expert looking to ramp up your knowledge bank, we’ve got you covered with our ultimate list of things to do at Disney World. What to do, where to stay, what to eat, where to get the best photo ops — we’ve mapped it all out so you don’t have to. With our expert-curated guide to all things Disney, we can show you the world!
What To Do at the Magic Kingdom
As one of Disney’s most popular theme parks, Magic Kingdom offers unique ride experiences, enchanting dining options and Mickey Ice Cream around every corner. Create magical memories in front of Cinderella’s castle, and meet Tiana, Belle, Mickey Mouse and more of your favorite Disney characters and princesses around the park. On a hot summer day, cool down with the famous Dole Whip dessert at Aloha Isle in Adventureland; you can choose from a pineapple and vanilla swirl, a pineapple upside down cake with Dole Whip or a pineapple float. For a quick snack, stop by Cheshire Café in Fantasyland for a chocolatey, fried Cheshire Cat Tail pastry covered in pink and purple icing drizzles. And be sure to try the iconic Cheeseburger Spring Rolls at the spring roll cart in Adventureland, which are so good you may just find yourself downing several in one sitting.
Be the first to join Princess Tiana on her journey with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (opening June 28, 2024), where you’ll follow her through the bayou during Mardi Gras season. Venture over to Magic Kingdom’s most popular rides like Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Before you leave, catch a show at Mickey’s PhilharMagic to see your favorite characters in 3D. On your way out, get an up close view of the fireworks by Cinderella’s Castle.
What To Do at Epcot
This internationally themed park allows you to travel across the globe and learn about different cultures. As Disney World’s second largest park, Epcot lets you explore countries like Mexico and Morocco, discover French culture with Remy from Ratatouille and even blast off into space with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Coaster. You can cultivate cultural connections with the multiple showcases at Epcot, where you’ll discover a total of 11 different countries, and enhance your culinary palette at eateries like Le Cellier Steakhouse, Spice Road Table and Biergarten Restaurant. Take a culinary journey spanning six different continents with Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival, or fall right into Spring at the International Flower and Garden Festival located in the World Showcase area.
Within each country at Epcot, you’ll meet characters like Princess Aurora, Anna and Elsa, Belle, Princess Jasmine, Mulan and more. Become an adventurer like Moana with Epcot’s newest Journey of Water attraction, where you can follow Moana along a self-guided water exploration trail. Magical and out-of-this-world experiences can be found on Test Track and Mission: SPACE.
What To Do at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Take a tour of Africa and Asia and get up close with giraffes, rhinos and other animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Avatar fans will enjoy a journey through the rainforest of Pandora on the Na’vi River Journey or a flight over the breathtaking views of Pandora through the Avatar Flight of Passage Ride.
After journeying through Pandora, head over to the park’s iconic symbol, the Tree of Life, to take photos and celebrate animals and nature. For food options, enjoy African-inspired cuisine at Tusker House Restaurant with Donald Duck or Yak and Yeti for Pan-Asian dishes. Take things easy and embark on the Kilimanjaro Safaris guided tour to see and learn about over 30 different animal species.
What To Do at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Step into multiple galaxies and worlds at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Home to thrilling rides like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster (which is temporarily closed for refurbishing, with plans to reopen summer 2024), this park encourages you to live life on the wild side. Step into a galactic space world at Star Wars: Galaxy Edge, complete with popular rides and attractions and custom merchandise for fans. Gear up, join the resistance, and may the force be with you.
You never have to grow up in Toy Story Land. Spring across Andy’s backyard on the Slinky Dog Dash ride. Become besties with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear and get your grub on at Woody’s Lunch Box, where you’ll find the delicious raspberry lunch box tart. And no snack or meal is complete without a show — the Green Army Drum Corps perform and march all around Toy Story Land, so be on the lookout and snap a few photos with them.
What To Do At Disney Springs
If you’re spending a day away from the parks, what better way to explore and relax than checking out Disney Springs? Full of restaurants, stores, live music and activities, it’s the perfect place for both kids and adults. First, we recommend heading over to the Disney Store, where you can buy things like unique Mickey ears, Disney home decor, souvenirs, toys, plushies and other trinkets. (It’s like a safe haven for the “Disney adults” of the bunch.) From Tinker Bell to Alice in Wonderland to Goofy and Donald Duck, there’s something here for everyone. For those who love Disney princesses, Star Wars, Disney movies and TV shows and basically everything Disney, you’ll love seeing what Disney Springs has to offer.
After the Disney Store, walk a few steps over to Amorette’s Patisserie for French-inspired pastries with a Disney twist. On the menu, you’ll find decadent desserts like the chocolatey Mickey Mousse, the TikTok-famous cookie dough croissant, a strawberry boba milk tea cake, pistachio eclairs and a wide range of other desserts and drinks. Coffee-lovers can indulge in a Mickey foam-designed latte at Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company, while restaurants like Planet Hollywood and Rainforest Cafe are also great dining options, especially if you have kids.
Where To Stay + Resort Hopping at Disney
If you have some extra time to kill, spend a leisurely day resort-hopping around Disney property while eating with Mickey Mouse. Starting with dessert (because that’s the best part of any meal), drive over to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter for gigantic Mickey-shaped beignets at Scat Cats Club Café, which come with three different dipping sauces (chocolate, strawberry and salted caramel). If you’re a fan of traditional Mexican fare, you’ll love visiting Disney’s Southwest-themed resort, Coronado Springs.
For the kiddos, check out Pop Century Resort and Art of Animation Resort to hang out with Mater and the rest of the characters from Cars. For Polynesian- and Asian-inspired dishes, check out ‘Ohana for breakfast and Kona Cafe for dinner at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, and be sure to pick up a pineapple Dole Whip dessert at Pineapple Lanai downstairs. After a day of exploring, head to Disney’s Boardwalk Inn for some shopping and dining while you view the water or watch an outdoor movie.
A tip for the collectors or superfans: Each resort has its own unique souvenirs and items you can’t find anywhere else in the park. For example, you can snag a pair of Mickey Mouse ears that look and smell like beignets at the Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, and you can find a red and white Boardwalk-inspired loungefly backpack with pizza, pretzel and ice cream drawings at the Boardwalk Inn.
Make a Splash At Disney’s Water Parks
Florida gets very hot, especially during the summer months. While relaxing by the pool at any of the Disney resorts is a great idea, Disney also has multiple water parks to splash around in. You can either drive or take the bus from any of the Disney resorts to the two water parks on the property. Soak up the sun and fun at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and splash around in the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, the largest wave pool in North America. Take a dive and explore some of the waterslides and attractions, including Storm Slides and the lazy river, Castaway Creek. Cool down with a sweet treat from Let’s Go Slurpin’ and Happy Landings Ice Cream.
Full of rapids, water slides and pools, Disney’s Blizzard Beach is a great water park for the whole family to enjoy. Hang out with Olaf, Anna and Elsa at the Frozen-themed Tike’s Peak, and zip down one of the fastest water slides in the world at Summit Plummet. Sip on a frozen margarita from Polar Pub while downing a cheeseburger from Lottawatta Lodge. And, for some serious relaxation time, you can rent your own private deck or picnic umbrella while you lay in the sun and sip on something cool and refreshing.
Dining with Mickey Mouse and Disney Princesses
Last but not least, it isn’t a Disney trip without meeting and dining with Mickey and his friends. Head over to Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort for all-you-can-eat Mickey waffles and pictures with Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Minnie Mouse and other Disney pals. For a fairytale experience, dine with Cinderella at Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom. Join Winnie the Pooh and friends at The Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom while enjoying a breakfast, lunch or dinner buffet. For Hollywood Studios and Epcot character dining, check out Chip ‘n’ Dale at the Garden Grill Restaurant or Minnie and the Disney Junior stars at Hollywood & Vine.
