places to visit in disney world orlando

110 Things You MUST Do at Disney World

by Chad Kennedy | Animal Kingdom , Dining , Epcot , Magic Kingdom , Parks , Resorts , Trip Planning

Disney World has a ton of rides, restaurants, and entertainment options. The good news is that you’ll never run out of things to do. The bad news is that it can be hard to know where to begin.

We created this HUGE guide to use our years of experience to help you find all of Disney World’s “must do’s”. There’s info for all four parks, along with resorts and Disney Springs. It’s all in one place, so you can spend less time searching and more time having fun.

Whether you’re planning a full vacation or simply planning your afternoon, we’ve got you covered.

Magic Kingdom Must Do’s

#1. ride space mountain.

You’re doing yourself a disservice if you leave Magic Kingdom without riding on Space Mountain. It’s dark, it’s fast, and it’s a lot of fun. It’s also one of Disney’s most iconic rollercoasters and it’s definitely one you’ll want to use Lightning Lane for! Check out our Magic Kingdom FastPass guide and ride ranking to get some important tips for that.

#2. Watch Happily Ever After fireworks show

The Happily Ever After show is unlike any other fireworks show you’ve ever seen inside Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Not only are the fireworks timed perfectly with epic music, but there are intricate projections animated on the Cinderella Castle for you to enjoy. Going a step further, you can also watch projections and glittering lights on the buildings on Main Street, U.S.A during the show.

#3. Eat a Dole Whip at Aloha Isle

Ah, the legendary Dole Whip. Trust me, it’s worth the hype. It’s one of the best desserts you’ll find at Disney World and it’s a borderline crime not to have one. Getting a Dole Whip is often my first course of action when entering the park.

#4. Ride Tron Lightcycle / Run

Tron is the stellar new ride featuring out-of-this-world technology and fun. Riders mount a futuristic motorcycle and take off at 60mph to race against the fictional lightcyclers of the TRON: Legacy movie. This is one experience we highly recommend for thrill seekers.

#5. Eat at Be Our Guest

If you can get a coveted reservation for Be Our Guest, snatch it up as quick as you can! The restaurant is modeled after the Beauty and the Beast Castle and features an outstanding French-inspired menu. It’s absolutely one of Disney’s best restaurants. Be Our Guest ranks #1 on both our list of Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants for Lunch and our list of Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants for Dinner .

#6. Ride Pirates of the Caribbean

Another great dark water ride at Magic Kingdom. The sets are intricate and interesting and the ride has just enough “thrill” to make it fun for adults but tame enough for hesitant children.

#7. Watch Country Bear Jamboree

Country Bear Jamboree oozes old-school Disney World kitsch. There’s nothing quite like watching oversized animatronic bears perform like they’re at the Grand Ol’ Opry. Consider this one a Magic Kingdom rite of passage.

#8. Eat at Cinderella’s Royal Table

It doesn’t matter who you are- it’s pretty cool to be able to eat inside Cinderella’s Castle. Cinderella’s Royal Table is expensive (it’s considered fine dining), but it’s totally worth it if you want a special experience. It’s also one of the few places that you can meet all of the princesses in one place. They’ll visit your table one-by-one as you eat.

#9. Ride Haunted Mansion

You can’t leave Magic Kingdom without taking a spin on a doom buggy through a dark, spooky mansion. The Haunted Mansion consistently ranks as a favorite among Disney fans who love getting up close to the “happy haunts”.

#10. Get Quick Service at Sleepy Hollow

Sleepy Hollow is one of the best quick service locations in Magic Kingdom, just off Liberty Square with a beautiful view of Cinderella Castle. One of the best recommendations we have for Sleepy Hollow is getting the Fresh Fruit Waffle – filled with nutella and fresh fruit. We’ve ranked it as our number one quick service choice for Best Breakfast in Magic Kingdom – see more breakfast items in this post.

#11. Ride Thunder Mountain

Rounding out “The Three Magic Kingdom Mountains”, Thunder Mountain is another “can’t miss” coaster. You’ll twist and turn through canyons and caverns in a wild west, gold rush setting. Thunder Mountain has a lot of quick turns and it’s known for slinging riders from side to side.

#12. Watch Festival of Fantasy Parade

Another classic and fun pastime is watching the Festival of Fantasy Parade which features lots of interactive floats. Twice a day, you’ll get the chance to see everyone from Mickey and the Fab Five to Disney Princesses and Heroes. These characters parade through the crowd displayed on floats, sitting on trolleys and sometimes riding their own horses.

#13. Ride Seven Dwarves Mine Train

Seven Dwarves Mine Train is one of Magic Kingdom’s newest coasters. It’s also one of the most popular rides at the park with very long wait times to match. The ride’s advanced animatronics and speedy track make it a great use of a Fastpass.

#14. Shop on Main Street

The Main Street Emporium is one of Disney World’s best and largest shops. It spans the entire length of Main Street, U.S.A., so it’s hard to miss. On the other side of the street, you’ll find everything from an art shop, a to crystal shop, an apparel accessory shop. Everything here stays open late, so it’s a good last stop before exiting the park.

#15. Watch Enchanted Tales with Belle

When available, Enchanted Tales with Belle is an interactive storytime attraction in Fantasyland. Belle herself will tell you stories with the help of animatronic Beauty and the Beast characters. Audience members will also be picked to help with the story and each guest gets a free bookmark from Belle at the end of the show. It’s a very cool experience, especially for the kids.

#16. Ride It’s a Small World

That song. Those animatronic children. No matter how much you may want to avoid having the infamous tune stuck in your head, It’s a Small World must be ridden. This ride is as “Disney World” as it gets and you’ve got to experience it at least once, no exceptions!

#17. Watch Mickey’s PhilharMagic

Mickey’s PhilarMagic is a 3D show that features some of the most famous music and scenes from classic Disney movies. Beauty and the Beach, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid- they’re all there. It’s a really cool show that is good for all ages.

#18. Take Pictures with Your Favorite Character

Whether it’s a Disney Princess like Cinderella or a Disney villain like Gaston, you’ve got a lot of character viewing options at Magic Kingdom. It can be tedious to wait in line all day to see every character in the park, so we suggest selecting a character dining restaurant or catching them in a stage show or parade.

#19. Ride Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is the ultimate Magic Kingdom ride for testing friendships. You’ll be pitted up against your fellow riders while you shoot your way through Zurg’s minions. Your score is tracked on a screen for you to compare at the end of the ride. It can get pretty competitive, so don’t say I didn’t warn you!

#20. Eat with Pooh & friends at The Crystal Palace

If you’re a Winnie the Pooh fan then a meal at The Crystal Palace is something you’ll really enjoy. The restaurant’s building is based on a beautiful Victorian greenhouse design. Inside, you’ll have a large buffet to choose from. Over the course of your meal, you’ll be visited by Pooh and the rest of the Hundred Acre Wood residents.

#21. Get Ice Cream from the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor is easy to spot at the end of Main Street USA. There’s usually a long line out the door, but it usually moves pretty fast, so don’t let that deter you. There are a number of sundaes to choose from, but this is also the best place in Magic Kingdom to get a delicious ice cream sandwich. If you want some ice cream tips, check out our guide to Magic Kingdom’s Best Ice Cream .

#22. Ride Jungle Cruise

The Jungle Cruise is yet another classic Magic Kingdom staple. After boarding the boat, you’ll embark on a comical voyage through a wild jungle. The real draw to the Jungle Cruise are the Skippers. They stand in the front of the boat and offer quirky, tongue-in-cheek commentary throughout the ride.

Epcot Must Do’s

#23. walk around the epcot world showcase.

The front of the park is great, but everyone knows that the World Showcase at the back is what makes Epcot so special. Situated on the World Showcase Lagoon, the World Showcase features 11 themed countries spread along the circular waterfront. There are enough entertainment, dining, and attractions to keep you busy for a long, long time. The World Showcase’s abundance of culture, food, and drinks makes it especially awesome for adults.

If you’re looking for grownup fun at Epcot, take a look at our Insider’s Guide to Epcot for Adults .

We’ve also got a great guide to our 30 Best Epcot Tips & Secrets and a standalone guide to Epcot Dining .

#24. Watch Epcot Forever

Epcot Forever is a nostalgic culmination of Epcot’s new and state-of-the-art technology and music from original attractions. It incorporates top-notch fireworks, a thrilling soundtrack, lights, lasers, pyrotechnics and more to create an amazing spectacle. If you want to guarantee a really awesome show, try to pick your viewing spot 30 minutes to an hour beforehand along any part of the World Showcase Lagoon walkway.

#25.  Ride Soarin’ Around the World

Soarin’ is one of Epcot’s most popular rides. It’s a hang glider simulator that lifts you into the air and places you in front of a gigantic screen. You’ll feel like you’re truly flying through famous locations around the world, from the Matterhorn to the Taj Mahal. Wait times are almost always long and Soarin’ is absolutely worth getting Lightning Lane.

#26.  Eat at Yorkshire County Fish Shop

Located in the UK Pavilion, the Yorkshire County Fish Shop is a simple quick-service restaurant that serves traditional English fish and chips. The fries are great and the fish is always perfectly breaded and fried. This is one of the best quick meals you can find inside a Disney park.

#27.  Ride Spaceship Earth

If you’ve ever seen Epcot’s iconic, gigantic “golf ball” then you’ve seen Spaceship Earth. Inside Spaceship Earth, there is a ride by the same name. It’s a track ride that takes you on a slow-moving journey through the history of mankind. The sets are extremely details and showcase extensive animatronic work. You can’t leave Epcot without experiencing this ride at least once.

#28.  Watch Reflections of China

Reflections of China, located in the China Pavilion, is one of Epcot’s 360-degree video experiences. It’s a short film that takes you on a journey through China’s most breathtaking urban and rural areas. You’ll see everything from the Great Wall to sprawling urban cities.

#29.  Eat at Le Cellier Steakhouse

Le Cellier is a signature restaurant in the Canada Pavilion. It’s known serving some of the best steaks at Disney World. The restaurant is a uniquely themed recreation of a Canadian chateau-style cellar. It’s very popular and seating is limited, so try to get a reservation as far in advance as possible.

#30. Ride Mission: SPACE

Many people are surprised to find out that Mission: SPACE is actually Disney World’s most intense ride. It’s a spaceship simulator that sends you on a trip to Mars. The g-forces really rip, so be careful if you get motion sickness or have claustrophobia. If you want a more timid ride experience, there is a “less intense” line that eliminates the motion aspect of the ride.

#31. Eat Pastries at Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie

Les Halles is one of the best quick-service restaurants at Epcot. It’s located in the back of the France Pavilion and serves an extensive variety of pastries. You can also get small entrees here (the ham sandwiches are particularly good). If fresh beignets, eclairs, macarons, etc are up your alley, then you’re going to really like Les Halles.

#32. See Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along

This cute and short show puts a new twist on the famous tale of Beauty and the Beast. You’ll get to sit in a cozy yet elegant theater and sing all your favorite songs. The twist is that Le Fou (the lead host in this show) was actually the catalyst for Belle’s romance with the Beast. It’s an interesting take on the classic story.

#33. Get Margaritas from La Cava del Tequila (21+)

La Cava is a quick-service margarita shop inside the Mexico Pavilion’s giant pyramid. It’s so well-liked that it’s among the top-rated Tripadvisor restaurants for all of Orlando. You’ll find hundreds of tequilas and plenty of unique margaritas on the menu. It’s dark and cozy inside, perfect for escaping the heat for a while and enjoying a cold drink with some chips and guacamole.

#34. Eat School Bread at Kringla Bakeri og Kafe

School Bread is my favorite dessert at Epcot. It’s a legendary Disney World pastry found in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion. It’s a bread pastry, filled with cold vanilla custard and topped with coconut. School Bread is a large dessert, but it’s not so sweet that it’s hard to eat. Don’t miss this one!

#35. Watch Canada Far & Wide

Canada Far & Wide is the third country-specific movie in the World Showcase. It’s presented in the same 360-degree style as Reflections of China. This film has recently been updated and is now narrated by Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy, who take you on a visual tour of Canada’s provinces.

#36. Ride Test Track

Test Track is an uber-popular ride. You’ll start by designing a car in the line queue, then you’ll move on to “testing” it out on the track. Most of the ride is indoors and the track bobs and weaves around obstacles. The ride ends with a big outdoor loop where you reach top speeds. Wait times are usually really long, so get a Fastpass if you can.

#37. Eat Pizza at Via Napoli

Via Napoli serves the best pizza at Disney World. True story. You’ll find this Neopolitan-style Italian restaurant in the back of the Italy Pavilion. It does serve things other than pizza, but the pizza is its main focus and it does an outstanding job making it. The ingredients are high-quality and the dough is perfect. You can choose from an assortment of pizzas on the menu or simply build your own. Either way, you can’t go wrong.

#38. Explore The Seas with Nemo and Friends

The Seas isn’t just a Nemo ride. It’s a gigantic indoor aquarium complex that’s home to what was (up until recent times) the largest saltwater tank in the world. There is an incredible amount of ocean life inside. Manatees, dolphins, sharks, turtles, fish- you get the picture. The highlight of The Seas is the glass tunnel that leads you to the middle of the aquarium and gives you a 360-degree view of your surroundings.

#39.  Eat at Biergarten

If all-you-can-eat German food with beer and live music sounds good to you, then you’re going to love Biergarten. It’s a German buffet-style restaurant that features a live polka band throughout the day. It’s a lot of fun, especially if you like beer. They serve German brews in steins the size of your head.

#40. Ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

This brand new ride is extremely fun for all ages, especially for those who love the Guardians of the Galaxy. The ride takes you on a fast-paced tour through space as you escape the villain – it even propels you backwards for the majority of the ride and the vehicles can move a full 360 degrees in rotation! The ride will also vary each time, since different tracks of Star Lord’s Awesome Mix are featured on each go around.

#41. Shop at the Mitsukoshi Department Store

The Mitsukoshi Department Store (check out our full guide to the store) is one of the coolest shops at Disney World. It’s a real Japanese department store brought over from Japan. You can find all sorts of things inside. Up front, there’s merchandise from famous animated brands like Hello Kitty, Pokemon, My Neighbor Totoro, and more. Clothing and home goods are in the middle. The back of the store has groceries, especially candy and sweets. I frequent Mitsukoshi to buy ramen noodles and other random foods.

#42. Meet Your Favorite Characters

Like the other parks, Epcot has a number of character viewing and character dining options. Anna, Elsa, Mulan, and Aladdin and Jasmine are some of the favorites. There are plenty of others like Winnie the Pooh and Alice in Wonderland scattered around, too.

#43. Eat Ice Cream at L’Artisan des Glaces

The ice cream served at L’Artisan des Glaces is hands down the best at Disney World. It is one of the very few shops that serve handmade ice cream and it’s delicious. There is a variety of flavors of plain ice cream, along with a menu of specialty items. My personal favorite is the “Croque Glaces”. It’s a special ice cream sandwich that puts a scoop of ice cream between a piece of freshly-baked brioche bread. The bread is then toasted to lightly crisp the exterior and seal the edges. Trust me- it’s awesome. Don’t go without checking out our  Ultimate Guide to Epcot Ice Cream !

#44.  Watch The American Adventure

The American Adventure is arguably Epcot’s greatest entertainment attraction. It is a stage show that portrays American history with detailed sets and impressive animatronics. It’s definitely a special show and shouldn’t be passed over. It’s equal parts American pride and classic Epcot charm.

#45.  Get a Frozen Kirin Beer (21+)

This is an easy one to miss if you don’t know what to look for. At the front of the Japan Pavilion you’ll find a small quick-service window that serves some drinks and small food items. It’s here that you’ll find the frozen Kirin beer on draft. It’s an icy, refreshing way to drink a beer while walking around the World Showcase.

#46. Watch the Street Performers

From Chinese acrobats to Japanese drummers, you’ll find a whole host of street performers scattered around Epcot. If you spot one of the performing groups while you make your way around Epcot, take a moment to check them out. They’re all very impressive and very good.

#47. Listen to the Voices of Liberty perform inside The American Adventure rotunda

The Voices of Liberty are a very talented group of vocalists who perform traditional American songs inside The American Adventure building. You’ll find them in the building’s central rotunda. They perform right before every one of The American Adventure’s showtimes. Their patriotic a capella renditions are outstanding.

#48. Drink Your Way Around the World (21+)

Drinking Around the World is a time-honored tradition for adult Epcot guests. The goal is to band together with your buddies and drink your way around the World Showcase’s 11 countries. If you’ve spent some time at Epcot, you’ve probably seen sleepy-eyed groups of people stumbling their way around Canada or Mexico as they make their final stand.  It’s a lot of fun if it’s done right and done responsibly. We give you more details on how to Drink Around the World at Epcot in this post.

Animal Kingdom Must Do’s

#49. ride kilimanjaro safaris.

Kilimanjaro Safaris is Animal Kingdom’s best attraction. The “ride” puts you into a real, free-moving truck to transport you through the park’s Harambe Reserve wildlife area. You’ll see lions, elephants, hippos, wildebeest, crocodiles, ostriches- the list goes on and on. It’s a truly unique theme park experience and the collection of African wildlife is really impressive. Certain times of the day are best for seeing the animals and we created a guide to Kilimanjaro Safaris to give you some tips for the ride.

Also, be sure to check out our complete list of Animal Kingdom tips and secrets .

#50. Watch the Festival of the Lion King

The Festival of the Lion King is one of Animal Kingdom’s live shows. It’s a huge musical show that takes place in a circular room, so there’s not a bad seat in the house. You’ll see all of your favorite Lion King characters, along with a whole host of singers, dancers, and acrobats. I’m always impressed by the talent on display in this show.

#51. Ride Expedition Everest

Expedition Everest is, in my opinion, Disney World’s best rollercoaster. The unique thing about this coaster is that it actually goes in reverse for a portion of the ride. Overall, Expedition Everest just feels a lot “bigger” than many other Disney rollercoasters. It’s especially good at nighttime.

#52. Eat at Satu’li Canteen

The new Pandora section of Animal Kingdom added a ton of fun to the park. One of the best addition was the quick-service Satu’li Canteen. It serves a number of “bowls” that are extremely good. You pick a meat, a base (rice, potatoes, etc), and a sauce for your meal. Everything is high-quality and it’s one of the best, most unique quick-service meals at Disney.

#53. Ride Avatar Flight of Passage

Flight of Passage is the flagship ride of the new Pandora section of the park. It’s a state-of-the-art 4D experience that places you on the back of a “Banshee” to take a ride through the world of Pandora. The details are so good that it really does feel like flying. The ride’s seating is shaped kind of like a motorcycle, making you feel like you’re actually riding on the back of a Banshee. You’ll even feel it breathe during the ride.

#54. Walk the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

Spoiler alert: This is where you’ll find the gorillas. The Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail is one of Animal Kingdom’s two walkable wildlife trails. On this one, you’ll see gorillas (the highlight), hippos, and other African animals. The gorillas are usually very entertaining and you can get inches from them (separated by glass).

#55. Eat at Yak & Yeti

Yaki & Yeti is my one of my favorite park restaurants. It’s a Nepalese-themed restaurant that has a large menu of pan-Asian foods. The theme and decor is a nice changeup from what you get at most Asian restaurants and the food is very good.

#56. Walk Around Pandora: The World of Avatar

The new Pandora section of Animal Kingdom is breathtaking. The structures, landscaping, and general theme make it a pretty spectacular sight. It’s at its best when the sun goes down, so make sure to take a stroll through when it’s dark.

#57. Eat at Tiffins

Tiffins is Animal Kingdom’s new-ish signature restaurant. Its theme celebrates the Disney Imagineers’ exploration and preparation when they were creating Animal Kingdom. The menu is one of Disney World’s best, featuring lots of upscale yet wild options.

#58. Watch Finding Nemo: The Musical

Finding Nemo: The Musical is Animal Kingdom’s other major musical stage show. The whole show is elaborate and fun. The music is great and the costumes are some of the most impressive for a Disney show.

#59. Walk the Maharajah Jungle Trek

Maharajah Jungle Trek is Animal Kingdom’s other wildlife trail. It is located in the Asia section of the park and features all sorts of Asian animals. You’ll see everything from tigers to bats to komodo dragons.

#60. Take the Train to Conservation Station

This is an incredible experience and one that guests often forget or don’t realize is available. The attraction is located near the entrance to Gorilla Falls Exploration trail and remains open from 9:30am to 5pm. Conservation Station is a great place for kids to learn about how the zookeepers and veterinarians care for the creatures at Animal Kingdom and there’s even a petting zoo and play area here.

#61. Ride Dinosaur

Dinosaur is a super bumpy ride that sends you back in time to chase down dinosaurs. It’s not overly fast, but what it lacks in speed it makes up for in general rowdiness. The vehicles rocks back and forth like crazy while dinosaurs pop up around you.

#62. Watch Up! A Great Bird Adventure

Up! A Great Bird Adventure is an entertaining stage show featuring multiple species of live birds. The show was updated recently to include Russell and Doug from Pixar’s Up movie. The show’s exotic birds give some pretty impressive performances.

#63. Ride Kali River Rapids

If you don’t mind getting soaked, Kali River Rapids is great. It’s a standard river raft ride that lasts for a while and includes a few good drops.

#64. Ride Na’vi River Journey

The Na’vi River Journey is the second ride in the Pandora section of the park. It’s a dark water ride that takes you through the bioluminescent world of Avatar. It’s not the most thrill-inducing ride, but it has some cool details and impressive animatronics toward the end.

#65. Find DiVine

You’ve got to do some searching for this one. Divine is a live performer, on stilts and covered in foliage. She is one of Animal Kingdom’s best-kept secrets and many people walk right by her without noticing. If she’s out, you’ll likely find her on the Asia pathway, the Africa pathway, or in the Oasis (the front part) of the park.

#66. Get a Pongu Lumpia from Pongu Pongu

There’s a small window in Pandora that serves a handful of drinks and treats. One of the treats is the Pongu Lumpa. It’s a warm empanada-style dessert with cream cheese and pineapple on the inside. It’s a super good quick snack that won’t break the bank.

#67. Eat Lunch at Flame Tree Barbecue

Flame Tree Barbecue is a great quick-service lunch spot with lots of outdoor seating. The menu has plenty of meats like pulled pork, ribs, and chicken. The portions are large and the food is always good.

Hollywood Studios Must Do’s

#68. ride the twilight zone tower of terror.

It doesn’t get more “Hollywood Studios” than the Tower of Terror. It’s my favorite ride at the park and one of the most thrilling experiences at Disney. The theme, the decor, the line queue, the big drop- everything about the Tower of Terror is awesome. Don’t leave Hollywood Studios without riding it at least once!

Want tips on booking fastpasses for Hollywood Studios? Give our Hollywood Studios Fastpass Tiers a look before reserving yours!

#69. Eat at Hollywood Brown Derby

Hollywood Studios isn’t known for having an abundance of great restaurants, but Hollywood Brown Derby is a big exception. It’s the park’s signature restaurant and serves much better food. The restaurant is based on the original Brown Derby Restaurant in real life Hollywood. If you like Cobb salads, Hollywood Brown Derby’s is the most famous around.

#70. Watch Fantasmic !

Fantasmic! is an epic outdoor show that is part fireworks, part stage show, part water show, part lights show. There is so much going on during a Fantasmic performance. You’ll see tons of characters doing all sorts of different performances while fireworks, lights, and water are going off all around. It even incorporates boats that circle the stage. This is definitely Hollywood Studios’ best nighttime show.

#71. Ride Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster has always been a massive part of Hollywood Studios. It’s one of the most intense rollercoasters at Disney and is entirely indoors. The ride is famous for its start, a jolting 0-60 takeoff into a tunnel. Some may think it’s a little too scary – to learn more, read our post on How Scary is Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster? to determine if it’s right for you.

#72. Ride Rise of the Resistance

One of the newest and most technologically avant garde ride in Walt Disney World is Rise of the Resistance in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Being so popular, it can be a challenge to find Lightning Lane passes for this one, but trust us – it is SO worth it for this amazing experience! You can also wait in a standby line for this one.

#73. Eat at the Sci-Fi Dine-In

Even though the Sci-Fi Dine-In’s food is good, the restaurant is really all about the experience. It’s fully indoors, but it’s designed to make you feel like you’re at an old-school drive-in theater. The tables are cars with rows of seats and counters. The big screen plays old thriller/sci-fi movies while you eat.

#74. Drink at Oga’s Cantina

A new establishment introduced with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the iconic “Star Wars Bar”. Oga’s Cantina takes direct inspiration from the first Star Wars movie, Episode IV: A New Hope, where Han Solo takes Luke into a bar on Tatooine. Your mind will be blown stepping inside for the very first time, seeing such similarities and sipping on other-wordly drinks.

#75. Ride the Millennium Falcon

Another new addition to the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge portion of Hollywood Studios is the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run. The ride assigns you a position: Pilot, Engineer or Gunner. Based on the assignment you get, you’ll team up with others to make up one flight crew that guns down enemy ships, steals their cargo and returns it to the Resistance. A truly fun experience, especially for the ultimate Star Wars fans.

#76. See Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

This exciting show tells the full story of Anna and Elsa as seen in the original Frozen movie. The funny cast invites the audience to participate in telling the story and singing along, which is a great time for kids and adults alike. At the end, Elsa even shows up to sprinkle snow on the crowd.

#77. Walk through Walt Disney Presents…

This attraction used to be called “One Man’s Dream” but was recently renamed. It focuses on showing the history behind Walt Disney’s vision for the park and for the Disney company in general. At the end of the tour, you’ll enter a theater where you’ll watch a video about Walt himself. Wait times are never a problem and this is absolutely worth seeing, especially if you’re a true-blue Disney fan.

#78. Ride Slinky Dog Dash

Slink Dog Dash is the flagship ride for Hollywood Studios’ new Toy Story Land. It’s a rollercoaster that strikes a good balance between “thrilling” and “kid-friendly”. The ride also actually lasts for a decent amount of time, which is nice. Don’t hesitate to use a ride pass for this one- the wait times are super high. Also, try riding this one at night. It looks really cool when it’s dark.

#79. Watch Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage

Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage is a stage reenactment of the traditional Beauty and the Beast movie. It shortens the story down but still has plenty of music and performance to make it worthwhile. The costumes are particularly good with appearances from Lumiere, Cogsworth and the gang.

#80. Eat at Woody’s Lunch Box

Woody’s Lunch Box is the main quick-service restaurant in Toy Story Land. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serves a simple menu with normal breakfast items in the morning and some decent sandwiches from the afternoon on. The grilled cheese is great and the “Lunch Box Tarts” (fancy homemade pop-tarts) alone make the restaurant worth visiting. If you want a sugar-high in the morning, get the S’mores Breakfast Sandwich.

Disney Springs Must Do’s

#81. eat at raglan road.

Raglan Road is my favorite Disney Springs hangout. It’s a large Irish pub with live music and dancers every night. You won’t find a more lively spot to spend an evening at Disney. The food is also very, very good. I’ve been to Raglan Road more times than I could ever count and it never gets old. For the price of dinner or drinks, you get top-notch entertainment and a great atmosphere. Raglan Road is one of our top picks on our list of the Best Disney World Restaurants for Adults .

#82. Take an Amphicar Tour

Right next to the Boathouse restaurant, there is a launch that has amphibious cars. For a price, a captain will take you for a 25-minutes sightseeing tour around Disney Spring’s lake. It’s a pretty cool way to see Disney Springs in a new way.

#83. Shop at the Market Co-Op

The Market Co-Op is a collection of Disney shops that sell more unique items than what you’ll find in most other stores. There’s a home good section, a women’s clothing section, a dress/accessory shop, a men’s clothing section, an art section, and more. There are usually some cool finds in here.

#84. Eat Dessert at Amorette’s

Amorette’s is a bakery located right next door to the giant World of Disney store. It serves some of the best baked goods at Disney World, along with some other delicious desserts. Their cakes are works of art and they also provide custom work. This is my go-to Disney Springs dessert spot.

#85. Take a Ride in the Hot Air Balloon

One of the first things you’ll notice walking around Disney Springs is the huge hot ait ballooon routinely rising and falling. You can pay to go up in it. It’s worth the fee ($20 for adults, $15 for kids) once, just to see Disney World from 400 feet in the air.

#86. Go Bowling at Splitsville

This isn’t your rundown hometown bowling alley. Splitsville is a gigantic, upscale bowling alley/restaurant that stays pretty busy in the evenings. The food is decent and the bowling is great.

#87. Eat at Morimoto Asia

Morimoto Asia is another one of Disney Springs’ best restaurants. Celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto is the mind behind the restaurant and he created an awesome menu for it. The restaurant’s building is also pretty incredible. It’s very modern and flashy compared to most other Disney Springs facilities. There’s a great lounge upstairs. If you don’t have a reservation, go to the lounge or go outside to the “Street Food” quick-service extension of the restaurant.

#88. Take a Picture with the Coke Bear

There is a massive Coca-Cola store right next to the Orange Garage at Disney Springs. You’ll find all kinds of Coke products inside, but the highlight is taking a picture with the 7-foot-tall Coke Bear character.

#89. Shop at World of Disney

World of Disney is the largest Disney store in the world. It’s HUGE. You’ll find different departments that carry just about everything you could think of.

#90. Eat at The Boathouse

The Boathouse is a fairly new addition to Disney Springs, but it’s quickly become a fan-favorite. It’s an upscale but casual restaurant that serves outstanding seafood, steaks, and more. It’s a beautiful spot inside and out. Whether you’re dining as a couple or dining with the whole family, this is a great option.

#91. Get Drinks at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar (21+)

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is a heavily-themed bar based on Indiana Jones. There are a lot of creative drinks and the building itself is quirky and cool.

#92. Watch a Movie at the AMC Theater

The AMC theater at Disney Springs is a good place to relax for a while and escape the Disney hustle and bustle. It’s especially good if you can watch a Disney movie at Disney World.

#93. SHop at Namebrand stores

There are TONS of other shops scattered around Disney Springs. There’s something for everyone, men, women, and children.

#94. Get a Sundae or a Milkshake from the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop

Chances are good that you’ll smell the chocolate scent coming from the Ghirardelli shop before you see it. It stays constantly busy, serving milkshakes and ice cream galore.

#95. Eat at D-Luxe Burger

D-Luxe Burger is a newer addition to Disney Springs. It’s a fast-casual, Disney-operated restaurant that serves some surprisingly great burgers. Lots of unique combos and some delicious homemade sauces.

#96. Get Drinks at The Edison’s lounge (21+)

The Edison is a full restaurant, but I like it better for drinks than for a meal. The food is decent, but the lounge is the really cool part. Great for late-night drinks on an adults-night-out.

Disney World Resorts Must Do’s

#97. hang out at stormalong bay at the beach & yacht club resort.

If you’re staying at the Beach Club Resort or Yacht Club Resort, you’ll have access to Stormalong Bay. It’s hands down the best pool area at Disney World. Honestly, “pool” isn’t an accurate description. Stormalong Bay is more akin to a miniature water park, with multiple pools, a big waterslide, a lazy river, lots of lounging areas, and more. While you’re there, take a walk around the Epcot Resort Area and visit some of the other nearby resorts.

#98. Eat at ‘Ohana at the Polynesian Resort

If you can get a reservation for ‘Ohana, don’t hesitate to book it. ‘Ohana is uber-popular and for good reason. The food is great and is served all-you-can-eat. You’ll also get some Hawaiin music and entertainment over the course of dinner. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served. Breakfast features Lilo and Stitch for character dining. ‘Ohana also happens to be an awesome place to watch Magic Kingdom’s fireworks in the evening.

#99. Do a “Monorail Crawl”

Whether you’re eating, drinking, or just sightseeing, it’s a ton of fun to simply hop on the monorail and explore. The Grand Floridian, Polynesian Resort, and Contemporary Resort are linked together via monorail, making it super easy to resort hop. Some of my favorite days at Disney have been spent doing nothing other than making my way around these resorts.

#100. Spend an evening at the Boardwalk

Disney’s Boardwalk is a full resort that features a classic Atlantic City-style boardwalk. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options up and down the boardwalk.

#101. Eat dinner and watch fireworks at California Grill

California Grill is my personal favorite restaurant at Disney World. In my opinion, there’s nothing else like it. The restaurant itself is situated on the very top of the Contemporary Resort, providing the best view of Disney World that you can find. It’s a magical place to have a meal. The restaurant has private outdoor observation decks that are the best spot to watch Magic Kingdom fireworks.

#102. Get drinks at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

Trader Sam’s is the best bar at Disney World and it’s not even close. As soon as you walk in, you’ll realize you’re not in any old bar. Trader Sam’s is an interactive indoor tiki bar that is decked out with incredible decorations and an amazing staff. The whole bar will react to your drink order, complete with effects and animatronics. The drinks are perfect and are served in special ceramic mugs available for purchase (I have too many of them.)

#103. Eat at Jiko: The Cooking Place at the Animal Kingdom Lodge

Jiko is an upscale African restaurant located inside the main Jambo House building at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The food is absolutely outstanding and the setting is cozy but elegant. I’ve never had a bad meal here. Try the Botswana Short Rib!

#104. Take a carriage ride around Port Orleans Resort

Port Orleans Resort is without a doubt my favorite Moderate resort at Disney World. The resort has Moderate-level pricing with Deluxe-level outdoor areas. One of the best ways to enjoy the Port Orleans property is to take a 25-minute horsedrawn carriage ride. The carriage will take you down paths by the river and through the middle of the resort.

#105. Eat dinner at Victoria and Albert’s at the Grand Floridian

If you’re looking for the finest fine-dining at Disney World, Victoria and Albert’s is your spot. It’s one of the most prestigious restaurants in Florida with its AAA 5 Diamond rating. A dinner here is expensive, but it’s worth it if you’re looking for an amazing experience.

#106. Watch fireworks or a sunset on the Polynesian Resort beach

Every night, the Polynesian’s beaches fill with guests who want a great view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. The beaches are situated directly across the Seven Seas Lagoon from Magic Kingdom, giving you a head on view from across the water. The beach is also beautiful for sunset-watching.

#107. Get drinks or a meal at Geyser Point at The Wilderness Lodge

Geyser Point is pretty new to the Wilderness Lodge and has quickly become one of my favorite hangouts. It’s an open-air bar and grill that serves good food and good beer. The real draw though is its view of Bay Lake. It’s the perfect spot for kicking back and enjoying a sunset while you have a drink.

#108. Check out the animals at the Animal Kingdom Lodge

There’s nothing quite like having giraffes, zebras, and other African wildlife right in the middle of a resort. The Animal Kingdom Lodge has some amazing wildlife enclosures directly in the center of the resort areas, making it easy to leisurely watch the animals run around during the day. Whether you’re staying at the AKL or just stopping by for a meal, make sure to walk outside and take a look.

#109.  Hoot and Holler at the hoop-dee-doo Musical Revue

This fun, family-style dinner show gets everybody out of their seat for a good time. You’ll find it at the Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. The fare is good American-style BBQ in platters big enough for your whole party. While eating, various performers will take the stage for songs and skits and will even select people to join them from the crowd.

#110. Get drinks at Jellyrolls piano bar (21+)

Jellyrolls is a popular dueling piano bar located on the Disney Boardwalk and arguably the most lively and chaotic atmosphere on Disney property. The pianists are very talented and play any tune imaginable, including your Disney favorites. They take requests and can play just about anything you throw at them. It’s a great spot for an adults-night-out, especially if you like good music.

Still in the planning phase of your vacation?

We also created a complete guide to Planning a Disney World Vacation on a Budget . It’s a highly detailed resource to help you decide where to spend your money and enjoy Disney World on any budget.

Our annual Disney World gear guide is another helpful resource for getting you ready for your trip.

This was SO helpful! I’ve been doing a lot of research for our trip, but this is first time I heard about the amphicar tours and exactly why people kept recommending Trader Sam’s. Your posts are super helpful! This might be our only trip to Disney for a long time, so we are trying to research what is worth experiencing and what is worth skipping. Thank you!

Thrilled to have helped! It can be easy to become overwhelmed by the number of things to do at Disney and we totally understand the pressure that can come with planning a trip. Especially if it’s the only one you’ll be taking for a while. It’s always our goal to cover as much as we can, because we hate to see anyone miss out on something simply because they didn’t know it existed. Hope you have an outstanding trip and please let us know if we can help with any other questions you may have!

Love the idea of getting a drink at Trader Sams and watching sunset from Polynesian. Do you think we could do that and make it back to MK for fireworks? we’re going in November.

Absolutely!

From November 3rd (after the time change) on, the sun will be setting at about 5:30 PM. Magic Kingdom’s fireworks show will start at 9:00 PM, unless it’s a special event night (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party). On Christmas Party nights, the fireworks may take place somewhere between 9:00 and 9:30 PM.

Either way, you shouldn’t have any problem at all doing Trader Sam’s, a Polynesian Resort sunset, and Magic Kingdom fireworks in one fell swoop!

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Hi, I’m Chad. I’m a Disney World local, fortunate enough to be constantly up close and personal with all things Disney. Thousands of hours at parks, resorts, and restaurants have given me a special connection to the magic. I built Magic Insiders in order to share my years of experience with you.

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Plan Your Dream Trip To Disney!

20 Coolest Things To Do In Disney World

September 6, 2020 //  by  Tasha Lyn Cosimo //   Leave a Comment

Drink (or Eat) Around the World

Disney World is home to Epcot and Epcot is home to the one and only World Showcase ! One of the best things to do in Disney World is explore the World Showcase at Epcot and while you could quickly walk around the world, I highly recommend drinking (or eating) around the world instead!

Drinking around the world has become a fan favorite and you should definitely check out my Ultimate Guide to Drinking Around the World before you depart on your globe trotting adventure!

Drinking around the world in the Epcot World Showcase is by far one of my favorite activities in Disney World! While you can grab an alcohol drink in each country, you do not need to drink alcohol to make this super fun. Grab a bubble tea in China, a hot chocolate in Norway, or Berber Passion in Morocco .

If you do drink alcohol, my Ultimate Guide will point you to some of the best tasty beverages, but you can also just pick the coolest sounding drink from each country!

If you want to add one more item to your must do activities in Disney World – grab a drink in every Disney park too! While Magic Kingdom used to not sell alcohol, you can now find beer and alcohol in this park! Where? Check out my Guide on Where to Find Beer and Alcohol in Magic Kingdom !

If drinking is not your thing, you can switch it up and eat around the world! Every country in the World Showcase has at least one food “stall” making it super easy to get a to-go snack in each country. You can also check out one of the best Epcot Quick Service Restaurants found in the World Showcase. Grab an eggroll in China, a pastry in France, and some scrumptious queso in Mexico ! Eating around the world is by far one of the coolest things to do in Disney World that is all ages friendly!

One of my favorite tips to track your trip around the world is to stop at Kidcot in each country after you grab your drink or snack! At Kidcot you will get a small bag to start and a card from each country! This is a great way to track your world traveling stops and its a fun free souvenir! If you are open to dropping about $13 USD – check out the World Showcase Passport which makes the list for my 26 Best Disney Souvenirs that Won’t Break the Bank .

Thinking about the Disney Dining Plan? Some of the Disney Dining Plans cover alcohol and all of them cover snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. If you plan to drink and/or eat around the world, be sure to take this into consideration when e valuating whether or not you should get the Disney Dining Plan ! A well planned Disney Dining Plan purchase could save you a lot of money when drinking and eating around the world!

Trying to figure out if the Disney Dining Plan is worth it for your trip? It can be confusing so I have created this Easy and Free Disney Dining Plan Calculator to help you out!

Shoot Some Hoops at the NBA Experience

Disney World is not all about the parks! The NBA Experience is a new attraction located at Disney Springs and is fun for all ages. It does require a separate admission ticket purchase, but it is worth every penny and definitely one of the coolest things to do in Disney World! I am not the only person who thinks it’s one of the best things to do in Disney World so be sure to book your reservation in advance!

The NBA Experience gives everyone an opportunity to play around like a pro. It has 13 difference experiences – all of which have a little touch of Disney! You can dunk, dribble, shoot, run, draft, and play throughout the massive complex and even as a basketball nube, it was so fun!

Be sure to wear the right attire, you are playing a sport afterall, so sneakers and comfortable clothes should be part of your packing list for this attraction. Need a packing list for your Disney World trip? Here is the Only Disney Packing List You Will Ever Need !

After you enjoy the NBA Experience be sure to stop by the 15 Bet Disney Springs Stores You Shouldn’t Miss and stop by a meal at one of the Best Disney Springs Restaurants !

Even if you think basketball may not sound like a relaxing vacation activity, especially in Disney World, as you walk through the players tunnel to hear the crowd roar I can guarantee you will understand why this unique experience is one of the best things to do in Disney World!

Resort Hop on the Monorail (and Skyliner)

You do not need to stay at every Disney World hotel to experience all of the amazing Disney World hotels. You actually don’t even need to stay on property. One of the most fun activities to do at Disney World is go resort hopping! Take advantage of the free Disney World transportation and this activity can also be totally free!

Resort Hopping is one of my absolute favorite things to do in Disney World outside the parks and it is by far one of the Best Totally Free Things to do at Disney World !

Resort hopping just means going around to the various Disney World hotels and exploring! There are some areas for guests only, like the Disney Resort pools , but all of the hotels have areas accessible for all visitors. You can check out a bar or restaurant, find a free show or activity at the hotel, take a long stroll and explore the property, and experience the fun Disney World transportation – the monorail and the skyliner!

The monorail connects Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa , and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The Skyliner connects Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Art of Animation . Resort hopping is not only one of the most fun activities in Disney World, it’s also a great way to scope out the hotels for future Disney trips !

While Resort Hopping on the Monorail and Skyliner, be sure to Check out my Comparison of All of the Disney Monorail Hotels and All of the Skyliner Hotels and vote on your favorites!

If you are open to a bit more transportation time, you can also jump on any of the Disney buses and check out the other Disney hotels too! One of our favorite activities in Disney World on our “out of park days” is to explore the hotel pool bars and grab a cocktail while we people watch and enjoy the Florida sunshine!

Visit Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

Explore Disney Springs

Disney Springs, formerly Downtown Disney, has come so far in the last ten years! Exploring Disney Springs is a full day, or multiple day, free activity in Disney World and it should not be missed. From restaurants to food carts you can find a million things to eat in Disney Springs and you can easily shop, or window shop, the day away!

Disney Springs is definitely one of the coolest things to do in Disney World because it’s not only free, but it has something for everyone. You can check out the best restaurants in Disney Springs or for the older crowd, the best bars in Disney Springs , any day of the week. It is also a great place to grab brunch and stroll around the shops!

Disney Springs also has activities like taking a car on the water (really…you can do that) or watching the drone show after an afternoon of live music! As Disney Springs expands, Disney has done a great job making it feel more Disney than mall and I can’t wait to see what more is in store for the future of Disney Springs!

One of the best ways to do Disney on a budget is to find free activities and be sure you don’t try to spend every day in the parks. Disney Springs is your answer! No admission ticket and still super entertaining! If you love Disney Springs, be sure to check out the best hotels to stay close by !

Visit the Animals at the Animal Kingdom Lodge

Not sure what is cooler than getting to visit a whole lot of animals and go on a walking safari for free so visiting the animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge is definitely on the top of the list for best things to do in Disney World! Jump on a bus over to the Animal Kingdom Lodget and you can explore not only the hotel, but also visit the animals!

Visiting the Animal Kingdom Lodge animals is one of the greatest free things to do in Disney World , but it seems like everyone just rushes into Animal Kingdom for a safari ride – don’t make this mistake! While exploring the Animal Kingdom Lodge and taking in the free zoo experience, feel free to ask the cast members about the animals and score some pics – most will be better than those you get on the safari attraction!

Ride the Mountains

Experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

One of the coolest things to do in Disney World is experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios! This is also currently the only place in the world you can experience this attraction. Rise of the Resistance is not just a ride, it’s not just a show, it’s more of a magical experience that takes you to another galaxy!

Check out my guide to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance for the inside scoop on what you can expect – don’t worry you can read the first half of the guide without any spoilers if you don’t want to know all of its secrets! Also this super cool thing to do in Disney World does not take Fastpass , so you will need to do a touch of planning.

While Disneyland will be getting its own Rise of the Resistance, for now, this is a Disney World only attraction! While Disney World has many rides and attractions, Rise of the Resistance deserves it’s own spot on the list of the 20 Coolest Things to do in Disney World! Jump into the virtual queue when you get to Hollywood Studios and once your boarding group is called, take off on a very special Star Wars adventure!

While you are waiting for your boarding group, be sure to check out the other Best Rides and Attractions in Hollywood Studios and take advantage of your Fastpasses , which you cannot use for Rise of the Resistance!

Rent a Boat

For another great adventure outside of the parks, a cool thing to do in Disney World is rent a boat! You can rent a motorized boat at any of the Disney World Marinas and kayaks and canoes at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Disney has plenty of options for you to pick from and prices are by the half hour.

To rent a motorized boat, check out one of the Disney Marinas:

• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s Beach Club Villas
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
• The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

For a cheaper, and slightly more active option, check out the kayaks and canoes at Fort Wilderness! You can also swing by the campfire for a s’more after your ride – one of the best free things to do in Disney World !

You can also jump on a motorized boat at the Seven Seas Lagoon , right outside of Magic Kingdom , from the Boat Nook Marina. What is more fun than some time on the water with a little Disney magic around you? This activity in Disney World will for sure make life long memories and it’s a great way to spend some time outside of the parks!

Splash Around at a Disney Water Park

Disney World is home to two super fun water parks – Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach ! Visiting the Disney World water parks is a must do when in Disney World, especially in the hot summer months . Grab your beach towel, water sandals, and favorite swimsuit – all necessary Disney backpack items for the water parks – and take a dive into the magical world of water rides!

Visiting the Disney Water Parks requires an admission ticket which is not included in the standard park hopper ticket so be sure to upgrade your ticket package to the Park Hopper Plus if you want to check out one, or maybe both, of the Disney water parks! Check out my Ultimate Guide to the Disney Water Parks for all of the best tips for your water park experience!

Typhoon Lagoon is the older of the two water parks at Disney with the centerpiece shrimp boat “Miss Tilly” stranded on the top of Mount Mayday.   Blizzard Beach is the newer Disney water park and is based around the time that a freak snowstorm arrived in Florida and the first ski resort was built.  Both parks have undergone recent updates and are full of rides, wave pools, restauarnts, shops, and bars!

Keep in mind that the Disney water parks have free parking and they may close during the winter months ! I love both Disney water parks so I don’t think you can make a wrong decision if you pick just one, but definitely check out at least one Disney water park as they are two of the coolest things to do in Disney World!

Experience Rope Drop

One of the coolest experiences when visiting Disney World is experiencing rope drop! Disney rope drop is the term for when cast members start allowing guests into various lands. Rope drop does not mean the time when guests are first allowed into the parks. Technically, the parks open in two phases – the first is when they start allowing people through the turnstiles. The other is when they start letting people line up for attractions.

Experiencing rope drop is not only a must do in Disney World, but it’s the best way to get the most out of your morning at Disney !

One of the best parts of rope drop is the atmosphere – there is so much excitement as the park opens for the day and you can feel it in the air! Participating in rope drop will mean you have to get up a bit earlier and I recommend grabbing your coffee on the way. Once you arrive, coffee or not, the adrenaline will kick in and you will be so ready to run to your favorite spots! It is a great way to hit up some of the best rides without a wait, or a wasted Fastpass.

If you do happen to get on a ride or attraction at rope drop which you had a later Fastpass for, be sure to use the best secret to hacking wait times and maximizing your Fastpass – the Tap and Grab Technique!

See the 9 Best Disney World Shows

Ride the 3 Fastest Rides at Disney World

Trade Disney Pins

Stroll Around the Disney Boardwalk

Get a Disney Make Over

Enjoy a Fancy Sit Down Meal

One of the coolest things to do in Disney World is to slow down and enjoy a fancy sit down meal! If you decide to go with the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan this will be a super easy item to check off the list. If you are on another dining plan, or no plan at all, you can still enjoy a fancy sit down meal!

A great way to check out at least one of the Best Disney World Restaurants , like Teppan Edo or Be Our Guest! I am all about the Disney snacks and quick meals during the park days, because of course I want to ride everything and run around. But after long days and a lot of walking, it’s important to slow down, take a seat, and let a chef make you a delicious meal!

There are so many places you can get a fancy sit down meal since every Disney park, resort , and promenade have at least a few great restaurants to offer! Just be sure to book this one dining activity in advance because the fancy, and really scrumptious, Disney World restaurants do fill up quickly! This is also a great activity you can do in Disney World to check out some character dining !

Check Out the 4 Most Classic Rides

Take a Disney Tour

• Backstage Magic
• Behind the Seeds
• Disney’s Family Magic Tour
• Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour
• Disney’s The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour
• Private VIP Tours*
• Taste of Magic Kingdom Park VIP Tour*
• The UnDISCOVERed Future World
• Ultimate Day of Thrills VIP Tour*
• Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour*
• Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour*
• Up Close with Rhinos
• Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour
• World Showcase: DestiNations Discovered
• Wild Africa Trek

The Disney Tours vary in time, location, cost, and involved activities so I recommend checking out a few options before you make your decision! Adding a Disney Tour to your trip is an excellent way to add a magical and unique activity to your agenda!

Since all Disney Tours are guided expect to pay for the tour and tip your guide ! Some of the Disney Tours are a really good way to experience more of the park, or see a bit more, even when the parks are really crowded .

Attend an After Hours Special Event

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The Top 10 Things to Do at Disney World

The 10 Best Things to Do at Disney World

Walt Disney World 

Disney World  is a massive vacation resort with many hotels, an astonishing number of restaurants, shopping and entertainment districts, and a wealth of other features to explore.

Want more than these 10? Consider the enchanting Animal Kingdom show, "Finding Nemo: The Musical," a ride aboard Kilimanjaro Safaris, and a refreshing serving of Dole Whip, the pineapple-flavored treat that is served at Aloha Isle in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom and Capt. Cook's at Disney's Polynesian Resort.

Watch Now: Must-Dos at Disney World

Dine out at some great restaurants.

Melvyn Longhurst / Getty Images

Many Disney World visitors chow down on the same nondescript fast food typically found at traditional amusement parks. And that's a shame.

They are missing out on some fantastic restaurants in the Florida resort and an opportunity to make their vacations more memorable. Disney World's best table-service restaurants  include both high-end and more moderately priced restaurants such as Jiko, The Cooking Place at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, and the Flying Fish at Disney's BoardWalk.

Don't blow all your vacation dollars indulging in table-service restaurants, but that doesn't mean you have to settle for burgers and fries all the time either. The resort has some great counter-service restaurants , including Sunshine Seasons at Epcot and Flame Tree Barbecue at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. If you are looking for something sweet, Disney World has delectable snacks and desserts .

Yo Ho With Pirates of the Caribbean

After a few decades of yo-ho-ing, this ride is still one of the best in all of Disney World. Surprisingly, it was a ride before it inspired the wildly popular movie series featuring Johnny Depp. The Disney Imagineers then incorporated Depp's character, Captain Jack Sparrow, as well as other film references back into the ride.

Pirates of the Caribbean is still the crown jewel among Disney's attractions. You might also enjoy learning about the  history of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride . (For great, classic attractions, the  Haunted Mansion  is typically mentioned in the same breath as Pirates of the Caribbean.)

Head to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach

Ashley / Flickr / cc 2.0

While you may associate Disney World with Cinderella Castle, Epcot's Spaceship Earth and the Tower of Terror, you'd be remiss to overlook the famous water parks!

Both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are among the most spectacular, thrilling, and downright fun water parks anywhere on the planet. However, we give the (slight) nod to Typhoon Lagoon—its evocative and whimsical seaside village theme, dense and beautiful canopy of flora, and tranquil lazy river give it the edge over Blizzard Beach. (Although the latter has the incredibly thrilling speed slide,  Summit Plummet .)

Journey to Pandora, the World of Avatar

The level of detail at the Animal Kingdom is breathtaking. Marvel at the floating mountains, gawk at the bioluminescent plants, witness a Pandoran shaman on the tranquil Na'vi River Journey, board a banshee on Avatar Flight of Passage (one of Disney's best attractions), and more in this living ode to James Cameron's film series.

Be aware, however, that since its opening in 2017, Pandora has been wildly popular. The standby wait times to board the two rides, especially Flight of Passage, often swell to two hours or more. To help avoid lines for these and other popular rides throughout Disney World, and to better manage your visit, you should learn how to make reservations and use My Disney Experience .

Experience the Tower of Terror

Paul Beattie / Flickr / CC 2.0

If you can handle the thrills (which are pretty thrilling), no trip to Disney World would be complete without a visit to the classic  The Twilight Zone -themed attraction. At its core, the Tower of Terror is a relatively basic drop tower ride, which is a staple at many amusement parks. However, the elaborate theme and effects take it to a whole different zone. The "Fourth Dimension” sequence, in which the elevator cars move horizontally, is freaky and especially wonderful.

Get Thrilled at Summit Plummet and More

Walt Disney World

Do you love the Tower of Terror for its stomach-in-your-throat moments? The Florida resort does have some other thrill rides to get your pulse racing, like Summit Plummet, Expedition Everest, and Space Mountain.

Try the Best Rides for Kids at Disney World

Gene Duncan / The Walt Disney Company

Thrills are great. But what about kids who aren't tall enough to tackle the Tower of Terror, and don't have the stomach for thrill rides? Fortunately, Disney World is loaded with wonderful rides that young children will adore, including Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Peter Pan’s Flight, and The Sea with Nemo & Friends. Like many things at Disney World, adults will love them too, because they bring out the child in you.

Stay at One of the Disney Hotels

Dan Forer / Getty Images

Sure, you could save a few bucks by staying off the property. But you'd be robbing yourself of the full Disney World experience (as well as some nifty benefits, including complimentary ground transportation to and from the airport and exclusive ride time at the parks). Some of the best Disney World hotels include the Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Wilderness Lodge, and the Grand Floridian.

Go to the Galaxy's Edge at Star Wars Land

While the "Star Wars" area of the park celebrated a soft launch and opening day in late May, Galaxy's Edge will officially open in August of 2019 and will continue to grow throughout the 2019 and 2020 seasons.

Join the crew of the Millennium Falcon on the "Smuggler's Run" smuggling mission, an interactive ride through deep space to help everyone's favorite "Star Wars" characters with their jobs. Later, you can also join the Resistance in its battle against the First Order at the "Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance" experience.

Seek Out the Best Rides and Shows

Part of the fun of being at Disney World is to explore the park and check out as many different sights and rides as you can. "Pirates of the Caribbean" frequently takes top billing as one of the best Walt Disney World rides, but others like the "Twilight Zone Tower of Terror" and "Mission: Space" are just as fun, often with smaller crowds.

Walt Disney World Guide: Planning Your Trip

Your Guide to Visiting Walt Disney World During the Pandemic

Could You Handle Disney’s Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Ride?

The Complete Guide to Disney World’s Blizzard Beach

Disney World Vs. Universal Orlando

Disney California Adventure: The Complete Guide

10 Things to Do in Disney World When It Rains

The Best Disney World Rides for Kids Under 10

The Complete Guide to Disney World for Adults

Disneyland vs. Disney World: Which Is Better?

The Best Haunted Attractions

Your Guide to Walt Disney World

10 Best Walt Disney World Rides

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Coaster: How Scary Is It?

Disney World's 13 Most Thrilling Rides

Best Walt Disney World Resort Hotels in Orlando

26 Best Things to Do at Disney World: Must Do Rides in Each Park

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Disney World can indeed be the most magical place in the world. At its best it’s pure, stress-free fun and a blissful escape from the real world.

To make the most of a trip to Disney and avoid long queues, you need to plan in advance.

Prioritize the attractions you most want to do and ride them first thing in the morning or use the new paid Lightning Lanes. A little planning makes Disney much more enjoyable.

Disney World in Orlando, Florida has four main parks: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios.  Each one is very different and I recommend dedicating at least one full day to each park.

In this post, I share our picks for the Disney World must do rides in each park, plus a strategy to help you avoid lines and our favourite places to eat.

I’ve focused on the best things to do at Disney World for adults and older kids, but many of these are suitable for the whole family.

2024 Changes at Disney World

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There have been many changes at Disney World over the last few years. Here’s what you need to know in 2024:

• You no longer need a Park Reservation if you have a dated ticket (which most guests will have).
• Park Hopping is back to normal so you can switch parks at any time of day.
• FastPasses have been replaced with Genie+ (see below for details).
• Extra Magic Hours have been replaced with Early Entry, which gives Disney Resort guests a 30-minute early entry to each park every day. This is a big advantage for riding the top Disney World rides.
• You can only ride Tron and Guardians of the Galaxy by joining a virtual queue in the Disney app.

Back to Contents

Watch our video for ideas on what to do at Disney World Florida.

If you have limited time, these are our absolute favourite things to do at Disney World.

• Enjoy a magical flight over the stunning world of Pandora on Avatar Flight of Passage (Animal Kingdom).
• Experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance , Disney’s most immersive ride (Hollywood Studios).
• Ride Guardians of the Galaxy , Disney’s most joyful roller coaster (Epcot).
• Plummet down an elevator on the classic Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (Hollywood Studios).
• Race on a motorcycle on Tron Lightcycle Run, the newest ride at Disney World (Magic Kingdom).
• Feel like a Star Wars character with a drink at Oga’s Cantina , Disney’s best bar (Hollywood Studios).

There are two main ways to avoid long lines on the best rides at Disney World. By using them we rarely queue for more than 15 minutes (30 minutes is our maximum), when lines can peak at two hours or more.

Arrive Early

The first is to arrive at parks at least 30 minutes before the official opening time (which you can check on the Disney World website ) to be near the front of the line waiting to get in.

For the first hour of the day, you can get on most rides without much queuing. 

If you are staying at a Disney resort, you can enter every park every day 30 minutes early—definitely take advantage of this. I recommend arriving 60 minutes before the official park opening as they sometimes let guests in early.

In addition, if you are staying at a Deluxe Disney resort, you can stay late at select parks on certain days.

Check this Disney World crowd calendar for the best days to visit each park. 

Use Lightning Lanes and Genie+

The second way to avoid long lines, even if you don’t arrive early, is to use Disney’s Lightning Lanes. These replaced the FastPass+ system.

Access to Lightning Lanes is primarily via a new paid service called Genie+ which you can buy from the My Disney Experience app for $15 – $39 per day and use for select rides.

As the system is complicated, I highly recommend reading our detailed guide to how to use Genie Plus . You’ll get the most for your money if you are prepared.

The one or two most popular rides in each park are not included in the Genie+ bundle. Instead, line-skipping for these is priced individually (called Individual Lightning Lanes) and the cost varies depending on demand.

While Genie+ is a service that’s worth paying for, especially for Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, you should be able to avoid paying for individual attractions by arriving early and riding them first.

Below I’ve included recommendations for Genie+ priority rides.

Most of these Disney World rides are accessible for guests in wheelchairs or ECVs (Electric Conveyance Vehicles), although many require transfer from a wheelchair to the ride vehicle. 

On the Disney website, you can see this list of services for guests with mobility disabilities which shows which rides are accessible for wheelchair users.

This guide to going on Disney rides in a wheelchair is also useful and answers common questions. 

Wheelchairs and ECVs can be hired at all the parks on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Magic Kingdom is the most classic Disney park with its fairytale castle and famous characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

I haven’t included any Fantasyland rides below as they are aimed at small children, and the queues for rides like Peter Pan and Winnie the Pooh are usually very long and not worth it to us.

The most popular ride of all is the gentle roller coaster, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train . We like it, but we don’t think it’s worth the very long lines.

For a more detailed guide to the park including Fantasyland rides and no-wait attractions, see our post on the must do rides at Magic Kingdom .

One notable attraction missing here is the log flume water ride Splash Mountain , which has now closed.

It will reopen in late 2024 as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure based on the Disney movie, The Princess and The Frog . It will likely resume its place then as one of the top things to do at Disney World.

1) Tron Lightcycle Run

The newest ride at Magic Kingdom is Tron Lightcycle Run, which opened in April 2023 and will be a priority for anyone who loves thrill rides.

We haven’t had a chance to ride it yet, but we can’t wait to hop on one of the motorbikes and speed around the track that goes outside with great views of Tomorrowland and inside through a huge dark warehouse.

There is no standby line for Tron. Access is by free virtual queue in the Disney app—be ready to book at 7am or 1pm as it sells out in seconds.

Deluxe Disney resort guests can also join at 6pm during Extended Evening Hours (currently Wednesdays at Magic Kingdom).

Alternatively, book an Individual Lightning Lane for $20 (best booked at 7am for resort guests or park opening for everyone else).

2) Space Mountain

Classic Space Mountain is a high-speed roller coaster in the dark with plenty of twists and turns (but no inversions or large drops).

As you fly through the galaxy you never know what’s coming next.

We often ride this first thing and it’s quite the way to wake up!

Space Mountain is definitely a must do at Disney World. 

3) Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a fun outdoor roller coaster in Frontierland, which is our favourite area of the park with its Wild West theme.

It’s not as wild as Space Mountain, but we love the theming—you’re on a runaway mine train during the Gold Rush—and the views of the park.

Recommended Reading: See our Disney trip costs and money-saving tips in our post on planning a trip to Disney World on a budget .

4) Pirates of the Caribbean

Pirates of the Caribbean is a gentle indoor cruise through scenes of a pirate raid from the bombardment of a fortress to debauchery after the victory. 

Every time we ride it we notice new details. The films were inspired by this classic ride and you can now see an animatronic figure of Captain Jack Sparrow.

5) Haunted Mansion

A slow ride through a haunted estate full of ghosts and ghouls. It’s fun (and often humorous) rather than scary with lots of spooky details and special effects to enjoy.

The queue features interactive elements like a musical crypt, so a slightly longer wait here is fine.

6) Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

On this Toy Story-themed interactive ride, you shoot targets with laser cannons and earn points as your spinning car (you control the spin) makes its way through the scenes.

It’s not as good as the similar ride at Hollywood Studios, but Simon still always wants to ride it again to beat his score.

The Best of the Rest at Magic Kingdom

Once you’ve got the main rides out of the way, one of the best things to do is just wander, soak up the atmosphere, and pop into one of the random shows and attractions that rarely have long waits.

If you are wondering what to do in Disney World when you’re feeling hot and exhausted, I recommend musical shows like The Enchanted Tiki Room , Country Bear Jamboree (which is surprisingly racy!), and Mickey’s PhilharMagic. You won’t need to wait for long and they are perfect when you need a break.

We also love having a picnic on Tom Sawyer’s Island , clambering up the Swiss Family Treehouse , and getting on the water on the pun-tastic Jungle Cruise or the leisurely Liberty Square Riverboat .

The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover takes you behind the scenes of Tomorrowland’s attractions and is especially lovely at sunset when you can see the park from above. We enjoy taking the Railroad around the park in the afternoon when we’re feeling tired.

Finishing the day with the Magic Kingdom fireworks above the castle is a Disney World must do.

Best Genie+ Rides at Magic Kingdom

If you’ve purchased Genie+ for Magic Kingdom (which is worth doing), the most popular selections are Jungle Cruise and Peter Pan’s Flight.

After those, choose Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Haunted Mansion, and Buzz Lightyear.

See our Disney Genie Plus review for more details on this line-skipping service.

Where to Eat at Magic Kingdom

Jungle Cruise-themed Skipper Canteen is our favourite table service restaurant.

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn in Frontierland is our top pick for eating at Disney World on a budget —the veggie rice bowl is one of the healthier options.

Since the addition of Pandora—The World of Avatar, Animal Kingdom has become one of the most enjoyable parks at Disney World.

There are fewer major attractions than at other parks, but this makes for a more relaxing experience (with fewer queues), and there’s still plenty to do.

For a more detailed guide to the park, see our post on the best things to do at Animal Kingdom .

7) Avatar Flight of Passage

Avatar Flight of Passage is by far the most popular ride at Animal Kingdom and this unique experience is a Disney must do.

It’s best ridden during Early Entry as lines are long most of the day.

Flight of Passage is well worth the wait and the beautiful queue and fun pre-show are part of the experience.

It’s an exhilarating 3D flight simulator ride where you fly on the back of a dragon-like banshee. You can feel it breathe beneath you as you soar over the extraordinary Pandora world through forests and waterfalls.

While flying over the ocean a whale-like creature even jumps out of the water and splashes you. It’s magical and incredibly immersive.

While it’s not necessary, I’m glad I watched the first Avatar movie before we went on the ride.

8) Na’vi River Journey

The second Avatar ride is not as spectacular, but it’s worth doing if you don’t have to wait too long.

Na’vi River Journey is a peaceful river ride in the dark through a bioluminescent rainforest.

It’s a beautiful world with plenty to see, and the graceful Shaman of Songs is Disney’s most lifelike animatronic character yet.

9) Kilimanjaro Safaris

On Kilimanjaro Safaris you board a jeep to head out into Disney’s safari park to see real live animals.

It’s best first thing in the morning (we ride it after the two Pandora rides) when the animals are more active and the lines are shorter.

The guides are genuinely informative and you can see elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs and more.

10) Expedition Everest

Expedition Everest is a fast roller coaster train that speeds through the Himalayan mountains trying to avoid the mythic yeti. 

The details in the queue (and in the whole Asian area of the park) reminded us so much of Nepal.

There’s a single-rider line that’s much quicker, so Simon usually rides it a couple of extra times by himself.

11) Kali River Rapids

This whitewater rafting ride is fairly gentle with a few thrilling drops. The fun is in the nervousness over whether you’ll get just wet (as everyone does) or truly soaked (as about one person per raft does).

The Best of the Rest at Animal Kingdom

The Dinosaur ride is surprisingly scary and doesn’t usually have long waits.

It’s well worth walking the informative Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and Maharajah Jungle Trek to see gorillas, tigers, and many other animals.

Our favourite show is It’s Tough to be a Bug , and it’s also worth seeing the Festival of the Lion King and Feathered Friends in Flight . There’s plenty of street entertainment going on all day, too.

In the evening, don’t miss the Tree of Life Awakening (every 10 minutes after dark) and wandering through Pandora .

Best Genie+ Rides at Animal Kingdom

Genie+ is less useful at Animal Kingdom as there are fewer rides.

Your Genie+ priority should be Na’vi River Journey followed by Kilimanjaro Safaris and Expedition Everest. Kali River Rapids and Dinosaur only really need it on busy days.

Unfortunately, Avatar Flight of Passage is only available if you pay individually. I recommend arriving early and riding it first.

Where to Eat at Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom has the most vegetarian-friendly food in all of Disney World.

For a quick lunch, the customisable bowls at Satu’li Canteen are a great option.

Nomad Lounge is the perfect spot for an afternoon rest, light meal, and cocktail.

We also enjoy lunch offsite at Sanaa restaurant in the nearby Animal Kingdom Lodge. You can watch giraffes and zebras wandering past as you eat, and the Indian food is delicious. Make sure to book.

See our Animal Kingdom must do guide for more suggestions.

While major rides at Epcot are limited, there are many other things to do.

World Showcase has pavilions representing 11 countries with shows, shops, and restaurants.

The front of the park (previously known as Future World) features the most rides plus interesting exhibitions.

12) Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Epcot’s newest ride, Guardians of the Galaxy, debuted in May 2022 and is now one of the top things to do at Disney World.

This Marvel-themed roller coaster is a thrilling dark ride where you embark on an intergalactic chase through space and time. 

It’s super smooth, has an amazing soundtrack and epic visuals, and is just so much fun!

You can’t just turn up and queue for Guardians of the Galaxy. You must either pay for Lightning Lane access or join the free virtual queue on the My Disney Experience app at 7am or 1pm. 

There’s also a 6pm queue for guests staying in deluxe resorts during Extended Evening Hours (currently Mondays at Epcot). 

13) Soarin’ Around the World

Soarin’ is a wonderfully relaxing hand-gliding ride where you soar above the world and see famous sights like the Great Wall of China, Iguazu Falls, and Sydney Harbour.

14) Test Track

Test Track is unique because you design your own vehicle, choosing to prioritise power or efficiency or responsiveness, before taking it for a high-speed test ride.

There’s a quicker single-rider line for Test Track, but you miss the design stage, so I’d only use it for a repeat ride.

15) Mission: SPACE

If you’ve ever wanted to be an astronaut, this space shuttle simulator is for you.

The Orange Mission is intense as you experience the real feel of a space launch as you rocket to Mars and dodge meteorites. The g-forces are incredibly realistic and unlike anything we’ve experienced before.

The Green Mission is a less intense ride without spinning where you orbit the Earth. I stick with this one as the Orange Mission aggravates my motion sickness.

16) Spaceship Earth

Spaceship Earth is a gentle journey exploring the history of communication from the Stone Age to the computer age.

After the ride there are interactive games and displays in Project Tomorrow—it’s areas like these that mean Epcot takes longer than you expect.

17) Frozen Ever After

This took over the old Norway ride and follows the same route. It’s a must for Frozen fans with excellent animatronics of Elsa and friends as you slowly ride a Norwegian vessel through the wintery world of the popular movie.

18) Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is located in the France Pavilion of the World Showcase and is very popular.

This exhilarating 4D ride is based on the Ratatouille movie—you feel like you’ve been shrunk to Chef Remy’s size as you whizz around the bustling kitchen and restaurant in Paris.

This is the best ride to head to as soon as the park opens (especially if you have Early Entry). Or it’s included in Genie+.

The Best of the Rest at Epcot

You can follow Nemo on The Seas and visit the aquarium afterwards. Living with the Land is also worth doing.

In the afternoon, heading over to World Showcase is a must do Disney experience. Stroll the different countries, eat and drink your way around the world, and pop into any of the shows that take your fancy.

The Impressions de France wide-screen movie is my favourite. The American Adventure is an interesting look at key moments in American history.

The Epcot fireworks show at the end of the day is a must see at Disney World.

See our Epcot must do guide for lots more suggestions

Best Genie+ Rides at Epcot

Genie+ is less useful at Epcot unless you are park hopping.

In order of priority, I would choose Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Frozen, Test Track, and then Soarin’.

Where to Eat at Epcot

Eating and drinking your way around the world is part of the fun at Epcot and there’s plenty to choose from.

Our favourite restaurant is Space 220 where you dine in a space station looking down at Earth. The set menu is pricey, though, and you’ll need to book far in advance.

We love the atmosphere at San Angel Inn in Mexico. In the middle of the day, it was fun to have a romantic candlelit meal under the stars overlooking a river, temple, and volcano.

The food is decent, but the margaritas are the highlight.

You can also try them (along with 200+ tequilas) in the cosy bar next door, La Cava del Tequila —it’s a Disney must do for adults.

Hollywood Studios has some of our favourite Disney World rides, and we love the movie theme.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is an incredibly detailed land that’s wonderful to wander day and night, even if you’re not a Star Wars fan.

19) Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Hollywood Studios’ most popular ride is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

This immersive attraction takes you to the distant planet of Batuu where you join the Resistance in an epic battle against the First Order.

It’s unlike any other ride at Disney (or anywhere) and we were blown away. Don’t miss it! 

Rise is usually quietest in the last hour of the day or you can pay $20-25 for Individual Lightning Lane access.

20) Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Tower of Terror is a Disney classic and is brilliant (and different) every time we ride it—it’s one of our favourite Disney rides.

The theming of the abandoned hotel is exceptionally detailed and atmospheric, and there’s nothing like the anticipation as you ascend in the elevator and wait for it to plummet.

21) Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster

Update: Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is temporarily closed for refurbishment until summer 2024.

Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is one of the best things to do in Disney World for thrill-seekers.

It’s the scariest roller coaster at Disney with a fun introduction (you join Aerosmith on a race to their gig), super-fast launch, and exhilarating inversions. 

There’s a single-rider line which saves time, so Simon rides this one again and again. It’s one of the best rides at Disney World for adults. 

If you are a fan of intense coasters with inversions, check out our guide to the must do rides at Islands of Adventure at Universal Studios Orlando . It has some amazing thrill rides!

22) Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run

Star Wars fans will also want to ride Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run.

On this interactive experience, you fly the Millennium Falcon on a smuggling mission as the pilot (which is most fun), engineer or gunner.

23) Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a trackless dark ride that takes you into the world of cartoons with Goofy driving your train.

It’s charming and fun with unexpected twists and is suitable for all ages. 

24) Slinky Dog Dash

Slinky Dog Dash is located in Toy Story Land and is one of the most popular attractions at the park.

It’s a gentle outdoor roller coaster designed to look like Andy built it out of Tinkertoys. It’s fun but I wouldn’t wait too long for it.

Ideally, ride this with Genie+ or head there as soon as the park opens.

25) Toy Story Mania!

This is a much better, 4D version of the interactive Toy Story game at Magic Kingdom where you rack up points by shooting in carnival games.

26) Star Tours

Head into space on a 3D, motion-simulated space flight to popular destinations from Star Wars. Each ride is different so it’s a good one to repeat. There’s never a long wait.

The Best of the Rest at Hollywood Studios

Wandering Galaxy’s Edge is a highlight of the park. Make a reservation for Oga’s Cantina , the super fun Star Wars bar with a droid DJ and unique cocktails.

There are some good shows at Hollywood Studios including Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular , Muppet Vision 3D , and Beauty and the Beast (the latter is not a must-see but good for a break).

It’s worth staying after dark for the Fantasmic show using pyrotechnics, water, laser lights, and fireworks.

See our guide to the best things to do at Hollywood Studios for more tips.

Best Genie+ Rides at Hollywood Studios

Genie+ is very useful at Hollywood Studios. The Genie+ priority is definitely Slinky Dog Dash—you may need to book at 7am to get a good return time and they can sell out.

After that, I’d choose Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Tower of Terror, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, and Toy Story Mania.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is only available as a paid Lightning Lane. It’s worth considering paying for, but passes can sell out early.

Note that wait times at Hollywood Studios peak in the morning, so if you can stay until the evening (or park hop), you’ll have shorter lines.

Where to Eat at Hollywood Studios

The food at Hollywood Studios has improved in recent years. The best casual options are in Galaxy’s Edge at Ronto Roasters and Docking Bay 7.

For a fun sit-down meal, try to get a reservation at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater .

The restaurant is very cool—a huge space set up like a drive-in with a starry sky, vintage cars which you sit in to eat, and a screen showing 60s cartoons and movie clips.

I’m also excited to try the new Toy Story-themed Roundup Rodeo BBQ . You eat family-style for a set price, and there are plant-based options. Book 60 days in advance.

After four visits to Disney World Orlando as adults, we can attest that the magic is still alive!

It’s really one of the most fun places on Earth with a wide array of exciting rides, immersive worlds, and even delicious food and drink.

Each park offers a different experience so you’ll ideally spend a week exploring.

I hope our round-up of the best things to do at Disney World has helped you prioritize your time in the parks. Make sure you do some advance planning, arrive early, and have fun!

Plan your trip with our other Disney guides:

• Planning a Trip to Disney World on a Budget
• Is Disney Genie Plus Worth It? Everything You Need to Know
• Must Do Rides at Magic Kingdom
• Best Things to Do at Animal Kingdom
• Best Things to Do at Epcot
• Must Do Rides at Hollywood Studios
• Disneyland & California Adventure in One Day: An Itinerary for Adults

Outside of the US, we also have detailed guides to Disneyland Paris ,  Tokyo Disneyland , and  DisneySea Tokyo .

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22 Comments

Good info, thanks for sharing!

Reply ↓

Thank you so much for all the great tips and information! We just spent two days with park hopper passes for our family and kept this post at-the-ready the whole for quick reference! We had an amazing, fun-filled, successful time! Thanks again!

I’m so glad you enjoyed the parks!

This is the best travel blog I have ever found! Thank you for all of the wonderful information. Happy Travels!

Aw, thank you! 😀

Felt like I hit jackpot when I found this page. Exactly the kind of information I was looking for. Going from Uk for a week on January and your detailing of the rides are going to help me a lot on my first visit to Disney world Orlando. Many many thanks.

Aw, I’m glad it helped! Have a wonderful first trip to Disney! It shouldn’t be too busy in January (but pack a sweater!).

Loved the page. Very informative. Really helped us to plan our days

I may have missed it in the post, however could you provide some detail about the Star Wars area in the Magic Kingdom and the experiences which now exist. I’m coming out next August (23) Yes a whole year away and want the visit to be awesome. We are staying in a Disney Resort Hotel and have 14 day park hopper tickets and a three park pass for Universal.

I mentioned it in the post, but we haven’t had a chance to visit yet due to a cancelled trip. We will be going next month and updating this post and writing about it more in detail.

The Star Wars area is actually in Hollywood Studios. Rise of the Resistance is the most popular ride. That’s great you are staying onsite as you can enter the parks 30 minutes early – in fact, you want to arrive 1 hour early as they sometimes let people in even earlier. This is the best time to ride Rise without a long wait (or paying for Lighning Lane access). The other ride is Milennium Falcon.

You might also want to get an Advance Dining Reservation for Oga’s Cantina, the Star Wars themed bar (more of a place to drink than eat). We managed to get a slot by booking 60 days in advance of the day we will check in to the resort.

Sounds like you’ll have plenty of time to explore!

Hello Erin, thank you so much for all these useful informations! I would like to know if I have to reserve for the rides ahead of time ?

Also I can only go there three days .. would I be able to do two parks in one day? And if so, which ones you recommend to split in two

Thank you in advance

You don’t have to reserve the rides – you can just join the regular queue. If you pay for Genie+ you can book rides from 7am on the day of your visit but only one at a time (once you’ve ridden, book another one). See the How to Avoid Queues section in this post.

I would definitely give Magic Kingdom a full day. I would probably combine Epcot and Animal Kingdom – make sure you get a park hopper ticket to do so. Enjoy!

Hi This is our first time in Disney world with two little girls We are not staying in any disney resorts , do you still recommend we are in the entrance gate 1 hour before park opening ? We were planning to take the Genie + for the days we will be visiting the Magic Kingdom as that seems to have the maximum rides

I probably wouldn’t arrive that early as resort guests will be let in first. About 15 minutes before opening would be fine, especially as you’ll have Genie+. Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are the best parks to use Genie+ in. Enjoy!

I see places that say: “Sign up early, spaces fills up”? What is this referring to, how do we sign up. We have made reservations??

Where are you seeing that? It could just be referring to park reservations. I can’t think what else it would be.

This guide was very helpful to us during our visit and helped us to effectively visit all the major attractions. Thank you so much for creating such a detailed document

I’m glad it helped and I hope you had an amazing trip!

Hi. It would be so lovely and helpful if at least one of these posts or utubers would be so kind to include and compile the rides at all of these parks that are wheelchair / stroller friendly for adults/children with disabilities…not one mentions this invisible and forgotten group..

That’s a great idea, Teresa, and I’m sorry I haven’t included that information already. I’ve now added some information to the post with resources I’ve found and eventually plan to update each ride listing. For now, take a look at these posts:

https://www.disneyworld.eu/guest-services/mobility-disabilities/ https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/disney-world-disability-access-attractions/ https://diz-abled.com/going-disney-world-rides-wheelchairs-ecvs-mobility-issues/

I hope that helps.

I loved it it was alot of good thinks i would love too ride. Bit its covid-19 and i cant come there! Have a great day

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• Space Mountain ®
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train  

Disney’s original Orlando theme park is also the world’s most famous. What’s more, several of  Magic Kingdom Park 's attractions have been thrilling guests for more than five decades, including iconic rides that have been there since the park opened in 1971. These include Haunted Mansion ®, "it’s a small world" ® and Jungle Cruise ®.

Although it’s “only” been around since 1973, Pirates of the Caribbean ®— most recently updated in 2018 — is another one you won’t want to miss, particularly if you’re a fan of Captain Jack Sparrow. And having launched in 1975, Space Mountain ® is still one of Orlando’s most exciting experiences.

Of course, Magic Kingdom Park also has plenty of new tricks up its sleeve. For example, TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise is set to debut on April 4, 2023. Based on the Disney sci-fi film, TRON: Legacy, the attraction will invite you to pilot your very own Lightcycle as you speed across a world with no horizons in a high-stakes race.

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• Spaceship Earth
• Soarin’ Around the World
• Test Track ® Presented by Chevrolet®  

The enormous geodesic dome at  EPCOT ® isn’t just for show. It’s actually one of the forward-thinking theme park’s original rides, Spaceship Earth, which sends you on a tranquil journey through the history of communication. (Pro tip: It’s also a great place to beat the heat if you’re visiting during summer.)

And now, there’s an out-of-this-world reason to visit EPCOT. Part of the park’s first “other-world” pavilion, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is the first Disney coaster with a reverse launch, the longest fully enclosed coaster at any Disney theme park, and the first Disney Omnicoaster, where vehicles make controlled rotations to always keep you focused on the action. Other indispensable EPCOT attractions include Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure , Soarin’ Around the World, and Test Track ® Presented by Chevrolet®.

Discover: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

For many, EPCOT’ s biggest draw is the World Showcase, which features authentic recreations of Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States. This area is also where you’ll find most of the food kiosks at the EPCOT® International Food & Wine Festival, EPCOT® International Flower & Garden Festival, and similar events.

• Star Wars : Rise of the Resistance
• Millennium Falcon : Smugglers Run
• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Slinky Dog Dash
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ™  

When Star Tours ® : The Adventures Continue joined  Disney's Hollywood Studios ® six months after opening day in 1989, few would have guessed that Disney would one day own the entire  Star Wars  franchise. It turned out to be the first of the park's many attractions based on that galaxy far, far away, with the biggest yet —  Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge  — now inviting you to live your very own  Star Wars  story in a whole new land.

Discover: STAR WARS: Galaxy’s Edge

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is home to  Millennium Falcon : Smugglers Run, where you and your crew can take control of the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy. It also features  Star Wars : Rise of the Resistance, which is one of the most ambitious attractions ever created by Disney.

There are countless other reasons to visit this park, starting with white-knuckle thrills at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ™. Some animated new attractions have also joined the lineup as part of  Toy Story Land , based on the hit Disney-Pixar movies, including Slinky Dog Dash . For more animated fun, hitch a ride aboard Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

Discover: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

• Avatar Flight of Passage
• Expedition Everest — Legend of the Forbidden Mountain ®
• Kilimanjaro Safaris ®
• Kali River Rapids ®  

In 2017, Disney’s Animal Kingdom ® Theme Park opened an otherworldly new land that’s still packing in crowds with no signs of slowing down: Pandora — The World of Avatar . Rides here include Na’vi River Journey and Avatar Flight of Passage , which are complemented with themed shopping and dining.

The success of its sci-fi offerings aside, this park’s first name continues to be its  raison d'être . This focus is particularly evident in one of its original attractions, Kilimanjaro Safaris ® , which provides an 18-minute journey to Africa right here in Orlando. For a wilder ride, check out Expedition Everest — Legend of the Forbidden Mountain ® (look out for the Yeti) or Kali River Rapids ® .

Fans of dinosaurs will find much to love at this park, too, beginning with the aptly named DINOSAUR attraction.  Younger admirers of these prehistoric beasts will also have a blast on TriceraTop Spin.

Miss Adventure Falls is the newest reason to visit  Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park , which is set in a recently storm-tossed tropical lagoon. This family-style attraction — the longest at any Disney water park — invites you to climb into a four-person raft for a white-water adventure you won’t soon forget.

If pure relaxation is what you’re after, take a dip in Castaway Creek, a 2,000-foot-long lazy river with misty waterfalls, overhead rope bridges and a cavern-esque tunnel. Then, dive into the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool for everything from gentle ripples to massive waves.

Speaking of massive, watch the drop on Keelhaul Falls and Homunga Kowabunga. More thrills can be enjoyed on the Crush ‘n’ Gusher, Gangplank Falls and the intense Mayday Falls.

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park answers the age-old question of what would happen if a snowed-in ski resort was built in Florida. The answer is a “melting” water park featuring a chairlift, bobsled- and toboggan-themed water slides, and other fun features designed to trick your eyes into thinking you’re freezing while you luxuriate in warm water and sunshine.

For aquatic thrills, check out fast rides like Toboggan Racers, Summit Plummet and Snow Stormers. Then, relax your cares away with a dip in Melt-Away Bay or a tranquil journey along the Cross Country Creek lazy river.

There are adventures for kids, too, including Ski Patrol Training Camp and Tike’s Peak. And the whole family can drift away together on a tube ride at Teamboat Springs.

Have a Magical Day at Walt Disney World ® Resort

Endless adventures await at Walt Disney World Resort — and Visit Orlando powered by BestofOrlando.com can help you save on admission to all Walt Disney World theme parks and water parks . Take advantage of our free planning tools to discover more ways to enhance your experiences in the Theme Park Capital of the World.

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The Best Things to Do at Disney World

By Valerie Marino

Walt Disney World is Orlando’s top tourist attraction—and one of the most popular travel destinations in the United States. With four theme parks and dozens of hotels, restaurants, and shops, there’s an endless source of entertainment for travelers of any age. Relive your childhood on classics like Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion, and discover new favorites with Avatar Flight of Passage or in Toy Story Land. Here are the top 15 experiences you can have while visiting Disney World—and by our vote, none of them are to be missed.

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain Arrow

Perhaps the best coaster at Disney World, Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a thrilling ride through the Himalayas, where you'll assume the role of a mountain climber setting off to conquer Everest. Disney’s team of Imagineers traveled to the mountains of Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibetan Sichuan to research and create the village of Serka Zong, where the ride is supposedly set. The group brought back about 8,000 props: camping gear from the base of Mount Everest, Nepalese Coke bottles, and antique ceramics, and sourced more than 2,000 handcrafted items from artisans in the region.

Kilimanjaro Safaris Arrow

Disney’s Harambe Wildlife Reserve is home to 34 species on 110 sprawling acres meant to resemble East Africa. Kilimanjaro Safaris takes you on a tour of the savanna in an open-sided vehicle for up-close encounters with giraffes, okapi, waterbucks, crocodiles, and warthogs. Thanks to the animals’ unpredictable nature, each ride is a new adventure. While you’re basically guaranteed to see animals at any time of day, visit early in the morning for the best chance at up-close encounters—not to mention shorter wait times.

Epcot's World Showcase Arrow

Epcot’s World Showcase is a permanent World’s Fair with 11 pavilions dedicated to countries around the world through architecture, food and drink, entertainment, and attractions. Spend a day strolling the banks of the Seine, listening to the powerful Taiko drummers in front of a Japanese pagoda, and cheering for Sergio the clown as he juggles an absurd number of soccer balls on an Italian piazza. There's lots of eating and drinking here, too, from Scotch eggs in the U.K. pavilion to sake flights in Japan. A word of advice: If drinking around the world is on your agenda, begin your journey on the west side of the World Showcase in Canada. The jalapeño margaritas in Mexico have derailed many outings with a too-strong start.

Star Wars at Hollywood Studios Arrow

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the ultimate place for Star Wars fans. Start your experience at Star Wars Launch Bay, where you can view costumes, models, and props from the film series, then choose your alliance in meet-and-greets with Chewbacca and Kylo Ren. The highlight attraction here is Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. You'll board a StarSpeeder for a routine voyage across the galaxy; then, you and C-3PO, your pilot, have to unexpectedly deliver a rebel spy to safety, visiting locations like Hoth, Jakku, and Tatooine.

Stacey Lastoe

Tonya Russell

Laura Kiniry

Nora Zelevansky

Avatar Flight of Passage Arrow

This 3-D flight simulator is the most impressive and technologically advanced Disney attraction yet. Part of Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Avatar Flight of Passage, based on the record-breaking 2009 film, allows you to soar over the Pandora landscape on the back of a mountain banshee. The visuals are stunning—be sure you look around and take it all in—but that’s only part of the experience. Feel the banshee breathing as its “body” expands and contracts beneath you, the wind in your face, and the spray of the ocean. Even the smells are realistic.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Arrow

The Hollywood Tower Hotel, looming at the end of Sunset Boulevard, is an icon of Disney’s Hollywood Studios that houses one of Disney World’s most thrilling attractions. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror dares you to enter a rickety service elevator to the hotel’s 13th floor and propels you up and down—then back up again—for a truly hair-raising experience. The ride is in a dark, enclosed space, and the drops are fast and unpredictable enough to frighten plenty of kids—not to mention adults.

Toy Story Land Arrow

Andy’s backyard comes to life at Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Woody stands at the entrance to his parallel universe, which is designed to make you feel as though you’ve shrunk to the size of a green army man—roughly two inches tall. Even the landscaping is on point, with plants chosen to look like oversize blades of grass. The area features two new attractions, Slinky Dog Dash, a roller coaster, and Alien Swirling Saucers, a spinner ride; as well as Toy Story Mania, a carnival-themed 4-D arcade game that has long been one of Disney World’s most popular attractions.

Pirates of the Caribbean Arrow

Set sail from Dead Man’s Cove and through an old seaport town in Pirates of the Caribbean, a classic Disney attraction that has spawned a series of blockbuster movies. Like any great Disney attraction, this one has its own theme song and will leave you humming “Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me,” as you walk the plank toward the exit. The ride has been updated to include Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow character, with an audio animatronic of Depp’s likeness appearing in multiple scenes. Another big update? In 2018, the red-headed damsel in distress from an auction scene was replaced by Redd, a shotgun-wielding woman pirate who's after the town’s rum supply.

Happily Ever After Arrow

More than a fireworks show, Happily Ever After marries pyrotechnics, lasers, and video projections—all cast across Cinderella Castle—with Disney’s beloved songs and characters. The net effect: a story of dreams, friendship, love, adversity and triumph. The show runs nightly at the Magic Kingdom and features its own original theme song. You can catch this show from nearly anywhere around the castle and along Main Street, U.S.A., but for a guaranteed viewing spot, reserve at the Fireworks Dessert Party, which combines sweet treats (chocolate-covered strawberries, gooey toffee cake) with prime seats.

Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor Arrow

Monsters, Inc., Laugh Floor is a one-of-a-kind comedy experience and one of the most underrated attractions at the Magic Kingdom. The interactive show, hosted by Mike Wazowski, converts human laughs into energy to power the fictional city of Monstropolis. This is a live show and not every joke lands, and if you’re not amused by bad puns or knock-knock jokes, this may not be right for you. But like any good comedy routine, the show is always evolving—some jokes are even retired after flopping too many times.

Mickey's PhilharMagic Arrow

Mickey’s PhilharMagic is a millennial’s dream mashup of Disney animated favorites, with hit songs from '90s blockbusters like Beauty and the Beast , Aladdin , and The Lion King . Head to Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom to join Donald Duck on a 3-D adventure as he chases Mickey’s Sorcerer’s hat through familiar animated worlds, encountering the characters you know and love along the way. While this is primarily a movie experience, Mickey’s PhilharMagic features one of our favorite audio animatronics at Disney World: keep an eye on Donald at the end of the movie and follow his trajectory to the back of the theater for a peek at his tail and flippers.

Disney Springs Arrow

Disney Springs is an outdoor dining, shopping, and entertainment complex at the edge Disney World. It’s home to the world’s largest Disney store, aptly named World of Disney, and underwent a transformation in recent years that doubled the number of shops and businesses, as well as concepts by a number of James Beard Award–winning chefs. The most recent addition is Jaleo by José Andrés, featuring wood-fired paella and tapas like croquetas, though other chefs with Disney Springs outposts include Masaharu Morimoto, Rick Bayless, and Guy Fieri.

Splash Mountain Arrow

The centerpiece of Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom, Splash Mountain is based on the animated scenes from Disney’s controversial 1946 film Song of the South . And they don’t call it Splash Mountain for nothing. Combine the 50-foot final drop with the 950,000 gallons of water flowing through the ride and, yeah, you’re gonna get wet—especially if you’re placed at the front of the boat. If you can bear to look out instead of down at the crest of the final drop, you’ll be treated to a fantastic view of Cinderella Castle and Space Mountain off in the distance.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Arrow

The newest roller coaster at Disney's Magic Kingdom is a family-friendly ride that takes you inside the mine shaft with the Seven Dwarfs as they collect gems and jewels—and, of course, sing along the way. The ride is broken up with scenes more typical of a classic dark ride, with audio animatronics of the Seven Dwarfs, Snow White, and the Evil Queen. Just be sure to plan ahead: The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train has some of the longest wait times at the Magic Kingdom, with the standby line routinely topping 90 minutes.

Haunted Mansion Arrow

Enter the Haunted Mansion, a Gothic revival-style manor at the back of Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom, and board a “doom buggy” for a tour of the 999 haunts that reside within. The gravestones that line the queue are delightfully punny, but our favorite element of the Haunted Mansion is the small pet cemetery to your left as you exit. Peer to the back to see a small stone statue of J. Thaddeus Toad—a nod to Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, one of the park’s former attractions. Try to hit the Haunted Mansion early or late in the day for the lowest wait time.

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Top 10 Things to Do in Walt Disney World, Orlando

Top things to do in walt disney world.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Florida Center
• International Drive
• Lake Buena Vista
• Downtown Orlando
• Doctor Phillips
• Celebration
• Hunters Creek
• Florida Mall
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Universal Islands of Adventure

2. Discovery Cove

3. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort

4. Magic Kingdom Park

5. Universal Studios Florida

6. Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

7. Fun Spot America

8. Disney Springs

10. SeaWorld

11. Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

12. Disney’s Hollywood Studios

13. Orlando International Premium Outlets

14. International Drive

15. Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

16. Harry P. Leu Gardens

17. Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe

18. Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets

19. Lake Eola Park

20. The Florida Mall

21. Kia Center

22. Cinderella Castle

23. Aquatica

24. Disney's Boardwalk

25. Pandora – The World of Avatar

26. Exotic Animal Experience

27. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

28. SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

29. Madame Tussauds Orlando

30. Tree of Life

What travelers are saying.

A magical guide for how to plan a trip to Disney World this year

Editor's Note

If you want to know how to plan a trip to Disney World, you've come to the right place. This guide includes tips for choosing the right Disney World hotel for your budget, deciding which ticket type is right for you, determining which extras are worth splurging on and how to plan a trip that's fun and memorable without too much stress along the way.

With four theme parks, two water parks, more than 25 on-site hotels, over 200 dining locations and more attractions, experiences, shows and shops than we can list here, the best way to build a magical Disney World vacation is with planning, preparation and realistic expectations.

Planning a trip to Disney World should be fun and build excitement for your upcoming trip, and this guide can help.

How to start planning your trip to Disney World

There are a few questions you will want to answer early in the process of planning your Disney World vacation.

• What is your budget? Your budget will determine most other factors of your vacation, including where you stay and how many days you visit. How much it will cost you to go to Disney World really can vary widely based on the choices you make.
• When will you go? You may be at the mercy of work or school schedules, but if you have the flexibility, you can plan your trip when crowds are smaller or the weather is better. The summer can be very hot and rainy, the week between Christmas and New Year's is one of the busiest and weekdays when most kids are in school are often the least busy days.
• Where will you stay? You will typically pay more to stay in one of Disney's on-site hotels, especially at the moderate and deluxe tiers, but you'll also get perks like early theme park entry. Before you choose, you'll want to consider your budget, whether you want a themed room like the Royal Guest Rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside and if you want to be located near a certain Disney park. Pro tip: Renting Disney Vacation Club points can help you stay at a deluxe hotel for a moderate price.
• Which parks will you visit on which days? Depending on the length of your vacation, you may need to prioritize which parks you plan to visit. This will also influence whether you purchase one-park-per-day or Park Hopper tickets that allow you to visit multiple parks daily. If you have little kids, be sure your family will have the stamina for multiple parks per day before shelling out the extra cash to hop.
• Where will you dine? Popular Disney dining reservations are snatched up almost as soon as they become available. You'll want to plan ahead for any character dining or other table service restaurants, so you don't miss out.

It is important to book your hotel, dining and theme park tickets as early as possible for the best rates and availability. Disney also periodically releases special offers on hotels and vacation packages that you can often apply even if you have already made your reservations.

Related: Are the Disney Visa credit cards worth it?

We will dig deeper into each of these topics in this guide. Once you have a rough outline of your vacation based on the questions above, here are important dates to keep in mind so you can make your Disney dream a reality.

How soon can you book a Disney World hotel?

Disney releases hotel availability periodically, so there is no exact date that Disney hotel reservations become available. You can currently book Disney World hotel stays through Dec. 31, 2024.

Disney typically opens reservations for the following year around May or June, so you can expect to see 2025 availability around that time. If your plans change, you can cancel your room-only reservation up to five days in advance of arrival for a full refund. Ticket and hotel vacation packages must be canceled 30 days in advance to receive a full refund.

When can you purchase Disney World tickets?

Disney World tickets follow the same availability calendar as Disney hotel reservations. You can purchase tickets (or vacation packages including a hotel and tickets) through Dec. 31, 2024. Disney typically releases tickets for the following year around May or June, so you can expect to see 2025 availability around that time.

All tickets are date-based, and the price of one-day tickets also varies by park. You can purchase your tickets any time before you visit; the price won't change regardless of how long you wait. Theme park tickets are nonrefundable, but you may be able to change your ticket date if your plans change.

Until Jan. 9, 2024, you must have a Disney ticket and make a theme park reservation to enter a Disney park.

When do Disney World dining reservations become available?

You can begin making dining reservations 60 days prior to your visit. If you are staying in a Disney World hotel, you can make dining reservations 60 days before your check-in day for your entire stay (up to 10 days).

Reservations open on Disney's website or the My Disney Experience app between 5:45 a.m. and 6 a.m. EST or you can call 407-939-DINE beginning at 7 a.m. EST, but coveted reservations may already be snatched up by that time. You can cancel most Disney World dining reservations up to two hours before your reservation. Exceptions will be noted in the confirmation email you receive at the time of booking.

If you're not yet sure where to eat, here are our favorite restaurants at Disney World .

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

What are the 4 parks at Disney World?

Each of Disney World's four theme parks is uniquely themed and packed with fun. You can learn more about each park, including attractions, shows, parade times and interactive maps to help you find your way around in the My Disney Experience app.

Here's a bit more information about each and some tips for choosing the right ticket type to visit them all.

Magic Kingdom

Open since 1971, Magic Kingdom is Disney World's original theme park. This park is a world of fairy tales and fantasy, where you'll find five themed lands — Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland and Liberty Square.

Magic Kingdom is home to some of Disney's most iconic attractions, including Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Peter Pan's Flight and the Haunted Mansion, but also exciting new rides like Tron: Lightcycle Run and the soon-to-open Tiana's Bayou Adventure .

Epcot opened in 1982 and has changed drastically in the four decades since. Epcot's core message, however, hasn't changed: sparking visitors' imaginations through science, technology, nature and the human experience. The park is sectioned into "neighborhoods" — World Celebration, World Nature, World Discovery and World Showcase, where you can visit pavilions that celebrate the arts, culture and customs of 11 countries around the world.

There are a lot of new things to see at Epcot, including Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind , Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana and the all-new fireworks spectacular Luminous – The Symphony of Us .

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Disney's Hollywood Studios is a movie-themed park that has lands and attractions inspired by blockbuster films and beloved Disney characters. In Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge , you can pilot the Millennium Falcon and meet familiar (and furry) faces like Kylo Ren, Chewbacca and Rey.

In Toy Story Land, visitors shrink to the size of Woody, Buzz, Jessie (who you can meet here, by the way) and Andy's other toys. The land's Slinky Dog Dash coaster is a family-friendly ride that's perfect for a kid's first roller coaster.

Outside of the lands themed to specific films, much of the park evokes an old-Hollywood glamour that makes you feel like a bona fide movie star. In these areas, you'll find some of the park's most iconic shows and attractions are also some of its longest-running, like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror drop ride, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular .

Disney's Animal Kingdom

More than 2,000 animals — from about 300 species — call Disney's Animal Kingdom "home," but this is not a zoo. However, you can visit many of these animals via walking trails, the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride and even a petting zoo.

In addition to the creatures and landscapes found on Earth, you can visit another planet at Pandora — The World of Avatar or go back in time at DinoLand U.S.A. The animals aren't the only things that are "wild" at Animal Kingdom — Expedition Everest is a thrilling coaster; Avatar Flight of Passage puts you on the back of a banshee as you fly over Pandora; and Dinosaur sends you careening through the Cretaceous Period in an off-road vehicle.

What type of Disney tickets should I buy?

Disney world base tickets.

You can purchase one-day or multi-day Disney World tickets. All tickets are date-based, and the price varies depending on the date of your visit. If you purchase a one-day ticket, the price will also vary based on which park you plan to visit, with Magic Kingdom being the most expensive.

Disney World Park Hopper tickets

A base ticket only gets you into one park per day. If you want to visit multiple parks on the same day, you will need to purchase the Park Hopper option with your ticket (you can also add it on in person after you arrive). You can save money by only visiting one park per day, but it does limit how much you can see and do during your vacation.

A Park Hopper Plus ticket includes two visits to either Disney's golf courses, miniature golf courses or water parks, but this is only worth it if you know you will use it all.

Disney World special event tickets

Some of Disney's after-hours events , like Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party , require a separate ticket. The park is only open to guests with special event tickets during these events. If you plan on visiting for one of these parties, you may be able to forgo a general admission ticket that day and utilize your special event ticket, as you can usually get into the park a few hours before the party starts.

Disney World ticket add-ons

There are two major ticket add-ons that you should consider. Both can be worth it but will add to the cost of your vacation.

The first add-on you might want to strongly consider is Disney Genie+ . This skip-the-line service allows you to skip the standby line and enjoy shorter wait times for rides by utilizing Disney's Lightning Lanes.

Currently, you can only purchase it on the day of your visit beginning at 7 a.m. and the price ranges between $15 and $35 per person, per day. A handful of attractions at each park require a separate individual Lightning Lane purchase to skip the line, often for the newest rides, but many rides are available with Genie+. You don't need to purchase Genie+ to buy individual Lightning Lane selections and vice versa. The individual Lightning Lane attraction pricing varies by attraction but typically ranges between $7 and $25 per person per attraction for rides like Tron: Lightcycle Run and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

Another popular add-on is Disney's Memory Maker . Memory Maker gives you unlimited downloads of pictures taken by PhotoPass photographers during your vacation and on-ride photos. You can purchase a one-day Memory Maker for short visits or a multi-day Memory Maker which covers your entire vacation. You can save $25 on a multi-day Memory Maker when you purchase at least three days prior to your visit, so it's best to purchase it when you buy your tickets.

How to get discounted Disney World tickets

Aside from Disney's own discounts, you can sometimes save money on Disney tickets by purchasing them from an authorized third-party reseller. There are a few reputable sources out there for Disney World tickets, but our go-to is Undercover Tourist . Depending on your ticket type, you can usually save between $5 and $100. One of the best ways to save money with Undercover Tourist is when Disney World raises ticket prices , which usually happens at least once per year. Undercover Tourist typically has a limited number of existing ticket stock available at the old prices while supplies last.

Related: We saved every receipt — here's how much it actually costs to go to Disney World

If you are a Florida resident or are an active or retired U.S. military member , there are generous discounted Disney World tickets available directly through Disney's website.

You can also use points to pay for your Disney tickets , and that's a strategy we strongly recommend to keep costs down. For example, with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card , you can earn a welcome bonus of 75,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of having the card. You can use those 75k points as the same as $750 towards travel . And while ticket-only packages from Disney World typically don't code as a travel charge, buying them from Undercover Tourist — or as part of a larger hotel and ticket package directly from Disney — typically does code as a travel charge, so you could save $750 just like that.

Is booking a Disney vacation package a good idea?

If you are staying in one of Disney World's on-site hotels or a certified " Disney World Good Neighbor " hotel, you have the option to bundle your hotel stay and theme park tickets into a Disney vacation package. Normally, these packages are not discounted, but they can be a great value if Disney runs any special vacation package promotions .

Aside from discounts (and the fact that it all likely codes as a travel charge for point-redemption purposes), there's one major reason to book a vacation package: When you purchase your tickets and hotel together, you only have to pay a $200 deposit at the time of booking. Payment in full is due 30 days prior to arrival. If you purchase your tickets separately from your hotel stay, you will have to pay the full amount at the time of purchase.

This is another great example of why you should book through an authorized Disney travel planner who can compare prices for you and keep an eye out for discounts.

When is the best time to visit Disney World?

Do you want the lowest crowds or the best weather? Do you want to attend a Halloween party or see Magic Kingdom's 65-foot-tall Christmas tree ?

The best time to visit Disney World depends on your reason for visiting.

If you want moderate temperatures and less chance of rain, you may want to plan your visit between October and December. If you want shorter waits, your best bets are late January, early May or just after Thanksgiving before the crowds descend upon the parks for winter break. Of course, weekdays typically see lower crowds than weekends and school breaks.

Or, if you are planning a Disney World vacation on a budget, opt for midweek dates in August and September 2024, when prices start at $109 for a one-day ticket.

Read our full guide on the best times to visit Walt Disney World .

What's the best way to get to Disney World?

Getting to Orlando and getting to Disney World after arriving are two different topics, so let's look at each.

What is the closest airport?

The closest airport to Walt Disney World is Orlando International Airport (MCO). Most major airlines fly into MCO, and you can reach Disney World in about 25 to 30 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic. If you are flying Allegiant or Sun Country Airlines, you'll fly into Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). SFB is smaller than MCO and farther from Disney World. From SFB, it is about a 45-minute drive to Disney World.

What is the best way to get to Disney World from the airport?

Because of its size and proximity to Disney World, MCO has more and better options to help you get between the airport and Disney World.

From Orlando International Airport or Orlando Sanford International Airport, you can rent a car or use a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft. If you do rent a car from MCO, you can forgo paying tolls through the car rental company (which often comes with an additional fee) and pick up a Visitor Toll Pass to save on tolls during your trip.

Disney no longer charges a parking fee for overnight hotel guests, so if you rent a car, you can park at your hotel and drive to Disney's theme parks without additional fees. Keep in mind that you may not need a car if you don't plan on leaving Disney property after you arrive. Disney has a robust internal transportation system that operates between its on-site hotels and theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs.

You can also use Disney's official airport shuttle, Mears Connect , from MCO.

Mears Connect is a shuttle service that picks you up from MCO and will drop you off at official Disney World hotels and a handful of nearby hotels. Pricing starts at $16 one-way for adults and $13 one-way for children. Mears Connect offers shared shuttles, where you will stop at multiple Disney hotels on the way to your own. You can pay an additional fee for an "express shuttle" that takes you direct to your resort. The easiest way to reserve your ride is online through the Mears Connect website.

What is the best way to get around Disney World?

If you are staying on Walt Disney World property, you can utilize Disney's complimentary transportation for travel between your resort and Disney's theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs. Disney offers transportation by bus, boat, Monorail and Disney Skyliner gondola system. Which transportation options you have access to will depend on which hotel you are staying in.

All Disney hotels offer regularly scheduled bus transportation around the resort. Transportation begins 45 minutes prior to the theme park opening and up to one hour after the theme park closing.

Guests of Disney's Magic Kingdom area resorts — Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Contemporary Resort and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa — can use boat or Monorail transportation to travel to the Magic Kingdom. There is also a monorail line that will take you to the Transportation and Ticket Center, where you can transfer to a separate Monorail line that goes to Epcot. These hotels also offer a walking path to Magic Kingdom.

Guests of Disney's Riviera Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Art of Animation Resort and Disney's Pop Century Resort can use the Disney Skyliner gondolas to travel to Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot. All Disney World visitors can also use Disney Skyliner to travel between these two parks, regardless of where you are staying. It's a fun and scenic way to get around the resort.

Many Disney World hotels also offer ferry boat transportation to nearby parks. The BoardWalk area hotels, for example, offer boat transportation to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Fort Wilderness, Disney's Wilderness Lodge and others offer boat service to the Magic Kingdom. You can view a full list on Disney's website . You can also walk to Epcot or Hollywood Studios from any BoardWalk area hotel.

Whichever transportation option you choose, you can view the schedule, routes and stop locations in the My Disney Experience app or on video monitors at each stop location.

You can also utilize Disney's Minnie Van service for door-to-door (or door-to-front gate, as it were) service between your hotel and Disney's theme parks. You can book these private rides in red-and-white polka-dot vans directly through the Lyft app. Accessible rides and child safety seats are available.

Though not "official" Disney World hotels, Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve hotel guests have access to Disney's complimentary ferry boat service to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. A walking path is also available. These resorts also operate their own shuttles to Disney's theme parks, which pick up approximately every 20 to 25 minutes throughout the day.

Disney Springs hotels operate their own shuttle services, independent of Disney's transportation. If you are staying at one of these hotels, you can inquire about scheduling and pick-up times at the front desk.

What's the best place to stay on a Disney vacation?

There are more than two dozen Disney World hotels to choose from, so your main considerations will be your budget and what type of hotel experience you are after. Whether you want over-the-top Disney theming, an upscale cabin in the woods or a luxury villa with access to a club lounge, you can find it at Disney World.

Disney offers three hotel tiers: Value, Moderate and Deluxe.

Value Disney resorts are the most affordable, with prices ranging between $125 and $300 per night. Value resorts offer quick-service, cafeteria-style dining outlets and large pools but don't have full-service restaurants or pool amenities like waterslides and hot tubs.

On average, Moderate Disney resorts run between $250 and $400 and offer amenities you won't find at Value Disney resorts. Some have full-service restaurants, and the pools are better-themed and equipped with waterslides. Many of them are more centrally located near Disney's theme parks, as well.

Deluxe Disney resorts are the most expensive, ranging between $400 to $700 per night and up for a standard room, but they also have the best locations, amenities and dining. You can expect large, well-furnished guest rooms, pool complexes with hot tubs, waterslides and beach areas, multiple full-service restaurants, spas and more.

Regardless of which hotel you choose, Disney's on-site hotels offer perks to enhance your stay:

• A 30-minute jumpstart on your day with Disney's Early Theme Park Entry benefit
• The ability to purchase individual Lightning Lanes for eligible rides begins at 7 a.m. on the day of your visit (non-resort guests can't do this until the park opens)
• Complimentary hotel and theme park parking
• Extended Evening Theme Park Hours for guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels on select nights (this benefit is also available to guests of Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve hotels, as well as Shades of Green)

Best hotels at Disney World

The best Disney World hotel for you depends on what you are looking for in a hotel stay. If you don't plan on spending much time in your room, you can save a lot of money by staying in a Value resort. If you plan on spending part of your vacation enjoying hotel amenities like the pool and restaurants, you may want to choose a Moderate or Deluxe resort. Or, if you have a large family that won't be comfortable in a standard room, one of Disney's family suites might be your best bet.

Here are a few of our favorites:

Best Disney World resort if you are on a budget: Disney's Pop Century Resort may not be the most glamorous hotel at Disney, but the kitschy 1950s through 1990s theming and the starting price of around $200 per night will surely put a smile on your face. This resort has three pools, a playground and an arcade. Guest rooms are furnished with either one king bed or a queen bed and a space-saving table that folds out into a bed. It is also one of two Value resorts with Skyliner gondola access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Best Disney World resort for large families : Disney's Art of Animation Resort is in Disney's more affordable Value category and has family suites themed to popular Disney films like "Cars," "The Lion King" and "Finding Nemo" that sleep up to six guests. The pool here is the largest at any Disney World resort, and you can take the Disney Skyliner gondolas to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Standard rooms are also available.

Best Disney World resort for swimming : Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts are sister properties near Epcot. The two resorts have rooms that average around $600 per night and share access to Stormalong Bay, the best pool at Disney World . Stormalong Bay is really more than a pool, it is a water park with sand-bottomed pools, a lazy river, an activities pool with a volleyball net and daily pool games and a shipwreck-themed waterslide.

Best Disney World resort for a luxury stay : If the sky is the limit for your Walt Disney World vacation budget, the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge are some of the finest accommodations you can choose. With two bedrooms, a fireplace, a screened-in porch, a hot tub and lakeside views, these cabins are anything but rustic. The privacy offers you a chance to wind down after a long Disney day, but you are still close enough to take a boat ride to Magic Kingdom and enjoy the amenities and dining in the resort's main lobby.

If you are leaning toward a luxury Disney stay, you may be able to save money by renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points. DVC is Disney's version of a timeshare program. DVC members can rent out their points to non-members through sites like David's Vacation Club Rentals , helping you to save hundreds of dollars versus booking directly through Disney. The trade-off is that availability is limited and that the cancellation policies are much less flexible than if you make the reservation direct through Disney.

Read our full guide on the best hotels at Walt Disney World .

Best hotels near Disney World

Disney World also partners with a handful of off-site hotels where you can still take advantage of certain benefits like Early Theme Park Entry and complimentary transportation while also paying less than you would for an official Disney World hotel. These hotels also participate in major hotel points programs, so you can earn or redeem points for your stay.

The Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve hotels all participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program. While not technically Disney hotels, they are located on Disney property between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. If you are a Marriott Bonvoy elite member , these hotels offer benefits like complimentary upgrades, a welcome amenity and more.

Related: This affordable new Disney Springs hotel includes free hot food and 6 nightly drinks

Disney Springs has seven hotels from brands like Wyndham, Hilton, Holiday Inn and others. All of these are adjacent to the Disney Springs shopping and dining district, and some have room rates that start at close to $100 per night. These can be a great option if you want to save money and don't mind leaving the "Disney bubble" at the end of the day.

Read our full guide to Disney Springs hotels here .

What are the best restaurants at Disney World?

With more than 200 restaurants to choose from, you are going to have to decide which Disney World restaurants you most want to visit. Dining options run the gamut from the predictable burger and fries to an out-of-this-world restaurant in space.

Read our full guide to the best restaurants at Disney World .

Hardest Disney reservations to get (and how to get them)

Many of these restaurants are quick-service or snack stands that don't require advance reservations, but there are a few popular restaurants that book up almost as quickly as reservations become available. If you want to dine with Disney royalty at Cinderella's Royal Table, for example, you'll want to make your reservation as soon as you can. Remember, that is 60 days prior to your visit — if you are staying at a Disney World hotel, you can make reservations for your entire vacation 60 days prior to your check-in day.

Related: 'Be our guest' at these 5 best character dining meals at Walt Disney World

Other reservations that book up quickly include Storybook Dining at Artist Point , Space 220 at Epcot, California Grill, 'Ohana, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Hollywood Studios and Topolino's Terrace, especially for the character breakfast. All of these have great food and atmosphere, making them popular for new and returning guests.

Best quick-service restaurants at Disney that don't require a reservation

Luckily, there are plenty of Disney restaurants with delicious food you can get your hands on without a reservation. Satuli Canteen in Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom is consistently ranked as one of the best quick-service restaurants anywhere at Disney. The food is fresh, flavorful and surprisingly inexpensive. You can get a build-your-own bowl with beef, chicken or fish for less than $20.

Other must-try quick-service restaurants include Ronto Roasters at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge (the Ronto Breakfast Wrap is the best handheld meal at Disney!), Columbia Harbour House at Magic Kingdom for New England-inspired fare and Regal Eagle Smokehouse at Epcot for all things barbecue.

Using the Disney app to improve your dining experience

The My Disney Experience app is a must for your Disney World vacation for checking wait times, finding your way around and more. When it comes to dining, you can use it to find walk-up dining availability, score last-minute reservations, see what restaurants are nearby, and place mobile orders at select quick-service restaurants.

When you place a mobile order via the app, you choose what time you would like to pick up your order (with the option to modify if plans change). When you arrive at the restaurant, you can click "I'm here. Prepare my order," and you'll receive a notification on your phone when your food is ready.

Should you buy a Disney Dining Plan?

The cost of dining at Disney can add up quickly, and Disney offers two dining plan options that may help you save money. The Disney Dining Plan lets you prepay for a specified number of meals and snacks for your Disney World vacation. You receive a certain number of meal and snack credits for each night of your stay.

The Disney Dining Plan is both convenient and flexible. By prepaying for your meals and snacks, you won't have to pull out your wallet for every meal and snack, and you aren't required to use a set number of credits each day. You can redeem them anytime during your stay in the way that best works for you.

There are two options — the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan and the Disney Dining Plan. The first is a bit less expensive and allows for more flexibility. The second is best if you plan on more sit-down dining and character meals during your vacation.

Whether or not you can save money with a Disney Dining Plan depends on how you utilize the credits. It is possible to break even or come out ahead if you maximize the value of your credits and actually eat all of the food available on the plan. If you don't use all of your credits, you are essentially leaving money on the table, but our guide can help you out with the math.

Read our full guide to the Disney Dining Plan .

How to save time in line at Disney World

Most Walt Disney World attractions offer a standby line. The only exceptions are new attractions, which will often offer a virtual queue for a limited time after opening. When Disney World is busy, though, standby lines for popular attractions can climb as high as two hours. Luckily, Disney has a service called Disney Genie+ that helps you skip the standby line and get on more attractions with shorter waits.

With Disney Genie+, you can skip the standby line and utilize a much shorter "Lightning Lane" for most attractions. You can only purchase this add-on service on the day of your visit, beginning at midnight (though you will likely be safe waiting until you wake up in the morning except on Disney's busiest days).

The cost of Disney Genie+ varies per park and per day. The service starts at $15 per person per day and occasionally reaches a per-person price of $35 per day during the busy Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season or in April during spring break. You can purchase Genie+ for one of Disney World's four theme parks or a "multiple park" option valid at all four parks when you purchase through the My Disney Experience app.

Most attractions are included in the Disney Genie+ service, but one or two attractions at each park require a separate Lightning Lane purchase to skip the line. It's not necessary to purchase Genie+ to buy individual Lightning Lane selections and vice versa. The individual Lightning Lane attraction pricing varies by attraction but typically ranges between $7 and $25 per person, per attraction.

Read our full guide to Disney Genie+ .

If you are staying in one of Disney's on-site hotels or in select "Good Neighbor" hotels, as mentioned in the section above, you can also save time in line by utilizing Early Theme Park Entry and/or Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. You can get into the parks 30 minutes early with the Early Entry benefit, but you actually want to arrive at the front gates 30-45 minutes before that time. This will give you time to get through security and to the roped-off area where they hold guests, making you one of the first in line to rush to your favorite ride when early entry starts.

Related: Your guide to visiting Disney World with a child on the autism spectrum

If you or someone in your party has a disability that makes it difficult for you to wait in a traditional standby queue, you can also save time by registering for Disney's Disability Access Service (DAS). You need to start the registration process before your visit, and full instructions are available on Disney's website .

How to plan a Disney World trip on a budget

While sensational stories about $2,500 meals at Disney make for good headlines, it is totally possible to visit Disney World on a budget .

Related: Yes, you can visit Disney World on a budget: Here's how I did it

Here are some of the most important things you can do to make your Disney vacation budget manageable:

• Stay at a Disney Value resort like Disney's All-Star Movies Resort or use Marriott points to stay at the Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve. Here are the best cards to get those points.
• Utilize Disney's complimentary parking and transportation for on-site guests instead of renting a car.
• Purchase groceries for some meals and snacks, and only buy one or two meals in the parks each day.
• Don't visit the parks every day you are at Disney and stick to one park per day, avoiding park hopping. You can save on tickets by spending a day swimming or visiting Disney Springs.
• Don't forget to periodically check Disney's website for discounts. Even after you book, you may be able to apply a hotel or vacation package discount that can save you even more money.
• Be on the lookout for discounted Disney gift cards to help cover the cost of your trip and/or use points for the tickets.
• Visit during less busy times of the year. Ticket prices are cheapest in August and September, with one-day tickets starting at $109.

Disney World pretrip checklist

Now that you've determined your budget, purchased your tickets, booked your hotel and made a few dining reservations, your trip is nearly planned. There are some other details you'll need to consider to make your trip as magical as it should be. Here's our ultimate Disney World pre-trip checklist:

• Pack accordingly : Depending on when you visit, you could be dealing with heat, humidity, afternoon showers, chilly temperatures or a mix of all of the above. It's important to pack comfortable shoes and clothing no matter when you visit, but you may also want rain gear, sun protection or a warm jacket, depending on the weather. You can read our full Disney World packing guide here .
• Download the My Disney Experience app : This app is an invaluable tool that you will use daily during your visit. You can use it to check everything from wait times to walk-up dining availability. You can also use it to navigate the parks with turn-by-turn walking directions, purchase Disney Genie+ and individual Lightning Lanes and even open your hotel room door.
• Check the park hours before your visit : You can view the park hours on the Walt Disney World website or the My Disney Experience app. Each park has separate opening and closing times, and parks occasionally close early for special events like Halloween and Christmas parties. When you view the park hours, you'll also be able to see times for any parades or fireworks shows happening each day of your visit and plan for early entry or extended theme park hours for eligible on-site hotel guests.
• Check the height requirements for attractions: If you are traveling to Disney World with young children, you can check the height requirements for attractions on Disney World's website or in the My Disney Experience app. There are also measuring stations at all attractions that have a minimum height requirement, but it's better to know ahead of time to avoid tears if your child isn't quite tall enough.
• Know where to find your favorite characters : Most Disney characters have designated meeting times and locations, which you can find in the My Disney Experience app. Booking a character meal can be a great way to meet multiple characters at once, but you can also meet many characters in the parks. Popular meet-and-greets also offer Genie+ Lightning Lane access, which can cut down on the time you spend waiting to meet Mickey, Moana or Cinderella.
• Decide if you want to purchase PhotoPass photos : You can save money on Disney Memory Maker by purchasing in advance before you visit. It's the easiest way to capture your vacation memories and an add-on we highly recommend. You can view and download your photos in the My Disney Experience app.
• Study up on Genie+: As helpful as Genie+ can be, there is a bit of a learning curve. Study up using our Genie+ guide and Disney's own overview before your visit. It's good to know which attractions participate in Genie+, how to reserve Lightning Lane access and how to make the most of the service.
• Plan for downtime: One of the biggest mistakes people make at Disney World is overscheduling their trip and leaving no time for rest and relaxation. If you are visiting for more than a few days, try and schedule a day away from the parks where you swim, explore the other resorts or just lounge around the hotel. It'll help rejuvenate you for the rest of your trip. For shorter trips, you may want to schedule a slow morning or return to your hotel early one day instead of being at the parks from opening to closing every day of your trip.

Read all of our best Disney World tips here .

Bottom line

There you have it — the ultimate guide to visiting Walt Disney World.

In addition to the planning and preparation you've now mastered, there are two very important things you must do during your Disney World vacation — don't overplan and have fun. It's much better to have a short list of "must-do" rides, restaurants and activities than to have a minute-by-minute itinerary that most certainly will not play out exactly how you planned.

Keeping a loose itinerary leaves room for magic moments like stumbling upon a favorite character, noticing a super-short line for a ride or deciding last-minute to watch a parade you happened upon. You can't do everything in one trip anyway, so do the things you can and save the rest for next time when you are a certified Disney pro.

FOR NO-COST-TO-YOU ASSISTANCE IN PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

Related reading:

• The best Disney World hotels for your stay
• The 21 most underrated things at Disney World: What to see, do and eat that many guests miss
• Forgetting to do this 1 thing could ruin your Disney trip
• Disney's take on timeshares: Guide to Disney Vacation Club
• 8 Walt Disney World experiences that don't require a park ticket

Walt Disney World Parks in Orlando Florida Complete Guide

P lanning a Disney World Vacation gets complicated for many because Walt Disney World isn’t just one place. In fact, covering over 40 sq. miles, the Disney World Parks combined is the size of San Francisco. Spanning 4 theme parks, two water parks, 30+ resorts, and a shopping center. As a result, unlike other vacations, this one is more than just buying tickets, booking a hotel and showing up. Luckily, we’re hear to break it down, so that you can understand the layout of Disney World Parks in Orlando Florida, and get a handle on how much time you need to cover it all. Consider this your complete guide to the theme parks in Disney World. 

We’re sharing the important rides, and restaurants in each park, so that you can make a plan to do all your favorite things on your next trip to the parks. As one of the major theme parks in Orlando, Florida, Walt Disney World sees about 58 million people a year. With most vacationers planning between 7-10 days per visit, there is so much to do that you typically won’t get it all in. Therefore we always recommend a few tips to help you make the best decisions when it comes to planning your vacation. 

• Review the Disney World Event Calendar to check what events, and crowds may look like for the dates of your visit.  
• Decide How Many Days for Disney World you’d like to plan. While it’s a huge resort, how long you stay is up to you and based mostly on what you hope to do while you’re there. 
• If this feels overwhelming to you, consider using a Disney Travel Agent to help you create your best vacation. Authorized Disney Travel Planners offer their services for FREE and is a great resource, if you’ve never visited before. 

Walt Disney World Theme Parks

We’ve said it before, Disney theme parks in Orlando, Florida are multiple places that see millions of visitors a year. Luckily all these places are connected by complimentary Disney Transportation to help get you around Walt Disney World. Here are the places to visit on your trip. 

Theme Parks

Walt Disney World has four theme parks, each with their own theme, rides, restaurants, and shows. 

• Magic Kingdom Park : Home to Cinderella’s Castle, Pirates of the Caribbean and Fantasyland. Disney’s most popular park with over 25 attractions. 
• EPCOT Park : Walt Disney’s original concept for a community of tomorrow, EPCOT includes the World Showcase, Festivals, Spaceship Earth and areas honoring Nature, Technology, and Celebration. 
• Animal Kingdom Park : Home to over 2000 animals, Animal Kingdom includes animal habitat trails, animal shows, Pandora, and rides like Expedition Everest, and Kilimanjaro Safaris. 
• Hollywood Studios Park : Disney’s Original MGM Studios park, this park honors old Hollywood, Star Wars and Toy Story. Home to churros, light sabers and the Tower and Terror. 

Water Parks

The Water Parks at Disney World are typically open on opposite schedules throughout the year to allow for cleanings and refurbishments. The Water Parks at Disney require an additional ticket. 

• Typhoon Lagoon : This Disney Water Park is themed as a tropical oasis with a lazy river, surf pool and water slides. However, it’s been hit by a “typhoon”, causing a bit of chaos. 
• Blizzard Beach : Featuring a Santa Claus on vacation storyline, you can find “snow” at Blizzard Beach, a snow monster and even the snowgies from Frozen. 

Other Places at Disney World

These places at Disney are open to the public and do not require a park ticket to visit. 

• Disney Springs:  The shopping center at Disney Springs includes stores, restaurants, and live music. It’s also home to the Splitsville bowling alley, a Movie Theater and the Cirque de Soleil show. 
• Disney’s BoardWalk: The Boardwalk includes a variety of restaurants, beaches, and recreation. It’s also home to 3 Disney Resorts; Disney’s Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. 

Magic Kingdom Park

Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando is home to Cinderella’s Castle and opened in 1971. By far the most famous of the Walt Disney World parks, it is, however, also the smallest. Magic Kingdom includes Main Street U.S.A. inspired by Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri, and popular classic attractions like It’s a Small World, and Pirates of the Caribbean. This Park consists of six themed lands combining everything old, with everything new. Featuring classic rides like the Mad Hatter Tea Party in Fantasyland alongside the newer attractions like TRON LightCycle Power Run in Tomorrowland. Magic Kingdom has the most rides of any Walt Disney World Park and even though it’s the smallest will take the longest to get through get everything offered here.

Magic Kingdom Resorts

The Disney World Magic Kingdom theme park is near several resorts that get you close to the action. If you’re looking for hotels near Magic Kingdom, you have a couple of options. Easy transportation via the Monorail allows for easy access to and from the park from the Disney Monorail Resorts. These resorts include Disney’s Contemporary Resort , The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and the Polynesian Village Resort. 

You can also grab a boat from Magic Kingdom to the nearby Wilderness resorts. Both Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort are a quick boat ride to the park, and offer a nature filled alternative to a typical Disney hotel experience. 

Magic Kingdom Restaurants

Magic Kingdom is filled with restaurants. Unfortunately, restaurants at Magic Kingdom are not usually the best, and we always recommend heading to the Monorail Resort restaurants instead. However, if you’re planning to stay in the park to eat, we suggest Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, and The Crystal Palace. Home to Cinderella’s Royal Table and Be Our Guest , these are some of the hardest to get Disney Dining Reservations at Walt Disney World. They are also some of the most expensive, and we don’t feel they’re worth the cost. 

If you’re looking for something easy and cheaper, you can check out the Best Quick Service Restaurants at Magic Kingdom. Again, the theme park food at Magic Kingdom is not the best, so we try to stick to things that are simple. Pinocchio’s Village Haus has flatbreads, and Friar’s Nook has great potato barrel Bowls. 

Magic Kingdom Rides

Of all the parks, you most need Disney Genie+ for Magic Kingdom because there are so many rides. And waiting in line for rides throughout the day is near impossible when crowds are typically the worst at this park. Popular Rides at Magic Kingdom include the Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train, Peter Pan’s Flight, Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain . The newest ride at Magic Kingdom, TRON, requires a Lightning Lane or Virtual Queue Board Pass. Check out the Magic Kingdom Park Checklist for all the rides to plan for! 

Magic Kingdom Disney Characters

Mickey Mouse, Tinkerbell, and Disney Princesses are all available to meet at Magic Kingdom. These Disney Character Meet and Greets don’t typically have the longest lines, but if they are a priority for you, be sure to plan for them! You can also catch Donald and Daisy, Winnie the Pooh and more Disney favorites in this park. Lines are lowest for characters in the morning and between 2-4 PM. Check out the list for where to find Disney Characters in Magic Kingdom. 

Magic Kingdom Shows and Parades

Magic Kingdom is famous for its Festival of Fantasy Parade and the fireworks show, Happily Ever After . Both are Disney Must Dos at Magic Kingdom, and you should plan for it! This means a 3pm parade in the park, and an 8 or 9pm Fireworks Show to stay for in the evening. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience App, for showtimes.

Magic Kingdom Events

Best known for it’s seasonal events, you can attend parties at Magic Kingdom and Disney After Hours events. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in the fall and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in December are very popular and an excellent way to take advantage of rides with fewer guests in the park, exclusive snacks, and seasonal fun!  

EPCOT 

EPCOT combines the worlds of technology, nature, and culture, bringing life to Walt Disney’s original idea of an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. While his original idea included self-driving cars, solar-powered homes and an international marketplace, the current version of the park is changing with times. As a result, EPCOT is in the midst of several construction projects beginning to complete. Grounded in an overarching goal of creating four neighborhoods within EPCOT these themed areas further solidify the desired look and feel of each experiential land.

These four neighborhoods are World Celebration, acting as the central spine of the park, World Nature showcasing everything on the land and sea that makes up our human experience, World Discovery, featuring technology and space with a focus on innovation and World Showcase comprised of multiple countries sharing cultural experiences in each pavilion. From engineering your own vehicle at Test Track to strolling through nature in the Moana’s Journey of Water attraction, there are many things to explore in EPCOT.

EPCOT Area Resorts

Resorts near EPCOT Park can be found in the Disney Boardwalk Area. Disney’s Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Boardwalk Inn are all within walking distance of the park. You can also find Disney Marriott Hotels in the EPCOT area, giving you even more options of places to stay. Disney’s Swan, Swan Reserve and Dolphin are also other hotels near EPCOT if you’re looking to stay close by. Other resorts included in this area are Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Riviera Resort, both accessible via the Disney Skyliner, with a station at the EPCOT International Gateway. 

EPCOT Restaurants

Restaurants at EPCOT combine a lot of different cuisines, as a result of the World Showcase. Home to signature dining experiences at Monsieur Paul and Le Cellier, you don’t have to spend a fortune for a good meal. We most like Via Napoli for the pizza, La Cantina de San Angel for the empanadas, and Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie for everything else. You can also see all the Disney Princesses at once for character dining at Akershus in Norway. Many of the restaurants here are good and you can find even more Quick Service Restaurants at EPCOT that are budget friendly. 

EPCOT Rides

Most known for Spaceship Earth at the entrance of the park, there are many popular rides in EPCOT worth riding. Frozen Ever After, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Soarin’ are favorites, and usually require a ride strategy or lightning lane pass if you’re hoping to stay out of long lines. Favorites like Test Track, and Living with the Land are also here. Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind is a thrill rollercoaster that brings back to the past, with fun music. It does require a Virtual Queue Boarding Pass to snag a place in line or a Lightning Lane Pass if you’re hoping for a shorter wait. Check out the EPCOT Park Checklist for details on all the rides. 

EPCOT Disney Characters

Characters in EPCOT include Snow White in Germany, Aurora and Belle in France, Mulan in China, and Donald Duck in Mexico, among other. With more characters than you realize be sure to check out the list of EPCOT characters to make sure you have your favorites on the list. 

EPCOT Shows and Parades

EPCOT doesn’t have parades, but they do have a nighttime spectacular called, Luminous . Luminous combines music, pyrotechnics and fireworks for a nightly show featuring familiar Disney music and a message about our shared humanity. You can see this show nightly, for a dazzling display on the World Showcase Lagoon. Truly an amazing fireworks show you can even see it from the beaches of the Boardwalk and nearby hotels. 

EPCOT Festivals

Walt Disney World hosts 4 festivals at EPCOT park annually. Each festival has it’s own theme, specialty foods, shows, performances and merchandise. Here are the festivals you can see every year at Epcot. First, the International Festival of the Arts happens from January through mid-February. Second, the Flower and Garden Festival takes place from March through mid-June. Third, you can visit the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival late July- November. And Fourth, the International Festival of Holidays in December. Check out all the details on each festival at EPCOT. 

Animal Kingdom 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom covers 500 acres of landscape comprised of six areas featuring unique cultures, wilderness, and over 2000 animals. The Oasis and Discovery Island features lush landscapes, shops, and the Tree of Life as the centerpiece of the park. Bringing the lands of Africa and Asia to the forefront, Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers winding paths through the Maharajah Jungle Trek, and the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. DinoLand U.S.A features the world of the past, while Pandora World of Avatar brings guests 4.4 million lightyears away. Here you’ll find Walt Disney World’s most popular ride, Avatar Flight of Passage.

Animal Kingdom Area Resorts

If you’re heading to Animal Kingdom, know that this area of the Disney World Parks, is somewhat remote. Still, there are 5 Disney Resorts in the Animal Kingdom Resorts Area. While none of them are within walking distance, and you can only travel to Animal Kingdom by Bus, here are the Animal Kingdom resorts to know. The Disney All-Stars Resorts ; including All Star Music, Movies and Sports are nearby. As are Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge . These resorts only offer Disney Bus transportation, but if you’re hoping to finding somewhere close to Animal Kingdom to stay, then it’s typically a 10-15 minute bus ride from these resorts. 

Animal Kingdom Restaurants

Offering a variety of unique cuisine, hailing from Africa, Asia and even Pandora, the food at Animal Kingdom is unique and flavorful. The Tusker House Restaurant offers character dining with Mickey and Friends in their Safari Gear, and Nomad Lounge serves some of the best drinks and appetizers to be had in the park. If you’re looking for the  Best Quick Service Restaurants at Animal Kingdom , then Satu’li Canteen offers delicious power bowls to keep you going through the day. Animal Kingdom is also great for specialties like dumplings at Mr. Kamals, and Pineapple Dole Whip Cake from Tamu Tamu. 

Animal Kingdom Rides

The most popular ride at Animal Kingdom is Pandora’s Flight of Passage . This flight simulator ride has consistently long waits, typically about 1-2 hours long. As a result this is an ideal ride to grab a Lightning Lane Pass for, or to rope drop as soon as the park opens. Due to Animal Kingdom’s shorter hours, there is less time to ride rides. However, there are a few main ones you should be sure to have on your Animal Kingdom Must do list. Kilimanjaro Safaris takes you across the savanna so you can see the animals and is a must see for many at the park. Expedition Everest gets you face to face with a Yeti, and Dinosaur is a must do for anyone eager to outrun a T-Rex, courtesy of a rickety old jeep. Get a full list of Animal Kingdom Rides in the Checklist. 

Animal Kingdom Disney Characters

Some of the most unique Disney characters can be found at Animal Kingdom Park. Moana, Pocahontas, Tarzan, Russell and Dug, and Kevin from UP! are all available for meet and greets throughout the year. Plus, you can also see Donald Duck, Launchpad McQuack and even meet Mickey and Minnie in their Adventurer outfits. Animal Kingdom characters can also be seen in flotilla boats sailing along the discovery River throughout the day. A fun treat if you’re not up for standing in line to see them close up. Check out all the Disney Characters at Animal Kingdom you can see on your next visit. 

Animal Kingdom Shows and Parades

Due to Animal Kingdom’s early closing, usually by 6pm there aren’t typically nighttime spectaculars , like the other parks. However, on nights when they are open later you can watch the Tree of Life Awakenings Show, which also offers a holiday version during December. Throughout the daytime hours, Animal Kingdom does not offer parades, but does include a steady stream of Disney Character Flotillas that sail Discovery River. Check the My Disney Experience App for showtimes. You can generally see up to 5 different character floats in a day. 

Animal Kingdom Events

Disney After Hours Events are sometimes offered at Animal Kingdom throughout the year on select dates. Giving guests the chance to see Pandora at Night, and take advantage of a nighttime safari on the savanna. You can check the Disney Website and the app for times when specialty events are available. Note, that they are in addition to your park ticket, so plan to budget extra if you’re hoping to snag a spot at a late night event. 

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios has had many names over the years, but the focus of honoring cinema has stayed the same. Featuring some of Disney’s most popular film franchises like Toy Story, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and the Muppets, Hollywood Studios has rides and experiences perfect for both kids and adults. Home to popular rides like Slinky Dog Dash, Rise of the Resistance and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Hollywood Studios offers a variety of fun for everyone in the family.

Hollywood Studios Area Resorts

Nearer to EPCOT Park than you realize, and actually connected by a walking path from EPCOT to Hollywood Studios, the Hollywood Studios Resort Area includes the EPCOT resort area as well. As a result, all of the BoardWalk Resorts are within walking distance of Hollywood Studios. In addition, there are a few other resorts connected to Hollywood Studios via the Disney Skyliner. These Skyliner Resorts include Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, the Riviera Resort, Art of Animation and Pop Century. As Skyliner resorts guests staying at any of these 4 locations can take the skyliner to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. 

Hollywood Studios Restaurants

Dining at Hollywood Studios is much like it is at Magic Kingdom, somewhat sub-par. While Woody’s Lunch Box over in Toy Story Land is fantastic for a quick lunch, and the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge is wonderful for an upscale meal, other options inside the park are basic theme park fare. The exception my be the Ronto Wraps over at Ronto Roasters, which are a must-try Disney Snack. You can check out our Best Quick Service Restaurants at Hollywood Studios to make sure you’re only picking the best ones. 

Hollywood Studios Rides

Home to Rise of the Resistance , Mickeys Runaway Railway and Slinky Dog Dash , there are plenty of rides here that are popular and fun. Though lines do tend to be long, if you plan the busiest rides in the morning, you’ll be able to fit indoor rides, like Star Tours, and Toy Story Mania, in during the hot afternoon hours. And don’t overlook the shows; Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, Indiana Jones Stunt Show Spectacular , and Muppets 3-D are all fun additions to your Hollywood Studios Day. check out the List of Attractions at Hollywood Studios for everything to see and do while you’re there. 

Hollywood Studios Disney Characters

The main characters to see at Hollywood Studios include the Pixar Pals, Star Wars characters, and Woody, Buzz and Jessie in Toy Story Land. You can also see Mickey and Minnie at Red Carpet Dreams, if you’re looking for a Hollywood version of your favorite power couple.

Hollywood Studios Shows and Parades

While Hollywood Studios doesn’t typically have parades, you can sometimes see cavalcades, or motorcades throughout the park. You can also catch the Green Army Men and Stormtrooper March performances that are shown intermittently throughout the day. 

The main shows at Hollywood Studios are Fantasmic and Wonderful World of Animation. Fantasmic is show that takes place at the outdoor theater, complete with moat, pyrotechnics, fireworks, and storytelling as Mickey and the Disney Villains have a showdown. The Wonderful World of Animation show takes place on the facade of the Chinese Theater. Featuring memorable Disney scenes and songs, this is an honor to the animation of Disney.

Hollywood Studios Events

Events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios often include Disney After Hours, on select nights throughout the year. And during the holidays, you can catch Jollywood Nights , which is a holiday party after hours in parks. Both require additional tickets and get you access to the park after closing. 

Disney World Parks Guide

Hopefully this post has helped you get a handle on all the Disney World Parks to visit while you’re in Orlando Florida. If you looking for even more to do, be sure to check out the Disney Water Parks. In addition, visiting the Disney BoardWalk , and Disney Springs to your trip are also free and worth your time! 

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28 top things to do in florida (beyond disney world).

Disney World is worth a visit, but don't overlook these other unique things to do in Florida.

Top Things to Do in Florida

Courtesy of Clearwater Marine Aquarium

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is one of Florida's most special places to visit.

When it comes to planning a Florida vacation , the theme parks in Orlando are top of mind for many people (not that there's anything wrong with that). But there are so many other things to do in Florida. You'll find beautiful natural wonders with crystal-clear waters fed by springs, world-renowned beaches , culturally rich cities, historical attractions reminiscent of Old Florida, exciting festivals and events, impressive museums, and one-of-a-kind amusement parks.

If you're looking for new places to visit and fun things to do in Florida, consider these unique attractions and experiences.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: Merritt Island

Courtesy of Kennedy Space Center

The Kennedy Space Center features five Mission Zones covering 144,000 acres with attractions, interactive exhibits and 3D simulators about all things space exploration and the history of humanity's journey into space. One of the best ways to explore this expansive complex is with an 11-hour small-group VIP experience. Guided by a space expert, you'll be treated to a behind-the-scenes tour by bus highlighting the iconic attractions, transportation to and from your hotel, and other perks. Travelers rave about the center and comment that you don't have to be a space enthusiast to enjoy the visit. For a thrill of a lifetime, plan your trip around one of the scheduled launches to see space exploration come to life before your eyes.

Address: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953

Stay at an all-inclusive resort

Courtesy of Bungalows Key Largo

Florida has a few all-inclusive resorts , including the adults-only Bungalows Key Largo in the Florida Keys. Rates include all meals, top-shelf alcoholic (and nonalcoholic) beverages, and a variety of amenities such as water sports and yoga classes. For other all-inclusive (or nearly all-inclusive) options, the Henderson Park Inn in Destin and Little Palm Island Resort & Spa (another top-rated resort in the Keys ) are worth considering.

Visit the sponge docks at Tarpon Springs

Getty Images

Known as the "Sponge Capital of the World," Tarpon Springs has a rich Greek heritage and a unique history. The saltwater fishing village is best known for its natural sea sponges, which were harvested by divers from the Gulf of Mexico beginning in the late 1880s. More than 500 Greek divers with 50 boats worked in the industry by 1905. While in town, visit the original sponge docks along the Anclote River and grab a traditional Greek lunch at one of the restaurants on the docks, such as Mykonos. For dessert, Hellas Bakery & Restaurant offers a tempting selection of Greek pastries like baklava, kataifi and kourabiedes. And remember to take home a local sponge as a souvenir from your visit as the industry still exists today in Tarpon Springs.

Address: 735 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Hop on a glass-bottom boat in Silver Springs State Park

Jason Frankle and Scott Wesson | Courtesy of Visit Florida

The historic glass-bottom boat tours on the Silver River in central Florida have attracted travelers since the 1870s. Visitors come to see the crystal-clear waters fed by springs, local marine life, and Spanish and Native American artifacts. You'll even catch a glimpse of old Hollywood underwater movie props at the park. There are two tour options: a 30-minute boat ride that operates throughout the day, 365 days a year, or a 90-minute excursion available Friday through Monday. Recent tourgoers enjoyed the boat ride and Silver Springs State Park, saying that it's a great choice for a local Florida experience.

Read: The Top Florida Springs to Visit

Wynwood Walls: Miami

Patrick Farrell | Courtesy of Visit Florida

Wynwood Walls is an acclaimed street art museum and urban revitalization project located in the Wynwood neighborhood of Miami. The installation opened in 2009 and is continually evolving, with 35,000 square feet of walls and more than 100 featured artists from 21 countries. Explore the open-air museum's murals, street art galleries, sculptures and retail shops on your own with a general admission ticket. Visitors enjoy the art displays and are impressed by the quality of the exhibits, with some saying they make return trips every time they're in Miami. After spending time at the Wynwood Walls and nearby Museum of Graffiti – two of the top museums in Miami – check out some of the local eateries, bars, boutiques and events in the neighborhood.

Address: 2516 NW Second Ave., Miami, FL 33127

See more of Miami: Best Things to Do | Hotels

Explore Winter Park

Situated just north of Orlando, Winter Park feels worlds away from the bustling city. Take a walk along the tree-lined Park Avenue district with its popular restaurants and boutiques. You'll also find two impressive museums in town: the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art and Rollins Museum of Art. There are more than 70 parks for outdoor adventure – and be sure not to miss the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour. The hourlong narrated excursion traverses three lakes in the Winter Park Chain of Lakes, offering opportunities to see local wildlife and views of the impressive estates built along the shoreline.

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art: Sarasota

Courtesy of The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art

The Ringling is an impressive museum complex in Sarasota showcasing the legacy of renowned circus owner and art collector John Ringling and his wife, Mable. The Ringling was named the official State Art Museum of Florida in 1980 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Plan an entire day to see the extensive collection of art at the museum and to visit Ca' d'Zan , the Mediterranean Revival mansion that was the winter residence of the Ringlings. Children of all ages will delight in the interactive exhibits at the Circus Museum. You can also stroll the beautiful Bayfront Gardens and visit the Historic Asolo Theater, Education Center, Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion and more. Travelers call it a must-see when in Sarasota and rave about the museum, artwork, grounds and overall experience.

Address: 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243

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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Tampa

Courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

If you're a thrill-seeker looking for heart-pumping rides and nonstop entertainment outside of Orlando, then plan a trip to Busch Gardens . Roller coaster fans will have plenty of exciting twists, drops and high-speed turns at the park, especially on the new Serengeti Flyer. The 135-foot-tall coaster is billed as the tallest and fastest ride of its kind in the world. For the less adventurous, head to the 65-acre Serengeti Plain for an open-air off-road tour. The 30-minute ride offers up-close safari encounters with African wildlife including zebras, giraffes, rhinos and antelopes. There are also plenty of activities at this Tampa attraction to keep children busy with rides, tours and activities designed for younger kids. Recent travelers like the concept of the theme park with the safari tours and comment that the grounds are well maintained.

Address: 10165 McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612

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Hit the beach at Siesta Key

This 8-mile-long barrier island of Siesta Key is famous for its powdery white sand beaches and sparkling turquoise waters along the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors to the beach call it one of the prettiest beaches in the U.S., saying they also enjoy the incredibly soft quartz sand that doesn't get too hot – even in the Florida sun. While on the island, take a ride on the complimentary Siesta Key Breeze Trolley for an overview of the area. Then, head over to Ocean Boulevard in Siesta Key Village to check out the local shopping, dining and entertainment scene.

Meet a manatee in Crystal River Preserve State Park

Known as the "Manatee Capital of the World," Crystal River is located on Kings Bay. The bay's crystal-clear waters are fed 600 million gallons of fresh water daily by more than 70 springs. If you visit in the winter, you'll see as many as 500 to 1,000 manatees enjoying the cool spring-fed waters, whereas about 100 manatees reside there in the summer. For a one-of-a-kind experience, book a manatee tour with Crystal River Watersports, where you can swim and snorkel with one of these gentle giants. The company also offers scalloping excursions where you can hunt for your dinner and a unique chance to try out mermaid courses for all ages.

Ichetucknee River State Park

Situated about 80 miles southwest of Jacksonville in Fort White, this nearly 2,700-acre state park is regarded as a haven for wildlife, including beavers, softshell turtles, wood ducks, limpkins and other species. You'll also find eight major springs that form the 6-mile-long Ichetucknee River, including one that's a National Natural Landmark. Travelers rave about the natural beauty and their experiences at the park. Aside from walks along the three nature trails and geo-seeking, activities here include canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving, swimming or tubing on the pristine river. The state park is also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.

Gatorland: Orlando

Alligators are one of Florida's most notorious residents, and this educational park is one of the top things to do in Orlando with kids . Whether you're fascinated by or terrified of these predators, you can see more than 2,000 American alligators of all ages and sizes (including 14-foot giants) – at a distance – at "The Alligator Capital of the World," Gatorland . There are plenty of other thrilling things to do at the 110-acre wildlife preserve and theme park, including the 1,200-foot-high Screamin' Gator Zip Line and a Stompin' Gator Off-Road Adventure in the swamp on a monster vehicle. If you dare, reserve a spot for the behind-the-scenes tour during Adventure Hour, where you'll be up close and personal with (and even able to feed) hundreds of hungry alligators. Reviewers say they enjoyed the shows, activities and seeing all the gators, and some even wished they had planned to spend more time at the preserve and park.

Address: 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837

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Castillo de San Marcos National Monument: St. Augustine

Castillo de San Marcos was built by Spanish colonists in the late 1600s to defend their settlement of Florida and the Atlantic trade route. The well-preserved structure is the oldest masonry fortification in the continental U.S., and it was designated as a national monument in 1924 by President Calvin Coolidge. You'll find park rangers and volunteers in period dress stationed throughout the fort to answer questions while you explore on your own. They'll also elaborate on the experiences of colonists that lived at the fort hundreds of years ago. Musket and cannon demonstrations take place at scheduled times on most weekends. Be sure to download the official Castillo park app for a self-guided tour and other information to help you make the most of your visit.

Address: 11 S. Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32084

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Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens: Miami

Robin Hill | Courtesy of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

This 45,225-square-foot Mediterranean-style mansion – situated on Biscayne Bay in the Coconut Grove area of Miami – is home to an impressive collection of artwork, sculptures and priceless antiques. Retired millionaire and bachelor James Deering began building the property in 1914 but died in 1925, only a few years after it was completed, leaving the mansion to the children of his half-brother and sister. The family looked after the home and property and worked to make it accessible to the public. Vizcaya opened as a museum in 1953. Today, visitors can tour 34 decorated rooms (out of 54 rooms total) of The Main House, covering approximately 38,000 square feet. They can also stroll through the European-inspired gardens that are regarded as some of the most elaborately designed gardens in the U.S. Travelers praise the home and gardens and say the complimentary audio tour covers a lot of interesting information about the family.

Address: 3251 S. Miami Ave., Miami, FL 33129

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. and is considered an international treasure. The park has the distinction of being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance – and it's protected under the Cartagena Treaty. The National Park Service recommends visiting in the dry season, between November and April. The winter months also afford optimal opportunities to see wildlife, including endangered and rare species like the Florida panther, manatee and American crocodile. For the best experience, take a ranger-guided tour or event, an airboat tour by one of the approved operators, or a guided tour by kayak or canoe. There are also tour options for anglers and photographers as well as eco-tours.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Clearwater

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a unique nonprofit marine rescue center and one of the top aquariums in the U.S. The facility engages in research, education, rehabilitation and release programs. Two beloved dolphins at Clearwater even garnered the attention of filmmakers: "Dolphin Tale" and "Dolphin Tale 2" share the emotional stories of Winter and Hope. Other than dolphins, visitors will find rescued sea turtles, stingrays, river otters, nurse sharks and more marine life here. You'll learn more about ongoing rescue and rehabilitation efforts and even meet some of the rescued animals. Reviewers say the facility is beautiful and the staff is dedicated and knowledgeable. The aquarium also offers exhibits and animal care experiences where you can meet some of the residents. To see the local marine life in their natural habitat, book one of the aquarium's guided eco-boat tours on Clearwater Bay.

Address: 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767

See more of Clearwater: Best Things to Do | Hotels

Daytona International Speedway: Daytona Beach

A trip to Daytona International Speedway is a must-do for NASCAR enthusiasts when visiting Florida. The speedway offers an hourlong speedway tour and a 2.5-hour VIP tour. The VIP experience is available once a day on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays and includes an exclusive visit to the NASCAR Archives & Research Center and Press Box. You can also plan to attend one of the races at the speedway, including the best-known event, the Daytona 500. Visitors say it's an incredible experience to go out on the track, and many rave about the quality of the tours and the museum.

Address: 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114

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McKee Botanical Garden: Vero Beach

The history of this property dates back to 1922, when two land developers purchased an 80-acre tract to grow citrus. However, after some consideration, they decided not to disturb the land's natural beauty and instead hired a landscape architect from the celebrated firm of Frederick Law Olmsted to design the gardens. By the 1940s, more than 100,000 tourists were visiting McKee Jungle Gardens each year to see the impressive collection of waterlilies, orchids, and other ornamental and exotic plants from around the world.

Today, guests can wander through the now 18-acre jungle that's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The gardens are also regarded as a preservation project of national significance by the Garden Conservancy. If you have kids in tow on your visit, don't miss the Children's Garden here. Travelers enjoy the serenity of the gardens and comment that it's a beautiful place for photography.

Address: 350 U.S. Route 1, Vero Beach, FL 32962

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World Equestrian Center: Ocala

Courtesy of MAVEN photo + film for the World Equestrian Center

The World Equestrian Center is the largest equestrian complex in the U.S., with state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor facilities that host many equestrian events and other recreational activities throughout the year. Dog lovers can attend canine events, for example, such as the national specialty dog shows. You'll also find live music at the Yellow Pony Pub & Garden, Food Truck Fridays and Grand Prix Dining Experiences. If you're looking for a wedding venue, you can get married in the on-site chapel and then have the reception in a beautiful setting under the majestic oak trees in the garden. For an extended visit to experience all the center has to offer, plan to stay a few days at The Equestrian Hotel, a luxury resort on the grounds.

Address: 1750 NW 80th Ave., Ocala, FL 34482

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Situated along the sparkling emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Islands National Seashore includes coastal regions in both Florida and Mississippi. There are six areas in Florida to explore: Fort Barrancas, Fort Pickens, Naval Live Oaks, Okaloosa, Perdido Key and Santa Rosa. History buffs will appreciate the fortifications, exhibits and visitor centers at the two fort areas. At Naval Live Oaks, you can hike 7-plus miles of trails and then have a picnic along the bay. Beach lovers will enjoy spending the day at Perdido Key, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. You can even go backcountry camping by boat at Perdido Key. And after the sun goes down, look up at the sky as this national seashore is an excellent place for stargazing.

Note: Fort Barrancas was closed to the public at the time of publication. It is expected to reopen for visitation in summer 2023. Consult the National Park Service for more information.

The Hemingway Home and Museum: Key West

Rob-O'Neal | Courtesy of Hemingway Home and Museum

The legendary author Ernest M. Hemingway first visited Key West in April 1928. During this trip to the Florida Keys, he finished his novel "A Farewell to Arms." He and his second wife, Pauline, fell in love with the island, and after two seasons Pauline's uncle bought a home for them on Whitehead Street. The Spanish Colonial home, built in 1851, was in disrepair when it was purchased and went through a significant restoration project in the 1930s. Today, Hemingway's home is a National Historic Landmark. Many of Hemingway's personal artifacts remain in the house. According to tourgoers, you can even see quite a few six-toed cats wandering the property, just like the six-toed tomcat that belonged to Hemingway. Guided 20- to 30-minute tours are available daily.

Address: 907 Whitehead St., Key West, FL 33040

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South Beach: Miami Beach

South Beach is one of three neighborhoods located on the 9-mile-long barrier island of Miami Beach . The area runs between South Pointe Park north to 23rd Street along the Atlantic Ocean and is best known for its colorful art deco buildings lining famed Ocean Drive. You won't want to miss Lincoln Road, a popular mile-long pedestrian area with boutiques, restaurants and street performers. South Beach is also home to The Wolfsonian: This museum houses one of the most extensive American university art collections of decorative arts, design and propaganda pieces from 1850 to 1950. Before leaving town, head to Lummus Park, a beachfront park where you'll have some of the best people-watching in South Beach.

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

Located approximately 15 miles south of Tallahassee , Wakulla Springs takes guests back to Old Florida and gives them opportunities to glimpse deer, alligators, manatees and turtles. The 6,000-acre wildlife sanctuary has thousands of years of history and boasts one of the world's deepest and largest freshwater springs plus an ancient cypress swamp. This setting was the perfect backdrop for filming "Tarzan's Secret Treasure" (1941) and "Creature From the Black Lagoon" (1954). Take the 45- to 55-minute ranger-led glass-bottom boat tour on the Wakulla River for incredible wildlife-viewing opportunities. The spring-fed water is remarkably clear, which helped a mastodon skeleton be discovered within its depths. The ancient fossil is now on display at the Museum of Florida History in Tallahassee.

Palace Saloon: Amelia Island

Dawna Moore | Courtesy of AmeliaIsland.com

Grab a seat and tip back a cold one at the oldest continuously operating bar in the state: the Palace Saloon. Located on Centre Street in downtown Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island , the historic building was originally designed as a haberdashery in 1878. When it was purchased in 1903, the new owner enlisted the assistance of his friend – the founder of Anheuser-Busch, Adolphus Bush – to create an upscale "gentleman's establishment." The bar was so exclusive that it even attracted the wealthy Carnegie and Rockefeller families who vacationed on nearby Cumberland Island, Georgia, during that time. Local lore claims the Palace Saloon was the last bar to close in Florida during Prohibition and that it survived by selling special wines, ice cream, Texaco gasoline, 3% near-beer and cigars. Today, the interior retains much of its original charm, although the clientele has changed. When in town, stop by the saloon's new outdoor space, The Shipyard, and order a famous Pirates Punch.

Address: 117 Centre St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

The Dalí Museum: St. Petersburg

Courtesy of 2023 – Salvador Dalí Museum, Inc., St. Petersburg, FL

The Dalí Museum highlights the life and work of the innovative artist Salvador Dalí. The design of the building, by architect Yann Weymouth of HOK, is the perfect introduction to the eccentric pieces of art inside. Known as the Enigma, the 18-inch hurricane-proof glass sections create a 75-foot-tall geodesic bubble in the center of the building resembling the one at his museum in Spain. Visitors can view the permanent collections at The Dalí, which include prints, paintings, objects, photographs and works on paper. You'll also find rotating exhibits from other artists, special events and classes. Reviewers comment that the exterior is as much a work of art as the collections inside and say it's better to visit when additional exhibits are on display and you can spend more time at the museum. After your visit, have dinner and watch the sunset at one of the restaurants on St. Pete Pier.

Address: 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg, FL 33701

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John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park: Key Largo

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses 70 nautical miles, and it was the first undersea park in the U.S. You can take a glass-bottom boat tour to view the coral reefs and marine life from above, though scuba divers and snorkelers may want a closer look at the underwater habitats that are part of the Florida Keys ecosystem. In addition to colorful sponges and different species of fish, you may also see crabs, lobsters, dolphins, sea turtles and manatees. If you want to visit the famous 9-foot-tall bronze statue known as Christ of the Abyss located off the coast, you'll need to take a boat tour with a company like Silent World Dive Center in Key Largo. For an extended stay to enjoy more water-based activities like kayaking and canoeing, plan to camp overnight in the park.

See more of Key Largo: Best Things to Do | Hotels

Come for Gasparilla Season in Tampa Bay

Courtesy of Visit Tampa Bay

This two-month-long event features a massive pirate festival, named for the (likely fictitious) pirate José Gaspar of local legend. The Gasparilla Pirate Fest has been thrilling attendees since its inception in 1904. The swashbuckling fun kicks off at the end of January with the third-largest parade in the country. The 4.5-mile route features hundreds of elaborate floats with treasures to pillage, all led by the captain of Ye Mystic Krewe and his pirates. Gasparilla Season also features an outdoor music festival, a children's parade followed by a fireworks display, a film fest, an arts fest and much more. Even college football teams and their buccaneer fans get in on the parley during the Gasparilla Bowl in December. If you're ready for a yo-ho-ho good time, bring your hearties and scallywags to Tampa Bay during Gasparilla Season. Aargh.

Lion Country Safari: Loxahatchee

Courtesy of Lion Country Safari

Lion Country Safari is a 320-acre family-friendly attraction in a rural part of Palm Beach County about 20 miles from West Palm Beach . The drive-thru concept opened in 1967 as one of the first cageless zoos in the U.S., with free-roaming lions and other animals offering a big game experience close to home. The year-round tropical climate in Florida is ideal for the large herds of animals originating from six continents, including lions, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, rhinos and chimpanzees. The safari is also involved in conservation efforts and breeding programs for threatened species.

You'll find seven main habitats across 4 miles of the safari. There's also a 55-acre adventure park with rides, a petting zoo and animal encounters, a water park, paddleboats, and other attractions. You can even take an escorted VIP tour with an expert guide that includes two up-close experiences with some of the animals. Travelers say they enjoy getting close to the animals, that it's worth a visit and a great way to spend an afternoon.

Address: 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee, FL 33470

Read: The Top Zoos in the U.S.

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Gwen Pratesi is an avid travel adventurer and culinary explorer who has covered the Southeast and coastal and central regions of Florida since 2009. She is a resident of Amelia Island, Florida. She frequently visits other parts of the state to explore the lesser-known areas and unique destinations that many travelers miss when visiting Orlando. She writes about the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

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24 Best Restaurants at Disney World for 2024

We have a lot of top 10 lists for eating at Walt Disney World. Ones for table service restaurants, counter service, bars & lounges, character meals, resorts, fireworks views, themed dining, and more. This ranks our absolute favorites–places we love, repeat for fun, and would recommend to friends planning 2024 trips. ( Updated December 5, 2023 .)

For this, we’re going to do things a little differently. We’re combining them all…into a list with only 24 spots. But wait, there’s more.  We’re also going to break the field down into 12 different categories with 2 entries in each. This produces a lot more variety, but also a lot more snubs. Paradoxically, it excludes a number of restaurants in our Top 10 Table Service Restaurants at Walt Disney World , including the #1 pick. But there’s a good reason for that!

Rather than viewing this in terms of the absolute top tier dining at WDW, the question that prompted this list is: which restaurants would we recommend to family & friends vacationing at Walt Disney World? That seems perfectly logical, but it’s something our past lists failed to do. As it turns out, the average visitors won’t do 5 nights at Disney Springs nor will families book a half-dozen Signature Dining experiences during their trip or splurge on a $600 per person evening. Who knew! The goal here was coming up with something actionable for the average vacationers looking to make their Advance Dining Reservations.

In short, this list is more practical than our previous ‘best of’ Walt Disney World dining lists, which sought to be definitive or objective, but often stumbled in terms of usefulness. When making actual ADR recommendations to family and friends, we frequently found ourselves glossing our the “best” options in favor of those places we preferred and dined at regularly ourselves.

We view all of you as friends (those of you we like) or family (some of you can be a pain, but at least you don’t have us set up new printers), so we figured we might as well share this with you, too. Just don’t ask for methodology or an explanation beyond what’s given–this is more of a gut feeling than an analytical analysis.

With the Disney Dining Plan back for 2024, and that being popular with Walt Disney World vacation planners, we do want to note a couple of things. First, there are a handful of 2-credit table service restaurants on this list; those are an objectively poor use of credits. Second, there are a couple of restaurants that aren’t currently slated to accept the 2024 Disney Dining Plan at all. This list still has a ton of relevant recommendations for those on the Disney Dining Plan–just steer clear of those restaurants.

With that said, each section does offer some explanation to give you insight into our thinking for each set of recommendations. Plus, some alternatives where relevant, making the list  much longer than 24 recommendations. Here goes nothing…

Magic Kingdom

Considered by many to be the worst food park at Walt Disney World, even Magic Kingdom has redeeming dining options. For our part, we think Magic Kingdom gets a bad rap. The real issue is depth, as there are too few good options, too little variety, and not enough quality on the counter service front.

We’d argue that at least a couple polarizing table service restaurants (Cinderella’s Royal Table and Be Our Guest Restaurant) are actually good, and there are others where we enjoy at least a handful of menu items. In any case, here are our favorite restaurants–by far–at Magic Kingdom…

Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen – This has become our go-to sleeper pick in Magic Kingdom. The menu has a tremendous amount of variety, dishes are usually tasty and ambitious, and it’s usually easy to book an Advance Dining Reservation here at the last minute.

On top of that, Skipper Canteen is just flat-out fun. The humor, energy and eclectic nature of Jungle Cruise bleeds over into Skipper Canteen, making it one of the most unique restaurants in all of Walt Disney World. Now that’s a winning recipe!

Columbia Harbour House   – This spot in Liberty Square serves far and away the best quick service cuisine in all of Magic Kingdom. It’s not even a close call, as even the next-best options only have a good entree or two, or are incredibly taste-specific. Arguably the same is true with Columbia Harbour House, which is mostly seafood–but we think there’s more or less something for everyone here.

Whether you want a healthy entree or a platter of fried delights, Columbia Harbour House has got you covered. It’s also a great place to escape the crowds of Magic Kingdom. The portions are hearty, the dishes taste great, and Columbia Harbour House generally offers good value for money. From the Lobster Roll to the Grilled Salmon, the menu is ambitious and satisfying.

Widely regarded as Walt Disney World’s “foodie park,” EPCOT has a lot of dining options. World Showcase, in particular, is beloved among visitors who enjoy eating and drinking their way around the lagoon. Not to be contrarian, but we think this reputation is largely overblown.

To be sure, EPCOT does have a formidable food lineup and the perpetual festivals definitely contribute to that. If going by the sheer number of options that are at least okay, EPCOT stands alone. However, we’d argue that many (if not most) of these are mediocre to above-average. There are only a few true standouts, and a surplus of passable options. Here are our picks for EPCOT, both of which are fun restaurants with crowd-pleasing cuisine…

Space 220 – The experience here starts right after checking in, when you head inside the departures terminal and board a Space Elevators. This transports you what seems like 220 miles above Earth to Centauri Space Station, with a thematic assist from screens simulating a blast off from Florida and docking at the CSS.

Upon exiting the elevator, you walk through an entrance hallway with some space horticulture–definite Living with the Land meets Horizons meets the Martian  vibes here. The arrival makes a strong first impression and Centauri Space Station feels pretty authentic–based on my extensive experiences with real space stations, naturally. Entering the seating area reveals a breathtaking panoramic view of Earth in the distance outside the windows. This is Space 220’s big wow moment.

The food at Space 220 is good, in our opinion. It’s not going to win any awards or itself make ‘best of’ lists when judging cuisine from all over Walt Disney World. However, outside of the next entry plus Takumi-Tei and Monsieur Paul (both of which are still in the reopening ‘process’ and have absurdly-priced prix fixe menus as a result, so they’re temporarily disqualified), you aren’t going to find award-winning cuisine anywhere at EPCOT.

Via Napoli  – Often considered Walt Disney World’s culinary epicenter, World Showcase has a lot of good picks. Via Napoli stands out among the crowded field thanks to its tremendous range–it’s not  just exceptional pizzas–and approachability.

Without question, Via Napoli serves the best pizza “pies” in all of Walt Disney World. We’d take that a step further, proclaiming it one of the few places we’ve ever dined serving truly authentic Neapolitan pizza, right down to imported ingredients, wood-burning ovens, and even the water-sourcing (no joke!). Simply put, Via Napoli is one of the best World Showcase restaurants, and a great value if you split a pizza. It’s a really fun restaurant, and it lives up to the hype.

Hollywood Studios

If EPCOT is overrated, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is underrated. Its lineup is lean–with everything bringing something to the table, both literally and figuratively. One of the best Signature Restaurants, a banger of a bar (that’s often overlooked), a few great counter service restaurants (two of which are overlooked), top tier snacks, and two of the best themed restaurants in all of Walt Disney World.

Honestly, we had a harder time narrowing this down to two picks than we did the EPCOT list…

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater – The go-to restaurant for a themed dining experience at Walt Disney World. The dining area is a classic drive-in movie theater at night, complete with a large screen showing classic sci-fi B-movies from the 1950s. To complete the experience, the tables are classic 1950s cars.

Another layer is piled on top of this, as the whole drive-in area is actually a Hollywood set, making guests the star of whatever sci-fi B-movie is being filmed at the drive-in. It’s a story within a story! The main drive-in theme is fairly obvious (and awesome), but that extra layer of the movie set is something you’ll need to look for as you enter the lobby. Check out the various little details, such as labor law signs, that help pull this off. We love the food at Sci-Fi, which recently had its menu overhauled and is now decidedly better than it once was .

Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo   – This is the main restaurant in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which is also home to Oga’s Cantina and Ronto Roasters. Each of those are must-dos (at least once) for their own reasons, but this is the only place to get a full meal in Star Wars Land, so you’ll definitely want to eat at Docking Bay 7.

Docking Bay 7 truly fires on all cylinders. Its themed design is engaging and fun, its menu is diverse and delicious, and it offers some of the best desserts at Walt Disney World. In terms of the menu, there’s something for everyone. Vegetarians–and really, anyone–will love the Felucian Garden Spread, while meat-eating enthusiasts might just prefer the Smoked Kaadu Ribs to those at Flame Tree BBQ. And that’s just two things on this stacked menu!

Animal Kingdom

Similar to Hollywood Studios, this is a park with an underappreciated dining lineup. Part of that probably comes down to Animal Kingdom being a half-day park for most people, so they only do one meal here versus two at the other parks. In any case, Animal Kingdom has an underrated Signature Restaurant and attached lounge, plus counter service cuisine–both at dedicated restaurants and walk-up kiosks–that flies under the radar.

Oh, and Animal Kingdom also has Flame Tree BBQ. For ages, that was our favorite restaurant in Animal Kingdom, but it doesn’t make the cut here…

Tiffins – A tribute to the explorations and travels that provided the genesis of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Tiffins simultaneously feels like dining in an art gallery, and eating at a high-end, low-key restaurant where globe-trotting Imagineers would themselves dine. Fortunately, it’s not a hodgepodge or scholar’s den of eccentricities, and instead is a carefully-curated art gallery, with great attention to detail.

The menu at Tiffins is delightful, with a variety of ambitious dishes that are adventurous and reflective of the restaurant’s overarching theme. Again, it’s all about attention to detail here, with everything from presentation to the confluence of flavors making Tiffins a winner. There are several approachable options here, but Tiffins is a great place to challenge your taste buds, step outside your comfort zone, and take a veritable adventure in dining.

Satu’li Canteen – More ambitious menus are definitely a trend with new counter service restaurants at Walt Disney World, and Avatar Land’s mess hall is no exception. Per backstory, this cafeteria has been repurposed into a peaceful dining facility by Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE) and adorned with Na’vi art and cultural items. Despite that, the setting isn’t quite as interesting as you might expect.

No matter, as the food is absolutely delicious. The highlight at Satu’li Canteen is the ‘build-a-bowl’ option, which lets you select a protein, base, and sauce. This gives you the option to choose among the fresh, high quality, and delicious ingredients to make something healthy, heavy and decadent, or in between. (I definitely go for the “wrong” end of that spectrum, and love the beef with potatoes and creamy herb dressing.) In other words, there’s something for everyone with the options at Satu’li Canteen.

Disney Springs

If Walt Disney World has an actual culinary epicenter, it’s Disney Springs and not World Showcase. This shopping and dining district has really grown into its own since being reimagined, with a slew of celebrity chef restaurants, trendy fast casual dining, and other excellent options. A big part of it is that Disney Springs attracts a variety of visitors–including locals and convention-goers who could just as easily dine off-site.

Our list of the best table service restaurants at Disney Springs features 5 locations that easily could’ve made this list. Here are the ones that did…

The Boathouse —  The best among the restaurants at Disney Springs is the Boathouse, which offers fine dining and a fun atmosphere. Food-wise, the Boathouse offers an expansive menu with great options at a variety of price-points.

On top of the exceptional cuisine, the Boathouse has excellent energy. It’s hard to define this, but there’s just always something happening here, especially in the main dining rooms and the dock. You can catch harbormaster flag ceremonies throughout the day, musical performances every evening, and a variety of other stuff you won’t find at other Walt Disney World restaurants.

Polite Pig – This is one of the most popular dining spots at Disney Springs, and is likely to become even more of a destination restaurant thanks to its recognition in the Florida Michelin Guide .

It’s impossible to deny the quality of countless dishes at Polite Pig. The Baby Back Ribs with the polite rub and layla’s sweet bbq sauce are the best at Walt Disney World. The Pork Shoulder and Half Chicken are similarly fantastic. These are all quite pricey, but the quality is undeniable. For cheaper options, the sandwiches do not disappoint. Ditto the shareables and market sides.

Monorail Resorts

Objectively, this is the most competitive category. Although it’s “only” the monorail loop resorts, those hotels are home to several spectacular Signatures, beloved character dining experiences, and other iconic eateries. Not to mention Victoria & Albert’s, which is the best restaurant in all of Walt Disney World.

But the thing is, how many Signature Restaurants are you going to do in one trip? Who really is out there shelling out $500+ to dine at Victoria & Albert’s based on the recommendation of some random blogger? (I also can’t really recommend Victoria & Albert’s in good conscience anymore, as I would not pay its obscene price myself.) Is Chef Mickey’s really a recommendation for friends & family… or enemies?  We regret nothing.

With that said, there are some notable snubs. The obvious one is ‘Ohana, and even though we both think it’s overrated and overpriced, it’s a good choice for first-timers (it’s still something special in a way that’s hard to define). Then there’s Steakhouse 71, Grand Floridian Cafe, Captain Cook’s, Narcoossee’s…the list goes on. A compelling case can be made for almost any on the monorail loop, in all honesty.

After much deliberation and debate, here are the Magic Kingdom resort area options that we agreed upon…

California Grill  — Offering incredible ambiance, sophisticated decor, and undoubtedly the best views of any restaurant at Walt Disney World, California Grill is a winner. When dining here, a window table is almost a must. Make ADRs for about an hour before the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks, and be willing to wait for a window table.

The views of Magic Kingdom and the fireworks finale alone makes California Grill a highly in-demand restaurant that’s bucket list worthy. Currently, California Grill serves a prix fixe menu for the World’s Most Magical Celebration. While we enjoyed this experience (see Review: California Grill Celebration Dinner ), it’s definitely limiting. Additionally, we miss the (still!) temporarily unavailable “Brunch at the Top” , which was the best meal at California Grill.

Citricos – The reimagined restaurant, purportedly inspired by Mary Poppins, won us over on Citricos. The menu is superlative, with sophisticated Floridian cuisine and an abundance of citrus infusions. These dishes are inventive, beautifully-plated, delicious, and in keeping with the spirit of Ci­tricos. The only downside is portions and pricing–this is arguably the closest Walt Disney World gets to haute cuisine.

The atmosphere is a marked improvement over the previous incarnation of the restaurant. The style is supposedly influenced by Mary Poppins, but that’s almost totally unnoticeable. It’s simply modernized with design motifs that vaguely evoke visuals from the film. Citricos is now practically perfect, and this reimagining was a supercalifragilistic upgrade to both the menu and interior.

This is a new category for the 2024 edition of this best of list, which separates out the Wilderness resorts (Fort and Lodge) into their own category. Now, you might think that two ‘rustic’ resorts can’t possibly offer much for food fans, but you’d be very wrong.

In addition to what did make this list, restaurants left off include an iconic dinner show in Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, two very strong bars, and two counter service restaurants with formidable menus.

Another reason we’re including this as a standalone category is because we  always  recommend to friends and family that they take the time to visit Wilderness Lodge. It’s our favorite hotel at Walt Disney World and a lot of our family is ‘outdoorsy,’ so they appreciate the feel and look of the lodge.

Here’s where you should eat while enjoying the ambiance and design of Wilderness Lodge…

Whispering Canyon Cafe  – This zany restaurant in the lobby of Wilderness Lodge specializes in hilarity and hijinks, skillets and shenanigans, fun and food. It’s a rare restaurant at Walt Disney World that offers both a fun show component and comforting cuisine –not just one or the other. Guests are brought right into the wry humor of the show, which is very amusing for most, but might not be as fun for the shy. The Signature Skillets are the standout and recommended if you have big eaters in your party thanks to being an all-you-can-eat dish. (My favorite is the Pig.)

Whispering Canyon Cafe is always on our list of recommended restaurants, but it’s a must-do during the holiday season. Since it’s an open-air restaurant with views into the soaring Wilderness Lodge lobby, dining here during at Christmas-time is an awesome way to enjoy the decorations and iconic lobby tree. Our “perfect” visit to Wilderness Lodge at Christmas involves booking a late ADR here, requesting a lobby-side table, enjoying our feast, and then crashing into a comfy fireside seat while recovering from food coma afterwards. Pure holiday perfection .

Story Book Dining at Artist Point  – This character meal features Snow White, Evil Queen, Dopey, and Grumpy.  Storybook Dining at Artist Point is the best character dining experience at Walt Disney World  if you’re judging primarily based upon food quality. The Artist Point menu is far more ambitious and inventive than anything other character dining experience, but that’s unsurprising given that this used to be a Signature Restaurant.

The prix fixe menu is mostly very good, and a great option for those wanting quality over the quantity found on a buffet. If you enjoy Snow White characters, Artist Point is a no-brainer. Unfortunately, all of these selling points make Artist Point the most difficult ADR to score in all of Walt Disney World.

Crescent Lake

While World Showcase gets all the glory, the resort area  behind  EPCOT that’s a short walk from the International Gateway entrance is much more formidable for table service dining. There are multiple Signature Restaurants in this area, plus character dining, crowd-pleasing cuisine, and a number of mid-tier table service restaurants and lounges that all have distinct appeal. (And that’s without even counting the many excellent options at the Swan & Dolphin.) The only weakness is counter service dining, which underwhelms.

With that said, two restaurants in Crescent Lake stand out above the rest of the pack…

Yachtsman Steakhouse – A carnivore’s paradise, Yachtsman Steakhouse is the place to go at Walt Disney World for glorious cuts of meat. This is apparent as soon as you walk in the entrance where you see…a butcher in a case booth making the “magic” happen. It also manages an upscale setting, with sophisticated design, rich woods, and an elegant-but-straightforward interior. Yachtsman Steakhouse is classy, but not fancy or trendy. It’s an old school steak spot.

You really can’t go wrong with the cuts of meat at Yachtsman Steakhouse. No matter what you get, you’re in for a treat. Although Yachtsman Steakhouse has other menu items besides colossal cuts of meat, these are where the magic happens. It’s also the most approachable Signature Restaurant at Walt Disney World, and something that even “meat and potatoes” kinds of guests will enjoy for a nice date night or family meal that isn’t intimidating.

Flying Fish – What Yachtsman Steakhouse is to steak, Flying Fish is to seafood. That is to say, it’s the place to go at Walt Disney World if you want some excellent seafood. Located on the BoardWalk, Flying Fish is the perfect adult’s night out, as you can enjoy the ambiance of the BoardWalk after a meal at the restaurant. The ambiance of Flying Fish is also great, with nice decor and an open kitchen and nice bar that add to the energy of the restaurant.

In terms of entrees, we’d recommend the surprisingly delicious Char-crusted New York Strip, or Potato-wrapped Red Snapper. Those two used to be part of the Chef’s Duo, and they’re the only two dishes that have been on the menu since the beginning…for good reason. Otherwise, we recommend sticking to seafood. Dessert rounds out the experience with a lot of interesting options.

From International Gateway at Crescent Lake, we take the Skyliner gondolas and glide above the BoardWalk over to Barefoot Bay. This area is home to Disney’s Riviera Resort and Caribbean Beach, a Disney Vacation Club property and Moderate Resort, respectively. Technically, the Skyliner resorts also include Pop Century and Art of Animation, but both of those only offer counter service and lounge dining.

Nevertheless, the two resorts at Barefoot Bay offer a strong slate of dining options–including several hidden gems…

Topolino’s Terrace: Flavors of the Riviera – Nothing hidden about this one, as Topolino’s Terrace is one of two newish restaurants that offer superlative rooftop dining surpassing perennial favorites (the other being Toledo at Gran Destino Tower). Since it opened, we’ve done several dinners at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, which has become our go-to pick for a high quality and filling fine dining experience that also offers great views and atmosphere.

We’d probably pick this  over  California Grill for quality, but that restaurant a stone’s throw from Magic Kingdom is more iconic and has better fireworks views. While dinner is the reason it makes this list, families should not overlook the exceptional Breakfast Á la Art with Mickey & Friends , which is our new favorite character meal at Walt Disney World .

Sebastian’s Bistro  – This sleeper pick at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is easy to access from Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and a number of resorts. Nevertheless, it flies under the radar of most Walt Disney World guests–and that includes many longtime fans. The new family style service at Sebastian’s Bistro holds its own and offers exceptional quality on par with traditional table service dining.

Sebastian’s Bistro is arguably the best buffet or family-style meal, right up there with (spoiler alert) Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Far superior to Cape May Cafe, Tusker House, and (sorry) even ‘Ohana. That’s all without even taking cost or value for money into account. Sebastian’s Bistro completely trounces the competition on that front.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

That’s right, Animal Kingdom Lodge is its own category . (Coronado Springs was  thisclose  to getting its own, too!) The reason we view this one as appropriate is because Animal Kingdom Lodge is a destination-worthy resort, and one few Walt Disney World visitors staying elsewhere go out of their way to see.

The wild thing is, it was more difficult for us to narrow down this single-resort category than it was a couple of the parks or Crescent Lake. Literally every restaurant in Jambo House and Kidani Village are worthy of consideration here, and it pains us to snub Jiko. To a lesser extent, the same is true about the Mara and Victoria Falls Lounge, which is a solid sleeper pick.

Sanaa – Ask 10 longtime Walt Disney World fans to name a trio of underrated table service restaurants, and there’s a good chance half of them put Sanaa on their lists. Like pretty much all Animal Kingdom Lodge dining, it’s beloved by diehards and overlooked by most regular guests.

No matter how many times we offer effusive praise for Sanaa, calling it the best restaurant at which you’re not eating, it doesn’t move the needle. And we aren’t the only ones. Pretty much everyone we know loves Sanaa and openly praises it. (In a weird way, that should actually be reassuring. It debunks the common fear we hear that “everyone” who visits Walt Disney World follows the advice on sites like this, rendering it useless as a competitive advantage. To the contrary, the vast majority of guests do minimal planning.)

Boma – Flavors of Africa – This is far and away the best buffet at Walt Disney World. Like Sebastian’s Bistro above, Boma offers good value for money (by Walt Disney World standards), is a ton of fun, and offers something for everyone.

There are easily a dozen excellent items at Boma, from standout meats to supporting salads, all of which are ambitious and delicious. Far fewer things are phoned in than at a normal buffet, and there’s something for everyone at Boma. Even the soups are addictively delicious—and that’s saying something since I seldom want soup given Florida’s climate! And of course, every meal ends with those iconic Zebra Domes (which arguably aren’t even the buffet’s best dessert!).

Character Dining

For our last two categories, we pivot from places to types of restaurants. This is both as a practical matter–character dining is highly appealing to many families–and a way to “mop up” missing entries overlooked from their respective locations. While some parents and longtime Walt Disney World fans will undoubtedly quibble with one of these, this was the easiest category for us.

Just keep in mind that Topolino’s Terrace and Artist Point are already addressed above, and those are our personal favorite character dining meals, offering the most well-rounded experiences consisting of cuisine, character interactions, and atmosphere. But when it comes to families, we often recommend more than just two character meals.

Here are our other two top tier picks for character dining at Walt Disney World…

Cinderella’s Royal Table  – This would not crack our personal top 5 of character meals we do most frequently, so if that’s the sole basis for this list, Cinderella’s Royal Table would not be included. However, we find ourselves recommending this more than almost any other character dining experience because, for princess lovers, Cinderella’s Royal Table is  the  character dining experience at Walt Disney World .

Located inside Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, Cinderella’s Royal Table is a rite-of-passage experience…and one that is priced accordingly! Because of that, it becomes almost impossible to assess this meal. It’s the type of thing your kids will talk about for months afterwards, and it leaves an indelible impression.

It’s a lot like Chef Mickey’s–an iconic experience with bottomless demand that could get away with low quality at high prices. Unlike that, Cinderella’s Royal Table is surprisingly good, with cuisine that’s near fine dining caliber (probably the best food quality in Magic Kingdom, or close to it). The atmosphere is also excellent. Beyond the lavish and regal setting, it’s not as loud and chaotic as you might expect given the target audience. Whether it’s overpriced is subjective; for many young kids, eating inside a castle with royalty is a priceless experience.

Minnie’s Seasonal Dine at Hollywood & Vine –  Our meal and overall experience at Minnie’s Holiday Dine was one of our best character meals  ever  at Walt Disney World . More recently, we did  Minnie’s Halloween Dine and Minnie’s Springtime Dine and loved both of those. The Halloween and holiday options are so good that both are potential alternatives to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party if your priority is meeting characters at a fun seasonal event but those party tickets are too pricey.

At every Minnie’s Seasonal Dine we’ve done, the character interactions have been top-notch. The costumes are also incredible–far better than what you’ll find at the hard ticket events, in fact. Then there was the buffet itself, which offers a wide selection of cuisine. It was definitely not in the realm of Boma in terms of ambitiousness, but the quality was on nearly the same level for several entree and dessert items. If you’re looking for good comfort foods, you really can’t go wrong with Minnie’s Seasonal Dines at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Bars & Lounges

Saving the best for last, we come to the bars. While we don’t really drink anymore, we do frequent lounges at Walt Disney World. In fact, this is one of our favorite categories as a nice ‘in-between’ option with price points that aren’t that much higher than counter service restaurants, cuisine that’s far superior, and atmosphere that’s usually laid back.

If you’re looking strictly for a bar, there are better options for strong drinks and themed settings. This list barely scratches the surface of our favorite options in this category–for something comprehensive, see our List of the 23 Best Bars & Lounges at Walt Disney World . (Most of these are family-friendly, and serve good cuisine at fair prices. It’s a great dining category that’s essentially in-between counter and table service restaurants!)

With that said, there are two lounges at which we eat more than anywhere else at Walt Disney World…

Geyser Point Bar & Grill – This lounge is basically an open air picnic shelter–one of the simplest restaurants in all of Walt Disney World. Unless you count the brick and wood of the construction, there are really no details to speak of. The very reason Geyser Point is so brilliant is because it gets out of its own way.

Geyser Point shines because of its beautiful setting on Bay Lake, and Disney made the right decision here in letting  that  be the star of Geyser Point. We think this was a wise move, and absolutely love the experience of sitting here and soaking up the serene natural beauty of the lakefront setting. At sunset or during the Electrical Water Pageant, it’s pure bliss. When it comes to the menu, Geyser Point basically makes the cut due to the Bison Burger, but the salmon, salads, and small bites also deliver.

Three Bridges Bar & Grill – Located at Coronado Springs Resort, this one is very similar to Geyser Point above in that both are hidden gems and neither accept Advance Dining Reservations. Since it opened, we’ve probably dined at Three Bridges more than any other restaurant at Walt Disney World.

We highly recommend the Three Bridges Signature Burger, Harissa Lamb Chops, and the Warm Churros are a must-order for dessert. You really can’t go wrong here. Although it’s more difficult to get here and arguably is  not  destination dining for those visiting Walt Disney World for the first-time or once per year, we nevertheless do recommend Three Bridges to friends for late night meals…and that’s the core criteria for this list, friends!

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews . To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!

Your Thoughts

What would make your list of the top 24 restaurants at Walt Disney World for 2024? Any obvious standouts we’ve snubbed? What about restaurants that made our list that don’t belong? Any way you’d change the categories or choices? Do you agree or disagree with our choices? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

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THE HAUTE CUISINE of Disney is Victoria and Albert’s at the Grand Floridian. This is a nationally known super expensive and almost impossible to get reservations at but it is arguably the best restaurant at Disney and even if you don’t like food that exotic it deserves a mention. Having said this we just came back from a trip and dined at Citricos and California Grill which were both fabulous. At EPCOT the Mexican restaurant would be our go to.

You’ve been a tease, Tom. You showed a pic of Bob Jackson at the River Roost Lounge, but didn’t identify what is my go-to location everytime I visit WDW. The live entertainment provided by Bob is hysterically wonderful, and the bar food isn’t bad either!!! If you haven’t checked him out yet, you’re missing a real gem. Bonus: I know it’s a lounge, and he doesn’t start until 8:30pm, but bring the kids.

Have you tried Maneet Chauhan’s new quick service restaurant, eet, at Disney Springs? I watched a really good review of it (first time I’d ever seen the vlogger give a “five out of five” on anything). I’ve never eaten Indian cuisine, so I’d like to hear your feedback if you’ve tried it.

We have not, but are really looking forward to it–looks absolutely fantastic, and I’ve heard nothing but great things!

Morimito must be on list

“Vegetarians–and really, anyone–will love the Felucian Garden Spread,”….So true! I am not a vegetarian but I had read so many articles you wrote about how good the Felucian Garden Spread is I had to try it last time I visited. Wow! It was so good. Now, I can’t wait to go back and have it again. Thank you for all the great information.

Yes! Four non-vegetarians ordered 3 meals at Docking Bay 7 and our fave was the Kefta and Hummus dish. Seriously flavourful and satisfying. Looking forward to having it again!

Hard to disagree with much of your list. Glad you spelled out how overrated Epcot has become. Apart from the ludicrously price luxury restaurants, it’s mostly a collection of Olive Garden quality dining. A lot of “ok” options. And I actually think Space 220 is overrated but it’s fun to do at least once — Once you get past the elevator and entry, it’s really a pretty ordinary restaurant with some big tv screens showing space.

Minor quibbles: I can’t recommend Yachtsman Steakhouse. Yes, it’s a very decent steakhouse, 50% more expensive than a comparable steakhouse outside of Disney. It’s not original, it’s not standout.. just isn’t worth paying the Disney premium pricing IMHO.

Very minor quibble in DHS: Food is a little better at Primetime Diner, theming is great at both. If you have young kids on a hot day, then I’d take Sci Fi — the darkness and big tv make for a cool peaceful finding experience, as every young kid stares at the tv.

I’d put Nomad Lounge in best lounges, or simply above Tiffins. Yes, Tiffins is fantastic — But Nomad can provide a relaxing affordable respite from the day. (and honorable mention to Yak and Yeti)

I fully agree with your listing of California Grill and Citrico’s. I’d just note you go to California Grill partially for the food, mostly for the fireworks. Citrico’s is possibly the best “signature” food quality at WDW.

Overall, great list.

I was really tempted to put Nomad Lounge on the list–either in place of one of the bars, or lumped together with Tiffins. They are basically one restaurant, so that feels somewhat fair and reasonable.

Adam you are embarrassing yourself with the Yachtsman comment.

Good list. I am glad to see some of my old favorites such as Boma on the list. I prefer it to Sanaa which is also excellent. I am glad to see the Sci-Fi Dine in on the list. It was my favorite for atmosphere for a long time back in the day, even as it got rather scathing reviews for food choice and quality. I don’t spend much time at WDW anymore, but I was an annual passholder for a couple years in the early 1990’s and then a cast member for 5 years right after.

Kind of a shame that Epcot is not the standout it once was from a culinary standpoint. The rest of the world caught up and surpassed its experimental prototype dining experience. 🙂

I fully get that the point of the blog is to help people visiting the parks in the current era and not reminiscing about how great everything used to be, but

sebastian’s has better food, easier to get in and out of, easier reservation and is HALF THE PRICE of Ohana…but why do we go to Ohana!? Nostalgia.

No Yak and yeti is fighting words!!! You made up for it with Sci-Fi, Sanaa, & Geyser Point though!

This list was so helpful – thank you! We just came back last night and loved the restaurants we went to which included Boma, Space 220, Sci-Fi, Columbia Harbour House, Docking Bay 7, Storybook, and Sebastian’s.

We also went to Mara (their chicken and shrimp bowls were quite good), Ronto’s Roasters (this was the perfect snack), ABC commissary (their shrimp tacos were good), Sleepy Hollows (the chicken & waffles were ok – the waffles were soggy), and Nomad Lounge (everything was great and the chairs were so comfy my husband fell asleep )

It’s like you read my mind with this list…I could have written it! I still haven’t tried two of the restaurants here but they are on my list. Three Bridges is one of my favorite sleeper picks!

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The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do in Orlando

With all the theme parks and beaches, there are a ton of things to do in Orlando. Check out this guide, and start planning your trip!

Orlando, Florida, is one of the biggest tourism destinations in the entire country. It’s no surprise why! The city and its surrounding areas offer a ton of wonderful, family-friendly things to do, ranging from sprawling amusement parks to interesting museums. It’s also easily accessible from locations across the United States. This makes it a great place to visit for a long weekend or a family vacation. Our comprehensive guide will dive into more about the best things to do in Orlando, when to go, and where to stay while you’re there. Let’s get to it!

Roaming Around the Sunshine State With Let’s Roam

Florida sure has a ton of great activities. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, explore what the Sunshine State has to offer with Let’s Roam! We have an extensive list of fun-filled scavenger hunts that will help you experience the best things to do in Orlando , Miami , Sarasota , St. Augustine , and beyond. All our hunts are designed to make every day extraordinary. They’re perfect for families, friends, and couples who want to explore a destination in an exciting way!

Initial Planning: Getting to Orlando and Getting Around

Our team of travel experts has worked hard to create this comprehensive guide to Orlando. You’ll find amazing things to do in Downtown Orlando and the best hotels to stay in near Disney World! In fact, we have everything you need to get started on planning an epic family vacation. 

Thanks to Orlando’s warm weather all year long, most of its major attractions are open all year long. Looking for less heat, smaller crowds, and lower prices? Then some months are better than others. In our opinion, the best time to go to Orlando is between April and May. Not only will you miss the summer break from school, but you also get to visit when Orlando is alive with interesting festivals! If you’re planning on spending a lot of time at the beaches nearby, keep in mind that the water is still around 75 degrees. This means it’s perfect for swimming and water sports, but it may be a little chilly for anyone hoping to just veg out in the shallows with a cocktail. 

Unlike some of the other major cities around the world, Orlando doesn’t necessarily have must-see festivals or events. However, many of the parks and attractions will run their own festival that celebrates something unique. You can check Visit Orlando to see a full list of events. Consider Brews Around the Zoo or the Apopka Art & Foliage Festival, which showcases local artwork and artisanal products! 

Busy Months

As you can imagine, July through August is a popular time to visit Orlando. After all, many American schools are out for the summer. If you don’t have to visit during this time period, we highly recommend avoiding it. The lines can get extremely long, even by Disney standards. And you may find yourself only getting on one or two rides each day. The temperatures can also reach sweltering numbers, which may not be ideal if you aren’t used to such heat. 

Slow Months

Kids are back in school by September, so things begin to quiet down again. This is usually the slowest month in the entire year. October and November are slower as well. That’s great for anyone who wants to cut some of the eye-watering expenses of traveling to Orlando. Disney usually puts out their Christmas decorations in early November, so if you time your visit right, you could see the parks all dolled up for the holidays!

How to Get to Orlando and Move Around the City

Many visitors arrive with their own set of wheels, or they fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO). Most of the major car rental companies have offices here where you can pick up a vehicle for the duration of your stay. The airport is located just 20 minutes from International Drive, so getting to all of Orlando’s tourist hotspots couldn’t be easier!

There are also flights running to Orlando Sanford International Airport, which lies about 28 miles northeast of Orlando. This airport is a little bit further away from most of the tourist sites but is still a great option for visitors. Amtrak offers services to Orlando with a stop at its downtown train station. The train line runs along the eastern side of the state, connecting Orlando with Miami and Jacksonville. 

Once you’re in Orlando, there’s very little public transport available. Many of the attractions are very spread out. So the best and easiest way to get around is with your own car. Just make sure you get a Visitor Toll Pass. It can help you save money on all the highway tolls you’ll inevitably have to pay!

If you’re staying at one of the park resorts, you may have some type of shuttle service included, such as airport pick up or a shuttle to the parks. So double-check on that when you’re planning your transportation! 

Where to Stay in Orlando

From the massive luxury resorts of Disney World to the boutique hotels in Downtown Orlando, you’re really spoiled for choices. Where you decide to book can have a huge impact on your experience. But choosing the right hotel can be a bit difficult—there are so many options!

To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of some of the best hotels and resorts in Orlando. It’s been compiled using information from Booking.com, Expedia, Tripadvisor, and Google Maps as well as the experience of our own in-house travel experts. It includes hotels and resorts within the main theme parks as well as hotels in Downtown Orlando. All of these family-friendly hotels are easily accessible from the Orlando International Airport via airport shuttles and ride-hailing services.

Theme Park Resorts

Orlando is famous for its theme parks! As such, many visitors head straight to one of the luxurious resorts located on the peripheries of the parks. These resorts are sprawling complexes with plenty of child-friendly, themed activities and attractions that can make your trip to Orlando even more memorable!

Expert Tip: While many of the theme park resorts can be pretty pricey, they may also have fantastic perks for people who are planning on visiting either Walt Disney World or Universal Studios. When you’re deciding on where to stay, compare the prices of park admission, skip-the-line line passes, and more to see if the high price tag equates to good value for money.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

As one of Disney’s most iconic resorts, the Grand Floridian is definitely an opulent spot in the area. Resembling the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, this beautiful Victorian-inspired resort located on the Seven Seas Lagoon promotes an air of grandeur that you don’t see in many other luxury hotels or resorts in Orlando. 

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is home to Central Florida’s only restaurant that has earned the coveted AAA Five Star Rating. And you can indulge in style with one of their 10-course tasting menus! Best of all, the hotel is located just one stop from the Magic Kingdom on the Monorail, making it easy to get to the park. Interestingly, the members of the Beach Boys were some of the first visitors to the hotel, and the video for their hit song “Kokomo” was actually filmed on the resort’s very own beach. 

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

The Polynesian Village Resort has been a longtime favorite of many Disney fans. It was built in 1971 as one of Disney’s first hotels. The lush gardens, hidden lagoons, and tiki vibes can kind of make you feel like you’re on an island in the South Pacific. There are two swimming pools located on the grounds, including the exciting Lava Pool area, which features a zero-depth entry point, a towering volcano, a 142-foot-long water slide, and a waterfall. Best of all, the hotel is one of just three hotels located on Disney World’s Monorail loop. That makes it super easy and convenient to get to the park.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Thanks to its location in the middle of a 74-acre animal reserve, it’s pretty easy to see what makes Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge so unique. The reserve wraps around the hotel, so guests can see many of the 200 animals that call the reserve home from the comfort of their guest rooms and the handy public viewing stations. The inspiration for the lodge came from the different luxury lodges dotted around southern and eastern Africa, and the hotel has more than 380 pieces of African art. Just like their counterparts in Africa, amenities may even include a free sighting of a giraffe or gazelle right outside your balcony!

The lodge is adjacent to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and nearby Epcot Center and Hollywood Studios. On the other hand, it can take close to 40 minutes to reach the Magic Kingdom by shuttle bus. So if you’d like to be closer to all the action there, you may want to choose a different hotel. However, if you want to have a truly unique experience at a reasonably low price (at least compared to the other Disney hotels), this could be a great pick for you!

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Looking a bit like an oceanfront New England resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort can make you suddenly feel like you’re on the shores of the Northern Atlantic Ocean. Although the hotel is relatively new, it was designed to resemble a Victorian-style cottage with a blue and beige color palette and a light, breezy atmosphere. The hotel is home to its own water park called Stormalong Bay. It has a lazy river, a 230-foot-long water slide, and a sand-bottom pool, which is the perfect place to cool off on a hot Florida day.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort is across the lake from Disney’s BoardWalk and just a short walk from Epcot’s International Gateway and Hollywood Studios. So it’s a great choice for anyone visiting one of the many festivals or events at Epcot or who simply wants to be a little bit removed from the craziness of the other Disney hotels.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge was inspired by some of the incredible early 20th-century national park lodges found across the United States. You can reach it after just a short boat ride from the Magic Kingdom on the shore of Bay Lake at Walt Disney World Resort. Rumor has it that the resort was designed to look like the Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone National Park. 

The resort seamlessly mixes the rustic charm of these beautiful properties with a contemporary vibe. It has a six-story lobby decked out with teepee-topped chandeliers, totem poles, an 82-foot tall stone fireplace, and a bubbling hot spring that transforms into a dramatic waterfall as it makes its way outside. 

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

Operated by Marriott as part of the Westin and Sheraton, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin are two adjacent resorts built in the 1980s. Yes, the exterior of these Michael Graves-designed resorts has a bit of a retro Barbie vibe thanks to its pink and teal coloring and geometric shapes. But the recently renovated interior is light and airy with a slightly more sophisticated tone. There are 17 on-site restaurants and lounges and a glittering lobby lined with crystal chandeliers that hang above a beautiful fountain.

The Swan and Dolphin offer many of the same benefits as the Disney hotels, like FastPass+ booking, Extra Magic Hours, and Disney’s free park transportation. They’re also just as close to the parks as some of the Disney-managed hotels yet are likely to cost hundreds of dollars less than their counterparts.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

If you had trouble choosing between a trip to Orlando and a trip to a beautiful island, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort may just let you kill two birds with one stone! This gorgeous property can easily trick you into thinking you’re on a tiny island in the sea where life moves at a slower pace and lush landscapes surround you. 

This colorful resort is a relaxing paradise capturing the essence of five distinct islands, including Barbados, Jamaica, Martinique, Trinidad, and Aruba. It draws inspiration from the Caribbean’s colonial forts, untouched beaches, swaying hammocks, and lively markets. From the hotel, you can take the Skyliner, Disney’s new gondola system to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or simply spend your time exploring this impressive resort. 

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando

If you’re heading to Universal Studios and want to stay in the lap of luxury, the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is a surefire pick. Looking more like an Italian village than an upscale resort in Florida, the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel mixes quaint seaside charm and beautiful scenery. Surrounded by outdoor cafes and shops, the piazza harbor is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening while the Roman-style Beach Pool is the perfect spot to start the morning with a refreshing swim or a few hours of fun in the sun. 

Hotel guests of Loews Portofino Bay Hotel also gain exclusive Universal Orlando Resort benefits. They’ll get free Universal Express Unlimited, which allows them to skip the line at many of the park’s most beloved attractions at both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Plus, they’ll get early admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The resort provides easy access to Universal Studios Florida, Universal CityWalk, and Universal’s Islands of Adventure thanks to their wide network of complementary water taxis and shuttle services.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando

While Orlando may not be right on the ocean, the Loews Royal Pacific Resort endeavors to give visitors the chance to be whisked away to their own Pacific island paradise with oodles of sun, sand, and palm trees. In fact, the resort even has its own lagoon-style swimming pool fringed by a sandy-white beach. The property has a wide array of eateries and lounges, meaning that you’ll never be hungry or thirsty during your stay.

Located on the ground of Universal Orlando, the Loews Royal Pacific Resort offers guests exclusive theme park benefits. Hotel guests of Loews Royal Pacific Resort also gain exclusive Universal Orlando Resort benefits, such as the free Universal Express Unlimited. The resort also provides a wide network of complementary water taxis and shuttle services.

JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes

Centrally located near Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Orlando, the JW Marriott, Grande Lakes couldn’t have a better location for visitors hoping to hit many of the parks during one trip. Like the other hotels at the Grande Lakes Resort complex, the resort sits on 500 acres at the headwaters of the Everglades and is surrounded by magnificent scenery that gives visitors an idea of the beauty that awaits them in southern Florida. The swimming pool is one of the best in the region and has its own lazy river, waterfalls, and plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas to accommodate everyone. 

Rosen Shingle Creek

Nestled in the headwaters of the Everglades just off International Drive and Universal Boulevard, the 255-acre Rosen Shingle Creek gives guests easy access to some of Central Florida’s incredible natural beauty. The hotel’s unique design was inspired by the Spanish colonial architecture of Latin America. Inside, you’ll find 15 different restaurant and bar options, four heated swimming pools, a championship golf course, a full-service spa, and a well-equipped fitness center. 

Downtown Orlando and Winter Park

While many people choose to stay at one of the theme park resorts, Downtown Orlando and Winter Park have many great accommodation options! You’ll be close to the unique attractions and neighborhoods the city has to offer.

Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando

The Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando in Winter Park whisks you from the sweltering streets of Central Florida to the art hubs of Europe with its dramatic tones and trendy decor. It’s part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. The hotel features a top-notch spa, 150 works of rare art, a rooftop terrace, and a gorgeous pool, where you can catch views of the Orlando city skyline as you lounge around. 

You’ll find the mouth-watering Bosendorfer Lounge and The Boheme restaurant on-site. But if you want to venture out a little further, the hotel is located within walking distance of more than 50 restaurants and shops, Amway Arena, and Exploria Stadium. It also offers easy access to Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, and SeaWorld.

Nestled in a quiet enclave of Downtown Orlando, the EO Inn is a boutique hotel housed in a 1920s-era art deco building. The rooms feature comfortable beds and a color palette of white and gray and have views of the city or of the nearby park. While the guest rooms and bathrooms are a bit on the basic side, the overall character and charm of the hotel more than make up for it. It’s also a pretty budget-friendly option, which makes it an excellent choice for young travelers who want to explore Downtown Orlando. 

The Delaney Hotel

This chic and modern boutique hotel puts you right in the center of Downtown Orlando. The rooms are spacious, which is great for anyone needing to stretch out a bit. Meanwhile, the ambiance is welcoming and low-key, making it the perfect choice for people trying to avoid the sprawling resorts of theme parks.

Where to Go and Things to Do in Orlando

Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide of all the great things to do in Orlando and its surrounding areas. You’ll want to check out Visit Orlando for the most up-to-date information on what’s happening in the city and for special offers on top attractions. There are also lots of great websites you can visit to find detailed information about the theme parks, including estimated wait times, attraction closures, and more. 

To make it easier to plan your trip, we started with the biggest amusement parks. From there, we’ve divided the list of non-park attractions between geographical areas. Unless you want to spend a large chunk of your time driving from one place to another, we recommend trying to finish off this list one area at a time. 

Visiting the Theme Parks

The Orlando area is home to a whopping 18 different theme parks, catering to everyone from the tiniest of tots to the grumpiest of grandparents. Orlando’s amusement parks are some of the biggest attractions not only in the United States but also in the world. Kids from Moscow, Montevideo, and everywhere in between dream about going to Disney World and Universal Studios while parents try as hard as they can to make that dream come true. 

For many visitors, a trip to Orlando’s theme parks is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And a week there can provide hours of family fun and decades of memories! To help make your trip extra special, we’ve created this guide to help you make the experience as enjoyable as possible!

Walt Disney World Resort

Located on the shores of Lake Buena Vista near Kissimmee, the Walt Disney World Resort is made up of four theme parks, two water parks, 31 themed resort hotels, nine non-Disney hotels, golf courses, campgrounds, shopping centers, and entertainment venues. To say that it’s a tourist attraction is a bit of an understatement. The parks are located southwest of Downtown Orlando near Lake Buena Vista.

Self-proclaimed as the “Most Magical Place on Earth,” Disney World is the most visited vacation resort in the world. It’s provided a wonderful backdrop for countless family memories for decades. Regardless of whether you’re a child or an adult, a trip to Disney World truly is a magical experience. 

Magic Kingdom—Disney World

For most visitors, the Magic Kingdom is the jewel in the crown of Orlando’s amusement parks. Walking down Main Street USA truly is magical. Kids and adults alike can see their favorite Disney characters come to life! 

Boasting nearly 60 different thrill rides and attractions, the Magic Kingdom proudly boasts many of the old-school rides and attractions that thrilled many of us as kids, such as Space Mountain, the Haunted Mansion, and It’s a Small World. Meanwhile, newer attractions are sure to appeal to the younger crowd. There’s something for everyone here!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

If rubbing shoulders with Snow White and Sleeping Beauty didn’t do the trick, Disney’s Hollywood Studios brings the magic of Hollywood to Orlando. Here, you can meet your favorite characters from Toy Story and Star Wars, join a live sing-along with the cast of Frozen, or watch an epic stunt spectacular led by Indian Jones himself! The park also has some of Disney’s most popular rides, including the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and the Slinky Dog Dash. 

While you’re there, check out the Walt Disney Presents museum. You can walk through exhibits about Walt Disney and his life story. It was opened to celebrate what would have been his 100th birthday. There are photos, sketches, costumes, and more to explore that you won’t be able to see anywhere else. There’s also a 15-minute documentary about how Disney turned his dreams into reality.

Although EPCOT may not be as famous as the Magic Kingdom, this fantastic theme park has oodles of things to do for people of all ages! The park was founded in 1982, and the name actually stands for “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.” In essence, the park gives visitors the chance to explore space, land, and sea as well as cultures from around the world. 

The park’s iconic silver globe is the centerpiece of the park. Inside, you can learn about the history of humankind. From there, you can visit three main areas of the park, including World Celebration, World Nature, and World Discovery. Each of these areas has been designed to showcase the beauty of the world around us. You can marvel at the stunning architecture of Japan, enjoy scrumptious Moroccan food, and view the magnificent scenery of Norway—all without leaving Orlando!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Part zoo, part theme park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the largest park at Walt Disney World. There are attractions focusing on different continents around the world and the people and animals living there. While you’re there, you can join one of the Kilimanjaro Safaris to get a close-up look at Africa and Asia’s magnificent wildlife or take flight for an epic 3D ride on Avatar: Flight of Passage. River journeys, live shows, and character greetings are also part of the Animal Kingdom adventure. So this is a great park for all the little explorers and animal enthusiasts out there!

Disney Springs

This Disney-owned entertainment and dining complex was formerly known as Downtown Disney. Although the name has changed, the complex still maintains the same Mickey Mouse charm. There are over 100 different specialty shops, including Build-A-Bear, Disney-themed shops, and high-end clothing stores. Dining options range from pop-up fast food stalls to Irish-style pubs. Once you’ve had your fill of culinary delights and retail therapy, you can check out some of Disney Springs’ unique experiences. Here, you can get a bird’s-eye view of the area on a hot air balloon or even hop in an amphicar (a rare amphibious vehicle) for a 20-minute guided boat tour of Lake Buena Vista. 

The park is separated into four distinct sections, including Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center, and West Side, spread over 120 acres. To save yourself time (and aching feet), it’s a good idea to tackle one section at a time. 

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Universal’s Islands of Adventure takes visitors on a journey of exploration as they visit eight themed islands. Most of the islands are based on Hollywood movies and give guests a unique chance to visit their favorite fictional lands. The islands include Port of Entry, which is home to a number of shops and the park’s very own lighthouse, Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Skull Island, Jurassic Park, the Lost Continent, Suess Landing, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. 

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was the most recent addition to the park and is well-loved by guests. Die-hard Harry Potter fans have the opportunity to visit places like the Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade Village, and the iconic Hogwarts Castle. There are a number of Harry Potter-themed rides, shops, and restaurants to keep the wizardly world of Harry alive throughout the island. 

Nearby, you can also find Universal City Walk, where you can finish the day with a delicious meal, cold beer, or a family-friendly show. Universal’s Islands of Adventure lie just off International Drive about halfway between Downtown Orlando and Walt Disney World. 

LEGOLAND Florida

Located in Winter Haven about halfway between Orlando and Tampa, LEGOLAND is home to more than 50 different rides. Everything is themed around this favorite toy, and it’s a great place for the whole family to spend the day. There are options for kids of all heights and sizes. From boats that kids can drive around to the roller coaster options, there’s something for all levels of thrill.

Kids under two can hang out at the DUPLO Tot Spot. It has a playhouse and slide area made specifically for tiny humans. If your kids are fans of Peppa Pig, there’s a small theme park devoted to this beloved character. It’s sure to be another popular hit for the younger kids thanks to the family-friendly rides and just-my-size playscapes. If the weather gets too hot for you and the fam, the DUPLO Splash and Play is a great place for cooling down. Water spouts are located throughout the area! There’s also a water park located on-site.

Downtown Orlando and Surrounding Areas

It’s no surprise that Walt Disney World Resort, Epcot Center, and Universal Orlando Resort are at the top of most visitors’ travel checklists. However, day after day standing in long lines under the hot Florida sun to ride a roller coaster or to meet Mickey Mouse can exhaust both children and adults. At some point, the Magic Kingdom starts to lose its magic. Luckily, there are a ton of other fun things to do in Orlando. You can escape some of the crowds, beat the heat, and give yourself time to refresh. 

Downtown Orlando is the historical center of the city while Loch Haven Park just north of the city center is home to many of Orlando’s cultural institutions, including the Orlando Science Center and Orlando Museum of Art. There are also some great dining and nightlife options. Check out Wall Street Plaza, where you can find seven themed bars connected by a central courtyard, and the area surrounding Church Street Station. 

Lake Eola Park

Located in the center of Downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is a great place to stop and relax while exploring the city. You can rent paddle boats, see an outdoor concert or movie at the Walt Disney Amphitheater, or simply hang out on the grass and gaze at the fabulous view of Orlando’s skyline. If possible, try to visit on a Sunday. There’s a weekly farmers market held every Sunday at Lake Eola Park. You can stock up on local products or grab a drink at the beer and wine garden. 

Orange County Regional History Center

Located in Downtown Orlando, the Orange County Regional History Center is inside a historic 1927 courthouse. The displays take you through thousands of years of Florida history. See how the county transitioned from small Native American settlements to small towns with cattle ranches to the tourist hot spot Orlando has become in modern times. There are many different sections of the museum. While you’re there, you can dive into African American history in the Central Florida area, learn more about the tourism industry and theme parks, see a replica of a World War II B-17 bomber, and learn about the Orlando astronaut, John Young.

Orlando Museum of Art

This Orlando Museum of Art was started in the early 1920s by a group of artists who would meet to display and critique their work. The community began to raise funds in the 1950s for an art museum, and the museum was officially opened to the public. Although it came from humble beginnings, the Orlando Museum of Art has a collection of more than 2,400 objects. You’ll find contemporary art, American art of the 1800s until World War II, African art, and art of the Ancient Americas. The Ancient American art collection is one of the finest collections in the Southeastern USA. The museum is relatively small compared to art museums in other cities. But it’s a great place to cool down and avoid the blazing Central Florida sun for an hour or two!

Orlando Science Center

The Orlando Science Center is an enormous complex with a wide variety of exhibits to help teach visitors about the world around us. Exhibits cover a wide variety of subjects. You can learn about the ecosystems of Central Florida, the dinosaurs that once roamed there, the forces of nature, and the stars above us. 

Kids will love exploring Kids Town, where they can learn about science concepts through hands-on activities and interactive games. It’s a whole-body experience that invigorates their minds and bodies. Don’t feel jealous when you see the kids’ section, though. Adults can have their own fun in the Kinetic Zone, where guests can learn more about electricity, gravity, Newton’s Laws, and more. There’s even an observatory on the sixth floor. Florida’s largest public refractor telescope is strategically placed there for stargazing. 

The Mennello Museum of American Art

The Mennello Museum of American Art was opened in 1998 as a place to exhibit the permanent collection of paintings by Earl Cunningham. He was a famous American folk artist who painted landscapes inspired by states up and down the East Coast. The art gallery also has some traveling exhibits as well, featuring other American artists. The Marilyn L. Mennello Sculpture Garden is right outside and always offers free admission. You can easily check out the different sculptures and walk through the beautiful trails. 

International Drive

Known informally as IDrive, International Drive is the main tourist strip of the city, home to some of the biggest Orlando attractions. Along this 11-mile stretch of road, you’ll find ICON Park, WonderWorks, Universal Studios, the Titanic: Artifacts Exhibit, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and many popular Orlando hotels, restaurants, and shops. Nearby, you also have a number of golf courses, IFly, where you can try indoor skydiving, and the Best Escape Room.

Icon Park is home to an interesting variety of attractions. You’re sure to find something to please even the pickiest of little travelers. The Wheel at ICON Park is the most popular attraction. As it whisks you up into the sky, you get a sweeping view of Downtown Orlando, Disney World, Universal Orlando, nature reserves, and lakes. The ride takes approximately 20 minutes and is a great way to get your bearings when you first arrive in Orlando. 

While at ICON Park, you can also go say hello to your favorite Hollywood celebrities at Madame Tussauds Orlando or hang out with the marine animals at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium. If you’re tired after a long day of walking, there’s even a small train that can take you from one part of the park to the other. Tickets are available online, and if you book through ICON Park’s website, you can get a discounted rate on select attractions.

Fun Spot America

This small amusement park offers kid-friendly rides, including carousels, go-karts, tea cups, and Ferris wheels at a family-friendly price. It also has Orlando’s only wooden roller coaster and the second tallest SkyCoaster in the world. 

The lines here tend to be shorter than at the other nearby theme parks. So it’s a great alternative if you want to enjoy the rides rather than an over-the-top atmosphere. This is also a good park for kids who may not have the temperament to spend multiple days in a row at one of the major theme parks. 

There’s a second park in Kissimmee near Disney World, so that’s a good choice if you’re staying in that area.

Discovery Cove

Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort. It offers the chance to swim with dolphins, meet monkeys and otters while exploring the Freshwater Oasis, snorkel with tropical fish and rays at the Grand Reef, relax on gorgeous beaches, and feed exotic birds at Explorer’s Aviary. More adventurous travelers can take an underwater walking tour, swim with sharks, feed rays, or take a 90-minute Animal Trek. 

The resort promises that there are “no lines.” So you can spend your vacation doing what you love rather than standing in line. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks are included in the admission price as well as towels and snorkeling equipment. 

WonderWorks

This museum/amusement park offers visitors 35,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits that are designed to challenge your mind and spark your imagination. From the Extreme Weather Zone to the Wonder Art Gallery, this edutainment center has something interesting for everyone. For people looking for a way to burn off some energy (or too much delicious food), check out the indoor ropes course and laser tag arena. 

The park also offers an evening magic comedy dinner show. Kids will love the unlimited pizza, soda, and dessert, while parents can certainly benefit from the unlimited beer and wine. 

If your kids are still bursting with energy from all the sugar and soda and want to keep the fun going, check out our list of 5 Super Cool Science Experiments for Kids !

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

When the Titanic sank on April 14th, 1912, it changed nautical history forever. Gone were the days when ships could get away with having too few lifeboats, and more emphasis was placed on passenger and crew safety moving forward. At the Titanic artifact exhibition, visitors can see items that were aboard the ship on its fateful maiden voyage as well as full-scale room recreations.

There are guided tours where you can learn more about the Titanic’s history and the heroes who sacrificed their own lives to save others. There’s also a special tour for kids, which can help keep little minds engaged and let parents take their time exploring.

On Fridays and Saturday nights, there’s also a three-hour Titanic-themed dinner gala where you can dine with Captain Smith and the Unsinkable Molly Brown. The evening starts with a Captain’s Cocktail party followed by a tour of the exhibition, a first-class dinner, and a reenactment of the night of April 14th. Sounds like a pretty unique way to spend an evening! 

Orlando Auto Museum

Visit the Orlando Auto Museum to see the world’s largest collection of Batman vehicles, James Bond vehicles, and motorized bikes. There’s also a giant fleet of Microcars. It’s located at the Dezerland Action Park, which is an indoor park that has 800,000 square feet of activities. You’ll find pinball, go-carts, bowling, arcades, mini-golf, and ax throwing. It’s a great place for the family to hang out on a rainy or super hot day. The Auto Experience has different sections for Harleys, American Classics, Military vehicles, Vespas, Thunderbirds, Cars of Europe, Buckingham Palace vehicles, and cars that have belonged to different stars over time. Even if you aren’t into cars, there will be something you find interesting in this collection.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Orlando is a place where you’re encouraged to be curious. The museum features a collection of stories that are hard to believe but are true. It’s all inspired by Robert Ripley’s world travels and the things he discovered around the world that were stranger than fiction. The Orlando location has 16 different galleries spread across 10,000 square feet. It has strange and weird things that will have the whole family talking for days afterward. One favorite is the shrunken head that was once owned by Ernest Hemingway. Check it out and see whether you believe the stories… or not.

Spending Some Time in the ‘Burbs

Had enough of all the cool attractions at the theme parks, on IDrive, and in Downtown Orlando? Then it’s time to head out to the suburbs! You can find charming neighborhoods where people actually live, a handful of interesting attractions, and some beautiful botanical gardens. 

Harry P. Leu Gardens

This 50-acre botanical garden is just a short drive from Downtown Orlando. It’s a great place for relaxing and unwinding after a hectic few days visiting theme parks. The Harry P. Leu Gardens offer guests landscaped grounds with beautiful lakes complemented by meandering walking trails. The Leu Gardens also feature Florida’s largest formal rose garden and a fantastic butterfly garden. 

The garden and the adjacent house were donated by Harry P. Leu. He and his wife traveled around the world and collected many different exotic plants and lovingly cared for them. Their house has been restored and serves as a museum to show what life was like in Florida in the 19th century. 

The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida

There’s a significant Jewish presence throughout Florida, and there are multiple locations along the Florida Jewish Heritage Trail you can visit in Central Florida. This includes the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center in Maitland. Located about a 15-minute drive north from Downtown Orlando, the center provides an overview of the atrocities of the Holocaust and helps to honor the victims. 

Inside, you’ll find photographs, artifacts, and short films among the different displays. You’ll start with the exhibit on the early years, which features glimpses of Jewish life in Germany before the Nazi Party took power. You’ll then learn about the war, from the ghettos and camps to the US joining the allies. You’ll read stories from survivors and liberators. You can also see what the living quarters of Anne Frank and her family were like using virtual reality glasses. The museum is beautifully put together and offers important information about WWII and the tragedy of the Holocaust.

The Florida Mall

The Florida Mall is a great place to go if you’re in need of some retail therapy. Many of America’s most popular brands are located under one roof! This is the largest indoor shopping mall in Central Florida and features attractions and stores like the Crayola Experience, American Girl, and M&Ms World.

Winter Park

This leafy, lovely suburb of Downtown is just a 20-minute drive away, yet it feels like it’s a world apart. In Winter Garden, you can eat at some of Orlando’s most highly rated eateries, visit museums, and check out trendy shops. There’s an extensive parks system and a chain of small lakes nearby to keep nature lovers happy. 

One spot that art-lovers shouldn’t miss in Winter Garden is the Rollins Museum of Art . There’s a permanent collection that features paintings and drawings from European and American artists as well as a number of sculptures. A featured collection is the Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art, which features pieces that offer a lesson in social history as well as visual arts. If you really love art and want to explore more, you can actually stay at the Alfond Inn, which is an extension of the museum and features some of the collection throughout the hotel. The museum lies about a 15-minute drive northeast of Downtown Orlando. 

To get more out of your trip to Winter Park, why not try out our Winter Park scavenger hunt ? 

Exploring the Best Beaches

Although not usually considered a beach destination, Orlando is actually surrounded by some truly amazing beaches. Some of them are just a short drive away, so you can do them as a day trip. Others are a bit further afield but certainly worth the drive there. We highly recommend spending the night there so that you can kick back and relax.

Daytona Beach

With 23 miles of white sand beaches, Daytona Beach has been the favorite of spring breakers for decades. Although it’s known for its nightlife, there are many fun family-friendly activities, including a wide array of water sports and boat tours. You can also catch free live music at the Daytona Beach Bandshell, go go-kart racing, or take a long walk on the boardwalk.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is known for its calm and consistent waves, so it’s the perfect place to learn to surf. It’s where the professional Kelly Slater was born. There are lots of options for lessons and rentals, so you can try it out yourself. If you aren’t interested in surfing, you can relax on the beach or explore the boardwalk. Kiteboarding and paddleboards are popular here as well. Plus, the fish tacos in this area are legendary!

When you’re ready for a beach break, get a tee time at one of the beautiful golf courses. If you want to keep working on your surf form, you can visit the Cocoa Beach Skate Park to try surfing on wheels. This beautiful beach area is a perfect day trip from Orlando when you want to smell the saltwater in the air.

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach has been frequently voted as the best beach in Florida. It’s located on the Gulf of Mexico side of Florida and has beautiful turquoise waters and gentler waves. There are many large resorts along the beach where you can get day passes or extend your trip for a night or two. 

Pier 60 is a popular spot for eating, drinking, and shopping. You can also fish right from the pier while live street performers entertain. The Clearwater Sea Screamer is a popular attraction if you want to check out more of the bay area. It’s a speedboat that takes you on a tour of the area and can get moving very fast for some laughs and screams along the way. If you like to drive yourself, rent jet skis for a similar experience.

New Smyrna Beach

If you want to take a day trip to the coast, consider New Smyrna Beach. It’s located south of Daytona Beach. The sand here is luxuriously soft and perfect for lounging while the water is refreshing. Keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the water off the coast, or plan a visit to the Canaveral National Seashore to see if you can spot any of the hatching sea turtles that make their way to the water. They hatch between May and November in the evening hours. 

If you like surfing or want to take a surf lesson, New Smyrna Beach is known as one of the best surf spots on the East Coast. This beach town is laidback and perfect if you just want to spend the day lounging on the Atlantic Coast. 

Day Trips From Orlando

With a convenient location in Central Florida, Orlando has plenty of day trips that are fun for the whole family. From witnessing a space launch at Kennedy Space Station to watching a gator wrestling show at Gatorland, there are options for everyone’s taste and budget. Many of these attractions are within about an hour’s drive of Orlando. So you can head out for the day and still be back in time for a night out on the town! The Florida Everglades and St. Augustine are a bit further, but we promise they’re definitely worth the trip!

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a vast expanse of wetland located just over 200 miles from Orlando. The wetlands are formed from the waters of the Kissimmee River and are the home of a wide variety of wildlife. You can see turtles, herons, and alligators and at least nine different ecosystems featuring pinelands, mangroves, and marshes. 

Airboat rides and eco tours are a great way to explore the Everglades—they can visit areas that are inaccessible by larger vessels. You can go on a very long day trip from Orlando or combine it with a visit to Miami. Alternatively, you can stay the night and take advantage of the ample opportunities for boating, bird watching, cycling, kayaking, canoeing, camping, and hiking.

St. Augustine

With brick-lined streets, centuries-old buildings, and plenty of old-town charm, St. Augustine is a great place for a day trip if you’re looking for a taste of Europe. Founded in 1565 by the Spanish, the city offers an impressive array of historical museums, restaurants, shops, and performing arts venues. A stroll along St. George Street is a little like stepping back in time! While you’re there, you can even visit the Fountain of Youth (we can’t promise that the fabled waters work, though!).

If that isn’t enough to make you want to include St. Augustine as a day trip, it’s also blessed with 42 miles of white sand beaches spread across the Atlantic coastline. 

Our St. Augustine Scavenger Hunts can help you make the most of your time in this lovely city, so don’t forget to check them out before you head over there!

Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center is one of NASA’s field centers and has been the organization’s primary launch center of human spaceflight since 1968. The Apollo, Skylab, and the space shuttle programs were managed from the Kennedy Space Center, including the disastrous Challenger flight. During a visit to the Space Center, you can see exhibits on the heroes and legends of NASA’s space programs, the Race to Space, and the Apollo 8 launch, plus many more. If your timing is good, you may even get a chance to see a launch. The Kennedy Space Center’s website keeps a countdown as to when the next launch will occur, so check the schedule. 

This 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve has been named the “Alligator Capital of the World.” Gatorland features thousands of alligators, crocodiles, birds, wild cats, snakes, and tortoises. The park was started in 1949 on former cattle land and is known for rescuing alligators from trappers that would otherwise kill them. 

The park includes a plethora of interesting attractions, including a breeding marsh with a boardwalk and viewing tower, an off-road swamp vehicle tour, a miniature railroad, ziplines, an aviary, a petting zoo, and lots and lots of alligator-related shows. 

The Manatees of Crystal River

From November until April, the Crystal River fills with manatees that are trying to escape the chilly waters of the Gulf of Mexico. These adorable little sea cows love to hang out and frolic near natural springs due to their warmer waters. The best places to see the manatees are the Three Sisters Springs and Homosassa Springs. 

Lucky visitors have the opportunity to swim, kayak, paddle boarding, snorkel, or scuba dive with these gentle giants. There are a number of tour operators and guides who can help you get into the water. Since manatees are very social and curious, there’s a great chance you’re going to have an encounter you’ll never forget. 

If you want to see the manatees but prefer to stay dry, you can view them at the Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park or the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge . 

Sarasota is a great day trip from Orlando, especially for the museum lover. There are some unique museums located here that will stick in your memory. The Ringling is a museum that celebrates all things circus-related. This complex is also home to a Center for Asian Art. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature offers a selection of exhibits showcasing the natural history of Florida. If you want to take in some contemporary art pieces, add the Museum of Art to your itinerary. Car lovers can pick their dream car at the Sarasota Classic Car Museum. 

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are a favorite for visitors who want to enjoy the beautiful, colorful tropical flowers and plants. For relaxation, head to Siesta Key Beach. It’s one of the reasons that Sarasota is a popular warm-weather vacation destination for many snowbirds. The sunsets are picture-perfect. You can kayak through mangrove tunnels and do some hiking at the Myakka River State Park.

Bok Tower Gardens

If you love the natural beauty of central Florida, you can make the day trip to the Bok Tower Gardens . It’s a large plot of land that was created by Edward W. Bok. It was his masterpiece! He worked with the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead Jr. to create the gardens, a reflection pool area, and the Singing Tower. The Tower holds 60 bells that play concerts twice a day, so plan your trip so you don’t miss that.

If you’re traveling with the family, kids can spend time at the Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden where they can learn about conservation and nature. The Outdoor Kitchen and Edible Garden have great information about gardening and how to take care of fruit trees. You can get snacks or a meal at the Blue Palmetto Cafe. 

Don’t miss this incredible destination for garden lovers. It’s less than an hour from Orlando, making it the perfect day trip.

Home to over 400 thoroughbred farms and training facilities, Ocala is unsurprisingly known as “Horse Country.” You can visit the World Equestrian Center or take one of the Horse Capital Tours if you’re interested in learning more about breeding, raising, and training horses.

Nearby, you can visit Silver Springs State Park . It was interestingly considered the original attraction of Florida before the theme parks and beaches became huge draws. Silver Springs is one of the country’s largest springs. You can take a glass-bottom boat tour and rent paddle boards or kayaks. If you don’t want to be on the water, you can hike and explore on foot as well. 

Gainesville

Overflowing with charming historic buildings and numerous parks, Downtown Gainesville is a great spot to explore. You can catch a movie at the old-fashioned theater or wander through the shopping centers. If you’re feeling hungry, grab a scrumptious meal at one of the many restaurants or bars. The University of Florida is located in Gainesville. So this laid-back city is home to all kinds of bookstores, boutique clothing shops, and breweries to try out. There are also tons of great outdoor activities in this area to explore. Best of all, things are much more affordable than they are in Orlando!

Tampa Bay is another large metro area that is close to Orlando. It’s home to a few popular theme parks, which makes it a popular day trip from the Disney/Universal Studios area. If you still haven’t gotten enough theme park thrills, visit Busch Gardens and ZooTampa to have some incredible animal encounters. 

Closer to town, the Tampa Riverwalk should be your first stop! The riverwalk runs through the city center for close to three miles and is lined with green spaces, public art, and tons of restaurants and bars. 

Don’t forget to check out Ybor City , the historical heart of Tampa. The neighborhood is overflowing with Cuban and Latin American restaurants and bars, and the charming redbrick buildings house cute little boutiques and vintage shops. 

So… Ready to Roam?

We hope this list of all the great things to do in Orlando has left you inspired to pack your bags and discover everything the area has to offer. With so many amazing attractions, museums, day trips, and hotels to choose from, we’re sure you can plan an unforgettable trip. 

If you need more information on what to do during your trip, take a look at our guides on the Let’s Roam Explorer blog . Here, you’ll find hundreds of destination guides, travel blogs, and more that are guaranteed to help you plan your next adventure!

Before you go, get some fun-filled, app-based Orlando scavenger hunts . These hunts will have you trekking through the streets of Orlando as you solve riddles and answer trivia questions about some of Orlando’s most popular landmarks. Not only will you learn a lot about the city, but you’ll also have a great time doing it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Thanks to the city’s warm climate, it’s possible to visit Orlando all year long. It might be a lot of fun to go during busy months . But going during slow months means shorter lines and lower prices!

There are so many things to do in Orlando . Looking for a fun way to explore? Try an Orlando scavenger hunt ! Round up the crew, look alive, and get ready to solve some trivia together.

For many visitors, the Magic Kingdom is the best theme park in Orlando. However, this really depends on your own personal preference! Each park has something unique to offer.

Since public transportation is limited, one of the best ways to get around Orlando is by car. You can save a lot of time and see more of the many attractions the city has to offer.

Orlando is one of the best places in the United States for a family vacation. There’s a wide array of family-friendly activities and attractions, including exciting fun-filled Orlando scavenger hunts !

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Hidden Gems: 35 Incredible Things to Do in Orlando Other than Disney World!

Are you making a trip to central Florida and looking for things to do in Orlando other than Disney World?

If so, you’ve come to the right place!

Orlando might be known best for its theme parks, but the city is (so much) more than just the Walt Disney World.

It has a fascinating cultural side full of museums, a fun side outside Disney, an intrepid side boasting soaring swings, and more.

Hence, this Orlando travel guide will go through thirty-five incredible things to do in Orlando other than Disney.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY  DISCLOSURE  FOR MORE INFO.  Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Ice Bar, located on International Drive, is the world’s biggest permanently-frozen bar . Its below-freezing lounge features over 70 tons of hand-carved ice and frostbite cocktails.

The Orlando Ice Bar is as much a feat of art as it is of gastronomy. Thermal coats and gloves are available here for an extra $10.

If still shivering, move to the Fire Lounge next door for a cocktail to warm you up. This is one of the most fun things to do in Orlando other than Disney.

Address: 8967 INTERNATIONAL DRIVE ORLANDO, FL 32819

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2. Titanic: Experience on International Drive

Ready to time travel to April 1912 at the Titanic exhibition on International Drive?

The museum holds 300 artifacts from the sunken ship. If not for the artifacts, visit for the full-scale recreated rooms, costumed historians , the iceberg , and the Grand Staircase .

The guided tour takes about two hours and is certainly among the best Orlando area attractions other than Disney.

This is one of the underrated hidden gems in Orlando that tourist always look over so don’t skip it!

Address: 7324 INTERNATIONAL DRIVE ORLANDO, FL 32819

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3. Kennedy Space Center

Millions of astronomical minds gravitate to Kennedy Space Center every year. Florida’s Gateway to Space lets you explore the galaxies and become an astronaut for a day.

Expect to watch a rocket launch simulation and a real space shuttle as you learn about various space missions.

I’m a Florida girl who grew up watching the launches from my home in Leesburg so Kennedy Space Center will always have a special place in my heart.

Just know that the launch timetable varies, use the official app to plan your visit accordingly.

Address: SPACE COMMERCE WAY, MERRITT ISLAND, FL 32953

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4. The Escape Game Orlando

Located within an 11-minute-walk from Titanic Exhibition, The Escape Game Orlando is one of the unique things to do in Orlando.

You’ll want to come here for unparalleled thrills and fully-immersive game-play in the heart of International Drive.

Hone your problem-solving skills in its exhilarating escape room situations that range from Prison Break to Mission: Mars. It’s a perfect venue for memorable family time and a unique date.

This is one of my favorite things to do in Orlando other than Disney World.

Address: 8145 INTERNATIONAL DRIVE #511, ORLANDO, FL 32819.

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5. Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park

This adventure park in Kissimmee is an ultimate Orlando attraction for thrill-chasers. Ringed with over 97 unique challenges, it pushes you to the limit.

The most popular outdoor obstacles include the hanging nest, a 425-foot long zip line , and the Tarzan swings.

If you are not sure about your capabilities, you can take one of the on-site courses first. Just know that the Tree Trek is open for anyone aged 7 or older.

Address: 7625 SINCLAIR RD. KISSIMMEE, FL 34747

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6. Ripley’s Believe it or Not

Housed in a red-hued building, Ripley’s Believe it or Not is a cornucopia full of kitschy oddities.

Visit for the unsettling visual illusions, shrunken heads, mysterious vampire killing kits, and other bizarre displays.

The place is also brimming with an overwhelming amount of strangest information. The curious will never get bored in this odditorium.

Address: 8201 INTERNATIONAL DR, ORLANDO, FL 32819

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7. Orlando Balloon Rides

Drink the sweeping aerial views of the city from the colorful hot air balloons . Since the rides fly early in the morning, you will also enjoy a vivid sunrise, so keep the cameras ready.

The aesthetics are always incredible at the golden hour, meters above the ground. Remember that you meet at the location approximately an hour before sunrise.

I mean, how can you deny a chance to see Central Florida from these amazing views!

Address: 2775 Florida Plaza Blvd. Kissimmee, Florida 34746

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8. Old Town Kissimmee

Old Town is a quaint place to visit in Orlando. Situated in Kissimmee, it transports you to the 80s era.

The area is lined with 60+ unique restaurants and shops. It is also loaded with free weekly entertainment and attractions.

However, the showstopper at the Old Town is its 86-foot-high Ferris Wheel and the vintage cars at the family fun center.

Address: 5770 W IRLO BRONSON MEMORIAL HWY, KISSIMMEE, FL 34746

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9. Crayola Experience

Paint the town red at the Crayola Experience. It is among the family-friendly things to do in Orlando.

Come here to spend a few hours exploring art, discovering technology, and making crafts in the Activity Studio.

Expect to spend around 3 to 4 hours here. The place is larger than an NFL football field and my girls always enjoy hanging out here to beat the Florida heat.

Address: 8001 S. ORANGE BLOSSOM TRAIL ORLANDO, FL 32809

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10. Orlando Jet Ski

Get your adrenaline pumping with jet skiing.

The best venue to experience this Orlando extreme sports is at Watersports Management of Orlando , located just a short drive from Disney. It lets you ski across the lake starting at $79.

Address: 4836 W. IRLO BRONSON MEMORIAL HWY. KISSIMMEE, FL 34746

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11. Orlando Science Center

Channel your inner scientist at this science museum, located 23-minute from Walt Disney World Resort.

Visit to watch millions of stars in a domed planetarium and observe the Floridian sky from a large refracting telescope.

This Orlando museum also hosts a state-of-the-art spherical theatre that runs educational films.

Besides astronomical displays, there’s a STEAM Gallery as well as dinosaurs exhibits too.

Address: 777 E PRINCETON ST, ORLANDO, FL 32803

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12. The World of Chocolate Museum

Located about 12 to 15 minutes from Walt Disney World, the Chocolate Museum teaches the delicious part of history.

Visit to witness 25 jaw-dropping chocolate sculptures, sample chocolate souffle, learn about the history of the dessert, and catch the wine happy hours.

Address:  11701 INTERNATIONAL DR SUITE 400, ORLANDO, FL 32821

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13. K1 Speed

Visit Florida’s fastest indoor go-kart track at K1 Speed. The winding track includes 8 turns, 3 hairpins, 1 chicane, and The Senna S .

Each race on the track lasts 8 minutes, after which you can grab a bite and tipple a draft beer at the trackside restaurant called The Paddock Lounge.

This is one of the super fun things to do in Orlando other than Disney.

Address: 5228 VANGUARD ST, ORLANDO, FL 32819

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14. Madame Tussauds Orlando

No Orlando trip is ever complete without visiting Orlando’s celebrity wax museum in the ICON Park.

Here, you take a walk among the stars, rub shoulders with your favorite superhero, and go home with lots of selfies.

Address: 8387 INTERNATIONAL DR, ORLANDO, FL 32819

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15. Orlando StarFlyer

Looking for hair-raising and scream-inducing adventures in Orlando? Hop on this 450-foot tall ride to spin at a speed of up to 45 mph.

Follow Google Maps to reach the one of the world’s tallest swing ride .

Address: 8265 INTERNATIONAL DR, ORLANDO, FL 32819

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16. Topgolf Orlando

Attractions in Orlando cannot get swankier than Topgolf.

It is a fine mix of 100+ climate-controlled hitting bays, private spaces, a rooftop terrace, a restaurant, bars, and over 200 HDTVs.

Free Wi-Fi is a given at this place.

Address: 9295 UNIVERSAL BLVD, ORLANDO, FL 32819

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17. The Wheel at ICON Park™

Just minutes away from the StarFlyer is yet another adventurous ride – The Wheel. It boasts 30 climate-controlled capsules that rotate at the height of 400 feet .

It is a perfect vantage point to enjoy the far-reaching views of the city skyline.

Address: 8375 INTERNATIONAL DR, ORLANDO, FL 32819

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18. SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

SEA LIFE is an underwater adventure and yet another International Drive attraction in Orlando.

The aquarium is famous for housing more than 5,000 aquatic species from three oceans of the world.

It is in SEA LIFE that you can take a deep dive without drenching on Florida’s only 360° tunnel . You also get to meet Ted , the aquarium’s popular rescue sea turtle.

Address: 8449 INTERNATIONAL DR, ORLANDO, FL 32819

19. Gatorland

Located on S. Orange Blossom Trail, this place offers the best, most satiating experience for daredevils.

In Gatorland, you can zipline above the sharp-toothed, meet one of these dangerous predators, and go on a gator safari.

Besides gators, this Orlando amusement park is home to critters, snakes, birds, big wild cats, and crocodiles too.

Address: 14501 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837

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20. Florida Bioluminescence Kayaking Tour

Feel the magic of kayaking in a clear boat over glistening waters at A Day Away Kayak Tours. Each round of kayaking lasts 1.5 hours.

Once you’re there, bask in the views of the iridescent blue sea and it’s neon creatures.

Address: 485 N WASHINGTON AVE, TITUSVILLE, FL 32796

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21. Mead Gardens Orlando (Winter Park)

Sprawled across 46.6 acres, this botanical garden in Orlando boasts tranquility.

Housed inside its lush landscape are highlights like an amphitheater, a butterfly garden, and multiple ecosystems.

Winding across the park is a bike trail as well as several nature trails. With amenities like picnic tables and restrooms, you can enjoy an outdoor luncheon in such a verdant location.

Address: 1300 S. DENNING DRIVE, WINTER PARK, FL 32789

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22. Rock Springs (Kelly Park)

Have fun tubing and cool off by snorkeling, canoeing, and swimming at Rock Springs Florida. Trace beautiful water bodies, enclosed by towering trees.

Make sure you wear water shoes to prevent cuts from sharp rocks. If you plan to stay in Kelly Park, bring some snacks or lunch for picnicking.

This is one of the best things to do in Orlando other than Disney especially for me because I have so many fond memories when it comes to spending the summers here with my dad.

Address: 400 E KELLY PARK RD, APOPKA, FL 32712

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23. Tibet-Butler Preserve

Tibet-Butler Preserve is a paradise minutes away from Disney for wayfarers and hikers .

Ringed with beautiful, clean, and well-kept nature trails, it allows you to take a variety of paths into the forest.

Scattered across its pristine nature are cabin rentals , paddling destinations, and biking trails. Dedicated dogs- and kid-friendly trails allow all to explore the landscape.

Address: 8777 WINTER GARDEN VINELAND RD, ORLANDO, FL 32836

24. Windermere Scenic Boat Tour

One of the most laid-back, holiday-making activities in Orlando is to hop on the 18-passenger Scenic Boat Tour.

It cruises through the Lake Butler Chain of Lakes, offering stunning views of nature.

Taking this off-beaten path is a can’t-miss Orlando sightseeing tour. The last ride leaves at 4 PM, reach the venue at least by 2:45 p.m. 

Address: 10900 CHASE ROAD, WINDERMERE, FL 34786

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25. Bok Tower Gardens

Become with one nature and admire floral charm under an endless blue sky at Bok Tower Gardens .

Located in Tower Boulevard, the garden is over 200 acres of natural beauty with interwoven hiking trails .

Dotting the verdant area are also larger-than-life carnivorous plant sculptures , inviting Palmetto Café , and a fun-filled Children’s Garden .

Address: 1151 TOWER BLVD, LAKE WALES, FL 33853

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26. Bronze Kingdom

This African Art Gallery in Orlando, located in the Fashion Square Mall, boasts a large collection of rare African bronze sculptures .

Alongside the sculptures are over 2,000 unique art pieces from several African-origin countries.

It is a great place for the culturally-curious to discover the culture of the continent.

Don’t forget to check out their AMAZING Orlando Brunch Experience that takes place on every Sunday!

Address: 3201 E COLONIAL DR, ORLANDO, FL 32803

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27. Funny Bone Comedy Club in Orlando

Lose yourself to barrels of laughter at Funny Bone Comedy Club in Orlando. Head to the club to watch prominent comedians perform live and to check out rising stars.

Do not miss Wednesdays, that’s when the open mic nights are organized.

Address: 9101 INTERNATIONAL DR SUITE 2310, ORLANDO, FL 32819

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28. Downtown Orlando

Downtown Orlando is the historical center of the city with a distinct vibe exuding off its cosmopolitan neighborhood, lakeside park, museums, and public artworks.

You can also pamper yourself by indulging in retail therapy, drinking in an underground speakeasy, fun nightlife or treating yourself to a luxurious spa.

You name it, the Downtown has got it.

Address: Central Business Center 400 SOUTH ORANGE AVENUE, ORLANDO, FL 32801

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29. Winter Garden Farmer’s Market

Perhaps, Winter Garden Farmer’s Market is the most vibrant Orlando farmer market of its kind.

It is lined with vendors selling handmade items, homemade crafts, fresh produce, hot sauces, and drinks.

The market is also a great place to buy delicious snacks from one of the food booths, sit around, and engage in leisurely people watching.

Address: 104 SOUTH LAKEVIEW AVENUE‎ WINTER GARDEN, FL 34787

Hipster Power Tip: Arrive early in the morning and hungry to avoid the crowd and sample delicious Mexican food, crepes, dumplings, and more.

30. Dr. Phillips Center

Let your inner aesthete unleash at this downtown Orlando theater.

Located on Mongolia Avenue and housed in a contemporary building, it is a great place to spend the evening artistically.

While the center is famous for ballets, plays, and plush seating, its splendid interior is also a sight for sore eyes.

Address: 445 S MAGNOLIA AVE, ORLANDO, FL 32801

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31. Orlando Magic Game

Watch the team of local basketball heroes, the Orlando Magic play at downtown in the Kia Center.

If you are a basketball fan, you will enjoy cheering the legendary team. Who knows, you might even catch a game with your favorite NBA team playing.

Address: 400 W CHURCH ST #200, ORLANDO, FL 32801

32. Downtown Winter Park

Downtown Winter Park is the famous Orlando shopping district. It is home to al-fresco cafés, art museums, country club golf course, and a verdant central park.

The lush area is also famous for the Orlando attractions like the scenic boat tour, farmer’s market, and Mead botanical garden. In a nutshell, it is an ideal district to go on cultural and culinary expeditions.

Address: 110 N PARK AVE, WINTER PARK, FL 32789

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33. Mall at Millenia

Beat the heat and splurge on the world-class brands at this indoor shopping mall , pegged at Conroy Road.

Have an extravagant experience at the 140 luxurious boutiques of in-demand brands including Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, Tory Burch, and Neiman Marcus.

Shopping in Orlando seldom gets more top-end and ritzier than this!

Address: 4200 CONROY RD, ORLANDO, FL 32839

Get your discounted LEGOLAND Florida tickets here!

34. Sunset Walk at Margaritaville Orlando

Sunset Walk at Kissimmee’s Margaritaville Boulevard boasts the same laid-back lifestyle at the Margaritaville Resort Orlando.

It brings together several dining venues, live entertainment, Studio Movie Grill (my new favorite spot), and so much more.

Here you’ll get to enjoy a refreshing margarita, dine at the best restaurants in Orlando and enjoy some of the best entertainment offered in the city.

Address: 3251 MARGARITAVILLE BLVD. KISSIMMEE, FL 34747

5 BEST Orlando Family Resorts with a Water Park Close to Disney World

35. WonderWorks

WonderWorks  is where you can use your mind in the most strange, but amusing way!

The building has become an iconic landmark on International Drive , making it the perfect Orlando indoor attraction for the mind.

WonderWorks has more than 100 interactive attractions and exhibits for you to explore and discover.

This is also in addition to the science experiments, challenge zones and areas that will take you on a unique adventure. 

• Price:  Start at $35.99
• Address:  9067 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

My Final Thoughts on the Best Things to do in Orlando Other than Disney World

There are so many things to do in Orlando other than Disney that not exploring them means missing out on so much.

It is why, despite being a super-huge Walt Disney World fan , I would totally recommend you to visit at least 10 of these places on your next trip to City Phenomenal.

And if you want to see multiple things on your trip, then take advantage of this Orlando Explorer Deal below:

With this vacation package you get to visit 3 or 5 top Orlando attractions and save up to 35% off admission versus purchasing individual attraction tickets at the gate.

Orlando Explorer Deal 15 Options to Choose:

• The Wheel at ICON Park
• SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando
• Madame Tussauds Orlando
• Gatorland: The Alligator Capital of the World
• Boggy Creek Airboat Tour with Butterfly Nectar
• WonderWorks All-Access Pass
• Mall at Millenia & $25 Cheesecake Factory Gift Card
• Congo River Adventure Golf
• Orlando Magic Ticket

Learn more about it here!

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

About the Author

My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor , and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!

Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.

Connect with me on Instagram!

UP NEXT: Orlando Bucket List: Creating the Ultimate Vacation Experience

(Original Article Date: November 12, 2020/Updated on March 19, 2024)

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These 15 Best Airbnbs Near Disney World Will Make the Happiest Place On Earth Even Better

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Ahh, Orlando, Florida . If you’re going to this part of the Sunshine State, we have a pretty good feeling you’re headed to the ever-so-magical Disney World resort. While the Happiest Place on Earth has its share of great places to stay , they can get pretty pricey—and if you’re traveling with a large group or with pets , you may want something where everyone can gather in one place. Airbnbs are ideal for that, since you can rent out an entire home , but sifting through the 1,000+ listings—especially given the sheer size of the city (it spans 110 square miles)—can be enough to make you consider canceling your plans. That’s where we come in. We’ve done the research for you to share our picks for 15 of the best Airbnbs near Disney to book for your next vacay .

The Best Airbnbs Near Disney at a Glance

Upscale Loft Space in Orlando, FL

Magic Village Views Kissimmee, FL

Shipping Container Home Orlando, FL

TreeHouse In the Cloud Orlando, FL

Colonialtown Bungalow Orlando, FL

How we chose the best airbnbs near disney world.

We focused our Airbnb search around Lake Buena Vista (aka Disney’s home) for travelers looking for a range of must-haves, from proximity to the parks, parking on the premises, room count, a pool and other amenities. We also made sure to surf the Airbnb options for experienced hosts, superhosts and highly rated properties to ensure the locations are well taken care of and that there’s a record of positive experiences at each rental.

1. Upscale Loft Space in Orlando, FL

This sleek, modern Aibnb is north of Disney and puts you within minutes of trendy Winter Park or downtown Orlando—while still being less than half an hour from the amusement parks. The property boasts two beds and a fully furnished, modern loft space that is cozily styled for you and your family to end your long day after walking around the parks. It’s located in the Milk District (aka foodie central). Did you see those floor-to-ceiling windows and the open-concept shower?

• Price $127/night
• Why We Recommend It: noted as a guest-favorite, modern interior, close to downtown

2. Magic Village Views Kissimmee, FL

When it comes to staying in Airbnbs, we like our properties well-kept and comfy. This space has enough room for six people and has a faux fireplace to cozy up the living space. The ceilings are very tall, and you have access to the community’s amenities like the tennis courts, pool and more. It’s less than 10 minutes from the Disney parks, so if close proximity is your goal, this property is a top pick.

• Price: $160/night
• Why We Recommend It: townhome community amenities, only five miles from Disney, spacious interior

3. Shipping Container Home Orlando, FL

We can’t decide if we’re more enamored with the outdoor haven of this property or the sleek indoor setup. Outside you will find a quaint and cozy sitting area where you can turn on the gas fireplace table or take a dip in the hot tub. Inside, the unique shipping container features two Murphy beds to save space when you get yourselves ready for the day. There’s also a standing shower in the renovated bathroom, along with a cute kitchenette for preparing snacks and meals. It’s located in College Park, close to Winter Park, Downtown Orlando and is a mere 25 minutes from Disney World and other nearby parks.

• Price: $152/night
• Why We Recommend It: unique and modern home, hot tub included, free parking on premises

4. TreeHouse In the Cloud Orlando, FL

If you want to really book an impressive stay, this romantic spot is sure to do the trick. Nestled in the woods among the tree line, this treehouse stay has a sultry ambiance for you and your partner’s weekend getaway. The home is definitely not short of windows and fresh air, thanks to the bedroom’s skylight and a balcony, where you can sip wine and listen to the crickets.

• Price: $165/night
• Why We Recommend It: cool treehouse experience, romantic ambiance, the hosts give you carrots in the fridge if you want to feed their horses

5. Colonialtown Bungalow Orlando, FL

If you really want to wake up and feel like you’re in Florida—especially if you’re there in the winter—look out the front window and see the gorgeous palm trees in the front of the property. You and four friends can settle down in this sweet little stay during your vacation. The two-bedroom home is fairly spacious, with a boho charm, but the real draw is the fenced-in yard. The outside is amply lit with sweet twinkle lights and there’s a pathway that leads to the intimate sitting area around the fire (which you will have to start yourself). The owner notes the home is about 20 to 30 minutes away from the Disney parks, so this is a great spot if you aren’t looking to head to Disney every day during your trip.

• Price: $163/night
• Why We Recommend It: outdoor fire area, charming décor, pets allowed

6. Beautiful House Orlando, FL

Mornings on the screened-in porch are going to be great for coffee and chatting, especially since the enclosed backyard overlooks a small lake. Better yet, this affordably priced home sleeps six people and has a sleek and minimalist interior. Plus, there’s an outdoor fire pit for hanging out at night, after you’ve had your fill of the Magic Kingdom. You’ll be situated 30 minutes from Disney World, and the location is great for a visit to Lake Nona as well (it’s just 10 minutes away). The kitchen is fully stocked with appliances and utensils for your at-home meals while you’re at the property, too.

• Price: $99/night
• Why We Recommend It: ceiling fan in living room, spacious, fenced in backyard

7. Luxury Villa Kissimmee, FL

Forget your hair dryer? Don’t worry, this property has five on hand for you and your guests. Every amenity is considered, down to a private BBQ and a shared pool and sauna. You’ll be just 2.5 miles from Florida’s amusement park crown jewel, and when you turn in for the day, your whole crew will have plenty of space to do so—this townhouse boasts four bedrooms and 4.5 baths.

• Price: $168/night
• Why We Recommend It: only 2.5 miles away from Disney World, full kitchen, private BBQ area, sleeps 10 people

8. Condo in Disney Area Orlando, FL

You are close to Disney World and Disney Springs in this 12 th -floor condo, and you’ll be high enough up to catch an incredible view of the lake, too. It sleeps six people—however, you should know it only has one bedroom with a king-sized bed and bunk beds. There is a huge fan in the living area to keep you and your guests cool from the Florida humidity (but there’s also central air conditioning). You’re able to access shared amenities like the pool and hot tub, too.

• Price: $155/night
• Why We Recommend It: 10 minutes from Disney World, fantastic lake view, close to Disney Springs

9. Beautiful Villa With Pool Kissimmee, FL

From the screened-in pool to the full kitchen to the fun game room, this home has everything you need to make everyone in your family happy. Not only is the inside furnished with everything useful for a week away from home, like a full kitchen with appliances and utensils, the living room’s quaint setup with a view of the screened-in pool creates a cozy, vacation vibe you’ll feel the moment you step inside. Bonus: You’re also only about 7 miles from the Disney parks.

• Price: $134/night
• Why We Recommend It: screened-in pool, game room, close to Disney parks

10. Private Movie Theater Home Davenport, FL

A luxury family home to sleep 12 is a great option for anyone on a big family vacation. This huge home boasts a movie theater room, themed rooms for kids and a game room to keep your kiddos entertained while you and the adults hang out. The living room has a high ceiling, lending a more resort-like vibe to your stay.

• Price: $256/night
• Why We Recommend It: game room, sleeps 12 people, hot tub and pool access

11. Beautiful, Comfortable Home Four Corners, FL

Not only is this Airbnb great for large groups, it’s only 10 miles from Disney World, and there’s a screened-in pool for enjoying all that Florida sunshine. You may be close to the Disney parks (among others, like Seaworld and Universal Studios), but the luxurious feel of this place may make you want to take a day to spend at home.

• Why We Recommend It: huge kitchen, screen-covered pool and big showers

12. Solterra Davenport, FL

If you’re headed on a large family trip, this Airbnb gives a homey feel in the heart of Davenport, Florida. It has five bedrooms and sleeps 10 guests. A mere eight miles from Disney World, you’ll be able to get to and from the parks without too much of a hassle. (And you won’t be far from one of Florida’s outdoor gems, an ice cream cone-shaped soft serve shop called Twistee Treat .) You’ll also have access to the Solterra community amenities, like the pool, outdoor grilling area and lazy river.

• Price: $126/night
• Why We Recommend It: near Disney World, pool, comfy interior

13. Elegant Home Kissimmee, FL

The game room and heated pool are among many of our favorite aspects about this home in Kissimmee, Florida. This house has ceiling fans in nearly every bedroom and living space, including the outdoor patio Speaking of the patio, it’s fully screened in and includes a pool, hot tub, grill and seating area, so you can enjoy a cookout sans mosquitos. Inside, there are enough beds to sleep 12, according to the host, and it’s just a few minutes away from Disney.

• Price: $188/night
• Why We Recommend It: game room, screened-in pool, sleeps 12 people

14. Storey Lake Condo Kissimmee, FL

This beautiful two-bed, two-bath home is great for smaller group stays. At only $101 a night, you’ll get to enjoy lake views, an open-concept floor plan and on-site amenities like the lazy river, hot tub, pool, ice cream shop and basketball court. If you’re traveling with a little one, the home also offers a pack-n-play. In this prime location, you’re roughly 10 minutes away from Disney World.

• Price: $101/night
• Why We Recommend It: Storey Lake view, balcony, sleek interior

15.  Home In Kissimmee, FL

You’re going to fall in love with this luxurious living community. Complete with a private outdoor patio and an upper balcony, you’ll be able to unwind after a long day walking around the parks with your fam. It sleeps six and has three bedrooms. The living room has gorgeous high ceilings with floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s also an outdoor grill if you’re looking to cook at home (because one can only dine on so many Mickey pops and turkey legs).

• Price: $224/night
• Why We Recommend It: two miles from Animal Kingdom, private back patio with lounge chairs, spacious kitchen

The 18 Best Kid Friendly Airbnbs in Orlando

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Florida theme park deals: Universal, Disney & SeaWorld ticket offers

Massive entertainment district planned near disney.

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ORLANDO, Fla. - We know it's not cheap to visit some of Florida's major theme parks, so here's a guide to current ticket deals being offered at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando. 

Walt Disney World ticket deals

Discover disney ticket:.

• Purchase a four-day ticket for $59 a day, plus tax
• Valid for use from April 2 to Sept. 28 with advance park reservation
• 4-day ticket: $235/person
• 3-day ticket: $219/person
• Park hopper, water park and sports add-ons available

Click here for more information. 

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3-day, 3-park ticket:

• Valid for only Hollywood Studios, EPCOT and Animal Kingdom
• Starting at $89 per day ($267 total, plus tax)
• Limit one admission per theme park, one theme park per day for a total of three admissions on three separate days
• Not valid for admission to Magic Kingdom
• Ticket does not require theme park reservation
• Date-based ticket with start dates from April 2 through Sept. 24
• Ticket must be used within five days of selected start date

(Photo by Octavio Jones/Getty Images)

4-day, 4-park ticket:

• Includes one admission to each of Walt Disney World's four parks
• Starting at $99 per day ($396 total, plus tax)powe
• Total of four admissions on four separate days
• Ticket does not require theme park reservations
• Date-based ticket with start dates from April 2 through Sept. 22
• Ticket must be used within seven days of selected start date

Walt Disney World is also offering ticket deals for U.S. military personnel . 

SeaWorld Orlando ticket deals

SeaWorld Orlando is offering a spring break sale that ends March 31. 

Single-day ticket sale:

• Valid for one visit on date selected to SeaWorld Orlando
• Prices starting at $99.99/person for everyone 3 and up
• Add-ons available, including all-day dining for $42 (starting at $141.99/person)
• Ultimate ticket bundle available, includes all-day dining and unlimited Quick Queue (starting at $201.99/person)

2-day, 2-park ticket:

• Enjoy two visits for $49.99 a day at any combination of theme parks, including Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Adventure Island Tampa Bay, SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando by May 24
• Prices starting at $99.99/person
• All-day dining add-on available (starting at $159.99/person)
• Visit SeaWorld and Aquatica as many times as you want through Dec. 31
• SeaWorld only: $139.99/person
• SeaWorld + Aquatica: $221.99/person

Select annual passes are also on sale. 

The SeaWorld amusement park stands temporarily closed in Orlando, Florida, U.S., on Friday, May 15, 2020. Orlando is expected to be one of the hardest-hit economies in the U.S. Disney is the areas largest employer. Photographer: Charlotte Kesl/Bloomb

Universal Orlando Resort ticket deals

2-park, 1-day + 2 days free:.

• One guest admission to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure for three calendar days through June 26
• Blockout dates from March 25 to April 26
• Ticket expires on June 26
• All ticket usage must be completed on or before June 26
• Unused days will be forfeited
• Valid only for Florida and Georgia residents
• Adults: Starting from $199/person
• Children (3-9): Starting from $194/person
• Can add on Volcano Bay for $28 more

(Photo by John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images)

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