Our List of Disney Must See/Do Attractions

Kenny and I are down to double digits in our countdown. In 99 days we will be traveling back to Disney World to celebrate my 25th birthday. People often ask me for a list of my favorite restaurants and attractions (since I worked there), so I figured I would break it down for everyone on here so you can reference it as you plan your future trips. Now, I am sure that once we have children of our own this list will change a bit. This is OUR list of favorites...but many others would agree as well. In this post, I will outline my favorite attractions from each park. In others posts I will also outline our favorite restaurants, resorts and also provide you some tips for making the most of a Disney vacation.

My Mickey Mouse ears in 2008

Our Top 10 Must See/Do List

1. Expedition Everest
2. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
3. Soarin'
4. Splash Mountain
5. Kilimanjaro Safari
6. Dinosaur
7. Pirates of the Caribbean
8. Mickey's PhilharMagic
9. Space Mountain
10. Test Track
11. Wishes (fireworks)

I know I said 10, but I could not leave off Wishes! While working at Disney...part of my job as a location trainer was to give new employees a tour of Tomorrowland at Magic Kindom. The tour included making sure that they have seen the firework show Wishes. I watched Wishes what felt like hundreds of times, and I still got the chills each time. Also, many people pass up Mickey's PhilharMagic, but it is great because it takes you back to some of the classic Disney movies and makes you smile.

Magic Kingdom

1. Splash Mountain
2. Wishes (fireworks)
3. Space Mountain
4. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
5. Pirates of the Caribbean
6. Mickey's PhilharMagic
7. The Haunted Mansion
8. Carousel of Progress
9. Jungle Cruise
10. Peter Pan's Flight
11. The Hall of Presidents
12. Disney's Electrical Parade

Oh, Magic Kingdom. My personal favorite of the 4 parks. Some adults think of it as their least favorite, but I think of it is the most magical. MK (cast member slang) is always the first park that Kenny and I visit, and the last park as well. I smile ear-to-ear when I walk out onto Main Street, and I have to take at least 5 pictures of Cinderella's Castle as if I am seeing it for the first time. Then, when it is time to go I always stop and pause to look at Cinderella's Castle one last time, admittedly with a tear in my eye knowing that the magic for that trip has come to an end.

In front of Cinderella's Castle during my 21st birthday trip 2008

Epcot

1. Soarin'
2. Test Track
3. Ellen's Energy Adventure
4. The Seas with Nemo and Friends
5. Living with the Land
6. Spaceship Earth
7. Maelstrom
8. Illuminations (fireworks spectacular)

Epcot is wonderful. It is a great combination of awesome food, an expansive amount of culture and great attractions. It is a lot of fun to walk around the countries (if you are there without children, try getting a drink from each country). This tends to be the favored park for most adults, and it is Kenny's personal favorite. We usually spend 2 days at this park as well, but depending on the time of year you go you could definitely get by with 1 day (we often do our favorites twice).

In front of Epcot's "big golf ball" in 2010

Hollywood Studios

1. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
2. Rock 'n' Rollercoaster
3. The Great Movie Ride
4. Fantasmic (show)
5. Muppet Vision 3D
6. Voyage of the Little Mermaid
7. Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show
8. Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage

Hollywood Studios is a park that during the slow season you could visit for half a day. There is more to do than what is on this list, but often times we only do what is on this list. When you go, plan on riding the Tower of Terror and Rock 'n' Rollercoaster twice. Then go ride Tower of Terror again, it is so fun. Fantasmic is great, but it is even better when you have seating. Check into getting dining reservations that gets you priority seating for the Fantasmic Show.

My Disney roommate and I reunite in June 2009

Animal Kingdom

1. Expedition Everest
2. Kilimanjaro Safari
3. Dinosaur
4. It's Tough to be a Bug
5. Kali River Rapids
6. Festival of the Lion King
7. Finding Nemo - The Musical

Animal Kingdom is the most commonly skipped park, because people assume it is a "big zoo with a couple of rides". We completely disagree. For one, it features our FAVORITE ride, Expedition Everest. We also LOVE Kilimanjaro Safari and Dinosaur. This is another park that you could get away with in a half day if the parks are slower, but don't skip it entirely!

Kenny and I with his favorite character in 2010

Fun story... I SURPRISED Kenny with a trip to Disney for his 25th birthday. He had no clue that we were going. I saved money and planned for months. Then, I got into contact with his boss to request the days off for him. At the time, we were going to Buffalo Wild Wings every Thursday night with friends. I special ordered a quarter-sheet cake from Walmart, and had them decorate it with Disney characters. After eating all of our wings the waitress asked if we would like dessert. I said, "You have to get dessert, to celebrate your birthday!" She brought out the cake, featuring Mickey and the gang and it said, "Pack your bags!" He did not believe it!

Please feel free to comment with your favorite attractions! Have a magical day! :-)