8 Things That Make Disney World So Magical (In Addition To The Pixie Dust)

Disney World has the incredible ability to turn every vacation into a “once in a lifetime experience.” It starts when we leave the real world behind and surrender ourselves to the magic that they have created for us. Here are 8 things that make Disney World a favorite place for so many newcomers and return Guests alike:

1) Main Street U.S.A.

Can there possibly be an any better indication that your Walt Disney World vacation has officially begun than walking out from the tunnel under the Walt Disney World Railroad and onto Main Street U.S.A.? Everything from the storefronts to the horse-drawn trolleys transports you back in time to small-town America in the early 1900s. And off in the distance, Cinderella’s Castle hints at all the wonders that await you.

2) The Immersive Experience

Wherever you go on their property, Disney has created a storyline for you to follow. From the theming of the resorts to the interactive ride queues at the parks, that attention to detail immerses you in the action in a way that truly brings the story to life. And they back it all up with cleanliness and maintenance policies that keep everything looking fresh and inviting. Instead of being tedious, Disney’s ability to sprinkle even your wait in line with a little bit of pixie dust builds your anticipation while making time pass much more quickly.

3) The Spectacular Nighttime Shows

Nothing caps off your day quite like one of the nighttime spectaculars that Disney World features in their parks. Disney Enchantment Nighttime Spectacular at Magic Kingdom, Harmonious at EPCOT, and Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (returning soon!) literally end your day with a bang! Fireworks, pyrotechnics, lasers, water effects, and animation are woven into the fabric of stories that feature the power of believing, the history of our planet, and a battle between good and evil. While no fireworks, Disney’s Animal Kingdom does offer Tree of Life Awakenings.

4) Disney World’s Holiday and Special Events

Since no one else can build a theme park quite like Disney, it should come as no surprise that when it comes to holidays and special events, Disney leads the way there as well. Christmas brings us a special after-hours event at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional, and EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. Halloween brings family-friendly scares at Magic Kingdom’s After-Hours event. New Year’s Eve is a festive celebration across the entire Disney World Resort. At other times of the year, Disney gives us special events such as Star Wars Weekends, EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival, and Food & Wine Festival. Whatever the time of year, Disney’s got a celebration for you!

5) Character Dining

Disney World has built itself a reputation as a destination for foodies. With everything from the standard fare such as burgers and chicken to more gourmet options like Herb-Crusted Lamb and Baked Oyster Gratin or Cedar Plank Blackened Salmon, there is something available for every palate and preference. When you combine that with the opportunity to meet your favorite Disney characters, from the Fab Five of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto to more favorites like the Evil Queen at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, a good meal is elevated to an unforgettable experience. Why stand in line to get food or to meet your favorite characters when you can combine the two into an exceptional meal where the characters come to you!

6) Disney World Transportation

Sure, it can require some planning and a close eye on the time, but Disney makes it convenient and easy to get wherever you need to go on the property – and beyond. At the Resort, a fleet of buses makes travel to the parks and resorts a breeze – one that comes around at least once every 10-20 minutes! The various resort boats provide not only a relaxing and fun way to get wherever you’re going but also a unique look at the Resort that you can’t get anywhere else. And no trip to Disney World is complete without at least one ride on the iconic Monorail and the Disney Skyliner, even if it’s just to make a round trip back to where you began!

7) Fun for the Whole Family

Walt Disney dreamed of a place where children and parents could have fun together. What he created was a Park where families could do just that. The variety of attractions in each of the parks ensures that there is something fun for everyone to do. Expedition Everest, Mission: Space, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and Space Mountain offer up thrills to even the most jaded teenagers, while Dumbo the Flying Elephant, “it’s a small world”, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, and The Boneyard Playground pack plenty of excitement for young children.

8) The Cast Members

While “it was all started by a mouse,” it is the people that work at Disney World that keep things running so smoothly. It seems a remarkable engineering feat unto itself that Disney World continues to attract a large number of excellent Cast Members that it requires to bring Walt’s vision to life on a daily basis. While there are certainly exceptions, the vast majority of stories that one hears about Cast Members tend to be about how they went above and beyond to make a Guest’s day special.

With all the wonder and magic that Disney World has built into every corner of their Resort, it’s easy to see why family vacations there are so memorable. What do you love most about Disney World?

Planning and booking your next Disney trip is easy when you work with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner you can trust like Mickey Travels. They’ll help you get the best price for your vacation, share expert advice and their services are totally FREE! It’s genius!

Photo courtesy of Disney Photo Snapper