20 Walt Disney World Resort Experiences For Your Bucket List

The list of things to do and experience at Walt Disney World is virtually endless. From attractions to shows, holidays to special events and the things we hear coming down the pipeline, a Disney Fanatic’s to do list is never completed. Here are 20 experiences that are definite editions to any Disney Bucket List.

20. Grab a Bite to Eat Around the World

Whether you choose quick service or table service, dining in the World Showcase is a must for every Disney Fanatic. Take a stroll around the world showcase, exploring the different pavilions and finding a cuisine that might settle your craving. Don’t forget to look at the smaller kiosk menus, these can house some great and lesser known options for food and beverage for great prices!

19. Dine with Royalty

Dining at Cinderella’s Royal table may not be a must for every visit, but it is definitely on the “to be experienced” list for most. Come in and get your picture taken with Cinderella as she welcomes you to her castle for dinner. Climb the stairs and enter the grand dining room where you will enjoy a three course meal. Don’t forget your camera and autograph book, because you will get the chance to meet other royalty, as well, like Aurora, Jasmine, Snow White, and Ariel.

18. Watch Wishes from the Top of the World

Wishes is a crowd favorite and definitely one that most do experience, but where from? If you haven’t, you need to experience it from the top of the Contemporary. When dining at the California Grill, save your receipt, it’s your ticket to the top of the Contemporary and quite possibly one of the best viewing places of Wishes. Keep in mind, if you aren’t wanting to pay California Grill prices, make a later reservation close to fireworks time and dine in for dessert only.

17. Don’t Forget the Good Night Kiss

This is one widely talked about and seldom missed by a Fanatic who happens to be in Magic Kingdom at park closing. It includes the castle, lights, music, and special announcement. I will not ruin it for those who have not seen it, but if you are in Magic Kingdom as it is closing try to catch it, it’s the perfect way to cap the night.

16. Experience the Epcot Icon Up Close

Although some may bypass this attraction thinking it is just some sort of thing resembling a golf ball, most avid Disney Fans know that it houses a great attraction! Spaceship Earth is a must do if you are spending the day in Epcot. It is easy to catch on your way in or out and seldom has a long line as it is on a continuously moving track. Sit back and enjoy a bit of a history lesson and finish it off by seeing your future come to life before your eyes!

15. Time to Explore the Power of Dreams

Arguably the best show on Disney Property, Fantasmic is not something that should be bypassed. In this adventurous show, we not only see the dreams and nightmares of Mickey, but we also meet some of the most beloved heroes and villains of Disney animation. Sit back and enjoy the lights, water, stunts, and pyrotechnics of this fantastic show as you explore the power of dreams.

14. Storm the Studios

A rope drop experience is always one of great anticipation and excitement, but during Star Wars Weekends, one of them gets a makeover. For Star Wars fans, these weekends are highly anticipated and what better way to start off your experience than that of storming the studios with the storm troopers to the Imperial March straight down Hollywood Boulevard.

13. Explore the Lab

The Innoventions Lab is a place that most guests might pass, but a Disney Fanatic wouldn’t think of missing. This lab is home to a group of continually changing experiences that are highly interactive and give families a chance to have a different type of experience rather than that of a traditional attraction. Whether creating your own thrill ride or working together to fight off monsters that threaten our health, there is something for everyone to experience in the Innoventions Lab.

12. Say Queso

Character interactions are always fun, but when the character can talk back it’s a whole different story. At Town Square Theater there is a great opportunity to meet the guy who started it all, Mickey Mouse. Have fun watching your little one experience one of their idol’s talking back to them or enjoy it yourself and maybe even indulge in a magic trick.

11. Next Stop, Conservation Station

Take some time to board the train and travel to Rafiki’s Planet Watch and Conservation Station. This ride will give you a behind the scenes tour of some of the animal housing, as well as, facts about different animals along the way. When you arrive at Rafiki’s, take some time to explore all it has to offer. From the affection section to the observatory veterinary exam room, there is something for every fanatic to enjoy.

10. Hop on the Monorail and Pin Trade ‘til you Drop

Pin Trading is highly practiced on all of Disney Property, but have you ever pin traded along the monorail resorts? Park your car or take a bus to the Tickets and Transportation Center. From there check the pin board at the gift shop located by the ticket booths and then board the resort monorail. Stop along at each resort and explore, looking for cast members that are wearing pins and checking the front desks for pin books. This is a fun thing to do on a free day, you never know what you will find.

9. Experience the Possibilities of Your Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow

Walt Disney died at a relatively young age, although he is gone now, a few attractions still have direct links to him and his vision. Carousel of Progress is one of those attractions. This is a must see experience for those looking to be close to something that Walt had a direct hand in and that has been virtually untouched. Experience what it was like to live in the turn of the 20th century and beyond as you learn that the possibilities of tomorrow are endless.

8. Happy Hallowishes to All and to All a Spooky Night

Wishes is a great Fireworks display, but Hallowishes takes it to a whole new level. Join your ghost host as he answers the door of the Haunted Mansion as some of your favorite villains drop in to say hello. I won’t spoil the finale, but just know, it’s coming at you from all angles.

7. Did Somebody Say Circus

It is hard to miss this amazing spectacle. From the towering white tent to the amazing colors, catch this fantastic circus in the round! Cirque Du Soleil La Nouba is unlike any circus that you have attended before and not one to miss! The clowns are just a part of the show as it also displays sensational acrobatics and stunts. This show will take you by surprise and have you on the edge of your seat. The perfect end to a date night in Disney Springs.

6. Get up and Shake that Tail Feather

For character lovers, the Move it! Shake it! Dance & Play it! Street Party is a way to get up close and personal with some of your favorite characters. Get ready to party with characters such as Genie, Chip, Dale, Woody, and Jessie. Do you love selfies? Have fun snapping pictures with a character or friend and posting it using the designated hashtag. Hey, you may even learn a few new moves.

Bonus Tip!

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5. Anybody Got a 20

There are tons of different ways to get involved at Walt Disney World as a guest, but one of the most exhilarating might be the person holding the money up as a bird snatches it out of their hand. In Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Flights of Wonder is a great show that educates the audience on birds. This show has some hilarious comedy and highlights some amazingly talented birds. This is one the whole family can enjoy.

4. Partake in a Ketchup Round-up

We all have our favorite dining spots and this is definitely a fanatic favorite. Whispering Canyon Cafe is located at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort and is home to whole lot of fun. Round up your gang and settle in for great food and family time. Don’t forget to ask for ketchup!

3. Cast Members Only Beyond this Point

As a Disney Fanatic it is easy to find ourselves wanting more and more. The Keys to the Kingdom Tour of the Magic Kingdom is a great next step for those looking to know more than the surface level of the Kingdom, Literally. Not only will you hear stories of Walt and Roy and of various attractions, you will also get to experience what it is like to walk in the Utilidors.

2. Deck the Boats with Boughs of Holly

A Jungle Cruise Skipper is a highly coveted Cast Member job at the Magic Kingdom. We all know the jokes and have our favorites, but did you know that the Jungle Cruise gets a holiday makeover? Don’t miss out on the holiday festivities with your favorite skippers as they drive decorated boats and let you in on how the locals celebrate the happiest season of all.

1. Start the Day of Right

There is only one way a Disney Fanatic can start their day at Magic Kingdom…rope drop. This ceremony usually happens 30 minutes or so before the park opens and will not disappoint. Join along as the steam train arrives in the station loaded with some of our most beloved characters. Enjoy as Mickey announces the opening of the park with song, dance, and, of course, sparkle.

BONUS TIP: Consider planning and booking your next Disney trip with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner you can trust like Mickey Travels. They’ll help you get the best Walt Disney World deal, share expert advice and their services are totally FREE! It’s genius!

Photo courtesy of Disney Photo Snapper