Fabulous Things That You Should Experience at Walt Disney World

Whether you’re an annual or first-time visitor, everyone should be doing research before an Orlando Disney adventure. With Walt Disney World being approximately the size of San Francisco, CA – there are no shortage of rides to ride, hotels to stay at, goodies to eat, and sights to see. To put it simply, mapping out your itinerary can be overwhelming. To assist, we’ve rounded up some of our all-time favorite wonderful WDW experiences. Again - whether you’re looking to plan that perfect first trip or spice up that yearly vacation, these suggestions are for you!

1. Splurge on Food

Unlike the industry competition, Disney is not known for amusement park fare. While there are many exceptional quick-service places to grab a quick bite, WDW really shines when it comes to high-quality dining experiences. Located inside the theme parks, deluxe hotels, and entertainment district, the most mouth-watering restaurants await. Fan favorites include Morimoto’s in Disney Springs, the Brown Derby in Hollywood Studios, Cinderella’s Royal Table at the Magic Kingdom, and delectable steaks or sushi at the Contemporary’s rooftop California Grill. Many of these restaurants cost 2 table-service credits on the Disney Dining Plan and are categorized as ‘Signature’ restaurants. You can be well assured though, special labeling is deserved. If you’re an ultimate foodie and your budget is flexible, then Victoria & Alberts at the Grand Floridian hotel should be at the top of your list. A winner of the AAA Five Diamond Award, this adults-only establishment serves 7-8 course meals in the most elegant setting. But even if your budget is smaller, there are still countless places to enjoy an exceptional meal. Save the chicken tenders and fries for another trip!

2. Be in the Magic Kingdom Before Park Opening

You’re probably wondering, “Is this even possible?” Why, yes it is! A handful of restaurants including Be Our Guest, the Crystal Palace, and Cinderella’s Royal Table all offer breakfast and (more importantly) reservations before the park opens to the public. All you have to do is inform a cast member of your dining reservation and you can walk down a practically empty Main Street U.S.A.! (This is the perfect time to get that perfect family picture.) Additionally, having an early breakfast means that you’ll be well-positioned to jump in attraction lines before anyone else. This is basically like scoring three more FastPasses. Trust us. This is worth getting up at the crack of dawn for.

3. Shop Till You Drop

Similar to misconceptions about food, Disney World is also not guilty of only selling plastic toys and silly hats. (Yes, they do still sell those.) Anyways, Disney is full of exceptional shopping experiences in the parks and beyond. Both EPCOT’s Mouse Gears and the Magic Kingdom’s Emporium are larger-than-life Disney stores that sell everything from fine collectibles to kitchen accessories. Each on-property hotel has its own gift shop offering diverse selections of souvenirs. And more than ever before, Disney Springs is a shopping destination for guests of all ages and interests. Naturally, there are many specialty stores stocked with Disney pins, clothing, and artwork – but there are also several designer shops. LACOSTE, kate spade, Alex and Ani, and Columbia are just a few of the high-profile destinations you can browse through. But if you’re still looking for a Disney fix, then the largest Disney store on property, World of Disney, will amuse you with its department-store size and massive inventory. With so many great options, you won’t walk away empty-handed.