Top 10 Walt Disney World Experiences For Your Bucket List

There is so much to see and do at the Walt Disney World Resort. Whether its lack of time or money or not being able to fit it in your schedule, there are many reasons why guests aren’t able to try a few new things to do on their trips. There are, however, some experiences that should be attempted by all to enjoy. Some Disney experiences, like spending the night at Cinderella’s suite, have slim chances, so I am going to share more realistic bucket list goals. While this list could have been really, really long, here are just 10 experiences for your bucket list!

10. Take a Backstage Tour

There is definitely magic all around the parks, but wouldn’t it be cool to see some magic behind the scenes? There are several behind the scenes tours at the Walt Disney World Resort. Some of these tours include experiences with live animals, understanding how rides work, wardrobe department visits, and so much more. You can even get holiday themed tours, which even includes a visit to the warehouse where holiday decorations are stored. These behind the scenes tours are once in a lifetime opportunities that should be done at least once!

9. Have a Disney Wedding

Having a Disney wedding is unlike any other experience! There are so many beautiful moments shared between a couple in love in a place filled with magic and love exploding from all areas. This event is usually very costly, but if you can manage to have it, it will be well worth it. Have you already married your sweetheart? Vow renewals are just as beautiful, romantic, and fun!

8. Meet All of the Characters

Thousands of Disney characters have been created over the last 85+ years, and meeting them is definitely on the ‘to-do’ list of many Walt Disney World guests. With long wait times and many of other rides and attractions to visit, it can be hard to meet and greet all of the ones that you want on one visit. Character experiences are all very unique so trying to meet as many different characters as you can is an awesome bucket list idea. The most common Disney characters (Minnie, Mickey, and the princesses for example) are available on a regular basis, but some of the more rare characters are harder to come by. The hard ticket events (like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party) and Character Palooza (at Disney’s Hollywood Studios) are a great way to cross more character meet and greets off your bucket list!

7. Stay at The Disney Resort of Your Dreams

We all love luxury, but it can be hard to enjoy that luxury when the cost of it is so high. Disney is very expensive (as many of us know) and staying at one of the deluxe resorts on property may be hard to come by. If you can make it a point to save up or splurge on a future trip and actually stay in the resort of your dreams, you won’t regret it! Disney offers some beautiful guestrooms and thematic concepts that are truly jaw dropping. Hopefully you will get to enjoy the resort of your dreams sooner than you think!

6. Invest in an Annual Pass

Being an annual passholder has its perks. You are eligible to receive discounts on resorts, hard ticket events, dining, and merchandise and even benefit from early registration opportunities for runDisney events. I have to say though, the best part about being an annual passholder is being able to enter any of the four parks whenever I want! This allows guests to live in the magic more days out of the year! Investing in an annual pass is a great idea for those wanting to travel more often to the happiest place on earth!

5. Enjoy Special Hard Ticket Events

There are a few hard ticket events that are not to be missed! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party are the two most popular events that are enjoyed by millions of guests each year. These hard ticket events are filled with holiday décor and events that are worth every penny! There are a plethora of shows, character meet-and-greets, food options, parades, themed parades, and much more that is offered here and not offered during the general hours of the parks operation schedule.

4. Splurge on Dining

Disney Dining is just as enjoyable as a regular day in the parks. There are so many dining options to choose from including unique/themed dining, character dining, signature/fine dining and so much more. There is also a plethora of different cuisines to choose from! Some of the best (and award winning) restaurants are very expensive, but if you can splurge on them at least once, it is well worth it! Not only will you savor the food but you will cherish the memories made there forever!

Bonus Tip!

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 Disney travel deal, share expert advice and their services are totally FREE! It’s genius! Discover More >

3. Watch All of the Nighttime Firework Shows

Did you know Disney is the second largest company that purchases explosives? (The first is the military in case you were wondering) With the amount of fireworks that are purchased and used, its no wonder their shows are jaw dropping and absolutely worth waiting for. The nightly firework shows at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot are worth being at the top of your bucket list because there is truly nothing like it anywhere else on earth. Watch as your favorite Disney tunes are synched in with the multi-colored bursts of light in the sky. You can also see Cinderella’s castle come to life and even watch Tinker Bell fly through the night sky. These events are a must-do at each park!

2. Last 24 Hours at The Magic Kingdom

The 24 Hour party has been a huge hit for the past two years, and it is the latest in all ‘bucket list items’. Visiting the parks from dawn till dusk is extremely exhausting in itself, so many Disney Fanatics are challenging themselves to entering the park at 6 AM and staying in the Magic Kingdom for a full 24 hours! This is a very tedious task but it’s also a once in a lifetime experience! How cool is it to say you’ve been at the Magic Kingdom (literally) all day?

1. Complete a runDisney Marathon

There is nothing like the feeling of success, and the runDisney marathons offer just that. After training you body for so long and being able to complete a lengthy marathon, you are bound to put a smile on your face and gain a sense of accomplishment. Plus, you’ll be running in the happiest place on earth surrounded by several Disney fans reaching towards the same goal. runDisney marathons are incredibly fun, entertaining, and a great way to work on motivational or physical goals. This is a great bucket list item because you can strive to complete longer marathons as you succeed in some of the shorter distance ones.

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!