Are you going on the senior Disney World trip? Thinking about going to Disney? Or just want to know more about it? Well, this is the perfect place to be! As a frequent Disney visitor, I have learned some tips and tricks about what to do at Disney World!
First, some background information. Disney World, located in Orlando Florida, has been around since 1971. Throughout the years, Disney World has expanded to 4 parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. They also have numerous Disney Hotels and two waterparks. Let’s break it down:
Disney World Parks
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom was the first park in Orlando. It is a representation of classic Disney magic, as the name implies. Here, you can find many different “lands”: Main Street, U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Liberty Square, Frontierland, and Adventureland. In the center of it all is Cinderella’s Castle!
Main Street, USA
This is where you will find the epicenter of shopping and goodies. Walking up the street, you will see choices of food (savory and sweet), shopping, and character sightings! In the distance, you will also see the castle. The walk down Mainstreet is Gateway teacher Mr. Covely’s favorite part of all of Disney World!
Tomorrowland
The future is here, and it’s in Tomorrowland! In this area, you can go to “infinity and beyond” on rides/experiences like Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Space Mountain, and Carousel of Progress (which is great for a break from the summer heat). And if you just want to sit down and be entertained, Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor is perfect and one of my favorite attractions in Magic Kingdom.
Fantasyland
May your wildest dreams come true in Fantasyland while you take a trip on Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Peter Pan’s flight, or the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. If you want to stay on the ground, grab a bite to eat at Gaston’s Tavern, or sit and dine at Be Our Guest Restaurant. Try the gray stuff, I promise it’s delicious! Afterward, take a stroll in the Princess Fairytale Hall and meet your favorite royalty.
(Stephanie Miller)
Liberty Square
Take a step in Liberty Square to take you a step back in time to America’s Revolution! Here, you can find the scarily popular ride The Haunted Mansion, and take a trip on the Liberty Square Riverboat. Interested in American history/politics, then head over to The Hall of Presidents!
Frontierland
Heading over to a different part of America, you’ll find yourself in the Wild West! You can relax and unwind on Tom Sawyer Island, hop on a runaway mine train at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, or practice your aim at Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade. Hungry? Then pick up some Tex-mex at Peco Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe. Currently, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (previously known as Splash Mountain) is under construction and should be open this summer!
Adventureland
Swing around to Adventureland to find the views of the Swiss Family Treehouse, learn about nature on the humorous Jungle Cruise, become Pirates of the Caribbean, and so much more! In Adventureland, you can find edible gold in the form of delicious Dole Whip!
Epcot
This park is full of attractions, entertainment, and delicious dining options! Travel to 11 different countries in just one day, each with their own unique atmosphere. Epcot’s World Showcase allows you to immerse yourself in the unique cultures.
It’s so hard to pick a favorite country, I literally can’t! Mexico has its Plaza de los Amigos, Germany has beautiful architecture, Italy has great street entertainment, Japan has to-die-for hibachi, and every other country is amazing as well! Each plaza has some type of country-specific food with quick-service and sit-down options.
There are also attractions/rides within them as well. Norway features Frozen Ever After, Mexico has the Gran Fiesta Tour, and France has Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
In its other Neighborhoods, Epcot has numerous other attractions. Be sure to go on Soarin’ Around the World, a classic and highly enjoyable experience! You can also ride on the Test Track, and take a dip in The Sea with Nemo & Friends. Do you want to ride on Epcot’s first-ever roller coaster? Then be sure to join Star-lord on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind!
Hollywood Studios
This park is an immersive experience full of movies and excitement. Despite the long lines, the rides in Hollywood Studios are top-tier!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge takes you off of Earth and into the fascinating world of Wookiees, Jedis, and droids. Everything about the environment and architecture fully brings you into the galaxy of Star Wars. It also features unique foods and drinks (like green and blue milk, I prefer blue), the ability to create your own droid or lightsaber, and 2 fantastic rides- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
Toy Story Land is another section of Hollywood Studios that takes you into Andy’s world! Here, you can ride the exhilarating Slinky Dog Dash. Across the way, you’ll find Toy Story Mania!, which is a fascinating combination of 2D and 3D sets where you are a part of the experience. It is incredibly fun for the whole family!
Other must-sees rides include Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Rock’n’Roller Coaster (reopens summer 2024), Muppet Vision 3D, and the historic Tower of Terror.
Junior Billy McCalley said Rock’n’Roller Coaster is his personal favorite, “I went on it when I was really young and I had a lot of fun on it.”
You can also dine at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, Oga’s Cantina, and Ronto Roasters.
Animal Kingdom
In my opinion, Animal Kingdom is the most underrated park at Disney World! My family and I have had some of our favorite memories here! With the addition of the Spectacular Pandora: The World of Avatar, Animal Kingdom has grown to be the largest park at Disney World.
Animal Kingdom brings you to different continents, showing their cultures and environments. This means many attractions are outdoors, so bring a poncho or umbrella and a pair of flip-flops!
Pandora is a work of art and showcases Disney’s attention to detail. It is a beautiful environment with exotic animals and plants surrounding you at any moment. Avatar: Flight of Passage is simple in idea but extremely fun! You are flying on a banshee through the trees and mountains of Pandora. There are smells, splashes, and more. You have to find the time to ride it!
Another thrilling ride is Expedition Everest! Located in the Asia sector of the park, this ride will take you 50mph around and in Mt. Everest. This is a favorite of most Disney visitors. Another attraction in Asia is Kali River Rapids, an exciting float down a river that is never the same.
As it is called Animal Kingdom, they have the 100-acre Kilimanjaro Safari. You can see animals like zebras, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, and more!
If you’re hungry while walking around the beautiful land, a few delicious spots to get food are Satu’il Canteen, Flame Tree Barbecue, and Yak & Yeti Restaurant.
Tips for your experience
Disney World has so many amazing attractions throughout every park, and you may find yourself overwhelmed to cram everything in. However, you must remember to be flexible.
Mr. Covely says “If you go past a ride that says 20-30 minutes, go on it because it’s usually shorter.” This is the case for all parks at Disney!
Mrs. Evans, who has been on the senior trip many times over the years, also shares this view, “It’s all about planning the magic, if you can allow yourself to not get caught up in all the planning, you can have a really fun time.” Even though it seems so hard to do, you have to allow yourself to relax and have fun with your group!
Disney World is all about having fun! So “Eat all the good food and find all the hidden mickeys,” says Mrs. Evans.
