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5 Ways to Add Magic to Your Walt Disney World Vacation

There are days that I really believe that nothing can be better than a visit to Walt Disney World with my friends and family.  The rides, the food, and the entire Disney experience are hard to beat.  With that in mind, here are a few ideas for your next trip to add just a little something special to your trip.  Keep in mind, these are items totally in your control.  Not a ride, not a special event, but ways for you to enhance your experience…

5 & 10 Disney's Hollywood Studios Walt Disney World Resort#1  Ride as a single rider and talk to the person you ride with.  Sounds simple but seeing the ride through the eyes of the kid going for 10 times on Everest in a day or a grandmother who has just walked on property for the first time will make your ride that much better.  Point out cool things to see or even better, let them tell you what their favorite part of that ride is.  Disney attracts all types so why not share the Mickey love with a friend you have yet to meet?

#2 Eat something you have never heard of.  Whether is it School Bread in Norway, Kool Slaai at Boma in the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Kona coffee at the Polynesian Resort or the World Famous Grapefruit Cake at the Brown Derby in Hollywood Studios, you will not be disappointed.  Disney hires chefs from around the world to bring you an experience you will remember forever.  Ask other guests, cast members, or anyone on property for their recommendation.  There is something for everyone to love on every menu.  You will not regret it.

#3  Stop and watch the street performers.  I know there are a lot of people that are not into shows but these street performers give you a Mayor Main Street USA Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World Resortchance to experience Disney Entertainment without feeling like you are stuck in a seat until curtain call is complete.  See a crowd?  Go check it out.  Disney had made sure that the entertainment is not stuck on the stage.

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Father and Son with Jiminy Cricket Walt Disney World Resort#4  Take a picture.  No, not for you.  For someone else.  How many family vacations have 127 pictures of Mom and the kids, and only one of Dad that he accidentally took up his nose while checking the flash?  Yep, my family too.  Now is your chance to offer someone else a memory that they may not have without you.  My husband loves to do this.  He has met some amazing people and proven that Disney is truly a friendly, welcoming place.  Isn’t that a memory worth making for a stranger?

#5  Ask for advice.  Ask cast members and other park goers for hints.  What is their favorite ride?  Their favorite Walt Disney World hidden gem?   Even their recommendation on where to stand for the fireworks or a parade.  Cast members work for Disney because they love it.  The rest of us pay to be there because we love Disney too!  We love to share the things that make Disney special to us.  Parkhopper John and I spent hours with a family after asking them what their favorite ride was.  They didn’t want to just tell us, they wanted us to see it through their eyes.  And it was amazing!

Expedition Everest Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World ResortOur favorite recommendations: Ride Expedition Everest in the front row, the character meet and greet in the back of the Animation Courtyard in Hollywood Studios is the best to meet characters, and our favorite hidden gem is the free chocolate sample at the Ghirardelli Soda Shop! 

These are just a few things that help us make a trip to the park special.  What about you?  We love to know what you think about Disney so please leave your comments below.  I look forward to trying your suggestions on our future visits.


Written by WDWParhopper Sarah-Irene

Married, living in North Tampa, FL. Audio geek, power tool junkie and recently converted dog person. Sarah is married to WDW Parkhopper John and they have 2 four-legged kids, for now…

Follow Sarah-Irene on Twitter.

Read Sarah’s Blog HERE.

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2 Comments

  • Chelle

    This is a great list! I’ve never been brave enough to try number 2, but maybe next time I’m there I’ll give it a shot. I LOVE number 4! I think it’s so important to help families/couples out that way. I know last time I went with my boyfriend and we were lucky to meet so many sweet people who offered to take photos of us together. It’s such a nice gesture and only takes a moment to do!

    • admin

      That’s awesome! And as far as trying new food goes…it’s Disney, so there is nothing TOO crazy for you to try! This is a great comment! Thanks for spending some time with us today!!