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Top 12 Favorite "Must Do's" at Disney...

12.  Pick a non-park activity to do
There is more than just the parks?  Yes!  Choose your favorite  mini-golf theme and visit Fantasia Gardens or visit Santa at Winter Summerland mini golf. There are motor boats you can rent and drive that depart from several deluxe resorts around Magic Kingdom.  Surrey bikes are available at Boardwalk, Riverside and Coronado Springs.  Ft. Wilderness Campground has horseback riding and carriage rides.

11.  Ride the monorail
“Please stand clear of the doors.”  Ride the monorail at least once.  You can choose to ride it from Magic Kingdom to Epcot or Epcot to Magic Kingdom.  The third choice and probably my favorite is the resort loop.  You will leave from Magic Kingdom and proceed to each deluxe resort and return back to Magic Kingdom.  If you like, stop and get out and check out these amazing resorts, gift shops and places to eat.  Resorts you will see are the Polynesian, The Grand Floridian and The Contemporary. 

10. Enjoy a Character Dining Experience
Character dining combines two wonderful Disney activities, character greetings and great food. Choose from buffet or family-style dining. There is something for everyone from Mickey and Friends to Princesses to Stitch! The characters make sure to visit each table and will take photos with you.

9. Explore your resort hotel
On-site resorts offer great bonuses to your vacation experience. Take some time on one your days on vacation to just explore your resort. Disney is known for wonderful theming and that extends beyond the parks. You can even explore beyond your resort and check out some of the other resorts, too.  Christmas time is an excellent time to visit other resorts, especially the ones on the monorail!

8. Search for Hidden Mickeys
Imagineers have been hiding Hidden Mickeys in rides, attractions, restaurants, even foliage around Disney for years. The search for Hidden Mickeys has become so popular that you can even purchase a Hidden Mickey guide! Perhaps create a scavenger hunt for the entire family to enjoy!

7. Stay at Magic Kingdom until closing – Magic Kingdom empties out very quickly after nighttime parades and fireworks.  If you can, enjoy walking around the park when crowds are much less and often attractions have no wait. Also, if you stay 30 minutes after closing, you can enjoy “The Kiss Goodnight” a short display show on the castle.

6. Enjoy your favorite Mickey-shaped food
Many different foods are available that are shaped like Mickey Mouse. Many choose a Mickey ice cream bar, while others go for the Mickey waffles at breakfast.  For me, I can’t chose and I have both!  See how many Mickey shaped foods you can find throughout your stay.  New ones added all the time!

5. Watch the nightly show at Magic Kingdom
New this Spring 2017, Happily Ever After, a stunning fireworks, laser and projection show that uses Cinderella’s Castle as a backdrop.  Worth the wait to save your self a seat – while waiting, have a Mickey-shaped snack!

4. Get at least one Disney keepsake
Popular keepsakes that I have found valuable long after my trip is over: t-shirt or zippered sweatshirt, x-mas ornament, a pin, stuffed character, coffee mug, magnet, bag or purse, or couch throw.  I try to get at least one personal item and at least one item for the family or household.  For the kids, try to get something that has long lasting value that they won’t out grow quickly.

3. Take at least a half a day off
Disney vacations are expensive and there can be a feeling of pressure on families to follow a specific, detailed itinerary each day at the park. To balance that, sleep in one morning and lounge at the pool. Come back to the hotel after lunch and take a nap and enjoy the free Disney movie that they show at each resort hotel each night. Everyone in the family will be appreciate the change of pace.

2. Enjoy a nightly show at any of the other 3 parks
Disney offers a great selection of nighttime entertainment.  Choose from Epcot’s “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth,” Star Wars Galatic firework show or Fantasmic! at Hollywood Studios, and finally, a new favorite of mine, Rivers of Light at Animal Kingdom.

1.   Ride your favorite classic Disney attraction
There are many rides that visitors consider classic Disney and it is very personal to each guest.  For me, it’s the carousel behind Cinderella’s castle.  For my son it is Buzz Lightyear.  For my daughter it has always been Small World. My husband loves the historical Carousel of Progress.  These happen to be all in Magic Kingdom however for some, other parks may hold their favorites.  Make a plan before you leave and list your own personal “must dos.” 


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