So last week I told you what my 5 favorite things were to do in Disneyland.  Well now it is Disney World’s turn.  I will start by saying I’m not going to list any rides, because frankly there are just too many for me to choose a favorite.  So let me start with my all time favorite event.

1.  Main Street Electrical Parade

I’ll admit that I am definitely a parade person, so it is no surprise that this is my favorite thing to do in Disney World.  I first saw this parade when I was about 6 years old and it has been my favorite ever since.  I have seen it in Disneyland as well and then when it traveled back to Disney World I have seen it there multiple times.  The music is contagious and makes me smile (and cry in most cases).  It just brings me that much happiness.  The floats have changed a bit over the years but they continue to use many of the classic pieces.  I would recommend getting a Fast Pass for this parade if you don’t mind locking up your choices for the entire day.  I love that I don’t have to reserve a spot 2 hours in advance.  We usually show up no more than 30 minutes ahead of time and we always have a fantastic viewing spot.  Don’t miss this parade as it lights up the night with a spectacular array of lighting on the floats and music that will make you want to dance.

2.  Wishes Nighttime Spectacular Fireworks over the Castle and Celebrate the Magic show on the Castle

This is another of my favorite shows and I have watched it from a variety of different locations.  The first to happen is the Celebrate the Magic show that is displayed on the front of the castle.  The Imagineers are able to make magic appear on the castle in a video form.  So the castle transforms with colors and lights so that you can see characters and scenes from the different Disney movies.  After this show the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular will begin.  This is a heart stopping fireworks show set to music that lights up the sky.  Every time I watch this show it brings such joy into my life.  I have used a Fast Pass for this event as well.  If you combine it with the Electrical Parade then you can do all of this in one night.  It is a fantastic way in which to end your day at Magic Kingdom.  If you don’t want to use a FastPass then you will need to get a spot early.  If you aren’t able to get there early I have also watched the show from Main Street and it is just as amazing from there.  I really haven’t seen it from a bad location.  Don’t pass up this event, it is one you will remember forever.

3.  Riding the Additional Transportation

So Disney World is huge and many of you already know that the bus system will take you just about anywhere.  Well I’m talking about taking some of the less traveled options once you are at a park.  The monorail is a ride in itself.  It has 2 different loops that you can take.  One is the hotel loop (goes to the Contemporary, the Polynesian and then the Grand Floridian)  If you have Chef Mickey reservations this is the transportation you will use to get to the Contemporary.   The other loop will take you to EPCOT.  This is an amazing ride that let’s you see everything you miss while riding the bus to either of those parks.  You should also try the Ferry Boats that go from the transportation district to Magic Kingdom and the smaller boats that go from Hollywood Studios to EPCOT.  They are a fun way to get around and see things from a new perspective.

4.  Character Dining

Okay.  I know you can do a character dining in Disneyland, but I wanted to tell you about a few of my favorites.  These are great ways for your kids (and adults) to meet a variety of characters without standing in those long lines.  Chef Mickey’s – located in the Contemporary hotel – you get to visit with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto.  Crystal Palace – located in Magic Kingdom – you will get to meet the Pooh Characters;  Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet.  Cinderella’s Royal Table – located in Magic Kingdom – not only do you get to eat in the castle (what could be better) but you get to meet Cinderella and other fairy tale princesses.  The newest addition is Be Our Guest – located in Magic Kingdom – this is the only place (for now) that you can meet the Beast.  You will dine in 1 of the 3 locations in the castle.  My favorite is the Ballroom.  It is stunning and feels like you are really in the Ballroom from Beauty and the Beast.  These are just a few of my favorites, but whoever is your favorite character, I recommend doing a character meal.  The experience is amazing.

5.  EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival/EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

I have been to both and they each are simply events you will want to visit at least once.  The Flower & Garden Festival happens in the Spring.  I was there in late April and the crowds were very small.  The Topiaries are magical.  There are so many to see make sure you pick up a map so you don’t miss any.  The atmosphere is enjoyable and the different food and beverage stations they have make visiting each country an adventure.  This event is definitely about ringing in Spring and being outdoors.  There are events you can sign up for from gardening tips to how to raise your own foods.  The Food & Wine Festival happens in the Fall and is celebrating the changing of the seasons.  This event is definitely more about food and beverages.  There are more than 30 marketplaces where you can eat your way around the world.  There is also the Eat to the Beat concert series.  This event was super crowded when I was there but the atmosphere is electrifying.  I recommend trying these events and enjoying what each has to offer.

Let me know how I can help you plan a magical vacation to Walt Disney World where you will have the opportunity to experience all the magic and wonder that Disney has to offer.

To Infinity and Beyond Travel – Traci