The Ultimate Disney World Bucket List
One of the cardinal rules of traveling is that you never go on a vacation or trek to a new destination thinking it will be the one and only time you visit. This is especially true when you plan your trip to Walt Disney World. How come? When you try to pack in every last activity, amusement ride, show, meet-and-green and restaurant into one getaway, you lose the splendid opportunity to fully invest in each and every moment. No matter what you do in WDW, you’ll have an action-packed adventure, but your specialized Disney travel agent can help you scope out what makes sense for each time you pack your bags and head to Florida. Instead of feeling anxious about introducing your family to all of the wonders of the Happiest Place on Earth in a single 7-day spread, make a bucket list of the hands-down, gotta-see experiences in your lifetime.
This ultimate guide will help you get started:
1 – Let yourself get completely, totally soaked on a water ride.
We know, we know. You have your iPhone. And it took you a long time to get that hairstyle placed just-right. You also have to walk around all day and sure, you might get cold. But just one time (maybe at the end of a hot summer day?) – go on a water ride and get completely, totally, awfully soaked. The picture itself will be worth it.
2 – Sample all the wines at the Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival, sans kids.
As much as you adore your kiddos (they’re great!), sometimes you need some one-on-one time for you and your partner. One fun all-day (or weekend) date idea is making your way to Disney in the Fall to experience the Food & Wine festival at Epcot. Here, you can sample vino and foods from all over the globe – from Italy and Spain to France and beyond.
3 – Run a race at Disney World.
More than just a vacation spot, WDW also has a dedication to health and wellness, featuring a handful of races every year. In addition to getting your heart rate up, many of the proceeds from these events benefit charity, too. From the Disney Princess Half-Marathon to the runDisney Marathon, sign up for one and make a whole trip out of it – costume and all!
4 – Have breakfast on your balcony, overlooking the parks.
Much of traveling is spent on your feet, seeing the sites, snapping photos and making memories. As much as you want to be on the go, remind yourself that ‘vacate’ in vacation: you’re meant to leave your responsibilities at the door and unwind. On a trip, stay at a Disney Resort where you can take your breakfast – coffee and all – outdoors to your balcony early in the A.M. as the sun comes up.
5 – Leave your phone at home for the day.
Can you do it? Yes, you can! Though you want to have visual proof of your vacation, when you’re constantly checking your Facebook notifications or strolling through Instagram, you aren’t living in the moment of your getaway. For just a day, leave it back in the hotel room. Your iPhone needs a vacation, too!
6 – Be the first family to enter the park.
Especially if you aren’t early risers as a clan, it might be a tall order to get you to opening time. But the perk of the early bird is the plethora of ‘worms’ you have to pick from: shorter lines at attractions, smaller crowds and cooler temperatures.
7 – …and be the last.
You won’t just be in awe of the infamous, breathtaking Florida sunset that’s freckled with purple and yellow hues, but you’ll love the fireworks, the slight chill in the air and the feeling of a day well spent with laughter and new experiences.
8 – Do something you’re afraid of.
Another truth of traveling is how much it pushes you out of your comfort zone. When you’re visiting Disney World, you might have a kiddo who would ‘rather not’ with rollercoasters, but push them to give it a try. The same goes with interesting foods – especially at Epcot! – and opportunities to join the stage in immersive theater. Whatever the scary situation, lean into it and watch your perspective grow.
9- Have one day, without any plans at all.
While your Disney agent will help you make reservations ahead of time for the events that require advance notice, some of your most memorable experiences in the park will be the ones you can’t plan for. Like the laughter that tickles through your kiddo when something hits the right spot or when a character photobombs your family photo. Take one day of your vacation to just let it happen, however it will.
10 – Book another trip before you leave.
The best way to truly fulfill your bucket list? By already having dates set for your next adventure before you ever leave the park. Let our Disney travel agent book for you, today!