Top 45 Things Not to Miss at Disney World

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can feel like assembling a giant, magical puzzle. With four theme parks, two water parks, and a massive entertainment district, the options are nearly endless. How do you ensure you experience the very best of what this enchanting destination has to offer? Our team at New Horizons Travel can help. Let’s chat when you make the decision to go and we can make it an incredible experience from start to finish. Our team has compiled the ultimate list of 45 must-dos to help you craft the perfect itinerary. From iconic rides to hidden gems, this guide covers the essential experiences for your unforgettable Disney adventure.

Must-Do Rides & Attractions

These are the quintessential attractions that define the Disney World experience. They combine storytelling, innovation, and pure fun.

Magic Kingdom

1. Haunted Mansion: Tour a spooky estate home to 999 happy haunts. This classic dark ride is a masterclass in atmosphere and effects.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean: Set sail on a voyage through pirate-infested waters. Sing along with “Yo Ho, Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)!” on this beloved boat ride.
3. Space Mountain: Blast off into the darkest corners of the galaxy on this thrilling indoor roller coaster.
4. Peter Pan’s Flight: Soar over London and Neverland in a magical pirate ship. It’s a nostalgic flight that captures the heart of the film.
5. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: A smooth family-friendly coaster that takes you into the diamond mine where a million diamonds shine.
6. TRON Lightcycle / Run: Board a Lightcycle and race through the digital frontier in this high-speed, futuristic coaster.

EPCOT

1. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: Join Rocket, Groot, and the gang on an intergalactic chase. This indoor coaster rotates 360 degrees for a truly out-of-this-world experience.
2. Test Track: Glimpse into the future of mobility and the cities of tomorrow. 
3. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure: Shrink down to the size of a rat for an enhanced 2D culinary caper through Gusteau’s famous Parisian restaurant.
4. Spaceship Earth: Journey through the history of communication inside EPCOT’s iconic geodesic sphere.
5. Soarin’ Around the World: An airborne adventure as you soar over the incredible wonders of the world. 

Hollywood Studios

1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: This isn’t just a ride; it’s an immersive 18-minute experience that puts you in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order.
2. Slinky Dog Dash: A family-friendly coaster that twists and turns through Andy’s backyard in Toy Story Land.
3. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: Step into a haunted elevator for a thrilling drop ride that’s different every time.
4. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway: Burst into a cartoon world for a zany, unpredictable adventure with Mickey and friends.
5. Star Tours: Pilot a StarSpeeder 100 through the galaxy on one of over 250 variations of the ride. Perhaps you will be chosen to be the Rebel spy!

Animal Kingdom

1. Avatar Flight of Passage: Climb aboard your own banshee and soar over the breathtaking world of Pandora. It’s a sensory experience you won’t forget.
2. Kilimanjaro Safaris: Embark on a guided tour of the African savanna, where you can see live animals like lions, giraffes, and elephants roaming freely.
3. Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain: Race through the Himalayas on a high-speed train, but beware of the mythic Yeti.
4. Na’vi River Journey: Journey by boat into Pandora’s glowing bioluminescent rain forest. 

Unforgettable Shows & Entertainment

Disney’s world-class entertainment extends beyond rides. These shows are essential parts of the park experience.

1. Happily Ever After (Magic Kingdom): A spectacular fireworks show over Cinderella Castle featuring projections, lasers, and beloved Disney music.
2. Fantasmic! (Hollywood Studios): Join Mickey Mouse in a dream where he battles classic Disney villains in this stunning water and pyrotechnics show.
3. Festival of the Lion King (Animal Kingdom): A vibrant Broadway-style show celebrating the story of The Lion King with puppetry, acrobatics, and song.
4. Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! (Animal Kingdom): A visually stunning stage show using innovative puppetry to bring the undersea world to life.
5. EPCOT’s Luminous: The Symphony of Us: Watch the skies above World Showcase Lagoon light up with a dazzling show of fireworks, music, and special effects.

Unique Dining Experiences

From character meals to gourmet cuisine, dining at Disney is an attraction in itself.

1. Be Our Guest Restaurant (Magic Kingdom): Dine inside the Beast’s enchanted castle. Don’t forget to try the “grey stuff”—it’s delicious!
2. Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom): Meet Disney princesses while enjoying a fairytale meal inside Cinderella Castle.
3. Space 220 Lounge or Restaurant (EPCOT): Take a “space elevator” 220 miles up to a restaurant with panoramic views of Earth.
4. Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria (EPCOT): Taste authentic Neapolitan pizza from wood-fired ovens in the Italy Pavilion.
5. Oga’s Cantina (Hollywood Studios): Step into the famous cantina from Star Wars to enjoy exotic drinks and a lively atmosphere.
6. Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant (Hollywood Studios): Eat classic American fare in a car-shaped booth while watching old sci-fi movie clips at a “drive-in.”
7. Satu’li Canteen (Animal Kingdom): Enjoy unique, flavorful bowls in the heart of Pandora.
8. Tiffins Restaurant (Animal Kingdom): A signature dining spot celebrating the art of travel, with dishes inspired by African, Asian, and South American cuisine.

Hidden Gems & Special Experiences

Look beyond the main attractions to discover these memorable and often overlooked activities.

1. PeopleMover (Magic Kingdom): Take a relaxing 10-minute tour of Tomorrowland for great views and a welcome break.
2. A Pirate Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas (Magic Kingdom): An interactive hunt for secret treasures hidden throughout Adventureland. 
3. Frozen Ever After: Board your boat on a voyage to Arendelle. Located in the Norway Pavilion, EPCOT World Showcase. 
4. Kidcot Funstops: Located at each of the 11 countries in EPCOT’s World Showcase. Collect free postcards and stickers from each country’s funstop!
5. Living with the Land (EPCOT): A gentle boat ride through Disney’s innovative greenhouses, where food served in the parks is grown.
6. The Seas with Nemo and Friends: Located in the Nature World Section at EPCOT, take a dark ride through the 2nd largest aquarium in the United States. The aquarium features fish, sharks, sea turtles, and more. 
7. Animation Experience at the Conservation Station in Animal Kingdom: For the hidden artist in all of us, a Disney animator gives step by step instructions as you draw a pre-selected Disney Character. Keep your drawing as a great souvenir. Don’t forget to sign it!
8. The Harmony Barber Shop (Magic Kingdom): Get a haircut on Main Street, U.S.A., and even get your little one’s “My First Haircut” with special Mickey ears.
9. Disney Skyliner: Glide through the sky in a gondola, offering a bird’s-eye view of EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
10. Monorail Ride: It’s not just transportation; the monorail offers fantastic views of Magic Kingdom and the surrounding resorts.
11. Pin Trading: Buy a starter set of pins and trade with Cast Members and other guests. It’s a fun and interactive way to collect souvenirs. Keep an eye out for Hidden Mickey Pins!
12. Meet the Characters: Don’t just see them at each park. Locate the character greeting spots to get a hug and a photo with your favorite characters like Mickey, Chewbacca, or Elsa.

Your Magical Journey Awaits

With this list in hand, you’re ready to tackle Walt Disney World and create a vacation filled with magical moments. Whether you’re soaring on a banshee, dining in a castle, or simply enjoying a Dole Whip on Main Street, these 45 experiences represent the very best of Disney. Use this guide to prioritize your must-dos but remember to leave a little room for spontaneous magic along the way. Have a wonderful, magical, trip.