With an ever-evolving line-up things to do in Disney World, there’s always something new whether you are a Disney fanatic or planning your first visit. It might feel overwhelming, especially if you are trying to plan the perfect memory-making vacation for kids, but there is no need to fret. With the help of locals, annual passholders and a former cast member (aka a park employee), I’ve put together a list of 100 things to see and do in Walt Disney World along with some tips to help you plan your time at the four theme parks and at Disney Springs.
Part of planning is making reservations after purchasing your tickets. Some Disney activities and restaurants take reservations, and it’s best to book these early. Often these experiences book up, and same day reservations are difficult to get for some activities and at many of the table-service restaurants. Disney allows guests to book reservations 60 days in advance of their park visit. If you are staying on property at a Disney hotel, you can book reservations for the entirety of your stay 60 days from the first day of your hotel stay.
Also download the My Disney Experience app on your phone. You can keep track of your reservations and add things to do in Disney World into the itinerary feature built into the app. It's also helpful in the park with up-to-date show times, wait times for rides and park maps right at your fingertips. Don't forget to take advantage of mobile ordering at the quick service restaurants via the app that allows you to skip the line and order ahead.
The My Disney Experience app gives you access to all the photos you have taken in the park. You can purchase a Disney PhotoPass package that will allow you to download the photos. If you are trying to save money on your Disney trip though, skip the photo package and ask cast members at photo stations if they can also snap a picture of you with your phone. The photographers will happily oblige.
And at the stores, if you see something that you want to purchase but don’t wish to carry all day, ask the cashier if they can arrange for you to pick it up later in the day either at guest services or another pick-up location within the park. Or, if you are staying at a Disney hotel, you can have your purchases sent to your room. Not every store carries the same merchandise, so this can save you from toting something fragile or large with you or necessitate journeying back into the park after you are ready to leave.
Magic Kingdom
1. Do: Get a haircut at Harmony Barber Shop
Harmony Barber Shop is near the park entrance, next to the Emporium on Main Street U.S.A. It looks like it might be a fake store front, but it’s actually a shop. Anyone can get a haircut or beard trim here, but it’s most popular for children’s first haircuts. Kids getting their first haircut on-site also get a Mickey Ears hat as part of the package. Be sure to book a reservation ahead of time. Walk-ins are possible but not always available. The cost of hair cuts, beard trims, and first hair cut packages are in addition to Magic Kingdom tickets. Also you can’t leave a tip on your card, so bring some cash to tip your barber.
2. Do: Kids play dress up at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom is in Cinderella’s Castle. It’s a fun option for kids ages 3 to 12 who love to play dress up. Parents have a range of packages to choose from. The smallest packages include hair and shimmer makeup, and the more extravagant packages include hair, shimmer makeup, nail polish, a princess dress and accessories. Kids get a fantasy salon experience and the chance to meet some Disney princesses. While the princess packages are the most popular, knight packages are available for little ones who don’t dream of being a princess. Reservations for this Disney World extra go fast, so plan to book well in advance. This experience is an extra cost in addition to your theme park tickets.
3. Eat: Cinderella’s Royal Table
Cinderella herself greets guests at the entrance to Cinderella’s Royal Table, the only restaurant in Cinderella Castle and one of the best places to eat in Magic Kingdom. After checking in, you can ascend to the dining hall from either the spiral staircase or the elevator. The restaurant is decorated with purples and deep reds, complete with stained glass crests in the leaded glass windows. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and serves a prix fixe menu that includes appetizers, entrées and desserts. While dining, you’ll be greeted by princesses, and while it’s always a surprise which princess you’ll see, Aurora, Snow White, Rapunzel and Ariel have all been spotted there.
This is one of the more popular things to do in Disney World, and reservations go fast. A special tip from our Disney experts, if you book a breakfast reservation, you can get into Magic Kingdom a little early giving you a special chance to see Cinderella Castle without crowds.
4. Ride: Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover is in Tomorrowland near the Astro Orbitor. This ride isn’t a thrilling Disney roller coaster, but what it lacks in speed is made up for in interest. The slow-moving cars take you on a 10-minute narrated journey with behind-the-scenes look at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and Space Mountain, as well as elevated views of Disney's Magic Kingdom. Even the way the ride moves is interesting. The ride cars are powered by a linear induction motor that uses electromagnets to create propulsion. As an added bonus, the line is usually short.
5. Eat: Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen
If you enjoy the dry, pun-filled humor of the Jungle Cruise (both the movie and the ride), you’ll likely enjoy the dining experience at the Skipper Canteen. The restaurant serves cuisine with African, Asian and Latin influences, and servers offer up just as many puns as the skippers who operate the Jungle Cruise riverboats. The three dining rooms of the Skipper Canteen live up to their Jungle Cruise counterpart in both decoration and subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) touches of humor.
The restaurant is in Adventureland, next to Sunshine Tree Terrace across from the Swiss Family Treehouse. Reservations are highly recommended to dine at this restaurant.
6. Do: A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seas
This free activity in Adventureland is a scavenger hunt for pirate treasure. The scavenger hunt starts at The Crow’s Nest, a small, free-standing building across from Tortuga Tavern and Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café. You’ll sign up, get a map and begin your search. Along the way, you’ll activate special effects in the park. It’s fun for adults and kids, and once completed, everyone in your party gets a small prize. Rumor has it that if you complete more than one map, you get a bigger prize. You’ll have to search for the treasure to find out.
7. Shop: Get a silhouette made as a souvenir
Amazing artisans can craft a beautiful paper silhouette of your profile or your entire family. This fun keepsake is less expensive than many of the other souvenirs at Disney World and takes a surprisingly short time. The talented artists who make the portraits can cut out an accurate silhouette in about 10 minutes. You have the option to purchase the silhouette alone or in a black oval frame that has Disney World identified in discreet text at the bottom of the frame.
During daylight hours, you can find a cart on Main Street, U.S.A. offering this unique service, or you can stop by the Liberty Square Portrait Gallery, a cart next to the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe across from Sleepy Hollow. Note that this service is not available in inclement weather.
8. Eat: Cool off with a DOLE Whip
The DOLE Whip was first introduced at Disney World in 1984. This now iconic soft-serve dessert at Disney has a fan-following and merch of its own. Pineapple used to be the only flavor, but the sweet treat now is offered in raspberry and a few other tropical flavors throughout the parks and hotels. As an added bonus for people with dietary restrictions, this delectable treat is dairy- and gluten-free.
Get an original DOLE Whip from Aloha Isle in Adventureland, located next to Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room and across from The Magic Carpets of Aladdin.
9. See: 3 o'clock parade Frontier Land to Main Street
The parades at Magic Kingdom are fantasy come to life with imaginative floats, Disney characters, music, dancers and stilt walkers. While most of the photos and videos of the parade seem to be taken from Main Street, U.S.A. the parade actually starts in Frontierland, heads to Central Plaza in front of Cinderella Castle, and down Main Street to Town Square in front of the train station near the park entrance.
The parade is typically at 3 p.m., but check the schedule for the day of your visit. Sometimes there's a parade at noon, while occasionally the parade may start at 2 instead of 3. Keep in mind that the parade start time and length may be altered due to inclement weather. For the best viewing spots, you’ll likely have to line up an hour ahead of the parade, but if you don’t want to spend an hour waiting for the parade, it is just as enjoyable from the less popular viewing areas as well. For insider tips, ask cast members day of for tips on the best spots for the parade. Some viewing locations can be reserved ahead of time if you opt to use add on Genie+ to your Disney World visit.
10. Eat: Casey’s Corner
Serving hot dogs on the menu, Casey’s Corner is a nostalgic, baseball-themed counter service restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. On Main Street, U.S.A., the restaurant is the last store front after the Emporium and Disney Clothiers, across from The Plaza Restaurant. In addition to plain, barbecue and chili cheese dogs, Casey’s offers a seasonal hot dog, so even if you’ve been here before, there might be something new for you to try!
11. See: Casey’s Corner Pianist
About once per hour from 10 to 5, a talented cast member plays ragtime music on the piano just outside of Casey’s Corner. The pianist wears an all-white outfit of pants, button-up shirt and shoes with a red-striped vest that perfectly matches the turn-of-the-century baseball theme of Casey’s Corner. The lively ragtime music can be enjoyed by diners and passersby alike.
Check the schedule of the Casey’s Corner pianist on the Disney World website or app for the day of your visit for exact performance times.
12. Shop: Get a personalized ornament at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe
Celebrate Christmas year-round at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe, located in Liberty Square across from Sleepy Hollow. In addition to stockings, wreaths and other festive gifts and decorations, the shop sells many tree ornaments. One of the fantastic things offered is customization, making a souvenir a special keepsake that commemorates your trip to Disney World whether it’s a family trip, a first trip or a special occasion.
You can ask the calligraphers to add your names, holidays and years. Pricing depends on the complexity of the design, and they can customize more than just ornaments. They sell Mickey ears that can be customized, and you can also have them add a design to an “I’m celebrating” pin.
13. See: Dapper Dans
The Dapper Dans are a barber shop quartet with each one wearing a different color of striped vest with matching pants and bow tie. They sing a cappella tunes and tell vaudeville-style jokes. You can catch the Dapper Dans performing for 15- to 20-minute sets on Main Street, U.S.A., near the Emporium. They have morning and afternoon times, but check the Disney World website or app for precise showtimes on the day of your visit.
Fun fact: At Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloween Party (a separately ticketed event held inside Magic Kingdom) the Dapper Dans perform as the Cadaver Dans, spooky enough to fit in with the Haunted Mansion.
14. See: Best view of the fireworks in Magic Kingdom
If you don’t mind missing the light projection show on the castle, some of the best views for fireworks are from behind Cinderella Castle. Most people view the fireworks from somewhere on Main Street, U.S.A. From here, you can see the fireworks burst over Cinderella Castle and the light projection show — truly a delight, especially if you’ve never seen one before.
From behind the castle though you get two main advantages. The fireworks are set off from a few different locations, so from this location, you are by the colorful bursts. The second is the smaller crowds. You’ll not only have more space, but also you won’t have to stake out the best spots on Main Street 1 to 2 hours in advance.
15. See: Line up early for the parade or fireworks for the best spots on Main Street U.S.A.
The fireworks shows and parades at Magic Kingdom are some of the most iconic things to do in Disney World, and if you want the best views of the parades or fireworks shows from Main Street, U.S.A., line up about two hours in advance of the show's start time. If you are okay with missing these, it can be a good time to get on that ride that has had a long wait time all day. Also, if you don’t want to watch the fireworks and are over the crowds, it’s a good time to leave the park. Remember that if you parked at the Transportation and Ticket Center, then you have to catch the Monorail or ferry to exit, so if you are tired and ready to retire to your hotel, leaving during the show will save you from getting stuck in the large crowds that exit the park in unison at the end of the Disney fireworks show.
16. See: Cinderella Wishing Well
The Cinderella Wishing Well is an Instagrammable spot popular for romantic photos of couples and for marriage proposals at Magic Kingdom — it offers a gorgeous view of Cinderella Castle across the water. Despite its popularity though, the wishing well remains an elusive sight for many. The well doesn’t appear on park maps, and it’s easy to pass without noticing if you aren’t looking for it.
Don’t fret though. If you want to visit the wishing well, you have two options. Either head through Cinderella Castle and turn right down the path to Tommorrowland, or from the circle in front of the castle, take the path to the right of the castle that leads to Tommorrowland. Once across the bridge, take the first left. The well is about halfway between this path and the castle.
17. See: Cinderella Fountain
This lovely fountain features Cinderella sitting in her simple dress and apron as she appears early in the movie. She is accompanied by a scarf-wearing blue bird and her mice friends. As with so many things at Disney World, the fountain has a little bit of hidden magic. Stand in front of Cinderella, and bow or kneel. As your perspective changes, a crown will appear to rise up and sit atop her head.
The Cinderella fountain is located behind Cinderella Castle to the left. Look for the shop named Castle Couture.
18. Do: The Sword in the Stone
Try your hand at pulling King Arthur’s sword, Excalibur, from the anvil and stone. While you might think this is only a Magic Kingdom photo op, like so much else at Disney World, it’s a little bit more. Everyone in your party should try pulling the sword from the stone like Arthur in Disney’s animated movie “The Sword in the Stone.” Most people can’t make Excalibur budge, but a lucky few are able to lift the sword.
The Sword in the Stone is in Fantasyland next to the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel.
19. Ride: Billy the Disney Goat on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Hop aboard the train of the 1850s gold mining town of Tumbleweed to experience a long beloved Magic Kingdom roller coaster. Ride through the mine zipping through caves along the tracks. Some guests claim that to get a more thrilling ride, keep an eye out for Billy the Disney Goat who stands atop the roof of a shop in Tumbleweed. The story goes that if you sit in the last car of the train and turn your head to watch the goat as you go past, you’ll feel like you are going faster and experiencing more G-force. Some people also say that you need to have your eyes closed while you turn your head. We don’t know if this works or not, but it’s become popular enough that in recent years, Disney released merchandise of Billy the Disney Goat.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is in Frontierland just past Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the departure point for Tom Sawyer Island.
20. Ride: Walt Disney World Railroad
This narrow-gauge railroad takes guests on a steam train around the theme park on a 20-minute, 1.5-mile journey. The beautiful steam trains were built between 1916 and 1928 and have been a part of Magic Kingdom since its opening in 1971.
There are three stations where you can board and depart — in Mainstreet U.S.A. near the entrance to Magic Kingdom, in Frontierland and in Fantasyland.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
21. See: DiVine
DiVine is a character original to Animal Kingdom, and she’s sometimes called "the tree lady" by those who have yet to learn her name. This stilt walking character is made of luscious green vines and captivates guests with her graceful movements. She often hides among the plants at Animal Kingdom, passed by many guests who don’t notice her camouflaged just off the pathway. She also is a roaming character with no advertised schedule. DiVine has been spotted near the park entrance, in the Oasis and on the paths between Africa and Asia.
While DiVine used to be a hidden gem, she is on many parkgoers’ list of things to do in Disney World. If she’s a must-see for you, but you haven’t been able to spot her on your own, ask a cast member. They may be able to point you in the right direction.
22. See: Pandora – The World of Avatar after sunset
If you find yourself in Animal Kingdom after sunset, head over to Pandora – The World of Avatar. The area is stunning during the day, but after dark the visual effects in this area are enhanced by the bioluminescent-like glow of the intricately designed Na’vi plants. It’s a breathtaking experience to explore this re-creation of the world in the "Avatar" movies in the evening. If experiencing this area is at the top of your things to do in Disney World list, pay attention to Animal Kingdom’s closure time when booking your trip. This park tends to close earlier than the other parks at Walt Disney World Resort, so the animals can rest without guests in the theme park.
23. See: Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Board the Wildlife Express Train in Africa to get to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. This area of the park is dedicated to the conservation of animals, and you will find the Affection Section here. It’s a petting zoo that features a variety of domesticated animals including goats. You’ll also see a few different breeds of cows, but those big guys are more for looking than petting. The Conservation Station is a care center where animals are treated and their meals are prepared. You can also find out what scientists are working on in the realm of animal conservation. Rafiki’s Planet Watch is one of the often-overlooked things to do in Disney World, but it’s an interesting and fun area that worth visiting.
24. Ride: Kilimanjaro Safaris
Kilimanjaro Safaris is an attraction located in the Africa section of the park. On the ride, you hop aboard an open-air vehicle to take an 18-minute safari through recreated habitats of different areas in Africa to see the animals that live there. No two safaris are the same as the animals roam freely within their habitats, but you have the chance to see 30 different species. Some of the animals you might spot are large African elephants, Ankole cattle with their seemingly impossibly long horns, tall giraffes, curious-looking okapi as well as lions, hippos, rhinos, painted dogs, antelope, gazelles and impalas.
The best time to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris is early morning and late evening. If you ride in the middle of a hot day, more animals are likely to retreat far back into the most shaded parts of their habitats.
25. See: Harambe Village Acrobats
The Harambe Village Acrobats perform in the Africa section of the park between Zuri’s Sweet Shop and Harambe Market. The troupe performs impressive acrobatic feats forming a variety of human pyramids along with lively dancing and drumming. Performances last about 15 minutes and have some elements of audience participation. The Harambe Village Acrobats usually perform once per hour between 10 and 4. Check the Disney World website or app for performance times on the day of your visit.
26. Eat: Yak & Yeti Restaurant
Yak & Yeti Restaurant is a full-service restaurant offering Pan-Asian cuisine. The restaurant — as well as its quick-service counterpart — is located in the Asia section of the park between Feathered Friends in Flight! and Kali River Rapids. The restaurant theme includes a story about how the owner fell on hard times and converted his home into a hotel that now caters to wealthy adventure travelers. It makes sense with the restaurant being so close to the Expedition Everest coaster, where you might encounter a Yeti.
If you wish to dine at the table-service restaurant, one of the best places to eat in Animal Kingdom, make reservations. Day-of seatings can be difficult.
27. Eat: Satu’li Canteen
Satu’li Canteen is a quick service restaurant in Pandora – The World of Avatar in Animal Kingdom, near the Windtraders shop. The menu features bowls made up of grains, fresh vegetables and proteins as well as bao buns (called steamed pods). The food selection was designed to emulate the foods of Pandora from the “Avatar” movies. The restaurant itself looks like a former RDA (Resource Development Administration) mess hall that has been repurposed by ACE (Alpha Centauri Expeditions) and has Na’vi-themed decorations.
28. See: Winged Encounters – The Kingdom Takes Flight
Winged Encounters is a short presentation about macaws. You can see six species of macaws fly overhead in Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Once the presentation is over, some of the cast members and the macaws hang around, so the audience can ask questions and learn more about the colorful birds that feature bright reds, blues, greens and golden yellows. The show takes place on Discovery Island in front of the tree of life typically 15 minutes after the hour from 9 to 3. Check the Disney World website or app for show times on the day of your visit.
29. Do: Earn badges with Wilderness Explorers
Fans of the Disney/Pixar movie “Up” may be excited that they can join the Wilderness Explorers just like Russell. There is no extra charge to participate, and while the program is designed for kids, everyone is welcome to participate. You start at the Wilderness Explorers headquarters on the bridge between Oasis and Discovery Island by picking up a handbook. If you miss this station, you can also pick up a handbook from troop leaders at Wilderness Explorer Stations in Africa, Asia, Dinoland U.S.A., Pandora – The World of Avatar, and Rafiki’s Planet Watch. The handbook will guide you to the stations where you can learn more about the plants and animals in the park and earn up to 25 badges.
This activity doesn’t require the use of apps or additional technology. You only need to pick up the handbook.
30. Shop: Avatar merch in Pandora
Avatar fans who want to take home souvenirs will be delighted by the Animal Kingdom exclusive merchandise in Pandora – The World of Avatar. The main shop is Windtraders where you’ll find plush and interactive toys; home goods such as mugs, water bottles and picture frames; clothing; and a Na’vi version of Mickey ears. Windtraders is located in Pandora – The World of Avatar near the Satu’li Canteen. Some merchandise may be available at other stores within Walt Disney World Resort, but it’s typically a limited selection.
31. See: Festival of the Lion King
The Festival of the Lion King is a live show that features cast members in lovely and colorful costumes singing songs from the Lion King. Simba, Timon and Pumbaa all make appearances in the show as well as an elephant and giraffe (not live, of course). In the audience you can sing along and enjoy the music of “Lion King” in a new way. The show is about 40 minutes and inside, so it’s also a fabulous way to get out of the sun and cool off on a hot day.
32. Do: Behind-the-scenes tours
There are a few options if you are looking for a behind-the-scenes tour at Animal Kingdom. Each of the tours is an additional cost, and reservations are required. Plan well in advance if you want to take any of these; they typically sell out. "Caring for Giants" is an hour-long tour that focuses on elephants. "Up Close with Rhinos" is also an hour-long tour on which the rhino keepers take guests backstage to learn how the rhinos are cared for. Wild Africa Trek is a three-hour, privately guided tour that includes a hike along grassy paths, a trek across a rope bridge course and a ride in a safari vehicle.
33. Ride: Na’vi River Journey
The Na’vi River Journey is a gentle boat ride through a bioluminescent rainforest in Pandora, the world in the “Avatar” films. You’ll hear Na’vi songs, spot some creatures that live in Pandora and enjoy the otherworldly plant life that glows along the river's edge.
The ride is a great option even if you haven’t seen the movies. It’s visually stunning, and being inside and in dim lighting, the ride is a great option to cool off during the heat of the day. Na’vi River Journey is in Pandora – The World of Avatar.
34. Shop: ACE Avatar Maker
This fun experience is available inside Windtraders, a shop located in Pandora – The World of Avatar near Satu’li Canteen. The most unique item is the personalized figurines from the ACE Avatar Maker in Windtraders. If you purchase one of these figurines, a cast member will scan your face, and you get to customize the figurine by body type, poses and other options. Once complete, you’ll have your very own, unique Na’vi avatar figurine.
35. See: Best place for photos of Tree of Life is between Africa and Asia
The best place to get photos of the Tree of Life is the path between Africa and Asia. There are a few spots where you can get unobstructed views, and it’s far enough away that you can capture the whole tree in the background.
36. See: Character Flotillas and River Cruises
Along the Discovery River in Animal Kingdom, you can catch some of your favorite characters floating along the river on a party boat waving to people on land. You might spot the characters from “Up” and “The Lion King” as well as others like Goofy, Launchpad McQuack, Pluto and Scrooge McDuck.
If there’s a character that you or your little ones wants to see, you can increase your chances of catching them by checking the Disney World app. Navigate to the map, filter by Animal Kingdom and in the dropdown menu on the map screen select “Entertainment,” then click “Show List.” Look for the flotillas and river cruises to find which characters will be making an appearance and when they’ll be out.
37. See: Tree of Life
You can’t miss the 145-foot-tall Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom. Not only is it the centerpiece of the park, but it's also one of the most photogenic attractions in Orlando. Walk down the Discovery Island Trails to get a closer look. Over 300 animals are carved into the tree, and around the base of the tree you can see some live animals like flamingos, kangaroos and lemurs. Inside the Tree of Life is a theater that plays the 8-minute, 3D movie “It’s Tough to be a Bug!” featuring characters from the Disney/Pixar film “A Bug’s Life.”
38. Eat: Nomad Lounge
The Nomad Lounge is tucked away next to Tiffins Restaurant in the Africa section of Animal Kingdom. The lounge is easy to miss, but if you are looking for a relaxed place on your day in the park to grab some drinks and enjoy a few small plates, this is an excellent choice.
The Disney Imagineers decorated the Nomad Lounge to celebrate wanderlust and the places featured in the park. The lounge offers mixed drinks, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic, as well as beer and wine. Best of all might be the view from the back of the lounge that overlooks the river, trees and other plant life in the park.
39. See: Tree of Life Awakenings
If you visit when Animal Kingdom is open after dark, add the “Tree of Life Awakenings” to your list of things to do in Disney World. This light projection show on the Tree of Life is an impressive display set to music that transforms the tree, making it appear to bloom in different colors and showing scenes with favorite Disney characters.
This must-see show at Animal Kingdom will entertain both young and old. Tree of Life Awakenings occur about every 10 minutes after sunset.
40. See: Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!
“Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!” is a stage show starring Nemo and the other beloved characters in “Finding Nemo.” The show is about 25 minutes long. The performers wear imaginative costumes and operate impressive puppets on a stage with colorful backdrops and props. You’ll get to hear the songs from the movie and see the story told in a new way.
The show is located in DinoLand U.S.A., and typically occurs once per hour. Check the schedule on the Disney World website or app for a list of showtimes on the day of your visit.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
41. Do: Oga’s Cantina
Entering Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge feels like walking into an entirely different universe, and Star Wars fans can enhance the experience with a visit to Oga’s Cantina. This themed bar features a droid DJ and décor mimicking the bars in the Star Wars movies where the smugglers and bounty hunters grab a drink.
Oga’s Cantina serves delicious alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. Book reservations in advance to ensure you don’t miss this experience. It is one of the most incredibly popular things to do in Disney World, so same-day reservations can be difficult to get. Parties have a 45-minute time limit to enjoy in the cantina because of the high demand.
42. See: Fantasmic!
There are typically two nighttime showings of Fantasmic! at Hollywood Studios each day. This thrilling show features pyrotechnics, practical effects, live performers celebrates imagination and many of Disney’s animated films. Mickey Mouse is the star of the show, but you’ll see characters from “Frozen,” “Moana,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves,” and several others. The show climaxes with Mickey fighting a 40-foot-tall fire-breathing dragon.
The show is about 30 minutes and takes place in the amphitheater on Sunset Boulevard behind The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Park guests can start lining up 90 minutes prior to the show's start time. Check the Disney World website or app for showtimes on the day of your visit and not the show is not available in inclement weather.
43. See: Sunset Seasons Greetings
Sunset Seasons Greetings is a short light projection show on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror that only occurs during the holiday season. The display can be easily seen from many spots on Sunset Boulevard. The Tower of Terror magically transforms into a gingerbread house, a snowy Christmas Village and more. The show is accompanied by music and songs from Disney movies. You might spot some of your favorite Muppets in the display, as well as characters from “Frozen,” “Toy Story,” and more.
44. Eat: The Hollywood Brown Derby and the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge
One of the best places to eat in Disney's Hollywood Studios is a recreation of the Brown Derby restaurants, a chain of restaurants that started in Los Angeles, California, in 1926. The Hollywood Brown Derby has similar décor down the caricatures of famous actors and Hollywood personalities. Reservations are highly recommended.
If you are unable to make a reservation and can’t get a same-day reservation, try the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge. The lounge doesn’t accept reservations and serves the same entrées; you can, of course, order wine or a cocktail as well. The Brown Derby Lounge also draws a crowd, so for the best chance of avoiding long wait times, visit outside of peak lunch hours. The Hollywood Brown Derby is located on Hollywood Boulevard near The Trolley Car Café.
45. Eat: 50’s Prime Time Café
50’s Prime Time Café is like visiting Mom’s place, if Mom’s was like a 1950’s television show and located in Hollywood Studios. Pull up your chair to the laminate tabletop and enjoy the décor that’s a little cheesy — perhaps campy — but very nostalgic. Mind your manners, Mom and the family (the waitstaff) will have no problems telling you to take your elbows off the table and correcting any other faux pas you might make.
While here, you can enjoy home cooking such as fried chicken, pot roast and meatloaf and watch black-and-white scenes from 1950s TV shows. 50’s Prime Time Café is located near Echo Lake across from Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction. Reservations are highly recommended.
46. Eat: Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
Step inside Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater and be transported under a starry night sky to enjoy a drive-in movie. The booths at the restaurants are cars facing the movie screen that play clips from old sci-fi movies. It’s a fun atmosphere that gives diners the chance to escape a hot summer day to enjoy an old-fashioned drive-in on a cool night. The menu features variations of burgers along with some lighter fare.
The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater is located on Commissary Lane next to the ABC Commissary. Reservations are highly recommended.
47. See: Footprints at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
There are lots of details all over Disney World, and it’s one of the things that keeps Disney fans coming back. There’s a seemingly endless number of details to notice, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is no exception. Once you leave earth and enter Batuu, the planet that Galaxy’s Edge is set on, pay attention to the streets. There are droid tracks and footprints that help make you feel like you’re in an outpost on the edge of the Star Wars universe, and hardcore fans will enjoy identifying the droids that that made the tracks.
Check out R2-D2’s tracks near the Droid Depot. Follow the tracks to the scene with two animatronic droids. These tracks were made using one of the real R2-D2 droids that was in the original Star Wars movies!
48. Ride: Slinky Dog Dash
In Toy Story Land, you’ll fit right in with all of Andy’s toys as you’ll find that you’ve magically become the same diminutive size, and while all the rides in Toy Story Land are imaginative and exciting, Slinky Dog Dash is quite the sight. Slinky Dog coasts along tracks that weave around other toys and games. On this roller coaster, you’ll ride on Slinky Dog and experience a coaster best described as "springy." Slinky Dog Dash is in Toy Story Land between Toy Story Mania and Alien Swirling Saucers.
49. Eat: Roundup Rodeo BBQ
Roundup Rodeo BBQ is in Toy Story Land behind the giant statue of Woody. In this theme restaurant, you’ll enter a rodeo that Andy has set up in his bedroom. You’ll see Bo Beep with her sheep and Jessie riding Trixie, the triceratops. The restaurant is a feast for the eyes with Andy’s drawings and images of Toy Story characters everywhere you look. The restaurant serves all-you-can-eat barbecue family-style. Reservations are highly recommended.
50. See: Celebrity handprints at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
You may recognize Grauman’s Chinese Theatre as a replica of the, now-named, TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. The original movie theater in L.A. opened in 1927 and has been the site of many star-studded movie premieres. It’s also the place where movie stars put their hands in concrete and sign their names. The Hollywood Studios version of the Chinese Theatre is similar. Though this one isn’t a real movie theater — it houses Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway — it does feature some famous handprints from real actors and fictional movie characters. You can find handprints from Audrey Hepburn, Mark Hamill, George Lucas, Jim Henson, Kermit the Frog and Mickey Mouse. The Chinese Theatre is on Hollywood Boulevard past the Hollywood Brown Derby.
51. See: Walt Disney Presents and “Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream"
Walt Disney Presents is in the Animation Courtyard behind Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. This attraction is a gallery about the life of Walt Disney with artwork, costumes, sketches and more on display. After going through the gallery, you have the opportunity to watch a 15-minute documentary about Walt Disney that features clips from his home movies, audio recordings and rarely seen footage. At times, the documentary may not be showing because Walt Disney Presents is featuring a sneak peak of upcoming films. This is an excellent activity to do when you need a break from the heat and want to retreat into some air conditioning.
52. See: Star Wars Launch Bay
Get the chance to meet BB-8, Chewbacca and Darth Vader in the Star Wars Launch Bay. You’ll also see concept art, costumes, fighter pilot helmets, models, and both real and re-created props from the Star Wars franchise. You can see a speed racer, a model of the death star and more. Meeting the characters is an interactive experience. You may even be asked to join the Resistance or the dark side.
53. Do: Savi’s Workshop
Make your dreams of becoming a Jedi (or a Sith) come true by building your very own light saber. At this secret workshop, a Gatherer will help you build a light saber, power it with a kyber crystal, so you can fight against the First Order. You get to choose the type of hilt and the color of your kyber crystal that determines the color your light saber glows. You have the option to further customize your light saber with items purchased from Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities.
Savi’s Workshop is in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge between the Droid Depot and Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities. This experience is an additional cost, and because it is one of the popular things to do in Disney World, reservations are highly recommended.
54. Do: Droid Depot
Star Wars fans have loved droids since R2-D2 and C-3PO appeared on screen in “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” in 1977. The cast of these lovable companions has only grown in the years since. Now you and your kids can build their very own droid with the supplies and components at the Droid Depot, a Black Spire outpost. This is a unique experience, where you as the builder can pull the parts you need off a conveyor belt and watch your droid come to life.
The Droid Depot is in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge next to Savi’s Workshop. This experience is an additional cost and reservations are highly recommended. Same-day reservations are often not available or require long waits.
55. See: Disney Junior Play and Dance!
The Disney Junior Play and Dance is a party and show for kids who love Disney Junior. In this show, that’s about 10 minutes, they’ll get to see Doc McStuffins, Mickey Mouse, Timon and Vampirina. Each character will teach the little ones some dance moves accompanied by music. After the show, you might even get the chance to take photos with some Disney Junior characters.
Disney Junior Play and Dance! is in the Animation Courtyard behind The Hollywood Brown Derby. Check the Disney World website or app for showtimes on the day of your visit.
56. See: Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage
"Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage" is an abridged version of the film featuring favorite characters and songs. You’ll get to see everyone — Mrs. Potts to Lumière and, of course, Belle and Prince Adam as the Beast — perform before you in beautiful costumes among whimsical set pieces.
The show takes place in an outdoor theater on Hollywood Boulevard across from Fairfax and Hollywood Scoops. Check the Walt Disney World website or app for showtimes on the day of your visit. Shows may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
57. See: Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is located on Sunset Boulevard next to the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. “Cars” fans will love attending the 10-minute show at the Racing Academy. A full-size, animatronic Lightning McQueen demonstrates his racing simulator on a giant wraparound screen. Tow Mater and Cruz Ramirez make appearances. Upon exiting, you can see and take pictures with a life-size model of Cruz Ramirez.
58. Ride: Great views from The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride, located on Sunset Boulevard, has become one of the classic things to do in Disney World. You’ll find the ride in the multistory building that says The Hollywood Tower Hotel in giant letters. Enter the hotel where spooky bellhops in red uniforms with matching bellboy caps usher you through the hotel. At the end of the line, hotel guests board a ride car and enter an episode of “The Twilight Zone” in which they learn about the supernatural happenings at the hotel. The climax of the ride is the elevator drop tower experience. Doors open to the outside, so between thrills and screams, riders get amazing views of Disney's Hollywood Studios like nowhere else in the park.
59. Ride: Multiple shows at Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue is near Echo Lake next to the Backlot Express. Gather your luggage and head to the start of the line at the Ewok Village where an AT-AT towers over passengers as they walk through to get to their flight. Once you make it to boarding, follow the attendants’ instructions to get your seat on the passenger spacecraft, a Starspeeder 1000. Before takeoff, members of the First Order show up, and you’ll find yourself on an unplanned adventure with C-3PO and R2-D2.
Though Star Tours has been among the things to do in Disney World since Hollywood Studios opened in 1989, this ride is not dated. The animatronics feel like you are really with the droids, and there are multiple scenarios on the 3D movie simulator. You could ride several times without repeating the same scenario, and you have the chance to see characters from any of the Stars Wars films from Episode I through IX.
60. See: Green Army Drum Corps
Andy’s Green Army Men sometimes roam Toy Story Land entertaining guests and posing for photos. About once per hour from late morning through the afternoon, the Green Army Drum Corps makes an appearance in front of the Alien Swirling Saucers ride. The trio of living plastic toys play rhythms on their drums and entertain the crowd that gathers round. Check the Disney World website or app for the schedule of their showtimes on the day of your visit.
EPCOT
61. See: Turtle Talk with Crush
Turtle Talk with Crush is a 15-minute, interactive live chat with Crush, one of the sea turtles that Marlin meets while searching for his son in “Finding Nemo.” Kids can sit upfront on the carpet while there are benches at the back for adults. Crush asks children in the audience questions, and kids can learn about sea creatures. The show is improvised, so you may get lucky and meet other characters from “Finding Nemo” and “Finding Dory” like Marlin, Squirt and others. Turtle Talk with Crush is located inside Sea Base, the aquarium in the World Nature section of EPCOT.
62. Do: Meet Figment in ImaginationWorks
Figment is a purple dragon who sometimes dons a yellow sweater and uses the power of imagination to make dreams come true. He is the star of the EPCOT ride Journey into Imagination with Figment, and he is featured on merchandise that is found almost exclusively in EPCOT. Figment made his first appearance in 1982, the year EPCOT opened, and while he has made a few appearances in educational videos and animates shorts since then, he is mostly found only at EPCOT.
Both kids and adults can meet Figment at a character encounter in ImaginationWorks; check the Disney World website or apps for the appearance schedule on the day of your visit for the most up to date times. ImaginationWorks is in the World Celebration land past the entrance to Journey into Imagination with Figment.
63. Ride: Living with the Land
On Living with the Land, you board a green boat that travels at a lazy pace past greenhouses and displays where you’ll see many edible plants and get a peek at the fish farm. Narration includes information about some of the plants, how they are working on making advancements in horticulture and how these advancements can help in an ever growing and changing world. It also gets decked out in wreaths, ornaments and lights during the holidays.
Living with the Land is inside The Land Pavilion. If you also want to try any of the produce grown here, eat at Sunshine Seasons or the Garden Grill Restaurant; both are also inside The Land.
64. Do: Behind the Seeds tour at The Land
The Behind the Seeds tour check-in desk is in The Land Pavilion on the lower level, and on the tour, guides expand on what guests see and learn on the Living with the Land ride. You receive up-close looks at greenhouses and the fish farm, and even get a tasting of one of the edible plants. What you learn depends on the plants in the greenhouses at the time, and this one-hour tour provides an educational and entertaining option for people who love gardening and want to learn more about how Disney World operates. The Behind the Seeds tour is an additional cost, and reservations are recommended.
65. Do: Cool off and try free soda in Club Cool
Club Cool is a shop located in the World Celebration part of the park in the same building (but separate entrance) as the Creations Shop and opposite Test Track. Inside Club Cool are Coca-Cola merchandise and beverages for purchase, but the main attraction is the samples. For no additional cost, you can sample sodas from around the world. It’s a fun experience for kids and adults to try popular flavors in other countries that range from bitter to fruity and sweet. As a plus, this is a nice place to cool down in the air conditioning on a hot day.
66. Shop: Stores at the pavilions in EPCOT's World Showcase
EPCOT's World Showcase is made up of 11 pavilions, each representing a different country, arranged in a circle that surrounds a lake, the World Showcase Lagoon. When you get to the World showcase, you have two options, head right to start your globetrotting journey in Canada or left to Mexico. There are shops, often staffed by cultural representatives, in each pavilion that carry merchandise specific to each country. You’ll find things like maple syrup in Canada, tea in England and perfume in France. You’ll also find movie related merchandise in the country of origin that animated stories were based in or came from. “Beauty and Beast” and “Ratatouille” are represented in France. You’ll find “Frozen” décor and merchandise in Norway. Japan is one of the most popular stores. There are candy and anime-related merchandise from Japan as well as items featuring images of Shiba Inu dogs. You’ll find wine in Italy and more. Also, the restaurants in each pavilion feature the cuisines represented by the countries in the World Showcase.
67. Do: International Food & Wine Festival
EPCOT has some fantastic and popular events, and one them is the International Food and Wine Festival from July to November. Throughout the park are pop-up stalls, and each has a different menu. They feature small bites of entrée-type dishes, desserts and beverages, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic, available for purchase. Within the World Showcase, the food stalls feature foods from the 11 countries in the showcase as well as others. Outside of the World Showcase food stalls feature foods with a variety of themes, like chocolate, cheese, vegan and others. If you plan to attend, come hungry and be prepared for lines; the International Food & Wine Festival is one of the best things to do at EPCOT, and it considered by many to be one of the best things to do for adults.
Check the Disney World website or app for exact dates of the festival.
68. Do: International Festival of the Arts
From January to February, Disney celebrates art and artists at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. There are special musical and visual performances, interactive elements, art-inspired photo ops and stalls where artists show off and sell their creations. Some of the artists are ones that Disney works with design visual elements within the park, and several create art inspired by the many titles owned by Disney.
Interactive elements of the festival typically include a paint-by-numbers mural and the Animation Academy where twice a day, a Disney animator teaches guests how to draw a Disney character. Check the Disney World website or app for exact dates of the festival.
69. Do: International Flower and Garden Festival
At the end of February, fantastical topiaries representing Disney characters both new and old pop up all over EPCOT. The topiaries and flower installations are a delight to see. You can find plant versions of characters like Beauty and the Beast, Peter Pan and Captain Hook, the Three Caballeros, Chip and Dale, Elsa, and so many more. There is also a butterfly garden. You might even catch a glimpse of Winnie the Pooh with a butterfly net trying to catch these beautiful creatures.
Check the Disney World website or app for exact dates of the festival.
70. See: Candlelight Processional
The Candlelight Processional occurs during the International Festival of the Holidays and celebrity-narrated telling of the Christmas story accompanied by a choir and a 50-piece orchestra. Past celebrity narrators have included Brendan Fraser, Neil Patrick Harris, Lisa Ling, Eva Longoria and John Stamos.
For an additional cost, you can purchase a Candlelight Processional Dining Package which includes a choice of meal from a selection of the restaurants in EPCOT and a guaranteed seat at the processional. Check the schedule ahead of the festival to see the lineup of narrators and when they are scheduled to appear.
71. Ride: Mission: SPACE
The Mission: SPACE ride is in the World Discovery section of EPCOT next to Test Track. On this ride, you’ll train to be an astronaut at the International Space Training Center. You can choose between two options. The green line will take you on a mission to orbit Earth. This option is less intense, so if you are worried about motion sickness or just looking for a less intense experience, this is the way to go. The orange line takes you on a mission to visit Mars. This option is more intense, so head to this line if you are up for the challenge. No matter which mission you choose, everyone in your party will be assigned a role and will have tasks they need to execute to make the mission a success.
72. See: The fireworks show over the World Showcase Lagoon
EPCOT’s current fireworks show is “Luminous the Symphony of Us.” The fireworks display typically begins at 9 p.m., but you should check ahead on the Disney World website or app for showtimes on the day of your visit.
Fireworks shoot over the World Showcase Lagoon while from the ground fountains spray water in an impressive display and lasers add to the spectacle. This display is accompanied by a soundtrack of original songs composed especially for this show and existing Disney music. The entire show is an awe-inspiring finale that closes the day at EPCOT.
73. Do: Taste some tequila at La Cava del Tequila
La Cava del Tequila is a bar inside the pyramid at the Mexico Pavilion in EPCOT's World Showcase. There is typically a long line to get into this bar that has very limited seating and features more than 200 different tequilas.
You can order a flight of tequilas, a variety of margaritas or other tequila-based cocktails. Light snacks such as chips and queso are also available to order. If you don’t wish to wait for a seat, some beverages are available to order to-go, and you can take them with you throughout the park (except areas where food and drinks are prohibited). The bar and its line are inside in the air conditioning, a definite plus in the middle of summer.
74. Ride: The Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Board a boat and travel down an indoor river to see sights around Mexico including a Mayan pyramid and join Panchito and José Carioca on the search for Donald Duck, who has gotten himself lost in Mexico. By the end of the ride, they find Donald, and The Three Caballeros rejoin to sing you off as your tour through Mexico comes to an end. This ride mixes in-person props, models and animatronics with on-screen animation and live action footage.
The Gran Fiesta Tour is located inside the pyramid at the Mexico Pavilion in the World Showcase.
75. See: Listen to live music at the Mexico Pavilion
Parkgoers can catch live music outside in the Mexico Pavilion in the World Showcase. You might see Mariachi Cobre performing lively songs or the Marimba de las Américas. They are a trio that features a marimba, an instrument the loosely resembles a xylophone, that has its origin in Mexico. Performances by both groups last about 25 minutes. These groups typically perform in the afternoons Sunday through Thursday. Check the schedule on the date of your visit for exact showtimes.
76. See: Drummers in the Japan Pavilion
The Matsuriza is a troop of performers that play Japanese Taiko drums, large drums that create a low boom when beaten. The Matsuriza members, dressed in blue robe-like vests that are adorned with brocade fabric with a floral design, play traditional songs on their drums while executing precise choreography.
The Matsuriza perform at the pagoda in the Japanese Pavilion in EPCOT's World Showcase. Performances are typically once per hour in the afternoon and last about 15 minutes. Check the Disney World website or app for showtimes on the day of your visit.
77. Eat: Try an array of caramel treats at Karamell-Küche
Located at the front of the Germany Pavilion in the World Showcase is Karamell-Küche. You might smell the sweet caramel aroma before spotting this shop that features Werther’s caramel like you’ve never had before. Many of us remember the hard caramel candies from when we visited Grandma’s, but here you can try a caramel gingerbread cookie sandwich, a variety of caramel apples, salted caramel cupcakes and more.
A big hit at Karamell-Küche is the Werther’s Original caramel popcorn. You can see cast members during the day making the popcorn starting with melting caramel and butter in a large vat then mixing in popcorn. This delectable treat has the added bonus of being easy to share, not as sticky as some of the other options here, and if you somehow don’t finish the bag, is easily storable to be snacked on later.
78. Do: Try limoncello at the Italy Pavilion
Inside the Italy Pavilion in the World Showcase, you find the full-service restaurant Via Napoli. The star of the show is the pizza cooked in giant ovens, but don’t miss out on trying some of the limoncello treats this restaurant has to offer. To accompany your meal, you can order a limoncello flight or a limoncello mule. They also have cocktails made with this citrus-flavored liqueur, including the lemon drop and the frozen strawberry limoncello. You can also get your lemon fix in dessert form as a limoncello float made with gelato and fruit sorbet. If you want to take a beverage with you, let your server know, and they can get you a drink to go. Reservations are recommended at this restaurant.
If you want to take this taste of Italy home with you, stop in La Bottega Italy before you leave the pavilion. In addition to the clothing, accessories and home goods sold here, the shop has bottles of limoncello as well as other liqueurs and wine for sale.
79. See: Best places for air conditioning in EPCOT's World Showcase
Florida can be hot and humid, so while touring EPCOT's World Showcase, head to these shows not only for some entertainment but also to cool off in the air conditioning. “Canada Far and Wide Circle-Vision 360 is a 12-minute presentation that surrounds the audience with views from all over Canada. “Impressions de France” is an 18-minute film that features images of France. “The American Adventure” is a 35-minute show that mixes animatronics and footage projected on 72-foot screen to tell the history of the United States. “Reflections of China” is a 12-minute film that takes the audience of on a tour of China. Each show is in the associated country pavilion.
80. See: Voices of Liberty
“Voices of Liberty” is a performance by an a cappella choir in the rotunda of The American Adventure Pavilion in the World Showcase. Members of the choir are dressed up in blue dresses and red collar shirts, and they stand beneath the center of the dome in the rotunda. This allows their voices to carry, so wherever you stand you can hear their songs. The choir performs American folk classics, traditional patriotic songs (like “America the Beautiful”), and popular songs from Disney’s animated movies. The show lasts about 15 minutes.
Disney Springs
81. Shop: Customized Christmas tree ornaments at Disney Days of Christmas
Celebrate the holidays year-round at the Disney Days of Christmas shop. You’ll find an array of ornaments featuring characters and scenes from Disney’s animated movies and other holiday merchandise. There will also be an array of Christmas baubles in a multitude of glittering colors and sizes and some in the shape of Mickey ears. For an additional fee, you can have a cast member customize the bauble ornaments with a name, date or short phrase in beautiful script.
82. Shop: Design a minifigure at The LEGO Store
The LEGO Store is a must-do at Disney Springs and is a delight for LEGO fans young and old with a huge selection of kits from cars to Disney-specific sets. Among the colorful LEGO bricks is The LEGO Minifigure Factory where you can design a customized minifigure. You get to choose the colors, hair and accessories. Best of all you can design the minifigure’s shirt, and in addition to premade prints and graphics, you can draw your own design. Once complete, your design is sent off to print. You’ll get your minifigure in a special box that can be used for display, and it comes on a LEGO brick that has your name or the name you gave your minifigure.
83. Ride: Hop aboard the Marketplace Train Express and the Marketplace Carousel
The Marketplace Train Express is designed for little ones but can be ridden by people of all ages. The train goes round on a track that completes a short loop located near Disney’s Pin Traders and Tren-D. The Marketplace Carousel is an ornate Venetian carousel with beautifully handcrafted horses and a spinning teacup. The carousel is between the Spice & Tea Exchange and the Star Wars Trading Post. Both rides cost to ride.
84. Shop: Personalize a phone case at Marketplace Co-Op
Get phone cases, chargers, Apple Watch bands and more D-Tech on Demand merchandise at the Marketplace Co-Op. The Co-Op sells ready to purchase electronic accessories, and ones that can be customized. On touch screens you can select phone cases and Apple Watch bands. You can select designs related to theme parks and Disney films as well as Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars titles. You can also add your name or a short phrase. Once complete, pay at the register, and wait for your items to be printed or comeback later in the day.
85. Do: Disney PhotoPass Studio
Get some fun and professional portraits at the Disney PhotoPass Studio. You can go to Disney Springs dressed or in your everyday clothes. Once at the studio, you select your backdrop and choose props. It’s free to have your photos taken; you only pay for the pictures you purchase. Prints and downloads are available. Photos taken here are included in the Memory Maker Package, a photo package that includes downloads of photos that you’ve had taken in the parks. Reservations are not required to enjoy this experience.
86. Shop: World of Disney
The World of Disney store, the world's largest Disney store, is in the Marketplace next to the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop. This giant store contains a lot of the merchandise that can be found in the parks but isn’t available online. There are displays containing items from Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars. You’ll find toys, clothing, housewares, jewelry and accessories. It’s a delight to browse and shop through.
87. Eat: Vegan and gluten-free desserts at Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC
Erin McKenna opened BabyCakes in Manhattan serving delectable desserts and she now has bakeries in multiple cities, including this one in Disney Springs. Here, you can get vegan, kosher and gluten-free goodies that are a delight for those with and without dietary restrictions. The menu includes cupcakes and cake slices, donuts, teacakes, cinnamon rolls, and chocolate chip and thin mint cookies. Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC is in The Landing next to Chapel Hats.
88. Eat: Gideon’s Bakehouse
Gideons Bakehouse first opened in the East End Market, a food hall in Orlando, where it quickly became a favorite spot among locals. Now there is a Gideons in Disney Springs serving the same delicious, handmade cookies that locals have been getting at the East End Market. Their oversize cookies include a chocolate chip cookie like you’ve never had before, with a variety of chocolate, as well as pistachio toffee chocolate chip, dark coffee cake and peanut butter crunch cookies. They also offer a monthly flavor made in limited quantities that often sells out. Gideon’s Bakehouse is in The Landing next to the Savannah Bee Company; if there's a line, be sure to sign up on-site to be put on the virtual queue to enjoy the area while you wait.
89. See: Watch the dancers at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant
Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant serves Irish food along with nightly entertainment. Singer-songwriters and bands perform popular songs and Irish music. They also have Irish dance performances — one of the most popular things to do in Disney World, especially around St. Patrick's Day. Performances begin at 4:30 on weekdays and noon on Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are highly recommended for the restaurant.dow
90. Eat: Ice cream at Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop
The original Ghirardelli shop opened in San Francisco in the 1850s, and today many are familiar with and enjoy Ghirardelli squares. The Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop has a menu with a variety of sundaes, milk shakes and hot cocoa that showcases the delicious and famous chocolate. Here, you can also shop for chocolate including the classic Ghirardelli Squares and other flavors and types of chocolates.
The Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop is in the Marketplace between the World of Disney and the Marketplace Co-Op. The counter-service spot offers indoor seating.
91. Shop: Savannah Bee Company
The Savannah Bee Company sells specialty honeys, honeycombs and whipped honey as well as products made with honey, like different flavors of mead (honey wine) and body lotions. In addition to shopping here, you can try out some of the honey and mead flavors at the tasting bar. While the menu of flavors changes, they have honey flavors like acacia, lavender and tupelo. Guests ages 21 and over can also participate in a mead tasting.
The Savannah Bee Company is in The Landing between The Ganachery and Oakley.
92. Ride: Aerophile
If you have ever been to Disney World, you’ve likely seen a giant blue balloon hovering in the sky. This is Aerophile, sometimes referred to by its former name Characters in Flight. While it looks like an air balloon with a basket underneath, it’s actually filled with helium and is billed as “the world’s largest hand-painted helium balloon.”
This ride can fit 29 people plus the pilot on each flight. The 8-minute ride takes guests up to 400 feet into the air and on clear days riders can see up to 10 miles out. Aerophile is located on the West Side of Disney Springs near the Star Wars Galactic Outpost, and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Weather and wind conditions can affect the operating hours of this attraction.
93. See: Nightly performances at The Edison
The Edison is a restaurant that feels like it’s set in an abandoned power plant in the 1920s with steampunk vibe. They serve American cuisine, and the '20s theme extends to into the menu with tons of cocktails available to order.
When having dinner here, you get the chance to enjoy nightly performances by aerialists suspended from the ceiling, singers delighting diners in cabaret-style, and jazz bands playing catchy tunes. The Edison is in The Landing between Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas and Maria & Enzo’s. Reservations are highly recommended.
94. Eat: Sneak into old rum runner tunnel to dine in Enzo’s Hideaway
Enzo’s Hideaway is a speakeasy-themed restaurant that draws inspiration from the rum runners of Florida’s past. You’ll find the restaurant tucked away under the bridge across from STK Steakhouse in The Landing. The menu features Italian dishes and a large selection of rum and scotch. In addition to cocktails, wines and beers, the menu also has a few mocktails for those who’d like a mixed drink but not imbibe alcohol.
95. See: Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque du Soleil & Disney
“Drawn to Life” is a spectacular circus that blends the acrobatics and impressive performances expected from Cirque du Soleil with the magic of Disney animation and Imagineering. The performers wear colorful costumes and create a dreamy and enthralling show for the audience.
Performances of “Drawn to Life” typically occur twice per evening, Wednesday through Sunday. It is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance. The Cirque du Soleil theater is located on the West Side of Disney Springs across from the House of Blues.
96. Eat: Never miss a game at City Works Eatery & Pour House
City Works Eatery & Pour House is a sports bar and restaurant in the West Side next to Cirque du Soleil theater and the House of Blues. Look for the restaurant with a façade that resembles a sports arena. City Works Eatery offers the largest beer menu in Disney Springs. The drink menu also includes wine and cocktails. Diners can also partake in the American cuisine that includes small bites, shareable plates, burgers and sandwiches.
Inside City Works Eatery are giant high-def TVs playing all the popular sports games. This is the only sports bar in Disney Springs, so if you are on vacation, but don’t want to miss an important game, head here for a meal and a front row seat. Reservations are highly recommended.
97. Shop: Find colorful candy at M&M’s at Disney Springs
The M&M’s store at Disney Springs is located on the West Side near the House of Blues and next to Splitsville. The store features the classic colorful candy as well as M&M’s apparels and gifts. You can also make a custom color mix of M&M’s candies from the dispenser wall that has the various flavors as well as shades of hues the hard-shelled chocolates not available in average bags sold in stores. There is also a station to make personalized mixes of M&M’s candies where you can choose the colors and add a message, photo or clip art to the packaging.
98. Shop: Coca-Cola Store and the Coca-Cola Rooftop Beverage Bar
Find all things branded Coca-Cola at the Coca-Cola Store, apparel, accessories, housewares and more. The Coca-Cola Polar Bear even makes appearances at the stores and takes pictures with guests.
Head up to the Coca-Cola Rooftop Beverage Bar for a fun soda-fueled experience. The menu includes mocktails that feature different soda flavors as well as a variety of soda floats. You can also purchase a flight of sodas that features flavors from around the world.
99. Eat: Sprinkles and the Cupcake ATM
At Sprinkles, they bake cupcakes throughout the day. They carry a variety of flavors on an ever-changing menu with monthly specialty flavors. With flavors like s’mores, Biscoff cookie butter, strawberry, salted caramel and triple cinnamon, it’s no wonder that Sprinkles is popular. The cupcakes may be the star of the show, but the powder pink Cupcake ATM is also a major draw to this store. The ATM dispenses cupcakes to customers at all hours of the day until it sells out. Sprinkles is in Town Center next to Pandora Jewelry.
100. Shop: A variety of stores representing a multitude of brands
Disney Springs has a ton of stores, so whether you plan on doing some serious shopping or casual browsing, strolling the shops at Disney Spring is sure to be a good time. You’ll find shops like UNIQLO, a Japanese brand that carries simple but lovely wardrobe staples for everyday wear for men, women and children. Anthropologie carries boho-style clothing and accessories for women as well as home décor. The Coach store is full of shoes, bags and accessories that are sure to please fans of the brand. Chapel Hats stocks hats for every occasion from everyday casual to formal. Many of the stores in Disney Springs carry Disney-related merchandise that can’t be found outside of Disney theme parks.