Oh my gosh, it’s Disney Plus Day, but I have to say that I miss going to Disney World. You can make fun of me all you like for being a Disney adult, but Disney played a big role in my college career. Which still feels very fresh, because now I’m in the thick of it again with graduate school.
That’s also the same reason I haven’t gone back, because I don’t know if I can afford it right now. So for Disney Plus Day, I am going to share my personal favorites when it comes to the parks, from my favorite places to grab a bite to my favorite rides, and some of my magic tips. If you get the chance to go, maybe my suggestions will add a little magic to your trip.
Magic Kingdom
This is the most popular park, and as a result I still haven’t done everything that I have wanted to do (I’ve never been able to get a Fast Pass to the Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train, and waiting over an hour and a half is a little crazy in my book). It is a great place for photos if you don’t mind waiting your turn, and expect there to be a lot of kids if you go before 3 PM. That is why I come prepared with games when I have to pass the time in line.
- Peter Pan’s Flight: My boyfriend judges me when I say this is my favorite ride at Magic Kingdom, but I think it’s fitting because it is the one that feels the most magical. Is it worth a 90 minute wait? Probably not, but if the wait is about 45 minutes or less, I don’t mind climbing aboard a flying pirate ship.
- Casey’s Corner: If you are looking for a sit down experience, I would maybe suggest the Crystal Palace so that you could enjoy a buffet with Winnie the Pooh and friends. However, that’s not always the experience when you go to a theme park, so Casey’s is easily one of my favorite places because I can never say no to a hot dog. Moreover, they always have a different specialty hot dog every month, and delicious side items like mac ‘n’ cheese or French fries.
- My Magic Tip: Everyone stops to watch the fireworks show at the end of the day. I personally feel like I’m at an age where fireworks don’t really impress me anymore, so I would use this time to try and ride the high-volume rides. For example, I rode Big Thunder Mountain without a Fast Pass, and it was magical to see the fireworks as the cart rolled through the tunnels.
Animal Kingdom
Would it surprise you if I said you can actually see animals here? There is so much life that Animal Kingdom is a very fun park to go to. Obviously, the main attraction is Pandora–The World of Avatar, but there’s plenty of scenic places to just soak in the atmosphere. I find that the fun, wild vibe here doesn’t compare to the other parks.
- Yak & Yeti Restaurant: I enjoy the sit-down portion of this restaurant, but there is also a quick service part too. Animal Kingdom is the park that is pretty laid back, which is why I don’t mind taking my time here. Especially after all the walking, it is a delicious place to enjoy a meal. And in terms of quick service, my boyfriend and his friend swear that it is some of the best fried rice they have had. It’s so good that they used to go between their classes to get lunch here when they had Disney passes.
- Kilimanjaro Safaris: Is this a basic answer for a favorite ride? Maybe, but I think it might surprise you that I didn’t say any of the Pandora things. For me, this is my favorite because it’s never the same. I never get the same guide, and the animals are always doing something different, especially if you hop on the ride at different times of day.
- My Magic Tip: I wish I had a tip, but I don’t. Be present when you’re there, because I think there’s something that really grounds me when I’m here. I would say that you shouldn’t sleep on the shows, because there is a good chance that you’ll be able to see some animals do some really cool things, and the shows don’t always stay.
Hollywood Studios
For me, I walk into Hollywood Studios, and I like to pretend I’m a relevant person living in Hollywood. It’s like a little bit of California has been put into Florida, which might sound weird. But I’m not normal, or relevant, or a movie buff, yet I enjoy the park despite all of that.
- Sunset Boulevard: I know this isn’t a specific restaurant, but I enjoy walking along this street and being able to pick from all the different quick service stands here. It’s very convenient for me, because I am typically here with so many different people. It has the ability to make everyone happy, because even picky eaters will be able to pick and choose something.
- Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway: This is probably my favorite ride out of all the parks. I’m happy I got to ride it several times right before COVID hit. After re-opening for COVID, I went back once with a friend, and we ended up riding it like, several times in a row just because he enjoyed it so much. That, and he wanted to be able to sit at the front of the cart at some point.
- My Magic Tip: Hollywood Studios is home to my favorite evening/closing show, so I would highly recommend that you come in the evening to see Fantasmic! In my mind, if you had to squeeze 2 parks into a day, it would be Epcot during the day, and Hollywood Studios in the evening. You would just take the Disney Skyliner, which brings me to my favorite park.
Epcot
When I was younger, Epcot was the boring park in my mind. As a kid, I wanted more rides and was trying to look for something to do. Going as an adult gave me the opportunity to appreciate all that Epcot had to offer. From all the different cultures to the amazing festivals, Epcot is now a must-visit for me, especially as it continues to expand.
- L’Artisans des Glaces: Yes, my favorite place to eat in all of Epcot is an ice cream shop. I think that’s very on brand for me, because I love ice cream, especially French ice cream. But the other reason is that I really enjoy the festival food, and those are seasonal, so it isn’t fair to name a particular stand. But what day can be considered complete if you don’t get ice cream?
- I can’t speak to the rides. If you had asked me before the COVID pandemic, I would say that my favorite rides were between Soarin’ and Living with the Land. However, I haven’t been to Epcot since then, and there are all these new things. From Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure to the new Guardian’s of the Galaxy ride, I feel like I am really missing out.
- My Magic Tip: Go during a festival! I love them. I buy the scavenger hunt and peruse through the park. There’s no rush, whether you are taking in the culture or shopping through the boutiques, there is something for everyone. My favorite festival is the Festival of the Arts, which takes place between January and February.
Do you enjoy going to theme parks? Which one is your favorite, and why? What are you excited to stream on Disney Plus? I would love to know in the comments below!
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Love Always,
Kristi My
Kristi My Dao 