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Walt Disney World Tips For First Timers

Walt Disney World Tips For First Timers

Walt Disney World Tips For First Timers

Walt Disney World Resort is located in Orlando, Florida. It consists of four theme parks (Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park), two water parks, Disney Springs (a shopping, dining and entertainment district), and over 25 hotels.

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

The whole experience of planning, booking and visiting Walt Disney World Resort can be extremely overwhelming due to its sheer size, so if you’re looking for Walt Disney World tips for first timers, then you’ve come to the right place!

Preparing for Your Trip

When planning your WDW holiday, the first thing you will want to consider is what time of year you go. My advice is to firstly check the weather in Orlando for that time of year, as the heat can be intense for a large portion of the year in Florida, then check public holidays and school breaks in not just Florida but other parts of the US as well. The parks are busiest during public and school holidays.

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

Lastly, consult the crowd calendars to pick what days you will go (these are based on historical data so are not accurate, however they do give a decent idea of business at certain times).

Buying Theme Park Tickets

You will want to buy your tickets in advance. I book mine direct from the parks or through my travel agent. Travel agents often have good deals on tickets for Australians visiting the American parks, such as a 10-day pass, that works out a bit cheaper.

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

When buying your tickets, you have the option of one park per day or a “park hopper”, which lets you visit multiple parks on the one day. The parks are quite far apart so for us, particularly as first timers, it made the most sense to only visit one park per day.

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

At the time of writing, Disney World requires a park pass reservation to enter the theme parks. You must select which park you will enter for each day you have tickets. Parks do fill up, so book your park passes as soon as possible. You can cancel or change the bookings right up until the night before if you change your mind.

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

With Park Hopper tickets, you must enter your first park (matching your park reservation), and then after 2 pm, you may enter another park if you wish. You only need a park reservation for the first park you are visiting.

What to pack

Comfortable walking shoes are the biggest must. I also pack waterproof sneakers so I’m not caught out in the frequent Florida rain. I also bought reusable ponchos on Amazon and used them frequently. A poncho is great as it covers your head, body and backpack completely. I also advise bringing a portable charger, bandaids and a reusable water bottle.

You can take food into the park, so I suggest taking in healthy snacks or sandwiches if possible.

Walt Disney World Epcot

Apps to download to your phone

Download the My Disney Experience app to your phone immediately and link your tickets and party you are travelling with. The app allows you to manage tickets, view ride wait times, use Disney Genie+, book dining and more. We loved using the app to order takeaway food in advance so we didn’t have to wait in lines.

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

Another app we used frequently was Google Maps, to find the fast way to get from one side of the park to another. One last app you may need is Uber. We had the odd occasion when buses didn’t turn up at the resort for significant amounts of time and we ended up calling an Uber to get to a park.

Disney Genie+ and ride strategy

Disney Genie+ is the paid skip-the-line option currently offered at Disney World. For an additional cost per ticket per day, guests can upgrade to the Disney Genie+ service, which will allow them to choose the next available time to arrive at a variety of attractions and experiences using the Lightning Lane entrance.

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

Additionally, guests can make Individual Lightning Lane selections for select high-demand attractions (that aren’t included with Genie+ and come with an additional cost) in order to use the Lightning Lane entrance.

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

You can save significant time by bypassing the standby queue and there is no longer a free option available anymore, which makes this your best bet if you don’t want to spend your day waiting in lines. Note however that you can only skip the line for one ride on each included attraction. If you want to ride the attraction again, you will have to line up in the general queue.

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

Lightning Lane and Individual Lightening Lane bookings on the Disney Genie+ are limited. There are only a certain number released per day and then they run out. Onsite hotel guests can make their first ride selection at 7am. Other park goers must wait until they enter the parks to make their first Lightening Lane Booking.

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

I suggest researching the rides at each park ahead of your visit and writing a list of which ones you most want to experience. A quick Google search will give you the current most popular rides to give an indication of which rides you should book earliest in the day before the Lightening Lanes run out.

Entering the Theme Parks

You can use the My Disney Experience app to enter the theme parks. In order to do so, before you arrive at the parks, create a MagicMobile pass, allowing you to add your tickets to your digital wallet (iPhone users and those with select Android devices). With the MagicMobile pass you simply tap your phone to the turnstiles and enter.

To create the MagicMobile pass:

Open the My Disney Experience app and click the three lines icon in the bottom right-hand corner.
In the menu, select the “Disney MagicMobile” button.
Click the plus sign in the upper right-hand corner and select the tickets you’d like to enable; click “Add to Wallet” and customize the design. You can hold tickets in your wallet for anyone in your party.

MagicBand

You can also use a MagicBand or MagicBand+ wristband to “tap” in to the park as well as enter Lightening Lanes and link photos. If this all sounds too complicated, head to Guest Relations and a cast member can help you get a physical card.

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

Choosing A Resort at Disney World

There are hotels scattered all over the Walt Disney World Resort precinct. Before choosing a hotel, consider what you are planning on doing throughout your stay: Most importantly, which parks you will be visiting and how you will get there. On the official Walt Disney World Resort site you will find on-site hotels and other Disney Good Neighbor hotels. You can also find other hotels in the area through traditional booking means, however they won’t come with any Disney World benefits.

Grand Floridian

The benefits to staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels can be found here, and to sum up include free transport between the hotels, parks and Disney Springs, plus benefits such as early entry into the parks.

If you choose to stay on-site, consult the Walt Disney World website or a map such as this one to determine which hotel location suits you best. I recommend taking into consideration transport options for the theme parks you are visiting.

There are a variety of value, moderate and deluxe resorts to choose from, so something in most budgets to choose from.

We did a split resort stay and booked one hotel (Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort) for half and Disney’s Beach Club Resor for the other half, due to their proximities to different parks.

You can read my review of the Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort here and Disney’s Beach Club Resort here.

Transportation

You can get around Walt Disney World Resort by bus, boat, monorail and Skyliner.

We found the monorail to be the most efficient of all transport options due to its frequency. If you missed one, another one was quickly along. Buses frequently didn’t arrive per schedule and with the boats, if you miss one it’s a long wait till the next. The Skyliner is also a good form of transport as it runs continuously.

Find out more about resort transportation here.

Things to Do at Disney World

There are an overwhelming number of things to do at the four parks. The rides are of course a main focus – research what you might like to ride in advance including height requirements and if they offer child swap so you are prepared. I highly recommend looking at all of the offerings from shows to parades and character meet and greets to fully experience all the parks have to offer.

Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom

Of note are the immersive Pandora — The World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge inside the Magic Kingdom. Some newer attractions may not offer a standby queue, so you’ll need to join a virtual queue to ride. These also open to booking at 7am for on-site hotel guests.

Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom

The parks also close out at night with evening spectaculars at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios.

WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party

You can read about our Pre-Fireworks Dessert Party experience at Magic Kingdom here.

Top attractions at Walt Disney World

To help with your trip planning, I’ve included highlights of our top rides, food/drink and experiences you won’t want to miss at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.

Dining at Disney World

There are lots of great dining options at Disney World! Many of the dining options are very popular so make your reservations for table-service restaurants 60 days in advance. If you aren’t able to secure a table, keep checking as they often do open up, or join a walk-up list via the My Disney Experience app.

Cape May Beach Club Resort WDW

Character dining is a fun option where guests enjoy a sit-down meal and characters visit the tables throughout the dining session.

There are also lots of great quick-service restaurant options where reservation aren’t required (and they aren’t so time consuming).

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

To really save time, you use Mobile Ordering through the My Disney Experience app.  You can place your order and pay in the app, and then receive a notification to pick up your food once ready.

Our favourite dining experiences at Walt Disney World Resort:

Cinderella’s Royal Table – Magic Kingdom Resort

Be Our Guest – Magic Kingdom Resort

‘Ohana (character dining) – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop – Beach Club Resort

Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast – Beach Club Resort

Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White – Fort Wilderness Resort

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre Restaurant – Hollywood Studios

Rainforest Cafe – Animal Kingdom

Garden Grill (character dining) – Epcot

PhotoPass 

There are photographers throughout the resort that can take your photo, including when meeting characters and with a lantern at Rapunzel’s tower at Magic Kingdom. The photos will link to your account automatically but you will need to purchase a photo package to download them. If you plan on taking a lot of photos, I recommend purchasing Memory Maker for unlimited photo downloads. Read more about PhotoPass here and Memory Maker here.

We had mixed experiences with the PhotoPass images. Some were fantastic, some were blurry, so I recommend asking the photographer to also take photos on your own phone or camera.

Disability Access Service

Disability Access Service (DAS) is a program offered at Walt Disney World theme parks to assist Guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to a disability.

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

Eligible Guests can now pre-register for DAS Advance virtually with a Cast Member, using live video chat. You may pre-register from 30 days in advance of a park visit up until 2 days before your arrival.
During the registration chat, you will be able to work with a Cast Member to book up to 2 one-hour return windows for select experiences using our new DAS Advance planning option (you may also make additional DAS selections on the day of your visit). Please note that all park visits must be within 30 to 2 days of the live chat.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

Top Things to Know About DAS

  • DAS is intended for Guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to a disability.
  • DAS doesn’t provide immediate access to experiences, but rather allows Guests to request a return time for a specific experience that is comparable to the current standby wait. This allows the Guest using DAS to enjoy other experiences in the park instead of physically waiting in the standby line.
  • The Guest who is requesting to use DAS must be present during registration (in person or live video call) and when redeeming a DAS return time at Walt Disney World theme parks. The Guest using DAS doesn’t need to be present when a return time is requested at an attraction or any Guest Relations location.
  • Once registered, DAS is valid for up to 60 days.

How to use DAS

Once registered, you will see a Disability Access Service button appear in the My Disney Experience app. If you have pre-registered and selected rides in advance, you will see your ride selections already populated once you click on the DAS button.

Walt Disney World Epcot

Book your rides and experiences using this interface inside the app in much the same way as using the Genie+ service. Click on the ride and you will see a time slot appear that you will be able to book in for a future ride.

Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom

Head to the Lightening Lane entrance during your booked time slot to gain entrance to the ride. You will then queue for the ride with the guests who have booked a Lightening Lane entrance. Unlike the Genie+ service, DAS may be used to rebook the same rides over and over again.

Get more info and register for DAS here.

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Cinderellas Royal Table Dining Experience at Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World

Rainforest Cafe® at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Be Our Guest Restaurant Magic Kingdom

Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White

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Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant Hollywood Studios WDW

Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast at Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop

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Best Attractions at Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Best Magic Kingdom Attractions

Best Attractions at Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort

Magic Kingdom opened as Walt Disney World Resort’s first theme park in 1971. It is the single-most visited theme park in the world (over 20 million annual visitors).

Disney World’s Magic Kingdom covers 107 acres and is divided into six themed areas: Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Main Street, U.S.A., and Tomorrowland.

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

Best 6 Attractions at Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort

1. TRON Lightcycle Run

TRON Lightcycle / Run is Magic Kingdom’s newest attraction. This thrilling rollercoaster is based on Disney’s TRON movies. Board your “lightcycle” and launch into the “grid”, through high-resolution animations that make the ride an immersive as well as exciting experience.

Category: Thrill Ride
Height Requirement: 48in (122cm) or taller
Good for: Tweens, Teens, Adults
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Individual Lightning Lane attraction

2. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Until the opening of Tron Lightcycle Run, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ranked number one for the best attractions at Magic Kingdom. It’s a thrilling and highly entertaining family-friendly rollercoaster where guests board a diamond mine train inside a mountain, themed to the Disney classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. There’s a wild ride down the mine shaft and a lovely encounter at the end of the ride with the merry band of Seven Dwarfs and Snow White. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is still a high-priority Magic Kingdom attraction.

Category: Thrill Ride, Small Drops
Height Requirement: 38in (97cm) or taller
Good for: Younger Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Individual Lightning Lane Pass attraction

3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

A classic Frontierland attraction, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is one of our favourite rides in every Disney park we have visited. The ride is set in the 1850s-era Gold Rush ghost town of Tumbleweed. Guests board a train in an abandoned mine shaft that speeds through tunnels and canyons through the Wild West. The ride has fantastic theming that is so enjoyable tow atch, as well as being a really fun, family-friendly rollercoaster.

Category: Thrill Ride, Small Drops
Height Requirement: 40in (102cm) or taller
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

4. Peter Pan’s Flight

Peter Pan’s Flight is inspired by Walt Disney’s animated film Peter Pan (1953). The attraction was one of the first rides in California’s Disneyland Resort when it opened in 1955. Walt Disney World included its own version of the classic attraction when Magic Kingdom opened in 1971. Peter Pan’s Flight is located in Fantasyland, and it remains one of the the best attractions in Magic Kingdom to this day.

The ride itself is a gentle, slow “flight” above scenes from Disney’s animated film, seatied inside a pirate galleon. The line for the ride is half the fun. Keep an eye out for the amazing interactive special effects that were added to make the experience even more magical.

Category: Slow Ride, Small Drops
Height Requirement: Any
Good for: All
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

5. Haunted Mansion

Another classic Magic Kingdom attraction, the Haunted Mansion is a gentle “spookfest” located in Liberty Square. Guests climb aboard a Doom Buggy and take an adventure through a maze of haunted chambers.

Ghosts and ghouls abound, however these are the friendliest kinds of spooks and there is nothing truly scary about this experience.

Category: Slow, Dark Ride
Height Requirement: Any
Good for: All
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction

6. Pirates of the Caribbean

Another classic ride that is family-friendly and highly enjoyable, Pirates of the Caribbean is a swashbuckling voyage back to a time when pirates ruled the high seas. There are singing pirates, booming cannons and more than a few drunken buccaneers.

Category: Slow Boat Ride, Small Drops, Dark
Height Requirement: Any
Good for: All
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

More Magic Kingdom Tips

Fireworks

The end of night fireworks are magnificent! We loved the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties: Pre-Party as we were able to watch the fireworks from a special reserved location and enjoyed a massive dessert buffet as well.

WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party

Dining

We loved and highly recommend the following two dining experiences:

Cinderellas Royal Table Dining Experience at Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World

Be Our Guest Restaurant Magic Kingdom

Parades

The parades are always magical! Stake out a spot in advance for a good view.

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

Snacks

We are all about the snacks! You must try: Micky Ice-cream Sandwich, Dole Whip, churros, strawberry waffle sandwich, popcorn, Mickey pretzel and a candy apple.

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Silhouettes

One of our favourite Disney souvenirs is a custom cut silhouette from Main Street. It only takes a few minutes to do and is a beautiful gift or souvenir.

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

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Walt Disney World Best Magic Kingdom Attractions

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Best Attractions at Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Best Hollywood Studios Attractions

Best Attractions at Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World Resort

Hollywood Studios is one of four theme parks in Walt Disney World, Florida. It opened in 1989 as the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park, created as both a working production studio and a show-business-inspired theme park.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

The park was renamed Hollywood Studios in 2008 and focused its attractions and theme around the imagined worlds of theatre, music, television, and film.

1. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

With the 2019 opening of the land Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Hollywood Studios became a hotspot for Star Wars fans.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is an incredible immersive experience that feels like a completely separate park to the rest of Walt Disney World thanks to clever theming that carries across to every element of the “land”. There are two incredible rides within the land that are both must-dos attractions at Hollywood Studios.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a trackless dark ride with multiple ride systems. It’s a completely immersive ride that takes guests on a thrilling adventure through the Star Wars Universe aiding a team of Resistance fighters rise up against the First Order.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

As there are multiple tracks this ride can take, it’s also possible to do the ride several times and each experience be different.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios Walt Disney World Hollywood StudiosCategory: Thrill Ride, Small Drops, Dark, Loud
Height Requirement: 40″ or taller
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Individual Lightning Lane Pass attraction

Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run

Ever dreamed of piloting the Millennium Falcon? Now is your chance! Millennium Falcon is an exhilarating interactive ride where guests take part in a smuggling mission through hyperspace.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

Category: Thrill Ride, Small Drops, Dark, Loud
Height Requirement: 38” (97cm) or taller
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction

2. Toy Story Land

The incredible Toy Story Land opened in 2018. The land has the most amazing theming, where guests feel like they have shrunk in size to fit in Andy’s toy box.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

There are three rides: Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania, or Alien Swirling Saucers, plus a great quick service restaurant that we loved “Woody’s Lunch Box” and a new sit-down restaurant “Roundup Rodeo BBQ”.

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Slinky Dog Dash

Possibly our favourite rollercoaster at Wald Disney World, Slinky Dog Dash is an extremely family-friendly, smooth ride where the premise is that Andy has assembled the “Mega Coaster Play Kit at this attraction,” and you join Slinky Dog for a wild ride through Andy’s backyard.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

Fly past giant toys while coasting up and down hills and curving around hairpin turns. We would describe this rollercoaster as pure joy.

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Category: Thrill Ride, Small Drops
Height Requirement: 38″ or taller
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction

Midway Mania

Very similar to its counterparts in other parks around the world, Toy Story Midway Mania! is a 4-D shootin’ game starring your favorite characters from Toy Story. The ride is extremely fun as it’s an interactive game where the goal is to hit moving targets using a spring-action shooter, competing against other players to get the highest score.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

We also loved the entrance and the exit to this ride – both have the most amazing photo ops with massive Toy Story-themed props.

Category: Spinning
Height Requirement: Any
Good for: All
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction

3. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

The first Mickey Mouse-themed ride at any Disney theme park, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a fun, gentle ride through a fantastical cartoon universe. Based on award-winning Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts (2013), the ride opened in March 2020.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a wild adventure through a colorful cartoon universe.

This is a fun, magical experience for Disney fans to enjoy their inner child. The technology and animation are truly amazing.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

Category: Trackless Dark Ride
Height Requirement: Any
Good for: Preschoolers, Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+

4. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

A classic Disney attraction, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is located inside the massive  Hollywood Tower Hotel structure. Guests are welcomed by Rod Serling, the host of the classic television series The Twilight Zone, and informed you that some hotel patrons mysteriously vanished in the elevator during a violent storm in 1939, never to be seen again.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

Enter the elevator-style lift and stow your belongings away very carefully – this is a wild ride that hurtles up and down a rickety old elevator shaft. The ride is one of Disney’s best – entertaining, terrifying and thrilling at the same time. A must-do attraction at Hollywood Studios.

Category: Thrill Ride, Big Drops, Scary, Dark
Height Requirement: 40″ or taller
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction

5. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (starring Aerosmith!) is a fast-paced roller coaster that is not for the feint of heart. Start the attraction with a glimpse of legendary rock band Aerosmith as they complete a recording session, then join them for a ride in their “limo” as they rush off to a concert on the other side of town.
Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

Riders climb aboard the limousine (roller coaster) and race through the dark past and buckle up before racing off into the night past legendary Hollywood landmarks, set to a playlist of Aerosmith’s signature songs.

The rollercoaster features three inversions (2 rollovers and one corkscrew loop) and is the only Disney World roller coaster that turns guests upside down during their ride.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is one of the fastest rides at Walt Disney World, reaching speeds of up to 57 mph. It is short, sweet and truly terrifying!

Category: Thrill Ride, Big Drops, Loud
Height Requirement: 48″ or taller
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction

More Disney’s Hollywood Studios Information

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is divided into 7 distinct lands. Initially each themed area was inspired by real-life areas within Los Angeles and Hollywood California (Disney Animation Courtyard, Echo Lake, Grand Avenue, Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard), with the addition of Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

There are currently 17 rides and attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park.

We absolutely loved dining at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant Hollywood Studios WDW, a themed sit-down restaurant where guests dine inside of “cars” at a “drive-in”. Truly unique!

Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios

Read more tips about visiting Walt Disney World Resort Orlando here and here.

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Walt Disney World Best Hollywood Studios Attractions Walt Disney World Best Hollywood Studios Attractions

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Walt Disney World Best Animal Kingdom Attractions

Best Attractions at Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks that comprise Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, USA. Dedicated and themed around natural environment and animal conservation, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the largest theme park in the world, covering 580 acres.

Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is incredibly unique in how it combines traditional theme park attractions with hundreds of species of live animals. Special designs and provisions were incorporated throughout the park to protect the animals’ welfare.

Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom

The park is located on the western edge of the resort and is isolated from the other theme parks and properties to minimize external disruptions to the animals.

Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, indicating they have met or exceeded the standards in education, conservation, and research

Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom

The park is divided into seven themed areas; Africa, Asia, DinoLand U.S.A., Discovery Island, Oasis, Pandora – The World of Avatar, and Rafiki’s Planet Watch.

Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom

Discovery River acts to separate Discovery Island from the other Animal Kingdom lands. You’ll frequently see Disney characters sailing down the river on rafts, so keep yours eyes peeled.

The Best Animal Kingdom Attractions

1. Pandora – The World of Avatar

The incredible Pandora – The World of Avatar is a completely immersive land inside Animal Kingdom. It opened in 2017 and the detail in the world is just breathtaking. The land and rides are set a generation after the events of the Avatar films, based upon the fictional habitable exomoon, Pandora, and features Pandora’s floating mountains, alien wildlife, and bioluminescent plants.

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Spanning 12 acres (4.9 ha), Pandora – The World of Avatar includes two major attractions, Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey, as well as retail and dining outlets.

Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom

 

Avatar: Flight of Passage

Avatar Flight of Passage is a 3D flying simulator attraction and one of Disney’s newest attractions. One of the most popular choices for Lightning Lane reservations, you can “rope drop” the attraction at park opening to avoid paying extra for the ride.

The attraction allows guests to take flight on a native mountain Banshee and soar across the landscape of Pandora. Avatar Flight of Passage is a bit of a cross between Soarin’ and Star Tours and is one of Disney’s most technologically advanced attractions.

Guests hop aboard the back of a mountain Banshee (the contraption looks kind of like a motorcycle) in preparation to soar across Pandora’s landscape, where humans and Na’vi seek to restore the banshee population back to natural levels. Each guest is part of the avatar program, and is linked with an avatar to fly on an Ikran (or “Banshee”) in this Na’vi tribal rite-of-passage. The ride is also an immersive experience in the world of Avatar, including an “induction” program where guests are “linked” to their avatar. It’s a must for any fans of the Avatar films.

The ride has attracted a lot of attention for its incredible flying effects. While “flying” guests can turn their heads in almost all directions to look around the Pandora landscape. It can cause motion sickness if you are prone, however it’s so exceptionally well done that a bit of queasiness is well worth it. One of the absolute best attractions at Animal Kingdom.

Category: Thrill Ride
Height Requirement: 44″ or taller
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Individual Lightning Lane purchase

Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom

Na’vi River Journey

Na’vi River Journey is a dark ride on a slow moving boat that takes guests through the Kasvapan River of Pandora from the 2009 film Avatar. It’s a stunning experience watching native animals and bioluminescent flora, with inclusion of complex Audio-Animatronics that are so life-like that we actually weren’t sure if the character was real or not.

Category: Slow boat ride
Height Requirement: any
Good for: any
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+

Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom

2. Expedition Everest

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain is one of Disney’s best roller coasters. Located in the Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, at the base of “Mount Everest” in a “Tibetan village”, the ride is themed around the Yeti protecting the Forbidden Mountain next to Mount Everest.

Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom

The ride involves steep climbs descents, including a truly terrifying section where the train hurtles backwards. The scenery at the top of the 200ft mountain is spectacular.

Category: Thrill Ride, Big Drops, Dark
Height Requirement: 44″ or taller
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Included in Genie+

Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom

3. Kilimanjaro Safaris

What is a visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom without visiting any animals? The Kilimanjaro Safaris is an 18-minute ride in an open-air vehicle though the 110-acre Harambe Wildlife Reserve. The driver / guide points out any of the 34 species of animals that reside here (if they can be spotted!), while also sharing interesting wildlife info.

Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom

The animals roam fairly freely throughout the reserve, so there is no guarantee of which animal/s you might spot and which might have decided to hide on that day.

Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom

You may encounter giraffes, hippopotamuses, lions elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, okapi, zebras, gazelles, and crocodiles. We had an unseasonably cold day when we visited and didn’t see many of the animals at all, but that’s the nature of wildlife!

Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom

Category: Slow Ride, Small Drops
Height Requirement: Any
Good for: All
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Included in Genie+

4. Festival of the Lion King

The Festival of the Lion King is a 30-minute live stage show, featuring an explosion of music, acrobatics, animatronic characters, singers, dancers and stilt-walkers, set to live music from Disney’s The Lion King.

Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom

Category: Live Stage Show
Height Requirement: Any
Good for: All
Times: 10 AM – 6 PM; shows on the hour
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Included in Genie+

5. Tree of Life

Technically a landmark not an attraction, the Tree of Life is a 145-foot artificial baobab tree and is Animal Kingdom’s most iconic feature. The shapes of over 300 animals are carved into the tree. We highly enjoyed walking around the base of the tree and seeing the carvings up close.

Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom

Extra information about Animal Kingdom

Kids will love the self-guided Wilderness Explorers program, where where kids can complete activities and collect more than 25 badges in Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Collect your book at one of these locations.

Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom

We loved dining at Rainforest Cafe® at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. There are two entrances to this restaurant – one inside and one outside the park, so you don’t need to be a guest to dine here. There are loads of quick-service and sit-down eateries inside the park as well.

Rainforest Cafe Animal Kingdom

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Get more information on Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Walt Disney World Florida.

Walt Disney World Best Animal Kingdom Attractions

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Best Attractions at Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Epcot

Best Attractions at Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort

Epcot is one of four theme parks that make up Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Based on the themes of world exploration and discovery, Epcot is divided into four sections: World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature and World Showcase.

The park itself is very spread out (twice the size of Magic Kingdom!), with a lake in the middle. There is a lot of walking to cover the entire park, which makes the park feel less crowded, as a bonus, however there are fewer rides, so the rides inside Epcot do attract long queues.

Our top attractions at Epcot:

1. Guardians of the Galaxy – Cosmic Rewind

The best attraction and EPCOT’s newest ride is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. This is a mind-blowing enclosed roller coaster that hurtles forwards and backwards (!) through time and space. The ride opened on May 27, 2022 as EPCOT’s first roller coaster and marks the first ever Disney “Omnicoaster,” in which the individual coaster cars rotate in a pre-programmed manner.

Walt Disney World Epcot

Location: World Discovery
Category: Enclosed Roller Coaster / Thrill Ride
Height Requirement: 42″ or taller
Duration: A little less than 4 minutes
Good for: Tweens, Teens, Adults
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Individual Lightning Lane Pass attraction

2. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

The 4D-ride is opened on October 1, 2021. It’s a replica of the original Disneyland Paris attraction based on the Pixar animated film Ratatouille.

Walt Disney World Epcot

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure has a fun storyline where guests are rat-sized and join Chef Remy scurrying through the bustling kitchen, fancy dining room, and into the walls of Gusteau’s restaurant. Featuring state-of-the-art animation, the experience is exciting and immersive.

Location: World Showcase; France Pavilion
Category: Trackless Dark Ride
Height Requirement: None
Duration: 4:40
Good for: Any
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Individual Lightning Lane Pass attraction

3. Test Track

Test Track as the distinction of being the fastest Disney theme park attraction ever built. The ride is a simulated experience that takes you through the many rigorous testing procedures of Chevrolet’s concept cars. The highlight is a speed trial on a track around the exterior of the building at a top speed of 64.9 miles per hour (104.4 km/h).

Walt Disney World Epcot

Step into the Chevrolet Design Center to design your own car with the virtual concept. Then, enter your 6-passenger “SIM Car” for a high-speed go-around on the test track. After completing your test, the scoreboard will let you know how well you performed.
Walt Disney World Epcot

Location: World Discovery
Category: Thrill Rides, Small Drops
Height Requirement: 40″ or taller
Duration: 5:00
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction

4. Frozen Ever After

Epcot’s Frozen Ever After attraction is a gentle, slow-moving boat ride through a frozen willow forest, where you will encounter Kristoff’s family from Troll Valley, the icy blue lands of the North Mountain and onwards into Queen Elsa’s ice palace. Anna, Olaf, and more Frozen characters are featured, with the Frozen songs playing in the background.

Walt Disney World Epcot

We were extremely impressed by the smooth, life-like animatronics on this ride. Please note that as this is a boat ride, you may get a little wet.

Walt Disney World Epcot

Walt Disney World Epcot

Location: World Showcase; Norway
Category: Slow Ride, Small Drops, Dark
Height Requirement: Any
Good for: All
Duration: 5:00
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction

4. Soarin’

Soarin’ is a flight motion simulator attraction that uses a mechanical lift system to raise you high into the air, creating a hang-gliding flight. The ride employs a 180-degree, 80-foot IMAX digital projection dome and artificial wind and aromas to give you an authentic experience of soaring over some of the greatest natural and man-made wonders in the world.

The original Soarin’ opened at Disney California Adventure in 2001, and EPCOT’s version arrived in 2005.

Location: World Nature; The Land Pavilion
Category: Slow Ride, Small Drops
Height Requirement: 40″ or taller
Duration: 4:45
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction

5. Mission: Space

You will either love this ride, or it will make you want to throw up. Mission: SPACE is a centrifugal motion simulator thrill ride that aims to simulate the experiences aboard a NASA-style spacecraft on a mission to Mars. After completing “training” for your mission, you will board your extremely tiny vessel and be slingshot around the moon. Throughout the ride, you will experience the g-force of liftoff and then the more relaxing hyper-sleep stage.

Walt Disney World Epcot

There are two missions to choose from. The Orange Mission is the more intense version, while the Green Mission is the tamer, family-friendly version that orbits the Earth. We chose the green mission and still felt quite queasy, so I would highly agree with the many warnings that attraction is not recommended for people with weak stomachs or who are prone to motion sickness.

Walt Disney World Epcot

Location: World Discovery
Category: Thrill Ride, Spinning, Dark
Height Requirement: 40″ or Taller
Duration: 5:38
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass: Disney Genie+ attraction

More information about Epcot

Epcot opened in 1982 as Walt Disney World’s second theme park. It was designed to celebrate human achievements by showcasing international cultures and technological innovation.

We loved the Garden Grill Restaurant character dining experience.

Walt Disney World Epcot

World Showcase comprises 11 pavilions of different countries, including the U.S.A., the U.K., Japan, Morocco, France, Canada, Mexico, China, Norway, Germany, and Italy. They are extremely popular with local visitors, and have many educational aspects as well as good food options.

Walt Disney World Epcot

World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature are the new neighborhoods that cover the area previously known as Future World. These areas feature innovative technological and scientific themes and attractions that we highly enjoyed.

Walt Disney World Epcot

I highly recommend staying till after dark to watch the light show on the Epcot ball. It is truly magical! Show themes and times change throughout the year.

Walt Disney World Epcot

Walt Disney World Epcot

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Walt Disney World Epcot

Garden Grill Restaurant Character Dining at EPCOT

Garden Grill Restaurant Character Dining at EPCOT

Garden Grill Restaurant is located in World Nature at EPCOT, Walt Disney World Resort, Florida.

Garden Grill Restaurant EPCOT

It’s a fun character dining experience where guests are served a “family-style” meal (shared plates of food) while meeting Chip ‘n’ Dale and their Disney pals.

Garden Grill Restaurant EPCOT

While dining, the seating revolves slowly so guests can enjoy views from Living with the Land, with scenes such as a rainforest, farmhouse, thunderstorm, sandstorm and prairie.

Garden Grill Restaurant EPCOT

For breakfast, enjoy cinnamon breakfast bread, scrambled eggs, cheesy potato casserole, Mickey-shaped waffles and more!

Garden Grill Restaurant EPCOT

Delectable lunch and dinner highlights include highlights such as a harvest-inspired garden salad, grilled beef with chimichurri and all-natural sliced turkey with gravy.

Garden Grill Restaurant EPCOT

Vegetarian/vegan options are available as are kid-friendly plain dishes. Vegetables are grown especially inside the park greenhouse.

Garden Grill Restaurant EPCOT Garden Grill Restaurant EPCOT Garden Grill Restaurant EPCOT Garden Grill Restaurant EPCOT

Garden Grill Restaurant EPCOT

Bookings open 60 days in advance.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/garden-grill-restaurant/

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Cinderellas Royal Table Dining Experience at Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World

Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom

Cinderellas Royal Table Dining Experience at Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World

Dine inside the Cinderella Castle and meet Disney princesses at Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World, Orlando Florida.

One of the most popular dining experiences at Walt Disney World, Cinderellas Royal Table is the only way to see inside the stunning castle that lies at the heart of the Magic Kingdom.

Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom

Our biggest tip is to book the first dining session of the day, which means you will be given early entry into the park and can score a much-coveted castle photo with no one else in it.

Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom

Then make your way to the entrance, meet Cinderella in the majestic Grand Hall and ascend a spiral staircase (or take the gilded elevator) to the banquet room above.

Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom

At the time of our visit, no other princesses were present, however this has since changed and diners are now able to meet a variety of Disney princesses over their meal.

Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all offered as dining options for Cinderella’s Royal Table. Breakfast options include pastries, French toast, quiche, avocado toast and a traditional breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon and potatoes.

Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom

There is a kids’ menu with plain options for picky eaters.

Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom

The area around Cinderella Castle will be roped off shortly before the nighttime spectacular. If you wish to see the show or explore the park, please depart the castle at least 20 minutes before showtime.

Cinderellas Royal Table Magic Kingdom

Reservations
Advance reservations are highly recommended.

Cinderellas Royal Table
disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/cinderella-royal-table/

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Be Our Guest Restaurant Magic Kingdom

Be Our Guest Restaurant Magic Kingdom

Dine inside Beast’s castle, where the story of Beauty and the Beast comes alive at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

One of the hottest dining reservations at Walt Disney World Resort, Be Our Guest (called BOG in the forums!) is an elegant dining experience set across three rooms, each designed to immerse guests in a different part of the famous Disney story.

Upon arrival, guests are allocated a table in one of the rooms: The Grand Ballroom, with a high, domed ceiling, chandeliers and snow-laced Gothic arches, The West Wing, home to Beast’s enchanted rose, and The Rose Gallery, which has larger-than-life figures of Belle and Beast dancing.

Be Our Guest Be Our Guest Be Our Guest

Guests are welcome to walk around the different rooms and take photos. We especially enjoyed watching the animations change in the windows and inside the West Wing.

Be Our Guest

The French-themed fixed prix menu offered some of the tastiest meals we had at the park. The kids meal included a really cute white chocolate “chip” cup to paint.

Be Our Guest Be Our Guest Be Our Guest Be Our Guest Be Our Guest Be Our Guest Be Our Guest Be Our Guest Be Our Guest

At some stage during the meal. Beast himself makes an appearance. He does not meet the diners, however, rather he strides quite quickly through each of the rooms and then out again, so have your camera ready to get a photo for when he makes a sudden appearance.

Be Our Guest Be Our Guest Be Our Guest

Be Our Guest

Be Our Guest Restaurant Magic Kingdom
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/be-our-guest-restaurant/

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Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White

Story Book Dining

Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White

Meet characters from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs over dinner at Story Book Dining, Wilderness Lodge Resort, Walt Disney World Resort.

Story Book Dining

The magical story of Snow White comes to life inside Artist Point, where dinners enter an enchanted forest and during the evening meet Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy and The Queen.

Story Book Dining

The first three characters visit tables during the meal, with the Queen ready to post for photos at the end of the dining experience.

Story Book Dining Story Book Dining Story Book Dining

The meal offers a choice of individual plated entrées and shared starters and desserts, with a story-book theme to the meals. Vegetarian options are available, as are plainer choices for kids.

Story Book Dining

Story Book Dining Story Book Dining Story Book Dining Story Book Dining Story Book Dining Story Book Dining Story Book Dining Story Book Dining Story Book Dining

The highlight of the meal was the dessert platter, featuring a “Poison” Apple, a dark chocolate-apple mousse, Fairy Tale Gooseberry Tart and Miner’s Treasures.

 

Reservations
Advance reservations are highly recommended.

Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/wilderness-lodge-resort/artist-point/

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Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties: Pre-Party

WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party

Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties: Pre-Party

Join the happiest of parties at Magic Kingdom: a dessert buffet followed by fireworks in a prime viewing area at Walt Disney World.

WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party

For a special treat at Walt Disney World, reserve your spot at the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties Pre-Party. Indulge yourself in a massive buffet of desserts before the show, then move to a prime viewing area to watch the Happily Ever After fireworks extravaganza without the crush of the crowds (or waiting for hours to save a good spot!).

WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party

This fireworks dessert pre-party was an absolute highlight for us, and one of the few events where we have paid a bomb and felt like we got our moneys worth out of the cost.

The evening starts with checking in at the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, where guests are given a wristband before entering the dining area to eat their heart’s desire from a huge array of sweet and savoury desserts including chocolate-dipped strawberries, so many pastries of all kinds, a variety of cheeses and crackers, fruit and cookies for kids to decorate.

WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party Unlimited beverages are also included, including an assortment of beer and wine for guests aged 21 and over.

WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party

Shortly before the start of the nighttime spectacular, Cast Members escort party-goers to a prime standing area in the Plaza Garden. The area for the dessert pre-party is directly behind the viewing area for wheelchairs and scooters (as seen in the photo above).

The best viewing area is at the front of the garden, so my advice is to be in the first group to move into the Plaza Garden if possible to choose the best spot you can for fireworks viewing.

WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party

There is still waiting involved before the show starts, so I suggest bringing something to sit on such as a jacket or even a blanket if you have one. Once the fireworks is about to start, guests are asked to stand up, so being as close as possible to the front of the area is beneficial particularly for shorter guests.

WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party WDW Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Pre Party

After the fireworks is a great time to go back through the park and do a few last rides while the crowds are lower. This also avoids the crush of people trying to exit the park at this time.

Price (at time of writing)
Admission is $99 per adult (ages 10 and up); $59 per child (ages 3 to 9), tax included. Gratuity is not included or required.

Theme park admission is required, but it is not included in the price of this event. Theme park reservations are also required.

Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties: Pre-Party
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/fireworks-dessert-pre-party/

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