The Ultimate Disney Park Bucket List: Thrills, Tastes, and Unforgettable Experiences

Posted:  Parks

When I go to Disney, it can sometimes be overwhelming with all the activities there are to do. Disney is not just for kids; it’s for all ages, and it always seems like there is something I might have overlooked during my trip.

Mural of Simba and Nala on a slat gate in Disney's Animal Kingdom Park.

There is so much to do and see at Disney that taking everything in on one trip is impossible. With live entertainment, endless amusement rides, delicious food, and various DVC resorts, there is lots to experience and enjoy. 

Entrance to Tron: Lightcycle/Run. The entrance sign and the ride in the background are both glowing blue in the night sky.

But what are the things I have missed on my last few visits to Disney? Was it a thrilling ride, a delightful new taste, a deep belly laugh, or just a simple sparkling pixie dust? With four different parks, there is at least one item from each park that I have not yet had the experience of taking on.

Covered Dome from Tron: Lightcycle/Run with the lightcycle riding past and Space Mountain in the background.

If there is one thing I love about Disney, they seem to have something new to experience every time I go. This time around, the exciting addition for me will be TRON: Lightcycle/Run, as this is one of the newest amusement rides at Magic Kingdom. TRON Lightcyle/Run is one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world, and I cannot stress enough how much I love speed. In this race across the Grid, you will hop onto your Lightcyle and blast off on a highspeed escapade. Disney never disappoints in providing detail and complete immersion into a new region, and with all the buzz for this attraction, I cannot wait to launch off into the world of the Grid. 

Backside of the Tree of Life from Asia in Disney's Animal Kingdom Park.

Giraffe on the safari in Disney's Animal Kingdom Park.

Now, who doesn’t love to explore? I know I do, but I have never had the chance to walk on the Wild Africa Trek in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This privately guided tour is not complimentary and does cost additional funds, but I think it would be worth every penny spent. Not only do you get the chance to see the wild animals in their natural habitat, but you also get to enjoy some tasty African-inspired snacks. One of my favorite animals is the hippopotamus, and you guessed it, the hippopotamus and many more African wildlife can be seen during this 3-hour VIP voyage. I love animals and learning different facts about them. If I could add one thing extra during my next trip, it would be this expedition.

Rhinos on the safari in Disney's Animal Kingdom Park.

Olaf singing on screen at For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.

Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and two performers standing on stage with fake snow falling from the sky at For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.

From the moment I cross the Walt Disney World sign into The Most Magical Place on Earth, I am singing my heart out. Whether it is “Happily Ever After” or a pick-me-up type of jingle you might hear on one of the transportation methods, the music is all around you. The one thing I love about Hollywood Studios is the fantastic live entertainment that takes place. With endless sing-a-longs and phenomenal show-stopping acts, there are two on my list I have yet to see; Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. These two shows are on my bucket list for live entertainment to see, and I can’t wait to join in on all the fun with Belle and the Beast and Anna, Elsa, and friends!

Billboard for Disney's Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along on Sunset Boulevard.

Exterior of Spaceship Earth at the entrance of Epcot.

If anyone knows me, the main thing I think about when I think of Disney is the food. With endless options to enjoy, it’s always hard to decide what I want to eat at Disney because it’s all so good. My favorite memories at Disney are the various dining experiences I have been so lucky to have. However, if I could have one thing I could do for one day, it would be to make my way around the world in EPCOT and get a minimum of two items off every single menu in all the countries. EPCOT has multiple fun festivals throughout the year, which makes for an even better menu when grabbing snacks around the world. I have had the pleasure of indulging in some of the snacks at some of my favorite countries, but I have not been able to hit them all in one go.

Viking Statue in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot.

Fountain in front of Remy's Ratatouille Adventure in the France Pavilion at Epcot.

Needless to say, I have had the pleasure of some thrilling, wholesome, tasty, and engaging experiences, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. However, I know there is always something new for me to encounter on my Disney trips, and I cannot wait to incorporate some of these things into my next visit! 

 

~Allison

 

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