How Many of These 50 Walt Disney World Must-Dos Have You Done?

What is on your Walt Disney World bucket list? Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table? Getting a behind-the-scenes look at some of your favorite rides? Eating Mickey Premium Bars for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?

Magic Kingdom

Everyone’s got their own list of must-dos, and we’ve gathered a bunch of our team’s favorites!

Here’s a list of 50 things you MUST do at Walt Disney World. How many of them have you already done?

Keep in mind, some of these experiences may not be available at this time or they may only be available in a limited or different way, as Disney World is still in the process of fully reopening. But they’re still definite must-dos in our book, so we’re sharing them here with you so you can add them to your own Disney bucket lists.

1. Meet Mickey Mouse

This may sound simple, but meeting Mickey Mouse in some way, shape, or form is 100% a Disney must-do! Whether you meet him in a character dining location, or at a traditional meet-and-greet, spending a little time with the mouse that started it all is a truly magical experience.

Mickey Mouse

Note there are a few character meet and greets that have not yet returned, but many are back in action. If you happen to catch one of the remaining modified meetings, these can still provide a great way to snap a selfie and say “hello” to the characters.

Click here to see where you can meet Mickey and other friends!

2. Watch the Fireworks at Magic Kingdom

You can watch Magic Kingdom’s fireworks from a number of locations, including some nearby hotels and restaurants, but there’s something special about watching them from within the park itself. You may even want to consider adding a little extra magic to your fireworks experience by booking a fireworks dessert party!

Fireworks in Magic Kingdom

3. Watch Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

NOTE: As of June 2022, Fantasmic! has not returned. However, Disney has shared that the show will be returning in 2022!

Fantasmic! is much more than just a fireworks show. It’s a nighttime spectacular full of projections, characters, a dragon, and all kinds of awesome effects. It’s a 25-minute extravaganza so grab some snacks, get a spot early in line (or consider booking a VIP seating dessert or dining package, if available), and get ready for this amazing show! Sometimes there are multiple showings a night, so be on the watch for that.

Fantasmic!

4. Ride all Three Mountains in Magic Kingdom

Riding Splash, Space, and Big Thunder Mountains (all in one day if you can make it happen) is a Disney World rite of passage. They may not be the most intense rides in the World, but they are classics and still thrilling. Add in Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and you’ve got a day FULL of adventure.

Space Mountain

5. Watch a Parade

Few things are more iconic than a Disney World parade, particularly one right at Magic Kingdom. From feeling the heat from a fire-breathing dragon to waving at your favorite princess, watching a parade can be such an incredibly joyous and special time for a Disney fan, whether you’re 5 or 50.

Festival of Fantasy Parade

Parades have returned to Disney World, but you can also see some of your favorite Disney friends in a sort-of modified parade situation with the Character Cavalcades at the parks. While they don’t have all the fanfare of the regular parades, they’re still a fun way to see some characters briefly in the parks.

Hey There Mickey!

The newest cavalcade (one with TONS of characters) debuted in Magic Kingdom, and the Festival of Fantasy Parade is back in the park (with the return of the Maleficent fire-breathing dragon). So you’ll have tons of fun ways to see your favorite characters!

Mickey and Minnie in Festival of Fantasy

6. Eat Some Classic Disney Snacks

Okay, there’s LOTS of food to choose from at Disney World, but munching on those classic Disney snacks should definitely be on your list. Which ones are we talking about here? There are a few options — a Mickey-shaped pretzel, popcorn (in a souvenir bucket or not), the fan-favorite DOLE Whip, a turkey leg, a Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar, and we’d also add in the  Citrus Swirl!

Some might also throw in mini corn dogs from Casey’s Corner, and we can’t say we’d disagree. No matter which one you go for, be sure to grab the obligatory Instagram photo to officially mark them off your bucket list.

Pineapple Dole Whip

7. Eat at Cinderella’s Royal Table and Be Our Guest Restaurant

Looking at Cinderella Castle from the outside is beautiful, but getting a glimpse INSIDE the Castle is its own unique and wonderful experience. Book a reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table, and you’ll get some of the most spectacular views in all the Kingdom. It’s quite the pricey endeavor, however, so it might only be a once in a lifetime or once in a while experience, but it’s something we think every Disney fan should experience. Right now, you can see Cinderella there, although she walks by quite quickly. She’s got lots of princess duties, it seems.

Cinderella’s Royal Table

Although it isn’t the “star” castle of Magic Kingdom, eating inside of the Beast’s castle at Be Our Guest Restaurant is something we’d say is similarly magnificent. From walking into the main ballroom and watching the snow fall in the windows at the end, to seeing the petals fall on the enchanted rose in the West Wing, the theming of this restaurant makes it a must-do. Plus, you might catch a glimpse of the Beast while you’re there!

Be Our Guest

8. Watch a Live Show or Performance

Yes, the rides at Disney World are fantastic and incredibly fun, but the live entertainment there is not to be overlooked. You can get some really Broadway-level performances or intimate experiences depending on the shows you watch, and you can see the incredible actors give their all to make some magical memories for everyone in the audience. What shows can you enjoy in Disney World? Right now, you can hear the Voices of Liberty and Mariachi Cobre in EPCOT. You can also typically see Matsuriza in Japan, check out Master Juggler Sergio in Italy, and more. And you’ll want to keep an eye out for special Festival entertainment.

It’s so nice to see them back!

Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! are great entertainment options at Animal Kingdom!

Festival of the Lion King

Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage is back and you can catch the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular as well.

Beauty and the Beast

Some other entertainment is slowly making its way back to the parks and resorts. For example, the Hoop dee Doo Musical Revue has just returned to the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.

9. Stay for the Kiss Goodnight in Magic Kingdom

Note: The Kiss Goodnight is not currently being offered from what we’ve experienced, but check back for updates.

After spending a long day in Magic Kingdom, you might be eagerly waiting to get back to your room, take a shower, and just put up your feet. BUT if you can manage to stay awake long enough, we’d recommend that you stay after the fireworks and after the park officially closes for this special moment. You’ll want to be in front of the Castle or right on Main Street, U.S.A. to catch a glimpse of this one.

When the “kiss goodnight” is being offered, Cinderella Castle will sparkle and shine as “When You Wish Upon a Star” plays. Then, you’ll hear a narrator thank guests for being there and remind everyone that Magic Kingdom is a timeless land of enchantment, magic, and make believe.

Nighttime Lights at Magic Kingdom

It’s a small moment only just a few minutes long, but you might be surprised to find a tear in your eye as you soak in all the magic around you. It’s a sweet way to send guests off after their adventure in the park and remind us all of just how special this place really is. Note that the kiss goodnight is not currently being offered from what we’ve experienced but be sure to check and see what’s available during your trip.

Click here to learn more about the Kiss Goodnight!

10. Conquer the Kitchen Sink at Beaches & Cream

Ready to eat all of your calories for the day (possibly the week, but who’s really counting?!) in the form of ice cream? Then you’re ready to conquer the Kitchen Sink from Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort! This GIANT treat comes with a LOT of ice cream and other ingredients including vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, mint-chocolate chip, and cookies ‘n cream ice cream, as well as whipped cream, hot fudge, and SO much more. Trust us when we say, you’ll want to bring along some ice cream-loving friends to share this treat with.

Kitchen Sink

Want to make the Kitchen Sink at home? Check out the recipe here!

11. Get a Haircut in Disney World

Note: The Harmony Barber Shop is temporarily unavailable, but is reopening July 31, 2022.

Did you know that you can get a haircut in Magic Kingdom? It’s true! At the Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street, U.S.A. guests of all ages can get a magical haircut and some Disney surprises. It can be a particularly special experience for young ones (and their parents) if they get their first haircut at this spot.

Barber Cast Member
Cast Member giving a boy his First Haircut inside the Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom.

12. Watch the Flag Retreat Ceremony

Even big Disney fans may have missed this special ceremony. It may not be as grand as a parade or fireworks, but it’s incredibly special. The Flag Retreat ceremony takes place every day at the Town Square flagpole in the front of Magic Kingdom.  The American flag is lowered by security guards and often times presented to the Veteran of the Day. They then generally parade to the Railroad Station through a path lined with Cast Members as guests cheer. The ceremony typically starts at 5PM, so try to get over there about 15 minutes before if you plan on watching it.

Flag Retreat Ceremony

13. Visit a Disney World Water Park

Note: Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park is temporarily closed for refurbishment, but Typhoon Lagoon is open.

Disney’s theme parks are fantastic, but sometimes there’s nothing better than a splash in the pool to cool down from the Florida heat. Why not take that up a notch by splashing around on some slides, a lazy river, and more at Disney’s Water Parks?! Whether you visit Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, you’ll have lots of water-filled adventures.

Typhoon Lagoon

14. Take a Behind the Scenes Tour

Ever wanted to get a glimpse behind the curtain at your favorite attractions or learn some of the secrets that make Disney World work? How about a walk through the Utilidors underneath Magic Kingdom? You can do all that and MORE on Disney’s many Behind the Scenes Tours.

Haunted Mansion

Whether you want to get a closer look at the elephants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom or just take a walk through the greenhouse at Living With the Land, there’s something unique out there for you!

Note: Select behind-the-scenes tours are unavailable at the moment, but some have returned. Be sure to check and see what’s available for your visit!

15. Watch the Electrical Water Pageant

There are so many benefits to staying at the hotels near Magic Kingdom, one of which being that you can enjoy the Electrical Water Pageant as it floats by. But you don’t have to stay at the resorts to enjoy this wonderful water show. You can also grab a dinner reservation at one of the hotels in that area and time it so that you can enjoy the show. The show has made its return post-park closures so everyone can enjoy it once again .

Electrical Water Pageant

16. Ride the Monorail

If you’ve never taken a ride on the highway in the sky, you should add this to your Disney bucket list. It may be a mode of transportation, taking guests to Magic Kingdom or the monorail resorts or EPCOT depending on what line you get on, but it’s also an attraction in its own right.

Monorail

17. Visit EPCOT During a Festival

There are so many reasons to visit EPCOT, but one of the best times to visit the park is during a festival. You can celebrate the culinary, visual, and performance arts at the Festival of the Arts. Or you can admire all of the beautiful topiaries and devour some seasonal treats at the Flower & Garden Festival. Want even more snacks and drinks? You can visit during the Food & Wine Festival for some seriously amazing favorites (and TONS of food booths!). Or, if you’re all about the holiday season, you can celebrate the season at the Festival of the Holidays.

Festival of the Arts

Whether you just go to eat something from ALL the booths, to admire the decorations, to shop the festival-specific merchandise, or to enjoy some special entertainment, there are lots of things to do that are different than what you’d experience on a normal EPCOT day. A true bucket list item? Visit all four festivals!

18. Eat Something Mickey Shaped

This might go hand-in-hand with eating classic Disney snacks, but it’s special enough that we think it deserves its own category. You can get a Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar, a Mickey-shaped Pretzel, Mickey Waffles, a Mickey Ice Cream Sandwich, Mickey Rice Krispies, or even Mickey Beignets. No matter what you choose, you’ll have to take some pictures to commemorate the occasion. You could even create your own challenge, like spending one day eating only things that are Mickey-shaped, or trying to eat every Mickey-shaped treat you can find in one park on a specific day.

Mickey Bar

19. Find One (or One Hundred) Hidden Mickeys

You may have ridden Disney World’s attractions tons of times, but there are all kinds of hidden secrets within them that you may never have seen. Some of our favorite things to find are Hidden Mickeys. You can find them in almost every single ride and in lots of areas all around the parks. Want to find some new hidden Mickeys and impress your friends? Check out our list of the hidden Mickeys only the pros know about!

Soarin’

20. Do Some Pin Trading

Pin trading may look a bit different these days, but it’s no less exciting to trade your ordinary or duplicate pins for something really exclusive or unique. Never traded pins with a Cast Member before? It’s simple! All you need to do is get yourself some authentic Disney pins. If you’re getting them specifically to trade, you’ll want to get some of the cheaper ones or a relatively inexpensive set of pins you’re okay parting with. Then the hunt begins! Search on those Cast Member pin boards for something unique you want to trade for, or you can try your luck with a mystery pin trading box. You may get a pin from an international park or something that was a limited edition item. You never know what you might find!

Pin Trading

21. Stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel

Staying at a Disney World Resort can definitely be expensive, but it’s an experience we think every Disney fan should have at least once. Whether you choose to stay at a Deluxe Resort, enjoy the atmosphere of a Moderate Resort, or go for one of the more heavily themed Value Resorts, waking up on Disney property, taking a Disney bus (or some other form of Disney transportation) directly to the parks, and getting to go back to your Disney hotel room to take a bath with those signature Disney soaps is a true fan’s rite of passage.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

22. Ride Classic Attractions at Magic Kingdom

Disney World seems to always be working on some kind of new attraction or experience. But there are some classic attractions that are quintessentially Disney. What rides are on that list? We’d say at Magic Kingdom your classic attractions must-do list should include Dumbo The Flying Elephant, Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan’s Flight, “it’s a small world”, The Haunted Mansion, the Enchanted Tiki Room, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, and The Jungle Cruise. These are all classic attractions that either have played a key role in Disney’s history, were opening day attractions, or are considered iconic to this park.

Dumbo

23. Buy a Disney Souvenir

It’s nearly IMPOSSIBLE to survive an entire Disney trip without buying at least one Disney souvenir. Whether you’re a Minnie ears collector, you’ve got quite a few Disney plush at home, or you can’t stand to eat your popcorn in anything but a Disney popcorn bucket, there are Disney souvenirs to fit every type of fan and every budget.

How could you choose just one?!

24. Become a Galactic Hero

999,999. That’s the number you want to see on your vehicle before the end of your ride on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and the number that will officially make you a Galactic Hero. You can read about our tips and tricks HERE for how to get this most honorable achievement. The most important tip? Stretch out those fingers and get ready to blast your way to infinity and beyond!

Galactic Hero

25. Eat a Character Dining Location

Character dining is making its return to the parks, and it’s still quite magical to see some of your favorite characters while munching down on your lunch or dinner. Right now, the spots that are offering character dining include Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Garden Grill Restaurant in EPCOT, Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort, Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Ravello at the Four Seasons, Tusker House Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Story Book Dining with Snow White at Artist Point in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. You can also say a quick hello to Cinderella at Cinderella’s Royal Table and we caught a glimpse of the beast over at Be Our Guest Restaurant when we visited in the summer of 2020.

Goofy was here to welcome us back!

26. Eat or Drink Something From Every Country at EPCOT

Whether you just grab a drink (alcoholic or not), a small snack, or a full meal — we think it’s a must-do to grab at least one food or beverage item from each country in EPCOT. Perhaps you’ll want to try those unique KitKat flavors in Japan, or you’ll opt for some baklava in Morocco. Maybe you’ll get it all in one visit, or you’ll spread out your snacks over time. No matter how you do it, it’s sure to be one great culinary adventure!

Japan KITKATS

Not sure where to start? Check out our video on why you should definitely try some of those unique snacks in Japan, and our video on the most authentic treats in World Showcase!

27. Ride the BIG EPCOT Attractions

Soarin’ Around the World, Spaceship Earth, Test Track, Frozen Ever After, and the newest Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.  These are some of EPCOT’s most thrilling, most popular, or just signature attractions. If you haven’t tried all of these at least once, what are you waiting for?

Spaceship Earth

28. Ride the BIG Attractions at Animal Kingdom

Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest, DINOSAUR, Avatar — Flight of Passage. There are some fantastic areas and rides to explore throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but these are some of the park’s most popular attractions, and they’re all worth riding at least once (if not hundreds of times).

Expedition Everest

29. Visit Pandora — The World of Avatar

Pandora — The World of Avatar is an incredibly detailed land with all kinds of amazing scenery. You may have run into the land to ride Flight of Passage and then run out to get in another line for something else, but have you ever actually set aside some time in your day to just explore and admire this area? If you haven’t, you totally should! Grab a snack from Pongu Pongu or a meal from Satu’li Canteen, and once you’ve finished that, take a walk around. Soak in those floating mountains, check out the gift shop, and (if you can) come back at night to experience a whole other bioluminescent world.

Pandora

30. Walk the Animal Trails from Animal Kingdom

As you’re running around Disney’s Animal Kingdom, trying to hit those big attractions, you might overlook the animal trails. But these are absolutely a must-do at the park! Check out tigers, gorillas, and more at the Discovery Island Trails, the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, and the Maharajah Jungle Trek.

Gorilla

31. Ride the BIG Attractions at Hollywood Studios

Taking out the Star Wars rides and Toy Story Land attractions (more on that in a second), some of Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ most popular or signature rides include Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Have you ridden all of these already?

Tower of Terror

32. Ride Everything Star Wars Related

Whether you’re a fan of the Dark Side, or you fight only to restore the Light in the galaxy, the Star Wars themed attractions in Disney’s Hollywood Studios will put you right at the center of your own Star Wars story and make you feel like you’ve traveled to a galaxy far, far away. Right now, you can hop on Star Tours — The Adventures Continue, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. You can also take a stroll through Star Wars Launch Bay to see some props and more from the space saga. Though it has been just a walk-through, its character interactions are returning!

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

33. Spend Time in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Get a Unique Snack

Like Pandora — The World of Avatar, you might have run through Galaxy’s Edge but we’d say it’s a must-do to spend some time just enjoying the land itself. Check out the merchandise, talk to some citizens of Batuu, and take the time to really soak in the incredible details of this land. And, of course, grab a snack while you’re there! Go for the fan-favorite Ronto Wrap, or sip on some Blue or Green Milk, and let us know what snack from Batuu you liked best!

Blue and Green Milk

34. Eat at the Unique Spots in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

There are great restaurants throughout Disney World, but Disney’s Hollywood Studios has some of the most unique ones. Want to sit in a 50’s style diner at 50’s Prime Time Café and get heckled to eat your vegetables? What about taking a trip to the drive-in Sci Fi Dine-In Theater? Or how about grabbing a drink that’ll numb your mouth for a few seconds at Oga’s Cantina?

Sci Fi Dine-In

35. Walk Through Walt Disney Presents

One big part of Disney World and the Walt Disney Company in general is the history of the man who started it all — Walt Disney. Walt Disney Presents at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a walk-through exhibit that will take you through Walt’s story and give you the chance to see all kinds of unique items that form part of the history of the Disney company.

Walt Disney Presents

36. Ride ALL of the Attractions in Toy Story Land

Alien Swirling Saucers, Slinky Dog Dash, and Toy Story Mania. These are the attractions you’ll have to ride to complete this Toy Story challenge. The rides are all really well themed, incredibly fun, and pretty family-friendly, so the whole gang can enjoy them together and then go for a snack at Woody’s Lunch Box to finish!

Slinky Dog Dash

37. Ride the Hot Air Balloon in Disney Springs

You may have seen all of Disney World from the ground, but have you seen it from the sky? Seeing some of the parks and resorts from the Aerophile Tethered Balloon at Disney Springs is (at least in our opinion) a must-do for Disney fans! It’ll give you some of the most unique views of Walt Disney World Resort.

Aerophile Balloon

38. Shop and Eat in Disney Springs

Disney Springs has essentially become Disney World’s 5th theme park — focused entirely on food, drinks, merchandise, and entertainment. You can sample from all kinds of cuisines (including some great southern food at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’), watch a movie, get some extravagant donuts, and (of course) shop ’til you drop at its many stores. Wondering where to start on your culinary adventure through Disney Springs? Check out our list of the spots you should check out!

Gideon’s Bakehouse

39. Eat at Some Amazing Restaurants at the Disney World Hotels

While there are great restaurants in the parks and at Disney Springs, the Disney World hotels are not to be overlooked! You can have a FEAST at ‘Ohana, chow down on some unique African dishes at Boma, dine with a view at California Grill, check out some animals while devouring the bread service at Sanaa, stuff your face with fried chicken while enjoying the amazing performers at Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue, and more. Click here to see your rankings for the best and worst table service restaurants at Disney’s hotels to start making your list of must-visit spots!

 

‘Ohana

40. Eat at Victoria & Albert’s

Victoria & Albert’s, located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, is truly THE premier dining experience in Disney World. The restaurant has won AAA’s Five Diamond Award, the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award, and much more. You can choose from a variety of dining experiences here including the Dining Room, the more private Queen Victoria’s Room, or the ultimate experience — the Chef’s Table. Dining at Victoria & Albert’s is NOT cheap, but the uniqueness of this restaurant and its fine dining style makes it something that Disney fans should at least try to do once.

Note: Victoria & Albert’s is temporarily unavailable but will reopen July 28, 2022!

Victoria & Albert’s

41. Visit Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

From the fanciest of dining locations, we go to one of the most interactive and fun. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto (located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort) is a lounge that serves all kinds of themed drinks and small plates. Will you score a black pearl? Will your seat at the bar magically start lowering throughout your time there? Will you order a drink that makes the whole restaurant take on a different effect? The only way to find out and experience this fantastically themed spot is to try it yourself!

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

42. Go to a Disney World Christmas or Halloween Party

Although a trip to Disney World during a holiday can be special enough on its own, going to one of the hard-ticketed party events can add an even more magical touch to your vacation. Typically, whatever party is offered during Halloweentime is the only way adults can really go in costume in the parks and see that special Halloween parade. Plus, who doesn’t dream of going trick or treating IN Magic Kingdom?

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is returning in 2022! The spooky time offering this year will give guests a chance to enjoy special performances, parades, and fireworks, as well as trick-or-treating locations.

You can see Jack in his cavalcade!

If you prefer hot cocoa and cookies, and the Christmas parade, then a Christmastime/holiday season offering might be more for you. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is also making a comeback in 2022!

Very Merriest parade

43. Meet Your Favorite Characters

Whether you want to say hello to your favorite princess or swap strategies for taking over the world with some of the villains, meeting Disney characters can be a really fun part of the Disney World experience. Keep in mind, there’s no age limit on magic here. You don’t have to be a little kid to meet Cinderella or Anna; you just have to be a kid at heart. So take some time to chat with Alice about the Queen of Hearts, or ask Mary Poppins for some tea tips. There’s all kinds of fun to be had with these Disney favorites.

Note: Select meet-and-greets are even available through Disney Genie+. Just keep in mind that not all character meet-and-greets have returned yet.

Rapunzel in Princess Fairytale Hall in Magic Kingdom!

44. Ride on a Disney Bus

You can drive to the Disney parks, but there’s something really special about hopping on a Disney Bus, talking to your family about what you’re going to do that day, and sharing in that fun with a group of other fans who are also getting ready to experience the magic. There’s a unique energy to it that all Disney fans should experience.

Disney Bus

45. Be at a Park at Rope Drop

Being on vacation might mean sleeping in for you, but being at a Disney World theme park right as the park opens can be a really special experience! You might even get to be the first family in the park for the day or catch a special welcome show. And, as they say, the early bird catches the worm. Your early start time could help you ride some of those really popular attractions quickly and give you the chance to finish up your must-do rides in one park early, so you can hop to another in the afternoon.

Tree of Life

46. Get a Disney Button

Celebrating a birthday, anniversary, first visit to the parks, graduation, or something else during your stay? Then you’ll definitely want to get a Disney celebration button! You can find these throughout the parks and resorts, and they are completely FREE. Wear them around the parks, and you might experience a magical moment or feel like a star as Cast Members and sometimes other guests wish you a happy birthday or give you their congratulations on whatever you’re celebrating!

Happy Birthday Button

47. Create Magic for Someone Else

Cast Members work incredibly hard each and every day to make magic for all the guests at Disney World, but YOU can make magic for others while in the parks as well. Maybe it’s something as simple as holding the door open for the guests behind you or wishing someone a happy birthday if they’re wearing a birthday button. Maybe you bring special “Thank You” cards to give to the Cast Members and show them how much they are appreciated. There are so many ways to help spread that sense of kindness in the parks, and YOU can be a part of it all.

Cast Members welcoming guests in Disney World

48. Play an Interactive or Scavenger Hunt Game Around the Parks

Maybe you’ve seen ALL the shows in the parks and ridden ALL the rides, but there are some other fun ways that you can interact with the lands around you and learn more about other countries or animals. In EPCOT, you can often go on scavenger hunts during the park’s special festivals. You can also collect some special items and learn more about the countries at World Showcase by visiting the Kidcot Fun Spots.

Scavenger Hunt Map

In Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you can earn your Wilderness Explorer badges with their Wilderness Explorer game.

Wilderness Explorers

In Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Galaxy’s Edge, you can use the Play Disney Parks app to decode things all around the land, tune in to secret transmissions, and earn credits.

Scanning with a Datapad

Finally, at Magic Kingdom, you can participate in A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas to hunt for treasure.

Pirate’s Adventure

And don’t forget to check out the Play Disney Parks app for other games you can enjoy in the parks (and at home!).

49. Ride on the Walt Disney World Railroad

Whether you use the Walt Disney World Railroad as a way to get around Magic Kingdom, or you take a grand circle tour without getting off at all, the Railroad is a Disney must-do. The train station (and sometimes the train itself) is often one of the first sights you see walking into the park, and the sound of the train’s whistle may be one of the first things you hear. Walt Disney’s love of trains is really embraced and honored through this attraction. Disney fans can ride this attraction, get a unique view of Magic Kingdom, enjoy a relaxing ride around the park, and feel connected in some way to Walt himself.

Note: The Walt Disney World Railroad is temporarily unavailable, but you might catch it testing during one of your park visits. We’ll be on the lookout for updates about the train’s return to the park.

Train in Fantasyland Station

50. Park Hop

Finally, on our list of Disney must-dos is park hopping! Park hopping returned to Disney World in 2021 in a modified fashion, once again allowing guests to potentially visit more than one park each day. Exactly how many parks can you hop to each day? Well, it’ll depend on availability, but we’ve actually been able to hop to all four parks in one day! Whether you try to take on a four-park challenge or just go from breakfast at Magic Kingdom to dinner at EPCOT, hopping around the Disney parks is a must-do!

MagicBand Scanner

Curious what the modified Park Hopping system is like? Check out ALL the details about our Park Hopping experience here, some of the biggest surprises from the return of Park Hopping, and our video about what’s different about Park Hopping now.

And that’s our list of 50 Disney World must-dos. There are, of course, many more things that may be considered must-dos or even bucket list items, but these are just a few that we picked out.

How many of these have you done? What other ones would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!

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12 Replies to “How Many of These 50 Walt Disney World Must-Dos Have You Done?”

  1. I’ve done everything but eat at Victoria and Albert’s!!! That one is on the list, but is SO pricey!!!

    1. It is very expensive but it is sooooo worth it. I saved for one year to eat in there and it was amazing and want to do it again. 🙂

  2. 41 out of 50 though I feel as if I should have 44 out of 50.

    One item was go to Cinderella’s Royal Table AND Be Our Guest. Never done the former but been to the latter 5 times so I think it should be OR not AND.

    Another item was to ride all the big rides at DHS. It included Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Train which is the only one I haven’t done because I was last there in December 2019 when it wasn’t yet open and I can’t get there now as I live in England.

    The last was to ride all Star Wars rides. Although Rise of the Resistance opened a week into that last trip, we all know that no matter how hard you try you struggle to get a boarding pass so this is outside of anyone’s control.

  3. I really want to go back to Walt Disney World. There is so much more stuff I want to see and do there. I just want to live at Disney World and be happy everyday

    1. We once had dinner in Cinderella’s castle I think before it was renamed. This was a long, long time ago and the barley soup was exotic for this child. More recently, there was a chilly night of hot chocolate at the Tomorrowland Dessert Party to watch fireworks in comfort. And I’ve seen the holiday fireworks once that surround the MK. I don’t have a bucket list, but I do collect some great magic.