If you ask us where we feel the most like ourselves, carefree, overstimulated, slightly sunburnt, and holding a Mickey-shaped snack, the answer is easy: Walt Disney World in Orlando.
There’s just something about walking down Main Street with that first glimpse of the castle, hearing the background music swell, and knowing you’re about to log 25,000 steps without even noticing. Whether you’re a “rope dropper” or a “let’s sleep in and park hop later” type, Disney World has a way of making everyone feel like a kid again. Here is our guide to ALL things Disney!
Our Favorite Rides
We are ride people. If there’s a wait time under 60 minutes, we’re probably in line.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom)
Classic. Elite. Underrated. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is the ride we will defend forever. It’s the perfect “starter coaster” but still quick enough to be fun as an adult. The turns feel sharper at night, the vibes are unmatched, and if you get that back row? It’s a total game-changer. We are so excited for it to be back open this spring after its YEAR LONG (and much-needed) refurb.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (EPCOT)
We’re not exaggerating when we say Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind changed the Disney coaster game. The rotating ride vehicles? Insane. The soundtrack? Elite. The storytelling? Actually funny.
It doesn’t feel like a typical coaster; it feels like you’re in the movie. And the backwards launch is still one of the best moments in any Disney park. This is one of those rides you get off of and immediately want to ride again, even if it is a 90-minute wait.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (Hollywood Studios)
This isn’t a ride. It’s an experience. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is peak immersive storytelling. The pre-shows, the cast members fully committing to the bit, the scale of the stormtrooper room, it’s insane.Even if you’re not a massive Star Wars fan, you can appreciate how incredible this attraction is.
Kilimanjaro Safaris (Animal Kingdom)
The most peaceful safari you’ll ever experience.
Kilimanjaro Safaris is different every single time you ride it. Sometimes the animals are sprinting. Sometimes they’re sleeping. Sometimes the giraffe blocks your entire vehicle for 20 minutes. It’s relaxing but still exciting. And honestly, Animal Kingdom as a park just hits different, it feels immersive in a way that isn’t IP-driven, which we respect heavily.
Dinosaur (RIP )
We have to pour one out for Dinosaur. Was it jerky? Yes. Did it feel like your spine was being tested? Also yes. Did we love it anyway? Absolutely. There was something chaotic and nostalgic about it. Not every ride needs to be smooth and cinematic. Sometimes you just want to be violently time-traveling to save a dinosaur. Gone but not forgotten.
Favorite Snacks
Disney snacks deserve their own category because sometimes the snack is the destination.
France Pavilion Macarons & Baguette (EPCOT)
The bakery in the France Pavilion at EPCOT? Elite. Fresh macarons. Warm baguette. A little European main character moment. Grabbing a pastry in the France Pavilion at EPCOT just feels right. Bonus points if you sit by the water and pretend you’re not in central Florida humidity.
Chocolate-Covered Frozen Bananas
Underrated. Iconic. Especially on a colder day when ice cream feels aggressive. There’s something nostalgic about holding a frozen banana on a stick while walking through the park. It feels old-school Disney in the best way.
LeFou’s Brew (Magic Kingdom)
If you know, you know.
LeFou’s Brew at Gaston’s Tavern in Magic Kingdom is sweet, frozen, and packs a punch. It’s not for everyone, but if you like apple flavors with a marshmallow foam moment, it’s elite.
Mickey Waffles
We don’t even need to explain. Mickey waffles taste better than regular waffles. It’s science. Especially when you’re staying on property and grabbing breakfast before rope drop. Add syrup, add powdered sugar, add childhood nostalgia. Perfect. One of the best spots in the park to grab this treat is at Sleepy Hollow in Magic Kingdom. The berry, banana, and Nutella secret menu item will change your life.
Favorite Places to Stay
Staying on property just makes the whole trip easier. The transportation, early park access, the Disney bubble, it’s worth it.
All-Star Resorts
Budget but convenient. Disney’s All-Star Resorts are perfect if you’re mostly using your hotel to shower and sleep. The buses are consistent, the vibes are colorful, and it keeps you in the magic without draining your wallet. If you’re going with friends? This is the move.
Wilderness Lodge
A splurge. But wow. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge feels like you’ve stepped into a national park lodge in the Pacific Northwest. The lobby alone is breathtaking. It’s quieter than some of the other deluxe resorts, and the boat transportation to Magic Kingdom is elite energy. If you want cozy + luxury + immersive theming, this is it. My favorite memory as a little girl is going into my room here and seeing the coolest wooden carvings into the tucked-away bunk beds.
Coronado Springs
The sleeper pick. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort has some of the best rooms and pools on property for the price. It feels more grown-up and less cartoon-heavy, which is nice if you want a balance between fun and relaxation.
Our Disney World Hot Takes
Okay. Deep breath. Here we go.
1. We Need More Non-IP Rides
We love a good movie tie-in. But we need more original storytelling. The last major non-IP coaster was Expedition Everest… which opened in 2006. That’s 20 years ago. We want Disney Imagineers to create something completely new again, something that doesn’t already have a franchise attached.
2. Disney World > Disneyland
Respectfully. Yes, Disneyland Park is iconic. Yes, it was first. But Disney World has four parks. It’s a full vacation destination. The scale, the resort bubble, the variety, it just feels bigger and more immersive overall.
3. The Castle Looks Better Gray
Controversial? Maybe. But the more neutral tones on Cinderella Castle just look cleaner. Softer. More elegant. Painting it this year might be one of the best decisions the company has made in a very long time.
4. We Miss the Old Fast Pass System
The planning used to feel strategic but manageable. Now? It feels like you need a spreadsheet and three alarms set for 7:00 a.m. The old FastPass system was simple, intuitive, and way less stressful. Bring back the simplicity. PLEASE
5. The Figment Hype Is Scary
We love nostalgia. We respect EPCOT weirdness. But the way people fight over Figment merch? Slightly terrifying. We admire the dedication, we’re just watching from a safe distance.
Why We’ll Always Go Back
At the end of the day, Disney World isn’t just about rides or snacks or hotels. It’s about that feeling when the fireworks start and everyone collectively looks up. It’s about inside jokes in line. It’s about being completely overstimulated and still not wanting the day to end. It’s exhausting. It’s expensive. It’s chaotic. And we love it. Whether we’re riding Big Thunder at night, grabbing a baguette in EPCOT, or arguing about FastPass over Mickey waffles — Disney World will always feel like our happy place. And honestly? We’re already planning the next trip.
