I absolutely love summer as a teacher! Yes, we have to do professional development so that we are prepared for our year of teaching, but we get all this time to relax and recuperate from the year. Sometimes I think, what else would I do if I got laid off from my job or there were no need for teachers. I know that is a crazy thought, but you have to wonder sometimes. I know what I would do! I love to plan trips and I love Disney, so why not combine those two loves and plan Disney trips for people? I love to make magic for people while we are at Disney (just ask my friends about our trip from 2012). Here are my top 10 things to do in each park. Remember them if you are planning a trip to Disney or you will be joining me next year for my birthday!
Animal Kingdom
I like to do Animal Kingdom at the beginning of my trip. It has the "least" amount of things to do but I love this park! If you are going in the summer, you will need to make sure that you drink plenty of water and wear lots of sunscreen. I think it is the hottest park of all 4! The foliage makes it really humid. Here are the things that I love to do:
1. Take a picture with the Tree of Life and look at the tree! There are animal carvings on this wonderful tree!
2. Finding Nemo the Musical - The creative geniuses that work at Disney have turned the beloved movie into a stage musical. You will not be disappointed when you see this amazing stage production! Get there early to ensure you have a great seat. Remember: Just keep swimming!
3. The Festival of the Lion King - If you love the movie you will love the show! Every time a new character comes out my jaw drops. The talent is out of this world. Sing along and enjoy the show!
4. Kilimanjaro Safaris - If you are in the mood to see animals don't forget to get in line for Kilimanjaro Safaris. The animals are roaming around while you are in a jeep with a driver. The giraffes come right up to the cars if you are lucky.
5. Expedition Everest - I am not a roller coaster person but at Disney I like all the attractions. Go on the hunt to find the Yeti!
6. Dino-Land - There are lots to see and do in Dinoland! Don't forget to ride Dinosaur.
7. Camp Minnie Mickey - I love going to this part because you can meet some beloved characters and watch Festival of the Lion King.
8. Character Meet and Greets - You can meet some characters that you won't find at other parks! This was one of our favorites from 2012.
9. It's Tough to Be a Bug - Turn into a bug and see what life is like for them. Be sure to take a picture as an honorary bug!
10. Yak and Yeti - Chinese food, enough said. Best restaurant at Animal Kingdom!
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios takes you into the movies! See some shows and become part of the show. There are many things to see and do at this park.
1. Fantasmic - This is a must-see show! What happens when Mickey has a nightmare? An epic show of good vs. evil! Get there VERY early for the best seat. They have bathrooms and snacks inside. If you haven't had dinner you can eat while you wait for the show. If there are 2 showings for the evening go to the later one and you won't have to get there 90 minutes early.
2. Tower of Terror - You drop 13 stories. You will have a different ride experience every time!
3. Toy Story Mania - Interactive 3D attraction. Worth the wait. If you can score a fastpass that is the way to do it. If you must wait in line don't worry! There is lots to see while you wait and many photo opportunities. Don't miss the interactive Mr. Potato Head.
4. Streetmosphere - Characters just show up where you are walking. Stop and take in a quick skit. You won't be disappointed!
5. Great Movie Ride - Journey into the movies!
6. Muppet Vision 3D - If you are a fan of the Muppets this a great 3D show.
7. Lights, Motors, Action - My dad's favorite attraction. Learn how all those car chase scenes are shot!
8. Voyage of the Little Mermaid - This is my favorite Disney movie put into a 17 minute show.
9. American Idol - You get to help pick the winner. Catch the last show of the day to see who the winner is for the entire day!
10. Indiana Jones - See the beloved character come to life.
Epcot
Epcot is divided into 2 sections: Future World and World Showcase. Learn about the world of tomorrow in future world and then travel to different countries in World Showcase. This is the adult park of Disney World. Try different drinks from countries and learn something new!
1. Character Meet and Greets - If you love meeting characters and taking pictures then you must meet the characters here. You can see the princesses in their "home countries" around world showcase.
2. Spaceship Earth - Takes you on a communication journey. Learn how communication started and where it is going in the future.
3. Soarin - Get on a hang-glider and see all of California. The Orange Tree farms is one of my favorite scenes! This attraction usually has a LONG wait. Try to go there right away! Get a fastpass then get into line. You can ride it twice then and not have to wait long!
4. Test Track - Fast Pass this attraction!
5. American Adventure - Of course Disney gives America the best show! The music from this show actually helped me pass my American History classes in college! Also, catch Voices of Liberty before the show. They are an amazing singing group. They sing American folk music and patriotic songs. Don't miss their performance!
6. Journey into Imagination - Not what it used to be when Dream Finder was involved but at least they now have figment. I have 2 figments in my classroom... my students have no idea who he is! Such a sad day :(
7. Fountain of Nations - This fountain has water from all the major rivers around the world. There is a show every so often. Don't miss it!
8. Maelstrom - You can find this attraction in Norway!
9. Illuminations - See how the earth was formed and all the changes it has gone through. From a world of fire, then the rains come, then plants, animals next and then humans. This is a beautiful show to honor what Epcot is for.
10. MouseGears - My favorite store in Disney World. You can find so much!
Magic Kingdom
I have saved the best park for last. Magic Kingdom is what makes Disney World magical. Here you can become a kid again. You can meet your favorite childhood hero, the princesses, and see your imagination come to life. Leave your worries at home and have a Zip-a-dee-doo-da day!
1. Meet your favorite princess!
2. Cinderella Castle - What dreams are made of!
3. New Fantasyland - There are new characters to meet, rides to ride, and food to try!
4. Splash Mountain - One of the best attractions in Disney!
5. Pecos Bill Cafe - I love this place because it has a toppings bar! Yes, it is just park food but it is delicious park food! They have some different options you can choose to eat including a Taco Salad.
6. Pirates of the Caribbean - It is a cheesy ride but I love it. My dad made it extra special as a kid and it has stuck with me.
7. Lady Tremaine and the Step-sisters - One of the best meet and greets of my trip. They are interactive and funny! My friends and I had Mickey Ears on and Lady Tremaine said "There is an infestation here in the park." One of my favorite memories from 2012
8. Wishes - I cry every time I see this firework show. It is the embodiment of what Disney stands for! "A dream is a wish your heart makes" and "When you wish upon a star".
9. Dole Whips!!! Pineapple soft serve made with real pineapple juice.
10. Transit Authority - A great afternoon break! It is in the shade and dark. Perfect on a hot day!
If you made it to the end let me know what your favorite things to do at each park are!
