Curator’s statement
Ever since I was a kid, I have loved Disney! Unfortunately, my family did not have the means to take regular trips to the parks. It wasn't until I was an adult that I started going regularly. For those who are not familiar with the parks, figuring out what to do can be very overwhelming. It helps to have a plan for your days spent at Walt Disney World to get the most out of your trip.
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Things to do in Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom:
Must-ride attractions:
1. Big Thunder Mountain
2. Haunted Mansion
3. Character Meet and Greets
4. Watch the Parade down Main Street USA
5. Visit the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique - this extra does have extra charges associated with it.
If you visit Walt Disney World around the holidays, I highly recommend going to the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party! There is an extra charge for tickets to this event, however, it is well worth it. If you do not have park tickets for that day, you can enter the park before closing and get to watch the firework show in front of the castle. Once the after-hours event begins, there are a limited number of guests in the park. The lines for the rides are short, so you can experience so much more. There is also another firework show just for the guests of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!
EPCOT:
The best time of year to visit EPCOT is during the Food and Wine Festival, which runs from the end of August to the end of November. Enjoy exquisite culinary dishes from around the world.
Top attractions
1. EPCOT Seas Adventures- DiveQuest - This extra attraction does have an extra charge to participate it. You also have to provide proof of scuba diving certifications.
2. Soarin'
3. Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
4. Character Meet and Greets
5. EPCOT Seas Adventures - Dolphins in Depth - This extra attraction allows you to get up close and personal with the dolphins. This is available for an extra charge and is limited to only eight guests per day, therefore you better reserve your spot early if you want to take advantage of it!
Animal Kingdom:
Top Attractions
1. Kilimanjaro Safaris
2. Expedition Everest
3. Wild Africa Trek - This 3-hour extra attraction is a privately-guided tour allowing you to experience up-close encounters with African wildlife. It comes at an extra cost and it only available for guests eight years and older.
4. Caring for Giants - Get a closet look at the elephants. This extra attraction is great for the whole family and does come at an extra cost.
Hollywood Studios:
Top Attractions
1. Star Wars Rise of the Resistance
2. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
3. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
4. Character Meet and Greets
If you have days on your trip where you do not have tickets to the parks, it is always nice to spend a relaxing day by the pool, head to one of the waterparks or spend the day shopping at Disney Springs.
Places to eat & drink in Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom:
1. Cinderella's Royal Table - This dining experience includes meet and greets with the Disney Princesses!
2. The Crystal Palace - Character dining
3. Be Our Guest Restaurant
EPCOT:
1. Le Cellier Steakhouse
2. Biergarten Restaurant
3. La Creperie de Paris
4. Coral Reef Restaurant
Animal Kingdom:
1. Rainforest Cafe
Hollywood Studios:
1. Hollywood and Vine
2. Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano
Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
1. Cape May Cafe
Pro Tip: For many of these restaurants, it is important to make reservations.

Travel Advisor
Megan Ryle

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Florida. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Becky Tenaglia’s guide, Walt Disney World on a Budget.