Sorry if the title was misleading, this is not a risque version of Disney attractions. You can stop reading now if that’s what you were looking for. This is the first post of my 8 week Disney Attractions series! Each series I’ll discuss one of my most asked about topics regarding Disney World. The first 8 weeks I’m going to go over the top adult and kid attractions at each park in Disney World. If you’d like to know more about a topic or have different questions to ask, please don’t be shy!
I feel that I’m able to give my two cents regarding Disney World because I went there as a child, worked there in college and have been back nearly every year since. Some people may call it a problem but I call it a obsession passion. I am extremely passionate about very few things and Disney is one of my top 3. Everything about Disney makes me get butterflies in my stomach. Writing this series will never seem complete to me because Disney is always changing and there’s always so much to discover, but I will do my best!
**Biggest tip I have for getting to see the attractions you are most interested in: get the Disney Mobile App to check on wait times for rides as well as make reservations for ANYTHING!**
I will break this down by park and REALLY try not to get too wordy! The first park we’ll visit is Magic Kingdom because that’s where I worked and feel most sentimental about. 😉 I worked in Fantasyland as a ride operator (best job in my opinion) for Snow White’s Scary Adventure (no longer there), The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups. *Proof that I wore that ridiculous costume (they call them costumes instead of uniforms because we’re ‘on stage’ when we’re in front of guests.)
On to the rides! I’m going to go through them as if I was going through the park, rather than in order of my favorites, because there are different categories of ‘favorites.’ Whenever we go to the park we stroll straight up Main Street, get a few pictures with my home the castle and turn left to knock out Adventureland and Frontierland. Those are my least favorite lands because there are only a couple of attractions and good food places (in my opinion.) First, we get a Fastpass for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and get in line for Splash Mountain so we can air dry through the day. We only visit the parks in September and October when it’s still warm and the longest wait time is 20 minutes. I understand they have an MagicBand system now that you can get your Fastpass times before you arrive at the park but I haven’t been there since they started using it (earlier this year.) After Thunder Mountain we head for Pirates of the Caribbean where we usually end up getting a little wet.
The next must-do attraction is the only attraction we like in Liberty Square- Haunted Mansion. Going through the ‘fun que’ will actually put you behind by a couple people but we always go through it anyway! By this time we’ve already technically seen almost half of the park! Every few years we go back to see some of the attractions we skipped like Tom Sawyer Island, Jungle Cruise and Swiss Family Treehouse but we never stop to see them until we’ve been through the entire park and enjoyed our favorite attractions. By the way, I still get scared during the Haunted Mansion and have to close my eyes at certain parts. Some day I’ll grow up.
Since the Haunted Mansion is right next to Fantasyland, we head on over to Peter Pan’s Flight to get a Fastpass and go ride It’s a Small World while we wait. I know. NO ONE likes Small World but it has air conditioning, has small lines, is full of glitter and lets you rest your feet!! All great things in my book. Once we wave adios at Small World we hit up Peter Pan (ALWAYS get a Fastpass for this ride or you WILL be let down. The line is deceptive because it swirls all over the place.) After Pan we go watch Mickey’s PhilharMagic which is one of my FAVORITE attractions in all of Magic Kingdom. I just really love singing, seeing all my favorite characters and smelling that apple pie!
After the fun at Philhar we go see THE Castle. *sigh* It’s just so wonderful! There’s really not a ton to do other than look at the mosaic, take pictures and make a wish at the wishing well but it’s really my favorite part of the entire park. Actually, I’m going to go ahead and say of the entire World. These are pictures from the past few times we visited. First picture was our first time together, second picture was our engagement, third picture was a surprise trip and fourth was our anniversary.
Once I’m done daydreaming that the Castle is my home, we ride Prince Charming Regal Carousel because there’s never a line, I like running around until I find the perfect horse and I love the music. We always take a ride in Pooh’s honey pot and the Tea Cups because I worked there, but they’re not rides I usually suggest to people until they’ve been on their favorite rides. Don’t get me wrong, they’re AWESOME rides, I just know it’s hard to fit everything in during busy season.
New Fantasyland is REALLY cool and has some awesome attractions but most of them are for younger kids. The Seven Dwarfs Mine ride will be open sometime in the next few months though, so I’d add that to the list once it’s open. Tomorrowland is our final land before taking it easy and leisurely seeing the remaining attractions we skipped over. First off we get a Fastpass for Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin and head over to Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. After major laughs with Mike, we go ride Space Mountain. My favorite seat is in the front row. Never be afraid to ask for a certain seat. The grouper will put you to the side until the next car but it’s totally worth it once you get to sit where you want. On some rides it makes all the difference!
We’ve now experienced the BEST of the BEST in the way of attractions for adults at the most Magic(al) Kingdom. Once we go through this order of attractions we go back and visit whichever ones we missed…or just people watch…or eat a lot of food. 😉 Did I miss any? Any that you detest or can’t get enough of, even as an adult?! Can you believe I was going to put all 4 parks together for this post?! WHEW. That would have been outrageous. Man I’m feeling homesick.
Great post, thanks for sharing!- Stretchingittotravel
Thanks Jennifer! Glad you liked it! <3
I needed this in November!!! Guess I’ll have to go back! Family trip?
Also, the Magic Band system was SO great! Plus, your children will most likely con you (Thank you money makers of Disney) into buying things to bedazzle your band…I was tempted, too.
They TOTALLY knew what they were doing when they thought up this idea. I’ve heard you spend WAY more b/c everything is so quick and easy to buy this way! GULP!
How/why did I not know you went in November?!?!?! 🙁 Family trip would be amazing!
How amazing it must have been to work at Disney World. I cannot wait for our next visit, we had such a blast.
The laugh floor was cute 🙂
XOXO
It really was amazing! The Laugh Floor is really fun late at night when there are only adults in there! 😉
{Kathy} Being a native of Florida, I couldn’t agree with you more! Everything you describe here is dead on! Thanks for doing Disney justice.
Oh man! I get really jealous of FL people thinking about how many wonderful trips they’ve taken! It’s too humid for my curly hair though. 😉 I’ll have to get a winter shack. I’m glad I have your back on my tips. <3
I will be checking out your series! We are planning a family trip to Disney World — taking all of our adult children/children-in-law, and grandchildren — later this year. You bet I’m looking for tips and suggestions!
Oh my goodness Nan! That is going to be quite the trip!! I think the most people I’ve gone with is 10 and it was INSANE even though they were adults! I can’t imagine mixing kids in there. I’m pretty sure the matching colored shirts will be required with a group that big. 😉 If you ever have any specific questions, send me an email!! I love helping if I can. <3
Great post! I’m from Central Florida and went to Disney all the time as a kid and young adult. Pirates of the Caribbean and Thunder Mountain are my top most favorite rides! Haven’t been in years now but need to schedule a trip soon. My California hubs thinks Disney “Land” is all the rage — need to show him what he’s missing!
OMG Audrey! You grew up going to Disney and have never taken your husband to THE WORLD?! It’s best that he doesn’t know what he’s missing…otherwise you’d have to go more often. 😉 Man I want to go ride Thunder and Pirates now! <3
Love Disney! But you do have to be strategic. Thanks for sharing!
Tonya
You totally do! Unless you live nearby and can go anytime for leisure (their season tickets are and amazing price!) <3
Hey! Perfect timing. We are going in September to Disneyland and are so excited!! My hubby has never, ever been, and it will be the first for my five year olds!! Wonderful stuff! Thank you!
Wonderful Elizabeth! I’m soooo excited for you! Especially b/c you’ve been and will get to watch the wonder on all of their faces! That will be the BEST! I’ve never been to Disneyland but will be going to Disneyland Paris this summer! I’d like to go to the original someday just because Walt walked those streets! <3 Have so much fun!
I will so be following you, because I plan on taking my princess to Disney this September for her 5th birthday! I need an expert like you in my corner to make this the best birthday ever! I’m looking forward to Magic Kingdom because when I took my boys, well, let’s just say they were not impressed with princesses, castles, or fairies!
Awe Keysha! That makes my heart so happy!! September is a PERFECT time to go! I’m glad you get to see the awe in her eyes since your boys were not as impressed. 😉 Send me an email if you ever have any specific questions! I’d love to help! <3
What a fun college job that must have been! Isn’t there a school or something you go to for working there? I love how you still have a passion for it after all these years. -Topaz
It was such an awesome college job! You can earn credits and go to college classes there but the credits didn’t transfer to Purdue so I worked full time. My roommate knocked out a full semester of classes for her school in Mexico! <3
I love going to Disneyworld! We were there last summer…you definitely chose some great attractions! This is a great series. 🙂
Thanks Meeghan! Was it your first time going?? What was your favorite part about the whole experience?
Happy SITS Day Shelly!!! I’m about to download the Moblie Disney App, thanks for the tip. We will be taking our 2 and 6 year old to Disney World soon. I’m looking forward to our trip and seeing our kids experience Disney World for the dirst time.
OMG! Sonya! I’m so excited for you and your family!!!! That app is a life saver! Esp if your plans change throughout the day…you can easily make a new reservation somewhere! Send me an email if you have any planning questions! I love helping! <3
I love ALL of Disney world! Happy SITS day!
A FELLOW DISNEY FAN! YAY! Thank you!
Despite traveling a lot, we have never been to Disney World, DisneyLand or EuroDisney! We need to get there soon, but I have a feeling it will be different going for the first time as an adult rather than returning as an adult after having visited as a child.
Happy SITS Day!
I love that you travel a lot Jessica! I say it will be just as amazing going for the first time as an adult. You will be in awe just like if you were a kid. I REALLY hope you get to go. Honestly, it’s never too late to go! Let me know if you plan a trip!
Oh Shelly! I couldn’t have found this post at a better time. My family is set to have our very first trip to Disney in less than 3 months! We are all so excited and this post will definitely hale us navigate a bit of adult fun. I need to have this save in my phone somehow…LOL
Question: do you like the pass bands that they give out now and how easy are they to use?
EEEEEE! SO EXCITED FOR YOU! 1. Pin it 😉 2. If you need ANY suggestions for anything else, ask me in email and I’ll totally help you out…although restaurants will prob be booked by now. 3. I’ve not been there when they had the bands but YES..DEFINITELY get them! I’ve read a lot about them and know some families that have used them and they’re amazing…but you gotta watch your spending! I’m positive there are blog posts you can find about them but definitely use them and get your fastpasses set up before you go so you don’t have to walk across the park to get a fastpass for a favorite ride.
I haven’t been to Disney since I was a kid myself! My three year old is now asking if we can go so I see a trip in our future – hopefully we can bribe his aunt for some babysitting so we can go off and do our own thing for a bit and take advantage of your tips!
Stopping by from SITS!
YESSSSS! Jenny you gotta go! Who knows when we’ll take our girl for the first time. I keep telling myself I’ll wait but I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to go that long without seeing my main man Mick! A built in babysitter would ROCK! I hope it works out. <3
Loved this post! I hope my husband and I will be heading to Dislneyland soon.
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you! Let me know if you go!!
I’ve always wanted to go to Disneyland or Disneyworld. I live in South Carolina so Disneyworld is closer. I also love Disney. My favorite Disney movie is Beauty and the Beast. You’re so lucky you have gotten to go so many times!
If I lived that close to Disney, I’d never be home! I’m a fan of Beauty and the Beast too…my wedding dress looked like her’s. 😉 I am VERY lucky I’ve gotten to go so many times. I’m always wanting to go more but have to stop and think about all the great memories from going in the past. 🙂 I hope you get to go soon!!! <3
How fun is this! I’ll admit, I’ve never been to Disney World, but my husband and I are moving to Florida this summer, so maybe it’s time! Thanks for sharing on Hump Day Happenings : )
Have you been to FL before and NOT gone to the Happiest Place on Earth?! I really think you should check it out…if you do, you should probably start planning now! 😉 I REALLY hope you get to go but I kinda hope you make a full trip out of it b/c there’s SO MUCH to experience! <3
I just went to DisneyWorld for the first time ever in January and loved it!! We went to the Monster’s Inc Laugh Floor twice because we laughed so hard at it, and I really loved Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean…and hey, just about everything! 🙂
YAY! Rachel! I’m so excited you got to visit Disney World! Those are REALLY great attractions! My husband was ‘that guy’ at Monster’s so that was really fun! I’ve also ridden Space with the lights on (b/c I worked there) and it’s scarier than with them off!! :O MAN I want to go again! <3
Your pictures are GORGEOUS and your post got me even more excited – 32 days to go until we’re at WDW! We also love Disney Cruise line and try to alternate trips. I’m pretty stoked (really that’s an understatement) about Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – cannot WAIT to ride it. Disney fans unite!!!
Thank you Lisa! I love that you alternate the cruise and parks! I’ve yet to go on a cruise b/c I just really can’t get enough of Disney World (not even been to Land!) We are going to Disneyland Paris this summer though so I’ll at least get that under my belt. 😉 I was sad when they were taking out Snow White’s Scary Adventures b/c that’s one of the rides I worked but the Seven Dwarfs ride looks really good! I’m excited for your trip!! eeeee! You’ll have to let me know if you saw anything else new besides Seven Dwarfs! <3
I think Disney World is still magical, even as an adult! It’s definitely not just for kids. I wish I went more, it’s a shame I only live 2 hours from Orlando but have only gone to Disney a handful of times. Thanks for sharing this with Hump Day Happenings.
You’re just trying to make me jealous here Jenna! 😉 I told my husband that I honestly think I could never get tired of it, even if I lived there. Working there only made me love it more which is a true test! I hope you get to go again soon! It is just so magical! They’ve done a lot since you’ve gone last, I’m sure…new rides and parades! <3
I’ve a regular since 1973 and generally agree with your picks but I think you missed one of the best, the country bear jamboree. I always leave with rhythm in my step.
You’re right Charlie. Country Bear Jamboree is not to be missed. It’s such a happy show. I remember loving it as a kid and went to it again the last time we went. I was pleasantly surprised!