Curator’s statement
Think Disney is just for children? Think again! I’ve been to Disney World several times with my husband and each time we had an amazing adventure. Read on for the best activities and food (our favorite part) to indulge in as adults!
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Things to do in Disney
Animal Kingdom
Have you seen the movie Avatar? You can visit Pandora at Disney World and it truly is one of our favorite places to be. Take in the floating mountains while you stand in line for Avatar Flight of Passage. This is by far the our favorite ride, as you get to ride an ikran through the beautiful landscapes of Pandora. The other ride worth your time in Pandora is the Na’vi River Journey. After that, head to Africa for a Kilimanjaro Safari and ride on the train to Conservation Station. I know the petting zoo located here is mostly for kids but that doesn’t stop my husband from petting the pigs. I also really enjoyed the animation experience where an artist walks you through drawing a classic animated Disney character. The shows to see here are Festival of the The Lion King, Finding Nemo and Feathered Friends in Flight.
Hollywood Studios
Star Wars Nerds unite! There is no better place to be in Hollywood Studios than Galaxy’s Edge. Rise of the Resistance in the most popular ride but can have some hefty wait times. When we don’t feel like waiting we just go on Smuggler’s Run a couple times in a row and have just as much fun. When we are ready to head back to earth we cross the park to ride the Tower of Terror. The best shows at this park are Beauty and the Beast and the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. For a guilty pleasure go to the Frozen Sing-a-long and Muppet Vision 3D, and don’t forget to stay for their fabulous evening fireworks show - Fantasmic!
EPCOT
This is by far one of our favorite parks. The best rides for adults are Soarin’ Around the World, where you get great views of some of the world’s best destinations, Remy’s Ratatouille and Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Honorable mentions are Test Track & Frozen Ever After. We also really like Living with the Land and the Reflections of China 360 degree feature film. We honestly spend more of our time in EPCOT eating at all the amazing around the world restaurants or watching the manatees at the aquarium. If we happen to be there for one of the Disney on Broadway shows - we always make time to go to that as well! And you absolutely have to stay for the night show. Luminous combines music, water, projection and fireworks and is by far the best show at Disney World.
Disney Springs
If you still need something to do, head over to Disney Springs for some amazing shopping opportunities. Disney Springs is free so you can go there as often as you like. Get tickets to “Drawn to Life” the amazing Cirque du Soleil show hosted by Disney. Catch a ride on the Aerophile hot air balloon or just walk around and listen to the amazing live music from various restaurants and cafés.
Magic Kingdom
We honestly don’t spend a lot of time here as we just like the other parks better. But if you insist on visiting then head over to TRON Lightcycle, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion and Jungle Cruise just for fun.
Places to eat & drink in Disney
Animal Kingdom
We spend most of our time in Animal Kingdom standing in line for some amazing rides, shows, and attractions but it does have some of our favorite food as well. The best by far is found at Satu'li Canteen in Pandora. Our go-to dishes are the Cheeseburger Steamed Pods (Bao Buns) accompanied by a Pandoran Sunrise as well as anything at Pongu Pongu for snacks and drinks. For dinner we always head to Flame Tree Barbeque for some delicious pulled pork and cornbread.
Hollywood Studios
The only place I’m going to gush about in Hollywood Studios is Oga’s Cantina. This is an amazing bar that has the most inventive and unique drinks we’ve ever experienced. Be sure to make reservations as soon as possible as this place fills up quickly. There are non-alcoholic drinks and funky snacks too such as the Bantha cookies served with blue milk! Our favorites are the Hyperdrive, Jabba Juice, Yub Nub and Fuzzy Tauntaun.
EPCOT
If you are at EPCOT, chances are there is a festival happening. Celebrations like Festival of the Arts in the winter and the Food & Wine festival in the fall provide additional opportunities to sample some delicious culinary delights from around the world. We will eat literally anything from these amazing food carts and have been known to spend multiple days at EPCOT just so we can try all our favorites. Other restaurants we prefer to visit are Chefs de France, Nine Dragons, Rose & Crown, La Hacienda, and the Coral Reef Restaurant where you can watch divers swimming with the marine life while you dine.
Disney Springs
Our favorite places to eat in Disney Springs are D-Luxe Burgers for a classic burger and shake, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill for a great date night, and Raglan Road for anything (we went for dinner and brunch!) And don’t forget about the sweets! Gideon’s Bakehouse has the best cookies that are well worth the 2+ hour wait and you won’t find more unique donut flavors than the ones at Everglazed Donuts. Other awesome options include The Edison, City Works Eatery and the Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop.
Magic Kingdom
If you find yourself in Magic Kingdom be sure to get some of the classic dole whip and make a reservation for the Be Our Guest Restaurant experience.
Travel Advisor
Stephanie Clussman
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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, A First-Time Guide to Cancun.