As part of our Disney Diaries series, Business Insider has been gathering must-do itineraries for Disney World and Disneyland from people who love the theme parks.
Kayleigh Price has worked at Disney World and still visits the parks often
Casey’s Corner is the best quick-service restaurant at Magic Kingdom
Even before working there, Price said she loved ordering from Casey’s Corner and eating the all-American comfort food in front of Cinderella Castle
The menu mostly consists of hot dogs and fries, but it’s known for its corn-dog nuggets.
Walt Disney Presents is a must for longtime Disney fans
Walt Disney Presents is a museum-like exhibit in Hollywood Studios with exhibits about Walt Disney.
There’s also a theater at the end of the attraction that is typically playing the “One Man’s Dream” documentary about Disney’s life and work. At certain points throughout the year, though, the theater instead shows special trailers or seasonal videos.
The wait at Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway can be long, but it’s worth it
Another spot Price worked at and loves is Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. It’s a must for her every time she visits Hollywood Studios.
She loves all the little details during the preshow and ride, as well as the catchy song played throughout.
Read Kayleigh Price’s full Disney Diary: I worked at Disney World for 2 years. Here are 16 things I always do when I visit the parks.
Travel planner Kari Becker has been to Disney World over 40 times — with and without kids
Grand Floridian Café is a great breakfast spot before a day at Magic Kingdom
If you’re looking for a fun breakfast before heading to Magic Kingdom, travel planner Becker finds the Grand Floridian Café delightful.
Every meal in the beautifully decorated dining room comes with warm biscuits and butter, and Becker recommends ordering the eggs Benedict and hash-brown casserole.
Pro tip: Ask for a table by the window so you can take in the grounds of the resort.
The ‘Finding Nemo’ show is stacked with talented performers
Before it closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, “Finding Nemo – The Musical” was a must-see for Becker on every trip to Animal Kingdom.
Now, the park offers a reimaging of the show called “Finding Nemo: Big Blue … And Beyond.”
The travel planner especially recommends the show for parents with kids — her own boys are drawn in by the beautiful storytelling.
Becker has to ride the monorail at least once every Disney trip
No matter where you’re staying, on or off property, Becker said it’s always worth taking a spin on the monorail.
The nostalgic Disney transportation is fun for adults and kids alike. It’s also convenient if you’re looking to visit one of the Magic Kingdom resorts for shopping or dining.
Read Kari Becker’s full Disney Diary: I’m a travel planner who’s been to Disney World over 40 times. Here are 13 things I always do at the parks.
Carly Caramanna has been going to the parks for over 30 years
Wine Bar George at Disney Springs is her favorite restaurant across the property
After visiting the Disney parks for over 30 years, Caramanna’s first pick for dinner reservations is Wine Bar George in Disney Springs.
It’s owned and led by a master sommelier and has menu items like savory chimichurri skirt steak and creamy burrata along with over 140 wines.
Living With the Land doesn’t always get the hype it deserves
Soarin’ Around the World gets a lot of hype at Epcot, but Living With the Land right next door is one of Caramanna’s favorite rides.
The slow-moving attraction explores the history of farming, rides past actual Disney greenhouses, and rarely has a long wait.
It’s extra fun to visit Epcot during a festival
Epcot has been hosting festivals since the 1990s, and there are currently four throughout the year: International Food and Wine Festival, International Festival of the Holidays, International Festival of the Arts, and International Flower and Garden Festival.
Guests can sample new dishes and beverages inspired by international cuisines and enjoy unique entertainment offerings all around the World Showcase.
Read Carly Caramanna’s full Disney Diary: I go to Disney World every month. Here are 16 things I always do, see, and eat at the parks.
After working at 26 locations across Disney World, Saira Umar has found her favorite things to do
Disney Springs has lots to explore, and it’s free to enter
Umar could easily spend a day exploring Disney Springs — the property’s free dining, shopping, and entertainment district.
The former Disney World employee recommends grabbing treats from the Ganachery, Gideon’s Bakehouse, or Amorette’s Patisserie while you’re there.
It’s almost always worth it to take a midday break from the parks
Umar has found that getting to the parks early is key for cruising through the lines of some of the most popular attractions.
It also gives you time to take a much-needed break in the afternoon by seeing an indoor, air-conditioned show like “Mickey’s PhilharMagic” in Magic Kingdom, the Short Film Festival in Epcot, “Finding Nemo” in Animal Kingdom, or “Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy” in Hollywood Studios.
Epcot is known for drinking ‘around the world,’ but Animal Kingdom has some great drinks, too
Umar is a fan of the alcoholic and kid-friendly drinks at Animal Kingdom.
She recommends the Frozen Flamingo (strawberry-and-passion-fruit slush) at Harambe Market, Pink Lotus (strawberry-lychee lemonade) at Thirsty River Bar, Night Lotus (apple, pear, and lime slush with passion-fruit boba) at Pongu Pongu, and frozen Coke from various locations.
Read Saira Umar’s full Disney Diary: I worked at 26 locations in Disney World. Here are 17 things I do, see, and eat every time I visit.
Noelani Soto grew up in Miami and developed the perfect schedule for a 1-day trip
Dole Whip is always a must
Dole Whip is a classic Disney snack that’s perfect for a warm afternoon at the parks. Soto, who grew up taking short trips to Disney World from Miami, recommends the vanilla-and-pineapple swirl.
Pro tip: Place a mobile order and pick it up in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom to skip the line.
Even if you’re not staying there, it’s fun to explore the Grand Floridian Resort
Resort-hopping is a fun way to spend an afternoon, especially when you get to check out some of the fancier spots, like the Grand Floridian.
The Disney resorts also sometimes offer free activities, food, or beverages around the grounds.
Soto has been able to enjoy Champagne and s’mores on different visits to the Grand Floridian.
After a day at the parks, you can grab a late-night cupcake at Disney Springs
An ATM at Sprinkles in Disney Springs offers cupcakes and cookies 24/7.
It’s great for late-night cravings after a day at the parks.
Read Noelani Soto’s full Disney Diary: I’ve perfected visiting Disney World for just 24 hours. Here are 12 things I try to do every time I visit.
Annual passholder Megan duBois has been visiting Disney World for over 25 years
Selfies are a great way to save memories from each trip
Annual passholder DuBois has started taking selfies with her group right when she gets to Disney World in front of the park icons, like Cinderella Castle, the Tree of Life, the Chinese Theater, and the Spaceship Earth ball.
If you visit the parks often, it’s a great way to create a memory for each trip.
Always head to Tower of Terror when there’s a 13-minute wait
Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios has a little-known trick. Whenever the ride has a 13-minute wait on the My Disney Experience app or the boards around the park, it usually means there’s actually no line at all.
This same 13-minute rule also applies at Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom.
End a day at Animal Kingdom with a ride on Flight of Passage
The line for Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom is usually over an hour long, so DuBois recommends going right before the park closes.
The wait time might still be listed at 60 minutes, but the actual wait is typically 30 minutes or less.
Read Megan duBois’ full Disney Diary: I’ve had a Disney World annual pass for nearly 25 years. Here are 13 things I do every time I visit.
Tarah Chieffi has 30 years of experience exploring the Disney parks
Instead of waiting in line for meet and greets, book character meals
If you want to avoid character meet-and-greet lines, longtime Disney-goer Chieffi recommends booking a character breakfast instead.
They usually include four or five characters circulating the room, stopping at each table for photos and autographs.
It’s best to make a reservation 60 days before your trip, as these spots are popular.
You can get a better view of the Magic Kingdom parades in Frontierland
All of the parades at Magic Kingdom start in the back corner of Frontierland, and it’s a great spot to watch them with slightly smaller crowds.
Since it’s the start of the route, you also usually get a lot of extra waves from the characters on the parade floats. Plus, you can move on to your next activity while everyone else is still watching the show.
Satu’il Canteen at Animal Kingdom is one of the best restaurants across the property
Chieffi doesn’t typically make a lot of sit-down reservations at Disney World. Instead, her family loves quick-service spots like Satu’li Canteen in Animal Kingdom’s Pandora section.
The food is customizable and suitable for a range of diets.
She recommends the cheeseburger pods (which she says taste just like a McDonald’s cheeseburger) and the green Hawkes’ Grog ale.
Read Tarah Chieffi’s full Disney Diary: I’ve been going to Disney World for over 30 years. Here are 14 things I always do there.
Stephanie Machado lives 15 minutes from Disney World and visits weekly
You can grab a Starbucks coffee at each of the theme parks
Machado goes to Disney World multiple times a week, and as a coffee lover, she highly recommends grabbing a cup at Main Street Bakery (Starbucks) in Magic Kingdom.
Each park has a unique Starbucks location with a themed name.
Get in line for any rides you missed right before the park closes
When you visit the parks often, riding every single ride isn’t usually a priority. But Machado has a trick for landing in the shortest lines for must-do attractions.
She waits until the end of the night, especially if there’s a nighttime show distracting much of the crowd.
There are several fun resorts to explore near Epcot
If you need a break, Machado recommends leaving Epcot through the International Gateway exit and grabbing a snack at the BoardWalk Inn or the Beach Club.
Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club serves humongous sundaes.
Read Stephanie Machado’s full Disney Diary: My husband and I live 15 minutes from Disney World. Here are 7 things we do every time we visit.
As a Disneyland employee, Amber Wainwright has tips for the California parks
Take fun photos with fewer crowds around Pixar Pier
Castle pictures are iconic, but the area in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland is often very crowded.
Luckily, Disneyland employee Wainwright says there are several other beautiful photo spots across the parks that are covered in artwork, like the wall on Pixar Pier.
Galaxy’s Edge is a must for ‘Star Wars’ fans
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is home to the fictional planet of Batuu, and it’s a great place for unique shopping, dining, and character experiences.
Wainwright highlighted eating Ronto Wraps at Ronto’s Roasters, building a lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop, and hunting rebel scum with Kylo Ren.
Catch a unique view of the fireworks from the Incredicoaster
One of the most unique ways to watch the nighttime fireworks is from the Incredicoaster in Disney’s California Adventure.
You get a bird’s-eye view of the show while also riding one of the park’s best coasters.
Read Amber Wainwright’s full Disney Diary: I’m a VIP tour guide at Disneyland. Here are 12 of my favorite things to do in the parks.
Jackie Perrin visits Disney World with her kids and has stayed at every resort
Toy Story Mania is the best ride for families with kids
Perrin and her family make sure to ride Toy Story Mania at Hollywood Studios at least twice every trip. Her family members get competitive about who gets the highest score on the interactive ride.
If you’re at Magic Kingdom, she recommends Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin as a similar ride.
Main Street is full of hidden entertainment gems
There are so many little entertainment opportunities up and down Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom, particularly right after the park opens.
The Dapper Dans barbershop quartet gives a welcoming serenade, and the Citizens of Main Street and Women’s Suffragists interact with guests.
It’s nice to spend some time at the resort pool at the hottest part of the day
People usually visit Disney for the theme parks, but Perrin said the resort pools shouldn’t be missed.
Her kids love playing there, and there’s sometimes even poolside entertainment like dance parties, games, trivia contests, and evening movies.
Some of her favorite Disney pools are at Caribbean Beach Resort, Wilderness Lodge, and the Beach Club Resort.
Read Jackie Perrin’s full Disney Diary: I’ve visited almost every Disney World resort with my kids. Here are 15 things we always do at the parks.
Richard Keller regularly takes his 5 kids to Disneyland on a budget
Bring your own water bottles to the park so you can stay hydrated throughout the day
One of the best tips Keller has for visiting Disneyland after making several trips with his family of seven is to pack your own water bottles.
The heat can leave you dehydrated, and buying drinks at the parks can be pricey, especially for big families.
Pro tip: Fill them up with ice ahead of time so the water stays cool throughout the day.
Churros are one of the best snack options at the parks, and they’re big enough to share
Churros are one of the most classic snacks at Disneyland, and they cost less than $10.
Plus, Keller said his family is usually full after sharing one or two.
He highlighted the cart near Haunted Mansion, which tends to have a shorter line and offers numerous shady places to sit nearby.
You can usually find merchandise on sale in the shops
Shopping for souvenirs with lots of kids can be stressful, but Keller has it down to a science.
They stop at the shops on Main Street on their way out of the park and check the sales racks, which sometimes offer things for up to 50% off.
Read Richard Keller’s full Disney Diary: My family of 7 has gone to Disneyland for years on a tight budget. Here are 14 things we do to save money.
Sofía Olivar worked at Epcot and has recommendations across Disney World
Big Disney fans will get a kick out of the Carousel of Progress
Disney World employee Olivar always rides the Carousel of Progress when she visits Magic Kingdom.
The classic attraction was built for the 1964/1965 World’s Fair, and it has a catchy theme song and detailed sets.
The wait is also always less than 15 minutes, and the indoor show offers 20 minutes of respite from the sun.
The ‘Hub grass’ is a great spot to enjoy lunch
The lawns in front of Cinderella Castle (referred to as the “Hub grass”) are the perfect spots to enjoy breakfast or lunch.
Olivar recommends a coffee from Main Street Bakery (Starbucks) and the loaded tots from Friar’s Nook in Fantasyland — her favorite quick-service location in the park.
The margaritas in the Mexico Pavilion are a must
Olivar said La Cava del Tequila, located inside the pyramid in the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot, has the best margaritas in Disney World.
But if you’re looking for a frozen treat, you can also stop at Choza de Margarita outside.
Read Sofía Olivar’s full Disney Diary: I’ve worked at Disney World for 3 years. Here are 14 things I always do at the parks.
After years of annual family vacations to Disney World, Jill Robbins has her favorites down-pat
Robbins makes sure to get at least one Mickey-shaped ice-cream bar a trip
There are plenty of Disney park snacks to choose from, but for Robbins, nothing beats a classic Mickey-shaped ice-cream bar.
She makes it a priority to grab one on every visit.
Pin-trading is a great (and budget-friendly) activity in the park
Robbins’ kids like bringing their Disney pins to the parks so they can trade with employees — or even sometimes other guests.
Look out for employees with lanyards or corkboards around the parks if you’re looking to swap.
Planning a rest day is a lifesaver on a busy Disney vacation
Marching around the parks in the hot Florida sun all day can be tiring, so Robbins makes sure to plan for one rest day each visit so her family can relax at the hotel pool or get some time out of the sun.
Read Jill Robbins’ full Disney Diary: I’ve taken my 12-year-olds to Disney World every year since they were 5. Here are 12 things we always do.
Tiffany A. Telles has 3 decades of Disneyland experience under her belt
Snapping photos with characters is always a highlight
Telles, who has been visiting Disneyland for over 30 years, said that she always tries to grab a photo with her favorite characters — especially when a special opportunity strikes.
For example, California Adventure transforms its Paradise Gardens area into the “Coco”-themed Plaza de la Familia in the fall. Miguel from the movie is often in the parks for meet and greets.
There are always new cocktails to sample
Each trip, Telles tries to sip on one new-to-her cocktail at Disneyland.
Some of her favorite places to grab a drink are Lamplight Lounge, Tangaroa Terrace, and Craftsman Grill.
When hunger strikes, a baked potato is the perfect snacky meal
Telles doesn’t always want to waste precious park time on sit-down meals, so the baked potatoes at Troubadour Tavern near Fantasyland have become a go-to.
They’re easy to take on the go, have plenty of toppings, and cost less than $10 each.
Read Tiffany A. Telles’ full Disney Diary: I’ve been going to Disneyland for 33 years. Here are 13 things I always do in the parks.
Disney World isn’t just for kids — Terri Peters visits the theme parks on her own at least once a month
Taking full advantage of resort stays is easier when you’re traveling solo
One of Peters’ favorite things to do on a solo trip to Disney World is spend an afternoon relaxing on her hotel patio. She highlighted Yacht Club and Animal Kingdom Lodge as resorts with the most tranquil vibes.
A glass of wine, a snack, and a pretty view are the perfect medicine for park fatigue.
Not having to share cheeseburger egg rolls is a dream come true
Peters, like many Disney fans, loves all the iconic food options around the parks. But Disney World vacations can be pricey when you’re traveling with a group, so she said her family often shares more basic offerings — pretzels and popcorn.
When she’s by herself, cheeseburger eggrolls at Magic Kingdom are always on the top of her snack list. No one else can steal a bite, either.
It’s fun to snag a last-minute dinner reservation
Some of the best food at Disney World is found in restaurants like Le Cellier and California Grill. But those are also often the most difficult reservations to snag.
Luckily for solo travelers, there are often walk-up reservation lists that open up at the last minute and bars/lounges where smaller parties can usually be seated pretty quickly.
Read Terri Peters’ full Disney Diary: I’m in my 40s and go to Disney World by myself at least once a month. Here are 13 things I always do there.
Carly Neil has plenty of Disneyland tips after over 300 trips to the parks
It’s actually possible to ‘work from home’ at the parks
If she can’t swing a full day off work, frequent Disneyland visitor Neil just brings her iPad with her.
Some of her favorite places to get a couple hours of writing in are a quiet corner on Main Street, the Grand Californian Resort lobby, Jolly Holiday, and Hearthstone Lounge.
Picking one souvenir to collect can make shopping at the parks more special
As a California local, Neil has mastered the art of not going overboard in the Disneyland gift shops. But over the years, she’s loved collecting mugs that catch her eye.
Being able to curate her souvenirs makes it even more fun when a new item pops up in stores.
Disneyland has food festivals that are just as good as Epcot’s
Although Epcot is perhaps better known for its annual food festivals, Disneyland has some great offerings throughout the year.
Neil loves exploring the Lunar New Year Celebration, the Food and Wine Festival, and the Festival of the Holidays each year.
Read Carly Neil’s full Disney Diary: I’ve been to Disneyland over 300 times. Here are 12 things I always do in the parks.
After working her dream job at Disneyland, Dana Bisbee moved 6 minutes away from the parks
Getting some peaceful steps in around Grizzly Peak is a great way to start the day
Before the hustle and bustle of a park day starts, former Disneyland employee Bisbee likes to take a breath in a quieter section of California Adventure Park.
Grizzly Peak is usually pretty empty, so it’s a great place to walk around, gather your thoughts, and plan your day.
Disneybounding is a fun way for adults to highlight their favorite characters
Adults can only wear real costumes at the Disney parks at the annual Halloween parties, but Disneybounding (wearing outfits inspired by different characters) is allowed all year long.
Bisbee always jumps at the chance to really immerse herself in the Disney bubble by wearing clothes that resemble her favorite characters’ senses of style.
Not everyone knows about the fun drawing lesson available in the park
Disneyland’s Animation Academy offers free lessons every day where guests get step-by-step instructions on how to draw a rotating cast of beloved characters.
Bisbee said it’s one of the most underrated things to do at the theme park, plus you get to keep your sketch as a souvenir. Since the space is indoors and air-conditioned, it’s also a great way to spend a hot afternoon.
Read Dana Bisbee’s full Disney Diary: I used to work at Disneyland. Here are 11 things I always do when I visit the parks.
This landing page was originally published in June 2022 and most recently updated on August 21, 2024.
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