50 Things you Must Do on any Disney/Universal Studios Orlando Vacation!
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
There are so many exciting things to cram into a Disney/Universal vacation that it can be quite the overwhelming experience without a little bit of pre-planning. Fantastic rides, attractions, and shows are found throughout both theme parks, although some are clearly better than others. To get the most out of your trip with as little wasted time as possible, I recommend concentrating on some of the activities/attractions listed below. The benefit that comes with multiple Orlando visits is knowing which attractions are worthy of your time and which are overrated, meaning you can get right on to the fun!
In addition to concentrating on the best entertainment available within the Disney/Universal parks, also be sure to plan for some recovery time away from all the action to enjoy the natural wonders found in Central and Gulf coast Florida; you are so close by – it would be silly to pass up these great areas. Enjoy the list and feel free to share some of your favorite things to do in Orlando!
Great shows, rides, restaurants & attractions to check out at the Disney parks…
1. See the Wishes fireworks show at Cinderella’s Castle (Magic Kingdom)
The iconic 12 minute nightly firework display is so short, yet so amazing. The synchronized show featuring a medley of colors over the castle, amazing fireworks, and your favorite Disney music and characters is simply breathtaking. It’s a must-see at least once during your trip (if not more). After seeing just how spectacular it is in person, you will surely be planning a repeat visit!
2. Enjoy spooky special effects on The Haunted Mansion ride (Magic Kingdom)
Take a ghostly adventure on the ride which inspired the hit Disney movie. With every turn, you will enjoy creative & spooky special effects. Expect a long line as it is one of the park’s most popular rides, even more so during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (this festive seasonal event is one of the best times to plan your Disney trip!).
3. Set sail on a pirate’s adventure on the ride that inspired the hit Pirates of the Caribbean series (Magic Kingdom)
The hit Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is based on this classic Disney water ride, which happens to be one of the last rides Walt Disney himself had a hand in designing. On this slow, dark journey, you will enter a pirate’s grotto, drop down a small waterfall, and catch several glimpses of Jack Sparrow (who was later added to the ride after the popularity of the Johnny Depp films). The misty dreary setting, fantastic set design, and special effects really give you the allusion of entering another world.
4. Take your picture with the castle in the background (Magic Kingdom)
Sure, you can take in gorgeous views of the front of the castle as soon as you enter the park, however, there is another really cool photo opportunity with the castle and water in the background which makes for the most perfect photo souvenir. Few crowds obstructing the view and the beautiful castle reflecting in the water make this one of the most beautiful places to have your photo taken. Just head over to the bridge to Liberty Square for one of the most amazing photo opps in the entire park!
5. Take a relaxing cruise aboard the Liberty Square Riverboat (Magic Kingdom)
Enjoy some time off your feet with a relaxed 15 minute boat ride aboard the 3 tiered Liberty Belle, a beautiful recreation of a Mississippi steamboat from the 1800’s. From here, you will be able to enjoy some great views of the park including Cinderella’s castle, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Railroad. As an added bonus, you’ll get to recover a bit after all that walking! Sometimes, it’s great to take a step back from all the action and soak up the beautiful scenery of the park!
6. Stroll around Main Street USA (Magic Kingdom)
This beautiful old-fashioned dining and shopping area was made to resemble small town America in the early 20th century. Here you will find a few restaurants, Main Street Bakery (featuring treats and Starbucks coffee), a few shops, and even a working barber shop. It’s a fun place to stroll around with a coffee when you need a break from the rides. If you visit at the right time you may even be treated to a little live entertainment courtesy of the Dapper Dans (this unique barbershop quartet puts on several musical/comedy performances a day).
For additional entertainment, the Citizens of Main Street interact with and take pics with guests throughout the day. If you can get out here during the holidays, Main Street looks incredible both during the fall (Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party) and the Christmas season (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party).
7. Put on your 3D glasses for Mickey’s Philharmagic Show (Magic Kingdom)
While it isn’t the newest technology in the park, this classic 3D show displayed on a massive 150 foot wide screen, is more than worthy of your time for the cheesy special effects (food scents, water splashes), weird mixture of Disney character appearances, and incorporation of many of the best Disney songs. Overall, the fun music and variety of characters, make this one of the best 3D shows you will ever come across!
8. Take a ride on an old-fashioned coaster like Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom)
You will find no inversions or loops on this old time coaster, however, you will be impressed by the attractive gold mine/abandoned ghost town theme with canyons, caves, and rock formations made to resemble the landscapes found in Monument Valley. Don’t worry, this isn’t just a kiddie ride – there are enough twists and turns to keep teens and adults entertained the whole time!
9. Stay late for the Main Street Electrical Parade (Magic Kingdom)
See all your favorite characters on dazzling lighted floats in this 20 min spectacular featuring great music and more than half a million lights. Times vary throughout the year so check the Disney World website for upcoming dates/times prior to your visit.
Update: This great parade unfortunately ended in 2016. However, you are not completely out of luck! The Festival of Fantasy parade (featuring Disney characters & music) is held at 3pm daily.
10. Stroll around Disney Springs
This beautiful dining, shopping, and entertainment destination near WDW (Formerly known as Downtown Disney) features a number of attractive amenities including a handful of wonderful themed restaurants (Raglan Road, The House of Blues, Rainforest Cafe), a luxury bowling alley, an AMC dine in theater, a massive Lego store, and nice views of the water. It’s the perfect place to stroll around before/after your day at the parks. Besides driving there are a few alternate ways to get to Disney Springs – check the Disney website for full details.
