50 Things you Must Do on any Disney/Universal Studios Orlando Vacation!

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 Philarmagic 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.

10 best things to do at Disney Springs

11. Plan an Irish themed celebration & dinner at Raglan Road (Downtown Disney)

Plan a dinner around one of the spectacular live Irish step dancing performances (held daily) at Raglan Road. As you feast on delicious, creative Irish cuisine, you will be treated to authentic Irish music and professional step dancing shows. The gorgeously designed dining area, built and shipped directly from Ireland, tasty cuisine from an Irish chef, and traditional Irish music, all come together really nicely, making you feel as if you have escaped Florida for a little journey into Ireland. Highlights include delicious Fish and Chips, The Four Provinces beer flight, and a vegan shepherd’s pie!

12. Take your pic with a character (Magic Kingdom)

You couldn’t possibly leave Disney without at least one picture next to a favorite character. Don’t feel like waiting in line? There are plenty of fun photo opportunities at Main Street without the wait!