There is so much to check off of a Disney World Bucket List, but families often only have a few precious days to visit. It can be overwhelming to plan a Disney trip, and you don’t want to wait in line for something that’s not worth it. With our Disney World Bucket List, you and your family will have a Disney World visit you will never forget!
Disney World Bucket List:
Disney World Bucket List: Magic Kingdom
1. Dine at Cinderella’s Royal Table
Did you know that inside the tower of Cinderella’s castle is a full service restaurant? The royal restaurant is located up a staircase. It is decorated with rich furnishings, and you can peer out stained glass windows to the park below.
Service is excellent, and usually Cinderella will make an appearance. It’s also one of the few places in the Magic Kingdom that you can find alcohol. They serve red wine and champagne flights! No Disney World bucket list is complete without enjoying a meal at the famous Cinderella’s Royal Table.
- Pro Tip: Wondering how to get Cinderella’s Royal Table reservations? The best way to score Cinderella Royal Table reservations is to log onto the Disney Reservation Website exactly 60 days before your trip. Online reservations open 60 days in advance, so if you want dinner at Cinderella’s castle, book it early.
2. Cruise It’s a Small World
Of all the rides that capture the magic of Disney World, It’s a Small World is the one. It made its debut at the 1964 World’s Fair and has stood the test of time.
With over 300 audio-animatronic dolls, it is a magical cruise through the countries of the world. A tribute to the harmony and joy that Disney World holds at its core, It’s a Small World can’t be missed at the Magic Kingdom.
- Pro Tip: If you are looking for a fun place to get lunch that won’t break the bank, visit Pinnochio Village Haus. They have tables that directly overlook It’s a Small World, and you can wave to riders as they pass by!
3. Soar Peter Pan’s Flight
Every Disney fan must go on Peter Pan’s Flight at least once in their lifetime. A nod to the past, Peter Pan’s flight suspends you in a boat as you fly over the Darling’s nursery, moon lit London, and magical Neverland.
Flying over miniature scenes, guests are transported to the magical world of Peter Pan. This ride belongs on everyone’s Disney World bucket list.
- Pro Tip: Peter Pan is one of the most popular rides in the Magic Kingdom. Make this your first stop on the morning of your visit to avoid long lines.
4. Ride the Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion is an experience unlike any other. From the pun filled Cemetary on the way in, to the spooky staff, every moment of the experience is magical.
Guests of all ages can enjoy this slow moving ride. Spooky lighting effects bring the haunted habitants to life. The Haunted Mansion belongs on everyone’s Disney World bucket list.
- Pro Tip: For an extra spooky visual, look up at the ceiling in the second chamber of the entry during the black out!
5. Feast on a Turkey Leg
Nothing is more iconic than the Magic Kingdom Turkey Leg. Smoked to perfection, this is a treat not to be missed. The best place to find Turkey legs is on the Turkey Leg Cart in Frontierland.
6. Kick back on the Tomorrowland PeopleMover
Disney pros will often tell you that the PeopleMover is their favorite ride in the park. After a long day of walking, nothing is better than cruising around in this mass transit vehicle of the future.
Kick back, relax, and let the wind blow through your hair. The PeopleMover is the most relaxing ride in the Magic Kingdom.
7. Hold on Tight on Space Mountain
Space Mountain sends you on an exhilarating journey into space through an indoor roller coaster completely in the dark. You must be 3’8” to ride this coaster. While it only goes 27 mph, the darkness makes it feel much faster.
This is the most iconic roller coaster in Disney World. Space Mountain definitely deserves a place on your Disney World Bucket List.
- Pro Tip: This ride can be scary for kids under 10. Its a ton of fun, but think twice before making this your child’s first roller coaster ride.
8. See the Castle from the Top of Splash Mountain
One of the highest points in the Magic Kingdom, the heavily themed log flume Splash Mountain is a true Disney World bucket list item.
The ride itself is magical. It has audio animatronics that sing and dance as you wander through the story of Brer Rabbit. The grand finale, a spectacular view of Cinderella’s castle, greets you right before you plummet into the tangles of a briar patch.
- Pro-Tip: Some folks wonder, do you get wet on Splash Mountain? The answer is YES. If you want to stay dry, the best spot is the last seat of the log.
9. Get a Laugh on the Jungle Cruise
Jungle Cruise skippers have been sharing corny jokes with guests since 1955 when it first opened. It is a hilarious but scenic journey into the jungle. The cruise takes you past animals, waterfalls, and caverns.
Each cruise is a little different depending on your host, but you are sure to crack a smile as you navigate the Magic Kingdom waters. The Jungle Cruise belongs in everyone’s Disney World bucket list.
- Pro Trip: The Jungle Skipper Canteen Restaurant across the way from the Jungle Cruise is a newer fun restaurant that our family loves. With African, Latin, and Asian influences, meals are better than the average sit down restaurant in Magic Kingdom. They also serve wine and beer!
10. Feel the Fire of a Parade
Parades at Magic Kingdom are often magical, with extraordinary floats with complex moving pieces. The music and dancing is highly choreographed, and the performers are excellent. The Festival of Fantasy Parade features all of your favorite characters, and has impressive floats that will leave you wishing for more.
Disney World Bucket List: EPCOT
11. Journey through time on Spaceship Earth
Spaceship Earth needs to be on the top of everyone’s EPCOT Bucket List. The only ride inside the EPCOT ball, it takes you on a slow moving journey through time as you explore the evolution of communication.
From Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, to Bill Gates’ Garage, the journey on Spaceship Earth is beautiful, educational, and awe inspiring. It is by far the best ride in EPCOT Center and great for babies and toddlers.
- Pro Tip: If traveling with little kids, be sure to lift them for the camera at the beginning of the ride. The resulting pictures will be hilarious.
12. Explore the Seas with Nemo and Friends
The Seas Pavilion not only houses the Nemo ride, but a giant salt water tank which until 2005 was the largest of its kind in the world. From sea turtles to manatees, there is so much to see in this pavilion, you can easily spend an hour or two (It’s a great place to hide from the rain).
Kids will love the indoor playground. This beautiful display of ocean life is unique and unexpected in the Disney parks. It is certainly one of the things not to miss at EPCOT.
- Pro Tip: If you love sea life and want to get a closer look, dine at the Coral Reef Restaurant. This restaurant is situated in a viewing area of the giant tank that makes the Seas Pavilion famous. You might even see some sharks!
13. Fly on Soarin’
Soarin’ is one of the most remarkable rides in EPCOT. Guests sit on a multi-person hang-glider and soar around the world.
This ride is more than just a flight simulator – it makes you really feel like you are flying. Its a completely different experience from anything else in Disney World.
Don’t hesitate to take kids on this ride, its not at all scary, although be aware the height limit is 3’4″.
14. Journey into Imagination with Figment
Located in the Imagination Pavilion, Figment is a staple of fun, whimsy, and joy. He has been an EPCOT mascot since 1983. The Journey into Imagination ride takes you on a slow moving journey through his five senses lab. There is a little chaos, and ultimately the fun starts when he takes the ride over. A stop at the Imagination Pavilion is essential to a Disney World bucket list.
- Pro Tip: Make sure to spend time enjoying the features after the Journey to Imagination ride. Toddlers will love hopping on the musical dance floor, and conducting instruments alongside Figment.
15. Shop Beneath the Stars in the Mexico Pavilion
The most unique country in the World Showcase, the Mexico Pavilion is something you can’t miss in EPCOT. Shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a margarita in the Mexican village with a smoking volcano in the background.
After browsing, be sure to take the Mexico boat ride. The line is rarely long, and you get a taste of old Disney mixed with new. If you want to put one country on your World Showcase bucket list, Mexico is the one.
- Pro Tip: The San Angel Inn Restaurant is a great place to enjoy dinner in EPCOT. Food is delicious and drinks are strong. The San Angel Inn Margarita is worth it, even with its steep price. Book reservations early, up to 60 days in advance.
16. Order Margaritas at La Cava de Tequila
WWhile the Mexico Pavilion is a well known Disney World Bucket List item, La Cava de Tequila is a lesser known EPCOT gem with the best drinks in EPCOT. When entering the Mexico Pavilion, it is off to the right of the fountain. Try El Diablo with cucumber-jalapeno juice, or the Wild One with Ancho Verde Chile liquor.
17. Celebrate Oktoberfest at the Biergarten Restaurant
One of the funnest ways to dine in the World Showcase is at the Biergarten Restaurant in Germany. Oktoberfest is celebrated year round with Steins of beer, riesling flights, and a show with a live Polka band. They also have a buffet that often features bratwurst, schnitzel, and apple strudel. The Biergarten Restaurant belongs on everyone’s list of things to do at EPCOT.
- Pro Tip: If you don’t have time for the Biergarten Restaurant, the wine store in the German pavilion sells small wine samples along with charcuterie boards that make an awesome midday snack.
18. Shop at Mitsukoshi in the Japan Pavilion
Based off the Japanese Mitsukoshi Department Store, the Japan store is the best browsing in EPCOT. With hard to find Japanese stationary, toys, clothing, and snacks, guests will see products they would never see on American shelves. There is also a sake bar that offers affordable sake tasting.
- Pro Tip: If staying on Disney property, stores in Disney World will ship your items back to your hotel room. If you want to enjoy a bottle of wine back at your room, be sure to take advantage of this!
19. Let Ben Franklin and Mark Twain Teach you History
The American Adventure belongs on everyone’s Disney World Bucket List. This 30 minute show is a mix of video and high quality audio animatronics that tells an inspiring story of American History. If you are looking for a place to kick your feet up after a long day of walking, this is a must see at EPCOT.
20. Make a Toast at the Rose and Crown
The most iconic bar in Disney World, don’t miss stopping for a beer at the Rose and Crown. The bar area is always bustling and lively. The restaurant is also great, with British staples like Fish and Chips and Bangers and Mash. Don’t miss the Sticky Toffee Pudding they are known for. The Rose and Crown belongs on everyone’s World Showcase bucket list.
- Pro Tip: Behind the Rose and Crown before you cross the bridge to France, there are several tables and chairs near the water that aren’t associated with the restaurant. While it can sometimes be hard to find a table to sit at EPCOT, we often can snag a spot here to enjoy snacks and drinks and take a break.
Disney World Bucket List: Hollywood Studios
21. Enter the Twighlight Zone on the Tower of Terror
The Tower of Terror is not for the faint of heart, but it is the most iconic ride in Hollywood Studios. It takes you back in time to the Hollywood Tower Hotel. A creaky elevator carries you into the twilight zone, after which it plummets you down a 130 foot drop. The ride is creepy, surreal, exhilarating, and totally bucket list worthy.
22. Catch a Film at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant
Themed like a real drive-in theater, the Sci-Fi Dine-In serves diner style food in old fashioned cars. Families will love enjoying a meal inside a car, while watching old fashioned horror movie previews on the big screen. This is one of the most unique restaurants in Disney World. It belongs on everyone’s family Disney World bucket list.
- Pro Tip: This restaurant is popular. The only way to guarantee a seat is to grab a reservation, and they open up 60 days before your ticket date.
23. Get a Laugh at Muppet Vision 3D
Don’t miss Muppet Vision 3D when visiting Hollywood Studios. A fusion between 3D and live action, Muppet Vision 3D features all of your favorite muppet characters and adds a few twists.
You will enter a theater with Statler and Waldorf in box seats, and watch as the muppet lab accidentally invents a living 3D effect named Waldo. Chaos ensues as Waldo creates havoc on the cast of the Muppet’s current production.
Kids and parents will both laugh and enjoy this show. It belongs on everyone’s Disney World Bucket List.
24. Play a Game at Toy Story Mania
Toy Story Mania is one of the most unique rides in Hollywood Studios. It takes you on a journey into Andy’s bedroom where you compete against others while playing arcade games.
All arcade games are 4D, and unique. You will immediately wish you could hop on the ride again. After checking out Toy Story Mania, be sure to explore Toy Story Land where you can see the Green Army Man Drum Corps, or ride the Slinky Dog Dash rollercoaster.
- Pro Tip: This ride is one of the most popular in the park. Be sure to secure Lightning Lane entry for this ride to avoid a 2-3 hour wait.
25. Travel the Universe at Galaxy’s Edge
The new Galaxy’s Edge Star Wars area is a must see at Hollywood Studios. The theming of the buildings, ships, and alleyways will impress the most dedicated Star Wars fan. Characters are frequently roaming around, and stores are full of cool Star Wars Gear. Beware, if you want to ride Rise of the Resistance, use your Lightning Lane, as lines can be 2-3 hours long.
Disney World Bucket List: Animal Kingdom
26. Explore the Savannah on Kilimanjaro Safaris
This ride is like any other in Disney World, and belongs on anyone’s Animal Kingdom bucket list. This open air journey takes you on a safari where 34 different species live on 110 acres of land. From giraffes, to zebras, to cheetahs and elephants, the array of animals is amazing. Many animals roam together in this amazing habitat that Disney has created.
Pro Tip: Try out the safari tour at night for a special view of the animals doing their nocturnal behaviors.
27. Escape the Yeti on Expedition Everest
Expedition Everest is the tallest rollercoaster on Disney property. Its fast, exciting, and goes backwards! It is located in the heart of Asia in Animal Kingdom, and can be seen throughout the park. Go on a journey through the Himalayas to find the Yeti monster, only to have him destroy the tracks! While not for the faint of heart, if you are looking for a really fun rollercoaster, with some great theming, Expedition Everest can’t be missed.
28. Fly the Flight of Passage
The Avatar Flight of Passage is a don’t miss ride at Animal Kingdom. Aside from the beauty of browsing the Pandora area, the Avatar A 3D virtual ride that immerses you in the world of Avatar. This ride is an experience like no other offered in Disney World. Guests all agree it is 100% worth the wait, although lines are long and if you have the option, use Lightning Pass to book this in advance.
29. Time Travel on the Dinosaur
With the loss of the Universe of Energy, the Dinosaur ride is the best place to get a prehistoric fix in Disney. The Dinosaur ride takes you in a time rover on a misadventure back in time. The ride is often scary, unpredictable, and dark, but it’s loads of fun. Its definitely one of the funnest rides in the Animal Kingdom and deserves a place on your Disney World bucket list.
30. Taste New Flavors at Tiffins
Tiffins is a unique gem of fine dining nestled in Animal Kingdom. They serve one of the best high end meals in all of Disney World. Their international cuisine spans South African, South American, and Indian Cuisine. Don’t miss the bread service which includes red pepper hummus, spicy coriander yogurt, and ginger pear chutney. They also have an exceptional cocktail selection and an extensive South African and South American wine list. A meal at Tiffins is pricey, but extraordinary, and a real treat in the heart of Disney World.
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