I'll admit, Disney World is very much a second home to my family and me. We go there on vacation at least once a year, and every time we step onto the Disney property, the magic and excitement never gets old. What other place could make a grown man wear Mickey ears and skip to the nearest Snow White themed rollercoaster? With their friendly staff, an amazing atmosphere, and spectacular food, Disney has park goers wanting to go back time and time again. And, of course, going as often as some people have, you begin to pick up little facts, tips, and tidbits on the parks. Here are the 11 Things Disney World Addicts would know to be true. With these facts, you’re sure to be a resident Disney expert in no time!
1. Hidden Mickey’s are a must!
Who doesn't love a good challenge? When creating his parks, Walt Disney had his Imagineers include Mickey heads just about everywhere. My family always goes out of the way (Thanks, Dad.) to find a new Mickey just about every time we're there. It not only gives you something to do when you're exploring or on a break between rides, it also adds a little healthy family competition. Who wouldn't want some of that?
2. Dole Whip and Tonga Toast are always worth the wait.
Having had the absolute pleasure of staying at Disney's Polynesian Resort, I can tell you that not only did it have an amazing atmosphere and a comfortable room to enjoy, it had some pretty amazing food. With guest favorites such as Ohana, The Kona Cafe, and Captain Cook's quick service, you're bound to find something that everyone in your family will enjoy. Two amazing staples from this resort, however, are Dole Whip for dessert and Tonga Toast for breakfast. Both are for guests with a sweet tooth and a hearty appetite looking to try something new. The pineapple flavored soft serve and the french toast-like dish with a twist are most definitely something that are worth the wait.
3.“Fish are friends, not food.”
One of the newer attractions to grace the stage at Animal Kingdom is Finding Nemo :The Musical. The story, while amazing in itself, takes a backseat, while the phenomenal singing, puppetry, scenery, and costumes take the forefront. The theater, located at the back of Animal Kingdom, is a great place to relax, cool off, and enjoy a great show that will have you humming "Go With the Flow" for the rest of the day.
4. "Disney Veers" are unavoidable.
It's inevitable; people are worried about their fastpasses, their children going the right way, and most importantly, the massive juicy turkey leg that they're finding themselves chomping down on. This not only causes them to hyper-focus, it causes them to stay in the exact path that they were going down in the first place, whether you're there or not. And, as your two path's cross as you finally bump into the other person's shoulder, you have experienced a so-called "Disney Veer". My Dad and brother like to joke about these all the time, bumping into each other. You'll notice it happening more frequently on super busy days. Make sure to keep a look out so you don't find yourself in someone else's path or vise versa!
5. Parades are great to look at, but even greater distractions.
Parades. The lights, the music, and the characters are all there to entertain you and make you feel like the ruler of the kingdom. But sadly, once you've seen them more than a handful of times, it starts to become background noise and a little annoying to push your way through the crowds of people. Instead of watching this for the fourteenth time, why not navigate past the crowds, find the nearest ride, and hop on? The crowds will be more distracted than the hyenas in The Lion King when Timon started dancing the hula. You and your family will only wait a fraction of the time it took to get on even thirty minutes earlier. No wait time? No problem! Just try to stick to the outskirts of the park, so you can avoid the parade route
6. Cinderella's Castle is more than just a castle.
As soon as you walk through the gates of magic kingdom and pass Main Street USA on either side of you, you spot it: Cinderella's Castle. Known as the staple of both Disney World and Disney Land, this castle is so much more than just something guests walk through. Not only is there a hotel suite only fit for the greatest of princesses, there is a restaurant on the back side, as well as a meet and greet destination for Cinderella's Ugly Stepsisters. The coolest thing my family and I have discovered, however, is "Celebrate the Magic", a show filled with music and amazing graphics that are projected right onto the castle. This show includes little tidbits of your favorite Disney movies. "Celebrate the Magic" definitely shows us that while only being a building, it's more than just that, and that's what makes this Disney staple so interesting.
7. There's always a great place to eat around the corner.
Whether you and your family find yourselves at Disney World, Downtown Disney, or one of the many amazing Disney Resorts, you're in for a treat. You'll never be in a shortage for food, that's for sure. Between Hollywood Studio's 50s Prime Time Cafe, Epcot's Rose and Crown, The Wilderness Resort's Whispering Canyon, and so much more, every member of your family is bound to be more than satisfied.
8. The rides and shows are ever changing, but always appeal to your own childhood memories.
One of the best things about Disney World is that everyone always has something close to their hearts, whether that be a ride, a song played over the speaker, or the newest show. For instance, a 40-something year old man can go to Disney World and enjoy Pirates of the Caribbean, a ride built during his childhood, and his daughter can go into Philharmagic and enjoy singing along to her favorite Disney movies, something that she really enjoyed doing as a small child. Disney has adapted with the times, but kept the child inside us alive. There is truly something for every age group there.
9. Extra Magic Hours are probably about the most magical thing in "The World."
Who doesn't love having a theme park all to themselves at three in the morning? When staying at a Disney World Resort, you are able to participate in Extra Magic Hours, something only resort members can utilize. While the parks still open or close at a regular time, there are often opportunities to stay in the parks for hours after closing. There's absolutely nothing better than walking through Main Street USA at the latest possible time. Well, maybe other than walking straight onto every ride in the park as many times as you want. What could be more exciting?
10. Every "Welcome Home!" is met with a huge smile.
While the parks at Disney World are certainly magical, Disney Resorts really take the cake. From the moment you walk in and hear the "Welcome Home!", a smile comes across your face and you are immediately at ease. Every Disney Resort is built to be a "Whole New World". The details are specific, the customer service is fantastic, and you feel like you're in a completely different place full of magic and family fun. Every day and night spent at one of these amazing resorts is a treat and something your family will never forget.
11. Disney brings together young and old, big and small.
No matter who you are or where you come from, Disney World appeals to all of its guests, from the oldest to the youngest. Disney is, and will always be, home.
