When you plan a Walt Disney World vacation, the pressure is on to do so much in the allotted time you have in the happiest place on earth. You want to make it on every ride in the park, meet at least four characters, watch two parades....it's overwhelming, even to die hard Disney freaks like me.

So here is my personal list of the five things you must do while on a Disney vacation, anything else is just extra.

1. Eat at least one Mickey Mouse shaped food

How can you go to Disney and not eat Mickey shaped food? There are so many different choices -- waffles, ice cream, pretzels, Rice Krispie treats -- and it's fun to eat. You're in the House of the Mouse, you might as well embrace it.

2. Take a picture in front of Cinderella's Castle

Let's be real honest, everyone wants that one quintessential picture in front of the castle, with your significant other/family/friends, wearing your Mickey ears and smiling like this is the happiest day of your life. It just wouldn't be the same if you didn't take this picture and post it on every social media platform available.

3. Meet at least one character

This is just me, but I love meeting characters, especially my favorites. I try to be strategic and come when the character line is just starting so I can get in and get out. It's another little perk of a Disney vacation and you can always look back on those pictures.

4. Go to Disney Springs

It just isn't a Disney vacation to me until you hit up Disney Springs (AKA Downtown Disney, which is what I still call it). The area has tons of stores with Disney merchandise, restaurants and displays that are unique to Disney. I always spend an absurd amount of money here but I can't stay away.

5. Buy a Disney pin

This could just be a "me thing". I collect Disney pins -- I have two full lanyards and want to work on the third ASAP. Every time I go to Disney, I need a new pin to commemorate the trip. It's always fun to trade the pins while at the parks as well, and it's another great way to remember an awesome vacation.