When I can’t be at Disney (which, unfortunately, is 99% of the time), I find myself dreaming about it.
I like to play a fun little game where I plan the perfect Disney day in my head. Of course, it includes low wait times, all the yummy snacks, and meals at our favorite restaurants.
Everyone’s perfect day at Disney World will be different because of the massive amount of options the parks offer. And if I were planning this day without kids, it would look a little different. This day includes not just things my husband and I like to do, but things my kids love as well.
And hey, you don’t have to like my perfect day at Disney World, but maybe you’ll take away a few ideas for your next trip.
Start the Day
After waking up super well-rested in my fabulous room at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, my family and I would put on our comfiest, cutest duds and make our way to EPCOT (a short five-minute walk from the resort to the International Gateway).
We aren’t big breakfast people, and honestly, my husband LOVES Joffrey’s doughnuts, so that would be our first stop in EPCOT. We would turn left toward Canada out of the International Gateway and head for the nearest Joffrey’s stand. Don’t come for me, people—we like to turn left! If you know, you know.
From there, we would meander over to Guardians of the Galaxy and kick off our morning with our favorite EPCOT attraction. (Ideally, we would have Single Pass Lightning Lanes lined up for this ride!)
Next, we would hit up Spaceship Earth, Living with the Land, and Soarin’—three classics that are near and dear to my heart.
After that, it’s time to take the monorail over to Magic Kingdom! (Obviously, this perfect day would require a Park Hopper pass, which we never go to Disney World without.)
Mid-Morning on Our Perfect Day at Disney World
Once we enter Magic Kingdom, there is one specific place we’re headed for the best snack: the spring roll cart. Everyone in my family could eat their weight in the cheeseburger spring rolls, present company included.
We would then make our way to smell pirate water at Pirates of the Caribbean, followed by Big Thunder Mountain, Haunted Mansion, and finally, TRON Lightcycle / Run (another ride we would ideally have a Single Pass Lightning Lane for).
On the way out of the park, we would have to stop by the Emporium for some yummy treats.
Early Afternoon Fun
Next, we would bus over to Animal Kingdom. After riding Avatar Flight of Passage (a Single Pass Lightning Lane is a must here) and the Safari, we would head over to Yak & Yeti for a delicious late lunch.
The food here is phenomenal. I cannot stop ordering the Dragon Roll Bowl, but honestly, all of their food is amazing.
After that, we would jump on Expedition Everest before catching a bus back to our room at the Beach Club Resort to freshen up.
Saving the Best for Last
As a whole, our favorite park is Hollywood Studios. I know this can be a controversial statement since many people choose to skip this park, but we could never.
Why is it our favorite park, you ask? Well, the answer is quite simple. First of all, the vibes are unmatched. The big-band music pumping through the speakers as you walk down Sunset Boulevard is a core memory and a feeling that calls to my soul.
Secondly, my daughter and I share a favorite ride in all of Disney World: Tower of Terror. We once rode it ten times in a row, and the memory of her giggles, squeals of joy, and shouted, “Let’s do it again!” as we dropped in the middle of the ride will live with me forever.
Not only do we love Tower of Terror, but Slinky Dog Dash and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway are also among our very favorites. And we can’t forget Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, which is my husband’s and my son’s favorite ride in Hollywood Studios.
Finally, my husband and I have a favorite restaurant in all of Disney World, and it’s right there in Hollywood Studios: The Hollywood Brown Derby. We love sitting on the patio, people-watching, enjoying the music, appreciating the fabulous wait staff, and indulging in the scrumptiously prepared food.
To finish off the perfect day at Disney World, we would have to ride all of these attractions at least once and eat supper at The Hollywood Brown Derby.
We would then make our way back to Magic Kingdom one last time to enjoy the Happily Ever After fireworks show before heading back to the Beach Club Resort for a night swim in the best pool on Disney World property.
Final Thoughts
Disney World is such a personal experience. If you spent time planning the perfect day at Disney World for you and your family, what things would you have to incorporate, and what things could you skip?
As a mom, that’s really what makes Disney so special to me. Sure, I love the rides, the snacks, and the restaurants, but my favorite parts are the moments in between. It’s hearing my kids laugh on their favorite rides, watching them experience the magic through their eyes, and making memories that we’ll still be talking about years from now. That’s why my perfect Disney day isn’t necessarily about doing the most—it’s about spending time together and soaking up every little moment along the way.
Do you think I missed anything? What would be on your perfect Disney day? Comment below!
Until next time, friends!
