After our magical trip to Disney World, I had several of you ask to do a travel guide on where we stayed, what we did, and where we ate. So that’s what I did! If any of you are planning a trip to Disney, I definatey recommend doing a lot of research before hand. I have been to Magic Kingdom a few times, but this was the first time I had ever stayed on site. I also hadn’t been to either Epcot or Hollywood Studios since I was a kid. The entire experience was an absolute blast. Aside from the weather (I don’t recommend going in June!), we had a perfect time and are really looking forward to our next trip.
The big thing to remember about Disney World is that it is huge. It is really difficult to get everything done in one trip, so I suggest picking and choosing your main priorities. And if you don’t see and do everything you want, that just leaves you an excuse to come back again!
In my Disney World Travel Guide, I have it organized by location like Where We Stayed, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot. My husband and I didn’t stay for the last day at Animal Kingdom because we were beat. But next time, we will get around to it! So let’s jump in to what we did during our magical trip to Disney!
Where We Stayed: The Boardwalk Inn
This hotel is truly like a vacation all in itself. The architecture and boardwalk made it feel like a dreamy summer vacation getaway. There was so much to see and do just at the hotel alone if you had to stay back from the parks for any reason. It was a pleasant safe haven during the times you wanted to rest and relax.
Where We Ate:
Belle Vue Lounge: This 1930 inspired lounge is the only eatery located in the hotel itself and not on the boardwalk. Every morning they serve coffee and other breakfast snacks. And in the evening it turns into a cocktail lounge and bar. We utilized this space on the regular for caffeine boosts or “liquid courage.”
Boardwalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas: Easy stop for a quick drink.
Pizza Window: Perfect for a late night snack or low key meal.
Trattoria al Forno: A charming sit down Italian restaurant that is a great for a more elevated dining option. We ate dinner here on Friday night and it was lovely.
What to Do:
Clown Theme Luna Park Pool: “Down the Keister Coaster waterslide, cool off under the spouting trunks of grinning elephant statues and sink into the whirlpool spa. Children can even splash about in their own kiddie pool.”
Boardwalk: Walk around the boardwalk for beautiful views, lots of eatery options, and even nightlife clubs and bars.
Movies Under the Stars: Every evening they play a Disney movie on the greenery.
Our first full day we spent at Hollywood Studios. This park is actually my least favorite, but an absolute must if you are a Star Wars fan.
Where We Ate:
Hollywood & Vine: A diner styled buffet where you can meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Goofy while you enjoy your meal! This was great because you got to get your autographs and pictures while relaxing and eating in the AC.
What to Do:
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: One of their main ride attractions.
Tower of Terror: This is another thrill ride attraction.
Star Tours: A Star Wars 3D motion stimulated ride. I actually really enjoyed this one!
Star Wars: Path of the Jedi: This is a short video presentation great when you need an AC break!
March of the First Order: Stormtroopers parade the area every hour on the hour.
Jedi Training: Children can get trained to be a Jedi and fight Darth Vader.
Star Wars Launch Bay: Meet the Star Wars characters.
Magic Kingdom is Disney World’s bread and butter. This is where you truly feel the magic and childlike fun. Having been here in the past, I thought I would list some of my must do activities from this past trip and others as well.
Where We Ate:
Cheshire Café: Naughty Pastries and Iced Coffee
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café: Burgers, Chicken Nuggets, and Salads. Great for an affordable option.
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor: Adorable ice cream shop.
What to Do:
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Roller coaster!
Dumbo the Flying Elephant: Babies can ride this! And the line actually goes inside to a giant circus theme playground the kids can play on while they wait to ride.
The Haunted Mansion: I love this one! Even if you are not a fan of the movie, it is the perfect combination of spooky and fun!
It’s a Small World: You will want to ride this one purely for the art. It was beautifully designed!
Pirates of the Caribbean: Another baby friendly ride that takes place indoors on water. Great for people who are a little nervous of high thrill rides. This ride is pleasant and tame.
Space Mountain: One of my favorite rides in all of Disney World. This indoor roller coaster is completely in the dark and sure to have you screaming.
Cinderella’s Castle: Watch the show of the Disney princesses and get your selfies!
Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train: Cute roller coaster that is kid friendly but still fun for adults as well.
Splash Mountain: Excellent log ride with a terrifying drop!
Where We Ate:
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall: Meet all the Disney Princesses as they walk around to each table at this Norwegian style dinner. The food was actually excellent here. Snow White even kissed our baby Oliver so hard she left a huge lipstick mark!
We also stopped for rosé in France. And gelato in Italy. I just can’t remember what the places were called!
What We Did:
Soarin’ Around the World: This was by far my favorite ride in all the parks. You literally feel like you are flying around the world and it is absolutely epic.
Firework Show: One of the most impressive firework displays I have ever seen. You can actually catch some of it on Instagram Highlights under Travel.
Walk Around: We literally just walked around the entire round about of Epcot. Next trip, I would like to spend a little more time there!
We seriously had such a wonderful time. I am sure next time we will get to explore even more sights and attractions. Have you been to Disney World or Disneyland? What are your favorite rides and treats? Share them below!
Great article! It sounds like you were able to do a lot. September is a great time for low crowds and December to January gets a lot cooler.
If you want to stay deluxe again, I recommend looking into renting DVC points! You can get resorts like Boardwalk, Yacht & Beach, Animal Kingdom Lodge, etc for moderate resort level prices! It allows us to stay outside of value resorts more often (which are perfectly fine, too). Also, definitely do more at Epcot! The rides besides Soarin’ and Test Track typically have very low waits. I could walk around world showcase all day too!
Thanks so much for the tips! I’m so excited to go back!