A Magical Year

I don't even know where to begin to recap an amazing magic filled year as a Disney World annual pass holder. All I can say is that if you live in Florida, make sure you take advantage of the FL resident annual pass options (many to choose from). I know that EmilyKerri, and Amanda have all taken advantage of this wonderful program as well and have enjoyed every second. We went when it was wind-whipping cold and oppressively hot, but I enjoyed every single trip and can't pinpoint which of the 4 parks is my favorite, because they are all amazing in their own way.





Magic Kingdom


Magic Kingdom is the most recognized and visited park, but there are a lot of things you should know before you go.

1. This is definitely the most crowded park. You will be dodging people left and right, and if there's a parade going on in the area you're in good luck trying to move through it.

2. Always always always reserve fast passes ahead of time before arriving at the park. You don't want to wait 2-3 hours for the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or the always popular Space Mountain. Fast passes are always free and available up to 30 days in advance.

3. There is no alcohol served in this park unless you are dining at the Be Our Guest Restaurant in Beast's castle in the new Fantasy Land.


4. Try to avoid sitting in the caboose car on Space Mountain. You don't want to be in the absolute back seat as you'll get jerked around a lot as the train pulls you up and down. The sore neck and back afterwards is not worth it.

5. If it's really hot while you're there, opt for rides where you can escape into the air conditioning such as Space Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Hall of Presidents, Peter Pan's Flight, It's a Small World, the Carousel of Progress, and parts of the People Mover. Even the queue line for Dumbo the Flying Elephant is inside and kept cool.






Animal Kingdom


I love this park because it's the perfect combination of a beautiful zoo with splashes of Disney touches. And you can't beat the Kilimanjaro Safari...





*My favorite drink at the park is the African Margarita available at the Dawa Bar*



Expedition Everest is a must-do


I also love all the hiking trails around The Tree of Life where you can see several different kinds of animals along the way. Dino Land is also pretty cool, and Dinosaur is another must-do attraction along with Kali River Rapids before hitting up The Lion King Show and It's Tough to be a Bug.



Hollywood Studios


I wasn't a big fan of Hollywood Studios at first as it felt like a smaller version of Universal Studios. But once I rode Aerosmith's Rock n' Roller Coaster and the Tower of Terror I was hooked. Plus they have the most incredible light display around Christmas called The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights which is a must-see if you're there around the holidays.











You can also catch the Indiana Jones show and bring out the kid in you by playing on the Honey I Shrunk the Kids play set.



Epcot


Definitely hit up this park the most between the Flower and Garden Festival in the spring and the Food and Wine Festival in the fall and all the different concerts. We got to see Starship, Fuel, 38 Special, Night Ranger, and my favorite... Boyz II Men.



*One of my favorite rides*





Koi pond in "Japan"





*Drinks around the world is a great way to celebrate a friend's b-day*



Boyz II Men

Starship

Fuel

*Tequila shots in "Mexico"*

On our way to see Fuel perform

Illuminations Fireworks show (happens every night)

What happens in "Mexico" stays in "Mexico"


What are your favorite things to do in Disney World?

21 comments:

  1. SOOOO Jealous! I need to get a Disney pass one of these years. I've never had one before and I haven't been to Epcot since I was a kid (literally) and I haven't been to Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom in years. I did go to Osborne a few years ago... it's my favorite! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great recap of Disney! I didn't realize there were so many places to drink now.. haha! It used to be Epcot was the only park with it. I think the best part of the having a pass is just the luxury to go and do what you want and then leave- there is not any feeling of stress or rush to get everything done. MGM is still my favorite park, but Magic Kingdom is the classic. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think you guys did an incredible job of getting the most out of those disney passes - it really is amazing how much you can do! The best part is you weren't stressed with not seeing everything or visiting everything in one weekend because you had so long to do it!!! xo, Biana - BlovedBoston

    ReplyDelete
  4. this is a magic place..
    thanks for sharing these beautiful pics

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love all your fun photos and celebrations at Disney! I wish we had got our passes sooner. I agree with Biana that the passes are so great to spread out and plan to see everything in multiple trips. There's no way to even cover everything in one day.

    ReplyDelete
  6. My whole extended family hit up Disney World when I was in 8th grade and my mom keeps talking about how we all need to go back. I wouldn't turn it down. Your trips look so fun!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ah I wish I lived closer so that I could take advantage of this. 8 hours is a little too far away. But I'm hoping to maybe go late this year since hubs has never been! A year of Disney sounds magical!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lots of great tips! I am planning on taking the kids this year, so these are all great things to know!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. You make the pass sound amazing and I'm totally jealous! Thanks for all the amazing tips, great food for thought.

    ReplyDelete
  10. ah this is a great recap!! also makes me miss my pass :( :( i'll get one again i'm sure of it!

    cheshirekatblog.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ahhhh!!! We're going next week and you just got me all sorts of excited! I'm like a kid each time... And yes I clap every time we drive through the disney gate!! Lol

    ReplyDelete
  12. UGH, I need some Disney (dole whips specifically) in my life! Can I come visit?! It really was a wonderful year for you guys and hope you get to do it again sometime!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. You totally got your money worth. I would so have a pass too if I lived there. Looks like a blast!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'm so jealous! That looks like so much fun!!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I was just there this past weekend! So much fun! :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh my gosh, now I'm even more excited to visit this weekend!! I think our plan is to do Magic Kingdom on Saturday and AK/Hollywood Studios on Sunday (or vice versa, depending on weather). I am soooo excited to ride the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh great tips! I love Disney! I need to go more often but its not close enough. So jealous!

    Trish
    www.thetrishlist.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Favorites? You're kidding right? LOL! The ones that come to mind right this minute are laughing like a fool on Big Thunder Mountain every time. Dole Whip vanilla-pineapple-swirl floats. The two Epcot Fests and all their tasty treats. The three rare occasions in almost thirteen years of being a Pass Holder that I've actually seen the lion on Kilimanjaro with his head up (the lazy bum). Toy Story Midway Mania!! (Side note: You know what bugs me about Hollywood Studios? For the most part, the other three parks form circles, so they feel easy to navigate. Hollywood Studios feels like it has no sense of flow from one area to the next.)

    ReplyDelete
  19. I haven't been in over a year, but I'll be looking forward to trying out these drinking places you mentioned when I make it back there!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I've never been but am in absolute awe of all your photos it looks amazing
    AliceMegan

    ReplyDelete