Hi Timea, and welcome to planDisney! There is something truly special about experiencing the magic of a Disney vacation for the first time. I’m excited to help you plan for some experiences that are just right for your family!
While there are many exciting rides in each of the theme parks, you can have a visit filled with fun and wonderful memories even without the rides! For your family, it’s going to be all about the entertainment. From parades to shows to nighttime spectaculars, let's take a look at some exciting options in each of the four theme parks:
Magic Kingdom Park: There are two parades that your family is sure to love! The daytime parade, Festival of Fantasy, features colorful floats with favorite Disney characters and ends with Mickey and Minnie! At night the Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away Parade is my favorite of all the parades. Main Street, U.S.A. lights up with some of the most beautiful parade floats you'll ever see! Then stay to watch the Happily Ever After fireworks. For a first-time visit, these parades and fireworks feel like must-do experiences! Also don't miss character greetings like princesses at Princess Fairy Tale Hall and Mickey at Town Square Theater!
EPCOT: Explore the pavilions around the World Showcase! This is my favorite area in all of Walt Disney World! Each of the 11 pavilions represents a nation from around the world. You can eat amazing foods, explore cultures, and find souvenirs from across the globe. It's hard to choose my favorite pavilion, but France and Morocco are at the top of the list!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: There is endless fun and entertainment here! Don't miss the amazing shows including For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage, The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! Also, explore Toy Story Land and Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. These immersive lands will make you feel like you’ve stepped right into the movies! At night, Fantasmic is a must-do!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park: Get ready for a safari adventure! Start your day at Kilimanjaro Safaris for one of the most unique experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort. You’ll board an open-air safari vehicle for an approximately 20-minute journey across the African savanna. You never know which animals you’ll spot! Be on the lookout for giraffes, hippos, zebras, lions, elephants, and so much more! Then explore the many trails throughout the park, and don’t miss Festival of the Lion King!
Timea, as you can see, there is so much to enjoy at Walt Disney World Resort even without the rides! You can also spend a day shopping and dining at
Disney Springs, visiting one of the mini golf locations, or spending a relaxing resort day by the pool. The possibilities are truly endless, and I love that you can choose the experiences that are just right for your family and have an amazing vacation!
If you have any more questions, stop back by and see us here at planDisney. We are here to help make your visit magical in every way!
Casey