When people talk about Walt Disney World, it usually comes with a lot of opinions. Some people are obsessed and go every year. Some people say it’s just for kids. Others say it’s overrated, too crowded, or too expensive. I went into this trip somewhere in the middle—curious, slightly skeptical, but also excited to finally experience it for myself in a real way. It has always been a dream of mine to go and I wasn’t going to let anything stop me. With a lot of planning and tickets in hand we were ready.
What I didn’t expect was how completely Disney World would pull me in. It’s not just a place you visit. Once you’re there, it feels like a bubble where normal life fades out a little. You stop checking the time so often. You stop thinking about responsibilities. You focus on what ride you’re going on next, where you’re eating, and whether you have time to squeeze in one more attraction before fireworks. We were so mesmerized by it all. Really didn’t know where to start. We got there very early so we could park and ride the monorail to the park. Our first stop was to get something to eat since we didn’t have breakfast before leaving. I really enjoyed my Mickey Ears waffles.
Disney World is huge. And I mean huge. Four theme parks, water parks, resorts everywhere, buses, boats, skyliners, shopping areas—it’s honestly overwhelming at first. But once you get the hang of it, it becomes part of the fun. We narrowed it down to a few parks that we would try on this visit. On this trip, we focused on Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT, and even with just those three parks, our days were full from morning to night. We were determined to enjoy each and every park.
The first day at Disney is a mix of emotions. There’s excitement, but also a bit of confusion. You’re trying to figure out transportation, where everything is, and how people seem to walk so fast even though it’s already hot and early. Once you walk into your first park, though, something shifts. The music, the energy, the details—it all feels intentional. Disney doesn’t miss much. Even the smallest things, like trash cans themed to different lands or background music that changes as you walk, add to the experience. I felt like a big kid once I was inside. After my breakfast I didn’t know where to start. Everything was so magical. It sounds dramatic, but you really do feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
If Disney World had a heart, Magic Kingdom would be it. This park feels like what people imagine when they think of Disney. Walking down Main Street, U.S.A., with the castle in the distance, feels surreal—even if you’ve seen it a thousand times in photos. It’s nothing like seeing it in person for the first time. My eyes were so big with excitement because I really couldn’t believe I was really here. There’s something comforting about Magic Kingdom. It feels familiar, even if it’s your first time there. You hear music you recognize. You see characters you grew up with. And suddenly, being an adult doesn’t feel so serious anymore. I was so excited to see Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Cinderella, and so many more.
Magic Kingdom has rides for every level of thrill, which makes it great for mixed-age groups. The lines were filling up fast and we chose to purchase the Lighting Lane Multi Pass. This allowed us to reserve up to three attractions with arrival windows. This really helped out a lot. Some of the rides we experienced were: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train was one of the highlights. It’s not too intense, but it’s fun, smooth, and beautifully done. Watching kids light up during the ride made it even better, Space Mountain is one of those rides that never really ages. The darkness, the speed, and the unpredictability make it thrilling every time. You don’t even need to see much—your imagination does the work, Pirates of the Caribbean was the perfect break from the heat and crowds. It’s calm, funny, and classic Disney. Honestly, rides like this are just as important as the big thrills because they give your feet and brain a rest. We had so much fun on these rides that we wanted to try them again. We also spent time just wandering—Adventureland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland—taking things in without rushing. That ended up being one of my favorite parts of the day.
I didn’t think character meet-and-greets would be a big deal for me, but seeing kids meet their favorite characters is something else. The joy is real, and it’s contagious. I was like a big kid waiting to take my picture with some of the characters. Especially when we got a chance to meet Mickey Mouse himself. We waited in line to take pictures and were able to take several with him. Then we were to get those pictures printed to take home as a souvenir.
The parade was another moment that surprised me. It’s loud, colorful, and unapologetically cheerful. People line the streets, kids sit on shoulders, and everyone just watches together. It’s one of those shared experiences that makes Disney feel special. We couldn’t wait to line up for the parade. We tried to find some good spots so that we wouldn’t miss out on all the excitement. The kids were able to interact with the characters as they walked along in the parade. The theme parade was awesome. Each character was in their theme element. And then there are the fireworks. Standing in front of Cinderella’s Castle while fireworks light up the sky is emotional in a way I didn’t expect. It’s one of those moments where you stop, look around, and realize everyone is feeling the same thing at the same time. This was so magical. The firework show was so amazing and the kids enjoyed every minute of it. Magic Kingdom is busy, loud, and exhausting—but it’s also pure magic. I can’t wait for my next visit.
If Magic Kingdom feels nostalgic and whimsical, Hollywood Studios feels intense and exciting. This park has a completely different vibe. It’s louder, faster, and packed with some of the most impressive rides Disney offers. This is the park where movie lovers and thrill seekers really shine. There are several rides that we wanted to try while here. Like the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance deserves every bit of hype it gets. Calling it a ride doesn’t do it justice. It’s an experience from start to finish, and the level of detail is unbelievable. Even if you’re not a huge Star Wars fan, it’s still incredibly impressive.
We also did the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run was another standout. Sitting inside the Millennium Falcon and actually controlling parts of the ride makes it feel interactive and different every time. The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster which is fast, loud, and pure chaos in the best way. It launches you into the ride immediately, and there’s no easing into it. TheTower of Terror is a mix of suspense and adrenaline. The anticipation before the drops might honestly be scarier than the drops themselves. Actually it was. I knew the drop was coming but it took me by surprise and I screamed so loud. Now Slinky Dog Dash looks cute, but it’s way more fun than expected. It’s smooth, fast, and perfect for families who want a thrill without going extreme. This ride is also a must try.
Hollywood Studios feels completely different once the sun goes down. The lighting, music, and nighttime shows give the park a whole new energy. If you can stay late, do it. Some of the best moments happen at night when the crowds thin out a bit and the lights come on. So we stayed around to try the ride another before calling it a day. Galaxy’s Edge at night is especially incredible. The atmosphere feels real, like you’ve actually stepped into another galaxy. This was so fun and the family enjoyed the experience.
It has always been on my list to go and EPCOT was the park I didn’t expect to love as much as I did. It’s calmer, more open, and feels less rushed than the other parks. It’s a great place to slow down while still having plenty to do. I had on my walking shoes for this park too. The first stop for the day was Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is hands down one of the best rides in all of Disney World. It’s smooth, fast, funny, and completely immersive. The music alone makes it unforgettable. Of course we did this ride twice. As a family we did Mission: SPACE lets you choose how intense you want the experience to be, which is great when everyone in your group has different comfort levels.
After doing several rides we decided to walk around for a while. The World Showcase is where EPCOT really shines. Walking from country to country, trying food, watching performances, and soaking in the atmosphere makes it feel like you’re traveling without leaving the park. One minute you’re eating something sweet, the next you’re grabbing something savory, and suddenly it’s evening and you’ve walked miles without realizing it. This was an adventure for me. Just being able to feel like you have been around the world and haven’t. This was so awesome. EPCOT’s nighttime show is calm, emotional, and beautifully done. It’s a great way to end the day without the high-energy chaos of other parks.
There is no sugarcoating it—Disney World involves a ton of walking. By the end of each day, our feet were exhausted, our legs were sore, and we still somehow wanted to do it all again the next day. Comfortable shoes are essential. Breaks are necessary. Sitting down whenever you get the chance is not optional—it’s survival. Hydration is also huge. Drink water constantly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. The Florida heat is sneaky.
Disney food deserves recognition. From quick snacks to full meals, there’s something everywhere you turn. And yes, food shaped like Mickey Mouse absolutely tastes better. Just seeing the different foods shaped in Mickey Ears was so exciting. Between churros, pretzels, ice cream bars, waffles, cookies, and themed desserts, it’s easy to snack your way through the day without realizing how much you’ve eaten. The meals inside the parks often feel like part of the experience rather than just a break. And outside the parks, Orlando has no shortage of great restaurants if you want something different after a long park day.
Shopping at Disney is dangerous in the best way. There’s merchandise everywhere, and it’s very easy to justify souvenirs when everything reminds you of the trip. We couldn’t decide on which souvenirs we wanted. Everything really reminded you of how much fun you had and Mickey Mouse himself. Now there were other characters to purchase but we are big Mickey Mouse fans.
Outside the parks, the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets offer even more options, though they come with—you guessed it—more walking. Now this was something I was looking forward to as well. I love shopping and looking for great deals on my trips. This mall did not disappoint at all. I found myself walking and eating while I found some wonderful deals here. I have to always bring extra luggage just to make sure all the deals I find make it back home.
If there’s one thing Disney teaches you, it’s that pacing matters. Trying to do everything will burn you out fast. Some things that helped us were starting our days early, taking breaks without guilt, not forcing every ride, staying for parades and nighttime shows, and drinking way more water than expected. By the end of the trip, we were exhausted, sore, and completely happy. Disney World has a way of pulling you out of everyday life and reminding you how fun it is to just enjoy the moment. Between the magic of Magic Kingdom, the excitement of Hollywood Studios, and the laid-back charm of EPCOT, this trip created memories that will last forever. Would I go back? Absolutely. Probably sooner than planned. Disney World isn’t perfect—but it is magical. And sometimes, that’s more than enough.