Seven Things I Have To Do On Every Disney Trip

I've written previously about how I like to try at least 5 new things each time I go to Walt Disney World, but I also do a lot of things that have become so ingrained to my Disney trips that if I don't get to do them, it just doesn't feel like vacation. These personal Disney traditions are just part of what makes it all magic for me. So check out seven things I have to do on every Disney trip.


Seven Things I Have To Do On Every Disney TripSeven Things I Have To Do On Every Disney Trip

Ride the Pirates of the Caribbean, first stop, last stop, a couple of times in the middle, it's a pirates life for me. From the waterfalls to cannon fire, dunks in the well, or swimming in gold I love every scene in this classic Magic Kingdom attraction that spawned its own franchise. I have on occasion not stopped at the Magic Kingdom on a trip and honestly, it bums me out.


We Wants the RedheadWe Wants the Redhead


Dole Whip is a must - vacation just isn't the same without Dole Whip. Though I usually pick one up at Aloha Isle in the Magic Kingdom, on trips where I haven't hit that Park I've stopped in at the Polynesian Village Resort's Pineapple Lanai to get my fix. I don't usually get to eat much ice cream, but I will always splurge for e Dole Whip.


Dole Whip Float and Dole Whip CupDole Whip Float and Dole Whip Cup

I love the Grey Goose Slushie in Epcot's France, the Yak Attack in Animal Kingdom, and I'm all on board for a Lapu Lapu at the Polynesian, but Disney's mixologists are constantly coming up with wonderful new drinks for me to try. I always indulge in a few new cocktails, and since I let Disney do the driving, I get to try fabulous drinks and not worry one bit about hitting the road.

Serving Up Grey Goose at Les Vins des Chefs de FranceServing Up Grey Goose at Les Vins des Chefs de France

I need to see fireworks, the Park I watch them at can vary; I may catch Illuminations at Epcot, or Fantasmic! at Disney's Hollywood Studio, the Magic Kingdom is my favorite. No matter where I watch, it's just not vacation to me without a nighttime spectacular fireworks display.


Watch the fireworks online on the Fourth of July!Fourth of July In The Magic Kingdom

Some people may think it's braggy, but I like to keep in touch with my loved ones who weren't able to vacation with me. I send post cards, buy souvenirs, and generally try share a little bit of the magic with people back home. I think it's important to let people know I am thinking of them. I also call my best friend on the phone right before I cross onto property so that we can "arrive together."


Postcards Illustrate Your TravelsPostcards Illustrate Your Travels

When it comes to souvenirs for the family back home, everyone gets a Mickey Rice Krispie Treat. It's become such a tradition for me to bring these home from trips, I might have a riot on my hands if I didn't. It started out as a clever way to use my extra snack credits, but now its family tradition.


The Confectioner Will Call Your Name When It's Finished!Mickey Krispie Treats For The Win

I also have to take at least one loop around the Seven Seas Lagoon on the monorail - because come on - it's the monorail. Riding the monorail is a wonderful way to spend your departure morning. The monorail route offers plenty of great restaurants along the way, some great gift shops for last minute souvenirs, and one last glimpse of Cinderella Castle.


The Epcot Monorail From The Ticket and Transportation CenterThe Epcot Monorail From The TTC Is Also A Great Ride

What about you? Do you have Disney traditions that must be done during your vacations? Leave a comment below and tell me what you can't leave Disney without doing!


Seven Things I Have To Do On Every Disney TripSeven Things I Have To Do On Every Disney Trip

JeffC wrote on Thu, 06/01/2017 - 00:01:

I love your tradition about thinking of those back home or not there and sending or bringing them treats or momentos! Very nice.

For us (ok, me - Joe humors me):
1. Have to buy a pin with the year
2. Have to pick up a new Christmas ornament
3. Must have a Mickey Pretzel and a Mickey Ice Cream Sandwich
4. Have to get the Mango Pie at Yak & Yeti
5. Have to get a picture of me at the metal Mickey Statue going from the parking lot under the overpass at the MK transportation center.
6. Have to ride the monorail at least once
7. Have to ride Haunted Mansion first at MK and have to ride Rock N Roller Coaster at HS.
8. Have to attend rope drop at MK at least once. (SappyPants Jeff still wells up)

And that's just on day one! Haha. Ok, maybe not, but this pretty must sums up the must dos.

JVOPYD wrote on Thu, 06/01/2017 - 01:03:

JVOPYD's picture

I love the post. Hubby and I have our favs for each trip too.
1. Ride railroad, complete around MK
2. Fireworks at Epcot
3. Hot dog at Casey's Corner-MK
4. It's a Small World-MK
5. Journey to Imagination-Epcot
6. Walking trails at Animal Kingdom-Asia and Africa treks-love the birds and gorillas!
7. Pretzel and beer-Germany pavilion Epcot

JackieBelle28 wrote on Thu, 06/01/2017 - 04:46:

JackieBelle28's picture

Our "must dos" for every trip:
1) Ride Haunted Mansion & 7 Dwarfs Mine Train at least once each while at MK
2) Have a meal (either breakfast or dinner - sometimes both) at Boma in AKL
3) Watch Wishes (now Happily Ever After) while dining at California Grill
4) Watch (ok, I admit it - sing along loudly to) For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration at HS
5) Ride Toy Story Mania & Tower of Terror at least once each while at HS
6) Eat gluten-free fish & onion rings at Raglan Road in DS
7) Husband MUST have at least one Mickey ice cream bar
8) One shopping trip (usually on our last day) to World of Disney in DS to pickup whatever we didn't get at the parks during our trip
9) Every trip we make a point to try one new restaurant we've never dined at before
10) Every trip we bring along some small gifts (gift cards, candy or snacks from our home state, etc.) and give them to various cast members who "go above and beyond" with great customer service or random acts of kindness - to show our appreciation and say thank you

wdwizbest wrote on Thu, 06/01/2017 - 15:06:

wdwizbest's picture

1) have a drink at the Mexican cantina at Epcot overlooking the lake & just enjoy the moment
2) ride HM & POC at MK
3) eat at Sci fi dine in
4) shop at Indiana Jones adventure outpost
5) ride living with the land, spaceship E & Gran fiesta at Epcot
6) Great movie ride & Muppets at HS
7) Kilimanjaro Safaris & seeing the tigers & gorillas at AK

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