Thanks again for letting me guest blog for you Nicole! I'm UBER jealous that you are going to Disney (by the way)!!! I hope you have a fabulous time! I miss you bunches girl!
I have Disney fever. Plain and simple. I have such a strong desire to go back it bugs me ALWAYS. I used to go every year until I was 16 and I can't WAIT to take my family there one day. BUT! Without further ado...
Carmen's Top Picks for Disney World!
Author's note: None of these pictures are mine, they are property of Disney. Also, I did not mention the 4th park Animal Kingdom since it is rather new and is still being built up. I do totally recommend going there as well!
Magic Kingdom
What you MUST do: The Pirates of the Caribbean located in Adventureland
It's a great ride for everyone in the family, whether you have kids or not. Some younger kids might get slightly scared at the beginning since it is dark and there is a creepy skeleton speaking to you but the rest of the ride is smooth sailing. It's comical and beyond entertaining for the kids and adults. I have loved it ever since I was in the womb (literally, the only ride my mom got on while she was pregnant with me) and it's a great thing for the family to do. Generally, it doesn't have a long line or if it does, it goes rather quickly.
Where you MUST eat: The Pinocchio Village Haus located in Fantasyland
I've always loved this place even as a kid. If you are looking for a quick refill on food and just want some good ol' American cuisine, this is the place to go. Kids love it and they have really great salads for adults if you aren't the junk food type. It's moderately priced but you can sit outside and enjoy the nice weather of Orlando.
What you MUST see: Main Street USA's Electrical Parade
This parade is absolutely amazing. Everything is engulfed in light. Floats, characters, animals, anything you can think of! It's really a fantastic thing to see and kids absolutely love it. Just be prepared to try and get a spot ahead of time before it starts (which I believe is usually 9:00pm or when it gets dark enough outside).
Epcot
What you MUST do: Ride the monorail (front row!) and ride test track
If you are a park-hopper (like me!) you will probably go to more than one park in a day. I recommend if you are going to Magic Kingdom, take the free monorail to Epcot and ride in the front with the captain! Sometimes you get lucky and don't have to wait that long to get it but every once in a while the line is long. It's really neat to sit up there and see everything as it comes up! Even if you don't sit in the front, it's still cool to ride.
Second, test track is a thrill ride designed to simulate what cars go through before they get approved to be sold (heat tests, cold tests, etc) and it's really fun! I wouldn't recommend it to little kids but it's a great thrill for teens and adults! The line can have a tendency to be long so plan accordingly! hint: if you want to move through the line faster, get in the "riding by yourself" line with your group. 9 times out of 10 you will still end up sitting with someone with your party and you will get through the line faster!
Where you MUST eat: Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room
This place is the best. It greatly resembles England and has some of the best English food I've tasted state-side. You can choose to eat outside or inside and they have some MAD fish and chips. That's what I have every time I go there. Also, if you go there for dinner (like around 8pm) you should select to eat outside so that you have a better view of the fireworks which I will talk about next :)
What you MUST see: IllumiNations
The IllumiNations fireworks. Words can't even describe the amazing-ness of these fireworks. I love watching them and they are just absolutely fantastic. You have to see it to believe it. Plus, watching the fireworks while eating dinner? Priceless.
MGM Studios
What you MUST do: Muppet Vision 3-D
If you are a huge puppet fan like I am, you will greatly appreciate this 3-D adventure with them. It's so much fun and very interactive. Kids and adults will love it. It generally doesn't have a long line and it seats a lot of people so the wait time is not very long as all. It's a great way to relax from the heat and from walking all day but sitting down for some laughs!
Where you MUST eat: 50's Primetime Cafe
This place is so cool. It's completely engulfed in the 50's. There is no escape to it. Everything just screams 50's. The coolest part? Every table has a TV in it that plays 50's TV shows. How cool is that? The food is great and the atmosphere is just really authentic! Not too pricey and great food. :)
What you MUST see: Fantasmic!
I have only seen this once, since I normally don't stick around for the shows at MGM but it's definitely a must see. I wouldn't say it's as amazing as IllumiNations but it's worth seeing if you're at the park! Make sure to get a good spot and enjoy the magic!
Hopefully my tips will encourage you to go to Disneyworld at some point or when you go you know what to hit first! Nicole, enjoy your vacation and take tons of pictures! I'm uber jealous!
Sincerely your Disney guru,
Carmen
