My Disneyween 2020 Must-Do List!

Photo by Brian McGowan on Unsplash

I caved and booked a trip to Disney World for mid-October. I was going to wait for more news about my home park, Disneyland, but then I got a great offer from Disney World and just went for it. Of course, I'm still disappointed that a lot of things aren't going to be available, but then I thought about it. I still have a pretty long list of attractions and foods that I didn't get to on previous trips! I can focus on those while crowds are low, and when the parks are fully functioning, I can go back and do everything else!

So here are the things I must do on my upcoming trip to Walt Disney World.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (Magic Kingdom)

I was lucky enough to be able to attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party last year at Walt Disney World. For those who don't know, this is a special ticketed event that happens after normal park hours in Magic Kingdom. The ticket also lets you access the park a few hours before the party if you don't have a regular ticket (I did, so I was there ALL day). There's special treats, a parade, fireworks, character appearances, and more!

Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid (Magic Kingdom)

Meet Ariel in her grotto! (2018)

Under the Sea is a pleasant little ride. I knew going into it that it wasn't going to be all that exciting, but it was part of the experience. If you're a fan of The Little Mermaid, you're sure to enjoy it. It's basically a condensed version of the movie. You hop into a seashell a la Haunted Mansion style, then take a tour of Ariel's underwater playground.

My one complaint is that the ride looks severely outdated, which was distracting. At least to me. It's not one that I'd wait more than 20 minutes for, although the queue is quite pretty. But it's a natural stop after meeting Ariel right next door.

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (Hollywood Studios)

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is probably the ride that I've been on the most, despite it being relatively new. At least in Disneyland. One year, on Christmas Eve, my BBF and I rode it like 30 times back to back until we had to meet her parents for dinner. It's also the only ride I'll wait in line for 2+ hours. To say I was upset when they changed it to Guardian's of the Galaxy would be an understatement. Although, I have to admit the change was a fun one. But my beloved ride is still Twilight Zone themed in Florida! I just hope that lasts...

I am not a fan of elevators. I avoid taking them whenever possible. Which probably makes it weird that I absolutely love this possessed elevator that shoots up and down making riders squeal in fear and delight. I'm of the latter group, and usually giggle like a maniac as the elevator slows to a stop. I seriously cannot get enough of this ride! I rode it a few times during my recent trip to Disney World, and was lucky enough to be able to walk on a couple of times due to people fleeing the park to escape the rain.

The only difference between the Anaheim and Orlando versions (pre-Guardians) is that in Orlando the elevator comes out of the shaft to move forward into another room. I was not expecting that, but it as a fun little detour even if it didn't really add anything significant to the actual thrills and chills.

Slinky Dog Dash (Hollywood Studios)

Slinky Dog Dash was my first stop on my first day at Disney World. I had seen the outrageous wait times on the app before my visit, and I didn't manage to snag a Fast Pass for it, so I made sure to head there first. Well, that's everyone's plan. The park opened a little early, but two cast members corralled us until exactly 9AM, and then slowly escorted us to Toy Story Land. Then all hell broke loose, and people are getting their feet stepped on, and pushing past people moving slower than them. It was insane.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (Hollywood Studios)

Roll 'n' Roller Coaster is hands down my favorite ride at Disney World. I mean, I didn't get to ride every single ride there, but I did ride this one four times. In a row. After being awake for 30+ hours. In the rain. In fact, the rain was my main reason for continuously getting on. I'd exit, scurry back to the Single Rider entrance, and do it all over again. And I wasn't the only one.

This coaster is like if Screamin' at California Adventure and Space Mountain had a baby, and then that baby's nanny was Aerosmith. It's super fast and twisty and just OMG good time! I could not get enough of it! Unfortunately, when the weather is nice and there's more people in the park, even the Single Rider line can be upwards of an hour. It's totally worth it though.

Pirates of the Caribbean (Disneyland vs Magic Kingdom)

It's time for the ultimate pirate battle! Or at least, me answering the question of whether Anaheim or Orlando has the superior Pirates of the Caribbean ride. My very quick answer is...Anaheim! Disneyland wins easily over Magic Kingdom, and not just because the former has been my favorite ride since I was like 4. Orlando's just seems like a knock-off. A good one, but still not quite up to par.

My main reason is the opening of the ride. In Disneyland, you take a slow tour of the bayou with crickets chirping, banjos playing, and the Blue Bayou diners enjoying their meal (depending on what time you go). Then you're greeted by the talking skull before he sends you to your fate. In Magic Kingdom, you get on, meet the skull, and then are sent on the rest of the ride. There's no build up. It's like they're trying to get you on and off as quickly as possible. It's no wonder I look so puzzled in my ride photo.

Once Upon a Time (Magic Kingdom)

Once Upon a Time is Magic Kingdom's nighttime spectacular following the fireworks. I caught this one by accident, not knowing when it was showing. I went shopping, and as soon as I stepped outside, the ultra-amazing fireworks started. Once they ended, I scurried across the park to grab a Dole Whip, and on my way out, BOOM! Another show! And I had a great view despite being last minute. I literally just stopped where I was.

Once Upon a Time combines pyrotechnics, music, and a full castle projection. Mrs. Potts is telling Chip some of Disney's most beloved tales, while scenes are shown against the castle. I was in awe at the details of this show! I don't know how long it's going to run, but if you get the chance, definitely stick around to watch it.

Na'vi River Journey (Animal Kingdom)

Na'vi River Journey is one of the two rides in Animal Kingdom's new(ish) Pandora area. I was lucky enough to get a Fast Past for this one, since the line was pretty long during my visit. But it's nowhere near as long as the queue for Flights of Passage, which I waited ~90 minutes for at rope drop, and once I exited the time was up to 300 minutes. On the other hand, Na'vi River Journey normally hovered around 180 minutes.

Magic Kingdom Park

Magic Kingdom is the Disneyland of the East Coast. The layout and attraction selection is nearly identical, with a few notable differences. Other than Epcot, this is the park that I spent the most time in. There's just so much to do and it really brought on the Disneyland nostalgia and added new memories.

Living with the Land (Epcot)

Living with the Land is a super slow moving ride in Epot, and likely the most boring ride in all of Disney World. But that's not a bad thing. I actually enjoyed it quite a bit, and I think it's a great ride to hop on if it's scorching or storming outside.

Imagine "it's a small world" without the song, but add agriculture. Yep. That's Living with the Land in a nutshell. Or in a greenhouse as it were. You board a boat and float through a tour of Disney's efforts at sustainable agriculture, aquaculture, and more. They tell you all about it in the audio track, but you also get to see it up close and personal. There's a lot of interesting produce in there.

However, if you have zero interest in how produce is grown or the environment in general, I'd recommend skipping this one. It's more of an educational tour than a true ride. Certainly unique though.

Kilimanjaro Safaris (Animal Kingdom)

I would argue that the Kilimanjaro Safaris are the main attraction at Animal Kingdom. Sure, Flights of Passage is new and shiny, but that's just it. It's new, and won't be forever. Kilimanjaro Safaris, on the other hand, is just epic. But from what I understand, experiences vary quite a bit based on time of day and the season. Which is understandable since the animals will behave differently.

Jingle Cruise (Magic Kingdom)

No, that is not a typo in the title. Today I'm talking about the holiday edition of Jungle Cruise! During Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, it transformed into Jingle Cruise and it was adorably hilarious. It's nothing elaborate like Disneyland's Haunted Mansion Holiday, but adding sparkly balls and shimmering packages does add a little extra charm to an otherwise dated attraction.

Your enjoyment of Jungle Cruise, holiday or not, is highly dependent on your skipper. The one I got during Jingle Cruise was a pro. She had an endless stream of jokes, but wasn't too cheesy. Of course, cheese is a main factor, but some skippers rely on it too much and it can get boring. Emma though was simply hilarious as she took us on a tour of "Santa's Workshop." Spoiler: it's definitely not Santa's Workshop!

I haven't been on the regular version of the ride in a long time, and this was my first experience with the one in Disney World. But I definitely recommend the holiday version if you get a chance to attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!

It's Tough to be a Bug (California Adventure and Animal Kingdom)

It's Tough to Be a Bug is a 4-D show at both California Adventure and Animal Kingdom, and it's one of my favorites! My mom also enjoys this one a lot! The ending always cracks her up and makes her squeal! I won't spoil it for you if you've never been, but it's pretty unexpected! I will say be prepared for sights, smells, and sensations!

I'm pretty sure the show is exactly the same in both parks, but I haven't seen the California edition in several years. My mom and I didn't stop by A Bug's Land in 2017, and in 2016 they were showing an extended preview of Moana (which was excellent!) in the theater. But in 2018, I dropped by during my Disney World trip and it reminded me of just how fun this show is. I do know that the queue is better in California.

Just be warned, small children might get scared. It's dark and at one point the audience is attacked by giant spiders. There's always one family that leaves with a crying kid. Other than that, this is a really cute and funny little show.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios was my first experience at Disney World, and while it wound up being my least favorite of the four parks, I still had a blast! And that was in spite of the torrential rain and being awake for 40 hours by the end of the day.

Goofy!

Of the classic characters, Goofy and Daisy are my favorites. It was my mission to meet all of them across the parks during my 2018 visit to Disney World! I managed it with Goofy, but was short one Daisy. Boo!

Fantasmic! (Hollywood Studios)

Not Fantasmic!, but same park.

Fantasmic! is light and water show that I've seen in Disneyland and Hollywood Studios, but it's been about 10 years since I've seen the California version, so this post is going to focus on the Florida one. As far as I can remember the shows are nearly identical. The main difference is location.

Epcot

The entrance to Mission: SPACE.

Epcot is definitely an interesting park and the one I was most excited to visit on my first trip to Disney World. Even though I'm a rides and character person, I am also very much a food person! And if there's any reason to visit Epcot, it's the food! And I'm not even talking about the Food and Wine Festival. Just their normal, everyday food.

Be Our Guest Restaurant (Magic Kingdom)

The Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom is, of course, a Beauty and the Beast themed restaurant. It's inside a castle, across a drawbridge, in the far corner of Fantasyland. I actually had a hard time finding it, but it was my first visit to the park and it was dark. But once there, I had an amazing time.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Park

Pandora is so pretty!

Animal Kingdom is my favorite Disney park that I've visited so far! I love the animals, the trees, the rides, and the food! They also have a great line up of characters, several of which I had never met before!