Is Disney really for kids?

All information is based solely on my personal experience and expresses only my personal opinion.

I have to say, I always thought that Disney was for kids. As I grew up in a totally different place and culture I learned about the simple existence of Disney at the age of 24 and my first visit to Disney parks was just 2 years ago. I was way beyond being a child and was a little bit skeptical about what I am going to find there. Of course, there is Epcot with all its food and drinks and I knew that it should be, and will be my main destination while in Disney.

Well, to my surprise there is so much more, and honestly, I now believe that Disney is the ultimate corporation to bring happiness and joy to everyone. It literally awakens the child inside of each one of us.

After my first time spending 2 full days in the parks I went back 2 years later and this time I did it 3 times in just over a month. (my friends really thought I was applying for a job and moving to Orlando since I went so often).

While I was waiting for the date of the trip, and also in between visits, I was talking about Disney to my friends and to strangers (why not right?) And I noticed that there are many like me, who think Disney is boring for adults. I met many people who have never been and even some of those who don’t know exactly where Disney is located. (i mean really? You live right here in So Florida and half of your friends go there once in a while) but anyway, I guess as they have never had interest in it if they never bothered in looking at the map.

We, humans, are a unique species that is in constant change. As we learn new things we often change our minds over certain topics, and today I really want to change several minds over the Disney experience.

So, the first thing you need is a ticket. Seems simple enough, right? There are plenty of options for tickets. You can get a one day ticket to one park, or go for the 7-day tickets with park hopper option. The Park Hopper option allows you to visit all 4 parks and hop in between them for how many times you want during the day!

Now I want to talk about a regular weekend escape or a mini vacation, without breaking your bank, and it will fill you with happiness and joy for some time (until your next visit)

I have to insert a disclosure here: Disney can be highly addictive to people of all ages, the more you go, the more you want to come back.

So even before you get your tickets, download the Disney App. It is completely free and comes with tons of useful information and guess what… you can buy your ticket from right there.

What ticket to buy?

I would highly recommend getting a 3-day pass with a hopper option. Check with Disney customer service for current offers as you might get a 4th day for free. If this is the case, you want to know about it with time in advance so you can plan your trip accordingly.

Best days to go?

Of course on weekdays the parks are less crowded. However, its very important to check parks hours (use the app) because on different days and dates the parks close at different times and of course, you want to take the most advantage of your visit. Unless you are staying for a 7-day vacation and early closing on some specific day will not really affect you.

First Timers:

For those who have never been before, let me tell you, this is not only about rides. These folks at Disney are very clear with the understanding that people of all ages will come and will not be on rides all the time, so there is plenty of entertainment and shows you can enjoy right in the middle of the streets. Most of the big shows will happen in the main plaza of the park and you can ask any crew member about specific hours (or, you guessed it: just check your app)

All who work at the parks receive very good and extensive training and will gladly help you and always wish you a magical day or an evening. Just that alone will instantly elevate your mood even after a long wait, such as Avatar, on a hot Florida day.

Transportation:

All parks are connected through the net of FREE transportation. However, if you decide to come with your car, remember the parking ticket is valid in all parks for the day, so you can go in and out how many times you wish. Again, check the App for what park closes the latest, you may want to park there for the day while you hop through the parks.

You can check my Hacks to Disney guide here. *

*This guide is coming to blog next week you can leave here your email to be notified when it is posted. UPDATE ME

Ok so you got your app and your tickets and you are so ready, so what’s next?

When I was on my first trip to Disney I was told (by teenagers) that Animal Kingdom is boring and there is nothing to do. Well, Avatar and Pandora just opened last year and this year I decided I want to go there and give it a try.

Let me tell you I spent more time at Animal Kingdom than in other parks (maybe, except for Epcot) I took so many pictures there that my Instagram has been filled with them for several months and nobody believes me that those pictures were taken in the same place. I was even asked in which country I was at the moment. I learned that everyone sees Disney from their own perspective and, while it is boring for teenagers, I found it to be very fun.

In Addition to seeing lions and tigers in one day, there is so much happening there: Musicians will come and play instruments and dance, and you can totally dance with them! When it gets darker, the light shows are everywhere and it becomes really magical. And a huge plus for Animal Kingdom, it has a LOT of vegetation and it feels very fresh to walk there. Thank me later!

Next park in my list: Hollywood Studios.

It will take you to those romantic old days of Hollywood with diva actresses strolling the street with an Oscar in hand, Stormtroopers patrolling the main plaza and of course Chip and Dale (I love those little fuzzy furry creatures) and don’t forget the Toy story playground. Oh, and for you Star Wars fans…peek over Toy StoryLand and you might glimpse at something “Falconian” under construction!…

But first, a slushy Margarita. This was my drink of Choice (right, water, then Margarita) Hollywood Studios has one of the best Margaritas. Its located on the Blvd. leading up to the Tower of Terror – another MUST! The place is called Anaheim Produces and they have the best slushy in all parks. I usually get the rum daiquiri (funny it is not a margarita) because it pairs better with the heat. My husband may or may not have had several of the Margaritas there.

If you are tired of walking in the heat and standing in long lines, get to one of the shows, there are plenty to choose from. The theaters are located in the buildings and are air-conditioned. Watch the StarWars show in the open air main plaza and walk around. Immerse in the Hollywood vibe and imagine you are in a movie, which is easy to do because all streets are a movie set.

Aaaaand here we get to Epcot!!!!

Warning: Don’t drink and Drive after Epcot

Of course, there are rides! There are some general knowledge ones that will teach you about our planet and about our history and culture and also each country includes their own show that is very educational as well as a live show in front of each pavilion. (I owe you those pictures because every time we went this year it was raining and live shows were canceled)

But let’s be honest, we mainly go there for the food and drinks. And if you happen to be there during food and wine festival….. Should I say more? The food is amazing. There is a nice restaurant for each country, but if you are not fond of sitting and waiting to be served and prefer to get a quick bite and keep going, or maybe you are like me, you want to try it all, then there are plenty of little kiosks with small and some not that small bites so you can have one per country. Don’t miss tacos and margaritas! I feel like I’ve repeated the word Margarita a lot? … Well, just try them and you’ll understand!

Let me drop some food knowledge form the parks here:

Food is different in all parks (while every park will offer you a burger option, the menus (even in the fast kiosks) is different. I could not find a turkey leg in Hollywood studios but there were plenty of them in the Magic Kingdom. In the meantime, Hollywood Studios offers waffles and pizza, you can snack on popcorn, meanwhile Magic Kingdom is famous for candied everything. The Animal Kingdom has the best healthy options and a variety of international food (Oriental, African, and Pandora (because it is a world) So in my opinion if you are not having lunch in Epcot, go to Animal Kingdom.

Next step takes us to the Magic Kingdom.

That is the one with a Cinderella castle for those who don’t know.

Warning, Disclosure and All around Important Notice: No alcohol sold there!

So get your booze in other parks and come here to taste ice creams and cotton candy. Meet Mickey and all Disney princesses and princes. Go for some rides and definitely, enjoy the fireworks and light show. Check out the shows on the Castle and the Parades on Main Street! Yes, they also have rides – quite a few actually! They have it for all ages so don’t get confused by no alcoholic drinks policy and go enjoy the rides. This park will really get you back to your careless and stressless childhood.

Every park can be enjoyed during any time. There is so much to do at day and at night and I am not even talking about amazing fireworks.

But if you have to choose only one fireworks show, go to the Magic Kingdom. Tip: stay after the fireworks – laser show comes after!

And one last piece of information for my first timers: even though the wait time is 1 hour, the waiting corridors are very entertaining. They prepare you for the ride setting the mood for what’s gonna come up and you get into the vibe. They do it by creating all type of emotions through music, decorations, and interactions (many fast pass gates don’t offer that excitement) imagine yourself getting into a pirate ship itself or navigate through mysterious caves with openings overlooking beautiful waterfalls or entering a playroom as you were a toy sized and everything seems to be so big. As you can clearly see, those waits are really necessary.