The Best And Worst Of Walt Disney World

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What’s the best and worst of Walt Disney World? Which park do you like best? Which park do you not care for? What are your favorite rides? Ask a group of 18 bloggers/site owners questions about Walt Disney World and you would think you would get 18 different answers. Well, when it comes to Walt Disney World – that isn’t really the case. I was surprised to find that the majority of them answered the same except for a few categories.

We asked the following bloggers who visit Walt Disney World regularly their opinion on a wide range of things.

Patty Moliterno – A Mother’s Random Thoughts and WDWPov
Tammy Graham – Living the Disney Dream
Melissa Russo – The Farm Girl Gabs
Kim Seghers – This Ole Mom
Carrie Hurst – A Princess and Her Pirates
Lucy McKenzie – Gigglebox Tells it Like it is
Devon Weaver – Mama Cheaps
Jamie Welch-Schelin – Florida’s Family Fun
Lisa Cameron – Adventures in Familyhood
Megan Miller – Gingy Love
Tina M. Brown – Footprints in Pixie Dust
Theresa Mabe – In Sight: Full Life
Emily – The Journey of Parenthood
Ashley Saunders – Ashley & Company
Angie Rumpf – Disney Parents
Janine Young – Along With the Youngs
Jennifer – My Boys and Their Toys
Allison – Jones Family Travels

So what does this group of bloggers think?

What is Your Favorite Walt Disney World Resort and Why?

My favorite will always be Port Orleans French Quarter because of the small size which makes it an easy resort to get around. Th.e easy and relaxing boat access to Disney Springs is important for my family since we love visiting Disney Springs multiple times during our stay to dine and shop. Colorful atmosphere and the pool make it a fun resort for everyone in the family.

It looks like Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is the winner!

Patty Moliterno – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort because it gives me the feeling of traveling somewhere exotic. I love the attention to detail, the restaurants, and the Dole Whips!

Tammy Graham – Disney’s Beach Club Villas is my favorite resort. We love the beachy-feel, the amazing pool/water park, the food offerings, and the walking path to Epcot – perfection!

Kim Seghers – Polynesian Resort King Kamehameha Club Level is my favorite. Why? I love when I step into the lobby to check in, and they place the lei around my neck, and they escort my family to our building. It makes me feel special and pampered. Just the extra pixie dust sprinkled on my family makes staying at the Poly more magical. Also, I love the beautiful views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and of the Castle from the club level lounge and the rooms. Everything about the Poly, including the grounds, are AMAZING!!

Melissa Russo – Disney’s Beach Club. I love the Yacht Club too! I love that it is located in the Epcot area, and the theming is perfect.

Carrie Hurst – My favorite Disney Resort is the Polynesian. I love it for so many reasons! First, the theming is amazing, and I find it very relaxing. The tiki torches, landscaping, the smells . . . it’s all amazing. Second, the pool area is fantastic for kids and families of all ages. There is nothing like sitting poolside and seeing Cinderella’s Castle in the distance! There are so many amazing dining options, and I find it is easy to navigate. Plus, being on the monorail is the best!

Lucy McKenzie – Currently we love Pop Century. Mostly because it’s affordable for a family on a budget and love that it has its own bus route to the parks. We love the theming and can’t wait to see the remodeled rooms.

Devon Weaver – Fort Wilderness – We love bringing our camper to Disney and not only enjoying super cheap lodging, but the Fort has a ton of great amenities. It’s a wonderful place to head back to for some relaxation after a busy morning or night at the Parks.

Jamie Welch-Schelin – That’s a hard question but we love Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter. There’s something about the feel of it. Plus the kids love the pool.

Lisa Cameron – My favorite Disney Resort is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Its location on the monorail loop makes it convenient for families. The theming of the resort is amazing. At times you forget you are actually at Walt Disney World. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is also home to some of the best restaurants on property such as ‘Ohana and Kona Cafe.

Megan Miller – Caribbean Beach Resort because it is so close to the Boardwalk, Epcot and right now a great value if you can look past the construction.

Tina M. Brown – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort ~ I mean Dole Whips at your finger tips, fabulous restaurants, tremendous view of Happily Ever After and an island feel I have yet to experience in real life.

Theresa Mabe – I have stayed in almost every Walt Disney World Resort hotel at least once, and Animal Kingdom Lodge is permanently locked at the top of my list. Walking into that lobby is such a majestic experience, and I absolutely love how they have African art, influences and knowledge throughout the resort. Every dining experience I’ve had there has been phenomenal, and is there any better way to wake up in the morning than sipping coffee on the balcony while watching the wildlife wander the savanna? I would stay here every trip if I could.

Emily – I haven’t stayed at many of the Disney Resorts but did a getaway with my daughter at Port Orleans Riverside in the Princess themed room and LOVED IT. We had an incredible time and the room was fantastic. I’m looking forward to taking my younger daughter there next year!

Ashley Saunders – Art of Animation- the theming and suites

Angie Rumpf – We are local annual passholders in Orlando so when we visit the resorts it is usually in a “staycation“ capacity. Because our 3 children are under the age of 10, personally we enjoy the Art of Animation resort. That pool area is easily manageable for us and there is something for each of their personalities.

Janine Young – Port Orleans Riverside – we as a family love everything about it. The charm of the resort, the pool options are great, but most notably being able to take the water taxi to Disney Springs.

Jennifer – Disney’s Yacht Club because it’s clean, has great service and their pool is amazing! This is a great place for families with children. The boat access to Epcot is unique, and there’s special dining/shopping at the boardwalk that’s unique to this resort. My favorite is the beachfront view from the rooms!

Allison – There are so many Disney Resorts to love! Our favorite Disney Resort for the whole family is Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort. These cabins sit right on the water with spectacular views of Happily Ever After Fireworks and Electrical Water Pageant. You can even relax in the hot tub on the patio, with your favorite drink! These cabins are a retreat for the whole family, especially after the crazy days at the parks.

What is your least favorite Walt Disney World Resort and Why?

I absolutely do not like the Caribbean Beach Resort. It’s just too big and spread out. Having to take an internal bus just to get a cup of coffee or a quick bite to eat is not my idea of a relaxing vacation. The size of the resort just adds so much time onto everything you do. I’m also not a fan of any of the value resorts and it looks like many agree with me.

Patty Moliterno – All Star Resorts because of the noise. The couple times I have stayed at All Star Resorts there were groups of teens that were running around at midnight (and beyond). The food court was loud too.

Tammy Graham – Coronado Springs is my least favorite resort. I am not a fan of the theming, though I do like the quick service restaurant.

Kim Seghers – I don’t have a least favorite so far. If I have to choose one resort it would be Saratoga Springs. The property is massive and it’s hard to walk around it without getting lost.

Melissa Russo – Any of the All Star Resorts. They are too crowded.

Carrie Hurst – If I had to choose, I’d say Caribbean Beach. I feel like it is huge, and every time I tried going back to my room I got lost. LOL! I don’t love the theming, and just think there are better moderate resorts out there.

Devon Weaver – Bay Lake Tower – While we enjoyed our stay and loved how close this resort is to Magic Kingdom, we thought it lacked that “Disney” feel and theme-ing that you get from other Disney Resorts.

Jamie Welch-Schelin – We don’t like the All Stars. To us it just seems so impersonal and dull.

Lisa Cameron – While I love the theming and budget-friendliness, Pop Century is my least favorite Disney Resort. The resort tends to attract large crowds which makes it hard to relax. It can also get loud especially at night.

Megan Miller – All-Star Sports, it just doesn’t have the “wow factor” and seems to only draw in school groups. Great value but I would recommend Pop Century over it.

Tina M. Brown – Disney’s Pop Century Resort ~ for some reason, they keep sticking me in the 1970s section! I don’t need to be reminded how old I am.

Theresa Mabe – Caribbean Beach Resort has always been the Walt Disney World property that has underwhelmed me, and that before it was a massive construction zone. I really didn’t care for the fact that Customs House, the building where you check-in, requires bus transportation to get to and from the rest of the resort. It’s the only Disney resort I’ve stayed in where I didn’t feel like I was still in the Disney bubble.

Emily – The All-Star Resorts to me just aren’t worth the money. They are outdated and cramped and feel like a cheap hotel rather than a Disney Resort.

Angie Rumpf – I don’t know that it is possible to have a least favorite resort! I think because we lean towards the more “little kid” friendly resorts. That being said, the Walt Disney World Dolphin hotel and Walt Disney World Swan hotel do not really appeal to us.

Janine Young – The All Star Resorts are our least favorite because they tend to be used a lot by sports teams made up of teenagers and can be loud and extra busy.

Jennifer – The campsites at Fort Wilderness, only because I am not a camping type of person and don’t like the outdoors experience.

Allison – Our least favorite Disney Resort is Disney’s All Star Resorts. There are three different resorts; including Sports, Music, and Movies. We do love the larger than life theming, but these resorts are a little outdated. It is time for an upgrade! These resorts also host a lot of sporting and youth groups, so they tend to be really loud resorts, too.

What is Your Favorite Restaurant at Walt Disney World and Why?

My favorite is Monsieur Paul, an upscale signature spot hidden away on the second floor of the France Pavilion in Epcot and is only open for dinner. Gourmet food is an understatement! It’s pricey but worth every penny. Because of the high cost, reservations have never been a problem to get and the dining experience can’t be beat.

Although the responses here are pretty varied, it looks like ‘Ohana received the most mentions.

Patty Moliterno – My favorite restaurant at Disney World to-date has been Yachtsman Steakhouse. We have always had a great meal there.

Tammy Graham – Le Cellier is my favorite restaurant. We love steak and risotto, and there is no better place on property for that combination. The food quality is very consistent, the wait staff friendly and attentive, and it is a more quiet location that many Disney restaurants.

Kim Seghers – Favorite restaurant is San Angel Inn I love the romantic atmosphere with the soft twinkling lights, kerosene lamps, and watching the boats pass in the river from the Grand Fiesta Tour. The restaurant gives off the vibes that you’re sitting outside but your not. Also the food is delicious and you can shop at the Mexican Village and ride the Gran Fiesta Tour (boats) before or after you eat.

Melissa Russo – Via Napoli in Italy is my favorite. Best. Pizza. Ever.

Carrie Hurst – 1900 Park Fare is my absolute favorite. I love both breakfast and dinner there. The food is fantastic, especially for dinner. Plus, the character interaction is wonderful at both. I also really love the atmosphere of the Grand Floridian.

Lucy McKenzie – As a family on a budget, we normally just go quick service to try and not spend too much on food. After our last trip, we are going to make Si-Fi Dine-In at Hollywood Studios a must for every future trip. We loved the food and it wasn’t too overly priced. The theme of a 50’s style drive-in was so fun and our son laughed at all the little clips of si-fi movies that played while we ate in our 50’s style cars.

Devon Weaver – Ohana – We loved the food, the atmosphere and the view of the lake. The kids loved the broom and pineapple race during our meal. We had a wonderful dinner at Ohana and hopped back on the monorail to enjoy the night at Magic Kingdom.

Jamie Welch-Schelin – Ohana Dinner is so good. Make your reservation for 8:30 and ask to sit by the window for fireworks it the best.

Lisa Cameron – Sanaa, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge~Kidani Village is a hidden gem among Walt Disney World restaurants. Its unique menu of African and Indian fusion plus the opportunity to dine on the Savannah makes Sanaa a place that can’t be missed.

Megan Miller – Garden Grill because not only do the servers treat you like family but the characters do as well. It was the first time on our vacation that we could sit back and enjoy a meal with our toddler.

Tina M. Brown – Narcossee’s ~ truly spectacular view of Cinderella Castle (including the magical ambiance while watching it outside) and gorgeous Seven Seas Lagoon, as well as an exquisite menu and great Cast Member service!

Theresa Mabe – If you told me that the only dish I could eat for the rest of my life is the bread service available at Sanaa, I would be completely content. Carbs and wide variety of dips, sauces and chutneys? YES PLEASE. Located at Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village, Sanaa’s menu will appeal to people who love African cuisine and those who may be apprehensive about trying it for the first time. And the Spice Trade Candy Bar is one of the best desserts on property right now. Make sure to ask if you can be seated by the window so you can enjoy watching the animals on the savanna while you dine.

Emily – I love breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table. You just can’t beat the beautiful castle atmosphere, meeting princesses, and the shrimp and grits is SO GOOD.

Ashley Saunders – Be Our Guest- the grey stuff and atmosphere

Angie Rumpf – I have a soft spot in my heart for the 50’s Prime Time Café at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Cousin Megan’s Traditional Meatloaf is a personal favorite!

Janine Young – Hands down, Prime Time Cafe in Hollywood Studios. The wait staff is so amazing – the characters they represent, they’re sassy in personality and create so much fun. The food is great, too!

Allison – There are so many amazing restaurants at Disney World. It is tough picking just one. We do have one that we consistently love! That is ‘Ohanas for dinner at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. This restaurant overlooks the Seven Seas Lagoon with views of Cinderella Castle. During Happily Ever After, they even pipe in the show. The food for dinner is also delicious with so many choices. Be sure you save room for dessert, too!

What is Your Least Favorite Restaurant at Walt Disney World and Why?

I’m not a fan of the Coral Reef in Epcot. The food is mediocre at best. There are others that I won’t dine at but Coral Reef is really my least favorite. Sci-Fi Dine In at Hollywood Studios made the list more than once.

Patty Moliterno – So far (out of all the restaurants we have been to) my least favorite restaurant has been Sci-Fi Drive In. They were so incredibly slow. It took 45 minutes to get seated. Waited forever for our food. Food was meh!

Tammy Graham – Restaurant Marrakesh is my least favorite restaurant. I appreciate the ambiance and entertainment. However, I do not have an adventurous palate and find it harder to find things I like on this menu.

Kim Seghers – Least favorite restaurant is Le Cellier Steakhouse. Why? I find it overpriced and crowded.

Carrie Hurst – I think that my least favorite is the Electric Umbrella. I feel like it is lacking in choices, and it just is blah.

Lucy McKenzie – We don’t really currently have one. Even with picky eaters, we have enjoyed all of the restaurants we’ve eaten at.

Devon Weaver – Tony’s Town Square – The menu here is fairly limited and the heavy pasta and meat dishes aren’t really what we feel like eating after hours at a hot theme park. We use Tony’s as a last resort when everything else is booked. It at least gets us out of the heat and into some AC for awhile.

Jamie Welch-Schelin – I don’t have one. they are all unique in there own way.

Lisa Cameron – Tie between T-Rex and Rainforest Cafe. With the loud atmosphere and mediocre menu, I didn’t have a good experience at either one.

Megan Miller – San Angel Inn Restaurante, I love the food and atmosphere but the servers didn’t seem to really enjoy their work and they didn’t follow diet restrictions and allergies.

Tina M. Brown – Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant ~ Sadly, it was dark, the food was mediocre, there was a disconnect with the chef when it came to our son’s food allergies, the movies can only be watched so many times. Just not enough of a good experience to pull us back in for another try.

Theresa Mabe – I know so many people love this restaurant, but Kona is one I have no desire to go back to. My one dining experience there was awful; tables near us had been seated, eaten their meals and left in the amount of time it took for our entrees to arrive after placing our order. This was despite pointing it out several times to our server. When the food finally arrived it was…fine? Not worth the extended wait, that’s for sure. I had such high hopes for dining there, but that experience left such a bad impression.

Emily – I really have never been disappointed at a Disney dining experience!

Angie Rumpf – I haven’t found one yet! I still have many more to try, so I’m sure I will find one eventually and should really keep looking…

Janine Young – Sci-Fi Dining, Hollywood studios – the idea is cool, but the food and service is more like a fast food establishment. The price is not reflective of the experience.

Jennifer – I would say House of Blues at Disney Springs because it’s not unique to Walt Disney World. There’s several locations around the US and it just doesn’t give you a Disney vibe or experience. I’m not thrilled with their food options either.

Allison – Our least favorite restaurant at Disney World is Restaurant Marrakesh at Epcot. We are not a fan of the entertainment or food at this restaurant. For the prices for this sit down restaurant, I think there are much better options like Spice Road Table (the other sit down restaurant in Morocco at Epcot).

What is Your Favorite Character Dining Experience and Why?

Chef Mickey’s will always be our favorite since it’s a family tradition to have breakfast there on our first morning. It’s a great way to get into the Disney spirit and start every trip off seeing our favorite characters. We do have a second favorite – the Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at the Norway Pavilion. The food is great and the princesses mingle with guests throughout your meal.

1900 Park Fare, Akerhus Royal Banquet Hall and Tusker House all seem to be well liked!

Patty Moliterno – My favorite character dining experience is 1900 Park Fare because of Winnie the Pooh!

Tammy Graham – Garden Grill is my favorite Character Dining experience. The characters are able to visit your table multiple times and are much more interactive than at other locations.

Kim Seghers – Tusker House is my favorite. Why? I love the characters dressed in their safari outfits and how they take time to visit each table and don’t rush off. Each of the characters Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, and Goofy take pictures and autograph whatever we hand them. Just a fantastic atmosphere and love trying the different food on the buffet.

Melissa Russo – 1900 Park Faire for breakfast is my favorite character dining. I love the food and the atmosphere. The characters are pretty cool too.

Carrie Hurst – Cinderella’s Royal Table is my favorite character dining experience. I think the princesses are always happy to see you, and in our experience, they spent quite a bit of time at our table interacting with us.

Lucy McKenzie – On our last trip, we went to Tusker House for breakfast and will be adding it to all our future trips. The atmosphere was just so happy and carefree. Character interactions were great.

Devon Weaver – Akershus at Epcot – We have probably had 4 or 5 meals here over the years. The food has always been very good and plentiful. There are several princesses for the kids to interact with and we never felt like we had to wait super long for them to get to us. Tusker House at AK – If I could pick a 2nd favorite – I would go with Tusker House. Delicious food and a great character experience!

Jamie Welch-Schelin – That’s super tough we have a favorite at every park. But if I had to pick just one it would be Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at Epcot. I love you get to see a lot of the princesses at the same time which saves a lot of time if you have a little girl. But also our family loves the food there.

Lisa Cameron – 1900 Park Fare breakfast. I absolutely love the character interaction at this experience. The buffet is big and varied, and includes their famous strawberry soup. Plus can also have ice cream for breakfast.

Tina M. Brown – 1900 Park Fare ~ Character interaction was AMAZING. There is a wide array of delicious food options (I mean, strawberry soup and lobster eggs benedict, people), bright and cheery atmosphere, adorable photo opportunity and you can’t beat the proximity to Magic Kingdom.

Theresa Mabe – If Trattoria al Forno was easier to get to in the mornings, the Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast would be a must do dining experience every time. The Tangled and Little Mermaid themed pastries that start the meal are as delicious as they are adorable. The character interactions with Ariel, Eric, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider were some of the best I’ve had at Walt Disney World, and from watching the families around me, I could tell others felt the same. Plus, the waitress kept asking if she could bring us more plates of bacon every time she saw ours was empty. What’s not to love?

Emily – I LOVE the vibe of Hollywood and Vine. Very relaxed and we were able to meet all the characters multiple times!

Ashley Saunders – Chef Mickey’s- I love the classic characters (breakfast)

Angie Rumpf – We have actually never done a character dining experience as a family. I do have a special place in my heart for Be Our Guest though (but not with my kids!).

Janine Young – Garden Grill at Epcot. Family style setting and lots of time with the characters. The food is ‘homestyle’ with great options. We also love the new location so you can see the inside of rides.

Jennifer – Hollywood & Vine character dinner at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We love their themed dinners, like when Mickey and pal’s dress up as Star Wars characters, or Minnie’s seasonal dining for a beach inspired bash, etc. The service is good and you get to meet the characters sometimes more than once.

Allison – One of our favorite character dining experiences at Disney World is Cape May at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. This restaurant serves breakfast. You can enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet with Minnie, Daisy, Goofy, and Chip and Dale. This character dining is not as popular as other character dining experiences. I always feel like we have a lot more time with the characters at Cape May!

What is Your Least Favorite Character Dining Experience and Why?

I’m sure this opinion will be very unpopular, but my least favorite would have to be Ohana. I think it’s highly over-rated and over-priced.

All the spots that are favorites also show up on the least favorite list!

Patty Moliterno – My least favorite character dining experience was at Tusker House. I felt that it was overpriced and I did not feel safe and secure with a food allergy.

Tammy Graham – Hollywood and Vine is my least favorite Character Dining experience. I am not a fan of the menu and my interactions with characters there have been less than the other locations.

Kim Seghers – I don’t have a least favorite character dining experience. If I have to choose something least I don’t like about a character experience it would be . . . Be Our Guest only because it’s hard to get a reservation and the Beast only comes out for photos at dinner.

Melissa Russo – Akershus. I didn’ t like the food.

Carrie Hurst – I don’t think I have a least favorite character dining experience.

Lucy McKenzie – I was not too impressed with the Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom at lunch time. Since we have some picky eaters in our family, I didn’t feel that we fully got our moneys worth for the lunch buffet.

Devon Weaver – Crystal Palace – We love Pooh and Friends but the two times we have dined at Crystal Palace, we had to wait a very long time to meet all of the characters. The last time we were there we had to wait almost an entire hour from the time we were sat until the time the final character made it to our table. It’s a buffet meal that is OKAY at best and you eat right away, there is no lag time while waiting for food that would make it easier to wait for characters.

Jamie Welch-Schelin – I don’t have one. They are all unique in their own way.

Lisa Cameron – Minnie’s Seasonal Dine at Hollywood and Vine is my least favorite just based on the food. I found the buffet to be lacking. There was really nothing special. Though the characters were great.

Megan Miller – I don’t think I’ve had one.

Tina M. Brown – None – we have loved them all!!! Sorry – I can’t pick one!

Theresa Mabe – After enjoying several dinners at ‘Ohana over the years, and with Lilo & Stitch being one of my favorite films, I had high expectations for their Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch. While I was happy to meet them, the character interactions felt much more rushed than any other character meal I’ve been to. There’s nothing unique about the food either. Bacon, eggs, sausage, biscuits, potatoes; all things that you could find at a quick-service for breakfast. Definitely not worth the high cost of the meal.

Emily – While I LOVE Chef Mickey it is the loudest and very hit or miss on how rushed it feels.

Angie Rumpf – I am pretty sure most of them would be if I were with my kids. My kids have enough trouble focusing on eating and the two really should not be combined! We enjoy more one-on-one interactions when it comes the characters.

Janine Young – Hollywood & Vine at Hollywood Studios. Our children are still young enough to really enjoy the characters, but the food/service doesn’t compare to some of the other options.

Jennifer – Tusker House at Animal Kingdom – only because their foods are not appealing to us. While it’s nice for the resort to stick with the African theme for the park’s appeal, it’s just not our style of food choice.

Allison – I know this is a tough one! My least favorite character dining is Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. I always feel crowded and rushed at this restaurant. The tables are so close together and the character meet and greets are super quick. For someone that takes a lot of pictures and video, the lighting is also very poor. The pictures are not the best and that is why we do character dining, to get pictures with the kiddos and characters. The only plus to this restaurant is the sweet treats on the breakfast buffet. They have some really fun dessert items, even for breakfast. I love that!

Which is Your Favorite Walt Disney World Theme Park?

Magic Kingdom will always be my favorite. I began visiting Walt Disney World in the 1970’s when there was no other park but the Magic Kingdom. I have watched WDW grow and change over the years and love so many things about all of it but no trip to WDW will ever be complete without a walk down the middle of Main Street USA! I can roam around the Magic Kingdom for hours, my head full of memories from my childhood and from time spent there with my own children and grandchildren.

Almost everyone agrees with me – Magic Kingdom for the win!

Patty Moliterno – Favorite Disney Theme Park is Magic Kingdom (with Epcot right behind).

Tammy Graham – Naming my favorite theme park is like naming a favorite child! If I had to pick one, for me personally it would be Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Tower of Terror is my favorite ride. I love the streetmosphere actors, the rides, and the shows. Add in Toy Story and Star Wars – this park is a win!

Kim Seghers – Magic Kingdom

Melissa Russo – Gosh! This is tough. Why do I have to choose? Epcot and Magic Kingdom are pretty much tied, but if I had to choose, I would pick Magic Kingdom.

Carrie Hurst – Magic Kingdom

Lucy McKenzie – Currently it is the Magic Kingdom.

Devon Weaver – Magic Kingdom – MK is classic Disney. From that first glimpse of the iconic castle at the end of Main Street to the rides, parades, great food and of course, the Fireworks Display, this park has it all. It’s easy to spend more than one day at MK, as the rides are all spread out and there is a lot to explore. This is an especially great park for the really young kids.

Jamie Welch-Schelin – Magic Kingdom

Lisa Cameron – The Magic Kingdom

Megan Miller – Epcot

Tina M. Brown – Magic Kingdom, hands down!

Theresa Mabe – It may be rooted in glorious 80s nostalgia, but Epcot is always the park I’m most excited to visit every trip. I don’t feel like I need to rush from one attraction to the next to fill my day (although Soarin’, Living with the Land and Spaceship Earth are all favorite attractions of mine). I’ve happily spent afternoons simply sitting in Innoventions Plaza, listening to the music and watching the Fountain of Nations. And that’s even before making my way back to World Showcase to appreciate the level of thought and detail that has gone into making each country a unique experience. And I’ve said all that without even acknowledging the amazing food throughout the park and during the various festivals throughout the year!

Emily – Magic Kingdom…I love all the parks but it’s where I get that happy, magical feeling!

Ashley Saunders – Magic Kingdom

Angie Rumpf – This is such a hard one to give a simple answer to! Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park has given me some of my all time favorite memories, but if I were to have to choose a park to visit right now it would be Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.

Janine Young – Magic Kingdom. It will always have a soft place in my heart from my own childhood memories of going there to now bringing my own children!

Jennifer – Magic Kingdom because it’s the original park and just so fun!

Allison – I know picking at Disney Theme Park is like picking a favorite child! LOL! Our favorite Disney Park is Magic Kingdom. We love the magic of this park!

What Are Your Top 5 Favorite Walt Disney World Rides?

The classics will always top my list – It’s a Small World, Peter Pans Flight, Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion and finish the list with Soarin’ just to throw in another park.

Even though the responses here are varied depending on how daring an individual is, the classics get quite a few mentions throughout.

Patty Moliterno – Top Five Rides (we have not been to Toy Storyland yet) 1) Peter Pan – “I Can Fly”; 2) It’s a Small World; 3) The People Mover; 4) Toy Story Midway Mania and 5) Soarin’ Around the World

Tammy Graham – My top 5 Disney rides are 5 -Seven Dwarfs Mine Train 4 – Tomorrowland Transit Authority 3 – Splash Mountain 2 – Flight of Passage 1 – Tower of Terror

Kim Segher – Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Avatar Flight of Passage, Dinosaur, Big Thunder Mountain, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin (can’t wait to go to Toy Story Land).

Melissa Russo – Test Track, Soarin, Peter Pan’s Flight, Big Thunder, Star Tours

Carrie Hurst – Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Soarin’, Big Thunder Mountain, Dumbo, and Slinky Dog Dash.

Lucy McKenzie – We love all the mountains (Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, and Splash Mountain), Test Track, and Tower of Terror.

Devon Weaver – Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Frozen, Soarin’, Flight of Passage

Jamie Welch-Schelin – Haunted Mansion, Soarin, Pirates, Rock’n’ Roller Coster, Everest

Lisa Cameron – I am a self proclaimed ride chicken, so no mountains for me. These are the rides that bring me the most joy at Walt Disney World. 1. Kali River Rapids 2. Frozen Ever After 3. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh 4. it’s a small world 5. Toy Story Midway Mania

Megan Miller – Dumbo 2. It’s a Small World 3. The Seas with Nemo and Friends 4. Big Thunder Mountain 5. People Mover

Tina M. Brown – Avatar: Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Rock ‘n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

Theresa Mabe – From my childhood – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad; For the thrills – Tower of Terror; For the music – Soarin’ 1.0; For the nostalgia – it’s a small world; For the variety of experiences – Kilimanjaro Safari

Emily – Tiki Room, It’s a Small World, Country Bears, People Mover, Pirates . . . I love the classics!

Ashley Saunders – 7 Dwarfs Mine Train, Everest, Star Tours, Slinky Dog, Rock n Roller Coaster

Angie Rumpf – Avatar Flight of Passage, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Space Mountain, Slinky Dog Dash, and Dumbo.

Janine Young – Haunted Mansion, Avatar: Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, Test Track, It’s a Small World

Jennifer – Avatar Flight of Passage (best ride ever), Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, Expedition Everest, Soarin’, Toy Story Mania

Allison – There are so many fun rides at Disney World. These are my favorite Disney Rides: #5 Slinky Dog – #4 Expedition Everest – #3 Mine Train – #2 Tower of Terror – #1 Flight of Passage

What is Your Favorite Walt Disney World Snack?

The simplest of all – a Mickey pretzel! When my children were young and I would take them to Disney for a quick get-away, I would always let them have one “pretzel for lunch” day and now I’m doing it with my grandchildren too!

I knew the Dole Whip would show up here, but there are definitely some other favorites!

Patty Moliterno – Pineapple Dole Whip

Tammy Graham – Not a typical favorite snack, but mine is a Selma sugar cookie with chocolate icing.

Kim Seghers – The Pink Millennial Cupcake from Port Orleans Riverside

Melissa Russo – Again, why do I have to choose? LOL! The ice cream cookie sandwich is always a must.

Carrie Hurst – A Citrus Swirl

Lucy McKenzie – We always buy popcorn. Also love the Mickey Mouse ice cream sandwiches.

Devon Weaver – Fresh popped popcorn (though my kids vote for Mickey Ice Cream Bars)

Jamie Welch-Schelin – Churro

Lisa Cameron – My go-to is always a Mickey Pretzel

Megan Miller – Mickey Pretzel

Tina M. Brown – Dole Whip! Now I want one…..

Theresa Mabe – I know this may seem like a strange answer, but I keep coming back to the Mickey-shaped peanut butter crisped rice treats that you can purchase at the Main Street Confectionery and occasionally in the resort hotels. They are the perfect balance of sweet and salty, and ideally sized and packaged to pack in your suitcase to bring home. I always grab a handful before I leave to help me combat my Post-Disney Depression after I return home.

Emily – Mickey Pretzel with Cheese Dip DUH!

Ashley Saunders – Dole Whip Float

Angie Rumpf – I am a Dole Whip traditionalist. Love them! Though the Mickey Ice Cream Sandwich is a close second.

Janine Young – Dole Whip (always and forever)!

Jennifer – Plaza Ice Cream Parlor’s Sundae

Allison – I have two favorite treats! My first one is my favorite to eat which is the Dole Whip. I love the refreshing taste of the Dole Whip, during a hot day in Florida. I also love the Mickey Mouse ice cream bars. These taste yummy, but I love to get that classic picture of the kids with the Mickey Mouse ice cream. They are so cute! So the second one is just a fun prop to eat!

What is a Must Do at Disney World?

Because I visit often, I know I will always get the opportunity to do my favorites but no trip to Walt Disney World is ever complete for me without a visit to the Magic Kingdom. A simple walk down the middle of Main Street USA makes my visit complete!

It looks like Happily Ever After is a winner!

Patty Moliterno – Ride the Monorail

Tammy Graham – My Disney must-do is the Happily Ever After fireworks at Magic Kingdom.

Kim Seghers – A MUST Do at Disney World would be to take one day to explore the different Disney World Resort properties to see what each has to offer.

Melissa Russo – Ride the monorail and resort hop.

Carrie Hurst – I think a “must do” at Disney World is Happily Ever After.

Lucy McKenzie – We always have to see Mickey Mouse and the fab 5. You’re not in Disney until you see at least one of them. We always make sure to ride Dumbo, Pirates, and Peter Pan.

Devon Weaver – Watching your kids experience Disney

Jamie Welch-Schelin – See the fireworks

Lisa Cameron – For my family, a must-do is always ending our trip with a visit to Disney Springs. There we can get last-minute souvenirs, have a nice meal and soak up as much of the magic as we can before heading home.

Megan Miller – See the fireworks at least once in the parks.

Tina M. Brown – MUST WATCH Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom ~ it gets me every time!

Theresa Mabe – You don’t know the meaning of joy until you spend 15 minutes hanging around Club Cool, watching unsuspecting guests sample Beverly for the first time. Just thinking about it puts an instant smile on my face.

Emily – Photos in front of the castle! Must have every single visit!

Ashley Saunders – Watch the Fireworks

Angie Rumpf – Happily Ever After! I cannot recommend a single experience more. Watching my children experience that Magic is one of my greatest memories! It is truly a brand of Pixie Dust that only Disney delivers.

Janine Young – Take in the ‘Ever After’ fireworks show. It is our favourite way to end a day at Disney; allowing us to all come together and experience the magic of the show, while also allowing the kids to slow down from the hype of the day. We also try and time this for our last night at Disney each time we’re there to cap off our trip.

Jennifer – Fantasmic at night at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Allison – I think taking a day off during your Disney World vacation is a must do! I see so many people visiting Disney World with days planned from opening until close. When they get home, they need a vacation from their vacation. Be sure you take at least one day to relax with your family and just play. This could be swimming in your resort pool, renting bikes at the resort, or just playing a board game in your room. These are some of the best memories, when you just slow down and enjoy the moment during your Disney World vacation.

What is Your Best Walt Disney World Planning Tip?

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation for those that don’t visit often can seem overwhelming for sure. Walt Disney World is now so full of things to do there is no way to do everything in one trip so don’t try. Choose your favorites or one thing for each family member and do those things. Don’t overfill your itinerary with sit down dining reservations or you will spend a good chunk of your visit sitting in restaurants. Sadly for those that will only get to visit once or twice in their lifetime, there is no way they can experience even half of what WDW offers so I always suggest they use an authorized Disney vacation planner who will help them get the most done of their trip in the least stressful way.

Some great tips from frequent visitors!

Patty Moliterno – Don’t expect to do it all in one trip. Have each child (and adult) select one restaurant that they must eat at, and 1-2 rides per park that are must-do’s for them. This way everyone gets to do some of their favorite things.

Tammy Graham – A Walt Disney World vacation is not a sprint. Stop and soak in the experiences, take breaks, and be in the moment.

Kim Seghers – My best Disney World planning tip is for first-time visitors to Disney World to read as many Disney World tips and articles from different websites and blogs and to hire a travel agent that specializes in Disney World vacations to help plan you the best and most magical Disney World vacation tailored for you and your family that your budget allows.

Melissa Russo – Don’t over plan your day. Disney can be overwhelming, especially for small children. Take a break in the afternoon.

Carrie Hurst – Get to the parks early, and take a midday break on most of your days! Maybe you don’t need one everyday, but I think having a midday break, no matter your age, is a must!

Lucy McKenzie – Purchase Memory Maker in advance. It will not only save you money, but you will be able to get some amazing family pictures with some Disney magic as well as all the ride pictures. Take a backpack filled with snacks, drinks, battery backups for electronics, and any toys to occupy little ones. It will help keep the kids from melting down and save you some money. Also, plan your trip but make sure that your plan may not happen exactly the way you have it planned. Be flexible.

Devon Weaver – Plan ahead but do not let it stress or overwhelm you. Book Fastpasses and dining when your windows open.

Jamie Welch-Schelin – Take your time don’t rush

Lisa Cameron – Make your FastPasses for mid-morning to early afternoon. Take advantage of morning Extra Magic Hours (or rope drop) and get to the park early. Ride as many rides as you can before your FastPasses begin. After all 3 are done, there’s still plenty of time left in the day to get more FastPasses.

Megan Miller – Have low expectations and enjoy the magic

Tina M. Brown – We make our table service reservations for lunch. This gives us the morning to get FastPasses out of the way (or relax at the pool), then walk it all off after and into the evening. This also leaves the potential to only eat dinner according to our appetite and not out of obligation. Potential money-saver!

Theresa Mabe – Take screenshots of any plans you have made in My Disney Experience and send them to the other guests in your party. Technology is never 100% reliable, and you don’t want to miss out on a Fast Pass or dining reservation that you’ve scheduled because you can’t get the app to load or your phone died, preventing you from double checking the timing or location of your plans.

Emily – Go when it’s low crowds. Touring Plans is THE best planning tool…use it!

Ashley Saunders – Stay on property – the perks are the best, especially be able to book FP+ and dining ahead of time

Angie Rumpf – Spend some time online researching planning tips. Parents who have “been there, done that” will spill their secrets happily to make sure that other parents can deliver the Magic as well.

Janine Young – Book 180 days out and go for your restaurant bookings and 60 days out for fast passes. If there is a ride or restaurant you want plan around when you can get the reservation or fast pass.

Jennifer – Order your fastpasses ahead of time! It’s so important to plan ahead.

Allison – I know vacations are time for you to sleep in…nope, not on a Disney World vacation. Be sure you wake up early and get to the parks, right before opening. You should be able to get through most of the rides and attractions, before lunch. Head back to your resort for naps or pool time in the afternoon. Then head back to the parks in the evening hours for Extra Magic Hours and the cooler weather. Taking that afternoon break helps with the crowds and you miss the hottest part of our Florida weather.

What do you consider to be the best and worst of Walt Disney World?