10 Must Sees at Walt Disney World

There’s so much to see and do at Walt Disney World near Orlando that it can be overwhelming. There are hundreds or rides, attractions, and shows between all of the four theme parks. Regardless if you’re visiting The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Here are my top 10 things to see and do at the Walt Disney World Resort listed in no particular order.

Disney Dreams Come True Parade (Magic Kingdom) - This lively parade is presented daily at 3pm in the Magic Kingdom. All of your favorite Disney characters dance and sing along the parade route from Frontierland to Main Street USA.

Sorin' (Epcot) - Based on the popular attraction at Disney's California Adventure, "Sorin' over California," this flight simulator takes thrill seekers on a hang glider ride over California. Flying high over the major cities, the Napa valley, the coast, orange groves (complete with orange grove smell), and eventually Disneyland, riders have the sensation of flying as the movie screen surrounds the hang glider that is suspended in mid air.

Mission Space (Epcot) - Feel the sensation of blast off with the same technology that NASA uses to prepare their astronauts for flight. In the space vehicle, each person on the four person flight crew is assigned a task to make the mission successful. As your space craft "launches" into space, you feel the G forces push you back as your window to space shows your progress as you race toward the heavens.

Expedition Everest (Disney’s Animal Kingdom) Enjoy a scenic train trek to the top of Mount Everest, that is at lest until the infamous Yeti changes the plan. As your train emerges from a cave, riders catch a glimpse of the Yeti's shadow and notice the train track ahead is ripped into two. Unable to proceed, the train starts going backwards, downhill into a dark cave and speeds over and around Mount Everest to escape the Yeti.

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth (Epoct) - Each evening the World Showcase at Epcot comes alive with music, fireworks, water fountains, and lasers as the night-time spectacular Illuminations is presented on and above the World Showcase lagoon.

Rock 'N' Roller Coaster (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) - Aerosmith invite riders to be VIP's at their concert. The only problem is that the show beings in just a few minutes. Riders get into a stretch limo and it shoots of from 0 - 57 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds. From there, it's a super-fast journey through the freeways of LA to get to the show on time. Along with plenty of ups, downs, and loops, riders rock out to an awesome speaker system in each "limo" playing some of Aerosmith's greatest hits.

Cirque Du Soleil's La Nuba (Downtown Disney) - While not a "Disney" show, it is at Walt Disney World at Downtown Disney entertainment area, La Nuba is Cirque Du Soleil's permanent show at the purpose built theater in Downtown Disney. If you've seen any of Cirque's other productions, then you know what you're in for; a 90 minutes of beautiful, artistic performance that will take your breath away.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (Disney’s Hollywood Studio) - Find yourself in an episode of the classic TV show "The Twilight Zone." From the moment you step in to the deserted Hollywood hotel, you know something's not right. From the hotel's boiler room, riders are whisked in to a service elevator for a journey to the top of the hotel... 13 stories up. Along the way, the elevator stops on different floors to reveal scenes straight out of the Twilight Zone. Then, without warning, the elevator plunges 13 stories straight down.

Fantasmic! (Disney's Hollywood Studios) - Mickey Mouse's dreams quickly turn in to a nightmare as the forces of good and evil battle for control of Mickey's dreams in the spectacular show at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Presented in the Hollywood Hills Theater, the memorizing show features all of your Disney friends, fireworks, music, floating stages, and patented water screen technology on which clips from classic Disney movies are shown.

Wishes (Magic Kingdom) - Exploding above the skies of the Magic Kingdom, Wishes tells the story of the power of dreams through fireworks. Jiminy Cricket and the Blue Fairy from Pinocchio narrate this breathtaking display of dreams in the sky.

Top 10 Disney’s Hollywood Studio Attractions

Disney’s Hollywood Studios opened in 1989 as the Disney-MGM Studios. When it first opened, it was a real production studio where many TV shows such as the New Mickey Mouse Club (the one with Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, and more) and Star Search were filmed. There was even a real animation studio where some of the Disney Classics such as Mulan where made.

Over time, however, most production stopped, and the focus shifted to make the studios more of a theme park and less as a center of production. Because of that decision, many of the great attractions from the early days that revolved around being in an actual studio have disappeared.
Here I list my 10 favorite attractions from Disney’s Hollywood Studio (or some existed when it was called Disney-MGM studios), regardless if they still are in operation or not.

The Backstage Tour – When the studios first opened, the backstage tour was completely different than it is now. The total tour was around two hours and began with a tram ride. While the tram portion still exists (albeit in a much changed format), the original tour also included a walking portion that took you through the sound stages to see actual productions. There was also a great movie starring Bette Midler called The Lottery that explained the film making process.

The Art of Disney Animation – When there was still a working animation studio within the Disney-MGM Studios, the walk through tour of the facilities included a chance to see real animators at work creating future releases. The tour began with a charming film staring Robin Williams as one of Peter Pan’s lost boys. After the film, which explained the animation process, visitors would then “follow” Robin’s character on overhead monitors thought the animation studio seeing artists bringing Disney magic to life.

Star Tours – Climbing aboard a star speeder, visitors blast off into space on an intergalactic adventure. Star Tours is a great ride, and has a wonderful preshow area showing C3PO and R2-D2 as they prepare for the voyage. The problem is the pilot of the star speeder is a newbie and it turns into a rocky ride!

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror - This attraction at the end of Sunset Boulevard takes place in a deserted, and haunted, hotel. Visitors begin by entering the hotel and proceeding to the basement. From there, they board a service elevator and journey up – thirteen stories up. From there it’s a nightmarish is 13 story plunge to the bottom. This ride is not for the faint of heart.

Rock 'N' Roller Coaster - Aerosmith invite riders to be VIP's at their concert. The only problem is that the show beings in just a few minutes. Riders get into a stretch limo and it shoots of from 0 - 57 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds. From there, it's a super-fast journey through the freeways of LA to get to the show on time. Along with plenty of ups, downs, and loops, riders rock out to an awesome speaker system in each "limo" playing some of Aerosmith's greatest hits.

Fantasmic! - Mickey Mouse's dreams quickly turn in to a nightmare as the forces of good and evil battle for control of Mickey's dreams in the spectacular show at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Presented in the Hollywood Hills Theater, the memorizing show features all of your Disney friends, fireworks, music, floating stages, and patented water screen technology on which clips from classic Disney movies are shown.

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show – A relatively new addition to the studios, this action-packed stunt show was imported from the Disney Studios in the Disneyland Paris resort. The outdoor spectacular shows many of the tricks used to create chase scenes from your favorite movies. This is a fantastic addition to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (although they had to raze the “residential street” which used to be part of the backstage tram tour and included such gems as the Golden Girls house to make room for this attraction.

The Great Movie Ride – One of the original opening day attractions, the Great Movie Ride is mild compared to many other offerings. That said, this ride which is housed in an exact replica of Mann’s Chinese Theater, takes riders on a voyage through scenes from some of Hollywood’s greatest movies. From following the yellow brick road to Oz, to soaring above the rooftops of London with Mary Poppins, this ride is sure to bring back many memories of your favorite movie classics.

Toy Story Mania – The newest attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Mania invites guests into the wacky world of Toy Story. In this interactive ride, riders wear 3D glasses and their ride vehicle is equipped with guns so riders can play carnival style games as they progress through the ride. Games such as Woody's Rootin' Tootin' Shootin' Gallery and Pie Throw Practice Booth allow riders to accumulate points throughout the ride.

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular – This is another attraction that’s been around since opening day and is still “wow-ing” guests. In this live action stunt show, guests see how stunts are done and a few lucky guests are cast in a role in this show. Indiana Jones stars are he fights off the bad guys to save the day (and win the girl, of course

The 10 Must-See Live Shows and Parades Walt Disney World

So, you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida and you’re not sure what to see and what to miss? Here, in no particular order, are the 10 best shows and entertainment options for Walt Disney World.

Disney Dreams Come True Parade (Magic Kingdom) – This lively parade is presented daily at 3pm in the Magic Kingdom. All of your favorite Disney characters dance and sing along the parade route from Frontierland to Main Street USA.

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth (Epoct) – Each evening the World Showcase at Epcot comes alive with music, fireworks, water fountains, and lasers as the night-time spectacular Illuminations is presented on and above the World Showcase lagoon.

Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade (Disney’s Animal Kingdom) – Rafiki from The Lion King leads the way for this jungle trek that winds its way around Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Along for the ride, besides the stilt walkers and various jungle critters, are Goofy, Pluto, Minnie, and of course Mickey Mouse.

Fantasmic! (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) – Mickey Mouse’s dreams quickly turn in to a nightmare as the forces of good and evil battle for control of Mickey’s dreams in the spectacular show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Presented in the Hollywood Hills Theater, the memorizing show features all of your Disney friends, fireworks, music, floating stages, and patented water screen technology on which clips from classic Disney movies are shown.

Wishes (Magic Kingdom) – Exploding above the skies of the Magic Kingdom, Wishes tells the story of the power of dreams through fireworks. Jiminy Cricket and the Blue Fairy from Pinocchio narrate this breathtaking display of dreams in the sky.

SpectoMagic (Magic Kingdom) – The Magic Kingdom’s follow-up for The Main Street Electrical Parade, SpectoMagic is a nighttime parade featuring a million points of light that wind around the park and transform the night into a brilliant display of color and sound that only Disney could pull off.

Dream Along with Mickey (Magic Kingdom) – Presented several times daily in front of Cinderella Castle, this live stage show has all of your favorite Disney pals and the Kids of the Kingdom dancers. Dream Along with Mickey is an entertaining, kid-friendly show that will have you singing along.

Cirque Du Soleil’s La Nuba (Downtown Disney) – While not a “Disney” show, it is at Walt Disney World at Downtown Disney entertainment area, La Nuba is Cirque Du Soleil’s permanent show at the purpose built theater in Downtown Disney. If you’ve seen any of Cirque’s other productions, then you know what you’re in for; a 90 minutes of beautiful, artistic performance that will take your breath away.

Block Party Bash (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) – Characters from Disney/Pixar films come to life in this moving show that makes several stops as it makes its way through the Disney Hollywood Studios. Buzz, Woody, and other characters plus acrobats and dancers bring the Disney/Pixar films to life in this party in motion.

Hoop-De-Doo Musical Revue (Fort Wilderness) – Enjoy an all you can eat dinner buffet at this wild and lively musical review. One of the dinner shows presented at Walt Disney World, the Hoop-De-Doo Musical Review servers classic American food such as fried chicken, BBQ ribs, corn on the cob and more together with the a classic frontier show. It’s a rootin’ tootin’ good time for the whole family!

10 Disney Theme Parks and Attractions That Were Never Built

Here's a list (in no particular order) of 10 unbuilt Disney projects that I think would have been great.

Disney's America This history-based Disney theme park was to be built in Haymarket, Virginia. With 8 themed area that included Native American Village, President’s Square (complete with Walt Disney World’s Hall of Presidents), and Ellis Island, Disney’s America was going to showcase the complete American experience from the founding of our country to the mid 20th century. The project was well in to the planning stages when it was blocked by historical preservation groups who opposed a large-scale development in and around historical sites where famous Civil War battles took place.

WestCOT Planned as an Epcot style park for the west coast, WestCOT was to be built on the area that was the Disneyland parking lot and is now Disney’s California Adventure. With guests visiting Walt Disney World in Orlando for several days – or even a week, Michael Eisner wanted to keep guests at Disneyland for more than one day. The answer was to build a second park and he challenged the Imagineers to “wow” him. The result was a three billion dollar park, WestCOT. However, following the dismal financial performance of the opening of EuroDisney (now Disneyland Paris), Michael Eisner was weary of investing such a large sum of money. Instead he had plans drawn up for a less-expensive option for a second park, and Disney’s California Adventure was born.


Port Disney Planned for Long Beach, California, Port Disney was first proposed in 1990, but soon was cancelled after the financial drain on the company because of EuroDisney’s financial woes. Port Disney would have included a theme park based on Tokyo Disneyland’s DisneySea Park, hotels, a shopping and entertainment district as well as a cruise port to serve as the west coast home for Disney Cruise Lines.


Dark Kingdom Proposed as a new theme park for the Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, the theme was to be based on the Disney Villains. It was to pre a reverse of the Magic Kingdom as it would be the Disney Villains who would be in charge. The park’s centerpiece was to be Malificent's castle and the park would have included rides based on Captain Hook, Ursula, and other villains.


Mineral King Ski Resort To be located in the Sequoia National Park, this was one of the last projects that Walt Disney worked on before his death. The resort was going to be an Alpine themed resort complete with hotels, ski runs, and the Country Bear Jamboree (which was revived and moved to Disneyland and Walt Disney World). This project faded away after the death of Walt Disney and was never built.


Lava Lagoon In order to help build EruoDisney (now Disneyland Paris), plans were drawn up for a water park to be built. The park was to feature a Polynesian theme with lush foliage and spectacular scenery. To compensate for the often cold, overcast days common to Paris, the entire park was to be built under a glass dome. This park met its fate because of the bad first year EuroDisney had and was never built.


Disney's MGM Studios Backlot 40 acres of land in Burbank was the proposed site for this entertainment/shopping complex. It featured several rides that eventually made their way to the Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios) in Orlando. Rumor has it that this proposed development was just a threat against Universal Studios in hopes that they would not build a studio attraction in Florida.


Beastly Kingdom Planned as one of the original “lands” for Disney’s Animal Kingdom, this area was scrapped at the last minute due to budget cuts and was replaced with Camp Mickey and Minnie instead. This land would have featured animals that never were such as dragons and unicorns and would have had a rollercoaster featuring a dragon theme. This land was so far along in development before it was scrapped, you can still see reminders of it around Disney’s Animal Kingdom including a “Unicorn” section in the parking lot and a dragon including the logo for the park.


Discovery Bay A new themed land for Disneyland in the 1970’s, Discovery Bay was to be a small 19th century village populated by invertors and those who imagined the future. There was to be a Journal to the Center of the Earth ride and a port into which giant airships could fly. Although never built, many of the ideas ended up in other Disney parks around the globe.


Liberty Street Imagined as a side street of Disneyland’s Mainstreet USA, Liberty Street was to be a New England village from the time of the American Revolution. It would have featured shops and restaurants featuring colonial American items and food. The main attraction of Liberty Street was to have been The Hall of Presidents. Many of the ideas, including the Hall of Presidents, were eventually built in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

Top 10 Epcot Attractions of All Time

Since opening on October 1, 1982, Epcot (opened as EPCOT Center but changed names in the late 1990’s) several attractions have come and gone, while others were changed and updated.

Here is my list for the best attractions of all time, regardless if they still exist or not, for Epcot presented in no particular order.


The Living Seas (the originals and not the current The Seas with Nimo and Friends). The Living Seas used to begin with movie about the seas and how they were created followed by a trip to Sea Base Alpha aboard a hydralator. Once at the bottom of the ocean, you would board a Sea cab for the final part of your journal to the center of Sea Base Alpha. When I was younger, I always found this attraction to be inspiring and made me want to learn more about the ocean.

Horizons “If we can dream it, then we can do it” was the motto for this EPCOT Center favorite. Riders would board their vehicle for a look at how we used to depict the future in the past to what the future might look like years from now. I remember riding this in the 1980’s and some of what was shown was not too far off. I remember seeing the redhead girl “talking” to her boyfriend via video conferencing!

The American Adventure This is one of the few original opening day attractions that remains relatively the same as it did on October 1, 1982, although the film at the end has been updated to include more current events. This grand show depicts the story of America, from the Pilgrims landing to the dawn of the 21st century.

Spaceship Earth As the symbol of Epcot, Spaceship Earth was designed to be a grand attraction, showing how humans communicated through the centuries and giving us a glimpse into the future of communication. The ride has gone through several small and large refurbishments and the narrators have included Walter Cronkite, Jeremy Lions, and the current Dame Judy Dench, yet this attraction, to me, has always been great. Sure, some of the small changes have been hit or miss (like taking away the great ending song, “Tomorrow’s Child”), but overall Spaceship Earth always gets me excited about my day at Epcot.

Test Track The first venture at Epcot to create a thrill ride (unless you count Maelstrom), Test Track took the place of the World of Motion attraction. While Test Track is no roller coaster, it is fast enough and just a bit scary to count as a tame thrill ride. I love when the car goes through the anti-lock break test for the first time… without the anti-lock breaks!

O’ Canada (the original version) This attraction, which is a CircleVision film was updated in 2007. The updated film is “cute” it isn’t nearly as good as the original film. That said, it was time for an update. Viewers who saw the original film, which premiered in 1982, today would have wondered why Canadians still dressed like they were in the ‘70s!

Soarin’ This is one of the newest attractions at Epcot and taken from the popular ride at Disney’s California Adventure, “Soarin’ over California.” Soarin’ takes riders on a hang glider ride over California and allows you to smell the fresh orange groves as you fly over them (reminds me of the orange smell from Horizons desert farming scene).

World of Motion Now closed and replaced with Test Track, World of Motion was a tribute to transportation evoking the phrase “it’s fun to be free” in its theme song. Like most original Future World attractions, the ride would begin showing the beginnings (in this case, transportation) and end with what the future will be like. Unfortunately, for World of Motion, the future looked like an Epcot with this wonder attraction.

El Rio De Tiempo Before it got a makeover in 2007 to feature Donald Duck as “Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros” this lazy boat ride through the history of Mexico (which was appropriate as this ride was in the Mexico pavilion in the World Showcase) was always a favorite on hot or crowed days at Epcot. I could always get on this ride with no waiting and the market girl chasing my boat to buy handmade Mexican souvenirs never got old.

Tapestry of Nations This pageant of performers, oversized imaginative costumes, still walkers, and more was presented nightly during Epcot’s Millennium Celebration. The Time Keeper would call on all nations to wish for hope and peace in the new millennium while the World Showcase would come alive with music, light, sounds, and color in the one of a kind parade.

10 Must See Things at the Disneyland Resort

Since it’s opening in 1955, Disneyland in Anaheim, California has been captivating the minds of both the young and the young at heart. “The Happiest Place on Earth” as Disneyland is billed, is filled with excited rides and shows. Joining Disneyland in 2001, Disney’s California Adventure offers more rides and shows at this second theme park that, together with Disneyland, makes up The Disneyland Resort.


Soarin' Over California - this flight simulator takes thrill seekers on a hang glider ride over California. Flying high over the major cities, the Napa valley, the coast, orange groves (complete with orange grove smell), and eventually Disneyland, riders have the sensation of flying as the movie screen surrounds the hang glider that is suspended in mid air.
Park: Disney’s California Adventure


Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye – is a ride aboard a “jeep” into a temple recently discovered by Indiana Jones. Riders are in for a rough ride through the temple as they try to advice the wrath of the god Mara. This ride is in an enclosed, dark space and often at high speeds, so it often scary ride and is not advisable for small children.Park: Disneyland


Muppet Vision 3D – takes you on a 3D journey into the Muppet Laboratories where anything can, and usually does happen. This 3D movie has Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his assistant, Beaker, demonstrating the newest Muppet technology, Muppets 3D. What ensues is 13 minutes of chaos and hilarity.
Park: Disney’s California Adventure


Fantasmic - is a 25 minute spectacular presented on and around the Rivers of America. In the show, Mickey Mouse’s imagination comes to life and the forces or good and evil, right and wrong battle. This amazing spectacle uses pyrotechnics, lasers, fire, water screens, and a cast of your favorite Disney characters to bring the story to life.
Park: Disneyland


Snow White - An Enchanting Musical – brings to the stage the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This lavish musical features some favorite songs from the film including “Whistle While you Work” and “Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho.” The lavish sets and the animated effects of the Magic Mirror (voice provided by Patrick Stewart) make this a “must see” on your visit to Disneyland.
Park: Disneyland


Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – is where yourself in an episode of the classis TV show “The Twilight Zone.” From the moment you step in to the deserted Hollywood hotel, you know something’s not right. From the hotel’s boiler room, riders are whisked in to a service elevator for a journey to the top of the hotel… 13 stories up. Along the way, the elevator stops on different floors to reveal scenes straight out of the Twilight Zone. Then, without warning, the elevator plunges 13 stories straight down.
Park: Disney’s California Adventure


Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters – is a ride in which space cadets pilot their own Space Cruisers and help Buzz Lightyear (from the Disney/Pixar Toy Story films) defeat the evil Emperor Zurg. Each Space Cruiser features laser cannons that allow riders to shoot at targets and collect points. This interactive shooting gallery is a big hit with today’s computer generation.
Park: Disneyland


Grizzly River Rapids – is where “wetter is better” and it’s true! One of Disney’s largest water rapids type of rides, this adventure takes you through an abandon mine in the scenic of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Your raft winds through caves and under waterfalls as you and your fellow rivers get soacking wet. There are a total of three drops on this ride, but the last is the longest, scariest, and the best!
Park: Disney’s California Adventure


California Screamin' – launches riders from 0 - 55 in six seconds. From there it’s a heart pounding, high speed ride. In the next mile, riders experience a drop of over 100 feet, hairpin turns, and a giant loop. More thrilling that the wooden rollercoaster of the past that this ride portrays, this modern steel rollercoaster will have you screamin’ the entire time you’re on it!
Park: Disney’s California Adventure


Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – is a great, but not the scariest, roller coaster type ride at Disneyland. Great for both children and adults, A Disneyland classic, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is an exciting journey aboard a run away mine train as it twists and turns through the mountains of Frontierland.
Park: Disneyland

7 Tips for Saving Money on a Walt Disney World Vacation

Okay, I know it's only a top 7 list (and not a top 10), but still worth checking out!

Okay, you’ve decided to take the plunge and plan a visit to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Now you’re faced with the realization that a trip for the family to Walt Disney World can add up. Getting there, staying there, hotels, food, and souvenirs can all make a vacation to Walt Disney World out of reach for many. Here are seven tips to make your vacation to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom a bit more affordable.

1. When to Visit for the Best Deals (and smallest crowds)

Walt Disney World is the least busy, and hotels are less expensive, during off-peak times. Besides visiting during off-peak times to save some money, the parks are less crowded and you’ll wait in line for rides much less then you would other times.

The off-peak times for Walt Disney World are basically anytime that schools are in session (that leaves out summer, Christmas to New Years, and Easter). Generally, the least busy period is the first week of January. And being Florida, it’s not always cold in January, and the temperatures can be in the 70s.

2. Disney Vacation Club – Deluxe Disney Resorts Without the Deluxe Price

Disney Vacation Club is Disney’s timeshare program. The timeshare units are all on property and include a kitchen (great for making meals and saving money). You don’t have to be an “owner” to enjoy the accommodations. Members often sell points which can be redeemed for accommodation and the total price paid is often less than half of what the unit would cost you if you rented it directly from Disney. Check out http://www.dvcnews.com/ for more information.

3. Flying to Orlando? Forget the Rental Car

If you’re flying in to Orlando International Airport, and staying on Disney property, then you don’t need a rental car. All of the Disney hotels are linked to the theme parks by monorail, bus, and/or water craft. Once you’re on property, there’s no need to drive. And getting to Walt Disney World from Orlando International Airport is now easier than ever (and free!) with Disney’s Magical Express, a service for guests staying at the Walt Disney World resort. Simply board the Magical Express bus at the airport and it will take you directly to Walt Disney World. They can even have your bags delivered to your room so you can go straight to the parks and begin your vacation. And when you’re returning to the airport, simply check in at the resort and check your bags through to your destination (available for most airlines) and enjoy more time at the parks.

4. Eat, Drink, and Save… The Disney Dining Plan

For a set price per day, per guest, you can dine at your choice of over 100 restaurants throughout Walt Disney World. The Disney Dining Plan allows you to prepare by knowing exactly how much you’ll spend on meals each day.

For about $37 per day for adults, and $11 per child, you’ll receive credits for one full service meal (appetizer, main course, dessert, and beverage), one counter service meal (Disney speak for fast food), and one snack. These credits can be used at most dining location and, for snacks, at most carts throughout the parks and the entire Walt Disney World resort (including restaurants in hotels, Downtown Disney, and the water parks).

5. Tickets

Tickets for the Disney theme parks can be expensive. A one day, one park ticket can cost around $75 dollars. There are ways to save money, often substantial savings, if you know where to look.

If you are member of, or a family member of someone in the US Military, there are discounts available on base or at Walt Disney World (often, members of the US Military get in for free).
AAA Members can get discounts at the gate or in advance through your local AAA office. Often times, depending on the number of days you’re staying, it’s worthwhile to join AAA just to get the savings on Disney tickets.
There are also great savings for Florida residents; however, proof of Florida residency is required. Check out http://www.disneyworld.com/ for the latest specials.

6. Save on the Mouse Ears, Too!

You can’t walk two feet in one of the Disney parks without encountering some sort of trinket for sale. While it may be tempting to buy stuff in the parks, there are alternatives. If you are going off property, you’ll be encountered with hundreds of souvenir stores offering similar merchandise at much less (think 5 Mickey tee shirts for $10). Alternately, Disney actually runs several discount stores with Walt Disney World merchandise (often overstock or discontinued) at several factory outlet shopping centers in the Orlando area.

7. Nothing Beats Free!

While the above mentioned tips can help you save some money, nothing beats something for nothing. Here are a few free things to do at Walt Disney World:

Ride in the front of the monorail – Just ask when you enter the monorail station and you’ll get to sit up-front with the monorail pilot. You’ll even get your own “co-pilot” certificate.
Watch a Disney animated movie at Fort Wilderness. Each night, there’s a sing-along, marshmallow roast, and a free Disney animated movie shown on a large outdoor screen.
Hop aboard a “friendship” and cruise around Crescent Lake, which makes stops at Epcot, The Boardwalk, The Yacht & Beach Club, The Swan & Dolphin, and Disney's Hollywood Studios. You can get off at each stop, or stay on the boat.

10 Best Rides at Walt Disney World for Teens

Walt Disney World has long been a favorite place to take the kids for an unforgettable family vacation. But what if the “kids” are not so little anymore? While your teens might not enjoy the continuous chorus of “It’s a Small World After All” as they ride in a slow boat past happy dolls of the world singing, there are plenty of rides at the four Walt Disney World theme parks that the teen in your family is sure to enjoy.

Magic Kingdom

Space Mountain - This classis Disney ride takes space travelers on a high-speed, indoor rollercoaster ride through space. As you’re rocket is set to “launch,” you travel past mission control on your way to the launching pad (and, being this is an attraction built in the 70’s, the mission control mannequins are dressed in the finest polyester space crew uniforms of the day). Once at the top, your rocket begins its travels through space as it twists and turns and encounters a few, albeit small, drops along the way.

Splash Mountain – Get ready to get wet on this Disney take on the classic log flume ride. At first this attraction seems like a slow-moving, leisurely ride as your “log” travels through scenes from the movie “Song of the South.” However, it soon becomes apparent that Br'er Rabbit is in trouble as Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear follow him thought the ride. Finally, you see that Br’er Rabbit has been caught in the brier patch and things go downhill from there, literally. Your “log” (with you in it) plunges 52 ½ feet down to a watery finish and everyone winds up soaking wet!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Billed as the “wildest ride in the west,” Thunder Mountain is the tamest of the three “mountain” rides in the Magic Kingdom. The out of control mining train winds its way at high speeds past an avalanche to whisk riders through a wide west mining town, a dark bat cave, and in and out of the mountain.

Epcot

Sorin’ – Based on the popular attraction at Disney’s California Adventure, “Sorin’ over California,” this flight simulator takes thrill seekers on a hang glider ride over California. Flying high over the major cities, the Napa valley, the coast, orange groves (complete with orange grove smell), and eventually Disneyland, riders have the sensation of flying as the movie screen surrounds the hang glider that is suspended in mid air.

Mission Space – Feel the sensation of blast off with the same technology that NASA uses to prepare their astronauts for flight. In the space vehicle, each person on the four person flight crew is assigned a task to make the mission successful. As your space craft “launches” into space, you feel the G forces push you back as your window to space shows your progress as you race toward the heavens.

Test Track – You would have to be a “crash test dummy” not to enjoy this high-speed tryout of the latest safety technology for automobiles. Riders put concept cars through their paces at the GM Epoct proving grounds. While some of the tests are not that exciting (sure, the car can handle at slow speeds a road made of “Belgium blocks” – whatever those are), it’s the breaking at high speeds without the anti lock break on or the outdoor speed tests that will get your adrenalin pumping.

Disney’s Hollywood Studio

Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster – Aerosmith invite riders to be VIP’s at their concert. The only problem is that the show beings in just a few minutes. Riders get into a stretch limo and it shoots of from 0 – 57 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds. From there, it’s a super-fast journey through the freeways of LA to get to the show on time. Along with plenty of ups, downs, and loops, riders rock out to an awesome speaker system in each “limo” playing some of Aerosmith’s greatest hits.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – Find yourself in an episode of the classis TV show “The Twilight Zone.” From the moment you step in to the deserted Hollywood hotel, you know something’s not right. From the hotel’s boiler room, riders are whisked in to a service elevator for a journey to the top of the hotel… 13 stories up. Along the way, the elevator stops on different floors to reveal scenes straight out of the Twilight Zone. Then, without warning, the elevator plunges 13 stories straight down.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Expedition Everest – Enjoy a scenic train trek to the top of Mount Everest, that is at lest until the infamous Yeti changes the plan. As your train emerges from a cave, riders catch a glimpse of the Yeti’s shadow and notice the train track ahead is ripped into two. Unable to proceed, the train starts going backwards, downhill into a dark cave and speeds over and around Mount Everest to escape the Yeti.

Kali River Rapids – Join a crew of other explores and make your way down the Kali River. However, the Kali river can be torturous, and the before long, you and your boat have encountered the dreaded rapids. While you’ll probably survive the rapids, you’re bound to come out soaking wet.