Little Things We Love About Disney World
We love Walt Disney World. That should be obvious by the existence of this website. But we’re also critical of the parks & resorts and, especially, current management and the decisions they make. Sometimes, the decisions they make feel short-sighted, seeking short term pain at the cost of long-term guest goodwill.
This type of tension is normal, I think, with something you love. Even the unconditional love of a parent to a child doesn’t come without critique and constructive criticism. Mothers and fathers offer this, presumably, because they want what’s best for their kids. I don’t view Walt Disney World as my child–it’s old enough to be my parent–but my commentary comes from a similar place of love and wanting to see the parks thrive.
In all honesty, it’s also selfish. I’ve been visiting Walt Disney World fan since literally before birth. My first time hearing Country Bear Christmas was in 1984–before I was born! I loved these parks as a child in the 1980s and 1990s, as an awkward teen in the early aughts, as a love-smitten college student in the late aughts, love-smitten newly-wed in 2010s, and love-smitten parent in the 2020s. I’ll be here in the 2030s, 40s, and so forth. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll outlast current and future management, and all of the great and boneheaded decisions they make. Of course, I favor the former given that I’ll be living with these choices for decades to come.
With that said, too much criticism raises the question: why are you even a Walt Disney World fan in the first place?
This blog is a veritable compendium of answers to that, which I believe is mostly a condescending rhetorical device meant to quell criticism. Nevertheless, sometimes it is nice to stop and smell the roses and share some of the little things we love about the place.
To that end, here’s a list (possibly part one in an ongoing series?) of little things we love about Walt Disney World. Random small stuff–not rides, resorts, restaurants or the other major draws about which we normally focus. Here goes…
Arriving in the Disney Bubble – Walt Disney World just “hits differently” for us when experienced as a wholly immersive multi-day vacation destination divorced from the real world. The Disney Bubble is definitely a thing, and it’s fantastic. To be sure, there are major advantages to being a local, but on balance, I’d rather experience the Vacation Kingdom of the World as a vacation.
It used to be the case that you ‘arrived’ at Walt Disney World when you entered the Disney’s Magical Express staging area at Orlando International Airport. Alas, that is no more and now you have to wait a bit longer.
For us, this feeling hits when driving under those Walt Disney World archways that demarcate the real world from the bubble. They’re simple by Disney’s thematic standards, but they put a big dumb grin on my face every single time. This feeling is further reinforced by the famous Walt Disney World navigational signage and its inexplicably iconic red and purple color scheme.
It’s no surprise that fans had strong opinions about changes to these gateways and signage (I still prefer the old style, pictured above) and that’s because we have fond memories and nostalgia for the many wonderful Walt Disney World vacations that all started by passing through these entrances.
Seeing Pooh’s Posse – Sarah and I have been falling in love with Walt Disney World for the first time all over again vicariously via our daughter, Megatron. Seeing her discover and react to the parks has made for many priceless memories and, quite frankly, this list could be populated entirely with unexpected little things we now love due to our daughter. That’s personal and unique to us, and might be boring for you, so I’m limiting it to just one entry.
Suffice to say, nowhere have these discoveries and reactions better than with characters. Megatron has met Mickey and friends many times at Disneyland. One of her favorite hobbies is grabbing the Fab Five’s noses and whiskers, which are like magnets for little baby hands. This is an activity that she practices on, at least with noses, on her plushies of Minnie and Mickey at home.
Pooh’s Posse is different. She also sees them often at Disneyland, especially now that Bayou Country has reopened. Pooh, Eeyore, and Tigger are like Taylor Swift or Christopher Walken to her (two popular celebrities of equal stature). When she spots them walking to or from their greeting place, she goes nuts for them, waving like crazy, making a bunch of noises, and “phoning home” (it’s exactly what you think it is).
I can already tell that watching Pooh’s Posse do their little march from backstage to the Thotful Spot in Hundred-Acre Wood is going to be one of those “little things” for Sarah and I decades from now, when Megatron is in college. Can we freeze time?! Failing that, it’s pretty easy to see why parents keep going to Walt Disney World again and again.
This TTA Scene – One thing I’ve always loved about Tomorrowland ’94 is the worldbuilding. This was accomplished via the science fiction flourishes and ornamentation that established Tomorrowland as a lived-in place. This version of the land will always hold a special place in my heart since it gave us Alien Encounter and Timekeeper (two brilliant attractions), and was the Tomorrowland of my childhood.
It wasn’t just the rides, though. I loved getting lost in the details. If you ask the average fan their favorite PeopleMover scene, most will play it safe and say the Progress City model. And that’s a good answer–probably the correct one! It’s one of my favorite things in Magic Kingdom, but it’s also obvious. Who among us hasn’t daydreamed about where we’d live in such a real E.P.C.O.T. had Walt’s community come to fruition?!
I similarly find myself daydreaming when I look at the above vignette. It has so many subtle details that raises as many questions as it answers about mass transit, alien-robot-human relations, TTA regulations, and more. One of the things I love about Walt Disney World is it unlocks the door of imagination, allowing guests to explore ideas and create their own headcanon. That partly explains why attractions like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean have enduring popularity. They don’t give you all of the answers or tell a succinct story.
Columbia Harbour House Second Floor – As one of the few good places to eat and a colossal counter service restaurant in the world’s busiest theme park, Columbia Harbour House can be chaotic. It’s also one of my favorite places in Magic Kingdom, in no small part because it’s never really changed.
Columbia Harbour House is like going back into my grandparents’ home after a long absence. Well, if they owned a publick house in New England. More dated than you remember and with a preserved 1970s aesthetic–but comforting. An antique brass helmet in one corner, a banjo in another. Female figureheads, bald eagles, silver steins, and dishware on display. Things that aren’t normally decorations…are decorations.
As much as I love Columbia Harbour House, it’s hard to appreciate the ambiance because it’s always so loud and packed with people. (A problem that, thankfully, my grandparents’ house does not have.) Thankfully, the eclectic interior can be fully appreciated by simply heading upstairs to the second-level seating that’s enormous. That is where Columbia Harbour House truly shines.
There is also no better people-watching location in all of Magic Kingdom than one of the tables with views of the walkway leading to Haunted Mansion in front of the Rivers of America. You can be the only guests in this room during the offseason, on a rainy day, during the first or last seating. etc. The idea that so much valuable real estate in Magic Kingdom could be a “secret” borders on absurd, but Columbia Harbour House truly is one of those “hiding in plain sight” sort of deals.
World Showcase After Luminous – The international pavilions dotting World Showcase are inherently romantic, idealized versions of the countries they represent. There’s something special about being there late listening to the peaceful background music, walking hand-in-hand with someone you love through those beautiful environments, while few other guests are around.
I’ve said it before, but the World Showcase post-show stroll is our favorite EPCOT experience. That may seem crazy since it’s not something you’ll find on a park map and isn’t really a “thing” at all, but anyone who has ever lingered leaving EPCOT knows exactly why this is so special.
For us, Walt Disney World is about the little moments during which we enjoy the place and the presence of one another, and walking through World Showcase after the fireworks at the end of the evening is typically one of those little moments for us. There’s no more satisfying way to end a long day in the parks.
Since the restaurants in World Showcase make dining reservations until right around park closing and it takes around an hour to finish meals (longer in France and Japan), you have time to slowly make your way out of EPCOT. That’s the best way to enjoy this tranquil walk–make an 8:55 p.m. (or so) reservation for a restaurant deep in World Showcase, enjoy Luminous from your table, and take your time leaving. Gazing up from underneath Spaceship Earth with no one else around is also pretty special.
Burning Rome – Campers love the smell of burning timber because it reminds them of fun times spent in the great outdoors. Disney fans love the smell of burning books because it reminds them of fun times spent in dark rides.
More broadly, there’s something comforting and familiar about the smells of the 1980s and older attractions. These scents are often unintentional, more the result of cleaning…or the lack thereof. Burning Rome is the rare one that melds both an intentional artificial fragrance with the Spaceship Earth’s natural scent developed over the decades.
This probably sounds odd to the uninitiated, but for diehard fans, this is arguably the most distinct and memorable scent in all of Walt Disney World. If I weren’t a married man, I’d be in the market for Burning Rome cologne. But I fear such a fragrance would contain a dangerous number of seductive pheromones, making it a wear at your own risk kinda thing.
MuppetVision Pre-Show – After enough times on certain attractions, there are pre-shows you’d like to skip. I’ve never bought a Lightning Lane Single Pass, but if it bypassed the pre-shows on Avatar Flight of Passage, perhaps I’d reconsider. I actually like the lead-up in Cosmic Rewind, but sometimes I just want a thrilling ride set to great tunes.
MuppetVision 3D is the exact opposite for us. The MV3D pre-show is better than the show. Seriously. If we walk into the pre-show area and it’s already half over or more, we come back later. Most people probably feel like it’s a small victory when they can walk right into a show without waiting, but when it comes to MuppetVision 3D, not us. The pre-show video is what we like most, but the gags in this waiting area are also fantastic.
What I most love about the MuppetVision pre-show is watching with a packed house of diehard fans. I hate when people quote the Haunted Mansion stretching room, but for whatever reason, it hits different with the MuppetVision pre-show. Hearing other guests mumble along with the jokes, laugh at the punchlines, and recite the quotes is a lot of fun.
It’s also the pre-show that we reference most at home. There’s probably a limit on how many times you can say, “what foolishness would you like to see?” or “Rat-shmat…besides, they’re tourists, what do they know?” or “Debbie was sick, so the union sent me” before those lines stop being funny. But if there is, I’ve yet to find it. Some might say that not quoting the MuppetVision 3D pre-show is distinctly unpatriotic.
Otter Grotto – There are easily a half-dozen underappreciated animal exhibits and trails in Animal Kingdom. Maharajah Jungle Trek is arguably one of the most underrated attractions in all of Walt Disney World. But it’s also not really a “little” thing–it’s a marquee attraction.
Otter Grotto is a little thing. One that’s easier to pop-in for a few minutes, and is easy to overlook. It features an entire family of Asian small-clawed otters, informational signs, and above-ground and underwater viewing areas. The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest otter species in the world, and the least aquatic, spending most of their days chilling on land. They’re also absolute jerks.
I don’t mean to cast aspersions. I call them jerks lovingly. I enjoy dropping into Otter Grotto to see what kind of hijinks the little fellas are up to, if they’re even out. Ever since learning that many otters have a favorite rock that they carry around, I’ve been sold on the greatness of these ornery animals. They are cute, amusing, mischievous, hilarious…and sometimes use their superior intelligence for nefarious purposes. But their meanness is part of the charm! Plus, Frogtown Hollow Jubilee Jug Band is one of my all-time favorite musical groups.
The Solarium – Located in a quiet wing of Beach Club as you head towards the Villas, this hallway and airy atrium rarely has many people in it, making it a great place to work or decompress. Honestly, I didn’t even realize it existed until our first stay in the DVC wing about a decade ago.
The Solarium is also a great spot to eat whatever you order from Beach Club Marketplace or, if you don’t mind walking a little farther, even food from Beaches & Cream or the to-go spots around Crescent Lake.
The Solarium can also be used as a place to watch the Super Bowl or, at the complete opposite end of the spectrum, a nice reprieve from midday crowds and heat at EPCOT. We’ve spent a lot of time back here, doing everything from working to watching television to napping.
Crisp Morning Air – Generally speaking, my favorite times at Walt Disney World are the beginning of the day or end of the evening. There’s something really special about being up at the crack of dawn, and it’s an experience that I savor whenever I have the chance–and I’ve had hundreds of chances over the last 15 years.
Whether it be for dawn and sunrise photography of the resorts or as I walk to catch the first bus departing for Early Entry, I love these quiet times at the resort. This is true year-round, but especially so between October and April when the morning air actually is crisp. Taking my first deep breath of that cool fresh Florida air–right after chugging a big cup of coffee–has me on cloud nine. My senses are heightened and I truly feel alive. I’d imagine this is what drugs are like. (Well, I guess the coffee is a drug…but you know what I mean!)
It’s impossible to articulate how this feels–it’s one of those “if you know, you know” type of deals. What I will say is that, even after hundreds of times, this hasn’t lost its specialness. If anything, it has only gotten better with the passage of time. More times experiencing the crisp morning air means more nostalgia is evoked and past memories brought front-of-mind.
Sonny Eclipse – Our very first Walt Disney World obsession as a couple was Sonny Eclipse. During our annual summer visits, we spent many a late night in the booths at Cosmic Ray’s watching Sonny perform his full sets. It wasn’t a late night in Magic Kingdom unless we enjoyed the Zorkian musician play to an empty house.
At home we’d “relive” those moments by playing an mp3 of his full show. There may have been a time in college when I was in charge of our playlist curation for a party, and I slipped “Bright Little Star” into the mix.
More recently–much more so–it was the song playing in Cosmic Ray’s as I digested the news that we were having a baby girl. We’ve since introduced Ms. Megatron to Sonny Eclipse, and will be teaching her his memorable music in the years to come.
If there’s a common theme to this list, it’s nostalgia and sentimentality. If you’re planning a first trip to Walt Disney World, this entire post might read as the nonsensical rantings of a lunatic. So let’s see…our favorite things about Walt Disney World are signs on the road, people in animal suits, actual animals you can see in the real world, an outdated fast food seating area, “morning air,” the smell of mildew mixed with fake fire, etc.
I know how it sounds–it sounds crazy! At least…to the uninitiated. For longtime Walt Disney World fans, much of this list–even though personal to us–probably resonates in one way or another. Again, lots of those “if you know, you know” things. Walt Disney World is a truly magical place, with excellent attractions, incredible restaurants, exemplary Cast Members, and so much more. All of that is great, and it’s the hook that gets you there in the first place.
The excellent attractions and everything else in the marketing isn’t what keeps you coming back to Walt Disney World year after year, decade after decade. It’s the indelible experiences we have with family and friends, longing for those nostalgic trips down memory lane, and these silly little things around which so many amazing memories have inexplicably formed that keep so many of us coming back. A decade from now, you probably won’t remember what rides you rode. But there will be some unplanned moment or little thing that you couldn’t forget even if you tried. That’s the real hook, and what’ll keep you coming back. Those who don’t “get” Disney will never understand, but it’s why so many of us crazy Disney Adults keep going back home to Walt Disney World, again and again.
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Do you have favorite little things, quiet corners, or sentimental favorite things at Walt Disney World? Anything you absolutely adore that isn’t a full ride, restaurant, resort, or some other big thing? Anecdotes of your own about favorite memories or experiences you like to relive from past visits to the Disney parks? Any other questions? Hearing your feedback is always appreciated, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Thank you for this post, Tom. Truly. There has been so much negativity lately (about Disney and everything else) that I needed this!
I will never forget:
-My first visit to Disneyland as a pre-teen. The incredible magic was something I had never experienced before. I had a map of Disneyland on my bedroom wall for about six years, and spent many days just staring at it, reminiscing and daydreaming about The Best Vacation Ever.
-Taking my new wife to Disneyland on our honeymoon…as a direct result of my childhood trip. New Orleans Square was the most memorable spot for us. We adored the river, Haunted Mansion, waffles on sticks, but especially the Blue Bayou restaurant. No dining experience will ever top the magic of mentioning that a jazz trio would absolutely make this beautiful place perfect, and then having a jazz trio suddenly appear on the upper balcony. It felt like they were playing just for us.
-Seeing my children, ages 7 and 5, meet Mickey Mouse for the first time. Their smiles could have lit up an entire city. We have gone several times with them since (when we could afford to go), and they remember every single one, but that first one is something that they will cherish for the rest of their lives.
Disney may change over the years, and skepticism and pessimism may be the rule of the day on the internet and elsewhere, but they can never take those experiences from me and my family.
So many things…. 🙂
1 – Whenever we rope drop MK, we go as hard as we can for about 3-4 hours. But then, we retreat to Main Street and get some Starbucks and relax as a family at the very back of Market Street. There are about 3 tables back there, such a nice quiet place to decompress, chat and sip some coffee after a hectic morning of chasing rides!
2 – Taking a break from hitting attractions at Base Line Taphouse in Hollywood Studios!
3 – Watching the Epcot fireworks from the little beach at The Beach Club. I don’t like fireworks, but such a cool spot.
4 – That feeling of anticipation as I walk from the Skyliner off ramp to the back gate at Epcot ready to tour the countries.
5 – Spending some time at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and reminiscing about The Adventurers Club…KUNGALOOSH!
You are right, Tom, there is something magical about being at Disney World that you can’t explain to the folks that have never been there. Getting up in the morning early enough to take advantage of the early openings, being able to breathe in fresh air and the little things that make just being there special. We also believe that the Columbia Harbor House is out favorite Magic Kingdom restaurant. We LOVE the Disney Dining Plan to be able enjoy that special time together at one of their delightful restaurants. Thank you for reminding us what a special place Disney World is to us all.
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog for some time. You and I really share a lot of the same experiences. Columbia Harbor House (upstairs) is one of our favorite stops in MK.. Burning Rome, walking through Epcot after it has closed, Time spent in the Solarium at BC, are all things we’ve enjoyed. I also like the early mornings at the resorts. We were staying at AKL Jambo House and I got up very early to see the animals. First light was just starting to show when I spotted the Bongo (named Clifford) asleep under a small tree. I stood very still, not making a sound. I had seen him often and enjoyed each visit. At that moment he awoke, stretched and turned to look at me. I said good morning and he shook his head and started to nibble some grass. It was truly exciting to see an animal at the moment it awoke for the day. Thought you might appreciate this story. Keep up the good work! It really is the little things that make visits to WDW special.
Love this post and all the comments as well. My addition would be …the people watching! When I can’t have my own grandsons with me I truly enjoy watching other families take in the magic! And so many clever T shirts! And variety of mouse ears! This Thanksgiving another thing I’m thankful for is my post retirement Pixie Pass. It allows us to take it all in at our own pace. If we only do a few attractions we enjoy all the other simple pleasures. Happy Thanksgiving to all the Disney lovers out there, especially Megatron!
Wonderful piece that filled me with all the Disney warm fuzzies. Thank you!
I was born in Orlando, and my dad worked on the construction of the Magic Kingdom. I visited almost yearly as a child (I remember my aunt digging through kitchen drawers to find Disney ride coupons for me and my cousins to use) and have tried to go about every 3 years as an adult. The Magic Kingdom WAS “Disney World” for much of my childhood, and the People Mover and Carousel of Progress will always be favorite attractions. The mom in CoP hanging wallpaper and sister getting ready for her date, and the dog raising his head and barking at the audience are some of my favorite memories to re-visit.
We started family vacations late. We let my boys and their girlfriends choose where to go (ages 14,15,15,and 16). Both girls picked DW and being smart boys they agreed with their girlfriends. We are not a “Disney family” We went 2018 and on the magical express headed back to the airport everyone said we need to come back next year. I was all in. we went in 18,19 and 20 just before they closed for covid. It was magical, I told everyone you need to just go. I helped plan 4-5 family trips for other families going for their first time. We went again in 2022 and it just wasn’t the same so many changes and we did not feel like Disney guests. We were just Disney customers. We went again 2024 and I was shocked by the price difference. My average 5-6k trip was easily 8k+ for what I felt was “Less” In 2024 we tried to enjoy these little things and not focus on rides we missed or areas we didn’t get to. I was so glad we had enjoyed ALL of Disney those first 3 years so if we missed test track or pirates we were ok with that. Although people mover is a must no matter what! Having now adult children that still go on our family vacations the long lines are understood and as long as we keep my husband fed there are no meltdowns for large crowds or long waits. But I admit it just wasn’t the same magic. For me losing Muppets or splash mtn. is sad but I am hoping the change renews my excitement for Disney. Losing magical express, fast pass, reduced house keeping was a big negative for me. We are currently planning a Jan 2026 trip but not just my family of 6 it will also be 5 family members that live in CA. The last couple years we have visited them and gone to DL. None of them have ever been to DW. We are considering staying off site. With 11 people rooms would be a fortune at Disney. What will we miss the most if we stay off site? We have always stayed onsite prior. EE of course is a big one. That one will be noticed. We are considering uber to and from parks. Has anyone ever used ride share for transportation? Is drop off pick up area close? Who knows what LL will look like by then. What else would I be missing?
We have stayed offsite and used rideshare before. For most of the parks you are dropped off around where the busses load and unload. The one exception is Magic Kingdom. At the Magic Kingdom, Rideshare drop off is at the TTC and you have to take either the monorail or ferry to the park. For EPCOT, we had our rideshare drop us off at the Swan and then going through the International gate.
I think the creativity of rides and experiences are what it is hard to explain to people who haven’t ever been to WDW. I also think the kindness, smiles and genuineness of the cast members is a little thing that I enjoy. If you’ve ever been there on your birthday, you know what i mean.
There is also another simple one: It makes you feel like a kid again.
Your comment about passing under the entrance with a “big dumb grin” on your face is 100% accurate for a lot of us.
Thanks for the article!
The way they sometimes draw Disney characters in water in random spots. Last time, I saw a Mickey Mouse on a table at breakfast at Everything Pop, and a Hatbox Ghost on the ground outside Momento Mori.
I, too, enjoy Columbia Harbour House, being not quite able to explain why it’s my fave Magic Kingdom restaurant. Once I did get to dine on the 2nd floor & it was magical looking down on Liberty Square in one direction & Fantasyland the other. I may not be able to get to the 2nd floor anytime soon even though its preferable to the 1st floor. I have an injured arm & at counter service restaurants such as these, I ask a cast member to carry my tray to the table for me lest I spill most of my Coke over the floor and possibly cause a “slip and fall” for some other hapless guest. So usually I’d just want to tell them to pick the nearest open table they can find rather than going out of their way. But that’s another thing to love about WDW–the helpfulness of the cast members in being willing to take time out & help me to my table. I always make sure to read their name tags & praise them up to Guest Services or on WDW website’s online “contact us” form. Once Disney, at least Disneyland, used to be all about Walt, but it’s never been about one of the Bobs or Michael before that. They are businessmen first & lack the warm, avuncular qualities that Uncle Walt had (if you know the meaning of the word avuncular, you know it was redundant for me to also say Uncle). The parks are really about the cast members, from those helpful counter service restaurant workers to the Jasmine face actress in the Morocco pavilion who will play along with my fantasy that Iago is my friend and now lives in my room. Or the Donald Duck actor at Chef Mickey’s who nodded his head when I asked if he remembered us recently meeting on a Disney cruise. I’ve also had some long conversations with some cast members. Not sure their bosses would smile upon them talking so long, but I enjoyed it.
Amazing post, as always. I love this type of post that is for Disney dreamers and those who GET it. We got back last week from an extended family vacation that was the first time my parents got to see their grandkids enjoy the parks, and I loved seeing the joy and memories flashing in their eyes as I know they remembered my siblings and I experiencing these same joyous moments 25 years ago. As a military family, my dad was always working when I grew up. We had three weeks of undivided attention on family time with him in all my childhood memories, and two of those were trips to Disney. Hence, it became a place to me that means “family time.” My personal favorite Disneyisms are:
1. The skybridge at BLT where you can see the lake and turn around and watch the monorail and fireworks. In 2018 we rented DVC points to stay there, and upon our arrival the Minnie Christmas fireworks had just started going off. Standing there watching them with my five year old was a Disney kid’s dream come true. I may have cried. This led to us buying a reasonable resale contract and thus far we’ve been able to share this joy with extended family on three trips. Memories for life.
2. The rocking chairs next to the river outside BTM. It’s peaceful, shady, and a perfect place to reset in the midst of the MK. I sat there with my two year old nephew while the big kids did BTM, and I will always cherish that quiet time.
3. Closing out a park. It’s pure magic. Doesn’t matter which park.
4. The people mover holds an iconic state for me. It’s an opportunity to laugh, to snack, and to see so much.
I can 100% relate to Crisp Morning Air and that first sip of coffee. I’m always the first awake in my party of four so I will stroll the resort grounds for a while before they have to wake up in time to rope drop.
It is a perfect start to what is going to be another great day at WDW.
Wow. Great list and many of theses make me smile. One night after eating in Italy we closed the restaurant. As we walked slowly with my mom and dad and our newborn son we were followed by secuirty (at a respectable distance)in a Segway. We laughed and told the security guard to join us. They came up wand we chatted with him for that long walk to the parking lot. So fun.
The best place to relax and watch the boats on Bay lake is the seating in from of Geyser Park. I am a night owl. So watching them put the boats away is so relaxing and quiet.
I share a few of yours and have a few of our own special things too:
The pre-show to the Tiki Room at night. I love way the waterfall and building looks at night.
For years we have gotten a selfie in the Dumbo queue at night with the colorful water and ride behind us. My wife has about 15 years of these.
Looking for frogs in the China pavilion ponds on the little path in front of the theater.
The fountains and the Bamboo water ornaments in Japan near Katsura Grill. Terrible restaurant, but very pretty and quiet bathroom too!.
The tiki torches at the Polynesian and the path to the TTC. I just love the feeling there at night.
We often take a later flight in and stay at a Disney Springs Hotel before moving to our WDW resort the next morning and we often walk over to Disney Springs if it’s open. The giant pedestrian bridge and the 2,000 stair steps (an exaggeration for sure) is also like crossing into the bubble we love. I love looking down at Disney Springs all lit up knowing it’s the beginning of a trip to our favorite place, Walt Disney World.
Now I want to go back.
There is just something truly special about the walk from your room to the bus/monorail/skyliner on the first park day of your stay. It’s this mix of excitement and also nerves (will we make it in time for rope drop or will something happen to make us late) while still having all your energy that really makes that first day special. Then the walk back to the bus/monorail/skyliner at the end of your last park day is even more emotional because you’re exhausted.
Man, I really need to get back to WDW soon. I should make a farewell trip in 2025 as they get ready to close things down for the new expansions.
Ok, I don’t want to be a “Debbie Downer” and I wasn’t going to say anything but….Our moments included walking into the wonderful lobby at the Polynesian. Yes, I understand the water problems but the lobby now doesn’t hold a candle to the old one. We loved walking from Wilderness Lodge to Fort Wilderness. No more. My favorite ride was The Great Movie Ride. We looked for good airfare in November to fly down from Michigan for a few days to stand and soak in the Osborne Lights for hours. We are HUGE Muppet fans and always wandered around the lobby before the pre-show even started just enjoying everything. And I always checked out the key under the mat. We know what great Italian food is…but our favorite restaurant is Mama Melrose’s. We have sooooo many wonderful family memories made there. And it will be gone. My DH and I found a rocking chair across from Thunder Mt. to sit and enjoy the River and the big steamship going by. I’ve gone to WDW since 73. Then gone with my DH, then our DD and now her family. And it’s gone. The magic has disappeared. We feel we will have to find another place. Rent out our DVC points and not renew our Annual Passes. We’re trying to work out bringing our grandgirls in February to say goodbye. And I’m crying and disappointed in Disney.
I understand why you’re disappointed. It’s hard when things we love change. You’ll always have these beautiful memories, and when you take the grands, inevitably you’ll be creating new ones. They’ll find things they love, and while they may not be the same as yours, they’ll remember being there with you.
The boat ride from Wilderness Lodge to magic kingdom to SEE MICKEY!! From when my boys were toddlers to now as late teenagers .
Also from reading one of your very early posts about riding big thunder mountain during the fireworks . My brother-in-law thought this was so cool and I agree
Two of my favourite things as well. The boats are so underappreciated. Everyone is just always in a rush.
Many of mine are having a snack in a cool place and soaking up vibes
1. On main street with the Dapper Dans
2. On the Katsura Grill ledge with Matsuriza
3. Ronto Roasters with the droid having an existential crisis
I just have to add walking along the Boardwalk, or should I say, leisurely strolling, watching the sun come up, or go down. Just lovely.
My favorite family tradition is skipping down the Boardwalk on the way back from Epcot. It’s not a Disney trip without that or eating breakfast out there with the “Disney birds” hopping around our chairs.