I’ve been going to Disney World for over 30 years, and by this point, you’d think I’d have done pretty much all there is to do.
Mickey would be disappointed in me.
But, you would be wrong. I was lucky enough to grow up close enough to Disney World that visits were pretty frequent in my childhood, and that tradition has continued into my adulthood. In spite of all of this, there are still plenty of things around the parks, hotels, and beyond I’ve yet to do — so I’m spilling my secrets.
I’ve been to Disney World hundreds of times, but that still doesn’t mean I’ve seen it all, done it all, or eaten it all there! There are quite a few things I still haven’t done, but these are (from what I’m told) the most egregious things I’ve never done. And, before you come for me in the comments — I fully plan on crossing most of these off of my Disney World To-Do List!
Seen Mickey’s PhilharMagic
I know, I know — don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I don’t WANT to see PhilharMagic in Fantasyland, it’s just that when I’m at Magic Kingdom, I am on a MISSION. And, that mission often doesn’t include seeing this — or any — show at this park. To tell you the truth, Magic Kingdom is my least favorite park these days (lookin’ at you, TTC) and so when I’m there it’s to simply do the essentials.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Of course, the essentials to me are Joffrey’s Shakin’ Jamaican Cold Brew, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Carousel of Progress, and Cheeseburger Spring Rolls. Not necessarily in that order.
Eaten at Cinderella’s Royal Table
Cinderella’s Royal Table has been around almost as long as I have — but I’ve still never eaten there! This kind of goes back to my whole Magic Kingdom point, but still, dining in Cinderella Castle is something we pretty much always recommend people do on their trip.
Cinderella’s Royal Table
But, here at DFB, we don’t necessarily love the food at CRT — it’s pretty expensive and not our favorite overall. The vibes here are immaculate, though, and that’s why we recommend it! It’s hard to beat dining in the actual castle with Princesses there to hang out with you!
Been on Kali River Rapids
I must admit — I’ve never been on Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This river raft ride is located in the Asia section of Animal Kingdom, and while this park has quickly climbed the ranks and become one of my favorites, Kali River Rapids could fall into oblivion and I wouldn’t even bat an eye. Sure, I don’t want to yuck anyone else’s yum, but let’s be real here — is this anyone’s favorite Disney World ride?
HARD PASS
This applies to most water rides, but Kali River Rapids is no doubt the worst offender at Disney World. And, as you might have guessed — this is the one thing I truly don’t have a desire to do.
Done the Animation Experience
Taking the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch at Animal Kingdom is one of my favorite things to do at this park. This peaceful 7-minute ride through Animal Kingdom includes scenes of backstage areas you can’t see when you’re in the park, and then you end up at a hidden oasis — complete with Conservation Station, petting zoo, and veterinary office!
Animation Experience
Also offered here is the Animation Experience at Conservation Station, which is when a real Disney animator teaches participants to draw a Disney character. When you’re done, you’ll have a unique souvenir that YOU MADE to take home with you. And, while it’s an incredibly underrated thing to do — I’ve still never done it!
Been to Hoop-Dee-Doo
Disney’s Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue takes place at Fort Wilderness’ Pioneer Hall and is an extravaganza of food and entertainment that the whole family will love. Seriously, it’s hard not to have a good time here from what I’ve seen. And, despite how badly I’ve been wanting to experience it, I still never have! The timing just hasn’t been right for this one to work out for me, but hopefully it does some day soon.
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
Don’t worry — these are absolutely on my Disney World To-Do List! Well, except for Kali River Rapids since you couldn’t PAY me to ride that one (though if someone wants to try, I’m willing to entertain offers). Maybe you’ll catch me at Cinderella’s Royal Table or watching PhilharMagic one day!
In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more updates from Disney World. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more!
The SECRET To Getting Your Money’s Worth When Drinking Around the World at EPCOT
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Is there something you’ve still never done at Disney World? Tell us in the comments.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
I had also never seen Mickey’s PhilharMagic until a few years ago. My husband and I had lunch at Jungle Navigation Co and asked our server what he loved most about Magic Kingdom. He became quite emotional and tearful as he described how on his first visit (just a few years prior) the park was very crowded when he arrived so he went into the first attraction that he saw with a low wait time. He said that the PhilharMagic encapsulated everything that he loved the most about Disney movies. Needless to say, my husband and I went straight to the PhilharMagic after lunch and we loved it! Now it is a must-do with our grandchildren. We are grateful that this young man shared a core memory with us, and now we are making core memories of our own!
You are certainly missing out on 2 of the best things at Disney World. Kali River and Hoop-De-Do were always MUST DO on any trip to DW. To fully enjoy Kali River it must be the last ride you do before you leave the park. You may be soaked but you return to your hotel get cleaned up and then go out for the evening or even do Hoop-De-DO that evening. And get to experience the 2 of the best things in the same day.
Of your list… the one that causes the eyebrow raise is Hoop-Dee-Doo, because you say you have been going since you were a child! This is not your fault! Your parents are to blame for this omission! Shame on them.
I’ve done all of the above, but that has been over the course of 30 years. I do admit Kali River soaks you, but I’ve done it with poncho on. I now have 3 young grandchildren and on our trip in 2024, my granddaughter was disappointed that we couldn’t even peak inside the castle. I promised her that we would dine there on our trip in 2026!
I don’t know how you have escaped seeing Mickey’s PhilharMagic. It is excellent, but I’ve seen it so many times. It’s a nice resting and cooling place too.
Message to Disney World: While the author of this article says she would never-ever do Kali River Rapids, it is my go-to ride at Animal Kingdom (along with Kilimanjaro Safari).
However, please remove the water guns you have placed along Kali River Rapids after the waterfall to ensure that guests are completely drenched when they get off the ride. That’s not fun. Stop doing it.