Whether you have just one day, a last-minute weekend, or a full week vacation, it’s all about maximizing your time while you’re at Walt Disney World – and this ultimate summer to-do list will help you do just that. Discover what’s new at our resort, tips to keep you cool, and stress-free, last-minute ideas to have the best time ever.
Sing along with the Country Bears at their brand-new show
The Country Bears are back at Magic Kingdom with the Country Bear Musical Jamboree. This all-new show brings reimagined Disney favorite tunes to the stage with country flair like only these bears can do. And did I mention the new fits? We’re going to need a get ready with me video from the one-and-only Trixie, please and thanks.
Snag a last-minute dining reservation for somewhere you’ve never been
Deciding where to eat is one of the most important parts of any Disney World trip. This summer, snag a same-day dining reservation at a location you haven’t tried before.
On one of my trips to EPCOT, I booked a same-day reservation at Biergarten Restaurant on a whim, and it turned into a can’t-miss gem among my family and friends. The Oktoberfest vibes are strong thanks to a live Polka band and an amazing spread of food options.
My tip: Use the My Disney Experience app to easily search available reservations for all Disney World restaurants on any given day. Filter to “character dining” to find some of the coolest options you may not have thought of, like joining Disney Junior stars at breakfast and Minnie hosting the best lunch and dinner parties at Hollywood & Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Find the cutest chair ever at the new Disney Ever After at Disney Springs
Disney Ever After has a brand-new look and a centerpiece you can’t miss – a chair made entirely of Disney plush! This ultra-cute shop is also home to the create your own character headbands.
After you’ve explored the incredible shopping and dining experiences at Disney Springs, end your night by watching 800 state-of-the-art drones “dance” across the sky during Disney Dreams That Soar. With two shows daily through Sept. 2, the night lights up with stories new, old, and even some from the vault you might not be expecting. Check the calendar online for showtimes.
Make a core memory and meet Joy from “Inside Out 2” at Pixar Plaza
The star of this summer’s most-loved movie and the main character in 13-year-old Riley’s mind is hanging out at Hollywood Studios, ready to add more happiness to your best day ever.
Catch the sunset from the sky with a trip on the Disney Skyliner.
There’s truly something magical about a Florida sunset – and one of my favorite places to watch is on the Disney Skyliner. Ride a gondola from EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the perfect summer view.
Hop off at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and chill with a fruity, frosty beverage at Banana Cabana, or for a late-night cocktail, visit Le Petit Café at Disney’s Riviera Resort. While you’re there, veer right down the hall and check out photos and nostalgia from Walt Disney’s own travels.
My tip: If you’re still deciding where to stay for your Disney World trip, consider Caribbean Beach or one of the other resorts with direct Skyliner access. I also love the EPCOT-area resorts for a vacation homebase because they’re a short walk to the Skyliner and an array of snacks and shopping at Disney’s BoardWalk. Check out the latest summer savings on rooms.
Cool down and take in the iconic Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom.
Did you know this show has traveled across the country multiple times? Talk about the ultimate American road trip! Originally conceived for the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair, the show took up residence at Disneyland Park from 1967-1973 before landing at Tommorrowland in the Magic Kingdom in 1975.
Sit down, cool down and you’ll know the words to “It’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” in no time. I can’t promise you won’t be humming it for the rest of your trip.
Snap a selfie before and after Kali River Rapids
Okay, it’s very important that you take the before selfie with your crew so you can decide who, if anyone, escaped the wrath of this white-water adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Use your MagicBand+ to become a bounty hunter on Batuu
Have you ever seen your fellow travelers congregating near the bounty board across from Ronto Roasters in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge? They’re playing Batuu Bounty Hunters with the Play Disney Parks app – one of the coolest ways to explore Black Spire Outpost!
Tap your MagicBand+ to get your first assignment and collect credits from the Guild Master when you’ve captured your target.
Head to Tamu Tamu Refreshments at Animal Kingdom for a refreshing summer snack
Nothing beats a cool treat in the summer and the Zazu Ice Cream Sandwich fits the bill. The timing of this delicious dish is impeccable because “The Lion King” is celebrating its 30th anniversary! Check out the Disney Eats guide to learn more about all the wild treats only available this summer.
Put on your dancing shoes at CommuniCore Plaza at EPCOT Show off your best dance moves with the Madrigals during the day at “¡Celebracion Encanto!,” or with a Latin groove band when the sun sets. Grab a snack at the nearby Festival Favorites and let’s definitely talk about Bruno in this stunning new outdoor space.
Enjoy extra time in the parks with a special After-Hours ticketed event.
Midday flight into town? Extending a work trip? Need more time in the parks to explore? Disney After Hours events offer an unbeatable night to explore the parks with fan-favorite ice cream treats, popcorn and select beverages included. For me, this limited-capacity event is the ultimate hack at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where you can enter the park as early as 7 p.m. — before the event starts!
Be sure to ride Slinky Dog Dash at night and snap some nighttime photos near the Millennium Falcon before joining a walk-up list at Oga’s Cantina. Or make a splash after dark at Disney’s H2O Glow at Typhoon Lagoon, featuring a DJ dance party and characters appearances like summer vacation specialists, Phineas and Ferb!
There’s plenty of summer left and endless amount of magic to explore at Disney World, however you choose to visit. Use this handy checklist to keep track of everything you’ve done and be sure to share your progress on your favorite social media channels. I can’t wait to see all the memories you’ll make!