Travel Tuesday | Disneyworld 2018
Travel should be my middle name! Over the past few years, I've been incredibly fortunate to see lots of amazing places, and I'm always planning for what's next (yes, I'm a full-blown itinerary traveler). Last year was the most notable for new adventures - I visited 6 new states and 7 new countries! Most recently though, I went to Disneyworld in March with my family. I'm basically a seven-year-old at heart, and though I never went to Disneyworld as a kid, it is beyond magical as an adult! I'm so excited to share my experiences with you!
The Epcot Flower & Garden Festival was so much fun! It was so exciting to stroll through Epcot and spot all our favorite characters carved out of topiary and flowers. During the festival, they also had speciality food and drinks available - but we agreed that the Food & Wine Festival is better!
I've had some pretty delicious meals in Epcot. The first year I went, we ate at Nine Dragons restaurant in China, and a hibachi restaurant in Japan. The second year we went during the Food & Wine Festival, and I could write an entire novel on the food we tried! The highlights included heirloom tomato salad (with goat cheese, aged balsamic vinegar, and micro-basil), duck confit with creamy polenta and fire-roasted salsa, Brazilian cheese bread, and the most amazing pot stickers I've ever had. Seriously, if you're planning a Disney trip and haven't been for Food & Wine - DO IT.
Unfortunately, we were about three months shy of experiencing the new Toy Story Land expansion at Hollywood Studios, but we loved it nonetheless! The shows in Hollywood are so much fun, like Beauty & the Beast Live on Stage, and the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. And not only are they entertaining, they also give you a chance to rest your aching feet! Hollywood also does something called the March of the Order, which is pictured above. I'm not a Star Wars fan, but this is pretty cool - and incredibly spooky. It's reminiscent of Nazi Germany, and appropriately chilling. This happens several times throughout the day at the park, so you can't miss it!
I really enjoyed the time we spent in Animal Kingdom this year. There are SO many attractions in Disneyworld that I still haven't experienced, like Kali River Rapids, but that only gives me a reason to go back! It was really cool to see the new World of Pandora, inspired by Avatar. Apparently it all lights up at night, but we didn't stay late enough to see it. An absolute must-see at Animal Kingdom is the Festival of the Lion King – an in-the-round show with animatronics, live performances, and acrobatics. It is seriously incredible, and will leave you singing Circle of Life for the rest of the day.
The firework show at Magic Kingdom. My one true love. (Well, besides Dole Whip.) It brings tears to my eyes every time, and I hope it does forever. There's just nothing quite as magical as this combination of music, projections, and pyrotechnics. Disney really knows how to hit you right in the feels.
One last honorable mention - Stitch is my all-time favorite Disney character! I absolutely would have bought this dude if I had a way of getting him home...
Our typical Disney plan of attack for maximum fun and spending efficiency? Stay at the value resorts, get the meal plan, and only visit one park per day. If you stay on Disney property, all the transportation from the airport to the hotel to the parks to downtown is all free! There is seriously an endless amount of things to experience, foods to try, and characters to meet. (I checked off 8 more this year!)
What's your favorite thing to do at Disney? What are your must-sees? And when can I go back?!
