What are the "don't miss" things at WDW?

[DW Fanatics]

We've been to WDW, the last two years and head back in August. We've discovered things tha we missed both times. I know there will be many opinions and of course it depends on what we have already done, but are there any thoughts on the "don't miss" this at the parks?

 

[AndyS2992]

Magic Kingdom
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain
Haunted Mansion
Pirates of the Caribbean
It's a Small World
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
Wishes

Epcot
Spaceship Earth
Test Track
Soarin
Maelstrom
Stroll around the World
IllumiNations

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Tower of Terror
Rock n Rollercoaster
Toy Story Mania
Star Tours
Beauty and the Beast
Fantasmic

Animal Kingdom
Expedition Everest
Kali River Rapids
Dinosaur
Kilamanjaro Safaris
Tough to be a Bug
Lion King
Nemo

 

[luv]

Opinions will vary.

I'd suggest re-doing some of your favorites and working the things you haven't tried, too.

 

[olinecoach61]

A thorough reading of the unofficial guide always help me decide what to include in my trips.
Mk- HM, BTMRR, space mnt, character meet, at least mickey, the monorail, buzz, pirates, wishes, also watching wishes from the poly beach, amazing

EC - soarin, test track, eat Ur way around the world, Nemo, choc mousse from France, illuminations

Dhs - rnrc, toy story, muppets, tower of terror, little mermaid, beauty and the beast show

AK - safari, Kali river rapids, lion king, gorillas, EE

Resorts - bass fishing in the lagoon, it's awesome! Timing the resort launch to return to the poly during wishes, beautiful trip and then you can watch the rest from the dock.

 

[BryceM]

Magic Kingdom - Splash Mountain, Tom Sawyer Island, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Tomorrowland Transit Authority, Jungle Cruise.

Epcot - Spaceship Earth, Living with the Land, Test Track, Mission: Space, Maelstrom, The Seas, exploring all of World Showcase, Innoventions, IllumiNations, Impressions de France, The American Adventure.

Disney's Animal Kingdom - Kilamanjaro Safaris, Festival of the Lion King, Maharajah Jungle Trek, Expedition Everest, DINOSAUR, Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, Kali River Rapids.

Disney's Hollywood Studios - Tower of Terror, Toy Story Mania, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Indiana Jones Stunt Show, The Great Movie Ride, Star Tours, MuppetVision.

 

[PUSH]

This is just my opinion.

MK- Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan's Flight, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, Tomorrowland Transit Authority, Philharmagic, and potentially Under the Sea- Journey of the Little Mermaid

Epcot- Test Track, Spaceship Earth, Soarin', Living with the Land, Gran Fiesta Tour, Maelstrom

DHS- Tower of Terror, Rock N Rollercoaster, Star Tours, Toy Story Mania, One Man's Dream, MuppetVision 3D, The Great Movie Ride

AK- Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Dinosaur, Festival of the Lion King

 

[George1995]

Like everyone's said this will definitely vary for different people but here's mine

MK: Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Buzz Light Year Space Ranger Spin, Haunted Mansion, Tomorrow Land Transit Authority, Pirates Of the Caribbean, Night time parade (I'm blanking on the name), and of course Wishes.

EC: Test Track, Soarin, Spaceship Earth, Maelstrom, Eating in the World Showcase, Innoventions (I like the exhibits but I also like being indoors), and Illuminations

DHS: Tower of Terror, Rock N Roller Coaster, Toy Story Midway Mania, Star Tours, Fantasmic

AK: Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safari, Kali River Rapids, Festival of the Lion King, Dinosaur.

 

[PUSH]

Like everyone's said this will definitely vary for different people but here's mine

MK: Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Buzz Light Year Space Ranger Spin, Haunted Mansion, Tomorrow Land Transit Authority, Pirates Of the Caribbean, Night time parade (I'm blanking on the name), and of course Wishes.

EC: Test Track, Soarin, Spaceship Earth, Maelstrom, Eating in the World Showcase, Innoventions (I like the exhibits but I also like being indoors), and Illuminations

DHS: Tower of Terror, Rock N Roller Coaster, Toy Story Midway Mania, Star Tours, Fantasmic

AK: Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safari, Kali River Rapids, Festival of the Lion King, Dinosaur.

Nighttime parade= Main Street Electrical Parade

 

[SyracuseDisneyFan]

Magic Kingdom:
Splash Mountain
Thunder Mountain
Space Mountain
The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh
Pirates of the Caribbean
Carousel of Progress
Buzz Lightyear
Mickey's Philhrmagic
Tomorrowland Transit Authority

Epcot:
Universe of Energy
Test Track
Malestrom

Animal Kingdom:
Kali River Rapids
It's Tough To Be A Bug
The Festival of The Lion King
Kilimanjaro Safari


DHS:
Tower of Terror
Rock 'N' Roller Coaster
Star Tours
Muppet Vision 3D
Toy Story Mania
The Great Movie Ride

 

[FettFan]

Whenever I'm at Disney, I don't miss Louisiana.

 

[Figments Friend]

Your #1 priority before doing anything else at the Magic Kingdom is this :

Aquire and consume at least ONE Pineapple Float ( aka 'Dole Whip' ).

Once you have accomplished this, consider yourself now ready to explore the Park..with said drink in hand.

Must do experiences ( once drink is finished ) :

Pirates of the Caribbean
Haunted Mansion
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Country Bear Jamboree
The Enchanted Tiki Room
Splash Mountain
It's a Small World
Space Mountain
Carousel of Progress

Watch the afternoon Parade
See the Evening Parade
See the nightly fireworks

Get a lot of sleep later on to do it all again the next day.

 

[graphite1326]

Of course all the favorites have been mentioned. And I will need a little help here because I am not sure of the name. We usually don't go in The Magic of Disney animation. The last time we went we dicided to go in and look around. We found an attraction where you go in and actually draw. with the help of an artist, a disney character. Little help please on this?

We over-looked this in previouse visits and will probably make it one of our must do attractions.

 

[Susan Savia]

Don't miss Off Kilter, picking a pearl in Japan, seeing Illuminations, Club Cool, riding the train in MK, the safari in AK, catching DeVine in AK, and just sitting on any bench in any park and just watching folks go by.

 

[CheshireCat12]

I'd like to know what is the draw with Buzz Lightyear and TSMM? I am not a big Toy Story fan but why do people keep raving about these two attractions. They sound similar to me? I've always skipped them in favor of more thrilling rides (the three mountains, ToT, RnRC)

 

[hull327]

You can at least save yourself 30+ minutes by skipping Stitch.

 

[Alexis]

Magic Kingdom's New Fantasyland of course!

 

[graphite1326]

I'd like to know what is the draw with Buzz Lightyear and TSMM? I am not a big Toy Story fan but why do people keep raving about these two attractions. They sound similar to me? I've always skipped them in favor of more thrilling rides (the three mountains, ToT, RnRC)

at least ride them once. They are a lot of fun.

 

[JiminyandTink]

My advice is don't miss the details!

You can try ride every ride, but I find that there is so much magic in the little details of the parks that are right before your eyes if you slow down and enjoy.

Have a great trip!

 

[MY_NAME_STITCH]

Aside from the usual list of rides that everyone here has already mentioned, don't miss the joy of being in the parks. My DW and I were at WDW for 10 days in May and instead of rushing from one attraction to another we strolled more. We saw more in this trip than we saw in any combination of two trips. We have some awesome pics of the trip that we will enjoy for a long time. Have a great time and enjoy every minute of it!!!!!

 

[bethymouse]

First timers always want to see everything! It is possible if you plan a week, and take your time to enjoy, and use fast passes, AND get to the parks early or stay late at night ( afternoon breaks a must do).
I really wouldn't waste my time with Stitch unless you are a die hard fan of him! I also wouldn't bother w/ Captain EO unless you're a die hard Michael Jackson fan! Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse & Tom Sawyer Island is up to you. Personally, I skip those, but I am a WDW fanatic who visits yearly!
I usually skip Innoventions, but if you have never been, then I wouldn't skip it. It's a great place for those "scientific/inventive" minds.
Do take time to explore Animal Kingdom. There are so many hidden gems in the Oasis, Maharaja Jungle Trek, and Rafiki's Planet Watch.
Unless you're a fan of American Idol, skip it!
If you have little Star Wars fans, sign up early for Jedi Training Academy to fight Darth Vader! It's cool.
Overall, please take time to "smell the roses" so to speak knowing that you will return some day!
There are magical moments around every corner of WDW. ENJOY!