The Best of Walt Disney World: Resorts, Rides and VIP Experiences

It’s no secret… I, Alex, ADORE Walt Disney World. I believe it is truly the most magical place on earth. My family has been taking me there since I was floating in my mom’s belly. I am absolutely obsessed with Disney. And, yes, I am a fully grown adult. Am I embarrassed? Not. Even. A. Little. So let me tell you why…

I have loved Disney World for as long as I can remember. I became so obsessed with this park that my father actually had to buy me an amusement park in my home town of Pennsylvania to curb my appetite. This is absolutely true. And, yes, I was Veruka Salt.

I have been going to the parks – either World or Land, every single year for over 20 years. And I’ve tried everything – stayed at every resort (almost), ridden every ride (almost) and eaten at every restaurant (ok, this one might be accurate, yikes ;).

So, all this is to say, I am hands down the leading expert on how to experience the absolute best in Walt Disney World. And, being true to the Alex Adores lifestyle, I only do the best of the best. So if you want to know how Disney is done correctly: THIS is your ultimate guide. You’re welcome.

Stay

First off, if this is your first time visiting the mouse’s house you will want to try to splurge on your accommodations. The hotels within Disney World are not just a room to sleep in, they are truly part of the magic. There is nothing I love more than theming and all the resorts have themes: old victorian, tropical, space age, wilderness, beachy, safari, Disney animated films – and Star Wars is on its way.

Highest on the list is The Grand Floridian which is truly the fairest in the land. With its incredibly opulent, romantic lobby and its enchanting, live orchestra that fills the air nightly, this palace of a resort is pure elegance – just checking in can seem like a fairy tale. The rooms are majestic and nostalgic. And the lobby at Christmastime is a gingerbread dream come true.

Equally spectacular yet very different (meaning you should split your time and stay at both) is The Animal Kingdom Lodge. A room overlooking the savanna will never disappoint. Sit out on your balcony under the stars, have a glass of wine and listen to the crunch of munching trees while the giraffes have their dinner just a few feet away from your room. The sights and sounds are nearly impossible to beat.

My hands down, go to, every time I go, is Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. The rooms are classic and elegant yet super comfortable. It’s got an amazing bar and a gorgeous pool with a lazy river. But most of all, it is a short hop to the side entrance of Epcot’s World Showcase, which happens to be my absolute favorite place on earth.

Lastly, for an epic indulgence, the Polynesian bungalows are next level. These floating villas are extravagant and have the most awe-inspiring view of Cinderella’s castle across Bay Lake. Taking in the fireworks from your own secluded veranda on the water is as enthralling as it gets.

Alex’s secret tip: always call the hotel before you check in to let them know if you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or any special occasion – chances are good your resort may just make a trademark “magical moment” happen upon check in.

So there you have it. These resorts are my absolute favorites, but there are sooooooo many great ones. The fact is, the moment you land on Disney property in Orlando, no matter where you stay, the magic is everywhere. So, now go visit that mouse!

Ride

I’d say one of my most favorite rides in all the lands of Disney, has to be the safari ride at Animal Kingdom. Only Disney could do a safari that would rival going to the actual Savanna in Africa. Every ride is different because of the amazing variety of animals to be discovered at every turn. And there seems to be no sign of any fence or cage anywhere. Hakuna Matata indeed!

Truly the most awe-inspiring attraction at Disney, has to be Pandora’s Flight of Passage. It is completely transports you to another world and allows you to experience the magic of flying on a physical and emotional level. Yes, it can be emo. Honestly, it’s so good, I would plan an entire trip around being able to get a fast pass for it.

The Three Caballeros at EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion is a classic. I don’t know why I love this ride so much, but I know I’m not alone. It’s slow boat ride that takes you on a wacky adventure with Donald and his two friends in Mexico. It just makes me happy! While you wait for your waterfront table, go hang with the Caballeros!

For romance, Spaceship Earth gives you and your love a private journey into the past and future, all while smoothly floating through the world’s largest golf ball.

For the most classic of them all, The Haunted Mansion. No trip to Disney is complete without picking up those three crazy hitchikers and having the creepy, tiny, blue lady tell you to “hurry baaaaack”. Love. It.

And, according to me, the greatest ride of all time is… Space Mountain. Nothing beats it. It’s scary. It’s fun. It’s in the dark. It’s perfect.

Alex’s secret tip: Don’t set an alarm, don’t rope drop, don’t wake up at 6am – that’s not a vacation! Sleep in, relax and come around at your own pace. The busiest times at the parks are 11am -3pm. So instead use the morning to order room service and go to the pool. Reserve your fast passes for later in the day and head to the parks in the afternoon or at night – it’s emptier, it’s cooler and it’s so gorgeous when the twinkle lights come on.

VIP Experiences

After my fiancé’s first trip to Disney with me, the number one thing he raved about more than anything was the Savor the Savannah Private VIP Safari Tour. This experience is unparalleled if you love seeing wild, exotic animals up close and having beautiful cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. This is all while watching the sunset from a luxury villa in the middle of the savanna. You heard that right – it’s real and it’s as amazing as it sounds. It was worth every penny and it was unforgettable.

Another extraordinary VIP experience is renting a boat from the Yacht Club Resort to head out to the middle of the lake to experience the Epcot fireworks. You will indulge in every luxury possible as a private boat driver takes you (and 8 of your friends if you choose) on a pontoon into the heart of Epcot’s lake for the best view of the best fireworks on earth – IMHO. This is a spectacular experience that puts you directly into the center of the action.

The dessert parties are absolutely worth the splurge to be able to sit and relax together, enjoying decadent desserts while having attained the best seat in the house for the fireworks. Disney After Hours events are the perfect time for couples to get the park all to themselves and spend a little alone time on their favorite rides.

xoxo,

Alex