There is no greater entertainment hub of art than Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Over fall break I was able to escape for a few days to Florida for a family celebration. I’ve been going to Disney since birth (practically), but haven’t been since 2018. While I do adore everything about Disney, it’s certainly changed over the years. What has not changed— the magical feeling of stepping into the places we dreamed of as children. As Monmouth University’s class of 2026 will be traveling there on a senior trip during winter break, here are some of my must-do attractions and magical moments.
My rule of thumb for Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios attractions is not to spend more time waiting on line than you will on the actual ride. Who wants to spend their entire afternoon on a 160 minute line for a less than ten minute experience? I urge everyone to get to the parks at early entry to hop on those popular attractions so you have more time to soak in the atmosphere. Trust me, the crowds will flood the parks come 2 p.m. With that being said, the atmosphere in Disney World parks are completely unmatched. Magic Kingdom’s “Main Street, U.S.A” features shops representing small town life and charm. I’d grab a cup of coffee and pose in front of Cinderella’s iconic castle.
If you’re a fan of “Pirates of the Caribbean” then journey through a pirate’s life by hopping on a boat ride full of cannon fire and thrills in Adventureland. While the attraction could definitely use some updating considering how many films the franchise has, it’s always fun to sing along to “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me).” Be careful, front rows are definitely in the splash zone.
Fantasyland has some favorites like “it’s a small world,” and Under the Sea~Journey of The Little Mermaid. All of these attractions have become staples and bring to life that Disney magic. While “it’s a small world” isn’t the most thrilling or jaw dropping as the rest, it’s sure to put a smile on your face. For me, the most magical moment was watching the look on my two year old sister’s face as she experienced these rides for the first time.
While I enjoyed Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios was an absolute fever dream. If you’re a fan of the “Star Wars” franchise then Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will have your jaw on the floor. I grew up watching these movies with my dad, so walking through the fictional planet of Batuu was amazing. Even though this specific planet is not in any of the films, it felt as if you were walking around the city of Mos Eisley on Tatooine.
Galaxy’s Edge features two rides, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to get on the latter, but Smugglers Run was loads of fun. While approaching the ride you pass by a 100 feet long, full scale version of the Falcon. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be standing next to this ship.
Before taking a seat on the ride you walk the inside of the ship, passing by the famous booth where Chewbacca and R2-D2 play Dejarik, also known as holochess in “A New Hope.” The ride itself puts you inside the cockpit where you have the choice of being a pilot, gunner, or an engineer on a smuggling mission for outlaw Hondo Ohnaka.
While my party and I certainly didn’t make the run in less than 12 parsecs, I had 96% accuracy as our engineer. It certainly didn’t help that my uncle and brother flew us right into imperial battle. Nonetheless, the experience of “flying” was indescribable. One can only attribute its accuracy to Walt Disney’s Imagineering team’s dedication to bringing this atmosphere to life.
Another aspect of this section that made it special was all of the subtle nods to the original films, in the restaurants and stores. Inside the village marketplace, stores sell mini stuffed animals like Jabba the Hutt’s pet, Salacious B. Crumb and the Nexu from “Attack of the Clones.” In Savi’s Workshop not only can you build your own lightsaber, but looking along the walls and upper alcoves you’ll find: rebel helmets, an emperor royal guard mask, mini statues of Darth Maul and Darth Sidious (Palpatine). I’d also keep your eyes out for Storm Troopers, Rey, Vi Moradi, and other character appearances.
This is what Walt Disney World does with its parks to make them feel like magic. So for those going soon, whether it’s having a drink at Oga’s Cantina, riding the Slinky Dog Dash, or eating your way through EPCOT, make it memorable. The magic of imagination and entertainment are certainly unmatched in the happiest place on earth.
