Cast Member’s Corner: Let The Magical Memories Begin

I’m getting ready to go down to Disney in a little less than two weeks.  I’m always excited to go down to Disney, my second home, but this time it will be a little different.  I’m especially excited to be going down this time because I will be taking my boyfriend down with me, who hasn’t been down to Disney since he was young and doesn’t seem to remember much of it beyond Space Mountain.  I wanted to do what he wanted to do while we were there so I asked him to try and plan it.  So of course when I asked what I should write about in Cast Member’s Corner he said, “What to do at Disney for someone who’s going for the first time as an adult.”  I figured now would be a good time to give in and write that topic since he has already pretty much planned it out.

Disney is usually thought of as a child’s playground and a child’s vacation.  That isn’t entirely true.  Sure there are plenty of things for children to do and the environment is extremely kid friendly.  But there are plenty of things to do for adults as well, especially as you get older.  Every time you go to Disney there is a new experience, even if all the rides have stayed the same, the Cast Members have not.  When planning a Disney vacation for your first time, or for your first time as an adult it is important to remember, this is your vacation you have to do what you enjoy.  That means if you don’t like roller coasters don’t do them, or if you don’t like sitting down for shows then don’t see them.  Disney is full of choices and something for everyone.

Something else to keep in mind when you plan what you’re going to do in Disney is decide if you are going to go to every park or just a few.  There are plenty of things to do in each park.  If you know you will be going back to Disney in the future then there is no reason to rush through all the parks.  If you’re unsure if you will go again then you are more than welcome to go to all the parks.  It can be done, that’s what Park Hoppers were created for.  Looking at what each park offers and what kinds of things you want to do will help you decide what parks you’re going to want to do.  We know that we are going to be going back to Disney, especially since I have been for years, so we decided we’re going to go to a few parks instead of all of them. 

For someone who’s never been to Disney I always recommend Magic Kingdom.  It’s where it all started, and even the adults can turn back into little kids in Magic Kingdom.  As an adult I tend to recommend Epcot as well, when I was a kid I didn’t really enjoy it, but as I’ve grown older I can really appreciate it.  If you’re in to thrill rides I recommend Hollywood Studios.  And if you like animals Animal Kingdom is definitely a place to go.  Every park has some rides, shows, and parades.  We chose Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot.  The decision we had to face was whether we’d do Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios one of the days.  Although he wanted to see me scared out of my mind on Dinosaur, a story for another time, he chose Hollywood Studios with Rockin’ Roller Coaster and Tower Of Terror.

Something to consider for your visit is whether or not Disney is having any special events.  When we go down they will be having the Food and Wine Festival in Epcot, and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom.  If you go in the winter they would have Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, the Candlelight Processional at Epcot, and the Osborne Family Light Show in Hollywood Studios.  In the Spring there is the Flower and Garden Show in Epcot.  If you are visiting during any of those times you can make sure to consider that as well.  It wasn’t a hard decision that we would be going to Epcot for the Food and Wine Festival, nor was it hard to choose whether we would go to the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.  This will allow us to see Epcot and Magic Kingdom as well as allow him to see a different side to Disney he will not have seen when he was younger.  And he’ll get to ride Space Mountain again.

Disney has more than the parks to offer.  There are the other resorts, Downtown Disney, water parks, golf and mini golf, and the spa’s among other things.  If you’re going on vacation and don’t want to face the crowds or heat everyday you can always consider Disney’s other offerings.  There are several spas on property and they are more than worth it for some relaxing time.  There are also several golf courses and two miniature golf courses that you can really enjoy.  If you are in Disney while it’s hot, because believe it or not it’s not always hot in Disney, then you can visit either of the two water parks.  And if you just want to enjoy some leisurely walks and retail therapy there is Downtown Disney.  Downtown Disney has a touch of everything.  As a pleasant surprise my boyfriend thought of getting a massage while we were there to relax.  It’s a great way to get out of the crowds and really relax on your vacation.

When planning a trip to Disney for your first time it can be a little daunting.  There’s a lot to consider and Disney offers so much.  Consider what you want to do, do you want to jam pack your days, or do you want to take your time?  Are there any special events going on?  Do you want to spend every day in the parks or do you want to see the other things Disney has to offer?  There is a lot but don’t let that scare you.  Do what you want to do, see what you want to see, and you will enjoy your vacation.  There’s something for everyone at Disney, both the young and the young at heart.  Always remember your Disney vacation will be magical because Disney has faith, trust, and as always plenty of pixie dust!

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Jess was born and raised on Long Island, New York but once college began so did her adventures. She’s lived in Florida, Wisconsin, and now South Carolina. Her family is part of the Disney Vacation Club and has been visiting since she was a little girl, and continuously goes every year. Besides being a big Disney fan she has also been a Disney Cast Member working in Magic Kingdom, and she counts it as one of the most magical experiences. She worked with everyone’s favorite elephant Dumbo, Cinderella’s Carousel, and Mickey’s Philharmagic. Jess has also visited Disneyland, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, and gone on two Disney Cruises. She has so many great memories from Disney besides running half marathons and 5ks, birthday parties, and family reunions. If asked where she would want to go it is almost always Disney, and when asked why, it is almost always because she can eat awesome gluten free food! And it doesn’t hurt that there is always faith, trust, and pixie dust with magic in the air!