I'm a travel planner who's been going to Disney World for 30 years. Here are 13 things I always do.
Jennifer Greene
![I'm a travel planner who's been going to Disney World for 30 years. Here are 13 things I always do.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticbiassets.in%2Fthumb%2Fmsid-92459171%2Cwidth-700%2Cheight-525%2Cimgsize-165372%2Fiaposm-a-travel-planner-whoaposs-been-going-to-disney-world-for-30-years-here-are-13-things-i-always-do-.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
- I've been going to Disney World for over 30 years, and there are certain things I do every trip.
- If I don't have a Mickey ice-cream bar or a Mickey-shaped pretzel, my trip is incomplete.
Mickey ice-cream bars are the holy grail of Disney treats.
![Mickey ice-cream bars are the holy grail of Disney treats.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92459260,width-700,height-525,imgsize-104300/mickey-ice-cream-bars-are-the-holy-grail-of-disney-treats-.jpg)
Everyone has their favorite Disney treat, but for me, it'll always be a Mickey ice-cream bar.
This Mickey Mouse-shaped ice cream just makes me feel like a kid again.
I once went to an event with unlimited bars, and I had to stop myself after three. It was a five-hour event, so I think I did pretty well.
It's like Halloween 365 days a year at the Haunted Mansion.
![It](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92459256,width-700,height-525,imgsize-620268/itaposs-like-halloween-365-days-a-year-at-the-haunted-mansion-.jpg)
One of my favorite attractions in Magic Kingdom is the Haunted Mansion.
Something about Madame Leota and the famous Grim Grinning Ghosts always make me smile. And I love riding around in the aptly named Doom Buggies, which is what they call the ride vehicles on the attraction.
Give your feet a break by riding the monorail.
![Give your feet a break by riding the monorail.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92459251,width-700,height-525,imgsize-635654/give-your-feet-a-break-by-riding-the-monorail-.jpg)
When my kids were in strollers, we'd leave the parks and take the monorail around the resort loop to get them out of the Florida sun and into the air conditioning so they'd nap.
Even if I am not staying at a monorail resort, I always make a point to ride it during my visit because it's my favorite mode of Disney transportation.
Mickey Mouse is all over Disney World — you just have to find him.
![Mickey Mouse is all over Disney World — you just have to find him.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92459246,width-700,height-525,imgsize-91032/mickey-mouse-is-all-over-disney-world-x2014-you-just-have-to-find-him-.jpg)
I love finding "hidden Mickeys" (three circles that look like an outline of Mickey's head) in some unsuspecting places around the property or just hiding in plain sight.
You could also turn it into a really fun game when you're waiting in line for attractions.
There's even a hidden Mickey in the Haunted Mansion. On your next visit, keep an eye out as you ride past the ballroom.
Mickey-shaped pretzels are the superior salty snack.
![Mickey-shaped pretzels are the superior salty snack.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92459244,width-700,height-525,imgsize-101674/mickey-shaped-pretzels-are-the-superior-salty-snack-.jpg)
I don't know what it is about snacks shaped like Mickey Mouse, but they're clearly my favorite.
When it comes to salty snacks, I reach for the Mickey-shaped soft pretzel — with cheese sauce, always.
Even if you aren't visiting the parks, you can still find the classic snack in Disney Springs.
Disney PhotoPass is absolutely one of my favorite park offerings.
![Disney PhotoPass is absolutely one of my favorite park offerings.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92459243,width-700,height-525,imgsize-193410/disney-photopass-is-absolutely-one-of-my-favorite-park-offerings-.jpg)
Disney PhotoPass lets you take fun and creative pictures that you can't get anywhere else — and you don't have to worry about leaving anyone out. PhotoPass employees are stationed at popular locations around the parks.
Sometimes, beloved characters even magically appear in your photos, like Remy in Epcot.
Nobody does a fireworks show like Disney World.
![Nobody does a fireworks show like Disney World.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92459240,width-700,height-525,imgsize-58244/nobody-does-a-fireworks-show-like-disney-world-.jpg)
Whether you're watching Harmonious in Epcot along the World Showcase or Disney Enchantment over Cinderella Castle, it's always memorable.
There's something about the soundtracks and the stories that make these shows special. My trips are never complete without seeing at least one nighttime spectacular.
Dole Whip is another incomparable Disney treat.
![Dole Whip is another incomparable Disney treat.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92459231,width-700,height-525,imgsize-80148/dole-whip-is-another-incomparable-disney-treat-.jpg)
Did you even go to Disney if you didn't have a Dole Whip?
I always get mine at Aloha Isle in Magic Kingdom, but you can find the treat in plenty of other locations now.
I prefer the Dole Whip float with pineapple juice as opposed to the plain Dole Whip soft serve. Or you can really spice it up in Epcot and get a float spiked with rum.
Space Mountain is an out-of-this-world experience.
![Space Mountain is an out-of-this-world experience.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92459225,width-700,height-525,imgsize-327128/space-mountain-is-an-out-of-this-world-experience-.jpg)
Space Mountain is a classic Disney attraction.
It's one of my favorites in Magic Kingdom, and I have to ride it every visit.
It's not the newest coaster in the park — it's been open since 1975 — but it's the most nostalgic for me.
There's no popcorn like Disney World popcorn.
![There](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92459221,width-700,height-525,imgsize-184822/thereaposs-no-popcorn-like-disney-world-popcorn-.jpg)
Popcorn at Disney World just tastes better than anywhere else. Although it may seem like a trivial snack, it's one of my favorites.
I never leave Magic Kingdom without getting popcorn and a soda for the monorail ride home.
There are many varieties to enjoy, but the real winner is the classic air-popped one from the carts.
Enjoy breakfast with some Disney characters.
![Enjoy breakfast with some Disney characters.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92459216,width-700,height-525,imgsize-396030/enjoy-breakfast-with-some-disney-characters-.jpg)
I know it seems a little corny, but I love Disney character breakfasts. There's just something about starting your day with Mickey and friends that really makes you feel immersed in Disney magic.
My favorite breakfast is Topolino's Terrace at the Riviera Resort, but you can't go wrong with any of them.
These experiences book quickly, so be sure to get your reservations 60 days in advance of your trip.
I love sipping on a Grand Marnier orange slush in the France Pavilion.
![I love sipping on a Grand Marnier orange slush in the France Pavilion.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92459210,width-700,height-525,imgsize-16642/i-love-sipping-on-a-grand-marnier-orange-slush-in-the-france-pavilion-.jpg)
Every time I'm in Epcot, I get a Grand Marnier orange slush. It's my absolute favorite.
Head to the France Pavilion in the World Showcase and enjoy a mixture of Grand Marnier liqueur, rum, Grey Goose vodka, and orange juice.
It's basically a grown-up Creamsicle.
Of all the Disney World theme parks, Magic Kingdom has my heart.
![Of all the Disney World theme parks, Magic Kingdom has my heart.](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-92459205,width-700,height-525,imgsize-882094/of-all-the-disney-world-theme-parks-magic-kingdom-has-my-heart-.jpg)
I never miss an opportunity to visit Magic Kingdom.
I enjoy a trip there even if I don't ride any attractions. I like to find a nice spot to sit and have a snack while taking in all of the magic around me.
Every time I walk down Main Street USA, I feel like I'm home, and it will always be my favorite place.
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