Regardless of whether or not you’ve been to Disney World before, now is the time to go as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. There is something fun to do for all ages. I could go on and on about all the rides, attractions, and FOOD!
I recently took my daughter for the first time. She had just turned one year old the week prior. My mother-in-law joined us as well. We stayed at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, which is a popular resort due to the decade building themes, updated rooms, decent price point, and the location with access to the skyliner. The room itself had 2 queen beds plus a free pack ‘n play provided for my daughter. The bathroom had plenty of space with a separate door closing off the toilet and large shower. We were located in a corner room on the second floor of the 70s section, which had elevator access and views of the lake.
My favorite park is and always will be Magic Kingdom. To me, there’s nothing that can compare to seeing Cinderella’s Castle as you walk down Main Street. We had so much fun at all the parks, even when it rained all day in Epcot. We had bought our rain ponchos the night prior when we saw the forecast. Disney keeps all the rides open in the rain unless there is lightning. We also ate way too much food, but burned a lot of those calories walking through the parks each day.
One of the best items we utilized was a stroller cover that I bought online prior to the trip to use for my daughter’s naps. Using this, along with a portable sound machine, made it super easy for her to sleep amidst the excitement without having to go back to the resort.
Some highlights of our trip include:
- FIREWORKS!
- Eating at Space 220 (brand new restaurant in Epcot)
- The fun rides, and using the new Lightning Lanes to bypass lines
- Seeing my daughter meet Mickey and other characters in person
- Building a lightsaber (Star Wars)
- Walking Disney’s Boardwalk area and Disney Springs at night
My top 10 recommended rides for ALL ages (no height requirements):
- Remy's Ratatouille Adventure (Epcot)
- Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway (Hollywood Studios)
- Jungle Cruise (Magic Kingdom)
- Haunted Mansion (Magic Kingdom)
- Pirates of the Caribbean (Magic Kingdom)
- Kilimanjaro Safaris (Animal Kingdom)
- Peter Pan's Flight (Magic Kingdom)
- Na'vi River Journey (Animal Kingdom)
- Frozen Ever After (Epcot)
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant (Magic Kingdom)
The 50th anniversary celebration may end after March 2023, but that doesn’t mean the magic stops. I have such a passion for all things Disney, and would love to help you plan a trip to Disney World, Disneyland, a Disney Cruise, or even Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii!
If the magic is calling you.....answer the call!
~ Leandra Zeller
Independent Travel Consultant (contractor partner under Mode Travel Agency, Inc)
