Planning your first trip to Disney World? It can be hard to know which attractions and shows are worth your time, especially with four parks full of incredible options. To make it easier, here’s my guide to must-do rides and shows for first-time visitors!

Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is full of classic attractions that capture the essence of Disney magic.
Must-Do Rides:
  1. The Mountains:
    • Space Mountain: A thrilling indoor roller coaster through space.
    • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: A wild west-themed runaway train ride.
    • Tiana's Bayou Adventure: featuring characters and songs from The Princess and the Frog.
  2. Haunted Mansion: A spooky yet whimsical ride through a mansion full of "999 happy haunts."
  3. Pirates of the Caribbean: A swashbuckling adventure with immersive animatronics and a catchy theme song.
  4. Mickey’s PhilharMagic: A 4D movie experience showcasing Disney’s best musical moments with updated scenes from Coco and Frozen II.
  5. Peter Pan’s Flight: Soar over London and Neverland in this charming classic. The wait times can be long, so consider using a Lightning Lane pass.
  6. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: A family-friendly coaster with beautiful animatronics and a unique ride system.
  7. Carousel of Progress: Created by Walt Disney himself, this slow-moving attraction shows the evolution of technology over the 20th century. It's a nostalgic trip for history buffs.
  8. It’s a Small World: An iconic boat ride through colorful scenes featuring international cultures and that unforgettable song.
Must-See Show:
  • Happily Ever After (Fireworks Show): A spectacular nighttime show featuring fireworks, music, and projections on Cinderella Castle.


EPCOT
EPCOT blends futuristic rides with cultural experiences. Here's what you can’t miss:
Must-Do Rides:
  1. Test Track: Design your own virtual car and put it to the test in this high-speed thrill ride.
  2. Soarin' Around the World: Fly over iconic landscapes and landmarks in this breathtaking simulator experience.
  3. The Seas with Nemo & Friends: A family-friendly ride that combines animation with live sea life.
  4. Living with the Land: A slow-moving boat ride showcasing Disney’s innovative agriculture techniques. It’s surprisingly fascinating!
  5. Spaceship Earth: Travel through time as you discover humanity’s advancements in communication inside EPCOT’s iconic geodesic sphere.
Must-See Show:
  • Luminous: A stunning nighttime show over the World Showcase Lagoon featuring lights, lasers, and fireworks.


Disney's Hollywood Studios
This park is packed with action, thrills, and cinematic charm.
Must-Do Rides:
  1. Tower of Terror: Plummet down an abandoned elevator shaft in this thrilling and eerie ride.
  2. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: A high-speed, music-infused roller coaster that launches from 0 to 60 mph in seconds.
  3. Toy Story Midway Mania: A 4D carnival-style game where you compete for points in fun mini-games.
  4. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: Pilot the fastest ship in the galaxy on this interactive Star Wars adventure.
  5. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: A groundbreaking, immersive attraction that places you in the middle of a galactic battle.
Must-See Show:
  • Fantasmic!: An epic nighttime show with characters, fireworks, water effects, and more.


Disney's Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is a blend of thrilling rides and incredible shows.
Must-Do Attractions:
  1. Kilimanjaro Safaris: Take a guided safari tour and see exotic animals in a sprawling savanna setting. Try to go early in the morning or in the evening when animals are most active.
  2. Expedition Everest: A thrilling roller coaster that races through the Himalayas—and features an encounter with the legendary Yeti.
  3. Avatar Flight of Passage: A breathtaking simulator that lets you fly on the back of a banshee over Pandora’s stunning landscape.
  4. Na'vi River Journey: A serene boat ride through Pandora’s bioluminescent rainforest.
  5. Dinosaur: A fun, prehistoric adventure through time in a motion-based vehicle.
Must-See Shows:
  1. Festival of The Lion King: A Broadway-caliber show with acrobatics, music, and incredible performances based on The Lion King.
  2. Feathered Friends in Flight: A funny and interactive bird show with appearances by colorful, exotic birds.
  3. It’s Tough to Be a Bug: A 3D show set inside the Tree of Life with special effects and fun surprises.


Additional Tips:
  • Genie+ and Lightning Lanes: Consider purchasing Genie+ to help minimize wait times for popular rides.
  • Mobile Ordering: Use the My Disney Experience app to place quick-service food orders in advance and skip the lines.
  • Rest and Hydrate: Disney World days can be long and hot, so make sure to take breaks and drink plenty of water.

There’s so much to see and do at Disney World, but if you’re a first-timer, these rides and shows will help you get the most out of your visit. 

About Brittany: Brittany is a Disney and Universal travel expert with Magical Journeys Travel dedicated to making vacation planning simple and stress-free. She provides personalized guidance to help you build an amazing trip without feeling overwhelmed. Her services are completely free—Disney and Universal pay her agency a commission, so you get expert advice at no cost. Ready to make your dream trip a reality? Visit her at BrittanyForMagicalJourneys.com and start planning today!