Must Do Attractions for a First Visit to Walt Disney World

The Walt Disney World Resort is a truly massive vacation destination that features four different Disney Parks, dozens of Disney Resorts, countless dining and shopping locations, and so much more. While this offers Guests the chance to enjoy so many unique experiences, it can make a first visit seem entirely overwhelming. Let’s check out the absolute must do attractions that Guests cannot miss out on when visiting Walt Disney World for the very first time.

Pirates of the Caribbean

One of the most beloved attractions in the Magic Kingdom is Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland. This classic experience has Guests board boats and set sail for adventure through eerie caves and a burning town where pirates can be seen causing all sorts of chaos. Set to the iconic song “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)” and featuring modern updates including the addition of Captain Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean is a must do on any visit to the Magic Kingdom.

Haunted Mansion

Another must do in the Magic Kingdom is the Haunted Mansion found in the heart of Liberty Square. The attraction welcomes Guests into the home of Master Gracey where nine hundred and ninety nine happy haunts cause a series of comical and eerie happenings. Guests will find themselves singing along to “Grim Grinning Ghosts” as they move through the attraction in a Doom Buggy and are sure to want to return time and time again.

Peter Pan’s Flight

Peter Pan is a beloved Disney animated film and also the inspiration for one of the most magical attractions Guests can’t miss out on. Peter Pan’s Flight in the Magic Kingdom whisks Guests away on flying pirate ships and gives them the opportunity to soar high over the skies of London and Neverland with favorite characters. Featuring the whimsy and charm of the animated film, Peter Pan’s Flight is one of the most popular attractions in the Magic Kingdom and a must do for any first time visitor.

“it’s a small world”

Directly across from Peter Pan’s Flight in Fantasyland is “it’s a small world” arguably one of the most recognizable attractions in the entire world. “it’s a small world” is the happiest cruise that ever sailed and brings Guests on a journey around the world celebrating the cultures and people through brightly colored scenes and the favorite song of the same title. While some Guests might argue that “it’s a small world” is too much, it is a must do for a first time visitor!

Dumbo – The Flying Elephant

Dumbo – The Flying Elephant is a wonderful attraction in the Storybook Circus area of the Magic Kingdom that many consider to be a rite of passage for any first time Guest to Walt Disney World. This whimsical and fun attraction has Guests board Dumbo and take to the skies on a short, but entertaining flight over the area.

The Magic Kingdom Mountains

Thrill seekers in the Magic Kingdom definitely cannot miss out on enjoying the Disney Park’s four unique mountain attractions. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a new attraction that brings Guests into the world of Princess and the Frog and ends with a thrilling and soaking drop down five stories. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is coined the “wildest ride in the wilderness” and whips Guests around an abandoned mining town. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Fantasyland has Guests board mine carts that individually swing as they set off to the mines where the dwarfs can be found at work. Finally, Space Mountain is a unique adventure through the darkness of space where Guests can enjoy out of this world thrills!

Jungle Cruise

Groan-worthy jokes and puns can’t be missed on the world famous Jungle Cruise in the Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland. This classic attraction brings Guests down the most exotic rivers in the world where they encounter wildlife, jungles, surprises, and more as the lovable Skippers provide some of the corniest jokes around. First time Guests definitely should plan on enjoying a ride on the Jungle Cruise!

TRON Lightcycle / Run

One of the newest attractions in the Magic Kingdom has quickly become one of its most popular as well. TRON Lightcycle / Run can be found in Tomorrowland and uses incredible technology to put Guests inside the grid and have the chance to zoom off on a lightcycle. Featuring high speeds, a thrilling outdoor portion under a beautifully lit canopy, and amazing technology, TRON Lightcycle / Run is a must do for any visit to the Magic Kingdom!

Spaceship Earth

Moving over to EPCOT, first time visitors have to enjoy a ride on Spaceship Earth, a classic attraction found inside of the structure of the same name just inside of the Disney Park. The attraction has Guests board time machines and set off for a journey through the history of communication with a memorable narration by Dame Judi Dench and an interactive ending. Spaceship Earth is the perfect example of classic EPCOT and still holds up today!

World Showcase

While not necessarily an attraction in the traditional sense, World Showcase in EPCOT is absolutely its own attraction that features eleven beautiful pavilions that allow Guests to travel the world. Each pavilion focuses on a country and combines architecture, dining, shopping, entertainment, attractions, and more to bring that culture to life. Guests can easily spend an entire day wandering through World Showcase and enjoying all that it has to offer!

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

The newest and most popular attraction in EPCOT is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind which brings an interstellar adventure to life. Guests find themselves in the middle of the action alongside the Guardians as they whisk through space in innovative cars that rotate while moving to provide a truly immersive experience. No Guardians adventure is ever complete without music, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind features several songs that are assigned at random that make the experience even more memorable.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Moving over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Guests can’t miss out on the only attraction in Walt Disney World starring Mickey himself. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway literally brings Guests into the cartoon world of Mickey and friends where they embark on a scenic tour of the park that soon takes a silly and fun turn. Featuring incredibly immersive scenes, Mickey and Minnie do their best to stop the runaway railway through a jungle, carnival, tornado and more. This is a must do attraction for Guests of all ages!

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Fans of Star Wars will love spending lots of time in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, an immersive land that transports them to the Black Spire outpost on the planet Batuu. The crown jewel of the area is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance where Guests can experience their own adventure that begins with learning the location of a Rebel base before being taken captive by the First Order. What follows is a thrilling and unforgettable experience that combines incredible technology, larger than life sets, and storytelling as only Disney and Star Wars can do!

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Another must do attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror on Sunset Boulevard. This beloved attraction brings the classic television series to life and invites Guests to star in their own episode by stepping into a possessed elevator to follow in the footsteps of several hotel guests who mysteriously disappeared years ago. With thrilling drops and lifts that follow a randomized sequence, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is the perfect combination of storytelling and big thrills that cannot be missed!

Kilimanjaro Safaris

The Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to Kilimanjaro Safaris, an incredible attraction that brings Guests into the heart of Africa on a real-life safari. Guests enter the Harambe Reserve where they board massive safari vehicles and set off to the savannah, forest and more to spot giraffes, lions, cheetahs, elephants, crocodiles, hippos, rhinos, and other animals freely roaming in their environments. Every single visit to Kilimanjaro Safaris is different thanks to the autonomy of the animals, and Guests will want to return time and time again to enjoy this unforgettable attraction.

Credit: Disney

Avatar Flight of Passage

Pandora – The World of Avatar is a beautiful area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom where Guests can explore the Valley of Mo’ara and walk under incredible floating mountains. Avatar Flight of Passage is a very popular attraction in the area that uses technology to match Guests to Avatars and offer them the unforgettable experience of riding on the back of a banshee through the breathtaking land. With innovative technology that completely immerses Guests in the thrilling experience, Avatar Flight of Passage is a must do attraction on any visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Festival of the Lion King

The Lion King is just as beloved today as it was when it was released 1994 and Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to a lively celebration that brings the story and characters to life. Festival of the Lion King is performed several times each day in the Harambe Theater and the show combines classic music and characters from the film with showstopping acts including aerial ballet, fire dancing and stunts, high flying acrobatics, and more. This show is one of the best live performances at Walt Disney World and is a must do for any vacation!