Secret Things to Do at Walt Disney World

I am all about seeing everything while I am on vacation. I make vacation shirts for my family. I plan photo spots and print out planning sheets for the parks. I know exactly which rides I’m going to reserve with Genie+.

And while all of these things are fun and make for an amazing vacation, there are days where I do NOT want to ride all of the rides or do everything that the whole crowd is doing. Since we are annual passholders, we visit the parks more often than most people, so we don’t have to ride every.single.thing. I enjoy finding the experiences that not many people know about, or aren’t on their “must do” list. Especially when it’s during the holidays, spring break, or festival season.

Although they’re not exactly “secret,” they are all things that are NOT on most people’s Disney vacation itinerary! In my opinion, all of these ideas and tips will make for a better Disney World trip.

12+ Hidden Things to Do at Disney World

There are many hidden gems inside the Disney parks for those that take the time to slow down and look around a bit. Plus, there’s also exclusive experiences that only certain guests can do! (I always want to be one of those people!) So if you are looking for a Disney World activity that’s off the beaten path, here are some hidden things to do at Walt Disney World. Click on the links to head directly to the post section, or scroll down to read all of the ideas!

1. Scavenger Hunts
2. Miniature Golf
3. Disney’s Boardwalk
4. Club Cool at EPCOT
5. Disney Vacation Club Lounges
6. Discover Gardens and Trails
7. Hit the Running Paths
8. Resort Hopping
9. Pin Trading
10. Get a Haircut
11. Get Pixie Dust and Make a Wish
12. Take an Exclusive Tour
13. Get FREE Water

Scavenger Hunts

Themed scavenger hunts are one of our favorite things to do when the parks are busy or we want something different to do. They most obvious of these is to search for “Hidden Mickeys” all over the park, which is a great way to entertain stroller bound kids when they get tired.

Disney World also has a number of theme based scavenger hunts that are fun for kids and adults like. Some of the searches are free, and some are paid but include an exclusive prize at the end.

One of our favorites is the Wilderness Explorer interactive experience at Animal Kingdom. You can visit locations all over the park to collect “badges” just like Russell from the movie “Up.” It’s a great way to explore every nook and cranny of Animal Kingdom!

EPCOT hosts different scavenger hunts based on the time of year. During the Festival of the Arts, there’s a paid hunt where you find a Figment painting hidden in every country of the World Showcase‘

. You can pick up a map inside the gift shops within EPCOT and turn in the completed map for a surprise! Plus, there are character paintings hidden in each country to discover – totally free and really fun!

Similarly, during the Food and Wine festival in the fall, there’s Remy (from “Ratatouille”) figures to discover, and during Easter there’s an Eggstravaganza hunt. Also in the spring, during the Flower and Garden Festival there is usually Spike’s “Pollen-Nation Exploration” to discover hidden bees throughout the World Showcase. The scavenger hunts continue into the holidays with a winter-themed hunt (in 2022 it was themed around Olaf from “Frozen”).

The scavenger hunts continue over at Magic Kingdom with “A Pirate’s Adventures: Treasures of the Seven Seas,” which is a scavenger hunt all over Adventureland with a Pirates of the Caribbean theme. This one has multiple variations (maps) and my little kids beg to do this activity every time we are at Magic Kingdom.

Plus, at Hollywood Studios in Star Wars Land, you can play your way through Batuu using the Play Disney app to interact with various items around the land!

Play a Round of Mini-Golf

I don’t always recommend miniature golf on vacation, but when the parks are REALLY busy, mini golf can be a fun break from the crowds!

Disney World has two mini-golf courses, one at Disney’s Fantasia Gardens (near the Boardwalk Resort) and the other at Disney’s Winter Summerland (near the entrance to Blizzard Beach).

At the Winter Summerland course, you can pick two different courses to play: one winter themed and one summer themed. The last time we went we played the winter course and we all loved it! It has characters built from “snow” and Christmas themed holes! It’s a fun and unique activity and Disney World, and we’ve never seen it very crowded.

Visit Disney’s Boardwalk

Did you know that Disney has a Boardwalk? Nope it’s not just a hotel, although the hotel is attached to it. The Boardwalk at Disney World is a charming waterfront area that is usually very quiet during the day – and free to enter! You can grab sandwiches at the Boardwalk Deli, visit drink stands, play games at a classic arcade, or take a ride around Crescent Lake on a multi-person bike.

Then at night, enjoy nightlife at Jellyrolls (a dueling piano bar) or one of my favorite bars, AbracadaBar. There’s also dining at Flying Fish or Trattoria al Forno.

We sometimes walk over to the Boardwalk from EPCOT. It’s a quick stroll from the International Gateway entrance between the UK pavilion and France pavilion in the World Showcase.

Club Cool at EPCOT

Located near the Creations gift shop in EPCOT, you can try Coca-Cola products from around the world at Club Cool. Inside, there are several soda machines with varying flavors of soda and juice from obscure locations!

It’s always interesting to me what foods and drinks from other countries are popular, so I think this is a really fun stop. Plus, if you can get an unknowing person in your party to try “Beverly” from Italy, Club Cool will be an activity you’ll be talking about for a while!

Tip: I like to try the non-carbonated varieties, and so do my kids! The cups for the soda machines are sample size, so you don’t have to worry about going over board.

Disney Vacation Club Lounges

I was surprised to find out that a ton of members of the Disney Vacation Club don’t know about the exclusive lounges at Walt Disney World!

If you are a Vacation Club owner, you and your guests can escape from the EPCOT crowds by stopping inside the exclusive DVC Lounge for snacks and drinks, and to rest your feet! The lounge is located above the Journey Into Imagination Ride (the Figment Ride) in the big glass pyramid. You can enter through the ride exit/Figment gift shop where there is a small stand manned by a DVC employee. Just show your DVC membership card and they’ll send you upstairs to a reserved seating area (subject to availability).

This is always a favorite stop for my husband and I. The kids can refill their drink cups, grab a small snack, and the teenagers can charge their phones. There’s also large iPad style video games that my kids love to check out for a few minutes. Plus, if we have any questions or want to chat with a DVC guide, they are stationed right there! More than anything, it’s just a great place to relax before heading into the World Showcase.

There’s also another Disney Vacation Club lounge, but its availability has changed over the last few years. The Top of the World lounge is located at the very top of Bay Lake Tower, the DVC hotel next to Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Top of the World is now known as the “Villains Lair,” and has been over run by Disney Villains. You can visit from 6:00pm to Midnight, but it is subject to black out dates, special party dates, and availability. It is only available to members with “Membership Extras” on their DVC account, and you must have a valid Disney World Resort reservation. Disney recommends that you make a reservation prior to your visit.

It can get VERY busy during Fireworks viewing times, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. I can say from experience, though, that the fireworks are amazing to watch from the Top of the World Lounge!

Discover Gardens and Trails

To find a little serenity in the parks, look for the secret gardens and trails in the parks. They tend to be quiet, even on busy days.

Some of my favorites at EPCOT include the Rose Garden in the United Kingdom pavilion (where you’ll sometimes meet Mary Poppins), and the Japanese Secret Garden in the Japan pavilion. They’re perfect for photographs, grabbing a quick seat while you eat, or even just a quick rest from the hustle and bustle of the World Showcase.

Over at Animal Kingdom, the Gorilla Falls Trail and Maharajah Jungle Trek are lovely, they can get busy if guests are looking for baby animals that are new to the park. Instead, head over to the Discovery Island trails to get up close and personal with the Tree of Life.

The Tree of Life is one of my favorite Disney Parks icons, in part because of the ornate animal carvings that cover the trunk and branches of the tree. There are so many animals to discover! On the “Tree of Life Trail” (as I call it), you can move slowly around the base of the tree to take pictures and appreciate the artistry of the Disney Imagineers.

Magic Kingdom is probably the hardest park to find some peace and quiet, but it can be done! Take a short raft ride over to Tom Sawyer’s Island, and you will feel like you’re in a secluded forest, not the middle of the busiest theme park in the world.

Although there sometimes is a short line to get over the to the island, once you’re over there it’s so quiet and you’ll be mostly by yourselves! There’s caves, a fort, and some obstacle-type trails to keep you busy. If you have kids that are getting overwhelmed by the crowds, this is a great place to let them run around a little bit!

Hit the Running Paths

If you’re spending an afternoon outside of the parks, or want a quiet morning stroll, check your Disney World resort map for running paths! There’s several on property, and they are amazing even if you aren’t training for a Disney marathon.

Our favorites are Port Orleans Riverside, Art of Animation/Pop Century, Crescent Lake (Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Boardwalk), and the Riviera/Caribbean Beach. Another favorite is the path around Seven Seas Lagoon near the Polynesian and Grand Floridian, but it’s under construction right now while the Polynesian DVC Tower is being built.

Resort Hopping

Each of the Disney Resorts have something special to offer, and exploring the resorts is one of our favorite hidden activities to do at Disney World! This is especially true during the holidays, when all of the resorts are decked out in their Christmas decor. There are even life size Gingerbread houses and displays to see at a few resorts.

You can also eat at the Resort restaurants or check out their quick service food options. Some resorts have unique treats or snacks for purchase (like Mickey beignets at Port Orleans French Quarter!) Plus, there is resort specific merchandise and gift shops, which we love to visit.

If you are traveling with adults, a resort bar crawl via the Monorail or Skyliner is especially fun! My absolute favorite lounge is the Enchanted Rose at the Grand Floridian. They have small plates and the most amazing drinks after 3pm. And of course, there is Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at the Polynesian!

If you use Disney Transportation, you are able to visit any of the resorts! Use the monorail, skyliner, or buses to travel in between your favorites. Sometimes for the resorts allow parking or Uber drop off, but this is especially hard at the Magic Kingdom resorts and EPCOT resorts. Check ahead of time if you’re planning to drive.

Pin Trading

This is an hidden thing at Disney World that we watched people participate in for years before the kids started pin trading. Now it’s something they look forward to every trip!

I’m not going to lie, Pin Trading at Disney World can be a massive undertaking if you try to be “serious” traders. Which we are NOT. We avoid pin trading events and most seasoned traders in the parks. BUT, there is a lot of fun to be had!

In tons of locations around the parks, including special areas inside the theme parks, with cast members, or at resort desks, there are pin boards that you can trade pins. If you come with a collection of pins (or buy starter packs at the parks), you can trade with a cast member for one that you like better!

There are sets to collect that can only be found by trading, plus guests from all over the world trade pins at Disney World. It’s a great place to find pins from Disney parks like Shanghai Disneyland or Tokyo Disneyland.

Pin trading is a GREAT way to pass time in the parks if you don’t want to wait in lines all day to ride. We have been known to visit multiple parks a day JUST to pin trade. You get to interact with cast members, learn about pins from other guests, and hopefully find pins that you love!

Get a Haircut

Yup, you can get a haircut at Magic Kingdom! Right as you enter the park, Harmony Barber Shop is to the left next to the Emporium.

I’ll admit, it’s a little more popular than it used to be, and now reservations are recommended. When my oldest boy was little, he would hold out for haircuts until we were going to Disney! And at least 2 of my kids got a “first haircut package” that included ears and a certificate. How cool is it to have your first haircut at Disney World!?

The stylists do a great job, and it’s a fun experience that most people don’t think about. Boys can even get a fun “pixie dust” sprinkle to finish off their look.

Get Pixie Dust and Make a Wish

Speaking of Pixie Dust, you can get some of your very own inside Magic Kingdom. In Sir Mickey’s gift shop (behind Cinderella’s castle), you can visit one of the Fairy Godmother’s helpers and get pixie dust sprinkled in your hair and make a wish!

It’s a quick activity that my girls LOVE to do (yes, even the teenager). It only takes a few seconds but it’s something fun to make your day a tiny bit more magical.

Take a Tour

There are several tours around Disney World if you want to get a behind-the-scenes tour or have a more exclusive experience on your vacation.

Of course, there are the $$$$ VIP tours that are mainly about hitting ALL the major rides, but I prefer the behind the scenes tours that share Disney history and more about the parks.

You should definitely check out:

• Magic Kingdom Keys to the Kingdom Tour, which even takes you into the Utilidors, the underground tunnels beneath Magic Kingdom.
• Behind the Seeds at the Land Pavilion in EPCOT – this one is really cool and isn’t as expensive as others.
• Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom – definitely on my Disney Bucket List. Not all of my kids are old enough yet.

All of these tours require a reservation, and have limited capacity.

Get FREE Cups of Water

This isn’t an activity, but it should be. Everyone assumes that they have to pay $4 (or more!) for a bottle of water or drink from the water fountains (eww) if they want a sip of water. NOPE. You can get ice water for FREE in all of the parks.

Here’s what you have to do: Visit any quick service restaurant or kiosk that serves fountain drinks. Head up to the counter and ask for ice water. Yup, that’s it! Most quick service places have them stacked up and ready to go, and you can get them for your whole party. Use them to refill your water bottles or drink them right away.

Seriously, it’s an under-rated tip. Use it and stay hydrated!

If you try any of these Hidden Things to do at Disney World on your next trip let me know in the comments! There’s so many more hidden things, and I’ll add them as I discover them on future trips!

Don’t forget to pin this post to your Disney Vacation board on Pinterest!

The post Hidden Things to Do at Disney World: 12+ Activities for your Next Trip appeared first on Once Upon a Theme Park.

Roller Coasters at Magic Kingdom

Roller coasters have been a staple of amusement parks for generations, and even Magic Kingdom has it’s fair share of roller coaster-type attractions. Even though it’s known as a place for kids to enjoy, even classic Disney rides are meant to thrill older riders!

Tron Lightcycle Power Run

Let’s talk about the newest ride to open at Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom: Tron Lightcycle Power Run. It’s set to launch riders in April 2023, and is open for previews as of February 2023. It is a replica of the popular ride that (until now) is exclusive to Shanghai Disneyland. It’s already getting AMAZING reviews.

Tron Lightcycle Power Run is definitely meant to up the roller coaster game at Magic Kingdom. It’s as close to a high speed roller coaster as you can get, but with a Disney twist. The ride car is designed so you feel as though you are riding a lightcycle!

Like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios, it has a height requirement of 48 inches, which means it will be intense enough to exclude little kids. It’s the first ride at Magic Kingdom to have a higher height requirement, and is obviously geared towards older children and adults. Let’s just say that I am SO excited to ride Tron!

Let’s move on to the classic Disney attractions. Even as far back as opening day in 1971, Disney World had roller coasters on its mind. Despite that they aren’t traditional roller coasters, they are still fun and will entertain older guests!

Space Mountain is one of the most popular attractions at Magic Kingdom Park. It’s a classic ride that has been thrilling Disney World guests for decades! It is an indoor roller coaster set in a futuristic space station and takes riders on a high-speed journey through the galaxy.

Set almost entirely in the dark, Space Mountain is known for its thrilling drops, tight turns, and intense speeds, making it a must-visit for roller coaster fans. With its unique design and the element of surprise, Space Mountain is a classic Magic Kingdom ride that has been thrilling visitors for decades.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is one of the newer rides to open at Magic Kingdom. It’s a family-friendly roller coaster that takes riders on a journey through the mine from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This ride is perfect for families with younger children, as it offers a thrilling experience that is still gentle enough for little ones. The ride features a charming soundtrack and a storyline that brings the classic tale to life.

My favorite part of the ride is the diamond mine, which is designed so well. Bright colors of shining diamonds are everywhere, and the Seven Dwarfs sing “Heigh Ho” as you exit to the rest of the ride. The Mine Train is an Individual Lightning Lane ride, and also one of the most popular at Magic Kingdom due to its appeal to a large age range. If you want to skip the stand-by line at get an early Lightning Lane reservation, you’ll need to schedule right at 7:00am (if you’re staying at a Disney resort).

Splash Mountain is a log flume ride that takes riders on a journey through the world of Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox. Along the way, riders will experience thrilling drops and exciting twists and turns, all while enjoying a classic Disney story. The ride contains a big drop that is sure to please thrill seekers as well as get you soaking wet.

NOTE: Splash Mountain is currently closed and is being re-themed as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Tiana is the main character of the “Princess and the Frog,” and details are still being revealed. It is definitely going to be an exciting re-imagination to follow!

My personal favorite coaster is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. It is an outdoor roller coaster that takes riders on a wild and wacky journey through the Old West. In fact, it’s called the “wildest ride in the wilderness!” Big Thunder Mountain is such a uniquely themed ride, and the twists, turns, and drops make you feel like you are on a runaway railroad. This was the first roller coaster that my little kids were brave enough to tackle, but is fast enough to entertain my teenagers. Plus, it’s classic Disney, and you can’t go wrong with that!

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Hollywood Studios is arguably the most popular theme park (after Magic Kingdom) at Disney World, due to the addition of Star Wars land. If you are planning a trip to Hollywood Studios, one of the decisions you will need to make is whether or not you want to include Genie+ with your park tickets.

Genie+ is a paid upgrade to the complimentary Genie service within the My Disney Experience App. It is linked to your park ticket, and allows you to book Lightning Lane access to popular attractions and experiences within the Disney Parks.

Genie Plus and Lightning Lanes replaced the existing FastPass system in 2021. At the time this post was published, Genie Plus at Disney World costs at least $15 a day per ticket. As of October 2022, the price of Genie+ is variable, and costs more on certain days based on demand.

Whether or not I agree with the addition of Genie+ is not the point of this post. Unless you plan on booking a VIP Tour Guide, Genie+ is the only way to skip the stand-by line for rides at Disney World or Disneyland. It just is what it is.

RELATED POST: 15+ Best Star Wars Shirt Ideas

I do recommend that you consider adding Genie Plus to your vacation package, especially if you are visiting during peak travel seasons (Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years, holiday weekends, Disney marathon weekends, etc.)

Hollywood Studios has a wide variety of attractions, shows, and experiences for guests of all ages. However, it is one of the smallest Disney World parks with some of the most sought after rides. Slinky Dog Dash and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance are two of the most popular rides in all of Walt Disney World.

Hollywood Studios Rides Included with Genie+ Service

Here are the attractions and shows included with Genie+ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (subject to change at any time):

• Alien Swirling Saucers
• Beauty & the Beast Live on Stage
• Disney Junior Play and Dance!
• For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
• Meet Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight
• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Muppet*Vision 3D
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
• Slinky Dog Dash
• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
• Toy Story Mania!
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Additionally, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is available for Individual Lightning Lane (ILL) purchase. This ride is the most popular at Hollywood Studios (in addition to Slinky Dog Dash) and reservations fill up usually within a couple of minutes. If you are traveling with a party, one person should book this reservation, and another book your first Lightning Lane Genie+ selection at 7:00am.

There are several strategies to plan your Genie+ day at Hollywood Studios, so you need to keep in mind your goals for what you intend to accomplish. Every family is different, but I will give you the popular suggestions for what are the best rides to get Lightning Lane (FastPasses) for at Hollywood Studios.

If you are staying at a Disney World Resort, you will be able to book your first Genie Plus selection at 7:00am. If you are staying off-property, you will be able to book your first Lightning Lane at park open. You will be able to book additional passes every 2 hours or as you use your current Lightning Lane selections.

Obviously, it is beneficial to book your first Lightning Lane reservations as close to park open as possible. This may not happen depending on crowd levels, so expect that you will be booking Lightning Lane selections for the afternoon on the 2 hour interval starting 2 hours after park opening. Make sure you set an alarm!

We usually choose to book ride attraction Lightning Lane passes first, and if we need to, we fill in with shows. You can usually see them in between your Lightning Lane reservations if you have longer gaps between them. Shows generally end earlier in the day, so if seeing them all (Frozen, Indiana Jones, and Beauty and the Beast) with seats at the front, make sure you watch the show times on the My Disney Experience App.

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Best Rides for Genie Plus at Hollywood Studios

Here are the best rides to get FastPasses for at Hollywood Studios using Genie+. This is the strategy I use *most days,* excluding holidays when the parks are a total mess. These are the rides I suggest you book Lightning Lane Fast Passes for, in order of popularity:

1. Slinky Dog Dash: This roller coaster is one of the newer attractions at Hollywood Studios and it is also one of the most popular. It is within Toy Story Land, and has a height requirement of 38″, making it one of the most family friendly roller coasters at Disney World. The wait times for this ride can be extremely long, so getting a FastPass for it is a must. If you want to ride Slinky Dog Dash, you need to book this ride IMMEDIATELY at 7:00am. Reservations go very quickly (within a couple of minutes on most days).
2. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: This classic Hollywood Studios attraction is a must-do for thrill seekers. The ride takes guests on a terrifying elevator ride through the haunted Hollywood Tower Hotel. The wait times are usually long for this ride, and Lightning Lane passes will fill up, usually in the morning. I would recommend this ride be your second selection if you want to get a Lightning Lane pass.
3. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway: This ride replaced The Great Movie Ride, and a version of it just opened at Disneyland. This ride happens to be one of my favorite, so if we aren’t booking Tower of Terror, this is my next ride. You will be likely only be able to get evening reservation times starting around 12pm, and it will sell out later in the day.
4. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: This interactive ride allows guests to take control of the Millennium Falcon and complete a mission, making it a must-do for Star Wars fans. This ride will usually “sell out” reservation times in the early to mid-afternoon.
5. The next rides to fill up will be Toy Story Mania! and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. Toy Story Mania! is an interactive ride where you play mini-games featuring characters from the Toy Story movies. This is a family favorite and we always book this ride! Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is a high speed coaster meant for adults and older kids 48″ or taller. If I visit Hollywood Studios with my younger kids, we don’t book this Lightning Lane, and instead send the older kids and adults through the Single Rider Line. They won’t get to ride together, but it is a faster way to move through the line if the stand-by line is long.
   
   The following rides generally have availability throughout the day, and we tend to book these on an as needed basis (aka what NOT to book as your Lightning Lanes, at least early in the day!):
   
6. Star Tours – The Adventures Continue: This 3D motion simulator ride takes guests on a journey through the Star Wars universe. The ride features multiple storylines, and is a favorite of Star Wars fans. This is the original Star Wars ride offered at Hollywood Studios, and all of my kids love it!
7. Alien Swirling Saucers: This spinning ride takes guests on a journey through the Toy Story universe, where they must try to avoid getting captured by the aliens. The wait times for this ride can be annoyingly long, so this is a great one to get if you have smaller children. It is not usually a priority for us, however.
8. Muppet*Vision 3D: This 4D film features the Muppets in a series of comedic skits and musical numbers. This “ride” is really a show, but my kids think of it as a ride. It’s our lowest priority, and is usually a 10 min wait or less. We hardly ever book a Lightning Lane for this show, and instead use it as an escape from the heat or crowds.
9. Disney Junior Play and Dance!: We only book this show if we are traveling with much younger kids and it is a very busy park day. Having a Lightning Lane and arriving to the line early in the reservation period will make it more likely that your child will have a good location in the theatre.

I hope that helps you plan your day at Hollywood Studios! Keep in mind that the availability of Lightning Lane for certain rides can be limited, so it’s important to plan ahead and make your top ride selections as early as possible. I am happy to answer questions about Lightning Lane or Hollywood Studios. Send me an email or comment below!

Don’t forget to pin an image from this post to your Disney Trip board on Pinterest!

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It’s no secret that I love Disney and am a huge Disney fan! I also like to make and wear creative and unique Disney shirts for all of our trips. As an annual passholder, I have visited Disney parks countless times. It’s so much fun to make Disney SVG Files and custom t shirts for my whole family to match the holiday, season, festival, or current favorite Disney character.

These Free Disney SVGs are also perfect to make printables, coffee mugs, water bottles, or other Disney themed crafts! With vinyl, paper, and HTV, you are only limited by your imagination!

Are you just learning how to use your Cricut or Silhouette machine? Here’s some basic information to get you started.

ALREADY A PRO? SKIP TO THE FREE DISNEY SVG FILES BY CLICKING HERE!

What is a SVG File?

SVG stands for “scalable vector graphic” and is a type of file that you can resize for any project and the integrity of the design will remain the same. Instead of pixels, the image is created from vector points that contain a mathematic formula.

Those vector points are used as “cut points” by electronic cutting machines. In addition, they are PERFECT for using with Cricut Design Space because they are designed to change size as well as maintain different layers that can be set by the designer. Those are both useful features when cutting designs with your Cricut machine!

SVG files can be uploaded to your cutting machine program, such as Cricut Design Space or Silhouette Studio. That feature is currently FREE for Cricut users and is a paid upgrade with the professional version of Silhouette Studio.

If this is a new concept for you, Learn How to Upload SVG files for Cricut. Cricut is my favorite cutting machine, so a lot of my tutorials revolve around the Explore Air or Maker machines.

In addition to SVG (.svg) files, you may find that some of these free SVGs may also be offered as .png files, .dxf files, .eps files, or .jpg files. These files work well in other applications such as print then cut designs (like printable stickers) or printable-only designs.

You can also use Disney SVG files to create your own stickers for personal use using Cricut Design Space. I have a full tutorial about How to Use the Offset Tool in Design Space.

Where Can I Download Disney SVG Files?

There are many sources available to download FREE Disney SVG Files. Just as with other SVG files or downloadable products, you want to download them from reputable sources.

I prefer to download Free SVG files from known blogs or companies that have a social media presence or designer behind the brand (like me!) We spend a lot of time and energy to design Disney themed SVG files that are inspired by our Disney favorites, as opposed to copying images owned by others.

Here are some of my favorite blogs and websites that design Free SVG files, including some Disney inspired cut files!

• Pineapple Paper Co. (this site is owned by me!)
• Happiness is Homemade
• That’s What Che Said
• Hey Let’s Make Stuff
• Liz on Call
• Ruffles and Rainboots
• Designs by Miss Mandee

Where Can You Buy Disney SVG files? I also offer premium Disney themed SVG files in my shop, so make sure you check out my theme park, Christmas, and Encanto-themed bundles!

If you need more resources for free cut files, make sure you check out my Where to Download Free SVG Cut Files post. You can find free cut files to make almost everything! From tote bags, wall art, a personalized gift to shirts, there are SO many projects to make!

Best Disney SVG Files to Download for Free

Here are some unique Disney SVG designs that I love, including Mickey Mouse, Disney Princess, Disney Cruise, and Disney Park themed files! You can download them for FREE, just make sure you follow the instructions provided on each blog to support each designer. Be especially careful to read if the files are offered for commercial or personal use (Disney SVG Files are almost always for personal use only.)

Upload each Disney cut file to your Cricut or Silhouette to make Disney decor or a vacation shirt for your next Disney trip!

This Stitch SVG is my favorite design I have on my blog. Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii is one of my favorite places, and this shirt was perfect for our most recent trip!

FREE Stitch SVG File – Lilo and Stitch SVG – Once Upon a Theme Park

FREE Stitch SVG to make shirts, mugs, totes, and more for your next Disney or Aulani trip! Get the free Disney SVG download!

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How cute is Baby Yoda from “The Mandalorian?” This Baby Yoda SVG (Grogu, as he is now known) was one of my first designs, is one of my favorite Disney SVG files!

Baby Yoda SVG – Free Baby Yoda SVG – Once Upon a Theme Park

FREE Baby Yoda SVG to make your own Star Wars shirt! Get the FREE Cricut and Silhouette Grogu SVG at Once Upon a Theme Park!

READ THIS POST

Star Wars is a favorite franchise of ours (I have even gathered 15+ Star Wars Shirt Ideas), and this simple Star Wars SVG is perfect for Star Wars Day (May 4th) or a trip to the planet Batuu in Hollywood Studios or Disneyland!

FREE Star Wars SVG – May the Force Be With You – Once Upon a Theme Park

Download a FREE May the Force Be With You SVG File to make a DIY Star Wars Shirt with your Cricut or Silhouette machine

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Speaking of Halloween, my love for Hocus Pocus knows no bounds. After the release of Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney Plus, my Free Hocus Pocus SVGs went crazy over at Pineapple Paper Co. Of course, I designed a Sanderson Sisters SVG just for the movie!

Hocus Pocus 2 SVG Cut File

FREE Hocus Pocus 2 SVG File to make Mugs, Shirts, and Hocus Pocus Decorations with Cricut & Silhouette Machines at Once Upon a Theme Park

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I was inspired to create this Frozen SVG after watching Frozen 2 with my kids. One of our favorite Disney characters is Olaf, and he’s so funny in that movie! Where’s Samantha?

Frozen SVG File – FREE Frozen 2 SVG – Once Upon a Theme Park

FREE Frozen SVG to make your own DIY Frozen shirt, mug or tote! Download the FREE Cricut and Silhouette Disney SVG!

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If you’re a fan of the Pixar movie “Luca,” you’ll love this simple “Silenzio Bruno” design. It looks super cute on a shirt, but is also makes cute home decor!

Silenzio Bruno FREE SVG FILE – Once Upon a Theme Park

Download a FREE Silenzio Bruno SVG file to make a Luca shirt for your next Disney Park or Epcot Trip!

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Although I don’t collect a TON of Disney decor, I do sprinkle a little pixie dust (yup, that’s a Peter Pan reference, of course!) around my home with Walt Disney quotes. This hand lettered design is offered as a printable as well as a SVG design so you can use it on a ton of different projects!

Free Inspiring Walt Disney Quote SVG and Printable

Download a FREE Walt Disney Quote SVG File to use with your Cricut or Silhouette to make wall art, shirts, and more! Plus download a FREE Printable version of the Disney quote.

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One of the fun things about making your own vacation shirts is that it’s easy to keep up with current trends. Encanto exploded onto the scene in 2021 and Disney fans created a demand for merchandise that was totally unexpected. You don’t have to wait for new shirts to launch at Disney if you make your own with free files for Cricut or Silhouette!

Free Encanto SVG – We Don’t Talk About Bruno SVG Cut File

We Don’t Talk About Bruno Encanto SVG File – Make Your Own Shirt for Disney with a Cricut and Free Designs at Once Upon a Theme Park

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Encanto Candle Cut File – A Girl and a Glue Gun

So Grab this Encanto Candle Cut file for free so you can show off your love of this amazing movie! Just don’t talk about Bruno!

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I am obsessed with this 3D Disney Layered SVG of the Encanto Casita! Designs by Miss Mandee always makes the most amazing SVG files!

3D Encanto House – Casita Cut File – Designs By Miss Mandee

After some re-working (and a lot of patience) I am pleased to finally share my 3D Encanto house with you! Download the FREE Cricut cut file.

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Although we make shirts to wear to Magic Kingdom and the other Disney World Parks, we show our love for all things Disney theme parks in our every day t shirts as well! This Disney Snack SVG Free from Heidi at Happiness is Homemade is one of my favorite designs!

“Best Day Ever” Disney Shirt + SVG File – Happiness is Homemade

Use our FREE Disney SVG file to make this adorable Disney Fun shirt! Everyone will love your new custom Disney shirt describing your “Best. Day. Ever.”

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This Minnie Mouse ears silhouette is super simple but can be used for a ton of different projects! It ranks as one of my best Disney SVGs and I have used it for shirts as well as personal party decor for my daughter!

Minnie Mouse SVG with Birthday Party Decor Ideas

Plan a Minnie Mouse Birthday Party with your Cricut Machine and make all of the Minnie Mouse Birthday Party Supplies yourself!

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Don’t miss my whole post with Minnie Mouse SVG Files!

Holidays are another great time to incorporate Disney designs into your wardrobe! This St. Patrick’s Day free SVG download was a request from one of my kids.

Disney St. Patrick’s Day SVG File – Once Upon a Theme Park

Disney St. Patrick’s Day FREE SVG FILE to make your own Disney shirt for St. Patrick’s Day. Download at Once Upon a Theme Park!

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If you want to make DIY Disney shirts for a Disney Cruise, this design from Pretty Providence is perfect!

DIY Disney Cruise Shirts – Pretty Providence

Thank you to Disney Cruise Line for inviting us to have an incredible experience aboard the Disney Dream! We made these fun Disney Cruise shirts for the occasion.

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Liz from Liz on Call is a great resource for all things Disneyland, and I love her shirt ideas!

Squad Goals DIY Disney Shirts — Liz on Call

Get the free cut files to make these squad goals DIY Disney shirts for your next trip to Disney World or Disneyland . They will surely help you find your squad while at the parks.

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My son’s favorite ride is The Haunted Mansion! These DIY Welcome Foolish Mortals Lanterns from Polka Dot Chair make perfect Halloween Decor.

DIY Haunted Mansion Lanterns & Free SVG Files | Polka Dot Chair

Create these fun Haunted Mansion Inspired Lanterns to use for your Halloween decor. Ideas for Haunted Mansion decor and craft projects.

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Here’s another amazing 3D paper cut creation from Designs by Miss Mandee:

3D Disney World Castle – Intricate Cut File – Designs By Miss Mandee

I have this beautiful, 3D Disney World castle to share with you today! Download the FREE Cricut cut file template.

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Grab this Mickey SVG and a few others over a A Girl and a Glue Gun:

Oh Mickey You So Fine (and More!) – A Girl and a Glue Gun

Some fun Disney shirts to make for you upcoming Disney vacations!

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How awesome is this idea to collect Disney autographs on a t shirt?! I absolutely love this free Disney SVG from the Pinning Mama.

DIY Disney Autograph Shirt – the Pinning Mama

If you are planning a trip to Disney with kids, then add this to you list of musts! Use this adorable shirt to gather autographs from all of your favorite characters and princesses at Disney!

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You can grab 9 different Disney SVG Files from Perfect Stylish Cuts. I especially like the Disney Vacation Fund design to make a DIY Disney Savings Jar.

FREE Disney Vacation SVG Files – Perfect Stylish Cuts

Download 9 FREE Disney SVG Files for Cricut to make family vacation shirts and other Disney Cricut projects.

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If you are going to Disney World or Disneyland in the Fall, this is a perfect design!

Fall Leaves and Disney SVG – Poofy Cheeks Blog

Fall Disney SVG, DXF, PNG cut file for Silhouette and Cricut. Fall Leaves and Disney Please disney shirt design.

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Floral Disney SVG files are really popular right now. This floral Mickey SVG is perfect for all kind of crafts, including shirts!

Free Mickey Floral SVG (& PNG Cut File) ⋆ Extraordinary Chaos

"Free Mickey Floral SVG Cut File For Summer Projects to create scrapbook layouts, Mickey cards and personalised Mickey Messages."

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I hope you have found some Disney SVG designs for your next project or trip! Let me know if you make anything with the files you liked best!

LATEST POSTS:

• Hocus Pocus Coloring Page Free Printable
• Hocus Pocus Trivia Printable Questions and Answers
• Bluey Word Search: Free Printable
• Hidden Things to Do at Disney World: 12+ Activities for your Next Trip
• Does Magic Kingdom Have Any Roller Coasters?

Don’t forget to pin this Disney SVG Files to your favorite Pinterest post!

The post Free Disney SVG Files appeared first on Once Upon a Theme Park.

The Flower and Garden Festival is one of my favorite times of year to visit EPCOT at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The festival runs during the spring and early summer, and features food, drinks, flower displays, and merchandise to celebrate the seasons.

Although there are elements of the festival throughout EPCOT, my favorite part are the festival food booths that are placed around the World Showcase portion of the theme park. I love Disney snacks and festivals, so I could eat at the food booths every day! One of my favorite spring offerings at the Flower and Garden Festival is the Frozen Violet Lemonade.

What is Violet Lemonade?

Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade is a non-alcoholic frozen drink available during the International Flower & Garden Festival at EPCOT in Walt Disney World, Florida. It is a bright purple frozen slushy that is both tart and sweet, and very refreshing! It is garnished with edible flowers. In 2022, Violet Lemonade at Disney was priced at $4.50 for a small cup.

Where is Violet Lemonade in EPCOT?

In 2022, Frozen Violet Lemonade can be found at the Pineapple Promenade outdoor food booth, which is near the front of World Showcase. This booth is pineapple themed and has a spicy pineapple chutney hot dog, Dole Whip desserts and drinks, and the Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade. If you like tropical flavors, you will love this booth as much as I do!

When I am at EPCOT, I always stop for a Violet Lemonade (or 3!)

I recreated the Frozen Violet Lemonade drink at home, and I have to say, it’s pretty good! It’s refreshing, tart and sweet, and has a subtle floral note to it! The color is not quite as vibrant as the EPCOT version, but I don’t mind one bit.

Where Can I Buy Violet Syrup for Frozen Violet Lemonade?

The recipe requires one special ingredient: Violet Syrup. For this recipe, I bought the 1883 Maison Routin Violet Syrup on Amazon, but there’s also a Monin Violet Syrup that is sometimes less expensive and just as good. The violet syrup gives the frozen lemonade a sweet floral taste that is perfect for spring!

All of the other ingredients you can find at your local grocery store!

The recipe is simple: add all of the ingredients and pour into a blender. Blend until smooth and pour into glasses. Garnish with edible flowers or a lemon slice and enjoy!

You will feel like you are right back at Disney strolling through the World Showcase with your Frozen Violet Lemonade in hand.

And of course, because you know I love Disney themed cocktails, you can add light rum, vodka, or even some elderberry liquor to the recipe for a boozy treat!

Frozen Violet Lemonade Recipe

Print

Frozen Violet Lemonade

Copycat Recipe of the Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade at EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival. It's both tart and sweet and has a mild floral flavor. Frozen Violet Lemonade is a refreshing beverage for Spring and Summer!

Course Drinks

Keyword EPCOT, Flower and Garden Festival

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 2 glasses

Cost $25 (with syrup)

Ingredients

• 2 cups ice
• 1/3 cup frozen lemonade concentrate
• 1 cup lemon juice
• 4 T violet syrup

Instructions

• Place all ingredient in a blender.
• Blend until ice is smooth and well blended (you can use the frozen cocktail button if your blender has it).

Notes

Add 2-4 oz (to taste) of light rum or vodka, or 1-2 oz. Elderberry Liquor to make Alcoholic Frozen Violet Lemonade.

Don’t forget to pin this recipe to your favorite Disney Food or Drink board on Pinterest!

The post EPCOT Violet Lemonade Recipe appeared first on Once Upon a Theme Park.

Disney Ride Heights

List Updated for 2023 to include Tron Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT in Disney World!

The Disney parks are some of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Besides the obvious Disney characters, rides are a huge attraction for many guests. At Walt Disney World alone, there are over 50 rides, not including the water parks! Between thrill rides, nostalgic rides, and non-ride attractions, there’s something for everyone!

RELATED POST: How Big Is Walt Disney World? You Will Be Surprised!

If you are traveling to a Disney park with young kids, keep in mind the minimum height requirement for rides. Knowing the ride heights before you go will help you to plan your vacation. It will also save you from confusion at the parks.

There are a lot of Disney “experts” that will encourage you to wait until your children are older to go to Disney. I loved traveling to both Disney World and Disneyland when my kids were really young. I traveled to Disney World several times when my youngest kids were only a few months old. The first time we went to Disneyland when my kids were 3 and 4! It’s just important to remember the Disney ride size restrictions.

Complete List of Disney Ride Height Requirements

I am going to list the ride heights out for each of the Walt Disney World theme parks, as well as Disneyland and California Adventure. You can use the below links to jump to the section of the post with the specific park you are looking for.

Walt Disney World Resort

Magic Kingdom

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

EPCOT

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Blizzard Beach Water Park

Disneyland

California Adventure

At the end of the post you will find two PRINTABLE ride height charts – you can print them out for your trip! Fold one for your backpack or laminate and hang behind your stroller tag. You will have easy access to a complete guide of ride heights in the parks. And, you won’t have to use your phone to find them!

Disney Rider Swap (“Rider Switch”)

My biggest tip for a Disney vacation with small children is to take advantage of rider swap when available. Rider switch passes are a great way for everyone to experience the ride, and are available to parents with kids that are too short to ride.

Rider Swap (Child Swap or the Rider Switch Pass) is available for many rides at the Disney parks. If your child is too short to ride, some of your party can ride while someone waits with the child. Then you switch!

The part of the party who waited will not have to wait in the standby line. They will be able to ride using the Fastpass Line or Lightning Lane. Rider swap policies have changed over the last several months, but you are generally allowed to have up to 3 people ride using the rider swap pass.

There are rules, though (and they are subject to change). All members of the party will have to approach the rider swap cast member. They are usually near the ride entrance under an umbrella. The cast member will scan the Magic Band or ticket of the people riding second, so they know who will return.

Since late 2021 (when Lightning Lanes began), the implementation of Rider Swap has been hit or miss. We have encountered different “rules” depending on the ride and cast member. According to the official Disney guidelines: “Please note that if the person in party 2 waited alone with the child or non-riding Guest, the number of Guests who may join him or her and ride again is limited.”

When riding with Individual Lightning Lane (ILL) passes, the entire family must must purchase Lightning Lane access before being granted Rider Swap. Otherwise, the first party will not be able to enter the lightning lane line. The official policy with these rides is not posted.

RELATED POST: 15+ Disney Cocktails to Try This Weekend

Are Disney Ride Heights Enforced?

In short, yes. The ride heights are posted to keep children safe. If your child appears to be too short to ride, a cast member will stop them before entering the line. They will be measured before being allowed to continue. In addition, another cast member may measure your child again before you board the ride vehicle.

Disney Height Requirements for Attractions & Rides

The good news is that majority of rides at Walt Disney World and Disneyland have no height restriction. Some of the popular thrill rides (like Rise of the Resistance, Expedition Everest, The Incredicoaster, and Rock n’ Roller Coaster) have height restrictions for safety reasons.

Below are all of the rides at ALL Disney World Theme Parks, Disneyland, and California Adventure organized by ride height requirements. Make sure you download the printable chart after you browse through them!

Walt Disney World Parks

Walt Disney World is home to 4 theme parks and 2 water parks that have varying ride heights. Below are all of the rides sorted by height requirement.

Magic Kingdom Height Requirements

Magic Kingdom has the most rides of all the Disney World Theme Parks, and has the most rides with no height minimum. If you are traveling with young children and can only visit one park, Magic Kingdom is definitely worth it. The whole family will love the rides at Magic Kingdom.

Any Height

• Astro Orbiter
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Casey Jr. Splash ‘n Soak Station
• Country Bear Jamboree
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Enchanted Tales with Belle
• Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade
• The Hall of Presidents
• Haunted Mansion
• It’s a Small World
• Jungle Cruise
• Libery Square Riverboat
• Mad Tea Party
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Mickey’s PhilHarMagic
• Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• A Pirate’s Adventure – Treasure of the Seven Seas
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Prince Charming Regal Carousel
• Swiss Family Treehouse
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover
• Tom Sawyer Island
• Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
• Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
• Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
• Walt Disney World Railroad

32″ or Taller

• Tomorrowland Speedway

35″ or Taller

• The Barnstormer

38″ or Taller

• Seven Dwarves Mine Train

40″ or Taller

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Splash Mountain

44″ or Taller

• Space Mountain

48″ or Taller

• Tron Lightcycle Run

Hollywood Studios Height Requirements

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to most of the park’s thrill rides, and also the most height restrictions. It is also the park with some of the most popular rides on property! Make sure you check your child’s height and consult the ride heights before traveling. You will want to take advantage of the rider switch passes and single rider lines where available. Toy Story Land is the most popular area for young children, but only one ride (Toy Story Mania) has no height minimum.

Any height

• Muppet Vision 3D
• Toy Story Mania
• Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

32″ or Taller

• Alien Spinning Saucers

38″ or Taller

• Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
• Slinky Dog Dash

40″ or Taller

• Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

48″ or Taller

• Rock ‘n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

EPCOT Height Requirements

EPCOT is home to the newest ride at Disney World, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Plus, the new Guardians of the Galaxy Roller Coaster is opening in Summer 2022. Most rides at EPCOT have no height minimum. EPCOT is becoming more of a destination for rides!

Future World

Any Height

• Advanced Training Lab
• Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
• Journey Into Imagination with Figment
• Living with the Land
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends
• Spaceship Earth
• Turtle Talk with Crush

40″ or Taller

• Mission: Space
• Soarin’ Around the World
• Test Track

42″ or Taller

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

World Showcase

Any Height

• The American Adventure
• Frozen Ever After
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
• Impressions de France
• Canada Far and Wide
• Reflections of China

Animal Kingdom Height Requirements

Animal Kingdom has my favorite ride, Avatar Flight of Passage. We always use Rider Switch passes for my younger kids. We frequently use the single rider line for Expedition Everest because my oldest daughter does not like to ride. The single rider line is a great option when you have older kids or family members that don’t want to ride.

Any Height

• Affection Secton
• The Boneyard
• Conservation Station
• Discovery Island Trails
• Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
• It’s Tough to Be a Bug
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Maharajah Jungle Trek
• Nav’i River Journey
• Tree of Life
• TriceraTop Spin
• Wildlife Express Train

38″ or Taller

• Kali River Rapids

40″ or Taller

• DINOSAUR

44″ or Taller

• Avatar Flight of Passage
• Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park Height Requirements

Any Height

• Castaway Creek
• Gangplank Falls
• Keelhaul Falls
• Mayday Falls
• Miss Adventure Falls
• Storm Slides
• Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool

48″ or Taller

• Crush ‘n Gusher
• Humunga Kowabunga
• Ketchakiddee Creek

60″ or SHORTER

• Bay Slides

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park Height Requirements

Any Height

• Cross Country Creek
• Melt-Away Bay
• Runoff Rapids
• Ski Patrol Training Camp
• Snow Stormers
• Teamboat Springs
• Toboggan Racers

32″ or Taller

• Chairlift

48″ or Taller

• Downhill Double Dipper
• Slush Gusher
• Summit Plummet

48″ or SHORTER

• Tike’s Peak

Disneyland Park Height Requirements

There are over 35 rides at Disneyland, but only 10 rides have height restrictions. As with Magic Kingdom, Disneyland is a great place to take smaller children and still be able to ride! If you need to know a Disneyland resort ride height, check out the following!

Any Height

• Alice in Wonderland
• Astro Orbitor
• Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters
• Casey Jr. Circus Train
• Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes
• Disneyland Monorail
• Disneyland Railroad
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
• Haunted Mansion
• It’s a Small World
• Jungle Cruise
• King Arthur Carousel
• Mad Tea Party
• Main Street Vehicles
• Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Mark Twain Riverboat
• Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
• Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
• Sailing Ship Columbia
• Snow White’s Scary Adventures
• Storybook Land Canal Boats

32″ or Taller

• Autopia

35″ or Taller

• Gadget’s Go Coaster

38″ or Taller

• Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run

40″ or Taller

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Space Mountain
• Splash Mountain
• Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

42″ or Taller

• Matterhorn Bobsleds

46″ or Taller

• Indiana Jones Aventure

Disney’s California Adventure Height Requirements

Any Height

• Golden Zephyr
• Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind
• Jessie’s Critter Carousel
• The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
• Monsters Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
• Pixar Pal-A-Round
• Red Car Trolley
• Spider-Man: Web Slingers
• Toy Story Midway Mania

32″ or Taller

• Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters
• Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree

40″ or Taller

• Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!
• Jumpin’ Jellyfish
• Radiator Springs Racers
• Silly Symphony Swings
• Soarin’ Around the World

42″ or Taller

• Goofy’s Sky School
• Grizzly River Run

48″ or Taller

• The Incredicoaster

Tips for Disney Ride Height Restrictions

Please remember that minimum and maximum height restrictions are there for guest safety. I have seen many families get upset with cast members about a child not being able to ride. The ride heights are there for a REASON. Young children that are not tall enough to ride may be injured if they do not follow the guidelines.

Use rider swap when available. When my kids were babies, this was a great way for my older kids to ride while my husband or I changed diapers. Plus, the older kids got to ride once with mom and once with dad! It is also a great time time to visit favorite characters or play areas that older kids may not be interested in. The Boneyard at Animal Kingdom (Dinoland) is one of our favorites. It’s a huge play area!

Try to use single rider lines when they are available. If only a couple of people in your party want to ride, and you don’t need rider switch passes, it’s a great option! It’s usually a minimal wait to ride, but parties can be (and usually are) split up. I do not care to ride Test Track, so my older kids and husband use the single rider line. They are usually finished in 10-15 minutes. Enough time for me to shop at Creations by myself!

Download Disney Ride Heights Printable Chart

Download and print these charts for your next Disney World vacation or Disneyland vacation!

This file is DOWNLOAD #012 in my FREE DOWNLOADS LIBRARY.
Get the password below! (If you have the password, head over to the library to download the file.)

You will NOT be sent an email with the file. Free Printables available for download are for PERSONAL USE ONLY. PDF File is included.

Make sure to pin this post to your favorite Disney board on Pinterest!

The post Disney Ride Heights – Download Free Printable Ride Charts appeared first on Once Upon a Theme Park.

How Many Acres is Walt Disney World?

Disney World is actually 25,000 acres! That is about TWICE the size of Manhattan island and about the size of the city of San Francisco. At that size, it’s no surprise that it requires a LOT of walking and transportation options to get around the most magical place on earth!

RELATED POSTS: Walt Disney World Snacks Word Search Printable

The Walt Disney World property is (not surprisingly) the largest of the Disney Parks. It is 25,000 acres, which covers 43 square miles of land. The massive amount of land was an important factor that attracted Walt Disney to build a theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Florida! He wanted enough land to build his dream after building the original Disneyland Park in California in the mid 1950s.

It was originally known as the “Florida Project” and was purchased by the Walt Disney Company under aliases to protect their investments. One of the more well known names was the “Reedy Creek Improvement District.” The sheer size of available land in Florida, combined with the climate, provided Walt Disney with the space to create the biggest Disney park on the planet.

Of the 25,000 acres of land there are:

• 4 Theme Parks: Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Magic Kingdom
• 2 Water Parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon LagoonDisney Springs (formerly the Downtown Disney District)
• 32 Disney World Resort Hotels
• 4 Golf Courses
• 2 Miniature Golf Courses
• Conservation Areas
• Undeveloped Land (maybe someday we will get a 5th gate?)

How Big is Magic Kingdom?

Magic Kingdom is currently about 107 acres of land. Magic Kingdom is arguably the most notable of the Disney theme parks. It is the original Disney World park that opened outside of Orlando in 1971.

How big is Magic Kingdom in comparison to Disneyland?

Disneyland covers about 100 acres.Magic Kingdom currently holds 23 rides, 7 full service or sit down restaurants, quick service dining, shops, attractions, and some of my favorite photo spots!

Fun fact: Magic Kingdom is the smallest theme park at Walt Disney World! It is split into 5 distinct areas known as Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Tomorrowland, plus Main Street, USA.

Despite being the smallest, Magic Kingdom holds the most attractions in Walt Disney World, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, and more.

RELATED POST: 15+ Disney Cocktails to Enjoy at Home

The main attractions are just one of the many reasons that Magic Kingdom is the most popular theme park in the WORLD, followed by Disneyland in Anaheim, California and Tokyo Disneyland.

Magic Kingdom theme park, although impressive in size, has an even larger parking area than the park itself. Magic Kingdom boasts a 125+ acre parking lot that can hold more than 12,000 cars. Anyone walking through the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC) after a long day at the parks certainly knows that!

Between Magic Kingdom and the TTC lies Seven Seas Lagoon, which is surrounded by Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Resort & Village, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Bay Lake Tower.

Connected to the Seven Seas Lagoon is Bay Lake, which is bordered by 2 other Magic Kingdom resorts: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness & Campground.

How big is EPCOT?

EPCOT is 305 acres and is the largest area at Disney World for guests to explore. Spaceship Earth is the iconic symbol of EPCOT and marks the entrance of (the now under construction) Future World. There are also 2 pavilions: the Land and the Seas. Plus, there is the World Showcase that is 115 acres of land.

If you walk around the full circle of the World Showcase, it is about 1.2 miles. There are 11 Pavilions that are in Epcot’s World Showcase year round, but many pop up booths exist during different festivals such as the Food and Wine Festival, the Festival of the Arts, and the Flower and Garden Festival.

In addition to the World Showcase pavilions, EPCOT boasts some of the most popular Disney World attractions including Frozen Ever After (in the Norway pavilion) and the new Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in the France Pavilion. EPCOT is also undergoing a MASSIVE transformation in it’s Future World area, and will open the Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster in 2022.

The EPCOT lagoon (in the center of the World Showcase) is about 40 acres with bridges over it to connect different areas. The max depth of the lagoon is 25 feet. I would’t have guessed it was that deep!

EPCOT also boasts a massive parking lot at over 100 acres and is able to accommodate less people than the park’s relative capacity. 

How big is Animal Kingdom?

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the largest of the 4 Walt Disney World theme parks by land mass. The land covered by this massive park is listed around 580 acres. This is nearly twice the size of EPCOT! A large portion of the land area is used for animal habitats and care. Those areas are not accessible to the normal guest unless by special tour.

Animal Kingdom also includes the expansive Kilimanjaro Safari Ride and walking trails to view even more animals. My favorite is the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, which makes for a nice walk to view baby gorillas! There are 6 areas or regions of Animal Kingdom: the Oasis, Africa, Asia, Dinoland USA, Discovery Island (which contains the Tree of Life), and Pandora – The World of Avatar.

How big is Hollywood Studios?

Hollywood Studios is a 135 acre theme park located near EPCOT. This park has always seemed the smallest to me, but it isn’t! There are 7 different areas in Hollywood Studios: Animation Courtyard, Echo Lake, Grand Avenue, Hollywood Boulevard, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Sunset Boulevard, and Toy Story Land.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has some of the best rides in Walt Disney World including the new Star Wars ride Rise of the Resistance (it’s more of an experience, in my opinion), Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Slinky Dog Coaster, Rock n’ Roller Coaster, and the Hollywood Tower of Terror.

How Big are the Water Parks at Walt Disney World?

There are 2 water parks at Disney World, and actually there is a now defunct Water Park called River Country near the Wilderness Lodge. (You can catch glimpses of it while riding the boat from Fort Wilderness Campground & Cabins).

Blizzard Beach – a winter themed water park with immersive details that kids and adults will love. It is the larger of the water parks and is 66 acres in size.

Typhoon Lagoon – a water park themed around a massive ship wreck. Typhoon Lagoon is one of my favorite places to relax when it’s really hot in Florida. I love the theming of it and it is perfect on a non-park day. Typhoon Lagoon is roughly 56 acres, a little smaller than Blizzard Beach.

How Big is Disney Springs?

Disney Springs is approximately 120 acres of outdoor shopping and dining destinations. There are over 60 places to eat, and 150+ stores that include popular brand flagship stores, small boutiques, and the massive World of Disney Store. There’s truly something for everyone at Disney Springs.

How Many Golf Courses are there at Walt Disney World?

There are currently 4 championship golf courses at Disney World. The longest course is the Magnolia Golf Course.

Disney’s Magnolia & Palm Golf Courses (near Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Shades of Green)
Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course
Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course

(There used to be a 5th golf course called Osprey Ridge that closed in 2013 and became part of the Four Seasons Resort)

Are there Mini Golf Courses at Disney World?

There are actually 2 mini golf attractions at Disney World: Fantasia and Winter Summerland. Winter Summerland actually has 2 different courses, one that is Christmas/Winter themed, and one that is Tropical/Summer themed. My family has tried the Winter course and loved it! It was the perfect escape from the crowded parks.

Other Land Areas at Disney World:

Conservation areas: Swamp land and other restricted areas.

How much of Walt Disney World is undeveloped land?

Approximately 1/2 of the 25,000 acres, or 12,500 acres. It’s more than enough room to expand – I am sure the imagineers are hard at work planning the next ideas to arrive at the Walt Disney World Resort!

I hope you enjoyed this post on how big is Disneyworld! If you’re a huge Disney fan like I am, make sure you check out all of these Disney SVG files (scalable vector graphics)!

The post How Big is Disney World? You Won’t Believe It! appeared first on Once Upon a Theme Park.

Printable Disney Snacks Word Search

It’s not hard to find a tasty snack at Walt Disney World. From ice cream treats on Main Street USA, to Mickey Mouse shaped pretzels at Hollywood Studios, to international favorites at Epcot, to Dole Whip on the shores of the Polynesian Resort and at Aloha Isle in Adventureland– there’s nothing quite like a Disney snack.

RELATED POST: 15+ Disney Cocktails to Make at Home

I designed a simple word search for my daughter with some of her favorite Disney snacks. She gets bored on airplanes and while at our resort for down time, so this is perfect for my young reader! I print it out before we leave and stick it in my carry on for easy access.

Savory Disney Snacks

You’ll find plenty of savory snack options at Disney World. With Epcot’s World Showcase, there are many international food stands that offer delicious snacks! Some classic savory snacks favorites include corn dogs, turkey legs, and Mickey Mouse pretzels.

My top recommendation: Mickey Mouse pretzel  – they’re the perfect warm & salty snack shaped like everyone’s favorite “Leader of the Band.” Definitely try the cream cheese filled pretzel in Tomorrowland!

Sweet Disney Snacks

If you prefer sugary treats to salty ones, there are a number of great sweet items available at the parks as well. A popular crowd pleaser, the Dole Whip is a pineapple soft serve that’s creamy with just the right amount of tartness. It’s my favorite! You can even get different flavors of dole whip including strawberry, orange, and lime.

Other popular sweet snacks found in Walt Disney World include Mickey Mouse ice cream bars, Mickey waffle cones, cinnamon & sugar covered churros, caramel dipped apples, and fruit-topped funnel cakes.

My daughter’s favorite snack: A sweet churro with a drizzle of chocolate sauce. It’s a must eat treat!

Celebrate all the delicious Disney World snacks with this word search. Just print it out, grab a pencil, and have fun looking for your favorite treats! Pair it with this yummy Dole Whip recipe for a fun Disney afternoon with friends or family.

Disney World Snacks Word Search Printable

I’ve had quite a few questions about which printer I use that prints right to the edge of the paper (borderless printing) – it’s a Canon craft printer and I love it! It’s so popular that it sells out all of the time, so if you see it in stock, grab it!

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I hope these snacks have got your mouth watering and you’re ready to plan a trip as soon as possible!

Download FREE Disney World Snacks Word Search

This file is DOWNLOAD #009 in my FREE DOWNLOADS LIBRARY.
Get the password below! (If you have the password, head over to the library to download the file.)

You will NOT be sent an email with the file. Free Printables available for download are for PERSONAL USE ONLY. PDF File is included.

Don’t forget to pin an image to your favorite Disney Pinterest board!

The post Disney World Snacks Word Search Printable appeared first on Once Upon a Theme Park.

The innovative Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel will allow you to live out your dream of being part of the galaxy far away for an entire vacation! When this new hotel opens Disney guests will be fighting to stay in a galaxy far, far away. You might find that you need to use the force to get a booking with this popular destination!

When Will Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser Open?

The Star Wars hotel will be located near Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park and, after several delays due to Covid and the parks closing for a few months, the galactic hotel is set to open in Spring 2022.

RELATED POST: May the Force Be With You FREE Star Wars SVG File

What to Expect from the New Star Wars Hotel

The new out-of-this world hotel will be an 2-night immersive experience for Star Wars resort guests.  It is expected to be a very exclusive experience (read: expensive!). Star Wars fans will be able to interact with Star Wars characters, explore the Star Wars hotel’s themed lobby and restaurant, and help pilot the Halycon from the bridge! If you’re a Star Wars fan then this is the place for you!

*Just announced in August 2021! Disney Imagineers have announced that the entire 2-day stay will immerse you and your family or friends in an actual STORYLINE. You will be able to create allies, go on scavenger hunts, find secret areas of the ship, and possibly witness battles. Your choices will determine how your story progresses, too!

The story experience will even continue as you travel to the planet Batuu at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The imagineers have gone ALL OUT to create an experience that will enthrall Star Wars fans and even those not familiar with the popular franchise.

Don’t forget to make your own shirts to wear for your Starcruiser experince! Grab one of our SVG designs today!

Reservations for Disney Star Wars Starcruiser Hotel

How does one reserve a stay at Star Wars Resort? Reservations are not yet open for The Official Star Wars Resort as it won’t be opening until 2022, but once they are, guests can book their vacation online or by calling 407-WDW-DISNEY. 

You’ll also be able to book via the Disney mobile app that allows you to save time while booking reservations from anywhere.

How Much Does the Star Wars Hotel Cost?

Disney announced potential rates in August 2021! This new Star Wars experience doesn’t come cheap, but if you’re looking for an unforgettable vacation that your kids (or yourself) are guaranteed to never forget – this might just be it! Rates will depend on your dates of travel, and start at $4,809 for two adults up to $6,000 for 3 adults and one child in a standard cabin. Ages of children are 3-9 years old. These are just STARTING RATES, so it is to be assumed that high season times (holidays, school breaks) could be potentially much more expensive.

What do rates include?

Rates include: a 2 night stay on the Galactic Starcruiser, interactive experiences, food and beverages (alcoholic drinks are extra) on the Starcruiser plus a quick service meal at Batuu, admission to Hollywood Studios, valet parking, and an exclusive MagicBand.

What are the room types and how many people will they sleep?

There are 3 types of hotel rooms aboard the Galactic Starcruiser: a standard cabin, Galaxy Class suite, and Grand Captain Suite.

Sleeping arrangements are similar to what you would expect on a cruise ship. Standard cabins sleep 4-5 people with a queen bed, bunk beds, and a pull down (murphy) bed. The Galaxy Class suite is a one bedroom suite that sleeps 4 people in a queen bed and 2 pull-down beds. The Grand Captain Suite is a 2-bedroom suite with 2 queen beds, 2 bunk beds, and 2 murphy beds that will sleep 8 people (perfect for families or groups!)

Onboard Activities

During an exciting adventure, guests will live out their own Star Wars story. When guests board the “ship” — named the Halcyon — they will be able to step into the Star Wars universe for a fully immersive 2 night adventure. 

Activities onboard will include lightsaber training, interactive Star Wars characters, Star Wars theming, Star Wars dining experiences and more. 

The hotel ship will have interactive areas like launch pods and secret meetings will also take place around the ship as you dive deeper into your personalized journey. 

Characters

You’ll also be able to Interact with characters, crew, and fellow passengers in brand new ways! Popular characters like Kylo Ren, Chewbacca or Rey (exact characters have not been announced yet) will be roaming the lobby or could assist you in your story experience, and Stormtroopers may be patrolling the corridors. Disney is truly going to make an epic experience for fans of the characters!

Dining

Two different dining experiences onboard the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser have been announced: The Sublight Lounge and the Crown of Corellia Dining Room. The Sublight Lounge will be more of a bar atmosphere, but will be for the whole family. The Crown of Corellia will be a multi course experience and looks AMAZING! The food will definitely be out of this world. (For dining details and examples, visit the Walt Disney World Starcruiser page).

A quick service meal at Batuu will be included as well. Docking Bay 7 is a great quick service location with themed entrees that are delicious!

Travel to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

As part of your stay on the Galactic Starcruiser, you will “travel” to the planet Batuu for a visit to the Black Spire Outpost. There, you can experience two of the most popular rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Rise of the Resistance and Smuggler’s Run. It remains to be seen if your hotel price will include a guaranteed boarding group on Rise of the Resistance. It is so difficult to grab a boarding group, one would hope that this might be a perk of staying at the hotel.

Disney Star Wars Hotel Updates

With all the Star Wars attractions popping up at Walt Disney World & Disneyland, this newest endeavor seems like a natural step for Disney Parks. Although the company announced that they are building the first ever Star Wars-themed hotel at D23, it’s great to see that progress is being made. 

Of course, there will be plenty more details revealed about the new property once it opens next year, so we hope you’ll stay tuned as updates come our way.

Join our newsletter so that we can keep you up-to-date with all of the latest news and updates about how these amazing experiences are coming together. With any luck, we’ll have more good news for you soon! In the meantime, make sure to share this post with your friends and family who love Star Wars as much as we do!

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