Walt Disney World Anniversary: 50 Favorite Ways to “Plus” Your Trip

In honor of the upcoming 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World, which opened on October 1, 1971, we are highlighting the top 50 of some of our favorite things about the most magical place on earth! This week, we take a look at some of the best ways to “plus” your Disney vacation, both inside and outside the parks.

Disney offers so many world-class attractions that they tend to be what most people focus on when planning their trip. But there are tons of other ways beyond experiencing all the attractions that you can really enhance, or “plus”, your visit. And while some are quite expensive, others are low-cost or even free. Here are some of our favorite ways to add that extra pixie dust!

Please Note: Not everything is currently operating due to COVID-19 restrictions.

1. Meet Mickey – everyone’s favorite mouse 
2. Get a photo with your favorite character – for a treasured memory and keepsake
3. Take a tour – go behind the scenes to learn how the resort operates
4. Hunt for Hidden Mickeys – keep a sharp eye; they could be anywhere and everywhere!
5. Become a Wilderness Explorer – by earning badges throughout Animal Kingdom 
6. Create your own scavenger hunt – come up with a list of things to look for to add some extra fun or friendly competition 
7. Watch a street performance – talented singers, dancers, acrobats, musicians, and more
8. Learn how to draw – in a Disney animation class
9. Build a lightsaber – a Jedi essential from Savi’s Workshop 
10. Assemble a droid – choose the parts for your new companion at Droid Depot
11. Try Disneybounding – by adding subtle (or not-so-subtle) hints of your favorite character to your outfit 
12. Schedule a photo session – try a “Capture Your Moment” photo session for amazing family pictures
13. Attend an after-hours event – such as Disney Very Merriest After Hours, Boo Bash, etc.
14. See a parade/cavalcade – enjoy the music, floats, and characters
15. Attend a fireworks dessert party – for prime viewing coupled with tasty treats
16. Book a fireworks cruise – watch the show from the water in a private boat
17. See the Electrical Water Pageant – can be viewed along the lagoon at the Magic Kingdom-area resorts
18. Get a free celebration button – no matter what you’re celebrating! 
19. Buy some Mickey/Minnie ears – plenty of options to suit every style
20. Purchase a ride photo – a priceless memory of a first or favorite ride
21. Buy a Mickey balloon – a cute classic and great photo opp
22. Try pin trading – buy them, swap them, wear them with pride 
23. Make some pressed pennies – fun to find and make, plus a cheap souvenir 
24. Get something personalized – you can add your name to many products like ornaments, glassware, Mickey ears, and more 
25. Wear matching trip shirts – makes for great photos and an easy way to spot your group 
26. Dine at a table service restaurant – amazing meals beyond standard theme park fare (and a chance to rest)
27. Experience a character meal – a fun way to dine with a variety of always friendly, sometimes furry faces
28. Dine with a view – try California Grill, Topolino’s Terrace, or Toledo
29. Try a dinner show – check out Spirit of Aloha or the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
30. Eat/drink around the world – sample amazing cuisines throughout World Showcase
31. Indulge in some ice cream – so many tasty treats to choose from!
32. Enjoy a classic snack – like a Dole Whip, churro, turkey leg, Mickey ice cream bar or pretzel
33. Ride the Skyliner – the newest mode of transportation offers stunning views
34. Explore Disney Springs – for shopping and dining galore
35. Visit a water park – Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon have tons of fun slides, pools, and rivers for a wet and wild day
36. Stay onsite – if you normally stay off-property, give a Disney resort a try
37. Stay at a Deluxe resort – if you normally stay Value or Moderate, try upgrading
38. Decorate your room – bring supplies from home to create an in-room celebration 
39. Watch a movie under the stars – showing regularly at all Disney resorts 
40. Make s’mores – the most delicious combination invented, available at most Disney resorts during nightly campfires
41. Rent a cabana – for the ultimate pool day
42. Arrange for a Disney Floral & Gifts delivery – a wonderful present delivered straight to your room
43. Visit a resort you’ve never been to – see the beautiful theming, or try a new restaurant
44. Enjoy a spa treatment – relax with a massage, facial, or more
45. Get a makeover – ages 3-103 can feel like royalty
46. Go golfing – tee up at any of 3 world-class courses available onsite (or 2 mini-golf courses)
47. Participate in a run Disney event – run through the parks and collect awesome medals
48. Try a new sport – like archery, foot golf, surfing, and more
49. Rent a boat – and spend a day cruising the Disney waterways 
50. Enjoy a carriage ride – a scenic ride through Fort Wilderness or Port Orleans Riverside resort

Just like the Imagineers continue to “plus” the parks, there are always fun ways to “plus” your vacation. To take your Walt Disney World trip to the next level, try adding a few of these elements to your next visit.

What are some of your favorite ways to “plus” your Disney vacation? Let us know in the comments!