Things to do in Disney

Aulani · Evening · from $175

Buffet, lei and drinks included, and you don't have to drive after dinner. Preferred seating costs more and gets you closer to the stage. Book it before you arrive.

Disney's Animal Kingdom · About 30 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

A Broadway-style show with acrobats, music and huge puppets, and it's the best show in any Disney World park. Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early, since seating isn't guaranteed.

Disney's Animal Kingdom · 25 minutes · Included with admission

A colorful musical with big puppets, great for young kids and a good sit-down in the air conditioning. Check showtimes in the app, since it runs only a few times a day.

Disney's Animal Kingdom · About 20 to 30 minutes, self-paced · Included with admission

A walking trail through temple ruins with tigers, bats and huge birds. Morning is best, because the tigers are usually more active before the heat.

Disney's Hollywood Studios · About 5 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

You fly the Falcon as pilot, gunner or engineer, and pilot is the role you want. Height is 38 inches, and single rider is a great shortcut if you don't care which seat you get.

Disney's Hollywood Studios · 30 minutes · Included with admission

Mickey battles the villains in a water, fire and fireworks show, and it's the best nighttime show at the Studios. Arrive 45 minutes early for good seats, and know the first rows can get wet.

EPCOT · About 5 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible (top tier)

A boat ride through Arendelle with a small backwards drop and great Elsa animatronics. It's one of the longest waits in the park, so use a Multi Pass pick or ride right at opening.

EPCOT · About 14 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

A relaxing boat ride through EPCOT's greenhouses, where they grow food served in the park. From November 27 to December 30, 2026 it runs as Glimmering Greenhouses with holiday lights, which is worth doing at night.

EPCOT · About 15 minutes, self-paced · Included with admission

A walk-through water trail where the water reacts to you, and it's perfect for little kids. Go in the afternoon heat and expect to get a little wet.

Magic Kingdom · About 1 minute · Lightning Lane Single Pass $19-$25

The fastest launch in the park, on motorcycle-style seats under a glowing canopy. Height is 48 inches, and the bike seats don't fit every body type, so try the test seat out front before you wait.

Magic Kingdom · About 10 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible (temporarily closed until Dec. 18, 2026)

A log flume with great music and a 50-foot drop, and you will get wet (40 inches to ride). It's closed for refurbishment until December 18, 2026, so don't plan around it before then.

Magic Kingdom · About 9 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

A boat ride with a couple of small drops and some of Disney's best scenes. It's a great midday break from the heat, and the wait rarely gets bad.

Walt Disney World · 1 hour · from $39

The cheapest good tour on property. You walk through the greenhouses and fish farm in The Land. Kids actually like it, and it's a break from the heat.

Walt Disney World · About 1 hour · from $89

An open-air vehicle on the lodge savanna after dark, with night-vision goggles. Pair it with dinner at Jiko or Boma. Ages 8 and up.

Walt Disney World · Evening · from $104

Desserts and drinks, then a reserved fireworks spot without camping on Main Street for an hour. Seats & Sweets ($129+) is the one to book if anyone needs to sit.

Walt Disney World · About 5 hours · from $179

A walking tour of how Magic Kingdom works, including a stretch of the backstage areas. Lunch is included. Ages 16 and up with photo ID, and park admission is extra.