Things to do in Disney

Aulani · 2.5 hours · from $195

Leaves from Ko Olina, a few minutes from Aulani, so no long drive into Honolulu. Snorkel gear is included. An easy half-day on the water.

Disney Cruise Line · Island day

Has its own adults-only Serenity Bay, a Junkanoo celebration, local art and a nature trail to the lighthouse. The South Eleuthera tours get you off the Disney beach and into real Bahamian culture.

Disney Cruise Line · Beach day

The adults-only beach is free and much quieter than the family side. The barbecue moved to the new Hangar 98 BBQ building. Cabanas cost extra and sell out early.

Disney Cruise Line · 1 hour · from $54

Kids 5 and up can feed and touch stingrays in shallow water. It's short, so you still have the rest of the beach day. $64 for ages 10 and up, $54 for ages 5 to 9.

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

A slow, glowing boat ride through Pandora's rainforest with an impressive Shaman animatronic at the end. It's short for the wait, so use a Multi Pass pick instead of standing in a long standby line.

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

A raft ride where some people get soaked and some stay dry, and you won't know which until the end. Height is 38 inches, and on cool November mornings I'd save it for the afternoon.

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 20 minutes · Included with admission

EPCOT's nighttime show of fireworks, fountains and lights over World Showcase Lagoon. Grab a spot near Italy, Germany or the Mexico side about 30 minutes early, or book a fireworks dining package if you want a guaranteed view.

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.

Magic Kingdom · About 10 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

A boat tour full of bad puns, and the skipper makes or breaks it. Right now it's running as the Jingle Cruise holiday version, and the regular version comes back early next year.

Walt Disney World · Half or full day · from $64

A good reset day in the middle of a long trip. Disney usually rotates one water park closed for refurb, so check which one is open for your dates.