The Ultimate Walt Disney World Favorites List - Hollywood Studios

Street

Sunset Boulevard, of course. Where else can you get such a wonderful view of The Hollywood Tower Hotel?

Attraction (Ride)

Tower of Terror.

Attraction (Show)

I guess I'll have to say Fantasmic, just because it's the only place I'll ever be able to see Megara :'( But I also love Voyage of the Little Mermaid and the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular.

Table Service Restaurant

Tie! 50s Prime Time Cafe and Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre. I love being able to get non-dairy milkshakes at these places and they both usually have a pretty decent vegan entree available. I really miss the tofu entree they had at Sci-Fi, though.

Quick Service Restaurant

Backlot Express. Lots of fun props to look at around the restaurant.

Snack

Well, let me tell you. They used to have this awesome apple-cinnamon stuffed pretzel that was vegan. But no more! *sigh* I guess popping into the Tune-In Lounge at the 50s Prime Time Cafe for a milkshake counts as a snack, right? I'll go with that.

Character Meet and Greet

The random greets they have in the Animation building. 

Live Entertainment

Nothing really sticks out, other than what I've already mentioned.

Merchandise Location

Tower of Terror gift shop! Even if all the girl shirts suck.

Relaxation Spot

The Tune-In Lounge at the 50s Prime Time Cafe. I love sitting at the bar with a non-dairy PB&J milkshake and some fries, enjoying the retro decor.

Hidden Gem

One Man's Dream. What a tearjerker. And the Art of Disney Animation class! Also, all of the props in and around the Backlot. And that stupid Singing in the Rain umbrella that took me -forever- to find. Oh, and just the general movie references you can find throughout the park. (Sorry. Went a little overboard.)

Attraction Music

Star Tours! Love it!

Building/Architecture

The Hollywood Tower Hotel. Nothing can compete with its beauty.

Fountain/Statue/Eye-Grabber

The Miss Piggy Statue outside Liberty outside of MuppetVision 3D.

Smell

I'm going to change this one to my favorite feeling, because no smells are standing out to me. Ok. It's that feeling of the temperature change when the doors open up in the Tower of Terror to push the car out into the drop.

Sound

The sound of the Tower of Terror car being pushed out into the drop area : )

The Ultimate Walt Disney World Favorites List - Animal Kingdom

Land

Asia. The theming is just amazing - the weather-beaten flags, the bicycle tracks in the cement.. A+ all the way around!

Attraction (Ride)

Expedition Everest. Everything about this attraction just blows me away. (Except for the Disco Yeti. Kind of bums me out.) I also really love that little bird that pops up when the track ends.

Attraction (Show)

Festival of the Lion King! Duh!

Table Service Restaurant

TUSKER HOUSE/HEAVEN. I'll eat so much freaking food here. It's ridiculous. And they'll usually give us non-dairy ice cream for dessert and some vegan cookies that we can throw in our backpack for later! I really wish they hadn't turned it into a character meal throughout the day, though.

Quick Service Restaurant

I don't really have a favorite, but I love the theming of Restaurantosaurous.

Snack

Since Animal Kingdom is always so hot and humid, I usually get a strawberry bar from one of the frozen treat stands. So I guess that.

Character Meet and Greet

I'm not even sure if he's still there.. But this one time, I got to meet Flik and Princess Atta and I just about DIED from happiness. I honestly teared up when I saw them for the first time. I love Flik so much.

Live Entertainment

DiVine. Oh, DiVine.

Merchandise Location

I'm gonna have to look this one up.. Ok, it's Island Mercantile, that one right by the Tree of Life. I also really like the Expedition Everest store and the one you enter after Dinosaur.

Relaxation Spot

The Sounds of the Rainforest booths at Rafiki's Planet Watch. I could absolutely go to sleep in there... until the chainsaw kicks in.

Hidden Gem

I would say Sounds of the Rainforest again, but I'll go with the live animal cams at Rafiki's Planet Watch. I also really like the goats at Affection Section. ...And the tigers on the Maharajah Jungle Trek. I don't care if they're always sleeping. I could watch those cute kitties sleep forever.

Attraction Music

I'll have to go with Festival of the Lion King. 

Building/Architecture

I *love* the Tusker House building. The openness and all the natural light is just so inviting.

Fountain/Statue/Eye-Grabber

The yeti statue that is the same shape of the Forbidden Mountain.

Smell

Walking into Tusker House and smelling all the great food I'm about it eat.

Sound

The background music and sounds in Asia. It's very calming during the misty morning walk to the Forbidden Mountain.

The Ultimate Walt Disney World Favorites List - Resorts

Value Resort

Pop Century! Specifically, the 50s section, Building Two, on an upper-level. You get a great view of Hourglass Lake and it's such a lovely sight to wake up to. Plus, we're very close to the parking lot and can get up and go in the mornings.

Moderate Resort

I've only stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort and I *loved* the pirate-themed rooms! However, I really think I would enjoy the Port Orleans Resort. I'd love for them to finally get those Haunted Mansion rooms built in!

Deluxe Resort

I've never actually stayed at a Deluxe Resort, but I've visited them numerous times. I'm going to have to go with a three-way tie here: Polynesian, Boardwalk, and Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Table Service Restaurant

Oh, man.. There are a good many I haven't tried and would really like to. But, from restaurants I've been to, I'd have to say that Boma and 'Ohana are my favorites. Boma is good any time. I haven't been back to 'Ohana since Chef TJ stopped working there. (I'll probably make an entire post about him eventually.) But all you can eat food with lots of vegan options?! Sign me up!

Quick Service Restaurant

I love The Mara at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Their falafel is awesome. I also really love the Pop Century food court. I've been able to get vegan milkshakes, vegan cheese pizza, sitr-fried noodles and veggies, vegetable soup, and plenty of vegan snacks.. Plus it just has such a lively atmosphere and it's a great place to relax midday or late at night.

Snack

I *love* the hummus at Pop Century. I do have to bring my own pretzels to enjoy it with, though.

Dessert

Vegan banana split at Beaches and Cream. I just about died the first time I had it. Vanilla Tofutti ice cream, halved banana, sliced almonds, Hershey's syrup, and maraschino cherries. IT'S SO WONDERFUL.

Entertainment Offering

I really like watching the Boardwalk entertainment - the jugglers, mimes, magicians.. It's just such a nice way to spend an evening! 

Themed Pool Area

I've never actually been able to utilize them, but I love Stormalong Bay at the Yacht and Beach Club, as well as the Volcano Pool at the Polynesian and the main pool at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Relaxation Spot

The beach of the Polynesian at night. I could sit there for hours, and possibly go to sleep.

Building/Architecture

I love the Polynesian Resort's architecture, inside and out. The openness, the waterfalls, and all the tropical plant life really makes it feel like you're in Hawaii. I also love the Animal Kingdom Lodge lobby and the overall look and feel of the Boardwalk Resort.

Fountain/Statue/Eye-Grabber

I'm going to have to say the giant decade numbers outside of Pop Century. Pulling up and seeing them just makes me feel like I'm home.

Smell

Probably the areas around the waterfalls at the Polynesian.

Sound

This may sound weird, but that really quiet -swoosh- sound as the monorail passes by in the resorts. Also, the monorail  resort spiel.

The Ultimate Walt Disney World Favorites List - Walt Disney World Resort

Theme Park

I honestly don't have one - or, at least, one doesn't stick out to me. There are things I love about each and every one of them. If I absolutely had to pick, I would have to say Magic Kingdom simply due to the fact that more of my favorite attractions are there than at any other park.

Water Park

Typhoon Lagoon. I love the concept of Blizzard Beach, but Typhoon Lagoon just has such a wonderfully colorful and tropical atmosphere.

Blizzard Beach Attraction

Teamboat Springs! Don't get me wrong - the view from Summit Plummet is amazing. But that slide hurts! I also really like the chairlift.

Typhoon Lagoon Attraction

Tie. (There's going to be a lot of those.) Crush 'n' Gusher, Shark Reef, and Wave Pool. We normally end up doing Crush 'n' Gusher a good five or six times as soon as the park opens, then head over to the Shark Reef to beat the lines (they move very slowly there). The Wave Pool honestly terrifies me because of the intensity, but I still love it!

Mini Golf Course

Well, I really like Fantastia Gardens due to the Chernabog cave, and it does seem to be a bit more maintained. But I would have to say Winter Summerland due to the high level of theming. I've only done the Winter course, but It was so much fun!

Disney Quest Attraction

Honestly, this place kind of sucks. I wish they would redo the entire building or bring in a new concept. The main reason I wanted to go was so I could ride on the same virtual roller coaster that Nsync did on their Disney Channel In Concert special back in the 90s. But I guess I kind of enjoyed Buzz Lightyear's AstroBlasters and Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold. I also really liked the elevator and the Cave of Wonders entrance (although they're not really attractions).

Downtown Disney Store

Tie! World of Disney and Art of Disney. I love the World of Disney because we usually shop there on our last day of vacation before we head home, and I can find many of the souvenirs I meant to get in the parks but forgot. I also really love the individual room theming and the window displays. I always make a stop in the Art of Disney to use the Print on Demand service. I haven't gone on a trip the past few years without picking up a new Disney Park attraction poster (or two, or three). 

Downtown Disney Restaurant

I.. don't really have one. We rarely eat at Downtown Disney and I haven't particularly enjoyed it any time we have. I guess now is a good time to mention that I'm vegan and that my choices here are fairly limited.

Downtown Disney Snack

Babycakes chocolate-glazed and coconut doughnuts! Not a fan of their cupcakes at all, but the doughnuts.. Dang!

Transportation Method

Buses. Is that weird? I find them to be very convenient, other than at park closing. However, since we normally drive down, I do like driving to all of the parks except for the Magic Kingdom. We're getting free parking anyway while staying on property and it cuts out a lot of time in the early mornings.

Parade

Mickey's Boo To You Parade, I suppose. I'm not too big on parades, but Jack Sparrow and Captain Barbossa are in it. Plus the grave diggers are babes. So I guess that makes my decision. I also like the Main Street Electrical Parade because of its music and history.

Fireworks

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth! Is there anything more awe-inspiring that the lights going out in World Showcase, and the lit torches all around the lagoon, and the lights, and the music?! Oh, the music! I cry every time I see the show. The whole coming together as one thing just get me right here.. *places hand on heart*.

Seasonal Festival

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. I mean.. The Headless Horseman (!!!). Although, I'm pretty pumped that the Food and Wine Festival is offering vegan booths these days.

Month to Visit

As much as I love Halloween time in the parks.. the weather, crowds, and humidity just aren't my things. Early May has become my favorite time to visit. The weather tends to be fairly mild (but nice), the crowds aren't there, Epcot looks beautiful with the Flower and Garden Festival going on, and it's just an overall great time to go.

The Ultimate Walt Disney World Favorites List

On most Disney College Program blogs, I've noticed that the authors tend to pass the time with 30-day challenges. I like the concept, but it would annoy me to make that many short posts about a single thing each time. So I've decided to do something a little different and more in-depth. I'm calling it:

The Ultimate Walt Disney World Favorites List!

And here it is:

FAVORITES – Magic Kingdom

Land –

Attraction (Ride) –

Attraction (Show) –

Table Service Restaurant –

Quick Service Restaurant –

Snack –

Character Meet and Greet –

Live Entertainment –

Merchandise Location –

Relaxation Spot –

Hidden Gem -

Attraction Music –

Building/Architecture –

Fountain/Statue/Eye-Grabber –

Smell –

Sound –

FAVORITES – EPCOT

Area –

Future World Attraction –

Future World Entertainment –

World Showcase Attraction –

World Showcase Entertainment –

World Showcase Pavilion –

Table Service Restaurant –

Quick Service Restaurant –

Snack –

Character Meet and Greet –

Merchandise Location –

Relaxation Spot -

Hidden Gem -

Attraction Music –

Building/Architecture –

Fountain/Statue/Eye-Grabber –

Smell –

Sound –

FAVORITES – Disney's Hollywood Studios

Street –

Attraction (Ride) –

Attraction (Show) –

Table Service Restaurant –

Quick Service Restaurant –

Snack –

Character Meet and Greet –

Live Entertainment –

Merchandise Location –

Relaxation Spot –

Hidden Gem -

Attraction Music –

Building/Architecture –

Fountain/Statue/Eye-Grabber –

Smell –

Sound –

FAVORITES – Disney's Animal Kingdom

Land –

Attraction (Ride) –

Attraction (Show) –

Table Service Restaurant –

Quick Service Restaurant –

Snack –

Character Meet and Greet –

Live Entertainment –

Merchandise Location –

Relaxation Spot –

Hidden Gem –

Attraction Music –

Building/Architecture –

Fountain/Statue/Eye-Grabber –  

Smell –

Sound –

FAVORITES – Resorts

Value Resort –

Moderate Resort –

Deluxe Resort –

Table Service Restaurant –

Quick Service Restaurant –

Snack –

Entertainment Offering –

Themed Pool Area –

Building/Architechture –

Fountain/Statue/Eye-Grabber –

Smell –

Sound –

FAVORITES – Walt Disney World

Theme Park –

Water Park –

Blizzard Beach Attraction –

Typhoon Lagoon Attraction –

Mini Golf Course –

Disney Quest Attraction –

Downtown Disney Store –

Downtown Disney Restaurant –

Downtown Disney Snack –

Transportation Method –

Parade –

Fireworks –

Seasonal Festival –

Month to Visit – 

Each section will warrant an individual post, resulting in a series of six posts rather than 30. I'm very excited to start this, because some of these are going to require some heavy thinking. After this, I will be doing a few questionnaires about my favorite Disney memories, what I would like to get out of participating in the Disney College Program, and what type of career path I would like to take after the program.

Coming up: Favorites - Walt Disney World!

It All Started With a Mouse

Hello!

Since this is my first post, I'm going to keep it small. (Like a mouse! Get it?! Huh-yuck.) I just wanted to do a quick introduction before I started this new adventure.

I first discovered the Disney College Program when I was in high school, which was absolutely forever ago. I wanted to do it as soon as I started college, but I never did find the right time. I am finally graduating this December, so this is my last chance to apply!

I have been employed by the Mouse before, working as a cast member at a local Disney Store. So I'm perfectly aware that working for Disney is not a walk in the park. It's hard work to keep up the company standards, but the main thing I remember from my previous job is that it was the happiest time of my life. I met so many wonderful people while on that job and I always arrived and left with a smile on my face. I was genuinely happy to be there and I absolutely loved having a common interest with everyone I came in contact with.

I'm going into this journey with a confident demeanor. I just know that this is the direction I need to take in my life and I am very excited to get started!