Disney has always been a big part of my life. Whether it was a Disney movie when I was a kid, catching a Disney special on ABC (usually about Disney parks weddings and fantasizing about having the $$$$$ to be able to afford that), or going to Disneyland every chance I got- I’ve always known happiness to include a bit of “magic”.
The Ultimate Disney Bucket List
Over the years I’ve learned more and more about all the cool once in a lifetime opportunities Disney has to offer. Some of the bigger items I’ve had listed in my head for years, and some of the smaller items have sat in random notes on my phone as a reminder for future park trips. So I decided to finally consolidate them and made a list of all the amazing things I wanted to experience in my life. I create The Ultimate Disney Bucket List!
Y’all. I dreamed pretty big back in the day. If I had written this when I was 16, item number one would be a full blown Disney wedding: Cinderella dress and carriage right in front of the castle with fireworks as the grand finale. I used to even go on the Disney wedding website and price out what my dream wedding would cost. Then 16yo me would add a Disney Cruise vacation, being THE Belle in a parade, and of course- visiting Walt Disney World.
So, I present to you my “more-realistic” Disney Bucket List.
I came up with things that seemed impossible but with a little pixie dust could still happen. I’m happy to say some of these things have come true and the little girl in me still can’t believe it.
The Ultimate Disney Bucket List:
– [x] Vacation at Walt Disney World
Kalie and I went to Disney World in 2017. It was my very first time because growing up we couldn’t really afford such a big trip for a big family. Now looking back I’m glad I was able to experience it with the love of my life. It was exactly what I imagined it would be and more. It was more than what I could have imagined- walking into Main Street hearing a familiar soundtrack but knowing it was completely different.
The buildings were much taller and the streets were much wider. There was just so much room for activities (!) and was blown away by it all. I literally cried when I turned the corner and saw Cinderella’s castle in all her glory. It was such a magical trip and I can’t wait to take our kids so they can experience the same magic. You can check out our Walt Disney World post here & here.
– [ ] Stay at Aulani
It has always been a dream of mine to go to Hawaii. After Disney announced Aulani, I knew I wanted to experience Hawaii with that bit of Disney Magic.
– [ ] Experience Rope Drop at Disneyland
There’s something about being at Disney first thing in the morning that sounds extra magical. With a nice cup of coffee in hand, Main Street music going and knowing Peter Pan won’t have such a long line- it truly sounds like the perfect way to start my day!
– [x] Ride the Lily Belle
This train car was named after Walt’s wife Lily and it’s such a special piece of Disneyland history. It’s not always available and when it is it’s almost impossible to get on. When we went on the Lily Belle, it was because had a plaid/tour guide with us… again shout out to my in laws for allowing us to experience it with them.
– [ ] Interact and take a photo with Peter Pan
This may seem simple but I have yet to find Peter Pan and Disneyland. Every time I tried I’ve missed him by a few seconds or it just never line up. He and Belle are my absolute favorite characters so interacting with him is definitely worthy of being on here.
– [x] Eating at Club 33
This one came true all thanks to my In-Laws. They were invited by a member and were so gracious enough to allow us to join. And YES, the bathrooms are as beautiful as people say. Oh, and the food is insaaaaanely good.
– [ ] Stay at the Grand Californian (DL), Polynesian and Animal Lodge (WDW)
What I love about any Disney resort is that you are able to experience them without having a room booked. Touring these hotels have made me want to stay here even more!
– [/] Go the private Halloween party
This gets half an X because I’ve been to one Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party a long time ago but would love to experience it now with the move of the party to California Adventure. Moreso, I’d love to re-experience this event with my own little family!
– [ ] Have a Christmas photo shoot
I love a good photo shoot, I love Disney, and I love Christmas. So why not combine them? I definitely hope to have one this year. Don’t tell my wife, she will absolutely object to such “torture”.
-[] Have a hidden Mickey Scavenger Hunt
Being annual passholders allows us to frequent the parks a lot more often. So I definitely want to keep things interesting everytime we go, so I don’t get burned out (like that’s even possible). There is a hidden Mickey book, so I think it would be fun to make a day of finding as many as we can!
-[] Visit The Walt Disney Family Museum
This may not be in any of the Parks but it is still important to me. Growing up I loved learning about Disney history, whether I was learning about the parks, or Walt himself.
I’m sure there are many more things that I wish I could do that just aren’t coming to mind- but as of right now these were/are the main ones that have stuck with me throughout the years. I will definitely come back to update this list.
Tell me- what are some of your Disney bucket list items?
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Those look awesome! My husband needs to read this–he loves Disneyland and Disneyworld! (We’re doing both next year with our two boys…. yes both… we’re crazy!)
I am so lucky that Disneyland is my home park. I have done pretty much almost everything. Some things you cannot do without a plaid, luck, or a connection. I had a friend who when he still worked at Disney Studios pulled a lot of strings and asked for a lot of favors so his girlfriend could ride in the Lilly Belle. My son is a cast member and even I cannot get on the Lilly Belle. You are so lucky to have experienced that. Most of my Disney bucket list involves Disneyland Tokyo and Disney Tokyo Sea. Pretty much everything in both parks are on my Disney Bucket list.
Going to Disney is in my bucket list, too, mainly because I want my kids to experience some time in their life a magical childhood. Thank you for creating this ultimate Disney bucket list.
What a fun Disney bucket list! And that’s so cool that you’ve already checked some off! I’m so jealous that you’ve eaten at Club 33! I mean, you’re kind of in a Disney class all of your own now that you’ve done that! Club 33 is definitely on my Disney bucket list, but I’d really like to stay in the Cinderella castle, which I know is pretty much literally impossible, but after seeing a tour of the rooms, it just looks like such a magical place to stay and wake up- you look out the window and the park is right below you!
Emily | https://www.thatweirdgirllife.com
what a fun list! i don’t go to disney much but want to plan a trip after reading this 🙂 x
I still remember the first time I went to a Disney trip. The fireworks and parades were all so amazing. I’d love to go again. Reading this post makes me want to add this list to my own bucket list. Thanks for sharing!