A Few of My Favorite Things
I just updated my website to reflect my most recent Walt Disney World Trip. Our June 2026 Trip brought my Grand Total to 21 visits to The Most Magical Place on Earth! For those keeping count, the Collins Girls’ tally has reached 7. Having a parent who is a Disney Adult isn’t so bad.
I know some people will be in shock at just how many times I’ve visited the Mouse. However, if you can believe it, there are new experiences for me on every single trip. While I enjoy new things, I have a list of favorites that hit every time I revisit them.
Are you overwhelmed by all the options available to you at Walt Disney World Resort? Is decision fatigue taking the fun out of planning? I thought I’d reflect on some of our Family Favorites. Maybe something that appeals to us may speak to you. For full transparency, picking “favorites” at Walt Disney World is hard. I love SO many of the offerings. This is mostly for fun. I am sure some of your favorites, while not listed here, may also be in my Top 5.
That being said, let’s get started.
✨Favorite Character Dining inside a Park ✨
Tusker House Restaurant
This buffet is located in Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. While it features picky eater approved options, there are also some unique and delicious offerings for those with a more adventurous palate.
Mickey, Donald, Daisy and Goofy are available to meet in their Safari attire. Unlike some Character Dining locations, we have seen each character multiple times when visiting Tusker House. It is a large venue and can get loud, especially during the dance party. But it is a fan favorite in our household.
💫 Runner Up:
Garden Grill Restaurant: Located in World Nature in EPCOT and featuring Farmer Mickey, Pluto, Chip and Dale. This is an all you care to enjoy table service.
✨ Favorite Character Dining experience you can access without a Park Ticket is ✨
Topolino’s Terrace- Flavors of the Riviera
This sit-down, prix fixe, table service restaurant is located on the 10th Floor of Disney’s Riviera Resort. Characters only appear at Breakfast and include Mickey, Minnie, Daisy and Donald. They are dressed as artists; a Painter, Writer, Ballerina and Sculptor.
The food here is delicious, though it comes with a hefty price tag. My girls love the waffle dippers and the Steak and Eggs is a favorite for Eric and I. They are also known for their Sour Cream Waffle. The character handlers are good about making sure you see everyone before you go but you are less likely, in our experience, to get multiple visits during your meal.
💫 Runner Up:
Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White: Located at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort this prix fix dining experience features Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy and The Evil Queen.
✨Favorite Non-Character Dining inside a Park ✨
Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen
In Adventureland in Disney’s Magic Kingdom, this a la carte Table Service restaurant is an extension of the nearby Jungle Cruise Ride. If you are into Disney lore, this is also a location with Easter Eggs for the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (iykyk.)
Much like Tusker House, you will find safe offerings for the non-adventurous. However, you can also find dishes with a little more unique flavor and/or spice as well. We enjoy the theming, the Server’s Dad jokes and the not so secret menu item, Brazilian Cheese Bread. It is also one of the locations in Magic Kingdom where you can enjoy an adult beverage. My kids are big fans of the Volcano Cake and I love the Tiradito de Tuna.
💫 Runner Up:
San Angel Inn Restaurante: An a la carte Mexican Restaurant inside EPCOT’s Mexican Pavilion.
✨Favorite Non-Character Dining you can access without a Park Ticket is ✨
Too Hard. I need a more specific category! However…if I have to pick ONE:
BOMA: Flavors of Africa (for breakfast)
This is a buffet located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge-Jambo House. They are open for breakfast (a must do for us!) and dinner. African and American dishes are both available. If you like to parktake, the Bo’mosa Flight is delightful. I’m obsessed with the Bread Pudding; Avocado, Papaya, and Grapefruit Salad; Oak-Grilled Asparagus and more. Kids will find Simba Waffles available to enjoy. The servers here may “only” take your drink order, but they are so personable and friendly. For POG Juice fans…you will find this here.
💫 Runner Up:
Wailulu Bar and Grill: This is an a la carte restaurant at Disney’s Polynesian Resort (the new Tower.) It offers South Pacific cuisine and views of the Magic Kingdom.
✨ Favorite Quick Services ✨
Rapid Fire
Animal Kingdom Park: Satu’li Canteen (Cheeseburger Steamed Pods or the Ocean Moon Bowl)
Disney Springs: Polite Pig (the Brussel Sprouts!)
EPCOT: Don’t have one! I tend to love the Food Booths during festivals between The Port of Entry and Canada.
Hollywood Studios: Dockingbay 7 Food & Cargo (Ronto Wrap, Surly Sarlacc to drink)
Magic Kingdom: Columbia Harbour House (grab seating on the top floor & don’t be afraid to order the Lobster Roll)
✨ Favorite Lounge in the Parks✨
The Beak and Barrel in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland for the drinks and atmosphere and show. Warning, you may be seated with others…or you might have standing room only in an adjacent room which is not ideal. This bar is Pirates of the Caribbean themed, and a good time. Not a lot of food offerings, so come thirsty but not too hungry. There is presently a 45 minute time limit, during which you are allowed up to 2 drinks.
TIED
Nomad Lounge in Animal Kingdom Theme Park. A great place to enjoy some beverages and yummy (Gluten Free) Churros. Get on the walk up list and out of the heat or, when the temperatures are more mild, enjoy sitting outside and overlooking Discovery River. The menu has recently changed, but still has some good offerings. RIP the Poke bowl.
✨ Favorite Lounge outside the Parks✨
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. I know this one is a classic, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. I haven’t been in with the girls before, but it is a wonderful spot for your Adult only trips, or a slower paced Family Trip where you have the time to get on that waitlist. It is Adult Only after 8:00pm. The drinks are delicious, the showmanship and theming can’t be beat (in my opinion.)
✨ Favorite Rollercoaster: ✨
Guardians of the Galaxy -Jody
Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster Starring The Muppets -Morgan, age 7
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad -Maggie, age 6
✨ Favorite Ride Overall ✨
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror -Jody
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance -Morgan age 7
Alien Swirling Saucers -Maggie, age 6
✨ Favorite Show✨
“Festival of the Lion King” at Animal Kingdom TIED with watching my young daughters watch “The First Time in Forever: A Frozen Singalong” 🥹 at Hollywood Studios -Jody
“Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After.” -Morgan, age 7
“Festival of the Lion King” -Maggie, age 6
✨ Favorite Character to Meet✨
Goofy (or Chip & Dale) -Jody
Darth Vader -Morgan, age 7
Daisy (or Donald) Duck -Maggie, age 5
✨ Other Random Favorites✨
I think our favorite pool and splash pad area are at Animal Kingdom Lodge-Kidani Village (great staff at that pool bar too.)
One of my favorite places to shop is at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Christmas time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios around Echo Lake, Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard have immaculate vibes. The music, the vintage decor…it snopes by The Tower of Terror you all!
My favorite morning Park Vibes are on Main Street U.S.A. in Disney’s Magic Kingdom, of course. No competition there.
I could go on and on. I don’t know if I could choose a Favorite On-Site Resort though. For anyone who has been following along for any length of time, you know Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground holds a special place in our hearts and family history. Still, we’ve had wonderful experiences at other locations too. It really depends on the Trip’s goals, vibe and pace.
Head over to my Instagram (ParkPlanningPal) and shoot me a DM with some of your favorites and must-dos. If you care reading this in real time, comment on today’s post instead. I’d love to hear all of your top picks! We can inspire one another.
Happy Planning,
Jody