1. Stay at One of the Disney Resorts
Being a guest at a Walt Disney World Resort will have you right in the middle of all the magic. When you leave the themeparks, you'll return to your own little piece of Disney theming: your room. You'll save lots of time you might have wasted coming and going from an off-property accommodation, and there are perks to being a Disney Resort guest. One of them is an early hour in a different themepark each day before the public arrives.
2. Dine Out Someplace Fancy at Least Once.
Forget everything you know about mediocre Disney fast food. Walt Disney World is now a world-class dining destination. Make a reservation (407-WDW-DINE) and treat yourselves to a great meal. Remember, you're on vacation. Our favorite dining destinations: The California Grill at the Contemporary, the Flying Fish Cafe at the BoardWalk, Shula's Steakhouse at The Dolphin, and Wolfgang Puck's at Downtown Disney.
3. See the Mesmerizing Cirque du Soleil.
This magical show is unforgettable. Not quite a circus, it's unlike anything you've ever seen. Cirque includes sights and sounds you'll want to experience again and again. We've seen it twice and got goose bumps both times. It's what great vacations are all about.
4. Take an Adventure on Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom .
Disney's Animal Kingdom really is a different species of themepark. Sure there are some great rides and shows, but the real attractions here are the park's wild animals and exotic plants. The safari covers a 500-acre "African" savannah in an open-air truck. See it over and over. It's never the same twice.
5. Laugh to Honey, I Shrunk the Audience at Epcot.
This 3D (and more) show is so full of surprises that we won't tell you a single thing about it except that it is wild, hilarious fun. The most fun you can have sitting in a chair.
6. Swashbuckle with Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold at DisneyQuest.
DisneyQuest is a virtual themepark full of great activities, games, and rides. "Pirates" will have you battling aboard a virtual ship in a 180-degree, 3D world of pirates, surprise obstacles, and wild, non-stop fun. You'll want to try this one over and over again. We promise.
7. Experience Fantasmic at Disney/MGM Studios.
Included in your admission to the Studios, this is the definitive Disney nighttime extravaganza of music, fireworks, and special effects, all performed on a huge island stage constructed especially for this show.
8. See The Festival of the Lion King at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
This live show features Disney characters in wonderful costumes, singing, dancing, and performing acrobatics. Check the Animal Kingdom guidemap for show times and get there 30 minutes early.
9. Ride Splash Mountain at The Magic Kingdom.
This ride will leave you laughing (and maybe just a little spritzed with water!). Great music, great sets, and a thrilling finale.
10. Enjoy a Character Meal.
You'll find lots of Disney characters at these and whether you opt for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you'll enjoy a good meal and get your best Disney vacation pictures.
Are you looking for hotel accommodations? Compare rates for Disney's Pop Century Resort at About.com's booking partner, Kayak.
