Want to know a secret? Disney is a magical place, but some people seem to experience more magic than others. If you’ve ever wondered why, I’m here to share how this happens; it’s the energy you put out towards the characters. The more engaged you are with them, the more the characters get energised and send that excitement back to you.
I’m NOT saying that you should be jumping at them, or yelling as loud as possible, but what I am saying is that showing your excitement to see a character and engaging in a quick conversation with them can help turn an already great experience into a magical memory.
Now if you’re wondering how can I chat with a character, or what would I possibly say to them? I’m here to help. Here are 10 conversation starters to help make your next character meet-and-greet one to remember.
When you ask a question about a character’s friend or family member, they often jump into a quick story they want to share with you. For instance, Moana is more than happy to update you on the latest boat snack that Hei Hei has tried to eat (spoiler alert: it’s usually rocks).
Oftentimes, Dreams are part of a character’s storyline, so asking about the next dream they’re chasing or adventure they want to go on will open the door for them to share a future goal. Rapunzel is the first character that comes to mind when discussing chasing dreams, but this subject is popular among many characters, making it a solid go-to question during a meet-and-greet.
One of the easiest ways to get a character to chat is by being curious about their storyline and having a question that’s specific to them. For example, asking the Evil Step Sisters their thoughts on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement, or asking Belle what the most recent book she’s read is. A question that ties directly back to the character allows them to share their thoughts and tap into the personality traits they’re known for.
If you’re meeting a character at a restaurant, ask them which food option is their favorite. At Chef Mickey’s you could ask which character is the best cook? Or at Storytellers Café, you could ask which character tells the best stories? These questions are fantastic options for characters who don’t talk, but are able to point and interact non-verbally with you.
Whether its meeting characters dressed as Pirates during Pirate Night on a Disney Cruise or Santa during the festive season, asking a question that connects back to the celebration they’re part of generates a fun exchange. For instance, when meeting Chip and Dale in their Pirate outfits, I’d ask to see their meanest pirate pose or which one of them would be the best captain.
Having common ground or a shared hobby is a perfect topic to discuss when meeting a character. Asking Mr. Incredible about his workout routine and whether he finds leg day more challenging than upper body workouts leads to some truly comical interactions.
Dance is a universal language. If you ask a character if they have a favorite dance move, it often will deliver memorable results.
Be it Stitch trying to dance like Elvis, or the Evil Queen adamantly denying that she’s ever danced, the exchange is one to remember.
Giving a character time to sign your autograph book opens the door for them to chat with you, or gives them a chance to make a show of signing the book. Either way, this option can lead to a noteworthy interaction.
Similar to #3, this option allows the character to lead the conversation. However, I will remind you that it’s essential to be present in the conversation and respond to their comments. Your reaction to what they’re saying is what gives the excitement and energy back to the character, encouraging them to continue the conversation.
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Whether it’s bounding as the character you’re meeting or as someone else they’d recognize, characters love to interact with bounders! We spend time comparing the similarities in our outfits, and the excitement they show for us having created looks inspired by them leads to some truly amazing interactions.
Bounding is my #1 topic to take a character meet-and-greet from a great experience to something even more magical.
Try a few of these conversation starters on your next visit, and you may find that the most magical souvenirs are the memories you create in the moment.
~Kelly
There’s no hiding it, nor would I ever want to, I’m a Disney Adult. I love wearing the Mickey Ears, bounding through the parks, and being in the Disney bubble. But one thing that’s been missing throughout my Disney experiences is that I had never been to Disneyland.
For theme parks, I’ve always been a Walt Disney World girl, up until now. This year, I FINALLY made it to the West Coast and got to see where it all began. This place, which inspired so much magic, continues to be the happiest place on earth.
When planning the trip, I focused on the experiences I can’t get at WDW, and built my bounds around the uniqueness that Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure offer. Here are my top three new-to-me lands from the trip.
Located in Disney California Adventure, this Avengers Campus is full of superheroes, futuristic designs, a PYM Testing Lab (with delicious beverages), and the chance to save the Guardians of the Galaxy.
A bit of extra fun: keep an eye on the ground as you roam throughout this land and see if you can find the Hidden Mickey amongst the energy goo.
Avengers Campus also gave me the chance to compare two rides that have the same blueprint but different stories. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout is the same layout as the Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Having now done both, I can confidently say that Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout is my favorite! With its upbeat music and energetic atmosphere, the attraction focuses on the fun, rather than the scariness that the Tower of Terror is known for.
I chose a Scarlet Witch bound for when I was exploring the campus, as there’s nothing that compares to this land at WDW, and I wanted to focus on a Marvel character.
Scarlet Witch Bound:
For superhero fans, this land is where you want to be.
From the Incredicoaster that has you chasing after Jack-Jack to the iconic Pixar Pal-A-Round – Swinging Ferris wheel, this land is fantastic!
Note: If you’re uncomfortable with heights, the Swinging Ferris Wheel is not for you. I’d suggest sticking with the traditional non-swinging gondolas or basking in its beauty while keeping your feet firmly on the ground.
Having grown up on Pixar movies, it was amazing to be in a place that features the characters who had such a pivotal impact on my childhood.
It was also my chance to bound as the most imaginative character I know: Bing Bong.
Bing Bong Bound:
This land is one of the busiest areas of the park, and I understand why. It has top-level attractions and a multitude of dining options.
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I have a fuzzy memory of Magic Kingdom’s Toontown from when I was a child. I remember being in Mickey’s house and seeing Pluto’s dog bed, but that’s it.
So, when the trip was booked, I was thrilled knowing that I’d be seeing Toontown for what felt like the first time. From the moment I walked under the sign and up that little hill, it felt like I’d been transported into a cartoon. Bright colors fill the land, and I couldn’t help but smile.
The Mickey and Minnie fountain in the middle is a spectacular focal point.
For bounding, I chose Mickey in his Toontown Casual Look, which he wears to meet guests outside of his house (usually the first 30-60 minutes after park opening). Once Mickey heads inside for photos, he returns to his more traditional look with the black tuxedo jacket or sometimes a specialty outfit.
Toontown Casual Mickey Bound:
*Mickey’s shoes are yellow, but I adjusted the bound based on my inventory of shoes and how many I can pack in my suitcase
This little land was a highlight of the trip; I found myself being drawn back to visit it multiple times during the vacation. From meeting Mickey, walking through some of my favorite characters’ homes, and riding Chip’ n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster, it made me feel like a kid experiencing the magic of Disney for the first time.
While this was my first visit to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, it definitely won’t be my last! The happiest place on earth truly lives up to its name, and new magical memories were made. In fact, I’m already daydreaming of my next trip. 😉
~Kelly
While the weather outside is currently hot and humid, it won’t be long before the summer days fade, Halloween flies past like a witch on a broomstick, and we enter the festive season. In fact, there are only 22 Saturdays before Christmas, which means there are only 15 weeks until Walt Disney World begins its most magical time of the year and starts its holiday celebrations.
So, while it’s too early to start roasting chestnuts on the open fire, it’s NEVER too early to start talking about my favorite holiday snack – gingerbread, and all the ways it’s featured at WDW.
Cookies and Beverages:
During the festive season gingerbread cookies can be found in multiple bakeries, booths, and restaurants. From ones that are Mickey-shaped with the ears dipped in chocolate, to gluten-free options and more, there tends to always be a gingerbread snack close by.
For guests attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, one of the cookie stations will have a gingerbread cookie.
In EPCOT, as part of the Festival of the Holidays, some booths offer gingerbread cookies, milkshakes, and last year, the American Adventure even had a gingerbread funnel cake.
Your sweet tooth cravings are sure to be satisfied with the array of gingerbread-themed snacks that can be found in the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs.
Scents:
In 2024, one of the featured scents in the Festive Fragrances area of Epcot was Ginger Cookie Crunch, and it smelled scrumptious!
With gingerbread being synonymous with the holidays, I’m hopeful that this sweet aroma will return to fill the air in 2025.
Pins and Merch:
From gingerbread style pins to plush versions of our favorite characters with their own plush gingerbread treat, gingerbread-themed merchandise can be found throughout WDW during the holiday season.
Adorable Dancing Gingerbread Characters:
If you’re looking to snap a photo with life-size gingerbread characters or see them dancing in a parade, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party should be on your not-to-be-missed list.
Having the chance to pose for a photo with them makes for an adorable picture that you can use for a holiday card or frame and display as part of your holiday decorations.
Speaking of decorations, let’s jump to my absolute favorite gingerbread experiences at WDW during the holidays, and those are the gingerbread displays!
Be it a House, Carousel, or Castle – These Sweets Make Decadent Displays:
For years, guests have hopped from one resort to the next to see gingerbread displays constructed by phenomenally talented Cast Members. Arguably, the most famous one is the life-size gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian.
In 2024, it celebrated its 25th anniversary, and while it continues to draw large crowds, a change is happening for this year. The iconic Grand Floridian Gingerbread House will not be part of the 2025 holiday season.
The ongoing lobby refurbishment at Disney’s Grand Floridian is expected to extend into late November, which overlaps with when the house would be constructed and on display for guests. As a result, the house will not be occurring this year. But I DO believe that we’ll see other gingerbread displays at the resort. Disney has not confirmed, but my guess is that we’ll see smaller versions of houses throughout the resort, similar to the Grand Floridian’s Easter Egg display.
While I look forward to the return of the life-size gingerbread house in 2026, there’s still plenty of gorgeous gingerbread displays to see at other resorts such as the gingerbread carousel at Disney’s Beach Club Resort and the gingerbread boardwalk at Disney’s Boardwalk.
The carousel takes up the main section of Beach Club’s lobby and is a spectacular sight to see with the horses rotating!
So, there you have it. While we’re still technically months away from mistletoe, we’ve already gotten a jump on our festive planning by unwrapping all of the sweet spots to find gingerbread treats. Be it a cookie or a carousel, there’ll be plenty of sugar, spice, and everything nice to look forward to this festive season.
~Kelly
Hands down, one of the best ways to meet characters during a Disney vacation is character dining!
Rather than spending time waiting in line, these characters visit your table and meet you throughout your meal. You get to focus on enjoying time with family and friends while characters rotate throughout the restaurant and stop by to see you.
One of the most popular and best character dining experiences at Walt Disney World is breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace.
Located on the 10th floor of Disney’s Riviera Resort, it offers stunning views of Walt Disney World.
Cast Members encourage guests to venture onto the restaurant’s balcony after their meal and see the pools, Skyliner, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and nearby resorts from an elevated viewpoint.
The restaurant’s walls of windows fill the room with sunshine, and the simple yet refined table setting showcases a touch of elegance without being stuffy.
Once seated, guests are given a postcard with a drawing of the characters in their artists’ outfits on one side and their signatures on the other.
Naturally, I took this opportunity to bound as one of the characters and built my bound inspired by Poet Minnie.
Poet Minnie Bound:
One of the fun things about bounding is that it’s not just the character who inspired the bound who reacts to your bound, it’s all of the characters! From Daisy wanting to know why I wasn’t dressed as her, to Donald pointing back and forth between Minnie and me, bounding adds a layer of interaction with the characters that makes for great magical memories!
Unlike other character breakfasts served buffet-style, Topolino’s Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends includes a paint bucket of pastries for the table (see image below) and an entrée for each guest to select from the menu. I prefer this set-up as it ensures each plate is cooked to order and avoids the fear of being away from the table when a character comes by.
I ordered the Avocado and Smoked Salmon Toast, which came with a side of fruit. The meal was scrumptious!
Juices and coffee are included in the prix fixe price, yet if you’re looking for something more, there are plenty of choices; cocktails and specialty drinks are available for purchase. Currently, eligible Annual Passholders and DVC Members can receive a 10% discount by showing their membership cards to Cast Members.
I’ve mentioned how each character will stop by and visit during your meal, yet another cute element is the character dance that happens throughout your dining time, where the characters dance around the room. Diners are asked to remain seated during the song, and each character will rotate around the room, clapping and dancing. It’s a catchy tune, and you’ll likely end up singing “Bello, bello, cheer for one and all” for the rest of the day.
With every bite and every bound, breakfast at Topolino’s turns dining into a canvas of character-filled charm and should be on your list of things to do during your next Disney trip!
~Kelly
From the topiaries to the food, the 2025 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival has blossomed into one of the largest events at Walt Disney World, packed full of beautiful sights, scrumptious bites, and an excellent opportunity to plan a bound that blooms with festival flair.
With Orange Bird being one of the unofficial festival mascots, it was the perfect time to build an Orange Bird bound.
Orange Bird Bound:
– Orange overalls
– Yellow t-shirt
– Green wristbands
– Yellow wristband
– Green hair scrunchie
– White sunglasses
– White shoes
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– Orange Bird-themed Mickey ears
If you’re looking for delectable small plates of food or sips of seasonal beverages, there are more than 20 Outdoor Kitchens for the festival, all of which are focused on the flavors of Spring.
One of my favorite bites from this year is the Chicken and Waffles at The Honey Bee-stro. The honey-jalapeno-bacon cornbread used for the waffle batter is delicious!
Another highly recommended suggestion is to stop in at the Citrus Blossom for the Lemon Tart and the Orange-Lemon Smoothie. The smoothie is served in a souvenir Orange Bird sipper or can be purchased at a reduced price for just the drink in a plastic cup.
Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration Scavenger Hunt has returned for another year, offering guests the chance to spot Spike throughout the park while he’s collecting nectar and being the usual busy-bee that he is. There’s the Garden Rocks Concert Series, and outdoor play areas for younger guests to enjoy at Playalong Bay and Camp Get Out ‘N’ Play Garden.
Yet, the two festival offerings I enjoy the most are the topiaries and the butterfly house.
Opened each day until dusk, the festival’s Butterfly Landing offers guests the opportunity to walk through a butterfly environment, learn about their life cycles and ideal habitats, all while being surrounded by these beautiful and delicate creatures as they flap their wings and seemingly float from one flower to the next. This is a festival highlight for me because it reminds me to slow down and see the magic in everyday life. Some people may rush through the exhibit, eager to get to the next Outdoor Kitchen or concert, but I prefer to step off to the side and watch the butterflies dance.
No trip to the festival would be complete without strolling around EPCOT and seeing the topiaries.
The talent Disney Cast Members have in creating them is remarkable. The topiaries are living works of art, and I LOVE spending an afternoon strolling around to discover each of them.
Between the blossoms, the bites, and the butterflies, EPCOT’s Flower & Garden Festival is full of color, creativity, and springtime bounding.
~Kelly
I grew up playing Super Mario Bros. video games, so stepping into a world of question blocks, pipes with plants, and coins twirling in the sky was a moment that had me jumping with joy like I just found a hidden 1-Up.
I traveled through a green warp pipe into Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood and was surrounded by the colorful and whimsical world that Mario, Luigi, and all the gang live in.
Just like the little girl I was who sat on the floor for hours in front of a tube TV to play these games as a kid, I selected Luigi as the character I wanted to highlight during my visit. So, I built a Luigi-inspired character bound.
Luigi Bound:
Having opened on February 17th 2023, Super Nintendo World continues to be a popular choice for guests and can be one of the busiest places in the park.
Universal Studios Hollywood offers a Super Nintendo World add-on ticket for $20 (a general admission ticket is also required), which allows you to enter the land one hour before the park opens to the public. Seeing the crowd level increase after the first hour certainly made the extra $20 a worthwhile expense.
A bonus if your trip lands on a rainy day, crowd levels are lower than usual, and it gave those of us who braved the gloomy weather the chance to walk on the rides with little to no wait times.
Even the “caution wet floor” signs are themed as banana peels that someone has tossed; adorable!
Located within the world is Toadstool Café, offering tasty options to help power up your energy as you jump between rides, character meet and greets, and interactive games.
But by far, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is the main attraction to the world, which will have you shouting, “Wahoo!”
After years of practicing your racing skills on screen, you get to don a Mario visor and put your driving and turtle shell shooting skills to the test. But be warned that you can run out quickly if you shoot the shells too early.
From a kid who used to imagine which Mushroom Kingdom land I’d live in; Super Nintendo World does not disappoint. It is a piece of childhood brought to life and a lot of fun – oh yeah!
~Kelly
Tomorrow is our shop’s first anniversary, making today a good time to reflect on the journey that’s been these past 365 days.
As I look back, the thought that repeatedly appears in my mind is how grateful I am to the amazing people I’ve met. Your stories and experiences have been the cornerstone of TheCB.Co’s growth and I cherish the moments we’ve shared.
Whether it was a conversation after meeting you in a theme park, at an Expo, or a comment on our socials, hearing how our accessories have added a flourish of magic to your bounds sparks joy and invigorates us to keep going. Your feedback strengthens the connection we share for our love of character-inspired fashion.
This year has been a year of firsts and WOW, they are powerful memories! Watching the site go live, receiving our first order, getting tagged in other people’s social media posts which included our accessories, fellow small business owners happily sharing their knowledge, seeing content creators build fantastic videos featuring our boxes, witnessing a person wearing our accessories in Magic Kingdom, meet-ups with fellow bounders, and so many more magical memories that make me smile. It was a massive year; these moments and many others are looked back on with admiration.
That’s not to say that this past year hasn’t been without its share of challenges.
A brand-new business trying to make its mark in the world is hard. The internet is packed with companies inundating people with advertisements, and, to be honest, there were moments when I felt like this small business was a tree lost within the forest. Yet we kept pushing and learning, and we keep growing as we strive to be a company that connects with its community while delivering quality items for you to wrap yourself in a story.
Another hurdle is nerves. In the past year, there have been times when nerves have caused me to stumble over my words. I chuckled, reset, and tried again.
Opening this business and putting my dream out on display for everyone to see was both exciting and daunting. Each hurdle has been and will continue to be a learning experience that shapes TheCB.Co into a more resilient, imaginative, and driven company.
Looking ahead, I see days filled with excitement, and I can’t wait to share the next chapter with you.
Thank you for being an integral part of our story.
Here’s to many more years of creativity, connection, and character bounding adventures together!
~Kelly
This week, as the piles of snow melt and signs of Spring have started to appear, I’m reminded that it’s not long before the Dapper Day event arrives at Walt Disney World.
With the dates set for Saturday April 26th at Epcot and Sunday April 27th at Magic Kingdom, it means it’s time to start preparing your refined style. So here are five things to remember when curating your outfits;
Each person’s definition of “dapper” varies, so when building your outfit, choose something that makes you happy. It might be a style from a previous decade, but it doesn’t have to be.
As many of you know, I LOVE bounding, so my Dapper outfits tend to be bounds. Having attended the Spring and Fall Dapper events in 2024, I saw many people bounding and loving a chance to do both simultaneously. My favorite outfit from last year’s Fall Dapper Day was Dapper Elsa, which I wore to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Dapper Elsa Bound:
Paired with the accessories from our Ice Queen Bounding Box
It’s worth repeating; while I love it, bounding is it’s not a requirement. Your outfit, your rules, so have fun with it.
Florida’s weather is notorious for changing quickly, so be prepared for sun, rain, wind, or all of the above on the same day. When planning your outfit, I recommend building based on layers, so if Epcot is hotter than the sun’s surface, your outfit has a short-sleeve option, and you’re not stuck wearing a thick, heavy cardigan.
These fantastic Cast Members are found throughout the parks and are more than willing to help capture that perfect photo with you. They’ll use their professional camera and/or your phone to take the shots (whichever you prefer). Be sure to tap into their talents and snag a photo or two of you in your dapper best.
A lot of work goes into organizing these events, and while I don’t know them personally, I’m incredibly thankful for the people who have created this community. They provide an environment for all of us to meet new friends and step out in style. If it weren’t for their labor of love, Dapper Day weekends would not exist. I encourage you to take a minute to read through the Dapper Day Story and browse through the beautiful selection of pins, parasols, and clothing in their Dapper Day store
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Never have I ever met a more welcoming group of Disney Adults. I’d be lying if I said I don’t get nervous walking towards Dapper Day meet-ups on my own, but that feeling has always been quickly replaced by people welcoming me and us chatting about the fantastic outfits they’re wearing. Don’t let your nerves hold you back, these events can be times to meet genuinely amazing people who quickly go from strangers to friends.
Whether you choose a scarf, a cloche hat, a beautifully embellished parasol, or something else that fits your vision of refined style, I hope to see you smiling at WDW’s Spring Dapper Day weekend.
~Kelly
I’ve always said that a RunDisney event is about more than just running; from the extravagant expo, the characters, the pre-race entertainment, and the on-course cheer stations there’s a lot happening that can attract runners of all experience levels to lace up their shoes and head out with thousands of others for an energy-packed morning.
This blog tells the tale of the other side of a RunDisney weekend, the story of a relaxing and rejuvenating event – early morning yoga in a Walt Disney World theme park! As part of the 2024 Springtime Surprise race weekend, I participated in the Early Morning Yoga, and I have to say it was a phenomenal experience!
For the 2025 Princess Half-Marathon weekend, yoga is offered on the Monday morning after the races are complete, while in comparison the 2025 Springtime Surprise Weekend has yoga on the Thursday morning before the running begins. So, whether it be a way to prepare for the weekend or recover after running those magical miles, the experience is one that I recommend.
This separate ticketed event is priced at $122 for the 2025 events and can be purchased by anyone; you do not have to run in one of the races to be eligible to buy this ticket. So, if you’re traveling with family or friends who don’t want to run, each of you can buy tickets to this event and experience it together.
As I never miss an opportunity to bound, I decided to do an Elsa inspired yoga bound.
Ice Queen – Bound Details:
Paired with the accessories from our Ice Queen Bounding Box
Like all other RunDisney events, free transportation for the event is available to and from your resort – look for the signs leading you to the pick-up spots. There are also signs in the lobby with the details, or you could speak with a Cast Member at the front desk if you have any questions.
Arriving at Disney’s Hollywood Studios before sunrise and seeing Hollywood Boulevard covered in yoga mats was beautiful. Cast Members walked the crowd down the road in an orderly fashion and allowed you to pick any available mat in the area to be yours.
As it wouldn’t be Disney without characters, we were greeted on our way to the mats by characters waving at us in the park. They also came on the main stage after the instructional yoga class was done.
Bonus: you get to keep the RunDisney yoga mat after the class. It rolls up and easily fits within a large suitcase if you fly home after your Walt Disney World trip.
Now, if you’re like me and worried that your yoga experience is not up to par with the participants around you, you have nothing to fear. Once we selected our mats, there was time to chat with the people around us before the class began and my worries vanished as I listened to how supportive and encouraging the fellow participants were. We talked about their previous RunDisney races, other running events, and all things Disney, and by the time the instructors walked onstage, it felt like friends surrounded me – the energy in the air was supportive and encouraging, not judgemental or negative.
There were numerous small stages throughout the street (not just at the very front) so that no matter where you were located, you’d have an easy view to see the moves being demonstrated.
Near the end of the one-hour session, we had a few moments of lying on mats, looking up at the sky, and reflecting on our thoughts. I was in awe as I looked up at the sky and heard how silent the park was. A place that, in only a few hours, would open to the public and buzz with people was currently so quiet; it felt magical to me. We were also treated to a surprise; Cast Members had arranged for us to have an early morning viewing of Disney Movie Magic – where projections lit up the walls of the façade of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and fireworks sent bursts of color into the sky. As I looked around at my fellow participants, and each of us had smiles on our faces – it was a rare opportunity that felt exclusive, and once again, I felt like there was magic in the air.
During this 2025 Walt Disney World RunDisney season, if you’re looking to be surrounded by magic, I highly suggest taking off those running shoes, stretching out on a mat, and trying your best Warrior II pose at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – it’s a morning unlike any other that I’ve experienced at WDW, and I LOVED it!
~Kelly
You may have heard whispers about it when you’ve been standing in line for a Walt Disney World attraction, or seen a group of people in themed-shirts that had it listed as their goal, and if you’ve looking for a way to test your Disney endurance, I recommend trying the 4 Parks 1 Day Challenge!
Each park visit must include the following:
Other Rules:
*Any paid Individual Lightning Lanes are BONUS attractions and do not count towards the challenge
On Monday December 9th 2024, I tackled this challenge. I had consulted crowd calendars and all of them listed the day as a high crowd level (levels 7 or 8 out of 10 on different calendars). Knowing that it was going to be busy, only added to my motivation of finding out whether this goal was possible.
The day started with breakfast in my room at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and & Spa. I packed my park bag and headed out the door. I was on the bus at 7:03am headed to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and the challenge had officially begun.
– entered the park at 7:32am
As a guest staying at a WDW resort, I utilized Early Entry and was able to get into the park 30 minutes before it officially opened (the park opened at 8:00am that day, and WDW resort guests were allowed in at 7:30am).
I got in line for Flight of Passage at 7:38am; a Cast Member said the wait time would be 50 minutes, and I was done the ride by 8:43am. The benefit of Early Entry allowed me to get to one of the busiest attractions first thing in the morning, and by the time I exited the attraction, the wait time was listed as 110 minutes.
Ride #1: Avatar Flight of Passage
Ride #2: Kilimanjaro Safaris
This attraction is one of my favorites at Animal Kingdom and on my “not-to-be missed” list, yet it did end up costing me an extra 40 minutes due to giraffes and ostriches’ blocking the roads and delaying the trucks.
When I exited the Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest was closed, so I flipped my plan and went for a snack. By the time I was done eating the ice cream sandwich, Everest was back up and running, and the wait time was less than 10 minutes!
Snack: Mickey Ice Cream Sandwich
Ride #3: Expedition Everest
Photo: Across the Water from the Tree of Life
Park 1 Complete – exited the park at 11:09am
I must have had a bit of pixie dust sprinkled on me, because the bus to Disney’s Hollywood Studios was already waiting at the bus stop, so I hoped on and away we went!
– entered the park at 11:36am
Ride #4: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Ride #5: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Unexpected Experience: Character Experience with Olaf
When walking past Celebrity Spotlight the wait time to meet Olaf was only 15 minutes so I jumped in line and spent a few moments with my favorite snowman.
Ride #6: Alien Swirling Saucers
Lunch: Totchos
Photo: On Hollywood Blvd
Park 2 Complete – exited the park at 2:57pm
Both Rock ‘n” Roller Coaster and Alien Swirling Saucers had technical difficulties once I was in their lines, and the wait times for those rides ended up being longer than posted. As I waited in the lines, I was reminded that this is part of the challenge. You never know what’s going to happen, so even when we plan, we have to adjust, replan, and continue on with the challenge.
I also took time to sit-down and enjoy my Totchos lunch. This mid-day break was a perfect moment to soak in the atmosphere of a Disney Park (something I LOVE doing), by listening to the music, and enjoying the moment. After all, this was a Monday afternoon, and I was in a park, eating Totchos and having a great day.
As I exited Hollywood Studios, I had transportation options for the Skyliner or a boat to Epcot. As I gazed towards the water, I saw that the boat was pulling into the dock and that made my decision for me. A relaxing boat ride to Epcot was how I choose to move from Park #2 to Park #3.
– entered the park at 3:24pm
Bonus: Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind (GOTG)
This was an individual Lightning Lane I had purchased that morning as a treat for myself. GOTG is my absolute favorite ride, and with this being the last day of my trip, I decided it was worth pausing the challenge so I could have one more chance to save the galaxy.
I got row #1, and the song was I Ran by Flock of Seagulls. I managed to save the galaxy, and then it was time to jump back into the 4 Parks 1 Day Challenge.
Ride #7: Living With the Land
Ride #8: Journey Into Imagination With Figment
Photo: In front of the Te Fiti topiary at Journey of Water – Inspired by Moana
Snack: Kālua Pork with Okinawa sweet potatoes and mango salad from the Mele Kalikimaka Festival of the Holidays Booth
Another Snack: Cinnamon-spiced Chocolate Crinkle Cookie from the Nochebuena Cocina Festival of the Holidays Booth
I encountered another delay when Spaceship Earth also went down for maintenance while I was in line, so new plan – head over to the seas and help to find Nemo.
Ride #9: The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Park #3 Complete – exited the park at 6:41pm
Taking the monorail from Epcot to the Transportation and Ticket Centre, I switched tracks and was headed to my fourth, final, and favorite park – Magic Kingdom!
– entered the park at 7:13pm
This park was by far the busiest out of the four theme parks! Main Street was packed with guests waiting for the fireworks and Cast Members were ushering us behind the Main Street shops in order to access other areas of the park. I was walking shoulder to shoulder with guests all the way until Tomorrowland before the crowd levels eased and I had room to stroll at my usual pace.
Ride #10: Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid
Ride #11: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Ride #12: Pirates of the Caribbean
Unexpected Experience: Caught a Few Minutes of the Happily Ever After Fireworks While in Adventureland
Snack: DOLE Whip Orange Cup
This is one of my favorite treats to get at Disney and after a long day, I had the biggest smile on my face when eating it.
As I devoured the Orange Cup, I headed to City Hall to get a celebration button. I only had one item left in the challenge and I wanted to button to be part of the photo.
Photo: In Front of Cinderella Castle with my 4 Parks 1 Day Celebration Button
Park #4 Complete – The final task of this challenge was completed at 8:55pm
Would I do the challenge again? ABSOLUTELY!
This was a long day but also a really fun day.
Are there ways I could have made this day shorter? Yes. I could have chosen attractions with shorter wait times or shorter running times, and I could have cut down on the time between each activity. BUT these attractions are ones that I like, and being in the moment to enjoy the parks is one the things I LOVE doing at WDW. To me, the time I spent slowing down to have a relaxing lunch, enjoy an extra snack, looking in the shops and at the holiday decorations is part of what made this challenge so fun. If I had to cut out the relaxation time, or choose attractions based solely on their wait time, it would have been a shorter day, but I would have missed out on some of the magic.
The 4 Parks 1 Day Challenge added up to 31,479 steps, 12 rides, 5 snacks/meals, 4 parks, 3 modes of Disney Transportation, 2 unexpected experiences, and countless Magical Memories.
The wonder and enchantment of this challenge were unforgettable – I recommend you give it a try!
~Kelly
