Is it your first time going to Walt Disney World? Or are you traveling with some first timers? Then this post is for you! our first trip to Walt Disney World can feel overwhelming—with so much to see and do, it’s hard to know where to start! Continuing with the Not to Miss Series, I’m outlining the attractions and shows I think certain groups will want to experience. I’ve gone through what I believe to be Not to Miss for Little Ones, Thrill Seekers, the Classic Disney Fan, and Character Lovers.
I lay out where everything is by park, when is best to experience them and if you should use Fastpass+ (now called Lightning Lane). You can read about Fastpass+ here, (Lighning Lane post coming soon!) and My Disney Experience here. Walt Disney World is populated mostly by “once in a lifetime guests” so they target these guests. Because so many people only visit once, it’s important to get it right the first time! So, let’s get on with the list!
If you’re planning a Disney trip and want help navigating the details — including accessibility needs — I offer personalized vacation planning at no extra cost.
Updated June 2025: This post has been refreshed with the latest tips and recommendations for planning your first Walt Disney World trip in 2025.
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Magic Kingdom
“It’s a Small World”– I think this one is a right of passage. Yes the song can be annoying, but if you ride at night you can get away with a minimal wait so your don’t have to hear it for too long! Lightning Lane is available, but only needed if you are wanting to ride during the day, as the wait time can be longer.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad– conquer this and the next two and you’ve conquered the mountains of Magic Kingdom! Big Thunder is a mine train that got loose, keep an eye out for a goat and a dude in a bathtub! Ride during the first hour of the day or use Lightning Lane.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure- another one of the “mountains” of the Magic Kingdom and the newest attraction in this park! Great to cool off (but be warned- you might get soaked!), and over 10 minutes long!
Space Mountain– A rollercoaster in the dark makes me scream more than any other rollercoaster in WDW. With all the drops and turns, you never know what to expect (especially if you ride in the very front). Head there first thing in the morning or grab a Lightning Lane reservation to save time.
Dumbo the flying elephant– Even though it’s a kid’s ride, I think everyone needs to ride Dumbo at least once. Especially for your first time at Magic Kingdom. It’s very pretty at night, and there is minimal wait. If you are travelling with little ones, use Lightning Lane, or wait in line and experience the playground in the line!
Haunted Mansion– I love this ride! head into the Haunted Mansion to see 999 happy haunts, but there is always room for one more! The line for this usually isn’t long, but Lightning Lane is available. Check the My Disney Experience App to see when the wait time is short and head over!
Pirates of the Caribbean– Dead men tell no tales! Keep an eye out for Captain Jack Sparrow, and see the trouble pirates get into! Lightning Lane is available but generally not needed. This one is definitely a Disney classic.
Seven Dwarves Mine Train– Still one of the longest lines in the park! Lightning Lane Singe Pass is potentially worth it if you really want to ride it, otherwise I’d recommend riding first thing after park opening, or later at night.
Happily Ever After– One of the best firework shows I’ve ever seen! The music and the projections on Cinderella are just SO good.
Festival of Fantasy Parade– depending on the length of your stay, you may or may not want to watch the parade. Parades are a great time to experience attractions with minimal wait time, but Festival of Fantasy is the newest Walt Disney World parade, and it’s pretty awesome.
Coming in July 2025- Disney Starlight! A nighttime parade is finally coming back to Magic Kingdom July 20th, 2025.
Epcot
Spaceship Earth– Head inside the geodesic sphere and the icon of Epcot! This attraction is slow-moving and very nice on a hot Florida day. Because it is the first attraction you see in the park, the line can be hit or miss. Use Lightning Lane if needed, or use the My Disney Experience app and head over when the wait is short. The ride is constantly loading, so the line generally moves pretty fast.
Soarin’ Around the World– Soarin’ is a great ride, definitely an attraction not to miss. Lightning Lane strongly recommended.
Test Track– (currently down for refurbishment but reopening on July 22nd!) Design your car and put it to the test! Ride first thing in the morning for minimal wait, or use Lightning Lane. I love doing this one a few times, so everyone in your party can have a chance designing their own car. It is fun to see how different they turn out!
World Showcase– while not technically an attraction, World Showcase really shoes what Epcot is about. With performances happening at the different countries throughout the day, it is a great place to wander and take in all the details. If you are looking to experience attractions (which I didn’t include because it depends on the time you have, there is a ride in Mexico, and shows in Canada, China, and France.)
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Rock n’ Rollecoaster– the only upside- down rollercoaster in WDW, this coaster is definitely a not to miss for thrill seekers. Ride first thing in the morning, or use the single rider line (your party WILL get split up) to avoid a long wait time. If you want to ride during the day, use Lightning Lane.
Tower of Terror- this one keeps you guessing, as the ride sequences are randomized! I love the detail in the queue, and the surprise of the ride! Just when you think it’s over, you go back up! Head there first thing in the morning or grab a Lightning Lane reservation to save time in line.
Toy Story Midway Mania– You will probably want to do this one more than once, just a warning! Play some of your favourite carnival games, with 3D technology, all while sitting down! Ride this one first thing, or at night during Extra Magic Hours (more about that here) for minimal wait, or use Lightning Lane.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance– Probably the best ride currently in Walt Disney World. Even if you aren’t a Star Wars fan, the size, scale, and detail on this ride is amazing. It’s so immersive and truly and experience. I would recommend purchasing a Lightning Lane for this and it would 100% be worth it.
Fantasmic!- I love Fantasmic so much it was my ringtone. This show takes place in a huge amphitheatre and has some of your favourite Disney characters in the show. I recommend using Lightning Lane for this as the regular seating section is quite small, and fills up quickly.
Animal Kingdom
Kilimanjaro Safaris- This safari really makes you feel like you are in Africa! Use Lightning Lane to experience it at certain times of day if you wish, but it is not needed.
Expedition Everest- the big rollercoaster in Animal Kingdom has a crazy amount of detail. Ride first thing in the morning for minimal wait, and ride it a few times! Lightning Lane is available if you cannot make it to the park for opening, Watch out for the Yeti!
The Tree of Life– while it’s not an attraction, I would spend some time taking a good look at it! It’s amazing how many animals you can see and the level of detail. I swear I find a new animal every time I look at it!
Flight of Passage– I think if it’s your first time at Walt Disney World, you should try to see all of the lands even if you aren’t riding everything, so definitely take a walk through Pandora: The World of Avatar! The more adventurous ride is Flight of Passage, which is kind of like Soarin,’ but dare I say even better? You are riding a banshee (that you can feel breathing) through Pandora. The views, the music, it’s all really impressive!
I hope you enjoyed taking a look at what I think is not to miss at Walt Disney World for first timers! Check out this post if you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation, it lays everything out for you! Or if you’d like help planning your Walt Disney World vacation, you can get a free quote here!
If you’ve been to Walt Disney World, what would you do your first time if you could go back? What did you do on your first trip? Let me know in the comments!
Thank you so much for reading!
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