I have been thinking about this a lot recently because I go to the parks at least twice a week, and sometimes it feels like I’ve done everything possible at Walt Disney World. Most Disney goers tend to have an emotional connection to the parks, and those emotions are the main reason for the frequent visits. Going to the parks will never get old, but there is that fear that the magic may not feel the same if visited too often.
Recently I have been finding different ways to ensure that the magic never fades by making a list of all the things I’ve never done, aka a Disney bucket list; another method has been just showing up to the parks with no plans and doing experiences that I don’t do very often.
When making my list of things I’ve never done at Disney World, I broke it down by parks and resorts so that it would be easier to check off, but you can do this however makes the most sense to you. I went through the My Disney Experience app, scrolled through the list for each park, and wrote down the things I’ve never done or have no memory of doing because I was too young to remember. After writing my list, I gave myself a time period of when I’d like to complete it.
I am giving myself two years, which gives me more than enough time to enjoy each activity. I know that for most fans planning the trip is the most exciting part, but if you are a local or frequent visitor, I encourage you to try just showing up with no expectations. When showing up with no plans, it gives you the freedom to choose your own adventure.
For example, you could go into the park and decide you don’t want to ride any attractions but would rather walk and watch the crowds. I have been going into the parks without plans and partaking in my favorite hobby, people-watching and snacking. These activities bring me peace, allowing me to enjoy the magic that runs through the park.
Sometimes it’s good to go into the parks and do the attractions that you don’t normally do. I did this on my most recent trip to the Magic Kingdom, which made me feel refreshed. Doing this also gave me a new appreciation for attractions I would normally skip.
Making a Disney bucket list, going into the parks with no plans, or doing attractions you don’t usually do are three ways to keep the magic alive if you are a frequent visitor. Doing these three things has helped me find the magic and fun in the parks in the past few months.
As a local that visits the parks every week, it is essential to continue appreciating the parks and their cast members and trying new things. We must also keep the magic alive for others in the parks who may be experiencing it for the first time. Always remember this, the magic lives within us.
Hi, I'm Erica, and I write about all things Disney. Before working for The DIS, I was a theme park performer at SeaWorld, but I also performed at Disney. I have such an immense love for theme parks to the point I studied them in college.