Finding Nemo: The Musical – Some in my own family would not agree with me on this choice, but I find this Animal Kingdom show fascinating, unique, and catchy. And my wife and boys would all agree that the more they see this visually appealing spectacle the more it grows on them. The singing is well-done, and the costumes, props, and sets are all top-notch Broadway quality. We all leave the theater and find ourselves singing the songs for the next several days.
March of the First Order & Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away – For Star Wars fans, both of these Hollywood Studios features are MUST-SEE highlights. You may only need to see each of these once, but you MUST see these! Seeing the storm troopers march through the Studios can give you chills and provides for great picture opportunities. The “Galaxy” show is fun and everyone loves seeing C3-PO, Darth Vader, R2-D2, Darth Maul, and so many others.
- Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter Resorts – The Grand Floridian, Contemporary, and Polynesian get all the headlines, but both Port Orleans Resorts hit the ball out of the park. Riverside is a larger sprawling complex with old-fashioned southern charm, while the French Quarter is smaller with a New Orleans vibe. I love Riverside’s pool area and lush vegetation, but I also enjoy the quaint, fun ambience of the French Quarter and, of course, the beignets. You must try those airy, round-mounds of dough and powdered sugar! You will not be disappointed in either resort and you can save money bypassing the Deluxe price tags.
- American Adventure/Hall of Presidents – I love the thrills of the Rockin-Rollercoaster and am enamored by the Haunted Mansion, but there is something that overtakes me when I step foot in both Epcot’s American Adventure and Magic Kingdom’s Hall of Presidents, which I believe is called patriotism. I am well aware that no country is perfect, including the USA, but in spite of its faults, I would not want to be a citizen anywhere else. I love America, its freedoms and its possibilities. Both of these shows exhibit an honest but respectful overview of the United States, one more history related and the other obviously details the presidency, but both are great. Even my 5th grade son was slightly interested because he was memorizing the presidents in school and could now see them “live,” well at least their animatronic twins!
- Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival – My family happened upon this Epcot attraction because we were looking for something to do after Test Track and Soarin and wondered what happened with the former “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience” venue. To our pleasant surprise, we found ourselves enjoying three short videos produced by either Disney or Pixar. The shows do change periodically, so head on back and check it out. I do think you’ll find it well-written, creative, and full of humor!
Maharajah Jungle Trek – While the rest of the thousands of Animal Kingdom attendees are heading for Flight of Passage or Expedition Everest, I would suggest getting fast passes for those highlights and instead head to the underrated Maharajah Jungle Trek. Around the opening of the park, cast members responsible for the tiger enclosures begin to feed the big cats. If you want an entertaining exhibit, be there for their breakfast. There you will see large chunks of meat are thrown into the enclosure, but only after the tigers obey a few commands. Besides the tigers, there are plenty of other animals and birds to enjoy.
- Coral Reef/Coral Reefs Aquarium – There is plenty of great cuisine around Walt Disney World, but a place that is often overlooked is Epcot’s Coral Reef. I do not even like seafood, but I do enjoy their steak and I love the ambience. Diners are surrounded by massive aquarium windows with an array of fish and maybe even a human diver or two. Our boys, ages 11, 14, and 17, all enjoy this dining experience.
Up! A Great Bird Adventure – My family ventured into this attraction because I wanted to see this new show, much to the dismay of my three boys. However, my family changed its tune in less than five minutes. The bird handlers were funny and the birds themselves were quite impressive with their tricks. You will enjoy every minute of the show!
Epcot Entertainers – Each country around the lake is unique in its experience dining, and entertainment. I want to highlight four country’s performers as especially enjoyable. First, the Voices of Liberty at the American Adventure are very good at what they do – sing. Their patriotic choices are perfectly harmonized and fun with which to sing along. Over in France, Serveur Amusant provides 15-minute shows of acrobatics and humor with some very impressive balancing acts outside the French pavilion. As you embark on a visit to Italy, please find out when Sergio is performing. He puts on a very entertaining old-fashioned mime act with lots of juggling and whistling, but enjoyable for all. In my opinion, China’s Jeweled Dragon Acrobats takes the cake. This group of extremely athletic youngsters give audiences an awe-inspiring show of dancing, jumping, acrobats, and balancing that will give people of all ages an amusing and pleasurable experience.
- DiVine – The best kept secret in all of Walt Disney World is a tall, leafy, silent character that randomly appears around the Animal Kingdom. I do not know of too many people who have had the privilege of meeting her. You need to! We decided to hunt her down on our last trip to Orlando and my entire family was not disappointed! Here is the key – ask a Disney employee for the day’s location and time of appearance. She spends about 15 minutes coming in and out of the vegetation, but she only appears twice a day. In my family’s opinion, this is a must-see!
