Get To Know Us From Our Walt Disney World Favorites
Hello, travelers!
Disney has been a big part of our lives. Growing up, we both fell in love with the animated movies and the Disney Channel. After going to Walt Disney World for the first time, we knew that it is something that would be a lifelong love. The Disney Parks do a great job of making you feel like you are truly transported, whether it is to another country at any of the pavilions at EPCOT, another time like the Victorian Era at the Grand Floridian Resort, or even another universe like Batuu in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. No matter what is going on in your life, once you step into a Disney Park, you can leave everything at the gate and step into adventure, fantasy, and tomorrow (okay that's cheesy, but you get the point).
We had the idea of getting to know us through our favorite things at Walt Disney World. You can agree or disagree with us, but we feel like you can really know a lot about a person based on their Disney preferences. We also have different points of views and perspectives on Disney: Ryan is a former Cast Member, spending 4 years being with the company, where Lillian has been a frequent visitor of the parks.
We have a version of this on our Disneyland page, so make sure you check it out after reading this!
Favorite WDW Park
Ryan: EPCOT
EPCOT has been my favorite park ever since I started going to Walt Disney World. Every time I scan my Magicband at the gate and walk past Spaceship Earth, I get a wave of nostalgia from all the memories I’ve had there. I believe it has the best food of any park (I know, Animal Kingdom fans, but I’m standing with my decision), and you will see later in this post that my favorite Walt Disney World Snack is found here. I also really appreciate the informational aspect of EPCOT too. When I was in middle school, I begged my parents to sign up for the “Behind the Seeds” Tour at the Land Pavillion. I still remember every fact and have to say them as I enter the greenhouse on the Living With the Land ride. (Did you know that ladybugs are natural pesticides and Disney scientists use them to prey on other harmful insects on their crops?)
Lastly, EPCOT has some of the best attractions. Let’s just start with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. That’s it . . . point made. Jokes aside, EPCOT’s attractions are some of my favorites, including Soarin, Remy’s, LIVING WITH THE LAND, and more. So many memories; I could go on and on about how much I love EPCOT! It will always be my favorite Walt Disney World Park.
Lillian: Hollywood Studios
I can be quite the adrenaline junkie at theme parks, and that’s why I always look forward to Hollywood Studios the most on a Disney trip. I know that certain rides at the other parks are iconic (Pirates will always have a special place in my heart . . . I can smell the water if I think hard enough) but Hollywood Studios stands out to me in terms of thrill rides and immersive attractions. I realize I might be biased with this take as my favorite ride, nighttime show, and sit down restaurant are featured there (I’ll get to these later). But, I think I’m right in saying that there are experiences for everyone to enjoy, whether that’s the Star Wars galaxy, Toy Story Land, or the glamour and charm of old Hollywood. While I don’t have many childhood memories associated with this park like Ryan does with EPCOT, I’ve loved making memories the last couple of years at Hollywood Studios, and can’t wait to make more.
Favorite WDW Attraction
Ryan: The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover at Magic Kingdom
Okay, I know what you’re thinking: the peoplemover? Seriously? YES! I am being SO serious about the peoplemover being my favorite, and here’s some reasons why it should be yours too. As soon as you step onto this attraction, you are whisked away above Tomorrowland to get the best views of Cinderella Castle and TRON Lightcycle / Run. You also get to relax, learn some history by seeing the original “Florida Project” model, and go through Space Mountain during the ten to fifteen minute runtime. The greatest thing about it is that if you have a pocket in your day to fill, the wait times are never long! The highest I’ve seen on this ride’s wait was thirty-five minutes, and that was on a very crowded summer day.
Lillian: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
I mentioned before that my favorite attraction in all the parks is at Hollywood Studios . . . so if you guessed the Tower of Terror, you’re right! Everything about this ride absolutely amazes me. For being built thirty-some years ago, the technology involved in moving the elevator cart, projecting the ghosts of the unlucky passengers, and moving the elevator up and down astounds me every time. Not to mention, the swanky, yet haunting, atmosphere is captivating (thanks, Imagineers!) and it’s hard to beat Rod Serling’s opening monologue. It is a ride that I will ride multiple times a day without thinking twice, and every time I go with someone who’s never been to Hollywood Studios, I make a point of riding it with them. The feeling of anticipation, excitement, and just a little dash of terror before the initial drop is unmatched!
Favorite WDW Resort
Ryan: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Warning: heavy bias ahead! I have a very special place in my heart for Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. After working about a year in the parks as a Disney World Cast Member, I needed a change, so I transferred to the resorts. I was insanely lucky to call the Grand my home for two and a half years. I love this resort for many reasons; there are two beautiful pools, spectacular views of Magic Kingdom fireworks and the Electrical Water Pageant, and some of the best food on property! I want to shout out 1900 Park Fare for having fun characters and The Enchanted Rose Lounge for giving us the Garden Daisy drink, but, I mean, Victoria & Albert’s Restaurant was named in the Michelin Food Guide, which is crazy for a theme park hotel. My favorite touch at the Grand? From around three in the afternoon to eight in the evening, there is a pianist who plays selections from various Disney movies, musicals, and even pop songs. This really captures the upscale essence of the resort! From the Victorian design, subtle Mary Poppins references, and luxury feel, you know you are getting the best treatment possible from Disney once you stay here.
Lillian: Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
There’s a little bit of a story with this one. My sister is twelve years older than me, and my cousins are right around her age, so by the time I was a young kid, my family had already done a lot of trips together and were slowing down. Vicariously, I would watch a ton of my family's vacations that my grandpa had filmed, and my favorite was their Walt Disney World trip. They stayed at Port Orleans Riverside, and I sat on the carpet and watched as my grandpa’s camera panned across the walking paths, zoomed in on the large water wheel, and captured my family grabbing breakfast at Boatwright’s. So, when I went to visit Ryan down in Orlando for the first time and he gave me options of Disney resorts, I, of course, picked Port Orleans Riverside. I could finally experience a Disney trip like my family had, and after staying there, I realized why they enjoyed it so much! It’s calm and relaxing, away from the hustle and bustle, and the rooms are very comfortable. And for a girl whose favorite Disney princess movie is Princess and the Frog, I loved the subtle bayou and Tiana references!
Favorite WDW Snack
Ryan: School Bread at the Norway Pavillion in EPCOT
I feel like this is a very common answer for a lot of Disney fans, and for good reason. This sweet treat found at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe in the Norway Pavillion is a staple snack at the park. If you are unfamiliar, School Bread is a sweet pastry filled with vanilla custard and topped with toasted coconut. You know this snack is good when a coconut hater like myself still loves it. It’s an easy “grab and go” that you can eat while walking if you have to make it to a lightning lane reservation. It also is pretty filling, so you can split it with your travel party if you want (or refuse to share because it is so good). This is a must-try snack at EPCOT, and all of Walt Disney World for that matter!
Lillian: French fries with pulled pork and cheese at Flame Tree Barbecue in Animal Kingdom
When I want a snack in the middle of the day, I tend to be more of a savory fan. If you follow AJ at Disney Food Blog, you probably have heard her rave about these fries and . . . she’s right. They are kind of to die for. I love a good loaded fry, and these at Flame Tree are the perfect combination of smoky barbecue and warm, cheesy goodness. They aren’t totally the most “grab and go” snack as they are pretty loaded and slightly messy, but to me, that’s okay! It forces me to sit and take a breather while eating, and the seating near Flame Tree is shaded and relaxing. Plus, if it’s too much for just you, they are the perfect sharable for you and friends to enjoy. To me, it’s a full package snack.
Favorite Mickey-Shaped Snack
Ryan: Mickey Beignet at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort
Again, I feel like this is another very popular pick, but for good reason. I swear, these beignets are made in heaven above and sent down to us mortals at the Scat Cat Lounge. They are Mickey-shaped bread pillows covered in a layer of powdered sugar and come with a choice of either chocolate or caramel sauce. They also have seasonal flavors like the spooky, cookies and cream beignets during Halloween season or the berry-flavored beignets for Valentine’s Day! These versatile delights have to be on your list for your next Walt Disney World Vacation.
Lillian: Mickey waffles
Call me basic: I don’t care! It is a must-do when I’m on a Walt Disney World trip to have a Mickey waffle at least once for breakfast. But Lillian, you’re saying, they’re just waffles shaped like Mickey. Well, yes. But they are light, fluffy, and just darn perfect every time. The divots in them that make Mickey’s face catch just the right amount of syrup, to the point that you can eat them with your hand and you won’t make a mess. Add some whipped cream, strawberries, and a glass of orange juice, and they are the perfect way to start a day at the most magical place on Earth.
Favorite WDW Table Service Restaurant
Ryan: Topolino’s Terrace- Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort
Resting atop the Riviera Resort, Topolino’s Terrace provides some of the best flavors on property. At breakfast, the vibes are fantastic, joyful, and light. They start you with a pastry basket as Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy dance around and meet guests! The characters are in their “Riviera” attire with Mickey as a painter, Minnie a poet, Donald a sculptor, and, of course, Daisy as a dancer. (Any time there is a Daisy meet and greet, I will be there!) When I went, I got the steak and eggs which were absolutely divine. For dinner, the space transforms into a dimly-lit upscale restaurant with great views of EPCOT and Hollywood Studios fireworks. One of my favorite appetizers on property, the riocatta, is a mound of ricotta cheese, basil infused olive oil, tangy tomato jam, and balsamic vinegar served with a baguette. I swear, the riocatta alone is an experience! Apart from the appetizers, Topolino’s makes all of their pasta in house, so it is very fresh. I highly recommend dining at this amazing restaurant. (Just a heads up: you will be paying a hefty price for the experience, both for breakfast and dinner services, as it is considered a signature restaurant.)
Lillian: Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land
Yet another reason Hollywood Studios is my favorite park! I know that there’s a lot of mixed reviews on this restaurant, but I remember absolutely loving my first experience at Roundup Rodeo BBQ. First of all, the theming, lighting, and artwork are off the charts and super immersive. Much like the rest of Toy Story Land, many of the objects are large in size, making you feel like a small figurine in Andy’s room. When it comes to the meal, it’s an “all you care to enjoy” restaurant with a fixed price and menu. I’m a person who can become paralyzed with indecision looking at a menu in a restaurant I’ve never been to, so personally, this is a massive relief! It’s also great if you’re with a group of people because everything is easily sharable. There’s delicious opening salads, incredible barbeque, many yummy sides, and cheddar biscuits with sweet pepper jelly that I dream about, they’re that good. Lastly, and most importantly, the best part of the restaurant is that you can play along when Andy is coming. Everyone in the restaurant, including the waitstaff, has to freeze as if they were a toy when Andy comes in the room. This happens at least twice during your meal, and it’s so fun to make goofy poses with your friends and waiter while you’re frozen!
Favorite Mode of Transportation
Ryan: Skyliner
This category was a tough one for me! There are five different types of transportation throughout Walt Disney World: Monorail, Skyliner, Ferry/Boats, Bus, and Tram. (I am not including Minnie Vans because that is a paid service.) But when it comes down to it, the skyliner is a gamechanger for many. It connects a DVC resort, moderate, and two value resorts together with two theme parks. This is a major perk to guests staying at these hotels and makes it very convenient for guests to get around the property. I also love the vibe and the views! The overhead speaker gives great fun facts about the resorts and parks around you, the views above the resort properties are very pretty, and it makes the perfect location for a photoshoot. I also love the privacy of the skyliner. Only during very busy times have I been placed with another family, so you usually get an entire gondola to yourself!
Lillian: Skyliner
I have to agree with Ryan on this one. He included all the practical reasons, but honestly, I prefer skyliners for purely aesthetic reasons. It’s such a unique way to travel from destination to destination, and I just adore the little chime that rings when the voice is about to talk on the overhead speaker. Also, the views are so pretty! Last year when I traveled to Walt Disney World to visit Ryan with his brother, we were leaving Epcot by skyliner, and it was truly magical to see the fireworks from up above.
Favorite Current Nighttime Spectacular
Ryan: Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom
If we were basing this on any nighttime spectacular ever, my answer would be Harmonious at EPCOT. I am still mad at the people who complained about the barges in the World Showcase Lagoon . . . just saying. That aside, Happily Ever After is my current favorite, and an absolute masterpiece. There is a reason why it came back to the park after being replaced during the pandemic. The vocals from Angie and Jordan Fisher are insane, the projections are amazing, and who doesn’t love seeing Tink fly? I had a very special moment my last week living in Florida watching this show as a Cast Member. I had dedicated four years of my life making magic, and watching Happily Ever After before I was about to leave impacted me greatly. I was surrounded by people who made my time there so special, and I will be forever thankful and glad I got to have that moment watching the fireworks.
Lillian: Fantasmic!
I know, I know, I love Hollywood Studios, it’s my favorite park, blah blah blah, but seriously! This is one of the main reasons, besides Tower of Terror, that it’s my favorite. Fantasmic! is a sight to behold. I grew up with parents involved in theater, my dad being a technical director and my mom running high school music and drama programs, and my first thought after I watched this for the first time was, “they need to see this.” The projections, the lights, the effects; everything is like seeing real magic before your eyes. The Moana segment always makes me so emotional, and I cheer like a fangirl when those sparks fly out of Mickey’s fingers. And, be honest, is there anything more quotable than “some imagination, huh?” I seriously doubt it!
Favorite WDW Memory Together
Ryan:
When Lillian and my brother came down to visit me in March 2025, we had a dinner reservation at Biergarten at EPCOT’s Germany Pavillion. It is important to note that my brother had gotten a very nice Canon digital camera that we had been using, and I was excited to take pictures at dinner. We ordered a beer flight to try, and I thought that there was an amazing photo opportunity there. I wanted to take an aesthetic photo of me holding a beer in front of the German flag. Great idea, right? Wrong. This was genuinely one of the worst photos I’ve taken. Since the flash was on and the Biergarten is already dim to begin with, this was the result:
I looked at the picture and immediately started laughing. When I showed Lillian and my brother, we all could not stop laughing, and it is one of those moments that I will remember forever. (And I promise, my photography skills have improved since!
Lillian:
When Ryan’s brother and I went to visit Ryan in March 2025, one evening we ate at Tusker House in Animal Kingdom. None of us had ever been, so we were excited to try all of the African fare and, most especially, see the characters dressed in their safari outfits. What we didn’t know was that since we had planned the reservation earlier in the evening, there weren’t as many people there, so characters stopped by our table quite a bit. Daisy was over at our table the most, and we were dying laughing as we gabbed and gossiped with her about Donald not being a good partner to her. We just loved stirring up drama with Miss Daisy! I still laugh thinking about how we hyped her up every time she came over to our table.
I hope you all got to know us a little better by seeing our Walt Disney World Favorites! There is so much to do at Walt Disney World, and all of the Disney Parks for that matter, and it can be very stressful trying to plan your trip. Our goal with having a dedicated page to Disney travel is to ease some of the worries of booking. We plan on providing helpful guides, handy tips and tricks, and definitive plans to help you get a better idea of what you need to accomplish on your next trip to Walt Disney World.
Magical wishes,