It’s my birthday week! I turned 27 on Monday and I had a wonderful weekend celebrating my birthday. 26 was a great year, actually. I spent time with great people, succeeded at my former job, started a new (challenging, but fun) job, paid off some debts, and even did a little traveling. I’m not sure there’s much more I could’ve asked for.
I’m so grateful for the vacation I was able to take last Spring with my boyfriend – we spent a week in Orlando visiting Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. This was my first time visiting both parks and even though I thought (at 26) I was too old to enjoy visiting them, I was proven wrong. SO WRONG! I had such a blast and hope to return soon. I thought I’d share a list of my favorite attraction from each park.
AND – In honor of my birthday, I wanted to share something special with my readers – the chance to win a $500 Disney Gift Card!! Giveaway details below.
Hollywood Studios – Animation Academy
This attraction is a drawing class led by a Disney-trained artist who teaches guests how to sketch a Disney character. And you get to keep your artwork at the end of class which made for one of my favorite souvenirs. The teacher doesn’t draw the same thing every class, so I felt pretty lucky that she decided to cover Mickey during the class I attended. The attraction takes maybe 30 minutes and it’s a really fun (and relaxing) experience to watch Disney artwork come to life by the teacher. Sadly, this attraction closed July 2015. I’ve no idea why, but hopefully they offer alternative drawing classes.
Animal Kingdom – It’s Tough to be a Bug!
This was my favorite 3D film + live show of all at Disney World. To watch the show, you travel past the Tree of Life and go slightly underground (a little too dark for my iPhone to get photos!) through tunnels just like in the A Bug’s Life movie. The show is entertaining and full of surprises that interact with the crowd. I don’t want to say much more, because I’d hate to ruin the surprise. If you visit Animal Kingdom – this show is a must.
Epcot – Spaceship Earth
For this ride you actually get to enter the giant, iconic geosphere that is synonymous with Epcot. After you settle in your cart, you’re taken on a trip to explore the history of communications from the Stone Age to the computer age. It truly is an “educational” ride, but it’s fascinating and not at all boring. Plus, there’s a camera on your cart that snaps your photo for the video screen which led to the goofy shot above.
Magic Kingdom – Toy Story Midway Mania
This ride is worth the wait, and apparently it always has a wait. It’s not just a ride though, it’s a shooting game! You and your competition share a car and ride through a Toy Story themed gallery of carnival games to point and shoot at targets with laser guns. The car rotates and everything is in 4D. It’s a ride that seems to attract a crowd of all ages, and I think it’s because we all love a little competition.
What Disney attractions are your favorite? Do we share any? Let me know which rides or shows I should check out next time I visit WDW in the comments at the bottom of the post! And be sure to enter the giveaway below! (Read my last Disney article > 6 First-Time Visit Mistakes I Made at Disney)
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
Prize: $500 Disney Gift Card (can be used at any Disney park or store)
Co-hosts: Coupons and Freebies Mom // Sunny Sweet Days // Lipgloss & Crayons // Jenns Blah Blah Blog // Yes We Disney // Style On The Side // Peyton’s Momma // The Bewitchin’ Kitchen // Juggling Act Mama // Casey At // Peanut Butter and Whine // City Of Creative Dreams
Giveaway organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!
Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 2/29 and is open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email.
Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers!
Follow my Disney & Universal Studios Pinterest Board for more vacation tips & ideas!
Follow Casey At’s board Disney & Orlando Universal trip on Pinterest.
Happy Belated Birthday! We are planning our next trip to Disney and are so excited! We didn’t hit Epcot at our last visit. We will definitely have to add it to our itinerary next time so we can see Spaceship Earth.
Spaceship Earth at Epcot is a must! The World Showcase is amazing too. We visited Epcot on the third day of our vacation and it was the perfect “relaxing” Disney Park since there are fewer rides and lots of sightseeing. Enjoy your vacation!! <3
Would like to go to Epcot so much fun and lotsvtovse ed.
There are so many great things to see and do at Disney. I have been there several times and I know I haven’t seen everything. Things also keep changing there. Thank you so much for sharing
I love going to Disney. There are so many things to see and do. The kids have so much fun. Thank you so much for sharing Disney World
Thanks for sharing.