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As a lifelong Disney fan, I’ve been fortunate to experience some of the most memorable adventures the Disney parks have to offer, from my own Disney wedding to sailing with Disney Cruise Line. Even so, there’s always more magic to uncover. My Disney bucket list is where I keep the dreams and goals I’ve set for future Disney trips, and I’m excited to share it with you.
Some of the items are splurges, a few depend on pure luck, and others are much easier to cross off than you’d guess. Along with my own list, you’ll find experiences I’ve already enjoyed, small moments you can add to almost any trip, and a realistic way to turn all of it into a real plan. Hopefully a few of them end up on a list of your own Disney bucket list.
10 Experiences on My Personal Disney Bucket List
These 10 experiences are at the top of my personal Disney bucket list. A few could happen on my next trip, and a few will take some serious luck, but I’m hoping to cross every one of them off at some point.
I’ve already checked off a few, and I’ll keep adding updates as more of them happen.
Visit Disneyland in California
The original Disneyland in Anaheim, California, is where it all began. Walking through the park where Walt Disney himself once strolled is a must-do for any Disney fan. Disneyland offers a charming, nostalgic experience that is distinct from any other Disney park. From the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle to the Haunted Mansion and Indiana Jones Adventure, a thrilling ride you won’t find at Walt Disney World, every corner of Disneyland holds a piece of Disney history.
If Disneyland is on your list too, plan at least two or three days so you can enjoy Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure without rushing. Look up at the Main Street fire station while you’re there, because a lamp stays lit in the window of Walt’s old apartment in his honor.
Update: I’ve officially visited Disneyland in June 2026 and crossed this one off my list!
Experience the Keys to the Kingdom Tour
For those who are fascinated by what happens behind the curtain, the Keys to the Kingdom Tour at the Magic Kingdom is a must-do. This tour offers an insider’s look at the hidden details and backstage secrets that make the park so special. Personally, I’m most interested in learning about the park’s history and exploring the underground utilidors, the network of tunnels cast members use to move supplies and characters around without being seen.
The tour runs about five hours, includes lunch, and is open to guests 16 and older. Photos aren’t allowed during the tour, so plan to soak it all in instead of filming it. Expect to pay around $169 to $189 per person on top of your park ticket, which puts it on the more affordable end of behind-the-scenes Disney tours.
Update: I’ve done the Keys to the Kingdom Tour, and I’m so happy to check it off my list. It was a treasure trove of knowledge!
Stay at Every Walt Disney World Resort
Staying at each of the Walt Disney World Resorts is another ambitious goal on my Disney bucket list. Each resort offers a unique theme and experience, from the tropical paradise of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to the African savanna-inspired Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. I still have a few resorts to go, and each new stay adds a different bit of magic to my Disney adventures.
If this goal is on your list too, a split stay is the easiest way to make progress. Spending a few nights at one resort and the rest at another lets you try two different themes in one trip without adding extra vacation days.
Get a Black Pearl from Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at the Polynesian Village Resort is known for its whimsical and immersive tiki bar experience. One of the highlights of this tropical haven is the elusive Black Pearl. When you order the Polynesian Pearl cocktail, a large clam shell behind the bar opens up for the bartender to grab a pearl to fill with your cocktail. Most of the pearls are white, and the black ones turn up so rarely that getting one is like winning a tiny prize.
The fun atmosphere and interactive bartenders make it a must-visit spot! The bar is small and fills up quickly, so getting there close to opening gives you the best shot at a seat.
Visit the Cinderella Castle Suite
Few experiences are as exclusive as spending a night in the Cinderella Castle Suite at Walt Disney World. This luxurious suite, hidden within the iconic Cinderella Castle, is the ultimate Disney dream. While stays are not available for booking and are typically reserved for special promotions and contests, a visit to this opulent suite remains a glittering goal on my Disney bucket list. Keep an eye on Disney sweepstakes and milestone celebrations, since those are usually the only way guests get through the door.
Take a VIP Tour with Friends
Experiencing the parks with friends is always a joy, and taking a VIP Tour together is the ultimate way to do it. These tours offer a personalized experience with a dedicated guide, priority access to attractions, and insider tips that make the day extra special. Sharing this exceptional experience with friends makes it a highlight of my list.
VIP Tours are priced by the hour with a minimum number of hours, and park tickets are separate, which is exactly why this one works best with a group splitting the cost. Book as early as you can, since guides are limited during busy seasons.
Update: I’ve now done two VIP Tours at Walt Disney World with friends, so this one is happily crossed off. It is absolutely worth the hype!
Attend the Taping of the Disney Christmas Shows or Parade
Disney’s holiday celebrations are legendary, and being part of the taping of the Disney Christmas Shows or Parade would be a festive and memorable experience. Imagine being surrounded by holiday cheer, Disney characters in festive attire, and spectacular performances! This is a seasonal treat that’s definitely on my Disney bucket list.
The Walt Disney World portion of the ABC Christmas Day parade special is usually filmed at Magic Kingdom over a weekend in early November. You don’t need a separate ticket, just your regular park admission, but recent tapings have limited guest viewing along Main Street, U.S.A., so go in expecting crowds and a peek rather than a front-row spot.
Visit Club 33
Club 33 is the epitome of Disney exclusivity. This private club started in New Orleans Square at Disneyland in 1967 and now has locations at Walt Disney World and a few international parks, each offering a luxurious dining experience with a rich history. Gaining access to Club 33 is a rare opportunity, and being able to dine there would be a dream come true.
Membership is by invitation and comes with a famously long waitlist, so the most realistic route for most of us is being invited as a member’s guest. It’s an elite item on my Disney bucket list, but one I know would be unforgettable.
Tour the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank
The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, is where Disney movies and shows come to life. Touring this historic studio, where countless beloved classics were created, is a significant item on my list. From walking the lot to seeing Walt Disney’s office suite, this tour would provide a fascinating glimpse into the heart of Disney’s creative world.
The studio is a working lot, so you can’t just show up for a tour. The Official Walt Disney Studios Walking Tour is offered through D23, Disney’s official fan club, and members can book one tour per calendar year when new dates are released. It includes Walt’s restored office suite, the Walt Disney Archives, and Legends Plaza, which is plenty to make any Disney history fan a little emotional.
Go on the Wild Africa Trek
For a unique adventure, the Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a thrill from start to finish. This guided tour takes you behind the scenes to explore the park’s savanna and get up close with exotic wildlife. Walking across rope bridges, riding in safari vehicles, and learning about the animals and their habitats make the Wild Africa Trek an exciting addition to my Disney bucket list.
The trek lasts about three hours and includes a stop for African-inspired bites overlooking the savanna, plus photos taken by your guides along the way. Guests need to be at least 8 years old, and prices start around $229 per person plus park admission.
More Ideas for Your Disney Bucket List
While I’m working through my own Disney bucket list, I’ve been lucky enough to experience some incredible Disney adventures that you might want to add to your list. These Disney bucket list ideas range from relaxing to adventurous, plus one big dream for anyone ready to see the parks around the world.
Sail on a Disney Cruise
Sailing on a Disney Cruise is a fantastic way to combine Disney storytelling with the relaxation of a luxury cruise. With themed parties like Pirate Night, character meet-and-greets, Broadway-style shows, and destinations from the Caribbean to Europe to choose from, a Disney Cruise offers a vacation you’ll talk about for years.
The fleet keeps growing, too. Newer ships like the Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny add fresh restaurants, lounges, and entertainment, and most Bahamas and Caribbean sailings include a beach day at one of Disney’s private island destinations.
Relax at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Located in Ko Olina on the island of Oahu, Aulani is a tropical escape with Disney touches everywhere you look. Along with relaxing on the stunning beachfront, Aulani offers immersive storytelling experiences and cultural activities. Learning about Hawaiian traditions and enjoying authentic cuisine is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Snorkeling with tropical fish in the Rainbow Reef lagoon and an evening at the Ka Wa’a luau are two easy ways to make the trip extra memorable.
Run in a runDisney Race
For those who love running, participating in a runDisney race is an exciting way to see the parks from a whole new angle. From 5Ks to marathons, these events offer unique medals, character encounters, and the chance to run through the parks before they open to everyone else. Registration opens months ahead, and popular weekends like the Disney Princess Half Marathon can sell out fast, so mark your calendar early.
Plan a Disney Wedding or Vow Renewal
Getting married at Disney is a fairy tale come true, and renewing your vows there is just as meaningful. From a ceremony in front of Cinderella Castle to a more intimate celebration at one of the resorts, a Disney wedding is a magical start to a new chapter, while a vow renewal is a joyful way to celebrate the story you’re already writing together. I had my own Disney wedding, and I love looking back on how truly special it was.
The Disney Fairy Tale Weddings team plans both weddings and vow renewals, from small, intimate ceremonies to big receptions with all the Disney touches you could want.
Become an Annual Passholder
Becoming an annual passholder lets you visit the parks again and again throughout the year, within your pass’s blockout dates. With perks like discounts on dining and merchandise, access to special events, and exclusive passholder offerings, it’s a fantastic way to make Disney a regular part of your year.
Florida residents have the most pass options, including a few lower-cost tiers, while out-of-state guests can choose from the top-tier pass. Do the math on how many days you’ll realistically visit before buying, because the value really comes from repeat trips.
Join Disney Vacation Club
Joining Disney Vacation Club gives you points to use for stays at Disney resorts and destinations around the world, including deluxe villas at Walt Disney World, Aulani, and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. It works best for travelers who already know they’ll come back to Disney year after year.
It is a big financial commitment, though. Renting points from an existing member before you buy is a smart way to test whether it fits how you travel.
Go to a Halloween or Christmas Party
Disney’s holiday parties, like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, offer unique experiences and festive fun. From trick-or-treating in the park to enjoying a snowfall on Main Street, these parties add extra sparkle to the holidays.
Tickets usually go on sale in the summer, and the most popular nights can sell out, so pick your date early and build the rest of your trip around it.
Take a Carriage Ride at Port Orleans Riverside Resort
A romantic carriage ride through the scenic grounds of Port Orleans Riverside Resort is a charming and relaxing way to end a Disney day. This leisurely ride takes you along the banks of the Sassagoula River, offering a slow, quiet break from the busy parks.
Rides last about 25 minutes, fit up to four adults, and cost $65 per carriage. You can book up to 60 days ahead through the My Disney Experience app, and you don’t need a park ticket to ride.
See a Disney Show on Broadway
Broadway productions of Disney classics like The Lion King and Aladdin bring Disney stories to the stage in a whole new way. Seeing these spectacular shows in the heart of New York City is a treat that combines the best of Disney and Broadway.
The Lion King has been running on Broadway since 1997, and Aladdin has been playing at the New Amsterdam Theatre since 2014. Seeing both on the same New York trip belongs on the list of anyone who grew up singing every word of those soundtracks.
Perform at Candlelight Processional
For those who love to sing, performing in the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT is a dream come true. This moving holiday tradition features a choir, orchestra, and celebrity narrator telling the Christmas story, and being part of this performance is an unforgettable experience.
The mass choir is made up of community, church, and school choirs, so the path in is usually through a choir that’s been selected to perform.
Visit the International Disney Parks
Disney has parks around the world, and each one puts its own spin on the classics. Disneyland Paris is home to Disneyland Park and Disney Adventure World, and it’s often the easiest first international pick, especially if you’re already planning a trip to Europe. Tokyo Disney Resort has Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, which comes up again and again as a fan favorite thanks to its incredibly detailed lands and Fantasy Springs, a newer area themed to Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan.
Hong Kong Disneyland is home to its own World of Frozen land, and Shanghai Disneyland has the largest Disney castle in the world plus the first Zootopia land. Adding a park day to a bigger trip abroad keeps this dream from feeling out of reach.
Small Disney Moments to Add to Any Trip
Not every bucket list item needs a big budget or a lottery-level stroke of luck. Some of the sweetest Disney World bucket list goals are small ones you can tuck into a regular park day, and crossing them off makes an ordinary trip feel like a celebration.
Star Tours at Hollywood Studios is a great place to start. One rider on each trip gets revealed as the Rebel Spy, and it’s completely up to chance, so ride it a couple of times and see if your face pops up on the screen. Getting to rope drop on a morning you’re feeling ambitious is another easy win, because walking onto a favorite ride with a short wait never gets old.
For an evening goal, watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the beach at the Polynesian Village Resort, where you can see the show over Seven Seas Lagoon. Grab a Dole Whip from Pineapple Lanai first and settle in on the sand.
Riding the Disney Skyliner at sunset and picking up a free celebration button from Guest Relations are two more simple ways to make an ordinary park day feel a little sweeter.
How to Turn Your Disney Bucket List Into a Real Plan
A Disney bucket list can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time, especially once you add up the cost of tours and extras. The goal isn’t to cram everything into one trip. As a travel agent, I’d much rather help you fit one big item into a vacation you’ll enjoy than squeeze in five and come home exhausted.
Start by sorting your list into three groups. Easy wins like a carriage ride or fireworks from the beach can fit into almost any trip. Splurges like a VIP Tour or the Wild Africa Trek need budgeting and booking ahead. Luck-based dreams like the Cinderella Castle Suite or a Club 33 invitation can stay on the list without any pressure.
From there, choose one splurge for each trip and plan the rest of your days around it. Tours with small group sizes, holiday parties, and runDisney races tend to fill up first, so book those as soon as your dates are set. Leave some open time on that day too, because a five-hour tour followed by a packed afternoon of rides is a lot for anyone.
Writing it all down makes the whole process feel lighter. Keep your list somewhere you’ll see it while you plan, note costs and booking windows next to each item, and check things off as you go.
Start Crossing Off Your Own Disney Bucket List
As I continue to check off items on my Disney bucket list, the wonder of Disney keeps me inspired to dream big and explore new adventures. Your list doesn’t have to be finished to be fun. It’s a reminder that another little moment is always waiting, from a black pearl at Trader Sam’s to a quiet carriage ride after a long park day.
Pick the one item that makes you smile the most, and let it be the start of your next trip. If you’re ready to start planning a Disney trip with room for your own bucket list moments, I would love to help you put it all together!
