What not to miss.

[Ellsbells]

Hello everyone I'm new to this site
I was just wondering if I could get some input on what not to miss while at Disney World.
I went once with a large group of Au Pairs and followed two leaders for the time we spent there. This meant doing everything they deemed unmissable which don't get me wrong was great and I didn't care as long as I was there
But this time I'll be meeting back up with my family after 22 months apart from them and after finally convinving them to fly over to America I don't want them to think I was making it all up when I said how truly magical it all was. We are not staying on the site as we are a family of five and also want to do The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
If it helps this is what we did at each park when I went last time:

Magic Kingdom:
Space Mountain
Haunted Mansion
Pirates of the Caribbean
Thunder Mountain
Splash Mountain
Buzz Lightyear ranger Spin
Monster Inc Laugh floor
Small World
Winnie the Pooh
Mikeys Philharmagic
The Magic and the Memories

Animal Kingdom:
Dinosaur
Expedtion Everest
It's tough to be a bug
Festival of the lion king
finding Nemo the musical
Kali River Rapids

Epcot:
Walked around all the countries
Test Track
Soarin
Mission Space
Spaceship Earth
Illuminations: Reflections of Earth

Disney's Hollywood Studio:
Rock N Roller Coaster
Star Tours
Tower of Tower
Toy Story Mania
Beauty and the Beast live
American Idol Experience
Indiana Jones Stunt show
Voyage of the little Mermaid
Studio Backlot tour

It was a busy four days and I loved it immensely ( I even cried when I entered Magic Kingdom because I was finally there) but now I'm going and we will be there for eight days I want to be able to as much as possible.
I feel like we may of missed out on some hidden gems that you guys will know about!

 

[dnsmills]

I don't think you've got any replies on this because you've pretty much covered all of the must-see & must-do things. I think if you can hit all of those on your list, everything else is just gravy on top.

 

[SLamott1973]

We like to find some of the quiet spots in the park too like the wishing well and Cinderellas fountain in magic kingdom we always try to pull the sword from the stone in front of the carousel, in Epcot we like to stop in france and have a break and snack at the boulangerie sometimes its nice to stop and just take all the magic in for a few minutes

 

[Ellsbells]

I don't think you've got any replies on this because you've pretty much covered all of the must-see & must-do things. I think if you can hit all of those on your list, everything else is just gravy on top.

Haha thank you! I hope we can though when I went last time it was January not June/July!

 

[Ellsbells]

We like to find some of the quiet spots in the park too like the wishing well and Cinderellas fountain in magic kingdom we always try to pull the sword from the stone in front of the carousel, in Epcot we like to stop in france and have a break and snack at the boulangerie sometimes its nice to stop and just take all the magic in for a few minutes

Thanks. I really hope this time we wont be in such a rush so I can take it all in a little more than last time. I only saw Cinderella's fountain for a second as I was dragged away again my the group leader

 

[dnsmills]

One thing I might add that a lot of people miss is the Rags to Riches fountain. It is not the Cinderella founting in front of the castle. It is directly behind the castle. If you walk through the castle from the hub towards Fantasyland, it is on your left as soon as you exit the castle. There is a statue of Cinderella and if you're in the right position, as you bow in front of her the crown looks like it's being placed on her head. It's pretty cool. Here is a photo I found online.

 

[DarthMama]

For Magic Kingdom, I'd add Peter Pan's Flight and the new Enchanted Stories with Belle (as long as you are not shy and are willing to play a part in the story). I found both to be magical, each in their own way.

 

[Ellsbells]

One thing I might add that a lot of people miss is the Rags to Riches fountain. It is not the Cinderella founting in front of the castle. It is directly behind the castle. If you walk through the castle from the hub towards Fantasyland, it is on your left as soon as you exit the castle. There is a statue of Cinderella and if you're in the right position, as you bow in front of her the crown looks like it's being placed on her head. It's pretty cool..

Ah yes I've seen a few photos of this fountain and really want to get some pictures with it. It's gorgeous. I think my little sister will love it. Thanks!

 

[Ellsbells]

For Magic Kingdom, I'd add Peter Pan's Flight and the new Enchanted Stories with Belle (as long as you are not shy and are willing to play a part in the story). I found both to be magical, each in their own way.

Oh I missed Peter Pan's flight out? I did do that one last time and it was very cute. My little sister loves Peter Pan so it will be a must and I can't wait to experience the Enchanted Stories with Belle. Me and both my sisters will up to playing a part!

 

[WDWCP96]

You missed the safari at Animal Kingdom which I feel is a must-do. Also the new Little Mermaid ride is pretty cool too. And the Electrical Parade is always a must-do.

 

[SLamott1973]

My new favorite to watch the fireworks is up on the train platform facing the castle on main st there are chairs and tables to sit, maybe enjoying a snack while you wait plus if you have small ones they dont need to be lifted over crowds to see and if you're leaving the park after you beat the crowds to the transportation!

 

[Ellsbells]

You missed the safari at Animal Kingdom which I feel is a must-do. Also the new Little Mermaid ride is pretty cool too. And the Electrical Parade is always a must-do.

Okay thanks for mentioning the Safari I wasn't sure whether to put it on my plan list! I've seen some pictures of the Little Mermaid Ride and really can't wait to try it!
I'll be there in January for a few days before the June trip so I'm hoping to try it out then!
And the Electrical Parade is on my list for sure. It wasn't running when I last went!

 

[Ellsbells]

My new favorite to watch the fireworks is up on the train platform facing the castle on main st there are chairs and tables to sit, maybe enjoying a snack while you wait plus if you have small ones they dont need to be lifted over crowds to see and if you're leaving the park after you beat the crowds to the transportation!

Ooh shall have to try this! I remember sitting up there last time while eating a Mickey Bar and resting! My youngest sister is 9 and I know she will find it all a bit much in the evenings so this could be the perfect thing for us.
Thank you!

 

[dvcpa]

Everyone has their favorites (I never miss the jungle cruise), but making sure to take everything in as you walk between attractions is also important. The parks themselves are actually an attraction.

I would also say that you should try to mix up the way that you travel between parks. Make sure to take a monorail ride at least once and a boat ride (from transportation center to MK)