bucket list: noun, informal, a number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime
No doubt, most faithful Walt Disney World fans have a list of events, restaurants, shows, marathons and more that they would like to take part in, see or experience over the course of trips throughout their lifetime – their “Walt Disney World Bucket List.” However, there may be many items those same individuals have never considered or perhaps do not even know exist. That is where the list of “100 Things to Do at Walt Disney World Before You Die” comes into play.
Some of the items you will find on this list are well known, others obscure. Some are free or included with admission while others are once-in-a-lifetime premium experiences. Some are challenges and still others require one to stop and enjoy the moment.
These “100 Things” were compiled after months of consideration. A few items even had to be replaced because, over the course of those months, they were removed due to renovations and refurbishments. While many readers will discover that items on their personal list did not make it on to this one, the hope is it will promote conversation. Also, for readers seeking a good challenge, there is a printable version (click the link to the right) where items can be checked off as they are completed. Let us know how many of the items you have completed and what you would add to your list in the comments section, on the WDW Radio Facebook page and on Twitter using #WDW100Things.
1 – Sing along with the dueling pianos at Jellyrolls
2 – Get a pair of Mickey Ears embroidered with your name.
3 – Let yourself get soaked on Splash Mountain
5 – Complete “Frozen Trifecta” – Citrus Swirl, Pineapple Dole Whip, Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar
6 – Take a Fireworks Cruise
7 – Watch the Fireworks in the Magic Kingdom Park hub
8 – Visit the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campgroung
9 – Run in a runDisney Marathon
10 – Attend the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
11 – Ride Summit Plummet at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
12 – Do something silly for an on-ride photo
13 – Play miniature golf at either Winter Summerland or Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf
14 – Endulge in a spa day
15 – See the gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
16 – Watch the Headless Horseman ride in the Boo To You! Halloween Parade
17 – Have an Epcot margarita
18 – Get a haircut at the Harmony Barbershop
19 – Relax in a hammock on the beach at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
20 – Buy something as a souvenir that you will keep forever
21 – Sample all of the beverages at Club Cool at Epcot
22 – Watch the Arribas Brothers glass blowers at Crystal Arts on Main Street, U.S.A.
23 – Ride the Jingle Cruise
24 – Ride a Sea Raycer on Seven Seas Lagoon
25 – Take a ride on the Characters in Flight balloon at Disney Springs
26 – Find the hidden Pascals at the Tangled Rest Area
27 – Take a photo with Mickey Mouse
28 – Order Spaghetti at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant
29 – Find Davy Jones Chest in the Pirate’s League
30 – Show off your moves at a Dance Party
31 -Talk to Crush at Turtle Talk with Crush
32 – Eat a Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club
33 – Play in a Splash Pad
34 – Eat a Turkey Leg
35 – Have a drink at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto
36 – Wear a costume to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.
37 – Eat at California Grill during the Magic Kingdom fireworks
38 – Stay in a bungalow at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
39 – Let yourself get coated in powdered sugar from a Funnel Cake
40 – Send yourself an email from future at Spaceship Earth
41 – Have a Beignet at Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory
42 – Sing/scream along on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster with Aerosmith
43 – See both the “gangster” and “cowboy” versions of The Great Movie Ride
44 – Drink hot cocoa in the snow at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
45 – Ride in the very middle seat of Soarin’ barefoot
46 – Explore Tom Sawyer’s Island
47 – Enjoy morning coffee on a resort balcony
48 – Be a sharpshooter at the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade
49 – Dine with an Imagineer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
50 – Ride the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at night
51 – Attend Dapper Day
52 – See the Easter Parade
53 – Laugh out loud at the Jungle Cruise Skipper’s jokes
54 – Be “That Guy” at the Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor
55 – Score 999,999 on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
56 – Take in the art of the various countries in World Showcase
57 – Hear the Voices of Liberty sing the National Anthem
58 – Be the first person on Main Street, U.S.A. during an early entry at Magic Kingdom
59 – Find a “hidden Mickey” without any help.
60 – Ride a lazy river at either Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon or Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
61 – Watch the Electrical Water Pageant on the Seven Seas Lagoon
62 – Have someone take your picture while riding Dumbo the Flying Elephant
63 – Dine at Cinderella’s Royal Table
64 – Ride the ferry to the Magic Kingdom from the Transportation and Ticket Center at night.
65 – Buy an ornament at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe
66 – Watch the Torch Lighting Ceremony at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
67 – Engage in a conversation with a World Showcase International Cast Member
68 – Try the Shawarma at Tangierine Cafe
69 – Take a tour
70 – See Rope Drop at the Magic Kingdom
71 – See Enchanted Tales with Belle
72 – Have a hotdog at Casey’s Corner
73 – See the Toy Soldiers march in the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
74 – Hear the Dapper Dans sing
75 – See the animated windows on Main Street, U.S.A.
76 – Have sushi at Morimoto Asia Restaurant in Disney Springs
77 – Trade pins with a Cast Member
78 – Start a pressed penny collection
79 – Watch the water show at Fountain of Nations
80 – Sit in a rocker at the Town Square Theater on Main Street, U.S.A.
81 – See the Kiss Goodnight at Magic Kingdom
82 – Have a Cobb Salad and Grapefruit Cake at the Hollywood Brown Derby
83 – See IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth on New Year’s Eve
84 – Watch the 3 o’clock parade from a curb on Main Street, U.S.A.
85 – Make a wish in Cinderella’s wishing well
86 – Relax in Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort
87 – Visit the Innoventions Exhibits
88 – See the current President’s address at Hall of Presidents
89 – Find Mickey and Donald in Raiders of the Lost Ark scene at The Great Movie Ride
90 – See the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
91 – Have afternoon tea at the Garden View Tea Room at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
92 – Walk the grounds of Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside and French Quarter Resorts at night.
93 – Collect the entire series of Transportation Cards
94 – Visit every park in one day
95 – See the Candlelight Processional at Epcot
96 – Write a “Thank You” note to your Mousekeeping staff
97 – Take the Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
98 – Visit the Carolwood Pacific Railroad Room at The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
99 – Send your family and friends postcards from Walt Disney World
100 – Visit every Walt Disney World Resort hotel
(Photos numbered 10, 21 and 79 are from the author’s personal collection. All others ©Disney.)
Kendall is an editor and contributing writer for WDW Radio. She began visiting Walt Disney World in 1991 with her family and has continued to visit the resort with her husband. Her home-away-from-home is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and she believes a perfect day at WDW includes a dip in the Lava Pool, a ride on Splash Mountain and a Pineapple Dole Whip. Follow her on Twitter @kl_foreman.