Take a Star Tour(s)

Image: DisneyIn future years, few will remember that Star Tours was in operation for more than 30 years before Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened. While the planet of Batuu is undeniably spectacular, I love the simple elegance of Star Tours. You sit down in a small room and do nothing for five minutes. Disney does all of the work for you, as the “floor” is part of a hydraulic motion base cabin.

In layperson’s terms, Star Tours is a flight simulator that moves guests up to 35 degrees, fostering the perception that you’re a tourist trapped on the intergalactic flight from Hell. Even worse, that bitchy droid, C-3PO, narrates the action during his latest panic attack. It sounds annoying, but it’s not. It’s the ideal encapsulation of a Star Wars flying experience. No Disney theme park visit is complete without it.

Visit Pandora

Image: DisneyStar Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has stolen much of Pandora’s thunder. Don’t forget about the gorgeous planet with all of the giant blue aliens when you visit Animal Kingdom, though. The immersion at this themed land was the best that Disney had ever done, at least until they opened the gates to Black Spire Outpost.

When you visit Pandora, you’ll find that even the restaurant, Satu’li Canteen, immerses itself in the concept of an exotic planet. The Floating Mountains will blow your mind when you see them, as they seem like impossible works of human architecture. And the two rides here exemplify the eminence of Imagineering.

Avatar Flight of Passage remains one of the longest lines at Walt Disney World…and for good reason. It’s a thrill ride on a motorcycle that never goes forward or backward yet still provides a surge of adrenaline that will last for hours afterward. Na’Vi River Journey has a less stellar reputation among theme park tourists, which mystifies me. I think it’s the most immersive boat ride that Disney’s ever done.

Watch the fireworks at Magic Kingdom

Image: DisneyOver the years, one of the persisting traits of a Walt Disney World visit is the fireworks display. Few guests are willing to leave the park early for fear of missing out on the glowing and the thunder that comes from these exhibitions. Over the years, classics like Fantasy in the Sky and my beloved Wishes have sent guests walking out of the park while brimming with their love of all things Disney.

The current fireworks display, Happily Ever After, represents the culmination of 50 years’ worth of Imagineering fireworks improvements. It’s a hypnotic display of technical wizardry, and the songs will have you humming for the rest of the night. 

Wine and dine your way around the World Showcase

Image: DisneyWhen you're at Walt Disney World, you will eat, and you will drink. The World Showcase at Epcot is easily the most fabulous place to do both, and I include Disney Springs in that. The 11 pavilions in the back half of the park are home to some of the best restaurants and bars that you’ll ever visit in your life.

Disney has committed to honoring Walt Disney's vision for a daily World's Fair. Park officials understand that food and drink are an integral part of the experience, and they've introduced authentic cuisine that will drive your inner foodie into a permanent state of ecstasy. It's the greatest place to kick and back relax in the entirety of Orlando.