Why Disney World Is Still Fun at 25
If you haven’t been to Walt Disney World in Orlando then you probably don’t understand why people go back year after year after year. I think a large part of the Disney appeal is nostalgia. A lot of kids grow up watching Disney movies or shows on The Disney Channel. Disney is such a huge part of pop culture that it can’t be escaped. If a family goes to a Disney theme park, they generally do it while their kids are young and impressionable. Old enough to remember and enjoy but young enough to find awe in meeting characters and getting signatures. I can’t really imagine a kid having bad memories from Disney (because even those afraid of characters must still enjoy the attractions, food, shops and entertainment) so as they age, Disney always has an appeal.
Now, what’s the appeal for someone turning 25*? Nostalgia for sure. I have such good memories from childhood with my family. I also have great memories from my six-month Disney College Program. But there is so much more to Disney than Mickey Mouse and it’s a small world. Below are reasons why Disney is still fun at 25:
EPCOT’s World Showcase
I absolutely love EPCOT’s World Showcase but I didn’t love it as a kid. The best part of World Showcase as a child were the KidCot Fun Stops where you could color and get stamps at each pavilion. My older sister always loved EPCOT but I didn’t fully vibe with it until high school. I could then appreciate the different pavilions and I loved practicing my Spanish skills in Mexico.
However, my love for World Showcase grew even more once I studied abroad in London. Now I feel at home at the UK pavilion. Did you know that Hampton Court Palace was used as inspiration for the buildings and I have been to Hampton Court Palace in real life! How fun, right? Also, Yorkshire County Fish Shop and the Rose and Crown Pub both have amazing food! Great fish & chips and a wonderful selection of British/Irish beers on draft at the pub. Can’t be beat for someone that belongs in England!
World Showcase has pavilions from 11 countries: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, USA, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom and Canada. The Cast Members from each are nationals from the respective countries and gifts, clothing, food and drinks can be purchased that are authentic to those countries. It really is such a cool concept and one that I’ve enjoyed since becoming more adventurous with food. Also super neat once over 21 and able to drink French wine or Japanese frozen beer.
Thrill Rides
Tower of Terror, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith, Expedition Everest, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain and Soarin’ are just a few of the rides at Walt Disney World that appeal to those who are no longer living life in single digits or even as a teenager.
Yes, the roller coasters at Disney aren’t as intense as those found at Universal Studios or Busch Gardens. Yes, all rides at Disney are fine for kids over the height of four feet, so they aren’t crazy, but they are plenty fun and can make you scream when you have the feelings of weightlessness in your belly.
Monorail Resort Bar Crawl
Now, I haven’t actually done this because the last time I stayed at the Grand Floridian I had an abbreviated trip due to work but I would do this bar crawl if I could. For those that don’t know, there are three resorts on the “resort” monorail line. The Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village and Contemporary Resorts are connected to each other (along with Magic Kingdom and the Transportation and Ticket Center). This bar crawl requires no DD and no Uber. The Polynesian has my favorite drinks because a good tropical mixed drink in a pineapple (it is called Lapu Lapu and is literally served in a hollowed out fresh pineapple) sounds nice at most times of the day! Tambu Lounge in the lobby of the Polynesian is a great place for drinks before dinner at O’hana or Kona Cafe! Or for a drink whenever, really.
Technically, if you are staying anywhere on Disney property you can do the monorail bar crawl without driving. Disney has buses between resorts and parks so with a bit of planning you can definitely make it happen!
Disney Has Amazing Food
Sanaa Indian-style Bread Service. Enough said. Wow. Delightful. My mouth is watering just writing about it. Sanaa is a restaurant found at Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas. You can get the Bread Service with three accompaniments or all nine (for an extra $2 so you better get all nine) and it is described as: “Bread - Traditional Naan, Garlic-Ginger Naan, Spiced Naan, Onion Kucha, or Paneer Paratha. Accompaniments - Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Mango Chutney, Tomato-Date Jam, Tamarind Chutney, Coriander Chuntey, Garlic Pickle, Red Chile Sambal, or Spicy Jalapeño-Lime Pickle.”
Tonga Toast is another reason I love Disney at 25. The breakfast entree at Kona Cafe at Polynesian Village is: “Banana-stuffed French Toast rolled in Cinnamon Sugar and served with a Strawberry Compote and your choice of Ham, Spiced Ham, Bacon, or Sausage.” You can also get Tonga Toast at the quick service restaurant, Capt Cook’s. Honestly, I almost prefer it from Capt Cook’s because I don’t like using the strawberry compote as it takes away from the flavor of the Tonga Toast itself. I just like some syrup!
Nostalgia Is Real
As mentioned in the beginning, nostalgia for Disney is a real thing and I believe it is a factor that drives people to return over and over again. When I am at Disney, I Snapchat or text my family so they can share in the excitement and memories. Disney World is something that will connect us forever and that is really neat.
What Do You Want to Know?
Did any questions pop into your mind as you read? If so, I am here to provide answers as best as I can!
All products and businesses mentioned are linked in the text because if I’ve a good experience, I’d like you to have it as well. And no, I am not getting paid for any of this.
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*Disclaimer: I am 23 in that photo and not 25! Don't be fooled by my Inside Out shirt!
