Disney Springs: The Perfect Start to a Walt Disney World Vacation

Every Disney World vacation begins with checking into the resort—this time, we stayed at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, taking a quick tour of the grounds before diving into the magic. Once settled in, our tradition is to head straight to Disney Springs, the ultimate destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment at Walt Disney World.

A visit to Disney Springs is the perfect way to ease into the Disney experience, offering a lively atmosphere with breathtaking waterfront views, world-class restaurants, and unique shops filled with Disney merchandise and souvenirs. Whether strolling through themed neighborhoods, enjoying live performances, or indulging in delicious dining options, Disney Springs sets the stage for an unforgettable Disney World trip.

A Rainy but Epic Day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Our first full day at Walt Disney World began at Disney’s Hollywood Studios—and it started with rain! Despite the downpour lasting several hours, we powered through, moving quickly as if speed alone could keep us dry. But nothing could dampen the magic of Hollywood Studios, especially the excitement of exploring the all things Star Wars.

The highlight of the day was meeting Star Wars characters, an unforgettable experience for any fan. From face-to-face encounters with Kylo Ren to joining the Resistance alongside Rey and Chewbacca. This made us feel like we had stepped into a galaxy far, far away.

Rain or shine, Disney’s Hollywood Studios delivered an incredible day of adventure, cinematic magic, and Star Wars experiences that made this visit truly unforgettable.

Exploring EPCOT’s World Showcase During the Holidays

We spent two unforgettable afternoons and evenings at EPCOT, immersing ourselves in the park’s unique blend of innovation, culture, and holiday magic. One of my favorite traditions is exploring the World Showcase, and this time, the experience was even more special with each pavilion beautifully decorated for the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.

Walking through the different EPCOT countries, we admired stunning holiday decorations from around the world, each reflecting the traditions and festive spirit of its respective nation. From twinkling lights in Germany to the elegant Christmas displays in France, every pavilion brought a unique cultural touch to the season.

With breathtaking sights, seasonal flavors, and the magic of Disney during the holidays, EPCOT was the perfect place to celebrate the global spirit of Christmas.

A Relaxing Off-Day Tour of Disney’s All-Star Resorts

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized the importance of building in rest days at Walt Disney World—a break from the parks to recharge and explore at a slower pace. On our first off day, we took the opportunity to tour all three Disney All-Star Resorts: All-Star Sports, All-Star Music, and All-Star Movies.

One of the highlights was admiring the larger-than-life Disney decorations, which make these resorts so unique. During the holiday season, the magic was even greater with festive Christmas decorations adding extra charm to each resort. The most memorable moment of the evening was experiencing a snowfall over the football-themed courtyard at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, as classic Disney Christmas music filled the air—a truly magical touch to an already enchanting atmosphere.

Taking time to explore the Disney All-Star Resorts was the perfect way to soak in the holiday magic at Walt Disney World while enjoying a well-earned break from the parks.

An Early Morning Adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

We started our day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom bright and early for rope drop, heading straight to the Kilimanjaro Safari to catch all the animals in the cool morning dew. By starting early we had the chance to see a variety of animals at their most active, from majestic giraffes to powerful lions.

One of the highlights of our visit was the incredible Festival of the Lion King show—a must-see, high-energy performance that brings the classic Disney movie to life with vibrant music, acrobatics, and puppetry.

In addition to the safari and the show, I had the chance to meet my buddy Donald Duck for the first time on this trip. Animal Kingdom offers plenty of opportunities to interact with beloved Disney characters, making it a perfect mix of nature, adventure, and Disney magic.

A Magical Holiday Experience at Disney’s Magic Kingdom

We saved Magic Kingdom for last, and it was absolutely worth the wait. From the moment we entered, we were enchanted by the park's incredible holiday decorations. The highlight was Cinderella Castle, which was beautifully adorned with icicles, creating a winter wonderland that felt like something straight out of a fairy tale.

Magic Kingdom during the holidays is a true spectacle, offering a festive atmosphere filled with holiday cheer, twinkling lights, and seasonal touches that make the park even more magical. Whether it was enjoying the holiday decorations, taking in the iconic Cinderella Castle, or experiencing the park’s classic attractions, Magic Kingdom provided the perfect end to our Disney holiday adventure.

Homeward Bound: Returning from a Magical Disney Vacation

After a relaxing day spent by the pool, it was time to head back to Chicago and face the cold weather that awaited us. While our time at Walt Disney World had been filled with sunshine and holiday magic, the snow that greeted us in Chicago was very much real—not generated by a machine!

Returning home after such a magical trip always brings mixed emotions, but the memories of our Disney holiday adventure will stay with us, making the transition back to reality a little easier.