The 3,2,1 Rule
Imagine a magical theme park day with no lines, no hassle and unlimited stomach space. You walk on to every ride, experience everything and eat all snacks without getting full. Now, scratch that pipe dream. I’m here to help you be realistic. Every Disney park is packed with incredible rides, delicious snacks and immersive shows. It is important to make a priority list prior to entering each park to avoid disappointment. No matter how much you would like to, you will not be able to do everything. This rule is a simple way to help you make your priority lists for each park.
Here is how it works. Every day that you are in Disney, make a list of three rides, two snacks and 1 show that are your absolute musts. These are the things that without experiencing them your day would be ruined.
You will most likely get to experience more than the items on this list, but these extras will be seen as joyful bonuses. Every addition will be a cherry on top of your day or perhaps the sprinkles that make your day extra magical. However, if you happen to be visiting on an extremely busy day and only accomplish the items on your list, you won’t leave with big regrets.
“If you happen to be visiting on an extremely busy day and only accomplish the items on your list, you won’t leave with big regrets.”
My Personal 3,2,1 Lists for Disney World Parks…
Magic Kingdom (Disney World, Orlando)
3 Rides: Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, TRON LightCycle Run
2 Snacks: Cheese Burger Spring Roll Cart (Adventureland Cart), Dole Whip (Aloha Isle)
1 Show: Enchanted Tales with Belle
The pirates ride came before the movies. Jack Sparrow was added, after the Pirates of the Caribbean movies achieved success. —>
Hollywood Studios (Disney World, Orlando)
3 Rides: Tower of Terror, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
2 Snacks: Ronto Wrap (Ronto Roasters), Terror Cookie (Joffrey’s Cart)
1 Show: Fantasmic Nighttime Spectacular
<— This is an incredibly underrated animatronic of Admiral Ackbar on Rise of the Resistance.
Epcot (Disney World, Orlando)
3 Rides: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Gran Fiesta Tour
2 Snacks: Pretzel Bread Pudding (Sommerfest), Hummus Fries (Spice Road Table)
1 Show: Living with the Land (I’m cheating here a little. This is actually a ride, but there are no shows that speak to me personally in this park.)
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure goes beyond a 3-D attraction by adding other elements that appeal to all five senses. —>
Animal Kingdom (Disney World, Orlando)
3 Rides: Kilimanjaro Safari, Expedition Everest, Navi’ River Journey
2 Snacks: Churros (Nomad Lounge), Chicken Bowl (Satu’li Canteen)
1 Show: Festival of the Lion King
<— There is a yeti inside the mountain of Expedition Everest that is affectionally called ‘Disco Yeti’ because it was originally supposed to be a working animatronic. It didn’t work right, so it has been turned off and uses strobe lights instead to mimc movement.
My Personal 3,2,1 Lists for Disneyland Parks…
Disneyland (Anaheim, California)
3 Rides: Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Indiana Jones Adventure, Matterhorn Bobsleds
2 Snacks: Beef Skewer (Bengal Barbecue), Mickey Beignets (Mint Julep Bar)
1 Show: Mickey & Minnie’s Homes in Toon Town (Again, I’m cheating on this one a little. This is technically considered an attraction not a show, but it is without a doubt, my final must.)
Toon Town is an adorable land filled with detail. It used to be on both coasts, but no longer exists in Disney World. That is why it feels so special. —>
Disney’s California Adventure (Anaheim, California)
3 Rides: Incredicoaster, Radiator Springs Racers, Web Slingers: A Spiderman Adventure
2 Snacks: Churros (Cart), Cheddar Cheese Stick (Corn Dog Castle)
1 Show: The Amazing Spiderman Stunt Show
(Spiderman is one of the most incredible animatronics Disney has ever made. The way he flips across buildings is mind blowing.)
The 3,2,1 rule can be so helpful. I hope you can use my lists as inspiration, but no need to copy them exactly. The beauty of Disney is that there something for everyone. It made me so happy to share my lists with you! I would love to hear your lists too, so please share! Thank you so much for reading!