My Disney Bucket List (And Why These Dreams Matter)

One of my favorite things about Disney is that there is always something new to discover.

Most people think of Disney as four theme parks in Orlando, but it's so much more than that. There are more than 25 Disney resorts at Walt Disney World, Disney parks across the globe, Disney Vacation Club resorts, incredible tours, behind the scenes experiences, tropical getaways, cruises to destinations around the world, and adventures that take you far beyond a castle.

The more I visit, the more I realize that my Disney bucket list keeps getting longer instead of shorter and honestly, I don't mind one bit.

Here are a few of the Disney dreams I'm still hoping to check off one day.

Wild Africa Trek

This has been near the top of my list for years. The Wild Africa Trek is a guided, behind the scenes adventure through Disney's Animal Kingdom where you cross rope bridges above the animal habitats, ride through the savanna in a private safari vehicle, and enjoy incredible up close views of giraffes, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, and more. As someone who loves both Disney and animals, this feels like the perfect combination of adventure and conservation.

Run at Least One Race During Every runDisney Race Weekend

I'm already working toward this dream! My goal isn't necessarily to run every distance, but to experience every unique runDisney race weekend. Each weekend has its own theme, medals, entertainment, and atmosphere, making every event feel completely different.

There's something special about running through the Disney parks before sunrise with thousands of people who love Disney just as much as you do. It's hard work wrapped in a whole lot of magic.

Eat Inside Cinderella's Castle

There are Disney restaurants...and then there's eating inside Cinderella Castle.

Dining at Cinderella's Royal Table has always felt like one of those quintessential Disney experiences. Walking into the castle, meeting princesses, and sharing a meal in one of the most iconic locations in all of Walt Disney World just feels like pure storybook magic.

Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios

I'm a sucker for Christmas, and Disney at Christmas somehow makes the season feel even more magical.

Disney Jollywood Nights combines old Hollywood glamour with festive entertainment, unique character meet and greets, specialty food, and exclusive shows. I've heard amazing things, and I'd love to experience this special event at least once.

Visit Every Disney Park Around the World

This might be my biggest Disney dream.

There are currently twelve Disney parks spread across six resorts:

• Disneyland Resort (California)

• Walt Disney World Resort (Florida)

• Disneyland Paris

• Tokyo Disney Resort

• Hong Kong Disneyland

• Shanghai Disney Resort

Each park has its own unique attractions, food, culture, and atmosphere. I'd love to experience the similarities while also seeing what makes each one completely different.

Alaska Disney Cruise

Let's be honest...Disney + Alaska sounds incredible.

An Alaskan Disney Cruise combines breathtaking glaciers, wildlife, and adventure with all the Disney entertainment and service I've come to love. And yes...the Frozen experiences definitely make this one even more appealing. It seems like the perfect place for Elsa and Anna to feel right at home.

Visit Aulani

Disney's Hawaiian resort, Aulani, looks like paradise. And after they showcased Aulani on this last season of American Idol … oh man, I seriously want to go now. 

Unlike the theme parks, Aulani focuses on relaxation while still weaving Disney storytelling into every detail. Between the beaches, snorkeling, Hawaiian culture, character experiences, and stunning scenery, it feels like the perfect blend of vacation and Disney magic.

Stay at Every Disney Vacation Club Resort at Walt Disney World

This goal is actually getting close!

There are 13 Disney Vacation Club resorts at Walt Disney World, and my family has already stayed at 10 of them.

We still need to visit:

• Disney's Beach Club Villas

• The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

Every resort has its own personality, theming, restaurants, and little details that make it feel like its own destination. Honestly, resort days are some of my favorite Disney days.

Savor the Savanna Tour

If you can't tell already, Animal Kingdom has my heart.

The Savor the Savanna tour includes a private safari followed by African inspired food and drinks while overlooking the savanna. Watching giraffes and zebras wander by while enjoying incredible food sounds like one of the most relaxing Disney experiences imaginable.

Watch the Veterinarians Care for the Animals

One of the things I admire most about Disney is their commitment to conservation.

At Rafiki's Planet Watch, guests can sometimes observe veterinarians working through large viewing windows as they perform wellness exams or medical procedures on the animals living at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Every procedure isn't open for viewing, so it depends on the day's schedule, but I would absolutely love the opportunity to watch the incredible veterinary team care for these amazing animals.

Will I accomplish everything on this list?

I certainly hope so.

Some of these dreams may happen next year. Others may take decades. A few might even change as Disney continues to create new experiences.

But that's part of the fun.

There's always another adventure waiting, another dream to chase, and another little sprinkle of pixie dust around the corner.

So tell me...

What's at the top of your Disney bucket list?