Introduction

Pirates. I need more Pirates! Where is all the Pirates stuff at Disney World?

I need a sprinkling of Tink’s pixie dust. Where do I find my favorite fairy?

I am a huge Lion King fan. What are the must sees for me?

Do any of these questions—or a version of them—sound familiar? If yes, you’re reading the right guide.

Whenever people ask me to help them with planning their Disney World vacation, the most common questions I get are: 1. Should I stay on property? (Yes; see my first book, The Not-So-Evil Stepmother) 2. Where should I eat? (Lots of places; see my second book, Tasting the Magic.) And 3. How do I find Alice, Pirates, 101 Dalmatians or insert your favorite movie or character’s name? That’s what this book is about.

A Character Meet & Greet should be on your list, of course, and will be in this guide. Also in this guide are many other magical experiences to add to your list of ways to see your favorite story come alive. When you are at Disney Parks, you get to go inside the stories—from rides and restaurants that feel like you are in the movie, to resorts with movie-themed rooms, to the hidden magic the Imagineers have sprinkled in everything from candy apples to wallpaper.

Character Meet & Greets are fun. There are hugs, autographs, and stories of Neverland and Cherry Tree Lane. But there is so much more. How about flying through the sky with your favorite character? Or sleeping in a room that transports you to Pride Rock? Or eating in a moving restaurant with a few chipmunks? This guide will tell you everywhere to experience the movies and characters you love including:

• Character Meet & Greets
• Attractions
• Shows
• Special events and festivals
• Resorts (Yep! There are movie-inspired hotel rooms.)
• Shops
• Dining and so much more!

My hope is this book will be like having a personal tour guide take you around Walt Disney World and help you see your favorite Disney stories come alive. And if you have a fun fact or a way you make that story come alive at Disney World that’s not here, share it and tag #TheStoryComesAliveWDW and maybe you’ll see it in a second edition!

"We have never lost faith in family entertainment—stories that make people laugh, stories about warm and human things, stories about historic characters and stories about animals. ——Walt Disney"