Recently, I attempt to tackle all 6 of Disney’s US Theme Parks in a 24 hour period. That’s right, Orlando to Anaheim. This had been done in the past by others, so I decided to add a few extra stops to the mix. A Water Park, Mini Golf, Downtown Disney, and a few Disney Resorts. How many could I visit in 24 hours?

The rules were simple, visit each park or resort, do one activity unique to that park, document the progress, and have fun!

We arrived at Epcot around 3:30 to begin the challenge. It was a busy Sunday afternoon during Food and Wine, but the crowds would not deter our spirits! That gave me until 3:30 pm the next day to complete my journey.

3:47 PM Maelstrom:

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The first ride tackled was Maelstrom. This was the last day of operation, and what better way to pay tribute to a passing ride then make it the first official attraction of a coast to coast challenge!

5:09 PM Blizzard Beach:

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My second stop was Blizzard Beach. I had no interest in getting wet, so I decided to take a picture in their photo spot, and what a unique spot it was!

5:12 PM Winter Summerland Mini Golf:

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My third stop was the Winter Summerland Mini Golf Course. After taking stock on my time, I determined I didn’t have time for a round, but that’s no reason to not get a picture with the icon!

5:39 PM Animal Kingdom Park:

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I arrived at Animal Kingdom just as the masses were exiting for the day. I looked like a fish swimming up stream (just keep swimming as Dory would say) among the crowds, but the park just had to be explored! I decided the best way to explore the park was by using my trusted handy-dandy Wilderness Explorer book.

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6:15 PM Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa:

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First on my list of hotel resorts was my favorite, the Grand Floridian. I took a moment to listen to the band in the lobby, and visit my longtime friend “The Teddy Bear Lady” (more on her in a future story).

6:28 PM The Magic Kingdom:

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I arrived at the Magic Kingdom and decided since I was going to Disneyland and would experience the Holiday version, I would go and ride the “original” version of the Haunted Mansion.

7:45 Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

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After I arrived at Hollywood Studios I wanted to ride the signature attraction of the park, The Great Movie Ride. After being shot at, hijacked, taken to space, put in a tomb with forbidden treasure and taken over the rainbow, I figured it was time to take a break. I went back to my Disney resort to rest up, and prepare for the trek to the airport.

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3:45 AM Disney’s Magical Express:

I boarded the bus, and chose a row close to one of the overhead televisions so I could watch the farewell video. After almost two hours of stops at other resorts and travel time, I made it to MCO (That’s Orlando International Airport).

11:30 AM Disneyland Hotel:

We arrived at the Disneyland Hotel safe and sound by the hands of my favorite taxi driver, John. I have used him for years, and he always regales us with his stories of Frank Sinatra and Sylvester Stallone. We checked in, cleaned up from the trip and took off to the park!

1:30 PM Downtown Disney – Anaheim

We went to Disneyland’s Downtown Disney district and visited Vault 28. A Disney store that sells high end clothing and accessories. We also stopped in the World of Disney store.

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At this point I had less then 2 hours to complete the challenge, and still had both parks to tackle as well as getting something to eat. Think I will make it?

2:07 PM Disneyland Park

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I arrived at Disneyland, and made my way down Main Street USA to the Carnation Cafe. I wanted to visit Oscar and Irmgard, as well as have some fried dill pickles and a Walt Milkshake. I quickly ate, and headed to one of my favorite attractions in Disneyland, The Main Street Vehicles. I picked the fire engine since Walt commissioned and drove it, and Bob Gurr designed and assembled it. Historic and appropriate way to make my way down Main Street.

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2:17 PM California Adventure:

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After the short ride on the fire engine, I headed across to California Adventure. Once inside the gates, I headed straight for the new landmark of the park, the Carthay Circle. From there we went to my favorite attraction in the park, the Animation Building. Here I was able to sit and be mesmerized and enchanted by the medley of Disney animated films playing around me. It’s a simple attraction, but pure Disney magic. Any other Animation fans out there?

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2:30 PM Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel:

I left California Adventure, and made my way over to the a Grand Californian. I figured if my first stop was a Grand, why shouldn’t the final stop be as well?

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23 hours to the minute after the challenge began, I was finished. I had successfully visited 6 Disney theme parks (That’s all of them in North America), a water park, 4 resorts, a Mini Golf Course, and a Downtown Disney District.

With the Magic of Disney and a great deal of perseverance I accomplished a dream that I had long wished to achieve. All it took was some faith, trust and pixie dust. Magic happens everyday.

That was my extreme Disney adventure. What’s the most parks you’ve done in 24 hours?

 

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