Why We Weren’t Sad When This Employee Quit

Andrea Kasprzak
Sep 03, 2015

Our #1 mission here at Brit + Co is to encourage people to live their most creative lives. So, naturally, we were pretty thrilled when a super inspirational How to Quit Your Day Job story happened right at our very own HQ, even if it did involve losing a full timer. Introducing Miss Jones Baking Co., the first-ever organic ready-to-use baking brand. The line debuts with organic frostings (no more of that chemical-laden junk!) and organic, artificial-free cake mixes in vanilla and chocolate. The company, which is billing itself as the leading brand of baking products for the next generation, is the brainchild of our former Food Editor and Head of Operations Sarah Jones. Sarah’s story is a true tale of the power of perseverance and proof that a lifelong passion CAN evolve into a mega-successful and sustainable career.

Sarah’s been into baking since childhood. In college, she cut her teeth with an early morning shift (starting at 5am!) at a bakery before class. Then, it was off to sharpen another skill set with a successful career in accounting and finance. Even though Sarah had landed gigs at some pretty awesome companies (PwC and Apple), there was still something missing. As a creative outlet, she started a WordPress blog where she dutifully photographed and documented her recipes.

She also made a big move to Palo Alto with her now-husband.

“I remember spending my lunches strolling the aisles at the Whole Foods in Cupertino, and in the baking aisle while looking for a ready-to-use frosting, I had a big aha moment,” says Sarah. “I noticed that there really wasn’t a brand I could trust.”

Sarah set out on a new mission to fill this void. She began studying food science, meeting with like-minded entrepreneurs and interviewing food scientists. Around this time, she had a chance meeting with our very own Brit, which soon turned into her joining the team in a very hands-on role.

“Working at Brit + Co was such a great experience for me,” says Sarah. “Being around brilliant, inspired, and super creative people really helped me to learn as much as possible.”

The following years involved plenty of trial and error, hard work and near breakdowns. Throughout it all, Sarah kept her dream in mind and her hard work ethic in place.

“You really have to work as hard as you possibly can,” says Sarah.

Last April, Sarah announced she was leaving the company to pursue Miss Jones Baking Co. full-time. The one-woman company plans its official launch this week in natural and mainstream grocery stores all over the country. Up next, Sarah plans to introduce new yummy flavors (hello, salted caramel!).

Her final words of advice to budding entrepreneurs looking to follow in her footsteps?

“Look for your niche, work yourself to death, listen to constructive feedback and don’t believe anyone who tries to convince you it’s a bad idea.”

What’s your dream career? Tell us in the comments below!

(Featured image via @missjonesbakes)

Fashion Designer Icon Betsey Johnson Dishes Her Best Advice for a Long-Lasting Career

Betsey Johnson turned 75 last year, and her feminine hippie style is famous in fashion. The designer has dished on how to nail your own personal style, rents out her stylish Mexican home via Airbnb, and knows how to rock a red carpet with her signature split. In this week’s How to Quit Your Day Job series, we chat with the fashion maven herself, Betsey Johnson, who blazed a path for herself, starting in the 1960s, to create a whimsical style that is uniquely hers. Here, Johnson shares some hard-earned wisdom for future fashionistas and creatives with all the sparkle and wit you’d expect from the pretty in pink powerhouse.

MEET THE FASHION ICON: BETSEY JOHNSON

In 1964, Betsey Johnson won a Mademoiselle magazine contest to become a guest editor and charmed editors at Mademoiselle with her home-sewn t-shirt dresses. A year later, she became the top designer for Paraphernalia, a clothing boutique in New York City, that catered to a younger clientele that offered silver mini skirts and neon bikinis, and had go-go girls dancing in the store windows. It was London-style by way of NYC, and Johnson was one of the first employees. After her experience at Paraphernalia, Johnson wanted to branch out on her own. Now, with 50+ years working in the fashion industry, the style icon gives an inside look at how she built her empire and what she hopes other creative women implement in their own career journeys.

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Cartwheels and love to all my Betsey Babes. Thanks for all the lovely messages XoX Betsey 💖

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Brit + Co: What’s your morning routine?

Betsey Johnson: Lately I have been crawling out of bed at 8:30am, which is quite late for me because I am usually a 7am girl. I really enjoy spending time in my backyard, so once I’m up, I drift into the kitchen and have my one cup of black coffee. I often take my coffee to my birds-of-paradise garden in the backyard and sit among my flowers. I’m all about fruit for breakfast, and I’ve been on a grape kick recently. Once I’ve eaten, l call my assistant and we will go over what I am up to for the rest of the day. My schedule usually changes from day to day, so I never know what the day will bring!

B+C: What inspired you to start your brand?

BJ: I worked for 10 years in the industry before starting my namestake brand, and between the ’60s and ’70s, I realized that I wanted to be my own boss, have my own company, do my own thing. I simply just didn’t want to work for anyone anymore.

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Sparkle in our step ✨ Dancing on our minds 💃

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B+C: You are a pioneer in the fashion industry and celebrated diversity like casting transgender models in your runway shows. How were you able to trust your inner voice in your business life and beyond?

BJ: Sometimes you have to keep your blinders on and move full speed ahead without distraction from what others are doing/saying. I cast my shows to represent the world I see around me, and that is the most important thing to me.

B+C: You’ve got a book in the works about your life, a boutique hotel in Mexico, and continue to be involved in your company. What keeps your creative spark alive?

BJ: Nothing can keep you creative, you either live it and you have it, you either do it or you don’t. There is no time zone, season, or reason for you to be creative. You just have to motivate yourself and be your own biggest source of energy! No one or anything should be able to make you do something if you don’t have passion for it.

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No such thing as too much pink 💖

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B+C: What have you’ve learned from a failure or mistake you made?

BJ: Your past, the mistakes you’ve made, and the failures that follow you are only going to help you direct how you want to live your future. I am always looking back to my past to inform the way I want to do things now. We should never be ashamed of our mistakes. They make us who we are!

B+C: What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

BJ: “Love it or it will leave you.” I feel you have to love what you do, and be connected to the whole business, then the best results will happen.

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Fashion made to #FLEX in 👯 Shop the new activewear collection at BetseyJohnson.com #DoubleTrouble #FitButMakeitFashion

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B+C: Your clothes, design style, and personality are iconic while remaining true to who you are as a person. What would you tell future female fashion designers about how to blaze their own trail?

BJ: Always be true to yourself. It’s the most important thing you have. Be kind, respect others, and fight hard for the things you want.

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Chocolates in boxes and eyeliner wings, these are a few of my favorite things 💋💗💐 Announcing our #BetseyBabeContest winner who will receive the entire cosmetics collection for two ✨ Luckily if you didn’t win, you can still shop cosmetics by Betsey Johnson at @fragrancenet 💖

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B+C: Name two female heroes who you think should get a shout-out.

BJ: First, I want to give a shout out to [my daughter] Lulu and my grandkids. I’ve been with them more than anyone else in my life, and I don’t know where I’d be without them. Also, women like Tina Turner, Madonna, and Janis Joplin have always been huge inspirations for my clothing and in my life. I can’t just pick two!

B+C: If you could tell aspiring creative women anything, what would it be?

BJ: You have to work really really really hard, but you should want to work hard. I think you make your own luck. I’ve been lucky in my life, but that is because I’ve worked hard. I believe the same thing can happen for any other young women out there.

RELATED: Insta Icon Eva Chen Dishes on Her Career, Fashion, and Her Latest Dream Collabs

(Photos via Betsey Johnson)

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OMG Gisele Bündchen Officially Expecting First Child Post-Tom Brady Divorce

Gisele Bündchen is a household name, no matter who her partner is — but it's no secret the supermodel made waves when she split from her football star husband, Tom Brady, in 2022. It's clear she's not holding on to the past, though. After dating Joaquim Valente for the past two years, the couple is officially expecting their first child together! Here's everything we know about Gisele's growing family!

According to PEOPLE, an inside source told the outlet that the 44-year-old supermodel is officially expecting her third child. This is her first baby with current boyfriend, Joaquim Valente. The source said, "Gisele and Joaquim are happy for this new chapter in their life and they're looking forward to creating a peaceful and loving environment for the whole family."

Who is Gisele Bündchen's boyfriend?

www.instagram.com

Joaquim Valente is a jiu-jitsu professional at his family-owned studio, Valente Brothers. The 34-year-old continues a decades-long tradition of teaching this martial art to future generations — and his girlfriend!

These two have been linked together since 2022, but didn't start officially dating until June 2023 according to PEOPLE. In 2024, a source also told PEOPLE that this wasn't "a serious love affair," but the tides have clearly turned since then.

In March 2024, Gisele The New York Times, “This is the first time I am seeing someone that was a friend of mine first." She then noted, “It’s very different. It is very honest, and it’s very transparent.” She also was quick to deny that there was any overlap with her ex-husband, stressing that these types of rumors happen "to a lot of women" who "have the courage to leave an unhealthy relationship."

As for the most current state of Gisele and Joaquim's relationship? A source told Page Six, “Their chemistry together has always been there and they have a lot in common. They've been in love for a while." We're so thrilled for these two, and we hope their new child brings this couple so much joy!

How many kids does Gisele Bündchen have?

Instagram/gisele

Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady have two children together — Bejamin Rein (14) and Vivian Lake (11). According to Page Six, a source says that these two "really like" Joaquim Valente, as he's been living with them in Miami "for a while." We just know these two will be fabulous siblings to the new little one, given the way they show so much love to their parents!

When did Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady get divorced?

Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady officially divorced in 2022. However, according to Page Six, this all started back in 2020 when Tom wouldn't retire from the NFL — and according to a source from PEOPLE, their problems date back as long as 10 years! Regardless, it's clear Gisele's moved on to a new chapter in her life. Good for her!

Has Tom Brady said anything about Gisele Bündchen's new pregnancy?

Instagram/tombrady

According to TMZ, sources say that Gisele Bündchen told Tom Brady about her pregnancy before the news broke to the general public. And while Tom hasn't made an official statement about Gisele's pregnancy, he did take to Instagram on October 28.

The former football star posted an image of the sunset, three hearts, and The Chicks' cover of "Landslide." The Stevie Nicks original is all about the changes life brings, so Tom's seemingly alluding to the changes coming in his own life. Whatever happens next, we hope that this modern family navigates this new chapter with grace and love!

Looking for more celebrity news? Be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!

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How Salt & Straw Founder Kim Malek Turned an Ice Cream Cart into a Growing Empire

If your sweet tooth is your calling, why not learn how to turn your dessert dreams into a full-time passion from women entrepreneurs who took their inspiration beyond an idea? One movie date with her future husband to see Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory prompted Sugarfina co-founder Rosie O’Neill to wonder why grown-up candy stores didn’t exist. Food blogger Katie Higgins flipped her side gig of writing healthy dessert recipes into a career, and food scientist Natalia Butler found her ideal job creating new flavors for the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream empire. In this week’s How to Quit Your Day Job, we chat with Kim Malek, the CEO and founder of Salt & Straw — a popular West Coast chain of ice cream parlors focused on local flavors — about how she turned her idea for a community-based gathering spot for good times into a sweet success story.

Meet the Ice Cream Pro: Kim Malek

Years before Salt & Straw founder Kim Malek started her company, she worked at Starbucks Coffee, Yahoo!, adidas, and Gardenburger in marketing, community outreach, and product management and development. But inspired by the time she lived in the foodie paradise of Portland, Oregon, she had a vision to create a local eatery where friends could gather. Fourteen years later, she and her cousin Tyler, now head ice cream maker, started with an ice cream cart in Portland. Their unique flavors, like Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper and Pots of Gold & Rainbows (a mix of colorful marshmallows and cereal milk-flavor), garnered fans and graced Food Network’s list of the Top 5 Ice Creams in America.

With brick-and-mortar scoop shops now open in Los Angeles, Downtown Disney District, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle, the neighborhood ice cream dream Malek had 14 years earlier is now a thriving company. This year, Salt & Straw is gearing up to open its 19th location, and the team will be releasing its first cookbook, the Salt & Straw Ice Cream Cookbook (out April 30).

Brit + Co: What’s your morning routine?

Kim Malek: I have three kiddos, and I try to always take them to school when I’m not traveling. My mornings are all about them. I wake up around 5:30am, take our new puppy out for a little walk, make coffee, and pull myself together over a morning dose of NPR, and then wake up the littles and get them rolling. I’m big into ensuring they have a well-rounded breakfast, so I’m always dreaming up new things to serve along with a large plate of fruit daily. We dash out the door to be sure they have some time to play before school starts (essential to burn energy before sitting all day), which also gives me time to connect with other parents and teachers. Having accomplished all of that before I arrive at the office by 8:30am makes me feel like I’ve already packed in a lot. It’s great momentum for my busy day ahead.

B+C: What inspired you to start your company?

KM: I’d spent most of my adult life in Seattle but lived in Portland for a brief period in the mid-’90s. While there, I was struck by the incredible sense of community and collaboration that I experienced, and I was convinced that an ice cream shop would be the perfect way to reflect that. I wanted to create a place where people could run into their neighbors and spend time with friends and family. I started to work on a plan to open a shop and even looked at real estate. But I got cold feet and retreated back to my safe corporate job for the next 14 years, until the stars aligned for me to move back to Portland in 2010 and dust off my plans. Now, when I see the lines and groups of people who come together at our shops, it’s really gratifying to know that my original inspiration of creating great neighborhood gathering places has come to life in so many wonderful places up and down the West Coast.

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Shoutout to our scoopers at Portland's Northeast Alberta scoop shop, where we first served Salt & Straw's classic flavors way back in 2011. The team is still one of the grooviest gaggles of ice cream ambassadors we've ever met, and we couldn't do what we do without them. Thanks for spreading the happiness, friends! (Thanks for the photo, @bridgesandballoons!)

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B+C: How do you challenge yourself as an entrepreneur?

KM: I heard [football quarterback] Joe Montana speak several years ago and identified with a statement he made about being motivated by fear. As a classic entrepreneur who is motivated by the possibilities with a great appetite for risk, also being motivated by fear seemed ironic to other people when I described it. I had the opportunity to sit next to Joe at a dinner a few months ago and let him know that his statement had stuck with me all these years later and asked him if he’d explain a bit more what he meant by that. He said that he was generally pretty confident that he’d succeed at whatever he was doing, but he was motivated by fear to create contingency plans, be more ready than seems logical, and work harder than anyone else. I loved that!

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Guess who's back?! 💕⭐🐴👠🍀🌙🍯🌈🎈Get ready to time warp to fabled flavors past because our March menu launches Friday 3/1 with some of the most beloved ice cream concoctions we've ever made—including Pots of Gold & Rainbows—so stop by your local scoop shop ASAP for a taste of this cereal-rific creation as well as a few more fan faves you've been waiting for...

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B+C: Tell us about how your family and friends help support your business.

KM: My family has been instrumental in the company. I founded the company with my cousin Tyler. He wanted to join me to make ice cream when I was getting the company started, but he’d never made ice cream before and just started culinary school. He lived in my basement and experimented with ice cream making on a machine he got at Goodwill. It quickly became apparent that he was really talented, and he became the head ice cream maker right off the bat. It turned out to be a terrific partnership, and his culinary sense has made the company what it is today. The other person I have to mention is my partner Mike. Before I started Salt & Straw, I lived in Seattle and was about to move to NYC. I came to Portland for a birthday and met a guy in a bar, which doesn’t usually end well, but we are still together with three kids. And so I moved to Portland instead of NYC for love. I began working on the business but didn’t really have the funding needed. I cashed in my 401(k), sold my house, and had a garage sale to raise money, but was still $40K short. Mike put his house up as collateral for a small loan from the City of Portland to secure the final funds needed. He’s been an incredible support ever since.

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"Dear @saltandstraw, you have made my day with your delicious vegan ice cream. I have to eat as much as I can. Please don't tell mom and dad. Love, Paris. PS please send more!!" Thank YOU for giving our Toasted Coconut Milk & Cookies a try, @paristhefrench. We like your style!

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B+C: What have you learned from a failure or mistake you made?

KM: One mistake that most growing companies make is around hiring. I’ve learned what a costly mistake this can be. I’ve found that spending more time on scoping roles to be sure we understand what the company needs over the next two to three years and collaborating with the team on core competencies associated with the position are key to ensuring that we find the right person. It slows us down at the start but allows us to move forward with everyone aligned on what we are looking for in a candidate.

B+C: What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

KM: One of the best pieces of advice I’ve gotten: not to take advice! Stay clear about your original vision and mission, and come back to that when making decisions. I find it most helpful for others to share their experiences versus offering advice. I’ve learned the most that way and have been able to choose how to incorporate that experience into my decision-making.

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If you're planning a midnight celebration for New Year's, make sure the freezer is stocked with your favorite flavors! We've teamed up with Postmates to offer FREE Salt & Straw delivery from December 31st through January 6th. That's right—check your #Postmates app to get some pints delivered to your front door.

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B+C: What do you love about your job?

KM: I’m most inspired by working side-by-side with people who have been with Salt & Straw since the beginning and have had a long career, continuing to push the company and others to new heights. It’s incredible to see how people have grown and taken the idea of this company far beyond what I could have imagined. I popped into a meeting recently with folks from all over the company working to figure out how to introduce a new product. It blows my mind to see these super-smart, passionate people creating a new future together.

B+C: Name two female heroes who you think should get a shout-out.

KM: First, Maggie Weissman, a principal at Billings Montana High School where I grew up and who went on to own Great Harvest Bread in Seattle. Before that, she was in the Peace Corps. I remember going to the drug store with her to buy toiletries for someone she was hiring who was recently released from prison. She worked on a plan to help him be successful in the job. Watching her go through the process changed everything I knew about what creating jobs could mean for others.

Second is RBG [Ruth Bader Ginsburg]. One story I love about her is that when her son’s school called about her son’s behavior, she said, “He also has a father. Please call him from now as the first point of contact for issues pertaining to our son.” Since they both worked, it didn’t seem fair that the school always contacted her first. Funny enough, she said when the school now had to interrupt a man at work, they stopped calling so frequently. As a household with two working parents, it was a good reminder to be sure the systems and institutions we work with are supportive of co-parenting. It’s an ongoing struggle to make it all work.

B+C: If you could tell aspiring creative women anything, what would it be?

KM: Find your voice and use it. You have terrific ideas that the world deserves to hear. I think women tend to be too conservative in sharing their thoughts, dreams, and plans, and wait until they have things perfect to speak out. One of the biggest gifts someone can give you is to underestimate you.

RELATED: How Two College Roommates Turned a Food Allergy Into a Superfood Ice Cream

(Photos via Leela Cyd Ross)

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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Stop What You’re Doing & Enter This $3,000 Cozy Fall Giveaway

IDK about you, but I love getting cozy on a chilly fall day — and I especially love getting cozy with a bunch of goodies I scored for free! Suddenly that blanket feels extra snuggly if it was a gift, doesn't it? All jokes aside, you can actually win a LOT of amazing stuff in our Cozy Gatherings Giveaway! From what you wear to the air you breathe, we're here to help you embrace the cozy lifestyle to the fullest. Read on to check out what you can win!

Sign Up For The Cozy Gatherings Giveaway Here!

What You'll Win:

  • $500 M.M.LaFleur Shopping Spree
  • $500 LAFCO New York Gift Card
  • $450 Solawave Gift Card
  • $400 Bloomist Gift Card
  • $350 Visa Gift Card
  • $312 L'Occitane Package
  • $300 FabFitFun Gift Card
  • $250 Visa Gift Card

M.M.LaFleur

$500 M.M.LaFleur Shopping Spree

Need some new clothes? We've got your back. Sign up for the giveaway for a chance to win a $500 M.M.LaFleur shopping spree!

LAFCO

$500 LAFCO New York Gift Card

Nothing says "cozy" like candles, TBH. And while I could personally spend my whole paycheck on new seasonal scents, this gift card could come in and save the day! Sign up for the giveaway for a chance to win a $500 LAFCO New York gift card to get all the candles you could ever want!

Solawave

$450 Solawave Gift Card

Solawave really is That Girl when it comes to skincare devices! If you've been dying to try one, now's your chance! Sign up for this giveaway to get a chance to win this amazing all-in-one skincare wand!

Bloomist

$400 Bloomist Gift Card

Natural, woodsy, warm decor can really add a cozy vibe to your space. Since redecorating can be expensive, sign up for this giveaway to get a chance to win a $400 Bloomist gift card. You'll be able to snag some stunning seasonal decor that'll make your favorite room shine.

$350 Visa Gift Card

Free money? Enough said. You definitely wanna sign up for this giveaway!

L'Occitane

$312 L'Occitane Package

We're big on skincare here — especially when it's French. Looking to add some L'Occitane to your vanity without breaking the bank? Sign up for this giveaway to get over $300 worth of their products!

FabFitFun

$300 FabFitFun Gift Card

Getting a box filled with fun surprises is seriously such a good way to lift your spirits when the sun starts setting earlier and earlier each day. Sign up for this giveawayto get a $300 FabFitFun gift card, so you can make that dream a reality!

$250 Visa Gift Card

MORE free money?! Alright, if you haven't signed up for the giveaway yet, what are you doing?!

Seriously, sign up for the Cozy Gatherings Giveaway ASAP — you'll thank me later!

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12 Disney Theme Parks You Can Visit Around The World, Ranked

There's no other place I'd rather vacation than Disney. I know, that might be a controversial statement, but I love visiting the Disney theme parks on my own, with family, friends, and basically anyone else who will join me. As an annual pass holder and self-proclaimed Disney adult, I seriously frequent Walt Disney World multiple times a week — and it's absolutely on my bucket list to visit all of the other parks around the world in my lifetime.

I've been to Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure — and I'll be able to check Disneyland Paris off my list soon — but until then, I've come up with a list of the parks I've already visited (and want to visit) in order of priority. Here are all Disney theme parks around the world you should visit, ranked.

TL;DR

  1. Magic Kingdom
  2. Epcot
  3. Hollywood Studios
  4. Animal Kingdom
  5. Disneyland
  6. Disney California Adventure Park
  7. Disneyland Paris
  8. Walt Disney Studios Park
  9. Tokyo Disneyland
  10. Tokyo DisneySea
  11. Shanghai Disneyland
  12. Hong Kong Disneyland

All The Disney Theme Parks, Ranked

Disney World

1. Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is quintessential Disney for both the young and young-at-heart. Located in Central Florida, when you think of Disney, this is usually what comes to mind. It's most notable for the larger-than-life castle where Cinderella and her princess friends get together to meet guests everyday.

I especially love Magic Kingdom because it has a bit of everything for those classic fairytale lovers and thrill seekers. You'll find coasters such as Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, as well as more classic attractions like It's A Small World and Peter Pan's Flight that are suitable for the whole family. Plus, the entertainment is top notch with a daytime parade, evening fireworks, and a show on the castle stage.

(A word to the wise, though: there really isn't any alcohol in this park, so don't expect to have that Epcot-esque experience here)

Disney World

2. Epcot

Speaking of Epcot, it's genuinely unlike any other theme park in the world. The park somehow brings together futuristic concepts (Space 220 is out of this world) and cultural diversity (hello, World Showcase!) in such a unique way! Not only can you explore 11 different international pavilions, eating and drinking to your heart's content, but you can also enjoy incredible rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

And while Epcot has rides and character meet and greets, this park really stands out for its festivals. Every few months, guests can experience different themed festivals filled with varying entertainment, food, and beverage offerings. Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival is arguably the most popular — I mean who doesn't love to celebrate that?! Other incredible celebrations include the International Flower & Garden Festival, International Festival of the Arts, and Festival of the Holidays. I highly recommend scheduling your trip to Epcot during one of these festivals periods because it truly shows the park at its best capacity.

(And if you're feeling a silly, you can "Drink Around The World" in Epcot's World Showcase any time of year 😉)

Disney World

3. Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is flashy and fun, featuring larger than life productions to high-tech attractions and rides. You'll find a bit of everything at Hollywood Studios, but Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land are the park's newest developments with attractions including Rise of the Resistance, Millennium Falcon, and Slinky Dog Dash. Oh, and I can't forget about Tower of Terror — the icon of the park that can be seen from multiple points across the Disney property.

Lastly, you won't want to miss Fantasmic, the parks nighttime spectacular that combines water, characters, fireworks, and more into a breathtaking show for guests each night. Content Editor Haley Sprankle constantly has the theme song stuck in her head — it really is THAT good.

Disney World

4. Animal Kingdom

No trip to Disney World is complete without a visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom. Whether you're looking to be in tune with nature or see wildlife in action, you can experience it all at DAK.

For starters, you can go on the Kilimanjaro Safaris where you'll be guided around an African savannah right in the heart of Florida to see animals like giraffes and hippos in their natural habitats while learning facts about the park and their conservation efforts. Outside of the rides, you can't miss the Festival of the Lion King which is a 30-minute Broadway-style show that features acrobats, live music, puppetry, and fire throwing — all in celebration of the beloved film!

The only downside to DAK is that it can get extremely hot, and there aren't a lot of places to find relief from the brutal Florida sun. I'd definitely be sure to wear protective hats and hydrate, whenever possible!

Disneyland

5. Disneyland

A visit to the original Disney park is a must-do at some point in your lifetime. Disneyland is home to Sleeping Beauty's castle and has a quaint, old-school feel that instantly transports you back in time. Unlike Disney World, characters at Disneyland roam and meet guests as they interact with their environment — almost as if they just hopped off a page from a storybook.

In terms of rides, there's no shortage of them at Disneyland, from Indiana Jones Adventure to Pinocchio's Journey. Lastly, no trip to Disneyland is complete without paying homage to Walt outside of his apartment on the top of Main Street U.S.A. Don't forget to grab a churro too — they're delicious!

Disney California Adventure Park

6. Disney California Adventure Park

Directly across from Disneyland is Disney California Adventure — here you'll find a mix of Disney, Pixar and Marvel characters and rides for the whole family. DCA is home to the beloved Cars Land, AKA where you can visit Radiator Springs Racers and Flo's V8 Cafe. Other highlights of the park include Pixar Pier, San Fransokyo Square (inspired by Big Hero 6), and Avenger's Campus. If you get hungry at DCA, there are plenty of dining options, from Carthay Circle to Lamplight Lounge. Plus, who doesn't love that iconic Mickey Mouse ferris wheel?!

Joan Costa

7. Disneyland Paris

Making your way to Europe? Be sure to make a stop at Disneyland Paris — located only 40 minutes away from the downtown area — to get your fix of Disney magic. Disneyland Paris is centered around Sleeping Beauty's Castle and is home to four lands — Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland, and Discoveryland.

Like any Disney theme park there are so many rides, characters, and fun to get into. Step foot into Phantom Manor or Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain to immerse yourself in Disney's iconic storytelling whether by yourself or with family members.

Walt Disney Studios Park

8. Walt Disney Studios Park

Next to Disneyland Paris, you'll want to head over to Walt Disney Studios Park to find attractions and characters inspired by Disney, Pixar and Marvel. Some of the most exciting elements? Crush's Coaster, Cars Road Trip, and Ratatouille — because of course we couldn't exclude Paris's favorite rat. It's definitely a slower paced park with less offerings, however, you'll still feel the magic as soon as you step foot onto the property.

Tokyo Disneyland

9. Tokyo Disneyland

If you find yourself in Tokyo, then you'll absolutely wanna do yourself a favor and head over to Tokyo Disneyland. While it's completely it's own park, Tokyo Disneyland seems most similar to Magic Kingdom with its seven different "lands" throughout. You'll find the World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown, and Tomorrowland.

You'll find some classic Disney attractions, like the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and The Beast alongside other family-friendly options like Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and Monsters Inc Ride and Go Seek. Plus, you'll be able to see lots of characters throughout — not to mention the exciting entertainment offerings from Jamboree Mickey to Harmony in Color!

Lastly, this park has SO much great merchandise options, so you can bring home something unique with you to remember your trip!

Tokyo DisneySea

10. Tokyo DisneySea

Head on over to Tokyo DisneySea where you'll find a plethora of rides and characters from beloved Disney movies. Aside from Mickey and Minnie, you can meet lots of princesses alongside Duffy and friends (the cutest little animal characters!) to fill up your autograph book and camera roll to the max.

This park is self-described as the "only Disney park themed to the myths and legends of the sea," adding extra intrigue to the experience. You'll find the Mediterranean Harbor, American Waterfront, Port Discovery, Fantasy Springs, Lost River Delta, Arabian Coast, Mermaid Lagoon, and Mysterious Island.

Tokyo DisneySea's latest expansion is Fantasy Springs where you'll be immersed into the worlds of Peter Pan, Tangled, and Frozen. Plus, you can get on Journey to the Center of the Earth and 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea — which you also won't find at any other Disney park!

Disney

11. Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland features the Enchanted Storybook Castle right in the center of the park, where guests can take pictures and get immersed in the magic. The park has eight different themed areas — Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Fantasyland, Treasure Cove, Adventure Isle, Tomorrowland, Toy Story Land, and Zootopia — with each offering it's own unique vibe. Some popular attractions include Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, Tron Lightcycle Power Run, and Peter Pan’s Flight.

According to their website, this park is also the most "technologically innovative" Disney theme park, so I'm sure you'll be in for some really exciting features! Plus, the Enchanted Storybook Castle is "the tallest, biggest and most interactive of all Disney castles the world over." Okay, sign me up!

Hong Kong Disneyland

12. Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland may be last on this list, but the park definitely has some incredible standout options for guests! (Plus, you know I'm never mad to be at any Disney theme park ever!)

For starters, no other Disney park has a Mystic Manor, an alternative take on the Haunted Mansion where guests are ushered inside as Henry Mystic shows visitors inside his home that's filled with antiques. Other highlights include the Iron Man Experience, Slinky Dog Spin, and Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars.

Plus, this park has stunning views throughout. The main castle is surrounded by lush, green mountains that are totally breathtaking — and totally different than anything you'd see in Orlando!

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