Get the Scoop on Cat Poop Coffee (Yes, It’s a Real Thing)

All The Disney Theme Parks, Ranked

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)

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 😉)

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.

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!

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!

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?!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

Where To Stay In Lake Geneva

There are so many hotels to stay at in Lake Geneva, but there are definitely a few that really standout properties you should consider during your visit!

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is luxurious — yet somehow wonderfully quaint — property located an hour from Chicago that's great for your fall getaway. You'll find standard rooms and suites alongside a plethora of dining options and amenities to utilize during your stay including an indoor and outdoor pool, golf courses, a fitness center, a spa, and an on-site trolley. Plus, the resort has packages for the fall available where you can receive free rounds of golf during your stay on The Brute or The Highlands courses. Might I suggest sending the boys on a golfing spree while you and the girls savor the spa? 😉

Maxwell Mansion

Book lovers, this one's for you! The Maxwell Mansion is a boutique hotel that's two blocks away from Geneva Lake. The historic mansion has 28 rooms, some of which are inspired by historic figures such Emily Bronte, Charlotte Bronte, Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, General Grant, and Virginia Woolf. You'll also find a hidden speakeasy that's open to resort guests, and it's definitely worth checking out if you have some free time. Otherwise, you can find an indoor bar or grab a drink at the seasonally open tiki bar by the pool!

Warning: This hotel is adults only, so it's best suited for a romantic getaway or a girls' trip!

The Abbey Resort

For a more full-service experience, The Abbey Resort is a great option for families and solo travelers. Aside from spacious rooms, the property has indoor and outdoor pools, live music, an entertainment center, and a 35,000 square-foot spa. The Avani spa is absolutely a highlight at this property, too — you can book a massage, manicure, pedicure, hair and makeup services depending on what you're interested in. Outside of all that, the resort is simply stunning, making it an even better spot to enjoy the fall foliage and take some totally Instagram-worthy photos.

Where To Eat In Lake Geneva

While you'll eat lots of cheese curds (and cheese in general, let's be real) in Lake Geneva, you'll probably want to swing by a restaurant for a more hearty meal. Here are some top options to add to your reservations!

Pier 290

You can't visit Lake Geneva without dining alongside Geneva Lake, and Pier 290 is the city's only lakeside restaurant! While the view alone has plenty of allure, the menu loaded with familiar favorites from cheese curds to lobster rolls. Plus, if you stop by on the weekend, you'll be able to enjoy some awesome live music as you eat!

Sopra

If you're craving Italian food, then you'll definitely want to head on over to Sopra. This Italian-American bistro located on main street is home to scrumptious eats including fish, pastas, salads, and more. A majority of the menu items have unique names — I'm looking at you, "donald from delhi" — adding a little extra fun and flair to your dining experience. So grab a "b positive" cocktail (blood orange vodka, club soda, splash of blood orange juice), and enjoy your evening!

240 West

Chow down on locally sourced ingredients at The Abbey Resort's 240 West Restaurant. Chef Noah Gumustekin curated a selection of dishes from pappardelle to a grilled ribeye that'll get your mouth watering at the thought. Plus, if you're staying on the property, you can eat to your heart's content and make your way to a lovely night's sleep in no time!

What To Do In Lake Geneva

Go On A Mail Cruise

Looking to actually get out on the lake itself? Lake Geneva Cruise Line hosts a US mailboat tour where you can sit on a boat as employees deliver mail to over 75 homes around the lake. During the two hour tour you'll learn all about the different mansions on the lake, plus some fun facts about Lake Geneva in general! This is a must-do for first-time visitors!

Visit Yerkes Observatory

Science lovers will want to take a trip over to Yerkes Observatoryfor all things space. The historic building is home to the world's largest refracting telescope (wow!), alongside plenty of other exhibits which you can browse at your own leisure. If you're looking for a more guided experience, the observatory offers tours to help you understand what the heck you're actually observing.

Walk Along The Shore Path

You should totally take some time out of your busy itinerary to walk the shore path around Geneva Lake. The entire path is over 20 miles — which would take you almost all day to complete in its entirety — but you can just start and end wherever you'd like to get a gorgeous view of the lake and the larger-than-life mansions. The best part? It's free and open to the public, so you can stroll around at any time.

Take A Cooking Class

If you're looking to spend time like a local in Lake Geneva, then you'll want to register for a class at Lake Geneva School of Cooking. Join Chef John Bogan and his team as you participate in a hands-on cooking class alongside other locals and vacation go-ers. You can browse the classes offered online and pick one that suits your palate, whether that's a meat-driven dinner or a perfect pasta dish. Classes are priced at $150 per person, so it's a bit on the expensive side, but think of it this way: this experience goes beyond the class! You can cook this menu over and over again at home, remembering the fabulous time you had in Lake Geneva.

Try Some Local Cheese

You can't visit Wisconsin without trying some local cheese. Head on over to Hill Valley Dairy to get your hands — and taste buds — on locally produced cheeses. Once you figure out what you like, you can buy them to take home with you, so you can enjoy them even after you leave Lake Geneva! And who doesn't want more cheese in their lives?

Why is Lake Geneva so famous?

Lake Geneva is famous given all its fine dining, larger-than-life mansions, and absolutely beautiful body of water. Additionally, this quaint town is also in a pristine location located only an hour away from Chicago, making it an easy way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and be a little more in tune with nature.

On top of that, plenty of travelers compare Lake Geneva to more expensive destinations across the globe, from Lake Comoto Newport. This lets you get all the beauty and luxury of those bucket list towns without the high price tags!

How do I spend a day in Lake Geneva?

When it comes to activities, Lake Geneva has plenty to offer! Whether you're simply walking the shore path, indulging in delicious locally grown dinners, or taking a cruise around the lake, you'll find fun everywhere you turn! And just because this is a lake town, doesn't mean you have to be outdoorsy. You can cater your experience based on your interests, including relaxing in one of the lovely luxury hotels.

Best hyaluronic acid formula: CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation

Pros: Infused with Olay skincare like niacinamide, a hyaluronic complex, and vitamin C, good coverage, smooth application

Cons: Customers have noted that the shades can run darker than what's noted on the packaging

Promising review: "This product is amazing. It truly provides full coverage. It makes my skin look flawless. No cakeiness and foundation seems creamy and good quality. Not super lightweight but that's ok with me."

Best SPF formula: L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation

Pros: Higher sun protection than other options at SPF 50, includes vitamin B3 and a hydrating serum to better complexion

Cons: Some users noted the formula can feel oily

Promising review: "I found my holy grail. Years and years, probably hundreds of dollars later, my Goldilocks foundation is cheap, available and even includes a high SPF. Why I waited so long on this L’Oréal winner, I don’t know. My mature dry skin loves this one. Never settles in lines or texture and lasts all day. Medium coverage and so easy to apply with brush, fingers or sponge. Very natural finish but not dewy."

Best antioxidant formula: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Foundation

Pros: Includes vitamin E, feverfew (known for calming properties), and natural soy to enhance skin

Cons: Poor shade range, formula can be thicker than others but "dries right away and covers very well."

Promising review: "Finally found a foundation that looks natural with a good match to my skin. I read an article on a celebrity who uses it so I decided to give it a try. I dot it all over my face and use a makeup brush to stipple it first and then swirl. It’s buildable so you can start slow. I love how it looks on my mature skin. Doesn’t settle or look dry."

Best on-the-go formula: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Foundation

Pros: Packaging makes it easy to travel with and apply, buildable coverage, blurring applicator

Cons: Some users noted the formula can feel oily, leading it to fade quickly

Promising review: "So easy to apply, can be blended with fingertips or makeup brush, really excellent coverage! No strange smells and doesn't irritate my skin (and I'm very sensitive, in the past had to use hypoallergenic brands). Have reordered and will not try any other brands going forward. It's funny because it's been 55 years since I used a Maybelline product, spent years paying for upscale brands, and now they've finally got it right!"

Best long-wear formula: Revlon 3X Age Defying Foundation

Pros: Claims to work as a moisturizer, serum, and primer all in one, easily buildable

Cons: Sun protection is very low at SPF 20, poor shade range

Promising review: "I have dry mature skin. This is perfect for me. I like how it looks natural... I don’t use my moisturizer when I use it…it’s like using moisturizer. I cleanse, tone and then apply with a kabuki brush. A+"

Best dewy formula: Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Liquid Foundation

Pros: Adds a luminous finish, oil-free formula

Cons: Sun protection is very low at SPF 18

Promising review: "An older friend with beautiful skin told me she used Maybelline Fit Me Dewy, so I tried it. It works better with my aging skin than many more expensive brands of foundation I’ve tried. Despite being light as a feather, it has fairly good coverage for blending out dark spots or splotches, [so] I sometimes use a concealer for under eye circles, too. There is a great range of colors, so it’s easier to get a good match."

Best buildable formula: Covergirl Advanced Radiance Age Defying Foundation

Pros: Reduces fine lines and imperfections, cruelty-free formula

Cons: Some customers have noticed discrepancies between this product's shade names and the rest of Covergirl's foundations and that it can be cakey on the face, but only with a heavy hand

Promising review: "When I started to develop fine lines around my eyes I found the mineral powder foundation settled into them and made me look older. (I'm now mid 40s). This foundation provides a medium to full coverage (depending on amount used) which I like but still looks natural. It is very creamy, feels light, and does not settle into my fine lines. It doesn't feel like I'm wearing makeup."

Best subtle splurge: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream

Pros: Great coverage, multi-tasking product with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E, and SPF

Cons: On the more expensive side (this travel-size version is $22)

Promising review: "I'm a 58 year old woman of Italian heritage. I definitely have that ever-so-slight olive tint to my skin. Despite the spotty reviews I decided to try it anyway... I LOVE this product and for me it lives up to all the hype."