October 29th, 2025 was my 40th birthday, and I spent it at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.


Sunday, October 26 (Arrival and hotel)

I left my house at roughly 3:15 am and drove to Bradley International Airport. Luggage included a large duffel bag that was inside a large suitcase and my backpack. I arrived at the airport and paid for garage parking. My airline was jetBlue out of Gate 3, took off from Runway 33, and flew to Orlando. Throughout the flight, I watched "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" on their screens, after asking for earbuds a few times. Upon arriving at Orlando International Airport, landing on Runway 36R. I grabbed my bag from baggage claim and arrived at the Mears bus terminal, which took me through the "Walt Disney World" sign, and arriving at my hotel, which was the Port Orleans French Quarter. Upon arriving, I was told I'd have to wait a few hours before my room was ready. I gave the hotel my luggage (except my backpack) and ate some Mickey Mouse shaped beignets, chocolate dipping sauce, and a TruMoo chocolate milk. Soon, I got a text saying my room was ready, WAY earlier than I thought! I arrived at my room, which was 6340, and settled in. Once I got my room ready, I walked to the Port Orleans Riverside hotel (right next door) where I met my Floridian relatives, my uncle Michel, my grandmother, and my dad's best friend John (my sister and I call him "Uncle Johnnie"). All four of us ate at Boatright's Dining Hall and enjoyed some delicious Cajun cuisine, while listening to stories of when DisneyWorld was like decades ago. Upon finishing up, we said our good-byes and I headed back to my room. I put on my swim trunks and swam in the pool and relaxed at the hot tub. Then, returning to my room, I set up Disney+ in my room and watched some Disney shows (namely "Behind the Attraction" and "Bluey").


Monday, October 27 (Animal Kingdom)

I woke up, got dressed in long pants (because the forecast said heavy rain) and walked to Sassagoula for a Mickey Mouse shaped cinnamon roll and a TruMoo chocolate milk for breakfast. Then I took the bus which took me to Animal Kingdom! I wandered around for a bit taking pictures. I entered in Discovery Trading Company and bought some souvenirs: two Mickey and Minnie coffee mugs, a photo album (tradition), an autograph book (which I learned wasn't), and a pen. Heading outside, I saw a flock of parrots fly around. Next I saw some otters at Otter Grotto, entered into Africa, and walked through the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. Then I went into Asia for the Maharajah Jungle Trek (one of my favorite parts of Animal Kingdom because I get to see bats). Then, I went on my favorite ride in Animal Kingdom, Expedition Everest! After that, I was hungry for a second breakfast, so I bought a yogurt parfait and orange juice. After that, I went to Discovery Island where I did a meet-and-greet with Safari Mickey and Minnie! Afterwards, I bought a Mickey Mouse ice cream bar and went to Pandora. I went on the Na'vi River Journey, and then I went to the Avatar Flight of Passage (first time) and it was AMAZING! Afterwards, I had lunch at Pizzafari where I ordered a cheese pizza and orange soda. Next I went to Dinoland U.S.A. where I went on the famous Dinosaur Ride. After that, I went on the Kilimanjaro Safaris (had to stop at one point because of a stubborn ostrich). After that, I bought more souvenirs, a mom and dad coffee mugs, coffee, cocoa, animal coffee mug, and water bottle. Next, I went to the Festival of the Lion King. After the show, I bought a huge stuffed Simba plush. Next, I went to Tiffins Restaurant and had an amazing dining experience. I ordered a Kanonkop red wine, Tiffins Signature Bread Service, the Surf and Turf, and Hazelnut Entremet for dessert with green tea. Upon leaving Tiffins, it started to heavily downpour! Luckily I brought my work rain jacket with me. I slipped it on and headed back to the bus terminal, which took me back to Port Orleans French Quarter hotel. Back at the hotel, I took a shower and watched the EPCOT episode of "Behind the Attraction" before falling asleep.


Tuesday, October 28 (EPCOT)

I woke up, went to Sassagoula for a chocolate croissant and TruMoo chocolate milk for breakfast. Took the bus to EPCOT and, since I was a Disney guest, I got early access, so I went to Test Track (pretending I was driving a truck). After test Track I went to the Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind. After that I bought a Spider-man hoodie for my nephew, got a breakfast sandwich with an orange juice before getting an EPCOT shirt. After walking by the Walt Disney statue, I went to see Mickey & Friends where I met Mickey, Goofy, and Minnie. Next, I went to The Land where I went on the Living with the Land ride, and later the Soarin' ride. After that I watched Awesome Planet, and left. I started heading to the World showcase. First, I had lunch eating Fish & Chips. Next I doubled-back and went to Journey into Imagination with Figment. After that, I went on my FAVORITE ride, Spaceship Earth! After the ride, I bought a 2025 coffee mug and a 2025 picture frame. Next, I went to the French part of World Showcase where I waited for the Ratatouille ride (last time I was there in 2021, it was so jam packed that they weren't accepting any other riders). After the ride, I bought a Mickey Mouse ice cream sandwich. Next, I went to the Japan pavilion and bought a kimono with tigers on it, among other things! The staff there were so impressed with my Japanese that we talked in Japanese for a bit. Next, I went to Norway where I met Elsa and Anna, and went on the Frozen Ever After ride. Once done, I quickly headed to The American Adventure, one of my favorite shows. The sun was setting and I went to Teppan Edo for dinner. Unfortunately... here's where it went downhill... I was feeling sick to my stomach. I tried to put on a smiling face, but I couldn't finish my dinner, so I took it to go... and left without seeing the fireworks show. I had to quickly get back to my hotel, took the bus, returned to my room, and tried to sleep to feel better.


Wednesday, October 29 (Magic Kingdom)

It was the big day, my 40th birthday!!! I started my breakfast with a Mickey Mouse rice crispies treat and a bottle of ginger ale just in case I got sick again. I was feeling a bit better. Took the bus to Magic Kingdom and went into Tomorrowland. First thing I did was ride Space Mountain. After the ride, I went to my favorite attraction at Magic Kingdom, the Carousel of Progress. Next, I went on Tomorrowland Speedway, which was kind of slow. Next, I went on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (my first time), and it was fun! After that, I saw PhilharMagic, and the bought two shirts at the gift shop. Next, the ride I love so much, the Haunted Mansion... however, by the time I got to the end of the line, the ride closed! So, I went to the Colombia Harbour House for shrimp and fries. Next I went to the Hall of Presidents, and then saw the Haunted Mansion was open again. During the ride, it stopped for a few minutes right when I was over the ballroom. After the ride, I went to Frontierland (Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was closed) and into the Enchanted Tiki Room. After the show, I walked to the Aloha Isle Refreshments where I bought and tried, for the VERY FIRST TIME, a Dole Whip!!! It was SO GOOD! Then, I passed by a part selling churros... again, I never had a churro before... it was AMAZING! I turned around and headed to Tiana's Bayou Adventure (last time I was there, it was called Splash Mountain). It was fun! At the gift shop I bought a bottle of Tiana's hot sauce and milk chocolate bar. The sad part was Pirates of the Caribbean was closed! Instead, I went to the Jungle Cruise Expedition. It was always fun going on that ride. I missed the parade, but that's okay, I walked around the castle and found the famous Roy and Minnie statue. I then walked into the Town Square Theater and then to the "it's a small world" ride. After that, the sun was setting, so I went to the Be Our Guest Restaurant. I told the staff it was my 40th birthday and they tried to get me a great seat. After taking pictures, they served my a baguette with butter, water, and a white wine. I started off my birthday dinner with escargot, and enjoyed a filet mignon with mashed potatoes and green beans. For dessert, I had a red rose "Grey Stuff" along with a Mickey Mouse birthday cake (that I pre-ordered when making my reservation). Before taking a bite, the restaurant's manager told me the Beast was going to walk through the restaurant and asked me to stand in a spot. I GOT TO MEET THE BEAST! I told him it was my 40th birthday and he was happy for me! I took my cake (didn't eat it) as I left the restaurant just in time to see the fireworks show! It felt magical! My 40th birthday was amazing! After the show, I took the bus back to the hotel, and there I bought a mug that said French Quarter on it (it's my tradition to buy a coffee mug that has the hotel's label on it!) What an amazing birthday!


Thursday, October 30 (Hollywood Studios)

I got up, took the bus, and went to Hollywood Studios! I have NEVER been there before! Upon arrival, the Cast Members suggested I go to the Star Wars Rise of the Resistance ride for early access. I went on it, it was amazing! Next, I walked into Toy Story Land where I went on the Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster. After I got off the ride, a bunch of Cast Members, dressed like green army soldiers, marched through the street beating drums. I then got a Mickey Mouse Ice Cream sandwich and a Coke. Next, I went on Toy Story Mania which was fun! After that, I walked through to a showing of Walt Disney One Man's Dream. I think that was my favorite part of Hollywood Studios. Next, I went to Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway! Wow! That ride was GREAT! Once I got off the ride, I bought two shirts. Hungry, I went to the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater restaurant. I got LUCKY! I was told it would be a 20-minute wait and I'd get a circular table... instead, it was a 20-second wait and I got a car table! It was fun, eating a milkshake, mini corn dogs, with a pulled-pork burger and fries. Once I was a full belly, I went to Star Tours, which was fun. Next... I went on... the famous... scary... and world-known... TOWER OF TERROR!!! My review... it... was... WILD! The build-up was more terrifying than the ride itself. After that I went of the Aerosmith Rocking Rollercoaster! AWESOME! Next I went to the Villains Unfairly Ever After show, which was okay, not great, but okay. After that I went to the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, which was pretty good but I wouldn't say great. The next show I saw was the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, which was funny but I wouldn't say great. The sun was setting so I went to The Hollywood Brown Derby for dinner. There, I had a shrimp cocktail, bread, pork tenderloin, and creme brule for dessert. Once I finished eating, I hurriedly ran to Fantasmic for an epic show to end my day! I got on the bus back to the hotel, put on my swim trunks, and swam in the pool and relaxed in the hot tub. I got got and headed to my room. You remember I mentioned that I put my duffel bag in my suitcase? That's because my bag was full of my clothes and essentials, whereas the suitcase holds all my souvenirs! I packed up, took a shower, and plomped into bed.


Friday, October 31 (Departure)

I got out of bed, dressed, left a tip for the hotel, and exited my room, 6340. First, I headed to the Scat Cat's Club Cafe for beignets and orange juice for breakfast. Once I checked out, I waited outside for a Mears van to arrive, and the diver (a Massachusetts native like me) took me straight to Orlando International Airport. I got my two bags tagged, boarding pass printed, through security, and to the gate... then to ANOTHER gate because my flight was delayed. While waiting, I went to Desano Pizzaria at the airport for a pizza, cookie, and a ginger ale. Once we boarded, I used the same ear buds I used from the earlier flight and watched "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" on the screen. We took off from Runway 35L. and over two hours later landed at Bradley International Airport landing on Runway 33 and arriving at Gate 5. Once I got my luggage from baggage claim, I headed back to my red pickup truck, loaded my luggage, paid for parking at the booth, and drove back home.


And THAT was my 40th birthday at DisneyWorld! I'm sure I left stuff out, but overall it was an amazing birthday! I can't wait to go back.