You can see Mickey Mouse at all four theme parks, and when I visit, I stop in and say hi.

I especially love seeing Mickey at Hollywood Studios because he's in his sorcerer outfit from "Fantasia."

You can also catch Mickey at Town Square Theater in Magic Kingdom, Adventurers Outpost at Animal Kingdom, and CommuniCore Hall at Epcot.

Epcot is known for its incredible annual festivals.

The first part of the year brings the International Festival of the Arts, which happens to be my favorite. You can also experience the International Flower and Garden Festival in spring, the International Food and Wine Festival in summer and fall, and the Festival of the Holidays in winter.

I love that the festivals all have food booths where I can try unique items. I also make a point to see the incredible entertainment at the America Gardens Theater, like the celebrity-narrated Candlelight Processional during the Festival of the Holidays.

Disney Springs is filled to the brim with restaurants. Most of them are great, but I tend to find myself dining at celebrity-chef-owned spots more often than not.

A few of my favorites are Chicken Guy by Guy Fieri for a quick meal, Masaharu Morimoto's Morimoto Asia for a snack at the bar, and Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' for incredible fried chicken.

I've planned some visits around chefs' special events and have been lucky enough to accidentally run into other chefs at their restaurants.

In fact, my birthday treat this year was dining at eet by Maneet Chauhan. She and her team curated a special menu of dishes, and she did an open question-and-answer session for the group of diners.

No matter what time of year I go to Disney World, I have a Mickey-shaped ice-cream sandwich.

The cookies-and-cream ice cream is a refreshing treat, and I've found that the sandwiches don't melt nearly as quickly as the equally popular Mickey premium ice-cream bars.

There are hundreds of hotels around Orlando, but I like to stay at a Disney resort when I visit Disney World.

I love the theming of the hotels, how easy it is to get to the parks with complimentary transportation, and that I'm not bursting that Disney-bubble feel.

My favorite budget-friendly hotel is Disney's All-Star Movies, and my favorite splurge option is Disney's Riviera Resort.

The All-Star Resorts are a little farther from the theme parks, but the rooms are well-appointed, and I love the nostalgia. This is where I often stayed as a kid.

Riviera Resort is ultra-luxe, and the Disney Skyliner provides direct service to Epcot. I also love watching the fireworks from the rooftop lounge attached to Topolino's Terrace.

A few new attractions at Disney World, like Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Epcot, use virtual queues.

I always try to make reservations for these two attractions during the 7 a.m. drop on the day I want to visit the park. If I'm unsuccessful during the morning drop, I try again at 1 p.m. after I've checked into the park.

The virtual-queue option is free, so I'd much rather wake up early to use it than pay extra for a Lightning Lane line-expediting pass.

If I can't get a virtual queue spot, for some reason, I skip the attraction. I visit often enough that the extra cost isn't worth it to me — I'll be able to try again soon.

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I love riding a hop-on, hop-off bus on my first day in a new-to-me city.

In New York, the bus got me around town with ease since there were a dozen different stops along the route, including near Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Bryant Park.

I appreciated that I could get off as many times as I wanted so I could really take my time exploring.

My day ended with some incredible views of the bright NYC skyline from the bus windows.

One of my favorite areas of the city to explore was Bryant Park, which is in Midtown Manhattan near the main branch of the New York Public Library.

The park's annual holiday market was in full swing, reminding me of a Viking River Cruise I took last year around Europe's best Christmas-market destinations.

There were dozens of small stalls selling goods from local vendors and restaurant pop-ups serving some of the most incredible holiday dishes.

I especially enjoyed my sandwich with bresaola, onions, gherkins, and raclette from the raclette-cheese stand.

Everyone I talked to before my trip praised the food scene in New York City, so I tried everything from authentic bagels and dim sum to classic Italian food and Indian fusion.

Everything I ate and drank was incredible.

One of the best things I did in the city was a Hell's Kitchen food tour. The neighborhood tour was led by an expert guide, and our small group of six got to try five dishes at five different restaurants.

My favorites were the Georgian cheese boat from the aptly named Cheeseboat restaurant and a chicken-tikka-masala taco from Taco Mahal.

I loved visiting Rockefeller Center.

From peeking through a window at Studio 1A to see the "Today" show filming to exploring the iconic FAO Schwarz toy store, it ended up being one of the best parts of my trip.

The pinnacle of my visit, however, was going to the top floor of the Rock for 360-degree views of the city — I could see everything from Central Park to One World Trade Center.

Every New Year's Eve, I watch the ball drop in Times Square from the comfort of my home in my pajamas. Since it was my first time in New York City, I knew I wanted to finally see this part of the city for myself.

Once I got to the tourist destination, however, I was severely let down.

It wasn't nearly as big as I expected it to be after seeing it on TV. With all the flashing billboards, shops, food carts, and knock-off mascot characters walking around, the area was also very overwhelming

Although New York City has a famously robust transit system, I didn't end up using it.

I live in a part of Florida where public transit isn't really a thing, so learning how to ride the local subway and bus lines — and figuring out which ones to take and where to get off — felt daunting.

Unfortunately, I quickly learned that rideshares and taxis cost a pretty penny and often take a long time to get from point A to point B because of the sheer amount of traffic in the city.

I didn't mind walking to some neighborhoods if they were close to where I already was, but it wasn't always convenient or easy.

Unfortunately, this limited the amount of exploring I could do, so I mainly spent my trip in and around Midtown.

Unfortunately, there has to be a country that comes in last, and for me, it's Germany.

That said, I've been twice, and the second time was better than the first. When I travel, I really value interacting with locals and other people, and I found that more difficult for me to do here.

Even so, Germany has a lot of history, and seeing everything from the Berlin Wall to Neuschwanstein Castle was incredible.

I seem to rank countries that speak my native language, English, on the lower end of the list. I think I find them less adventurous — less of a challenge. That's primarily why the UK is second to last.

Plus, the skies are gloomy many days of the year, and I'm not a huge fan of the local cuisine.

Full disclosure: I've been four times, and each visit occurred during the dark, cold winter months. That definitely could've colored my opinion on the country.

Still, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the Christmas markets, the cute city of Bath, and major attractions like Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.

Canada is a beautiful country and an outdoors lover's paradise, with national parks like Banff and amazing winter sports in Whistler.

But outside Quebec and a handful of other provinces, English is the primary language. It was hard to decide where to rank it, but by that standard, it ended up lower on my list.

Canada has a great mixture of bustling cities and stunning nature. However, it's so close to the US and has a similar topography in many regions, so it feels like less of an adventure to me.

I primarily live in the United States, so I find it a little less exciting to travel around.

I do, however, love that you can spend months here and experience varying landscapes, people, and cuisines across the country.

I've been to 48 states, and California is my favorite. It has a healthy mix of cities, state parks, epic scenery, and beautiful beaches.

Bahrain, a tiny country in the Middle East, is a quarter of the size of Rhode Island, which is the smallest state in the US.

Unfortunately, that limits the number of things to do. But I love visiting the Manama Souq and the Bahrain National Museum.

The delicious variety of Gulf food is also a plus.

I couldn't find a ton to do in Senegal.

From what I experienced, though, I enjoyed taking a boat to the car-free Gorée Island to learn more about the history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and visiting the gigantic African Renaissance Monument in Dakar.

I also absolutely loved my hotel, Hotel Casa Mara Dakar. It was somewhat of a hub for nomad travelers from all over the world.

I have to admit, the main reason I ranked Honduras in the bottom 10 is because of the endless potholes that plague the roads and highways in the country. Its notoriously rough roads made getting from one place to the other quite stressful.

Aside from that, the country is beautiful.

I recommend visiting the Macaw Mountain Bird Park and Nature Reserve and the archeological ruins of Copán. Taking a zipline tour across Pulhapanzak waterfall and exploring Pico Bonito National Park were also highlights of my trip.

If you're looking for places to stay, Hotel Marina Copán, Finca Las Glorias, and Angeli Gardens are all great options.

It has been quite a long time since I was in Saudi Arabia, which is partially why it ended up where it did.

When I visited in 2008, I couldn't find much for tourists to do. Nowadays, I've heard the country is bustling with tourism, music festivals, unique desert and overwater stays, fashion boutiques, and adventure sports.

Plus, it's ranked No. 41 on the Travel and Tourism Index, so I know, economically, things have grown since 2019.

I'll have to go back to see if that changes my decision.

Although I love a challenge — and this goes against my above sentiments — I really struggled with the language and food in China.

I'm a pescatarian, and I wasn't able to find a lot of local cuisine to enjoy. Plus, outside Shanghai, hardly anyone I came across spoke English, which was not surprising. Still, because I wasn't familiar with the language, I found it difficult to get around from place to place.

It was an adventure, to say the least. Nevertheless, my favorite activities were taking a food tour, visiting the Great Wall of China, and seeing the mesmerizing Terracotta Army in Xi'an.

This is where it really started to get difficult to rank all the countries because I've loved traveling through all of them.

I road-tripped around El Salvador with my Dad, and it was quite a memorable vacation.

We met a lot of hospitable locals, but the food was what really left a lasting impression on me. I recommend trying nuegados de yuca (Salvadoran doughnuts), quesadilla Salvadoreña (sweet cheesecake), sopa de pescado (seafood stew), torta (sandwich), tamales pisques, tamarind juice, horchata, and the country's national dish, pupusa (thick flatbread).

Places I loved were El Rosario Church, the volcanic crater at El Boquerón National Park, and the colorful slide at Picnic Steak House.

I also enjoyed staying at the Cardedeu Hotel. The rooms were made of shipping containers and had stunning views of Lake Coatepeque.

I drove across the border from Georgia into Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.

Although I didn't spend many nights in the country, I remember it had beautiful landscapes and stunning cathedrals.

I definitely want to go back to explore more.

I also didn't spend a long time in Austria, but I remember Vienna embodying so much culture and beauty.

St. Stephen's Cathedral is a must-visit for any world traveler — I'm glad I checked it off my list.

My main reason for ranking Egypt on the lower half of the list is that it can be quite hectic — especially for first-time visitors. I experienced a lot of culture shock during my trip.

However, seeing such fascinating and historic landmarks firsthand was incredible.

While in Cairo, be sure to get to the Giza Pyramid Complex early for the opportunity to go inside the pyramids. I also recommend taking a Nile cruise, seeing a belly dancing performance at a local restaurant, and spending time shopping at Khan el-Khalili market.

There are also many places outside Giza worth exploring, including Aswan, Luxor, Alexandria, and El Gouna.

Like many islands in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is a fun place to vacation. It's a great destination for couples, families, or groups of friends.

While there, I enjoyed the beautiful beaches, took a catamaran tour, rented my own boat, and went on a four-wheel adventure through the jungle.

I spent three nights in Singapore, and I felt like that was enough time to see everything I wanted to.

Overall, I was fascinated by the country's cleanliness, organization, and (for lack of a better word) perfection.

Marina Bay Sands was a beautiful place to stay, and I enjoyed visiting Gardens by the Bay and the ArtScience Museum.

The cafés and shops on Haji Lane are worth strolling around, as is the Lau Pa Sat hawker center (which was featured in "Crazy Rich Asians").

Tunisia is a beautiful country.

One of the top things I remember is that it had a lot of cute coffee shops, which I love.

Some of the highlights of my trip were visiting Tunis, Hammamet, Kairouan, Sousse, and El Jem.

I had unique experiences staying in homes throughout Tajikistan.

A highlight was hiring a driver to do the scenic Pamir Highway.

A good chunk of the drive borders Afghanistan, and it was fascinating to see villager life across the river that separates the two countries.

I may be biased because I'm originally from Kuwait and travel back to visit my family every year, but I love the country. That's a testament to how difficult this ranking was because it didn't even break into my top 25.

My favorite part of every trip is spending time with family, but my second favorite thing to do is explore all the new restaurants, shops, museums, and pop-up events.

I realize that compared to some tourism hot-spots, Kuwait doesn't have that much for tourists to do. If you're thinking of visiting, I think it's best if a local can show you around.

The old souk, Mubarakiya, and Kuwait Towers are a must-visit. And be sure to try some delicious dishes, such as hareesa (creamy soup), margoog (lamb stew), and muhammar (sweet rice dish), as well.

Malaysia has a lot to offer, from beaches to jungles to cities.

Some of my favorite places to visit in the country were the night markets of Kuala Lumpur, the colonial city in Penang, the UNESCO sites of Malacca, the island of Langkawi, and the Batu Caves of Selangor.

I love the biking culture in the Netherlands. In Amsterdam, locals seem to cycle everywhere, and it's fun to see rush hour happen on bicycles.

Amsterdam also has beautiful canals where you can stay on a houseboat.

The country has some of the best cheese in the world, and biking to the countryside to see the tulips and windmills was well worth the adventure.

The island country of Malta has so much history.

I enjoyed exploring the town of Valletta, staying in the palazzo of Domus Zamittello, jumping into St Peter's Pool in Marsaxlokk, watching the sunset from Sliema and Rabat, dining at Bahia, and lounging at Golden Beach and Gnejna Bay.

In 2018, Qatar didn't seem to have a lot to offer tourists, but hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022 changed the landscape of the country.

Now, it's ranked No. 52 on the Index, and there's so much for people to explore. I think it's such a beautiful place full of Arab hospitality.

When I visited, I found myself constantly returning to Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb Downtown Doha, and the Pearl Island.

France is another country whose regions cater to a lot of varied interests.

Visit Courchevel in the French Alps for a lovely ski vacation, the glamorous French Riviera for some of the most relaxing beaches, the charming town of Annecy that's been dubbed the "Venice of the Alps," or the regions of the Loire Valley or Bordeaux for wine.

Even though some might think the capital city is overrated or overdone, you can't discount all the fantastic shopping, romantic walks, museums, monuments, and restaurants in Paris.

Switzerland has stunning natural beauty and is perfect for any outdoors lover.

The country offers breathtaking lake and mountain vistas, and cities like Geneva are remarkably clean.

Some of my favorite places in the country are Zermatt, Interlaken, Zurich, Lake Lucerne, St. Moritz, Lugano, and Bern.

I think the UAE is the perfect introduction to the Gulf Arab culture for tourists.

I regularly travel alone, and this is one of the places I felt the most safe. Plus, it has everything a cosmopolitan city should offer — including plenty of museums (the Museum of the Future is my favorite), restaurants, and activities.

Although Dubai has some of the best shopping and nightlife, Abu Dhabi has the best cultural attractions, such as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Hatta is a wonderland for hikers, and Ras Al-Khaimah is perfect for travelers looking for a desert experience.

If you're interested in taking an African safari, I highly recommend going to Kenya.

My first safari experience was here, and it was unforgettable. We saw breathtaking landscapes and got up-close experiences with animals. It was unlike anything I've ever experienced.

I also recommend checking out the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

When I visited Uzbekistan, I started in Tashkent.

I saw the Chorsu Bazaar before visiting Samarkand's Registan Square and Bibi Khanum Mosque. I ended my sightseeing tour in Bukhara, which was a major stop on the Silk Road.

The country is definitely top-25 worthy, and I can't wait to go back. On my next visit, I'd like to see the archeological sites in Khiva.

Tanzania will always hold a special place in my heart because I hiked Mount Kilimanjaro. It was so gratifying to check that famous site off my list.

I also went on a safari in the Serengeti with my Dad. It was just as amazing as the one in Kenya.

Zanzibar was another highlight. I saw the giant tortoises on Prison Island and did some epic snorkeling.

I love that each region of Mexico is so different. Every time I return, everything from the cuisine to the landscapes makes it feel like an entirely new experience.

Some of my favorite regions are Mexico City for a bustling city, Baja California (specifically Todos Santos and La Paz) and Sayulita in Riviera Nayarit for laid-back beach vibes, and the cenotes and jungles in the Playa del Carmen.

I look forward to visiting Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende on my next trips.

Mumbai and Delhi are must-visit destinations in India, but don't discount the beauty of Jaipur.

The city is so rich with colors, bazaars, and ornate buildings. I loved driving down the street alongside elephants, horses, and mopeds loaded with an entire band of people.

Kerala is a tropical beach town with thriving wildlife, but Varanasi was my favorite place to visit.

It was unlike anywhere else I've been. It's a pilgrimage site for Hindus, and people make the journey there to die, heal, and mourn.

Costa Rica is the ultimate destination for adventurers and outdoors lovers.

I had wild experiences in nature, ranging from white-water rafting and night hikes through the jungle to camping and ziplining.

The flora and fauna are also unmatched — so much of the country is lush.

I constantly think about returning to Turkey to explore more of the country.

If you're new to traveling beyond the US and Western Europe, it can be a bit of a culture shock. However, it's a great country to visit if you want to get acquainted with aspects of Middle Eastern culture.

Istanbul is a vibrant city with delicious cuisine and stunning sights like the Hagia Sophia. The city is split — half located in Europe and the other half in Asia — which makes for a fascinating wander.

Next time, I'd love to visit Bodrum, the capital of the Turkish Riviera.

Nicaragua is another country with a special place in my heart because I spent weeks there producing a documentary for my master's thesis.

Highlights include capital-city Managua, the beaches of San Juan del Sur, colonial architecture in Granada, the cathedrals of Léon, and volcano-surfing in Cerro Negro.

I think Iceland has the most distinct topography of all the countries I've visited. Seeing glaciers, fjords, and volcanoes up close isn't something I can do every day.

Some of my favorite places in the country were Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Akureyri, Mývatn Nature Baths, Hallgrímskirkja church, and the attractions along the Golden Circle.

Oman is a major highlight of the Persian Gulf. It's one of the most hospitable Arab countries I've been to and has such beautiful nature.

In the capital of Muscat, the Royal Opera House, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and Oman National Museum are must-sees. Outside the capital, the mountainous regions of Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams are stunning hiking destinations.

Some of my favorite stops were Wadi Shab, a canyon with clear water to swim in, and Wahiba Sands, the desert region of the country. Nizwa is also a fascinating ancient city, and Salalah is known for its beaches.

Peru was the first South American country I visited, and it did not disappoint.

I could've spent months wandering around, but in my 10 days there, I made it to Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Arequipa, and the Amazon.

The locals were incredibly warm to me, the food was delicious, and the vistas were breathtaking.

I'd like to return to visit Rainbow Mountain and spend a few more nights in the Amazon.

I love Thailand. The only reason it isn't higher on the list is that I'm not a huge fan of Bangkok, its capital.

Luckily, the country has something for nature lovers, city dwellers, water fanatics, adventurers, and partiers.

Chiang Mai is laid-back and has beautiful temples, great night markets, and endless outdoor activities, such as white-water rafting. Whereas, the islands of Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, and Koh Samui are great for diving and have lively party scenes.

I was pleasantly surprised by Georgia — probably because I hadn't heard that much about it before visiting.

The country has various regions to visit depending on what you'd like to do.

I went to Tbilisi to get a sense of city life, Mtskheta to see Jvari Monastery, Vardzia for the cave monastery, Svaneti to see the Caucasus Mountains, Kazbegi to see the Gergeti Trinity Church, and Sighnaghi for the historic wineries.

I love Finland — especially in the winter.

I spent a few November days exploring Helsinki, partaking in a food tour, stopping in Hietalahden kauppahalli food hall, and experiencing a Finnish sauna at Löyly Helsinki.

Then, I took a short flight to Lapland, where I went dog sledding, sat around a campfire, and experienced a winter hammock nap at HaliPuu.

Above all, there was nothing quite like soaking in the beauty of the northern lights at Levin Iglut.

I only explored Cape Town on my trip to South Africa, but I absolutely fell in love with the city. I'm excited to return to see even more of the country.

From shark-cage diving to hiking Lion's Head at sunset, I found some thrilling things to do.

Foodies should do wine tastings in Stellenbosch, and animal lovers should know about the penguins at Boulders Beach. Riding the cable car to Table Mountain was also the perfect place to snap beautiful photos.

Other highlights include historic Robben Island and the beaches of Camps Bay.

Colombia sometimes gets a reputation as being unsafe, but I've been twice and had zero issues. In fact, it's one of my 10 favorite countries to visit.

My favorite places in the country are the bustling city of Medellin, and Cartagena, a smaller town with so much personality.

If you go to Guatapé, there's a gigantic granite rock that can be climbed. It's quite famous and fun to see.

Ecuador has a beautiful mix of city and nature.

Many travel to the country to summit Cotopaxi, but I've been twice because I am fascinated by the Galápagos Islands.

The second time I visited, I took Ecoventura's weeklong cruise that combined educational information with island exploration. It was mesmerizing to observe the island grouping's endemic species and flora thriving in the wild.

Indonesia was easily one of the most memorable trips of my life.

I went to Bali, Nusa Penida, and the Gili Islands, and all the locals I met were incredibly kind and helpful. The cuisine was delicious, I felt safe, and there were endless activities.

Bali, in particular, has a great balance of culture, nature, and modern amenities.

Morocco triumphs in my book of Arab countries. Traveling by train from Fez to Marrakech was one of my greatest adventures.

Chefchaouen (the blue city), Essaouira, and the Sahara were all highlights of my trip to the African country.

Portugal had such a rich mix of landscapes, cultures, and vibes. I spent a few days soaking up the tourist attractions in Lisbon before I made my way to Sintra, which was once a summer getaway for royalty.

I continued up the coast to Nazare, a coastal town known for its epic waves, and Aveiro, known for its canals. Then, I spent a few days in Porto before ending my trip with a wine tasting in the Douro Valley.

If I return, I'd love to explore the country's southern regions and islands.

Vietnam is one of my favorite Southeast Asian countries because there are seemingly endless places to visit and things to do.

My favorite itinerary begins in the city of Ho Chi Minh before going to Hoi An to visit the famous Night Market and experience a basket-boat tour.

Next, I recommend making your way to Hanoi. I explored the city before sleeping a few nights on a houseboat in Halong Bay.

I'd love to return to Vietnam to see the rice terraces in Sapa.

I spent months island-hopping between the Cycladic Islands and Athens and loved every minute of it.

I was welcomed into locals' homes, ate the freshest seafood on the islands, and sunbathed on remarkable beaches.

Some of my favorite Greek Islands were Milos (for local life and beauty), Mykonos (for nightlife and shopping), and Santorini (for sunsets and views). But Crete was the cream of the crop — the large island offered so many opportunities for exploration.

I could spend years exploring the beauty of Italy.

Rome, Milan, and Venice are full of history, stylish people, and fantastic shopping. However, my favorite trips have been to the country's southern parts, from Naples through the Amalfi Coast.

Sicily is definitely one of my top spots in the country. I loved roaming Taormina's charming streets, taking a ferry to the Aeolian Island of Salina, and staying a few nights at Principe di Saline.

I spent many wonderful summers in Cyprus as a child, and the island nation is still one of my favorite travel destinations.

I love taking road trips around the island. I begin in Limassol, where I explore the quaint streets and walk along the seafront. Then, I'll move on to Paphos to visit archeological sights before driving through the Troodos Mountains and stopping in beautiful vineyards along the way.

I usually spend at least a day in Nicosia — a capital city that's divided between Cypriot and Turkish governing bodies. Then, I like to end my stay in Ayia Napa for its beaches and nightlife.

Surprisingly, it wasn't difficult for me to select my No. 1 country — Spain has always been near and dear to my heart.

Again, I may be biased. It's where I lived as a child and studied abroad, but every return trip has been memorable.

You really can't go wrong anywhere you travel in the country. Sevilla and Granada are great places for history buffs, San Sebastián is a foodie's paradise, and Madrid and Barcelona have amazing shopping and nightlife.

Mallorca is my favorite Spanish island because it's home to stunning beaches, cultural festivals, and stunning scenery. Even though it's very popular, it somehow still has a relaxing aura.

I inevitably need a morning boost at Disney World, especially after spending a few days in the parks. But I try not to buy cups of hot black coffee.

I'm always at a hotel when I visit the parks — usually a resort on the Disney property — so I have access to at least a single-serve coffee machine that makes a decent cup at no added expense to me.

Even better, when I stay at a Disney Vacation Club villa, there are usually larger machines that brew full pots instead of single cups. I can bring my own ground coffee and filters for my perfect cup.

Rain and Disney World seem to go hand-in-hand. When it rains at one of the theme parks, you'll likely see people donning thick, branded ponchos from the gift shops that cost about $12.

I've been guilty of buying these when I've been ill-prepared in the past, but I can get much cheaper disposable ones on Amazon or at Target before the trip.

The thinner, disposable ones are smaller anyway, so it's easy to pack multiple in any bag I have with me. Then, when it's done raining, I can simply throw the poncho away instead of carrying around a wet bundle of plastic.

I like to stay at the Disney World resorts, but I usually skip upgrading my booking from a standard to a preferred room closer to the hotel's front or its transportation options.

I imagine this is a nice feature for families with kids, but the rooms themselves seem to be exactly the same. Plus, it only saves me a couple of minutes of walking.

Prices vary depending on which kind of resort you're at — value, moderate, or deluxe. Sometimes, it's only about a $20-a-night difference between standard and preferred, but I could use that money on plenty of other things.

Disney World sometimes offers dining packages for its bigger shows, but I often find them to be of poor value. I'd rather grab something quick and easy and save my money.

For instance, you can book a dining package to watch "Fantasmic!" at Hollywood Studios. The price includes your meal, a drink, and guaranteed seats to the show, starting at $57 for adults.

That's much more than I'd normally spend on a meal at Disney World, and as long as I get to the theater early, open seats are usually plentiful.

If you're not as familiar with Disney World, all the different ticket add-ons can be confusing — plus, they always seem to be changing.

For now, there are still times when I think it makes sense to pay $15 a person per day for a Lightning Lane Multi Pass that I can use to expedite three lines at certain attractions. However, the individually priced Lightning Lane Single Passes for the most popular rides cost $10 to $25 each.

I understand that some people only have one opportunity to visit the parks and get on these rides, but I'm there often enough that the added expense isn't worth it.

Instead, I just get to the park early or stay late since lines are usually shorter during those times. I also keep my eye out for virtual queues on rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. When they're open, you can reserve one a day for free on the My Disney Experience app.