Ah 2020, I sure am glad to see the door close on you. But, a dear friend of mine sent me a “Best of 2020” list to fill out and once it was done, I realized that even though 2020 was the weirdest thing all of us have ever been through, there were certainly some fun bright spots that I could focus my Disney brain on! Although I’m excited for what 2021 will bring to the travel industry, there are certainly some things that have brought me joy in 2020! I hope you read this in the spirit of fun and in hopes to bring a smile to your face! 

First up is the best park snack I ate in 2020. I think we all know the answer to this question, but after the closure and limited offerings in the initial phases of opening, finally, after 8 months I got my hands on my beloved cheeseburger eggrolls!!!! Without a doubt, one of the best things to see in 2020 that made me tear up with joy was seeing that Spring Roll cart loaded with my absolute favorite treat on earth! If it hadn’t been for social distancing rules, I would have hugged those cast members at the cart all day long! 

Next up is my best beverage/cocktail! For this, I ventured to Batuu in search of Oga’s Cantina, the infamous watering hole of the galaxy! Here my pick is the Bespin Fizz! Bespin Fizz ($17.00) features Bacardi Superior Rum and Yuzu Purée with pomegranate Juice, white cranberry juice, and “Cloud Swirl.” This is served with dry ice and edible glitter! Very fruity, very fun, and out of this world!!! Fun fact about the Cantina, all drinks are pre-made and served on tap! Oga’s doesn’t have a full bar, you must choose from on menu offerings. 

While I couldn’t get a hug from Mickey or get my shoes decorated by Donald Duck, there were still some amazing character experiences in 2020 that I will not soon forget. But the best character I saw during this year is one that had eluded me in all my years of Disney visits, Jiminy Cricket! Of course, we see him in parades of cavalcades, but greeting and interacting with him is something I’d never experienced until now! It was a dream come true for me and a truly magical character experience! He was truly the gentleman I knew he would be! 

Next on my list of bests is resort!! I never in a million years thought I’d give this answer, BUT after staying here a few times during this year, Disney’s Riviera Resort is my favorite of 2020! I’m usually one to stick to the classics, like the Polynesian or the Grand Flo, but Riviera has truly stolen my heart and given me another place as familiar as home. It’s stunning art and functionally elegant accommodations are top-notch and the staff is impeccable! The dining options and recreation are out of the world! And let’s just take a minute to appreciate it’s super convenient Skyliner access! I cannot get enough of Riviera! 

And to wrap up my list of bests, why not talk about my overall best thing about Disney in 2020. So many amazing things could be mentioned. Passholder previews, low crowds, casual days, but the ultimate best is all the quality time I have been able to spend in the parks with friends and family truly enjoying every moment. 2020 put so much into perspective for many of us. It seems in life we were always in a rush, but it was nice to slow down and spend time bonding with friends at Disney. A friend is a special thing, a Disney friend is magical.

I hope you enjoyed my list of 2020 Disney bests and I wish all of you health and happiness in the New Year! I look forward to helping you and yours plan your list of bests for 2021! Happy New Year to all!