I did the Disney College Program. Here are 12 of my favorite things to do in the parks.

When I need a break from the sweat-inducing Florida heat and feet-numbing walking, I love taking some time to relax on easygoing rides that typically have short wait times.

My favorites are the PeopleMover in Magic Kingdom and Spaceship Earth in Epcot.

This is also a good time to check out iconic shows like "Mickey's PhilharMagic" in Magic Kingdom and "Festival of the Lion King" in Animal Kingdom.

From grabbing beers in Germany and sipping margaritas in Mexico to enjoying poutine in Canada, Epcot's World Showcase has provided me with some of my favorite Disney memories.

Watch your wallet, though — it's easy to overspend if you get caught up in the fun.

Don't get me wrong, I love a Main Street parade as much as the next Disney fan. But when thousands of people are lined up waiting for the show, that's thousands of people who aren't in line for popular rides.

I've found that parade time is the best time to hit attractions like Space Mountain and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

If you can time it right and get on Thunder Mountain during Magic Kingdom's nighttime fireworks, the adrenaline rush of the coaster is amplified by the mesmerizing sounds and views.

The first time I did this was a happy accident, and now I always try to time it right if I don't want to stand and watch the nighttime show.

Hollywood Studios is my least favorite Disney park, but Tower of Terror has been one of my favorite rides for years — and it never gets old.

Disney's "Tower of Terror" movie with Kirsten Dunst is such a classic, and I love seeing it brought to life with the level of detail you can always count on in a Disney park.

Kilimanjaro Safaris is easily one of the coolest things Disney World has to offer, and I'll never pass it up when I'm visiting Animal Kingdom.

Seeing cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, lions, rhinos, hyenas, and crocodiles grazing in the "wild" (Disney's savanna) is an unforgettable experience.

Pro tip: Go in the early morning or late afternoon for the best chance at ample wildlife sightings.

When I'm ready for a lunch break or to call it quits for the day, I love visiting resorts like the Grand Floridian, BoardWalk Inn, and Beach Club.

During the holiday season, they transform into winter wonderlands with grandiose decor that makes you feel like you've stepped into a movie.

Even if you're not staying there, it's worth a visit just to see it all in person and snap a few pictures.

Did you really go to Disney World if you didn't enjoy a Dole Whip? I could visit a million times and that would mean eating a million Dole Whips.

I don't know why the treat tastes so good, but the pineapple-flavored soft serve is the most delicious way to cool down on a hot day.

No matter which Disney park you're visiting, there are always plenty of opportunities to see live entertainment throughout the day.

You could honestly walk around aimlessly and stumble into one, but you can also plan it out by using Disney's daily event calendar.

The "Festival of Fantasy" parade is a personal favorite of mine — watching it always makes me feel like a little kid again.

I'm not saying you should trick your friends into thinking you went on a fabulous vacation, but if you wanted to, Epcot is the place to be.

The park's World Showcase is filled with architecture inspired by countries from all over the world, with replicas of legendary monuments like the Trevi Fountain, Torii Gate, and Eiffel Tower.

My best Disney photos have all been taken here.

Before I worked at Disney World, I was never a fan of soft pretzels.

Maybe I'm just a sucker for a good photo opportunity, but Mickey pretzels quickly changed my mind. Now they're my favorite park snack.

If you haven't tried the sweet version that's coated with cinnamon sugar, you're seriously missing out.

I'll never forget the first time I watched the fireworks show in Magic Kingdom as an employee.

Everyone in the crowd was singing the words to "Let It Go" from "Frozen," and I couldn't help but feel proud to work for a company that created that kind of magic for people from all over the world.

It's impossible for me not to get swept up in it — in the best way.