When Sitcoms Met the Magic of Disney
If you were a 90s kid glued to your screen on TGIF nights, you probably remember when the Full House cast packed their bags and headed to Walt Disney World. In one of the most iconic TV vacations of the era, the Tanners explored real Disney parks, creating unforgettable scenes that fans still cherish today.
But where exactly was Full House filmed at Disney World? And can you still visit those spots now?
Let’s take a nostalgic stroll through the real places where Full House was filmed—and how you can relive those magical moments all over again.
Why the Tanners Went to Disney World in the First Place
So how did the story bring the family to Florida? Uncle Jesse’s band, Jesse and the Rippers, was scheduled to perform at Walt Disney World. Naturally, Danny turned it into a full-blown family trip. And like any family vacation, things didn’t exactly go smoothly—but the magic of Disney helped sort everything out by the end.
The Grand Floridian: Home Base for the Tanners
Their Disney adventure began at the luxurious Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s most upscale hotel at the time. In the show, the family checks in here and uses it as their home base.
Memorable scenes filmed at the Grand Floridian include:
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Michelle meeting a crowd of Disney characters
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Jesse and Becky walking near the dock and boardwalk
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Danny planning his big proposal to Vicky
Even today, the resort looks almost exactly the same. It’s a must-see for fans looking to relive the Tanner family’s magical stay.
Main Street, U.S.A.: Where Michelle Became a Princess
One of the standout moments in the Disney episodes is Michelle being crowned “Princess for the Day.” This scene was filmed right on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom. She even had her own carriage ride and the power to skip lines. Talk about the royal treatment!
In true Michelle fashion, she let the power go straight to her head, which led to some hilarious—and slightly chaotic—moments later in the episode.
Fantasyland Rides: Iconic Moments on Classic Attractions
Michelle made the most of her princess privileges by riding her favorite attractions over and over again. The show featured real rides that fans can still enjoy today, including:
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Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, where Michelle took multiple spins
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Dumbo the Flying Elephant, where Kimmy tried to dry out her smelly shoes
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It’s a Small World, seen in the background during several scenes
Each ride was shown exactly how it looked back then—no CGI, no fancy edits—just pure Disney magic.
Frontierland Fun: Splash Mountain Memories
Stephanie, never one to back down from a challenge, pushed to ride Splash Mountain, one of Magic Kingdom’s iconic attractions. The water-filled adventure added just the right thrill to the episode.
Although Splash Mountain has since been re-themed, the spot where the cast filmed remains a major attraction within the park.
EPCOT Adventures: Germany Pavilion & Coral Reef Romance
Danny had big plans for Vicky, and they unfolded at EPCOT. He planned his romantic proposal near the Germany Pavilion, right by the fountain. It’s one of the most beautiful and underappreciated spots in the park.
Later, they dined at the Coral Reef Restaurant, surrounded by an aquarium wall full of tropical fish. This was where Uncle Jesse and Joey also broadcast their radio show from—trapped inside a giant underwater bubble.
Hollywood Studios Action: Indiana Jones and Disney Animation
The cast also filmed scenes at what was then called Disney-MGM Studios (now Hollywood Studios). Some of the most unforgettable moments include:
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DJ watching the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, where she believes the stuntman is her boyfriend Steve
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Uncle Jesse and Joey exploring the Magic of Disney Animation, where a cartoon version of Joey comes to life
These moments were a perfect mix of sitcom comedy and real-life Disney excitement.
Real Parade, Real Guests: A Moment in Time
One little-known fact? The parade scene with the cast waving from a float was filmed during an actual Walt Disney World Easter Parade. That means real park guests were in the background, making the scene that much more genuine.
You can even spot guests reacting to the cast as they roll by. No extras. No green screens. Just live-action TV magic.
Cinderella Castle: Where Dreams (and Proposals) Came True
The grand finale takes place in front of Cinderella Castle, with fireworks spelling out “Vicky, Will You Marry Me?” It’s one of the most emotional and cinematic endings in Full House history.
Uncle Jesse’s band performs in front of the castle as the episode wraps up, bringing the whole family together once again in the most magical setting possible.
What Still Exists Today (and What’s Gone)
Most of the places seen in the episode are still there today!
Still around:
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Grand Floridian Resort
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Cinderella Castle
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EPCOT’s Germany Pavilion and Coral Reef Restaurant
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Splash Mountain (now re-themed)
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Dumbo and the Carrousel
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Indiana Jones Stunt Show
Gone or changed:
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The Magic of Disney Animation building
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Mickey’s Toontown Fair, which no longer exists
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Certain parade setups have been updated or rotated out
Why This Episode Still Resonates with Fans
Let’s be real—it wasn’t just an episode. It was an event.
For kids in the 90s, this wasn’t just another story arc. It was our dream vacation, wrapped in humor and heart. Watching the Tanners at Disney made it feel like we could be there too.
It mixed family drama, romance, comedy, and pure wonder—all within real Disney parks.
Want to Recreate the Experience? Here’s How
Here’s a quick itinerary if you want to walk in the Tanners’ footsteps:
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Book a stay or visit to the Grand Floridian Resort
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Ride the carousel and Dumbo in Fantasyland
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Visit EPCOT’s Germany Pavilion and dine at Coral Reef
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Watch the Indiana Jones stunt show
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Walk down Main Street, U.S.A. like Michelle did
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Stop by Cinderella Castle for the ultimate nostalgic photo op
You may not get crowned princess—but you’ll definitely feel the magic.
Conclusion: Still a Dream Come True
The Full House Disney World episodes didn’t just entertain—they inspired. They were a perfect blend of fiction and reality, allowing fans to see their favorite characters in places they could actually visit.
Even years later, fans still look back with fondness, and many visit Disney just to see the same spots from the show. And who can blame them? It’s where TV history and real-life wonder met—creating timeless magic we’ll never forget.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Did the Full House cast really film at Disney World?
Yes! All scenes were filmed on location at real Disney parks, including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios.
2. Can I still visit the places shown in the episode?
Absolutely. Most of the key locations, like the Grand Floridian, the carousel, and the Germany Pavilion, are still open and just as magical.
3. Were those actual Disney rides in the show?
Yes. Everything from Dumbo to Splash Mountain was real and filmed with actual guests and cast members.
4. What’s different now from when they filmed?
Some attractions have been updated or renamed, and a few areas like the Magic of Disney Animation are no longer around. But much of the park still looks very similar.
5. Is it worth visiting for nostalgia alone?
Totally. If you’re a 90s kid or Full House fan, walking through those locations feels like stepping into your childhood again
