12 ways to experience the magic of Disney theme parks when you can't actually visit, from virtual firework shows to dessert recipes

Though many fans were devastated by the temporary closure of Disney theme parks, one woman turned her cancelled trip into a chance to get creative. Jess Siswick, who lives in Washington, began posting videos of herself recreating rides like Soarin' and The Haunted Mansion on Twitter using the hashtag #HomemadeDisney.

Now, she's encouraging others to do the same. Speaking to Insider, Siswick said all you need to recreate Disney attractions at home is to "focus on the details" that make trips to the theme parks so magical. For example, she used colored lights to recreate the eerie aesthetic of The Haunted Mansion, and a rolling chair to mirror the flying seats of Soarin'.

Whether you're a diehard Disney World fan or a frequent Disneyland visitor, tours of both locations are available to watch on YouTube. Channels like iThemePark have filmed extensive walk-throughs, which take viewers everywhere from parking lots to fan-favorite rides.

These virtual tours also provide the opportunity to tour parks you've never visited. For example, you can get a sense of what Disneyland Paris is like, or take a digital stroll through Hong Kong Disney Resort.

Nothing beats watching Disney shows at the parks, or catching a parade in between rides. However, streaming the performances online might be the next best thing. On YouTube, Disney fans can find recordings of just about all of them, from new parades to beloved fireworks shows.

Of course, fan-favorite rides are also available to view on YouTube. You can virtually "ride" the newest attractions, like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, or get nostalgic for attractions that no longer exist, like the Studio Backlot Tour.

At the time of writing, the Disney Parks YouTube channel is used mainly to promote new attractions and share interviews with celebrities. A few years ago, however, the channel focused on sharing the history of Disney theme parks.

Thankfully, these videos are still available to watch, and are perfect to help you pass the time while social distancing. For example, you can learn about Magic Kingdom's opening day, or watch a video about how the park's famous candy canes are made.

Disney theme parks are known for selling iconic dishes, like Mickey-shaped ice cream, turkey legs, and Dole whip. Though these treats might taste best while at the parks, many of them can be made at home.

If you need some inspiration, check out the Disney Park Blog, which has shared numerous recipes in recent weeks to help you mirror Disney's classic eats, including churros, Dole Whip, and beignets.

At the time of writing, the #DisneyWorld hashtag on Instagram yields more than 12 million results. #Disneyland brings even more, with over 26 million posts. By searching either tag or other park-related phrases, you could easily spend an hour or two just looking at posts from other Disney fans.

You could also search for new Disney accounts to follow. The Disney Food Blog, for example, often shares photos and information about the park's latest snacks, and Character Central documents all the characters you can meet in the parks.

On Wednesday, Disney reminded fans that it partnered with Khan Academy back in 2019 to create online classes called Imagineering in a Box. The course is meant to teach viewers the ins and outs of creating Disney theme parks through videos and activities, which detail everything from designing attractions to "bringing characters to life."

The courses are free, and can be found here.

A vintage option, for example, is "Disneyland Around the Seasons," which was released in 1967 and features Walt Disney as the host. There are also more modern programs, including "Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings" and "One Day at Disney (Shorts)."

Though Disney has temporarily closed its stores around the country, the retailer's online website is still up and running at the time of writing. Through Shop Disney, fans can purchase everything from apparel to park souvenirs, like Mickey and Minnie Mouse ears.

In 2018, the Disney Parks YouTube channel livestreamed sunrises at three Disney World theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom.

Recordings of the streams are still available to watch for free on YouTube today.

In 2014, the Disney Parks YouTube channel began uploading drawing tutorials created by artists who work at Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida. 42 different tutorials are now free to watch.

Of course, you can learn how to draw classic characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, but you can also get tips on how to create newer cartoons like Elsa, Vampirina, and Joy from "Inside Out."

While social distancing, John Wayne Daugherty from Texas decided he would build a miniature replica of Disneyland at home. So long as you have some Legos, you can do the same.

At the time of writing, Lego offers numerous Disney-themed building kits on its website. Smaller sets, like Mulan's Training Grounds, can retail for prices around $29.99. Larger kits, however, can cost much more; the Disney Train and Station is sold for $329.99.

To see all the Disney kits Lego has to offer, visit the brand's website here.

• Read more:
• 19 Disney theme-park dishes you can make at home
• Disney is streaming its new parade with characters from 'Frozen' and 'Moana' to bring magic to people's homes
• 19 photos that show how Disney theme parks went from being packed destinations to ghost towns during the coronavirus outbreak
• An artist is drawing famous characters with coronavirus references to show support for people impacted by the pandemic