Walt Disney World Overview

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida can often feel more like an overwhelming task and less like a vacation. Fortunately, travel agents are available to help make things easier so that you can focus on getting the most out of your trip. Before you even start thinking about your trip to Disney World, we’ve put together a guide of what you should know before planning the most magical vacation on Earth.

Disney World Resort takes up over 25,000 acres. This includes hotels, the Disney Springs shopping district, and of course, the theme parks.

There are four major theme parks on property, as well as two water parks.

Magic Kingdom – This is the park most people think of when the words Disney vacation come to mind. It’s where you’ll find Cinderella’s Castle, fireworks, and most of the Disney parades. This park is also home to most of the most famous and well-known rides such as Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Haunted Mansion, and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Epcot – This is the park for people who love to try different food and beverages. It has the World Showcase where you can sample food and alcoholic (or nonalcoholic) beverages from around the world. It also features rides that thrill and attractions that educate, such as Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Living with the Land. It even has a 5.7 million-gallon habitat for sea turtles, rays, and more.

Animal Kingdom – This is the largest of the theme parks and is dedicated to conservation and educating people about the endangered animals of Africa and Asia. This is where you can ride on the Kilimanjaro Safari where you’ll see lions, elephants, and much more. It’s also where you’ll find Avatar’s World of Pandora, a breathtaking land with floating mountains and immersive rides.

Hollywood Studios – This park is dedicated to the magic and wonder of Hollywood. For fans of Star Wars, this is where Galaxy’s Edge can be found. At night, it is the home to the extravagant open-air nighttime musical Fantastic! Hollywood Studios is the perfect combination of thrilling rides, fun entertainment, and kid-friendly attractions.

Typhoon Lagoon – This tropical water park is perfect for guests of all ages. It features over 10 different water attractions, including a lazy river, multiple water slides, and North America’s largest wave pool.

Blizzard Beach (currently closed for refurbishment) – This winter wonderland of a waterpark has 12 different attractions for guests to enjoy. Small children can enjoy a Frozen-themed splash area while teenagers and adults can test their bravery on the near-vertical drop of the Summit Plummet.

While it is not a theme park and does not require a ticket to visit, Disney Springs is still a major part of the Walt Disney World Resort. It is a shopping district with nearly 100 shops and over 60 dining options. For those who need a break from the parks during their stay, it has a bowling alley and an AMC movie theater.

Even though it does not require a ticket, some of the most popular restaurants do require advanced reservations. We can help you make the most of your arrival or checkout days by recommending some of the best dining options that Disney Springs has to offer.

It is impossible to do everything that Disney World has to offer in one day. Fortunately, Disney offers a number of options for where to stay. These prices will vary depending on what time of year you plan on visiting.

Regardless of what type of Disney hotel you choose, you will be guaranteed the following:

● A gift shop and food court area

● Complimentary bus transportation to the theme parks

● An in-room mini-fridge

● Complimentary wifi

● Laundry facilities

● A pool

Value – The most affordable of Disney hotels. They typically have simple theming and slightly smaller rooms. There are no special dining options outside of a food court. While the hotels may be simple, they are perfect for families who want to save money and plan on spending most of their time in the theme parks.

Moderate – These hotels are a little pricier but will offer more than the value hotels without being too expensive. While all of the value hotels have pools, kids may enjoy the waterslides that moderate hotels offer. These hotels typically also offer table-service dining options, as well as more sophisticated theming.

Deluxe – The deluxe Disney World Resorts come with a much higher price tag, but the amenities and theming are worth it for those willing to pay. Many of these hotels offer bus transportation but often will have boats or a monorail to take you to some of the theme parks as well. Some of the deluxe hotels are even within walking distance of at least one theme park. The hotel rooms are larger and even have private balconies or patios.

Campground – For those who want to experience the great outdoors during their Disney vacation, camping is also an option! Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort offers 750 acres of space for setting up a tent or RV.

There is no perfect time to visit Disney World. Visiting during September, January, and February may equal small crowds and slightly shorter wait times. However, October and December trips allow you to see the park with its holiday decorations and entertainment attractions. EPCOT also has seasonal food festivals throughout the year that may influence when you want to visit.

To make sure you have the most memorable and magical Disney vacation, we can help you decide when the best time to visit will be for you and your family.

Even if it may seem daunting, we are here to make sure your Disney World trip is a magical one. Whether your goal is trying all of the best Disney World treats or riding all of the best attractions, we will do our best to make your Disney dream a reality.