Disney Parks Overview

Walt Disney World Resort is an expansive, world-renowned vacation destination spanning approximately 25,000 acres in central Florida, just outside Orlando. Encompassing four major theme parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom—along with two water parks, over 25 resort hotels, and the Disney Springs shopping and entertainment district, it’s almost the size of San Francisco or twice the size of Manhattan. The resort also includes a variety of recreational activities, such as golf courses, miniature golf, lakes for boating, and other outdoor experiences. With its massive scale and countless attractions, Walt Disney World offers guests of all ages an immersive experience, complete with themed lands, rides, shows, and entertainment across this vast area.

Magic Kingdom Park

The Back of Cinderella Castle

Magic Kingdom Park is Walt Disney World Resort's original theme park, opening its gates on October 1, 1971. It was designed to be similar to Disneyland in California but expanded in scale and ambition. The park covers approximately 107 acres and is divided into six themed lands: Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. Each land is intricately themed to transport guests to different times and places, creating a cohesive storytelling experience.

Park Icon:

The iconic centerpiece of the park, Cinderella Castle, stands 189 feet tall and serves as the main visual attraction of Magic Kingdom. Inspired by various European castles and fairy tales, the castle features intricate spires and turrets. My good friends actually went to Germany last year and saw the original inspiration, which is where I got this picture. At night, it lights up with a stunning array of colors, often becoming the backdrop for fireworks shows and special projections.

History:

Magic Kingdom Park was the first park built at Walt Disney World Resort and was envisioned by Walt Disney as a larger and more elaborate version of Disneyland. Unfortunately, Walt Disney passed away before the park's completion due to lung cancer, so his brother Roy O. Disney oversaw the final phases of construction and the grand opening. He passed away only 5 years later. In the next 5-10 years, we are going to see a large expansion at Magic Kingdom Park, including the addition of a Villains Land and updates to older areas of the park.

Must-See Attractions:

• TRON: To enter the Grid as a user, hop on the thrilling Tron Lightcycle/Run at Walt Disney World, one of our favorites. This fast and exciting coaster is on the shorter side, so if you're with kids, I recommend getting a Lightning Lane Single Pass. However, there's also a Virtual Queue, and typically, the wait times are around 30 minutes to an hour.

• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: The newest re-theme at Magic Kingdom Park, Tiana takes us down the Bayou to a party! She is looking for a band to play at her big grand opening, and we are taken along for the ride! We love this ride, but I still cannot handle that 50 foot drop!

• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: A family-friendly coaster that combines mild thrills with the charm of Snow White’s story, this is very cute and is a step above Barnstormer but not quite Slinky Dog Dash.

• Happily Ever After Fireworks: A spectacular fireworks and projection show illuminates Cinderella Castle, telling a story of dreams, adventure, and love, making it the best firework show at any Disney Park. If it is a busy time in the park, I do think dessert parties are worth it!

Dining Highlights:

• Cinderella’s Royal Table: For any princess lover dining in Cinderella Castle is pretty special. Combine it with a trip to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and it is a magical time.

• Skipper Canteen: One of my favorite restaurants is Skipper Canteen, which offers a diverse menu inspired by the flavors of Africa, Asia, and South America. The dishes reflect the adventurous spirit of the Jungle Cruise and cater to those who enjoy bold flavors as well as those who prefer more familiar fare. Before visiting, make sure you have a semi-adventurous palate. My favorite appetizer at Skipper Canteen is the Pao de Queijo, and it's absolutely yummy!

EPCOT

Spaceship Earth

EPCOT, which stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, opened on October 1, 1982. It's our family's favorite park and the favorite of most locals. EPCOT has our hearts. The park hosts four Food Festivals a year, offering a different experience each trip. It was Walt Disney’s vision for a utopian city that would showcase the latest innovations and serve as a living blueprint for future urban planning. The park covers about 305 acres, making it more than twice the size of Magic Kingdom Park, and is divided into four main areas, World Nature, World Celebration, World Discovery and the World Showcase.

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The park’s icon, Spaceship Earth, is a massive geodesic sphere that stands 180 feet tall and represents EPCOT’s focus on innovation and technology. The structure houses a slow-moving ride that takes guests on a journey through the history of communication, spanning from the earliest days of human civilization to the cutting-edge digital era, this journey offers a captivating glimpse into the progress of human connectivity.

EPCOT HISTORY

EPCOT was originally envisioned by Walt Disney as a city where people would live and work, continuously incorporating new technologies. However, after Disney's passing, the concept changed to that of a theme park that would embody his futuristic vision.

EPCOT Highlights:

EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is divided into four main neighborhoods: World Showcase, World Nature, World Discovery, and World Celebration. Each neighborhood offers unique experiences that reflect EPCOT's overall theme of celebrating human achievement, culture, and innovation.

1. World Showcase

World Showcase is a vibrant area of EPCOT that celebrates the culture, cuisine, architecture, and traditions of various countries around the globe. It features 11 pavilions, each representing a different country: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, the United States (The American Adventure), Japan, Morocco, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

Each pavilion offers authentic experiences such as:

• Cultural Performances: Live entertainment that showcases the music, dance, and storytelling of each country.

• Dining: Restaurants and kiosks offering authentic cuisine and beverages from each nation.

• Shopping: Stores featuring unique goods and souvenirs, often imported directly from the countries they represent.

• Attractions: Some pavilions feature attractions, such as the "Frozen Ever After" ride in Norway or the "Remy's Ratatouille Adventure" ride in France.

• Seasonal Events: Throughout the year, World Showcase hosts various festivals, such as the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, which highlight different aspects of global culture and cuisine.

2. World Nature

World Nature is dedicated to understanding and preserving the natural world. This neighborhood focuses on the beauty and interconnectedness of the Earth’s ecosystems.

Key attractions and experiences in World Nature include:

• The Land Pavilion: Features attractions like "Soarin' Around the World," a hang-gliding experience over famous landscapes, and "Living with the Land," a boat ride exploring innovative agricultural practices.

• The Seas with Nemo & Friends: An attraction and pavilion featuring an aquarium with various marine life, interactive exhibits, and "Turtle Talk with Crush," a fun, interactive show with the animated turtle from Finding Nemo.

• Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana: A new walk-through attraction that teaches about the water cycle and how water moves through the environment, inspired by Disney's Moana.

3. World Discovery

World Discovery focuses on science, technology, and the wonders of space and the universe. It offers attractions that inspire guests to imagine and explore new possibilities.

Key features of World Discovery include:

• Mission: SPACE: A space simulator that allows guests to experience a realistic astronaut-like adventure, offering two levels of intensity. DO NOT DO ORANGE! Seriously STICK TO GREEN!

• Test Track: An attraction where guests design their own virtual concept car and then test it on a thrilling track.

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: A storytelling roller coaster based on Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy movies, featuring rotating vehicles and immersive effects. The best ride at Walt Disney World - note it may cause motion sickness and it is very fast. Only 1 of 3 of my kids tallest enough to ride will ride it again.

• Space 220: Experience dining 220 miles above Earth in a simulated space station, offering stunning views of the planet. Enjoy great food and a fun atmosphere for the kids. If you prefer not to have the expensive pre-fixe menu, you can opt for the lounge; the only downside is that they may seat you at the bar.

4. World Celebration

World Celebration serves as the heart of EPCOT, designed to bring people together to connect and celebrate the wonders of human imagination and achievement. This area includes spaces for gathering, relaxation, and exploration of creative concepts.

Key elements of World Celebration include:

• Spaceship Earth: EPCOT’s iconic geodesic sphere that houses an attraction exploring the history of human communication from the Stone Age to the digital age.

• CommuniCore Plaza and CommuniCore Hall: A newly reimagined space featuring interactive exhibits, live events, and activities that focus on collaboration and creativity.

• Dreamers Point: A new area featuring a statue of Walt Disney, which celebrates his legacy and the spirit of innovation and creativity he inspired.

• Nighttime Spectaculars: World Celebration often serves as the viewing area for EPCOT’s nighttime shows, which take place on World Showcase Lagoon and feature fireworks, music, and other special effects.

Each neighborhood at EPCOT offers a different aspect of discovery, education, and celebration, making the park a unique destination that combines entertainment with learning and cultural appreciation.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction

Disney’s Hollywood Studios, originally known as Disney-MGM Studios, opened on May 1, 1989. The park spans 135 acres and celebrates the golden age of Hollywood, movies, television, and theater. It was designed to give guests a behind-the-scenes look at the entertainment industry, featuring shows, attractions, and experiences inspired by classic films and popular TV shows. Since then, the park has expanded to include immersive experiences like Batuu and Toy Story Land, with the newest addition being Monster Inc. We can't wait to see it!

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The park’s iconic structure is the Hollywood Tower Hotel, home to The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction. The hotel is a dilapidated, 1930s-style building with an eerie, supernatural atmosphere, representing the park’s blend of Hollywood glamour and cinematic thrills.

History:
Disney’s Hollywood Studios was initially conceived as both a theme park and an active production studio. In its early years, the park featured live television and film production, with guests able to tour actual working sets. Over time, the park transitioned away from production to focus more on immersive attractions and experiences, reflecting Disney’s commitment to storytelling and innovation. Recent expansions have added Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land, bringing new levels of interactivity and immersion.

Must-See Attractions:

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: A groundbreaking, immersive experience that puts you in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order. Such a fun ride and it is about a 18 minutes experience so keep that in mind if you need to use rider switch. It takes about an hour.

• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway: A whimsical ride that takes you inside a Mickey Mouse cartoon.

• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: A thrilling drop ride through an eerie, abandoned hotel.

• Slinky Dog Dash: A family-friendly coaster that zips around Andy’s backyard in Toy Story Land. This is the next step above seven dwarfs mine train in kid friendly coasters.

Dining Highlights:

The dining experiences at Disney's Hollywood Studios are unique and set apart from other parks. These unique dining options are exclusive to this park and provide visitors with memorable and unconventional culinary experiences. From eating in a galaxy far, far away to taking a ride in a 1950s car to visiting your aunt's house, Hollywood Studios offers a diverse offering of food and experiences.

• Oga’s Cantina (Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge): Sip on exotic beverages in a lively, intergalactic cantina. This requires a dining reservation but also has a walk up waitlist option. You are limited to 45 minutes in the Cantina.

• 50's Prime Time Café

  • Experience classic American comfort food in a retro 1950s kitchen setting. This restaurant is known for its nostalgic atmosphere, complete with TV screens playing black-and-white clips from vintage shows, and servers who play the role of "mom" or "dad," reminding guests to finish their vegetables.

• Hollywood Brown Derby

  • Inspired by the iconic Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant, this elegant venue offers fine dining with a classic Old Hollywood ambiance. It’s famous for its Cobb Salad and sophisticated American cuisine.

• Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano

  • A cozy, rustic Italian restaurant featuring a mix of Italian-American dishes. Themed as an Italian eatery with a touch of Hollywood, it provides a charming atmosphere for a family meal.

• Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

  • A unique dining experience where guests are seated in vintage convertible cars and enjoy classic American cuisine while watching sci-fi movie clips on a big screen, reminiscent of a 1950s drive-in theater.

• Hollywood & Vine

  • A buffet-style restaurant offering character dining experiences. Depending on the time of year, guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Disney Junior characters or seasonal Minnie Mouse and friends-themed dining events.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which opened on April 22, 1998 (Earth Day), is the largest of all the Disney theme parks, covering 580 acres. It is dedicated to the natural environment and animal conservation, combining a traditional theme park with a zoo. The park is divided into seven themed areas: Oasis, Discovery Island, Pandora – The World of Avatar, Africa, Asia, DinoLand U.S.A., and Rafiki’s Planet Watch. As the kids say, "Animal Kingdom is a vibe."

History:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom was created to showcase the beauty and diversity of the natural world, as well as Disney’s commitment to conservation. The park was a departure from the traditional Disney theme park formula, focusing more on live animals and natural habitats. Over the years, it has continued to grow, adding new attractions and experiences like Pandora – The World of Avatar, which opened in 2017 and brought groundbreaking technology and design to the park.

Park Icon:
The park’s main attraction is the Tree of Life, a 145-foot-tall, man-made baobab tree that is the visual and thematic centerpiece of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The trunk and roots have intricate carvings of over 300 animals, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all living things. Inside the tree, there is a 3D show called "It’s Tough to Be a Bug!", which is inspired by Disney·Pixar’s "A Bug’s Life." However, this will soon be replaced by a Zootopia themed show. This change is necessary as the current show tends to be traumatic for most kids.

Must-See Attractions:

• Avatar Flight of Passage: An exhilarating 3D flight over Pandora’s stunning landscape. This was over favorite ride at Walt Disney World until Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind.

• Expedition Everest: A high-speed train adventure through the Himalayan mountains in search of the mysterious Yeti.

• Kilimanjaro Safaris: A guided tour through the African savannah to see elephants, lions, and more. This is a must do and should be done in the morning or early evening. As the animal’s at Disney’s Animal Kingdom do not perform. They are free to go where they please and they typically take long naps in the afternoon.

• Festival of the Lion King: A Broadway-style show that brings the story of The Lion King to life with music, acrobatics, and colorful costumes.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool

Welcome to Typhoon Lagoon, where Disney magic meets a tropical paradise transformed by nature’s fury. Legend has it that a massive storm swept through, creating thrilling water attractions, sandy beaches, and iconic shipwreck scenes that bring this lush island-themed park to life. Here, families can surf powerful waves, navigate exciting water coasters, and float down scenic rivers in one of Disney’s most beloved water parks. Typhoon Lagoon is one of my favorite Disney parks, especially for its tidal wave pool, which is one of the most intense I have ever experienced—definitely not for little ones without an adult holding them! In addition to the thrill of surfing the waves, the park features 12 attractions, 10 dining options, a souvenir shop, and a supply shop at the entrance where we once found swim diapers we forgot to bring. The kiddie area is another highlight for us, complete with a mini lazy river perfect for tubing. With our Park Hopper Plus option, we enjoyed a day at the water parks without needing to add extra days to our tickets, making it an ideal way to experience the fun.

History: Typhoon Lagoon, which opened on June 1, 1989, was designed around the theme of a tropical paradise hit by a massive storm, leaving behind a beautifully chaotic landscape. The legend goes that a typhoon swept through the area, creating tidal waves, wrecked ships, and transformed the land into an accidental water park. The iconic ship, “Miss Tilly,” perched atop Mount Mayday, sprays water every half hour.

Highlights:

• Surf Pool: One of the largest wave pools in North America, with waves reaching up to six feet.

• Crush ‘n’ Gusher: A water-coaster ride that propels guests through twists and turns.

• Miss Adventure Falls: A family raft ride that takes guests through scenes of an abandoned tropical paradise.

• Shark Reef (Closed in 2016): Previously offered snorkeling in a saltwater pool filled with tropical fish and small sharks.

Activities: Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of water slides, lazy rivers, surf lessons in the wave pool, and beach areas with lounge chairs. The park is ideal for both thrill-seekers and families looking for a relaxing day in a beach-themed setting.

Disney’s Blizzard Beach is a winter wonderland turned water park, complete with snowy slopes and frosty fun under the warm Florida sun. Inspired by a whimsical backstory of a freak snowstorm turned ski resort, Blizzard Beach is now a unique retreat filled with thrilling slides, gentle lazy rivers, and a snowy beach, inviting guests to cool down with family-friendly adventures in a world of “melting snow.”

Disney’s Blizzard Beach

Summit Plummet Blizzard Beach

History: Opened on April 1, 1995, Blizzard Beach has a whimsical backstory: a freak snowstorm in Central Florida led to the construction of a ski resort that melted into a water park. Disney’s Imagineers created a wintry landscape, complete with melting snow banks and slushy ice formations, all set against Florida's warm climate.

Highlights:

• Summit Plummet: One of the tallest and fastest free-fall body slides in the world, reaching speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.

• Teamboat Springs: A family-friendly raft ride that offers twists and turns down the slopes.

• Slush Gusher: A thrilling slide with multiple small drops for extra speed.

• Cross Country Creek: A lazy river that circles the park, offering a relaxing float around Blizzard Beach’s wintery landscapes.

Activities: In addition to slides and raft rides, visitors can enjoy lounging on a “snowy” beach, relaxing in Cross Country Creek, and playing in the park’s water playgrounds designed for younger kids.

Disney Springs

Disney Springs is the ultimate entertainment, dining, and shopping destination at Walt Disney World. Steeped in Florida-inspired history, this vibrant waterfront district features four unique neighborhoods where guests can explore world-class restaurants, one-of-a-kind stores, and endless entertainment options. From live music and spectacular dining to Disney’s largest retail experiences, Disney Springs offers something for everyone.

History: Disney Springs, initially opened in 1975 as the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village, was Disney's first attempt to create a shopping and dining district. Through various expansions and name changes—including Downtown Disney—the area has grown significantly. In 2015, it was reimagined as Disney Springs, themed around an early 20th-century Florida waterfront town with four distinct districts: The Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center, and the West Side.

Highlights:

• World of Disney: The world’s largest Disney store with an extensive collection of Disney merchandise.

• The BOATHOUSE: A popular waterfront restaurant offering boat tours in vintage Amphicars.

• Cirque du Soleil: “Drawn to Life,” a unique Cirque du Soleil show celebrating Disney animation, performs on the West Side.

• The LEGO Store: A favorite for families with impressive LEGO sculptures and interactive play areas.

Activities: Disney Springs offers numerous dining experiences, from quick bites to fine dining, world-class entertainment like live music, and unique shopping experiences with exclusive Disney products. Visitors can enjoy bowling at Splitsville, catch a movie at AMC Theatres, or take a balloon ride with Aerophile, offering panoramic views of the area.

ESPN Sports Complex holds thousands of events each year. It s a state-of-the-art facility that can entertain over 60 spots. Those cheerleading competitions I came to are located here. There is a baseball stadium, softball diamond, track and football area, and more. Sometimes they host special events like the NBA experience as well. It's not a place we check out on every trip unless something is happening, but I am sure I will find myself back here with four active kids in the future.