Orlando is the home to the largest collection of Disney theme parks, with a fully furnished resort that is said to be at least the size of San Francisco. With a resort as big as a city, it can be quite overwhelming and confusing, especially for first-time visitors. So, for those planning to visit, here is a helpful guide on the various parks and other practical information you might need to fully enjoy your time in the most magical place on Earth.
Theme Parks in Walt Disney World
Disney World comprises four main theme parks built across 60 acres of land: Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcots and Magic Kingdom.
A visit to the Magic Kingdom is a must, and we recommend allocating at least two days of your trip at this huge park inspired by classic Disney animation, the true heart of Disney World.
Go behind the scenes with a trip to the Hollywood Studios, with thrilling rides for the whole family and even a section dedicated to the Star Wars franchise! Make sure to queue up for the Tower of Terror, this park’s most iconic ride!
Prowl the lands of Animal Kingdom and go on a real-life animal safari tour, with the park bringing you right up close to the beautiful creatures. After that, spend your day enjoying the many other animal-inspired rides and shows in this great park.
Be a futuristic globetrotter for a day at Epcot and let Disney show you the world beyond your own. Learn about new cultures as you sample international cuisine from various parts around the world.
To learn more about the best attractions, entertainment, and food of each park, take a look through the detailed guides we have right here on Native!
Water Parks in Disney World
Bask in the sunshine, play in the cool waters and have a whirl of a time at Disney World’s two water parks.
Blizzard Beach has one of the world’s steepest water slides, a handful of thrill rides, lazy rivers and two kids sections, a water park perfect for the whole family, for both the young and the young at heart.
Alternatively, you can visit the much more relaxing and tropical themed Typhoon Lagoon, which houses attractions such as a world class wave pool, group raft rides and other fun rides too.
To learn more about the best attractions and food of each park, take a look through the detailed guides we have right here on Native!
Other Entertainment Destinations at Disney World
In between your visits to the various parks, take some time and stroll down Disney Springs and Disney’s Boardwalk, both with a wide range of shops, bars and restaurants.
Accommodations in Disney World
Consider completing your Disney experience by staying in one of their many themed accommodations, from campgrounds to villas and hotels. These places are also carefully scattered across the resort to ensure a wide spread of accommodation close to the different parks. These include the Animal Kingdom Lodge, All-Star Music Resort, Port Orleans Resort and Polynesian Village Resort.
From the budget hotels to the luxury villas, there is a room perfect for every guest. Staying at the resort also comes with benefits like Extra Magic Hours for guests and ease of accessibility to all the parks via shuttle buses or the skyliner.
For more information, visit: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/
Getting to the Disney Parks
1. Disney Resort Shuttle Buses
Staying at one of the hotels at the resorts comes with great convenience, especially with shuttle bus services that bring you to the parks and back. You won’t have to worry about following a GPS!
2. Skyliner or Monorails
For a unique mode of transport, travel by an aerial gondola or a speedy bullet monorail from the Disney hotels to the attractions.
Regular park-goers can also use the skyliner or monorails when hopping from park to park within the resort.
3. Rental Car
Driving yourself to Disney World is ideal if you’re staying in one of the Disney resorts or hotels. Be prepared though, as it can cost US$45 per day for preferred parking, but you can reuse that parking coupon for other parking lots across the different parks in the resort. Standard parking for cars and motorcycles cost US$25 per day, and US$30 for oversized vehicles like camper trailers and RVs.
We recommend parking at the Transportation and Ticket Centre for admission to the closest park, Magic Kingdom, and taking the monorail or the shuttle buses to visit the other parks. If you only intend to visit a specific park on each day, there are also several parking lots located at the doorstep of each park.
4. Uber/ Lyft
Private taxi apps give you the luxury of arriving directly at your destination while resting comfortably in the back seat. However, be prepared to expect a price surge during park closing hours.
Buying your Disney Park Tickets
Guests have the option of buying the admission tickets in advance online or on the day itself at the ticketing office outside the park. However, because buying a ticket on the spot generally means paying the highest possible price for it, we strongly recommend buying a ticket online well in advance of your visit, which you can do via the official Disney parks’ website or My Disney Experience app to lock in the best price!
Tips
1. Get a Disney Magic Band
Consider purchasing a Magic Band, which can not only be linked to your credit card, but it can store all your snack credits, dining plans, tickets, fast pass, Photo Pass and even your room keys! This waterproof device also comes in a variety of colours and designs featuring iconic characters!
2. Splurge on Fast Pass +
Maximise and plan your time efficiently at the theme park with fast passes available to all guests. Though these passes can be quite expensive, they can be extremely worth it as you will be able to skip the snaking queues of popular rides and join the much shorter express queue. Just remember to plan accordingly, as each ride requires you to book a timing for your fast pass.
3. Download the Disney World App
Download the handy My Disney Experience app on your mobile phone, and refer to it for the park’s map, other essential information like shows and parade timings, waiting times for all the available rides across the park, and for booking your fast pass tickets. You can also use the app to book your dining reservations at popular dining spots like Be Our Guest and your favourite attraction’s fast pass months in advance!
4. Stay at a Disney Resort accommodation
Guests staying at the Disney Resort are entitled to ‘Extra Magic Hours’, where the park’s operating hours are extended either prior to or after normal operating hours for the resort’s hotel guests. Enjoy smaller crowds and shorter waiting times at rides when only VIPs like yourself get to roam around the park during these special hours.
