Walt Disney World Resort is an iconic symbol of childhood wonder and a top destination for family entertainment. Often referred to simply as Disney World, it is the heart and soul of Orlando’s thriving tourism industry. With its four theme parks, two water parks, numerous hotels, golf courses, and various other entertainment offerings, it’s a place where dreams come true, and fairy tales become reality.

History

Walt Disney World Resort was the vision of Walt Disney himself, who wanted to build upon the success of California’s Disneyland by creating an even more immersive experience in the East. Unfortunately, Walt Disney passed away in 1966, five years before his vision would come to fruition. Roy O. Disney, Walt’s brother, took on the responsibility of bringing the project to life, renaming the resort from Disney World to Walt Disney World Resort in his brother’s honor.

The Magic Kingdom, the first of the resort’s parks, opened on October 1, 1971, with Roy Disney dedicating the park in person. EPCOT, which stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, followed in 1982. Disney’s Hollywood Studios (originally Disney-MGM Studios) and Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened in 1989 and 1998, respectively. The resort has continued to expand ever since, with new attractions, hotels, and experiences.

Facts

• Walt Disney World Resort covers approximately 25,000 acres of land, making it roughly the size of San Francisco.
• It employs over 70,000 Cast Members, making it one of the largest single-site employers in the United States.
• The resort has a dedicated infrastructure, including its own power plant and water system.
• Over 1.5 million costumes are in the wardrobes of the Disney parks, making it the largest working wardrobe in the world.

Location

Walt Disney World Resort is located in the Orlando area, southwest of the city center, in Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The resort is easily accessible via Florida’s major highways and is approximately 20 miles from the Orlando International Airport.

Website

The official website for Walt Disney World Resort is Disney World. Here, visitors can find information on park hours, ticket purchasing, hotel reservations, dining options, and plan their entire visit down to the smallest detail.

Opening Hours

Walt Disney World Resort’s parks typically open between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM and close between 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM, depending on the season and the park. However, hours can vary, and special events may extend these times. It is always best to check the official website or the My Disney Experience app for the most current information.

Things to Do

Theme Parks

• Magic Kingdom: Explore six enchanted lands with classics like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Cinderella Castle.
• EPCOT: Discover a world of innovation and culture, with the World Showcase and the Future World.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Step into the world of movies with attractions like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Experience wildlife with attractions like the Kilimanjaro Safaris and Pandora – The World of Avatar.

Water Parks

• Blizzard Beach: Enjoy a wintry-themed water park with one of the world’s tallest and fastest waterslides.
• Typhoon Lagoon: Surf waves and slide down waterslides in this tropical paradise.

Entertainment and Shopping

• Disney Springs: Dine, shop, and be entertained in this expansive outdoor complex.
• BoardWalk: Enjoy the nightlife with dining, shopping, and entertainment along a beautiful, quarter-mile promenade.

Accommodations

• Stay in one of over 25 Disney Resort hotels that cater to all preferences and budgets.

Dining

• Indulge in a world of culinary experiences, from character dining to fine dining.

Special Experiences

• Golf: Play at one of the several golf courses located within the resort.
• Fishing, Boating, and Water Sports: Enjoy a variety of water activities on the lakes.

Tips for Visiting

1. Plan Ahead: Use the My Disney Experience app to plan your visit, book FastPass+ selections, and make dining reservations.
2. Stay on Property: Consider staying at a Disney Resort hotel for convenience and extra perks like Extra Magic Hours.
3. Use the Transportation System: Take advantage of the free transportation offered by Disney, including buses, the monorail, and boats.
4. Wear Comfortable Clothing: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes and clothes are a must.
5. Hydrate and Use Sun Protection: Florida’s climate can be hot and humid, so drink plenty of water and use sunscreen.
6. Consider Dining Plans:If you’re looking for a more convenient way to handle meal expenses, check out Disney’s dining plans.
7. Take Breaks: Don’t underestimate the size and scale of the parks. Take breaks to rest and recharge.
8. Arrive Early: Parks are less crowded in the morning, and you can enjoy more attractions with shorter wait times.
9. Use FastPass+ Wisely: Prioritize using FastPass+ for popular rides with typically long queues.
10. Stay Hydrated and Snack Smart: Bring a refillable water bottle and healthy snacks to keep energy levels up throughout the day.
11. Capture the Moment: Take advantage of Disney’s PhotoPass service to capture memories throughout the parks.
12. Be App-Aware: Use the My Disney Experience app for wait times, park maps, restroom locations, and more.
13. Budget Accordingly: Be mindful of your budget as costs can add up quickly between souvenirs, food, and experiences.
14. Pack a Day Bag: Bring essentials like a battery pack, rain poncho, and first aid items.
15. Be Patient and Flexible: Even with planning, you might encounter unforeseen waits or changes. Stay flexible and patient.

Conclusion

Walt Disney World Resort is more than just a theme park; it’s a massive playground with endless entertainment for all ages. With careful planning and a spirit of adventure, a visit to this magical place can be a dream come true. No matter how many times you visit, there’s always something new to discover and cherish in the ‘Most Magical Place on Earth’. Whether you’re seeking thrills, wanting to meet your favorite characters, or simply enjoying the ambiance, Disney World offers an experience that remains unmatched.