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The Guide to Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World® Resort is a vast entertainment complex located in the Orlando area of Central Florida, USA. It covers approximately 25,000 acres and is home to four major theme parks, two water parks, numerous resort hotels, golf courses, shopping centers, and other recreational activities. Here’s a breakdown of the main attractions and tips on how to best enjoy your visit:

Theme Parks:

  1. Magic Kingdom® Park: This is the iconic park featuring Cinderella Castle at its center. It’s divided into several themed lands such as Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. Don’t miss classic attractions like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and It’s a Small World.

  2. EPCOT®: EPCOT is divided into two sections: Future World, which focuses on technology and innovation, and World Showcase, which features pavilions representing 11 different countries. Must-see attractions include Spaceship Earth, Test Track, and Soarin’. World Showcase offers international cuisine, shopping, and entertainment.

  3. Disney’s Hollywood Studios®: This park is all about movies, television, and entertainment. Popular attractions include Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, and the thrilling Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Don’t miss the nightly show, Fantasmic!

  4. Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park: As the name suggests, this park is all about animals and nature. Pandora – The World of Avatar is a must-visit area with attractions like Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey. Expedition Everest and Kilimanjaro Safaris are also top picks.

Water Parks:

  1. Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park: This park features water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. It has a unique theme centered around a melting ski resort.

  2. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park: Typhoon Lagoon offers water attractions for all ages, including a surf pool, water slides, and a lazy river. It has a tropical island theme with a shipwreck as its centerpiece.

Tips for Enjoying Your Visit:

  1. Plan Ahead: Disney World is massive, so planning your trip is crucial. Use the official Disney website or mobile app to check wait times, make dining reservations, and plan your itinerary.

  2. Use Genie+ Service: Disney Genie+ allows you to reserve access to certain attractions in advance, minimizing your wait times. It’s available for a fee and can significantly enhance your experience.

  3. Arrive Early: Arriving at the parks before they open can give you a head start on popular attractions with shorter wait times.

  4. Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks: Florida can be hot and humid, especially in the summer. Stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade, and utilize the many air-conditioned spaces available.

  5. Enjoy the Entertainment: Disney World offers parades, stage shows, character meet-and-greets, and fireworks displays. Check the schedule and make time for these magical experiences.

  6. Capture Memories: Disney PhotoPass photographers are located throughout the parks, ready to capture your magical moments. Consider purchasing Memory Maker to get digital downloads of all your photos.

  7. Explore Dining Options: Disney World offers a wide range of dining experiences, from quick-service restaurants to fine dining. Make dining reservations in advance to secure your preferred restaurants.

Remember that the key to enjoying Walt Disney World is to be flexible and go with the flow. There’s so much to see and do that it’s impossible to do everything in one visit. Prioritize your must-see attractions, stay positive, and savour the magic of the experience!

Booking things at Walt Disney World® Resort can be an exciting and sometimes complex process, but Disney has made it relatively straightforward through their official website and mobile app. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to book various aspects of your visit:

1. Planning Your Trip:

  • Choose Dates: Decide on the dates you want to visit. Consider crowd levels, weather, and special events happening in the park.
  • Accommodation: Decide whether you want to stay at a Disney Resort hotel or elsewhere. If you choose a Disney hotel, you can book directly through the Disney website or by calling their reservation line.

2. Tickets:

  • Select Tickets: Visit the official Disney World website and select the type and number of tickets you need. You can buy tickets for a single park or a park hopper option allowing you to visit multiple parks in one day.
  • Link Tickets: If you’re using the My Disney Experience app, link your tickets to your account. This app is essential for managing your visit and making reservations.

3. Dining Reservations:

  • Make Dining Reservations: Disney World restaurants are popular and get fully booked quickly. You can make dining reservations up to 60 days in advance. Use the My Disney Experience app or website to make these reservations.

4. FastPass+ (if available):

  • Select FastPass+ Attractions: As of my last update in September 2021, Disney was in the process of replacing the FastPass+ system with something new called Disney Genie+. Check the current status and if available, use it to reserve access to certain attractions, entertainment, and character meet and greets in advance.

5. My Disney Experience App:

  • Download the App: The My Disney Experience app is your companion throughout your trip. It provides real-time information on wait times, dining availability, mobile food ordering, and more. It’s available for iOS and Android devices.

6. Special Experiences:

  • Book Special Experiences: If you’re interested in special tours, dessert parties, or other unique experiences, check the official website or call Disney to inquire about availability and make reservations.

7. Transportation:

  • Magical Express (if available): If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, check if the Magical Express transportation service from the airport to your hotel is available. Make reservations if needed.

8. Check and Confirm:

  • Review and Confirm: Before your trip, double-check all your reservations. Make sure your tickets, dining, and any other reservations are correct.

9. During Your Trip:

  • Use the App: While in the park, use the My Disney Experience app to check wait times, make mobile food orders, and modify reservations on the go.

Please note that policies and procedures might have changed after my last update in September 2021, so it’s always a good idea to check the official Walt Disney World website or contact Disney directly for the most current information regarding bookings and reservations.