Walt Disney World Resort

More than a theme park, the Walt Disney World Resort is part fantasy, part dream and part thrill-a-minute fun for the entire family. Located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, a short fifteen minutes from Orlando International Airport, Walt Disney World Resort is really five parks in one, with visitors being able to choose between the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and the water parks of Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. In between parks, guests can stroll Downtown Disney, a premier shopping, entertainment and dining gateway to what many believe to be the Happiest Place on Earth.

The Magic Kingdom.

Everything begins with the Magic Kingdom. Patterned after Walt Disney’s signature theme park, Disneyland, the Magic Kingdom is the quintessential American vacation attraction. Home to Mickey Mouse, Snow White, Cinderella, Peter Pan, Tom Sawyer and others, the Magic Kingdom is 107 acres of theme park spread across 7 distinct lands, each with their own design, architecture, classic characters and thrill rides. Little Princesses are delighted by the beauty of Cinderella’s Castle, while tiny adventurers climb to new heights at the Swiss Family Treehouse. Plan on spending an entire day at the Magic Kingdom, taking advantage of Fast Pass ticket express lines to make sure you don’t miss anything.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Over 1,700 animals from 250 species can be found among the 500 lush acres of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Leading the way in animal research and public education, the Animal Kingdom combines animal-themed thrill rides with up close and personal interactions with some of the world’s most beautiful animal creatures. Like the Magic Kingdom, the Animal Kingdom is also divided into 7 distinct lands, some of them full of wild adventures, others tame enough for the littlest Disney guests. Fast Pass is also available for the parks most sought after thrill rides, reducing wait times.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The perfect place to relive Hollywood’s heyday, Disney’s Hollywood Studios brings together Tinsel Town glitz and behind the scenes excitement in one action packed theme park. Learn about the magic of Disney animation or step out on the stage at the American Idol Experience. Catch a show with comedian Drew Carey that is bound to have its share of laughs and mishaps. No matter which classic Disney film is your favorite, relive the adventure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Prior to 2008, Disney’s Hollywood Studios was known as Disney’s MGM Studios.

Epcot.

Originally known as EPCOT Center, this modern themed amusement park is designed to represent the best of future worlds while celebrating 11 distinct cultures right here on Earth. Stroll past pavilions representing the United States, Germany, Italy or France, or soar to new heights by moving through Spaceship Earth, the park’s world renown, golf-ball resembling icon that marks your gateway to the future.

The Water Parks.

What would a trip to Florida be without a splashing ride down a raging river? How about a slow meander aboard an inner tube? Either way, the water parks of Walt Disney World Resort has you covered. The winter themed Blizzard Beach has big thrill rides that include fast plunges down toboggan like runs into pools of refreshing water, while Typhoon Lagoon offers a tropical paradise, complete with Shark Reef and surf lessons. At both parks you will find a mix of fast paced thrills and gentle family pools that even the babies will enjoy. Pack the sunscreen and spend the day for a Disney adventure you won’t forget.

Where to Stay.

One of the benefits of Walt Disney World Resort is the complete resort experience it offers guests. In keeping with Walt Disney’s vision of a greener earth and fast, efficient and environmentally friendly public transportation, you can begin living the Disney life from the moment you step off the plane at Orlando International Airport. Without ever needing a rental car, simply board a Disney shuttle and arrive at the Resort refreshed and ready for your adventure.

Accommodations at Walt Disney World Resort include everything from Deluxe Villas to Economy Hotels, even Disney Campgrounds that allow you to bring your lodging with you for the complete Disney experience. The deluxe hotels include Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Grand Floridian Hotel in the Magic Kingdom Area. In the Animal Kingdom Area you can find the Animal Kingdom Lodge, while Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Boardwalk Inn, Dolphin and Swan Resorts and Yacht Club Resort can all be found in the Boardwalk and Epcot Areas of the Resort.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort and Caribbean Beach Resort are both moderately priced hotels in the Downtown Disney area, while the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness are located in the Magic Kingdom Area. Value priced accommodations are available at the Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort and All-Star Sports Resort in the Animal Kingdom Area while the Pop-Century Resort can be found in the Epcot area.

Finally, nearly 800 campsites ranging from primitive to full hookup configurations can be found at Disney’s Fort Wilderness, a 700 acre lush wilderness with plenty of pine trees, meandering creeks and crooning geese.

Getting To and Around Walt Disney World Resort.

Walt Disney World Resort is conveniently located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, 20 miles southwest of downtown Orlando and just fifteen minutes from Orlando International Airport. One of the benefits of staying in a Disney Resort hotel is the Disney Magical Express, complimentary transportation from the airport to your hotel and throughout the resort area. The Disney Magical Express will collect your bags at the airport, deliver them to directly to your hotel room, and provide transportation from your hotel to all the parks at no charge.

Parking is available at each theme park as well, for guests arriving by car. Complimentary transportation is provided among all property resorts and theme parks. Depending upon the resort or hotel, transportation may include bus, boat or tram transportation.

More Information About Disney World Resort.

Visit the Walt Disney World Resort website for special vacation offers, ticket purchase information, customized maps, park hours, a free vacation planning guide DVD, pricing guides, entertainment events, restaurant options, room reservations, and much more planning detail. Disney World Orlando even offers vacation financing for those that qualify. For other theme park venues and Orlando attractions, use our convenient top navigation or return to our Orlando, Florida home page.

Walt Disney World Resort