Why Go
It’s Disney World! Even the MVP of the Super Bowl goes to Walt Disney World after winning the big game. A family trip to the House of Mouse is almost a rite of passage, and every family should make at least one trek through the vaunted entrance gateway. Walt Disney World’s theme parks are four of the top five visited in North America with Magic Kingdom #1, Epcot #3, Disney’s Animal Kingdom #4, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios #5 (Disneyland in California is #2 in attendance). Walt Disney World has some of the most innovative theme park attractions in the world such as Pandora – The World of Avatar that opened in May, 2017, and it is the only place families will find characters from beloved films and television like Mickey Mouse, the Disney Princesses, and Star Wars.
Courtesy of Dave Parfitt
Where to Go
The entire Walt Disney World resort is twice the size of Manhattan occupying 40 square miles of Florida real estate, and the choices for where to stay can be a little daunting. There are currently 36 different Walt Disney World hotels ranging from campsites to private over-water bungalows. In addition to the Fort Wilderness Campground, there are different classes of hotels for every budget including: value, moderate, deluxe, and deluxe villa resorts. If you plan on spending all of your time in the theme parks and only sleeping in the hotel, a value or moderate resort would work well for your family and save some money for meals and souvenirs. However, if you plan on spending more time at the hotel, away from the theme parks, opt for one of the deluxe hotels with enhanced amenities (including well-themed pools) for a more pampered visit.
Courtesy of Dave Parfitt
What to Do
With four theme parks, two water parks, four golf courses, a sports facility, and entertainment/shopping/dining complex, there’s certainly no shortage of family-friendly entertainment options at the massive resort. Overview of the four major theme parks:
- Magic Kingdom – if you can only go to one Walt Disney World Park, this is the classic choice. Anchored by the iconic Cinderella Castle, this is where you’ll find Princess filled Fantasyland, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and more.
- Epcot – could easily be two theme parks and includes Future World and World Showcase. Future World focuses on technology and scientific achievement with rides like Spaceship Earth, Soarin’ Around the World, and Test Track. While World Showcase features eleven nations set around a picturesque lagoon. Inside the nation pavilions you’ll find Frozen Ever After, Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros, The American Adventure, and other international attractions.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom – hosts adventures in the natural world including encounters with exotic animals from Africa and Asia. Major rides and attractions include Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest roller coaster, Avatar Flight of Passage, and Rivers of Light.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios – fan of Star Wars? This is the park for you. Here you’ll find Star Tours, Meet & Greets with Star Wars characters, and Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular. Other signature rides include Toy Story Midway Mania, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
Courtesy of Dave Parfitt
Getting Around
As large as Walt Disney World Resort is, it’s surprisingly easy to get around. There’s a fleet of buses, boats, trams, and even the iconic Monorail to get you from resort to theme park and beyond. If you are a guest at one of the Walt Disney World properties, you can even arrange for the complimentary Disney’s Magical Express service to transfer you and your family from the airport and back. While Disney transportation is free, it does take up valuable vacation time. For the quickest way to get around Walt Disney World, rent a car. Parking at the theme parks is free for guests staying on Walt Disney World property.