Walt Disney World

In a Nutshell

The place where dreams come true, Disney World Florida boasts four theme parks, two water parks, multiple golf courses as well as twenty-five onsite hotels and plenty of restaurants.

If you’re planning a holiday to Disney World Florida, you’ll fly into Orlando International Airport. Shuttle buses to the parks will be available, or you can hire a car or hop into a taxi instead.

What parks are there?

All of Disney World’s six parks are themed differently, offering tourists a new adventure and experience at each park.

• Magic Kingdom

The home of the famous Cinderella Castle, Magic Kingdom is often the first place tourists explore when at Disney. There are over 40 magical attractions to enjoy, including the famous “It’s a small world”, the thrilling Space Mountain and its water-based counterpart Splash Mountain. Plus, you can dine with your favourite Disney princesses and characters, and there’s always a parade, performance or firework display to enjoy too. 

• Epcot

Epcot has two parks – Future World and World Showcase – and is dedicated to all things science, technology and the future. Don’t miss the family-favourite Frozen Ever After, or the exhilarating Test Track ride. And you can’t go to Epcot without a trip to Spaceship Earth – Epcot’s flagship attraction.

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is the home of all things film and Hollywood. There’s a Toy Story and Star Wars land, with top attractions at Hollywood Studios including Star Wars Launch Bay, the brand-new Slinky Dog Dash and the terrifying The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Part theme park, part animal reserve, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a safari like no other. There are exotic animals including tigers, elephants, lions and gorillas, whilst thrilling attractions include Kali River Rapids and Avatar: Flight of Passage.

• Blizzard Beach

A winter-wonderland themed water park in the sunshine state, Blizzard Beach is overlooked by a giant snow-capped mountain. Fun for all the family, rides include Runoff Rapids and Summit Plummet.

• Typhoon Lagoon

There’s something for everyone at Typhoon Lagoon, including a lazy river, surf pool and huge children’s water play area. For the adults, don’t miss the thrilling Humunga Kowabunga.

Where should you stay?

There are twenty-five Disney hotels onsite, that suit a number of budgets and needs, and plenty of hotels in the surrounding area if you don’t fancy staying at the Disney park itself.

There are many benefits if you do want to stay in a Disney hotel. With Extra Magic Hours, you have additional time at the parks each morning and evening, early access to FastPass booking so you can beat the queue on the most popular attractions and a free shuttle bus service to all Disney parks. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the Disney welcome that you’ll only get at the happiest place on earth!

 

For a higher budget, you must consider The Four Seasons Resort Orlando. Recently opened, it’s a lakeside haven with onsite golf course and spa. You’ll have views of Epcot and the Magic Kingdom, and at night, you can watch the Magic Kingdom’s firework display from the comfort of your room. 

Disney’s Beach Club Resort is also not to be missed. Built around Crescent Lake and with a quaint, New England themed design, Beach Club is a resort like no other. There’s an onsite waterpark, Stormalong Bay, and it’s walking distance from Epcot too.

If you’re looking for something a little cheaper, then the All Star Music Resort, POP Century Resort and Port Orleans Lodge will be great options, especially for families.

If you don’t want to stay onsite, there are hundreds of hotels in Orlando for you to choose from. Most have free shuttles to the parks too, so look out for this when booking your stay.

What’s the best time to go?

Disney World is a popular and busy attraction year-round, but there are certain times where it’s less busy than normal.

January and February always have less footfall, or visit at the second-half of August and September when the kids have gone back to school. If you are visiting with children, try taking them away in the Easter or Autumn holidays, as the summer holidays are the busiest time of year at Disneyland.

Planning a winter trip? Do also bear in mind that both Disney water parks are closed during the Winter for maintenance works. Times vary so do check beforehand, but Blizzard Beach is usually closed between late October and early January, and Typhoon Lagoon usually closes early January until mid-March.

Admission Prices

Walt Disney World only recently adjusted their theme park ticket pricing structure. They’re no longer priced on a peak season scale, but the exact day tourists want to visit.

There are single-day and multi-day (for 7, 14 or 21 days) tickets available, depending on how often you want to visit the park. You can also add a “park hopper” option on to this, allowing you to visit several of Disney’s parks in the one day. “Park hopper plus” adds both water parks and several golf courses to this.

And remember, if you choose to stay at a Disney resort you’ll get the option of adding park entry to the cost of your stay upon checkout, at a cheaper price than buying it separately.

We hope this guide has helped you find out everything you need to know about Walt Disney World. And if you’re planning a trip to the most magical place on earth, then we can help at Florida4Less. From flights to hotels, we’ve got your Disney World holiday sorted – click here to find out more.

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