Walt Disney World Travel Guide
Plan your dream vacation with our complete guide to Walt Disney World. Learn about the top attractions, where to stay, what to eat, and more.
- Introduction to Walt Disney World
- List of Places to Visit in Walt Disney World
- Magic Kingdom
- Epcot
- Hollywood Studios
- Animal Kingdom
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Walt Disney World
- Best Things to Do in Walt Disney World: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Walt Disney World
- Food and Drink Scene of Walt Disney World
- Where to Stay in Walt Disney World: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Walt Disney World: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Walt Disney World
- Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World
- Do’s and Don’ts of Walt Disney World
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Walt Disney World: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Walt Disney World
- Where to Go Next from Walt Disney World: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World is the ultimate vacation destination for families, couples, and people young at heart. Located in Greater Orlando, in Inland Florida, Walt Disney World is a massive entertainment complex spanning over 47 square miles. With something for everyone, including theme parks, water parks, golf courses, shopping, restaurants, and more, Walt Disney World is sure to make your dream vacation come true.
List of Places to Visit in Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World is divided into four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Each park offers a unique experience with a collection of attractions, shows, and rides that cater to all ages and interests. Here’s a breakdown of the top attractions in each park:
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is the most popular and iconic park in Walt Disney World. Here are some must-visit attractions:
- Cinderella Castle
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Haunted Mansion
- It’s a Small World
- Splash Mountain
- Space Mountain
Epcot
Epcot is divided into two distinct areas: Future World and World Showcase. Here are some top attractions:
- Spaceship Earth
- Soarin’
- Test Track
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- World Showcase Pavilions
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios is all about movies and entertainment. Here are some top attractions:
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Toy Story Land
- Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular
Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is the largest of the four parks and features attractions centered around animals and conservation. Here are some top attractions:
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- Expedition Everest
- Kali River Rapids
- Festival of the Lion King
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Walt Disney World not only offers entertainment attractions but also museums and historical places where visitors can learn about the rich cultural heritage and history of various countries. Here are some must-visit cultural attractions:
- American Adventure in Epcot
- Walt Disney World Railroad
- Hall of Presidents
- Maharajah Jungle Trek in Animal Kingdom
- Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream
Natural Attractions of Walt Disney World: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
A vacation in Walt Disney World is not just about fast rides and shows. The theme park also offers a plethora of natural attractions, including outdoor adventures and scenic views. Here are some must-do activities:
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- The Boneyard in Animal Kingdom
- Tom Sawyer Island in Magic Kingdom
- Rivers of Light in Animal Kingdom
- Discovery Island Trails in Animal Kingdom
Hiking/Biking Routes of Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World is home to multiple hiking and biking routes. Here are some of the best trails and routes for hiking and biking:
- The Wilderness Back Trail Adventure
- Fort Wilderness Trail
- Epcot Resort Area/Wide World of Sports Trail
- Perimeter Road Trail
Best Things to Do in Walt Disney World: Activities and Tours
Walt Disney World offers fantastic activities and tours that visitors should experience. Here are a few of the best:
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Magic Kingdom
- Pirates & Pals Fireworks Dessert Voyage in Magic Kingdom
- Keys to the Kingdom Tour in Magic Kingdom
- The Void: Star Wars Secrets of the Empire in Disney Springs
- Wild Africa Trek in Animal Kingdom
Week-Long Itinerary for Walt Disney World
A week-long trip to Walt Disney World is the best way to experience everything the park has to offer. Here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of seven days:
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Kingdom – must-visit attractions |
| 2 | Epcot – must-visit attractions |
| 3 | Hollywood Studios – must-visit attractions |
| 4 | Animal Kingdom – must-visit attractions |
| 5 | Disney Springs – shopping & dining |
| 6 | Relax by the pool or visit a golf course |
| 7 | Water park or explore the Walt Disney World Resort |
Food and Drink Scene of Walt Disney World
No vacation is complete without delicious food and drinks. Here’s an overview of the food and drink scene in Walt Disney World:
Must-Try Dishes
- Dole Whip – Magic Kingdom
- Mickey Mouse-shaped Pretzels – various locations
- The Grey Stuff – Be Our Guest Restaurant
- Tonga Toast – Kona Café
- Mickey-shaped Beignets – Port Orleans Resort
Local Beverages
- LeFou’s Brew – Gaston’s Tavern
- Anything from Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar
- Blue Milk – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- La Cava del Tequila – Epcot
Where to Stay in Walt Disney World: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Walt Disney World offers a variety of accommodations to suit different budgets. Here are some options:
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – luxury
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – mid-range
- Disney’s All-Star Music Resort – budget
- Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels – alternatives
What to Buy in Walt Disney World: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Walt Disney World has no shortage of souvenirs and local products that will remind you of your fantastic vacation. Here are some must-buy items:
- Mickey Mouse Ears – various locations
- Resort-specific Merchandise – theme parks and resorts
- Pins – various locations
- Disney-themed home decor – Disney Springs
- Goofy Candy Co. candy – various locations
Local Culture and Customs of Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World is an iconic tourist destination with a rich culture and traditions that visitors should be aware of. Here’s an overview of local customs:
- Respect the characters, actors, and performers
- Refrain from using profanity at all times
- Avoid littering and help maintain the park’s cleanliness
- Follow the park rules and regulations
Best Time to Visit Walt Disney World
The best time to visit Walt Disney World depends on your preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
- Weather and seasons
- Crowds
- Special events and Holidays
Do’s and Don’ts of Walt Disney World
Here are some dos and don’ts to make your Walt Disney World vacation memorable for all the right reasons:
Do:
- Plan ahead
- Pack sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day
- Obtain FastPass+ reservations
- Be courteous to other visitors and park staff
Don’t:
- Show up late to your reservations
- Litter or smoke in non-designated areas
- Stand up on rides or disobey ride rules
- Attempt to touch or harass the characters or performers
- Start arguments or engage in physical altercations
Safety and Health
Walt Disney World prioritizes the safety and health of its visitors. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Safety in Walt Disney World
- Follow all ride safety instructions provided by staff
- Use hand sanitizer provided by the park
- Secure all valuables and personal items
- Stay hydrated and wear comfortable clothes and shoes
Health in Walt Disney World
- Refrain from visiting the park if you feel unwell
- Commendable Sanitization for frequently touched surfaces.
- Precaution measures in place like social distancing, regular temperature checks, etc.
Getting to Walt Disney World: Transportation Options and Logistics
Getting to Walt Disney World depends on where you are coming from. The good news is that Walt Disney World offers various transportation options. Here’s an overview:
Airports Near Walt Disney World
- Orlando International Airport – MCO
- Orlando Sanford International Airport – SFB
Bus Stations Near Walt Disney World
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios Bus Station
- Transportation and Ticket Center
Other Options
- Rental Cars (On-site Rental Car Center)
- Taxis and ride-share services (Uber, Lyft)
How to Get Around in Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World offers various modes of transportation to help visitors get around the park. These include:
- Monorail system
- Buses
- Boats and Ferries
- Disney Skyliner
Where to Go Next from Walt Disney World: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
If you want to explore other destinations after visiting Walt Disney World, here are some nearby excursions and destinations:
- Universal Studios Orlando
- SeaWorld Orlando
- Kennedy Space Center
- Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Conclusion
Walt Disney World is a magical destination that offers something for everyone. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to plan your dream vacation to this iconic theme park successfully.
Walt Disney World Image Gallery
Cinderella Castle
How do they get the star on top?
Welcome!
Walt Disney World Resort overview map
Disney buses lined up
Monorail Coral
A pink MagicBand.
Spaceship Earth, the icon of Epcot
Indy finds an idol
Disney's Boardwalk
Lighting up the night at Disney Springs
Perhaps the greatest perk of staying at Disney's Contemporary Resort is the monorail station located conveniently in the atrium.
Almost like being in Paris... almost