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Disney's Pop Century Resort

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Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

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Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

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Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

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Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

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Disney's All-Star Music Resort

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Disney's All-Star Movies Resort

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Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

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Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter

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Disney's All-Star Sports Resort

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Disney's Art of Animation Resort

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Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

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Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

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Disney's Wilderness Lodge

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Disney's Beach Club Resort

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Disney's Contemporary Resort

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Disney's Yacht Club Resort

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Disney's BoardWalk Inn

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Disney's Old Key West Resort

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Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

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Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort

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The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

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Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village

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The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

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Disney's BoardWalk Villas

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Disney's Beach Club Villas

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Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

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Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House

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The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

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Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

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Disney's Riviera Resort

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Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel

Vacation packages may be available. Select this hotel to view package prices. For room-only prices, call (407) 939-1936.†

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Walt Disney World Swan Hotel

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The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort - A Disney Vacation Club Resort

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Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

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Four seasons resort orlando at walt disney world resort.

Walt Disney World Area

Select this hotel to view package prices, including potential vacation packages. For room-only prices, call (407) 939-5277.†

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/more/

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Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels

Disney Springs™ Resort Area Hotels

Select this hotel to view package prices, including potential vacation packages. For room-only prices, call (407) 934-7639.†

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Walt disney world® resort vacations & packages.

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Visit Walt Disney World® Resort

Walt Disney World® Resort is the perfect place to stay in Orlando as a large number of the area’s star attractions are within easy driving distance. Two sights that should be at the top of every visitor’s itinerary is the wonderful Disney's Boardwalk and the ever-popular Disney's Osprey Ridge Golf Course. Two other great attractions you’ll find within a short distance of Walt Disney World® Resort are the Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and the Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course.

Walt Disney World® Resort has a number of cultural attractions nearby that allow visitors to really get a feel for the area. To experience Orlando’s vibrant arts scene, book a show at one of the popular live performance venues such as the La Nouba Theater in Lake Buena Vista.

After exploring the delights of Walt Disney World® Resort, stay the night at one of the area’s bed-and-breakfasts, hotels or short-stay apartments. Take your pick from the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort, Lake Buena Vista, the Walt Disney World Swan Resort, Lake Buena Vista, or the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek.

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Palazzo Lakeside Hotel

Reviewed on Apr 11, 2024

Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo

Reviewed on Mar 15, 2024

Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa Universal Studios Area

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Orlando: Island H2O Water Park Admission

Manatees Swim, Snorkel and Boat Day Tour from Orlando

Deep-Sea Fishing Tour in the Gulf of Mexico with Lunch

Clearwater Deep Sea Fishing

4 Hours Morning Bass Fishing in Orlando

2 Hour Eco Tour

Florida: 90 Minute Everglades Cruise

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Go City: Orlando All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions

Clearwater Beach Day Trip

Orlando: Museum of Illusions Admission Ticket

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St. Augustine Day Trip with Transportation

Private Helicopter Day Tour Funspot (16miles)

Private Helicopter Night Tour Orlando Parks (31miles or 48miles)

Day Trip to Clearwater Beach with Sea Screamer Ride

Park Whispers: Love and Legacy in Orlando

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Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney

Pirate's Dinner Adventure Orlando

The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show

Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows

Dream Tour - City Lights: 30 Mile Helicopter Tour

Orlando: Polynesian Fire Luau with Dinner and Live Show

Sleuth's Mystery Dinner Show, Orlando

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Kids Eat Free iCard PLUS City Hopper (Orlando, Virginia and more)

Dollar Off Drinks Card: Orlando

The Mall at Millenia's Personal Styling Experience

Reviews of walt disney world® resort, 5/5 - excellent.

Definitely stop at Walmart and pick up all your Disney apparel

Too much walking, most of waiting areas have no shade

Kennedy Space Center Seaworld Magic Kingdom

We had dinner at Boma and it was an excellent buffet. We really enjoyed it.

Pricing was the same on line as it was getting them at the resort we stayed at

Check all the extra $$ needed for resort fees, parking and bell hops before booking a room!

Popular places to visit

• Magic Kingdom® Park

One of the most famous theme parks in the world offers a land of fun and fantasy at the foot of a fairytale castle.

Beachcomber Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Beachcomber Beach during your trip to Lake Buena Vista? Discover the top-notch restaurants and entertainment choices in this family-friendly area.

Tibet Butler Preserve

Explore the lovely green spaces of Tibet Butler Preserve and enjoy the golf courses in Windermere. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Grand Cypress Golf Club

Play a few rounds of golf at these Nicklaus-designed, award-winning courses which are located in the very heart of sunny Orlando.

Design your own race car and take an international food safari at the theme park that celebrates human achievement.

Norway Pavilion

Bring your family to Norway Pavilion and have a fun-filled day at this theme park in Lake Buena Vista. Discover the top-notch restaurants and acclaimed theater scene in this family-friendly area.

Best Lodging Options Near Walt Disney World® Resort

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Walt Disney World Park Tickets

Tickets will include admission to a Disney Water Park †

Includes admission to Disney's Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, whichever is open.

A World of Magic at our Amazing Parks

With 4 amazing theme parks and 2 splashtastic water parks there's a host of unforgettable experiences to be had at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. We offer a range of ticket options so you can experience the magic your way, whether you prefer to experience one theme park per day with our base ticket or opt for the ultimate in flexibility with our Park Hopper Plus option!

Theme Park Ticket

Our base ticket offers you admission to one of our 4 magical theme parks per day .

Choose between:

• Magic Kingdom Park
• Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Learn more about our Disney Parks

Ticket With Park Hopper Option

Visit more than one theme park on the same day and enjoy more magic! When adding our Park Hopper option, you'll enjoy access to our multiple Walt Disney World Theme Parks for the duration of your ticket!

Check the Park Hours calendar and My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date opening hours.

Learn more about Park Hopper

Ticket With Park Hopper Plus Option

Make the most of your time at Walt Disney World with our Park Hopper Plus option which gives you access to all 4 theme parks and our 2 water parks ! You'll enjoy unlimited daily admission to Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, plus enjoy one of the following experiences per day of your ticket:

One visit to Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park ; enjoy one of the world's tallest, fastest free-falling waterslides plus more chilled out experiences for the whole family.

One visit to Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park ; where you can enjoy fast-paced slides, laid-back rides and 6-foot waves!

One visit to ESPN Wide World of Sports (excludes ticketed events); the ultimate destination for any sports fan where you can enjoy the excitement of sporting events all year round.

Greens fees at Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course (tee times required); a 2,913 yard, par 36, 9-hole walking course suitable for beginners and experienced golfers alike.

One round of mini golf at Disney's Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course (prior to 4pm); a fun-filled course inspired by the classic Disney film Fantasia.

One round of mini golf at Disney's Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course (prior to 4pm); choose from 2 Santa Claus-inspired courses.

How to Purchase Disney Theme Park Tickets

1. select the number of days you would like to visit walt disney world.

Tickets include admission to one Disney Theme Park per day unless the Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus Option is purchased.

2. Select the start date of your ticket

Multi-day tickets are valid for admission on the start date selected and must be used within a limited number of days depending on your ticket length and type:

Other Ticket Types:

• Base ticket with Park Hopper Option: Same as the base ticket, a 3-Day Ticket includes three days of admission to be used across a five day window
• Base ticket with Park Hopper Plus Option: A 3-Day Ticket includes three days of admission to be used across a six day window (usage window incremented by one day with Park Hopper Plus)

3. Purchase and Get Planning

To enter one of the parks, both a valid ticket and a date-specific theme park reservation via the Disney Park Pass system are required †

Buying your tickets in advance allows you to reserve select attractions with Disney FastPass+, book dining reservations, tours, entertainment and recreation, plus special events all before you arrive!

Find out more about FastPass+

Purchase Your Walt Disney World Theme Park Tickets

Multi-day tickets are valid for one theme park per day for each day of the ticket.

Disney Theme Park Tickets and any options purchased are valid for admission beginning on your selected start date and must be used within a limited number of days, depending on ticket length and type. The first day of use must be on your selected start date. For additional details visit our Disney Theme Park Ticket FAQ's .

Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus Options include same-day admission to all 4 theme parks on each day of your ticket. In addition, the Park Hopper Plus Option includes a certain number of visits to a water park or other Walt Disney World fun. Water Parks subject to rehabilitation, season and weather closures. Tee times are required for Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course and are subject to availability.

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Ultimate Walt Disney World Planning Guide (2024)

Planning a Disney World vacation can feel like a daunting task, especially for first-time guests. The entire Walt Disney World resort area covers around 43 square miles, which is almost twice the size of Manhattan!  Learning how to plan a Disney Vacation can help ensure you have a great time on your trip.

There are so many engaging activities, exciting attractions, magical details, and wonderful restaurants and resorts.  It’s nearly impossible to experience everything at Disney World over the course of several trips, let alone in a single visit to the park. That’s why it’s important to start your planning early and decide what you should prioritize on your trip.

This guide will take you through how to plan a Disney World vacation step-by-step. Disney vacations have become harder to plan each and every year, with Disney Genie+,  Advanced Dining Reservations, My Disney Experience, transportation, etc.  There’s so much to know, and this Disney vacation planning guide will be your go-to resource.

Do You Need To Plan a Disney World Vacation in Advance?

It’s no longer feasible to go to Disney World without doing at least some planning ahead of time.  Even entering a theme park requires an advance reservation in many cases.

In our view, these are the four bare-minimum planning actions needed to have even a functioning  Disney vacation.

• Decide when you will visit.   Crowd levels can impact your experience and time of year will affect your overall cost.
• Decide which park you will attend on each day.   Theme park reservations are mandatory for some ticket types — no reservation, no entry.
• Decide which hotel you’ll stay in.   While you can technically find a room without a reservation during some parts of the year, it’s not worth the risk.
• Decide if you want to dine at any table-service restaurants.   Dining reservations are strongly suggested; during the busiest days, many restaurants may completely refuse walk-ups.

These are the minimum plans needed to have a tolerable Disney World vacation.  To make your vacation good — or, dare we say, magical — you’ll probably want to do a good bit more Disney planning.  Below, we walk you through the eleven things you need to do to plan the best possible Disney World vacation .

Our planning guide is a great way to get started with researching your upcoming Disney World vacation.  As you’ll see, planning a Disney trip is no small task.  Imagine if you could have someone else do most of the work for you, for free!

That’s why we strongly recommend you contact the Disney travel agents at The Vacationeer .  There are plenty of good reasons why you should use a Disney travel agent , including taking advantage of their years of Disney experience and letting them handle making all of your reservations.

But one of the best reasons is that their planning services don’t cost you anything!

The Eleven Steps to Disney World Planning

There are plenty of ways to plan your Disney vacation, and everybody has their own way of doing it.  Below we’ve outlined what we believe to be eleven critical steps, in roughly the order that you should do them.  We’ve tried not to overwhelm you with too much information at once, but there’s no doubt that planning a Disney trip can be very complicated.  Take your time, read through it all, and follow the links throughout to find out more about some of the items we discuss here.

1. Learn the basics by doing some research

As you start to plan for a Disney World vacation, you should begin researching well in advance of booking the trip.  The information you gather during this important first step will help you through the rest of the process; starting early gives you plenty of time to learn before key dates in the trip planning process.  It will also be key to creating a detailed itinerary for each day so that your vacation will include every event, attraction, and restaurant you wish to experience.

Without a daily itinerary and at least some knowledge of the parks, Disney World can be a confusing and overwhelming place. Informed and organized vacationers are less stressed, save more money, and have more fun!

Being in-the-know will also help you secure your spot at popular resorts, attractions, and dining establishments.

Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to research travel destinations online , and Disney World is no exception. There are lots of Disney World resources online these days (such as our entire website!), so getting up to speed with the ins and outs of the parks is well within your reach.  To get you started, we’ll go over some basic information about Disney World.

Disney World at a Glance

Walt Disney World has four major theme parks:

Magic Kingdom

It’s the flagship theme park of Disney World and a rite of passage for kids of all ages.  Leave the real world at the gate — age melts away as you walk down Main Street, USA to reach Cinderella Castle.  Then, head in any direction to experience Liberty Square, Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland.  Your kingdom awaits with adventures on flying elephants, doombuggies, space rockets, and steam trains.

Rides   |   Dining   |   Secrets

Originally envisioned as a functioning city of the future, EPCOT offers four neighborhoods: World Showcase , a tribute to the global diversity that enriches us as a species; World Nature , showcasing our interaction with the planetary forces that drive us; World Discovery , celebrating humankind’s ingenuity and innovation; and World Celebration , dedicated to the joy and camaraderie that are essential parts of the human experience.

Rides   |   Dining   |  Secrets

Hollywood Studios

Hooray for “the Hollywood that never was and always will be!”  Here, the golden age of motion pictures gets equal billing with modern blockbusters in a park dedicated to an entire universe of entertainment.  Drop into the Hollywood Tower Hotel, find yourself off-world on Batuu, or slink your way into a Pixar adventure.  You’re the star of this silver screen epic — are you ready for your closeup?

Animal Kingdom

Experience the glory and wonder of nature as you immerse yourself into a world that more than 1,000 animals call home.  Set off on safari, where giraffes are free to walk right alongside your open-air vehicle (from which you can also glimpse elephants, lions, and hippopotami).  Then, escape reality by staging a daring mountaintop run from the mythical Yeti, or traveling back in time to rescue a doomed dinosaur.

Other Resort Complex Amenities

In addition to four theme parks, you’ll find a full resort complex covering upwards of 27,000 acres:

• More than 20 large resort hotels are owned and operated by Walt Disney World, with additional third-party hotels nearby
• There are nearly 400 places to eat and drink at Disney World, from ice cream carts to high-end luxury dining, and everything in between
• Disney Springs is the largest shopping, dining, and entertainment district at Disney World ( no tickets required ); Disney’s BoardWalk offers an additional entertainment and dining district
• Disney World has 2 water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon
• WDW has 5 golf courses and 2 mini-golf courses , an entire sports complex , and several lakes (offering boating, kayaking, parasailing, fishing, and other water sports)

There’s much, much more to learn about Disney World, but the above information should give you the basics that you’ll need to know as you start to plan.  At the end of each of our 11 steps in this guide, you’ll find links to special planning tools and additional articles/websites that further discuss items mentioned in each section of our planning guide.  The tools and links for this step are immediately below:

Planning Tools for This Step:

✔️  Use our  Disney World Map to get the lay of the land

✔️  Use our Disney World Transportation Map to chart your route

✔️  Subscribe to Disney-focused  YouTube channels

✔️  Review some fascinating Disney World Statistics

✔️  Learn the History of Disney World

✔️  Enjoy some interesting WDW Trivia

2. Download the My Disney Experience App

My Disney Experience is Disney’s mobile app & website that serves as a centralized hub for everything related to your Disney vacation.  In the app, you can:

• Create a profile
• Add friends and family members so you can plan together
• View your tickets and reservations
• Access the Disney Genie itinerary planning service
• Purchase priority access to certain attractions through the Genie+ and Lightning Lane service
• Enter a virtual queue for highly-demanded attractions, when available
• Access entitlements under the Disability Access Service, if applicable
• Place mobile orders for some meals, helping you avoid lines at some quick-service restaurants
• Use the MagicMobile service, which lets you use your mobile device as a contactless payment/entry device around Disney World.

Note:  If you’d rather not use the MagicMobile service to access your tickets and services, you can either purchase a MagicBand (a colorful RFID-enabled wristband), or request a plastic RFID card at no charge. 

The app is available for both iOS and Android devices — you might see it listed in the app store as “My Disney Experience” or even just as “Disney World.”  There’s no charge to download and use the app; you might see a notice about in-app purchases, but that refers to the ability to do things such as buying park tickets or placing mobile dining orders.

Once you’ve downloaded the app, you’ll want to sign in — you can use an existing Disney account or create a new one.  You’ll also need to grant it permission to use location services because some features such as virtual queuing are geofenced (only available when you are in a certain location based on your phone’s GPS).

Downloading the app early in the planning process is important for a few reasons.  First, it’s a great research tool.  Second, getting to know it now will make it all the easier to use during your trip.  And most importantly, as you begin to purchase tickets or make reservations you’ll want to link them to your Disney account.  For example, linking your hotel reservation in the app allows you to access an extended restaurant reservation booking window — as well as to access early booking for Lightning Lane attraction entrances.

Many (but not all) of the same services are also available through a dedicated section of the Disney World website.

Ready to talk to someone about planning next steps?

✔️  Download the My Disney Experience app

✔️  Access My Disney Experience via the Disney World website

✔️  Learn more about My Disney Experience

✔️  Learn more about using the MagicMobile service

3. Start Considering How Much to Budget for Your Disney World Trip

On average, a typical Walt Disney World vacation for a family of 4 in 2024 will cost about $6,559. This includes a 7-night hotel stay at a Disney Value Resort, 6 days of standard theme park tickets, Genie+ or Lightning Lane service, and quick-service meals for 4 people over the course of the trip.

Just like any vacation, you might want to plan for additional expenses such as transportation costs, upgrades, a longer stay, and souvenirs; or you might opt to save some money by staying off-site, shortening your trip, spending a day or two away from the parks, or visiting during the off-season.

Not surprisingly, some families end up putting themselves into debt to make a Disney World trip happen.

Of course, you won’t know exactly how much to budget until you make some choices about hotels, dining, tickets, etc. — but now’s a good time to at least begin thinking about how much you’re comfortable spending on your trip so you’re not left with sky-high credit card bills long after.

The resources below are a great way to start that process.  If you don’t want to devote a ton of time to it at this point, we suggest you start with just the first two resources… our How Much Does it Cost to Go to Disney World article and our Disney World Cost Calculator .

✔️  Explore how much it costs to go to Disney World

✔️  Estimate prices with our Disney World Cost Calculator

✔️  Learn about Disney Payment Plan options

✔️  Find the Cheapest Time to go to Disney

✔️  Check out Disney World discounts & deals

✔️  Save on your trip by buying discounted Disney gift cards

✔️  Learn how to do Disney on a Dime

✔️  Explore some free things to do at Disney World

✔️  Read Is Disney World Worth It?

✔️  Leverage your credit card points on your Disney vacation

Consider Working with a Disney World Trip Planner (For Free!)

This is a great time in your Disney vacation planning timeline to connect with a Disney Travel Agent if you’re planning on using one.  Your agent can provide a more accurate estimate of what you can expect to spend by walking you through all of the big choices you’ll be making in the remaining steps of the process.

Not sure which Disney World Travel Agency to use?  We strongly recommend The Vacationeer .  It’s not hard to see why we’ve ranked them as the best Disney travel agency .  First and foremost, they don’t charge anything to use their planning services and there’s never any obligation to book.  And, as an EarMarked Diamond level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner , they’ve arranged Disney trips for thousands of families.  They boast a team of 90+ travel agents, but you’ll have one dedicated agent to serve as your personal Disney trip planner from start to finish.

Contact them to see which money-saving promotions might be available for your trip.  They can book your reservations, set up a payment plan for your trip, and even automatically apply newly-announced discounts to your trip after you book!

4. Decide When to Go to Disney World

Holidays at Disney can be crowded but festive

Deciding which time of year to go to Disney World is a very important part of the planning process, and not just for the obvious reasons of school/work schedules.  Crowd sizes, special promotions, festivals, and weather should also factor in your decision; these can not only affect your overall experience at Disney, but also your overall cost as well.

Crowd sizes are a major consideration when planning a trip to Walt Disney World.  Because park attendance fluctuates throughout the year, there are certainly better (less crowded) times of the year go.

For those of you who are not as tied down with schedule obligations (such as parents who homeschool or people who can work from anywhere), you are in a much better position to be flexible with your travel dates. For the rest of us, work schedules, school schedules, and other factors often influence the timing of our vacations, so we just have to plan a trip around a timeframe that works.

With millions of annual visitors, each Walt Disney World theme park can become crowded. The week you choose to visit the park can have a major impact on wait times for attractions and crowd density on the sidewalks and in the restaurants. Each park also has day-to-day crowd dynamics to consider.

The best way to gauge crowd sizes any particular day – at any one of Walt Disney World’s 4 theme parks – is to consult our  Disney World Crowd Calendar .  By using data compiled from recent years, our crowd calendar determines which theme parks will have the shortest lines and which parks will have the longest lines.

While not everyone has the flexibility to plan their trip around the least-crowded dates, crowd calendars can still be a valuable tool to help you to maximize your Disney experience during your visit.

It’s also worth noting that crowd levels tend to be a good indicator of how expensive your hotel and tickets will be.  Hotels and tickets are both subject to seasonal prices; the less popular times of year are the least expensive, while high-demand times like holidays and summer vacation cost more.

When is Walt Disney World Least Crowded?

Walt Disney World parks are typically less crowded from January 2nd until just prior to Presidents’ Day week (third Monday in February ), the week after Labor Day until just prior to Thanksgiving week, and the week after Thanksgiving weekend until the week prior to Christmas. As a general guide, when schools are in session, WDW is usually less crowded.

When is Walt Disney World Most Crowded?

Walt Disney World parks generally experience their highest attendance around school breaks. These include around Presidents’ Day week (third week in February), the Spring Break timeframe from mid- March through late April , Memorial Day weekend , Summer (mid- June through Labor Day), Thanksgiving week, and Christmas week through January 1st.

Special Promotions

During their slower seasons, Disney World will sometimes offer special promotions to lure guests to the park.

Some previous examples have included a Free Dining promotion which offered meals as part of a package that included non-discounted resort hotels and park tickets.  Other promotions have also been offered from time to time, allowing for discounted hotel rates, special ticket packages, or other benefits.

While promotions have been a bit scarce lately, things do tend to change quickly.  It’s a safe bet, though, that any promotions that come along will be limited to specific hotels or specific travel dates, and will likely be in the off-season.  If your plans are flexible, you’re more likely to be able to take advantage of these.

Walt Disney World is a great destination any day of the year. However, there is something about the seasonal festivals which make the park extra magical.

Besides the spectacular Festival of the Arts (typically in January) and the Flower & Garden Festival during the spring and early summer, most of our favorite seasonal events take place during the Fall and Winter months.

Epcot hosts The  Food & Wine Festival in the fall, and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a real treat for Magic Kingdom guests around – you guessed it – Halloween.

During November and December , the wildly popular Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place at Magic Kingdom, as do a host of other holiday events, such as A Frozen Holiday Wish Show (Magic Kingdom), Christmas Day Parade on ABC (Magic Kingdom), Joyful! (Epcot), Holidays Around the World (Epcot), and much more .

If we had an absolute favorite week to be at Walt Disney World, we may have to choose some time in early December. The park is festive, the weather is comfortable, and the crowds are lighter than normal.

Any How to Plan a Disney Vacation guide must discuss the nuances of Disney’s weather.

First of all, Orlando, Florida is known for its warm and sunny weather. Ice and snow are virtually non-existent here and the temperatures rarely dip below the freezing level.

That said, there are some seasonal differences that you may want to take into consideration when booking your Disney World vacation. January is typically the coolest month, July is the warmest and wettest (though August is a close second for heat), and June has the most sunshine hours.

Daytime thunderstorms are a given during the summer; they often pop up with little warning and disappear just as quickly, usually leaving a rather unpleasant sauna effect in their aftermath.  On the bright side, a storm lasting 30-45 minutes is usually enough to send people scurrying for the exits, leading to lighter crowds afterwards.

Hurricane season technically lasts from June-November, though September has historically been the most active.  Even then, it’s rare for the Orlando area to take a direct hit from a hurricane.  That said, the parks have had to close a few times for hurricanes, though typically only for a day or so at a time.  Thanks to Disney’s generous hurricane cancellation policies , it’s still generally safe plan a trip to Disney World during hurricane season (though travel insurance is still also a good idea).

Our favorite seasons at Walt Disney World are probably the pleasant spring and fall seasons, with October being particularly nice. Our least favorite season is during the summer months — not only are the crowds heavy, but the weather can be quite hot and humid. If you do plan a summer vacation at Disney World, remember to come prepared with the proper amenities to keep you cool and hydrated.

Overwhelmed and ready for some expert help?

✔️  Use our Disney Crowd Calendar to pick the best time to visit

✔️  Research typical Disney World Weather

✔️  Learn about the best time to go to Disney World

✔️  Review our tips to avoid lines at Disney World

✔️  Beat the rain with the best attractions for rainy days

✔️  Learn about Hurricane Season at Disney World

5. Decide on Your Length of Stay (How Many Days)

Because there is just so much to see and do at  Walt Disney World , there is really no right answer for how long your Walt Disney World vacation should last. However, there are several wrong answers. One wrong answer would be staying for only 1 or 2 days!

We recommend that any trip should last at least four days, with an ideal range of a full week or so. Some people buy an Annual Pass and spend 30+ days at the park, so the sky is the limit! It just depends on your budget, time limitations, who you are traveling with, and what the goals of your trip are. But with so much to see and experience, a day or two won’t even scratch the surface of what Walt Disney World has to offer.

How Long Do Most People Stay at Disney World?

Most Disney World vacations last 3 – 7 days. Many guests devote one full day to each of the four Disney World theme parks. Given their size and number of attractions, it’s certainly possible to spend two days each at Epcot and Magic Kingdom. Additional days can be spent re-visiting one of the parks, going to a Disney water park, or doing other various activities, inside or outside of the park.

If your objective is to experience most attractions, shows, parades, etc., you really need to provide yourself with adequate time/days to explore all facets of each park.  If saving money is an important consideration, a shorter trip can help accomplish that.

Many guests like to spend a day or two at other (non-Disney) Orlando-area attractions – such as  Universal Studios , SeaWorld, Legoland Florida, or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Other guests set aside a day or two for golfing, boating, or just to simply relax at the pool.

If your trip to Disney World is a “rite of passage” event for the kids – and your goal is to just experience the popular rides and get a feel for the park – 3-4 days is doable. However, just be aware that you may feel as though you are rushing to get as much in with your time constraints.  You probably won’t be able to experience everything that you set out to achieve.

Besides simply having enough time at Disney World, another reason for booking a longer WDW vacation is the financial incentive. The more days you spend at the park, the less the cost of your daily ticket. That’s not to say you will spend less money on an 8-day pass vs a 3-day pass — you certainly won’t. But, the cost per day  goes down substantially the more days you spend at Disney World.

Thoroughly review all current promotions and ticket pricing scenarios before deciding on the duration of your Disney World vacation.

✔️  Compare prices for different trip lengths with our Cost Calculator

✔️  We explore how long to stay at Disney

✔️  See how many days you need for each park

✔️  See our favorite day trips from Disney World

✔️  Extend your trip by visiting one of the beaches near Disney World

6. Decide How to Travel to Disney World

Planning a Disney World trip must, of course, include consideration of how you will actually get there.

The two most common modes of transportation to Walt Disney World are by car and by air.

Buses and trains also come in and out of Orlando, but these options tend to be more problematic with luggage considerations. Consult your bus service or Amtrak for their guidelines on luggage if you decide to go this route.

Driving to Disney World

For guests within a reasonable driving distance (or those who just love a good road trip), there’s some convenience in having your own car at Disney.  Of course, you’ll need to consider all of the costs associated with driving to Disney… fuel prices, auto maintenance / wear & tear, tolls, and parking fees.

An oft-forgotten expense is that those staying in an off-site hotel must pay a daily parking fee at the theme parks (Disney hotel guests don’t pay this fee).

Those who live far away will likely find the cost of driving to Disney World to be prohibitively expensive.  But for those who live in the southeastern US — or who are faced with the prospect of buying airline tickets for a large family — driving might be the right choice.

Flying to Disney World

Since most people fly to Disney World, let’s review some of your best options for booking a flight.

Most people use airline travel search engines – such as Priceline, Kayak, Expedia, or Travelocity – to book their air travel. We also recommend checking Google Flights or ITA Matrix  — both are robust search engines for finding airline deals. If you have flexibility with your booking dates, sign up for Airfarewatchdog alerts. You can get real-time or daily alerts for special offers and flight deals between your departure city and Orlando.

Which airports are closest to Disney World?

Orlando is served by three major airports, all of which have confusingly similar names.

• Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the airport of choice for trips to Disney World.  It’s the nearest airport (about 20 miles away)  and offers by far the most ground transportation options to Disney World.
• Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is located about 45 miles away from Disney World.  Though it’s further away and offers fewer ground transit services, it may be your only choice for a nonstop flight if you’re flying with a smaller/discount carrier or if your home airport is a smaller regional facility.
• Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) is located about 65 miles away from Disney World.  It’s the farthest “Orlando” airport from Orlando (they actually got sued for using the word Orlando” in their name) , and is likely better suited for a Disney Cruise from Port Canaveral than it is for a stay at Walt Disney World.

If you’ll have a rental car and don’t mind a bit of a drive, you can also investigate flights into Tampa International (TPA, about 75 miles away) or Daytona Beach International (DAB, about 70 miles away)… but the flight discounts would have to be amazing to make up for the difference in time and cost.

Tips To Save on Flights to Disney World

Here are a few more cost-savings tips for booking your flight to Walt Disney World:

• For the best deals, book six weeks in advance.
• Scan for deals in the morning, as most airlines offer their best deals at this time. Act fast because good deals get scooped up quickly.
• The most inexpensive flights are often the earliest departures in the morning.
• Wednesdays are typically the cheapest days to fly.
• Credit cards with frequent flyer mile points can save you money on future flights.
• Not all airlines offer their cheapest flights through travel search engines. Check low-cost airlines individually to see if booking directly through their website is less expensive.

Traveling Within Disney World

Regardless of how you get there, once you’ve made it to Disney World, transportation is a breeze.  Disney offers a completely free network of monorails, boats, buses, Skyliners (suspended aerial gondolas), trams, and walking paths to move people from place to place.  You’ll really only need a rental car if your plans take you off-site to a non-Disney destination (and even then, an Uber might be better).

Check out our Disney transportation map in the planning tools below to map out your journey through Disney World.

✔️  Search for airfare on Google Flights

✔️  For advanced flight search options, try ITA Matrix

✔️  Explore our Transportation Map to find out how to get around Disney World

✔️  Review options to get from the Orlando Airport to Disney

✔️  Estimate the cost of taking an Uber

✔️  Learn about parking at Disney World

✔️  Explore the Disney Monorail

7. Choose Your Disney World Resort Hotel

Disney owns and operates more than 20 on-site hotels, which it calls “Resorts.”  This name can be a bit confusing, because you’ll also hear the entire Walt Disney World area referred to as a “resort.”  As an alternative to the on-site hotels, you can choose to stay at a hotel not owned by Disney; that could save you some money, but you’ll miss out on a number of perks offered exclusively to on-site Guests.

Official Disney On-Site Resorts

There is something special about staying at an official Disney World resort.

For one, each resort has its own distinctive character, charm, and identity. You can leave the real world behind and surround yourself with Disney magic, 24/7.

Since all of these resorts are on Disney World property, you will be in close proximity to all the parks and have direct access to monorails, boats, skykliners, and buses.  A few resorts are close enough that you can easily walk to Magic Kingdom or EPCOT.

On-site guests also receive special perks that off-site guests do not. These include Early Theme Park Entry and the ability to book Dining Reservations and Lightning Lane entries ahead of non-Disney resort guests. For 2025, Resort Guests also receive free water park admission on their check-in day.  Make sure you link your Disney World hotel reservation to your My Disney Experience account to take advantage of these perks!

Disney’s on-site Resorts are categorized within the following tiers:

Disney Value Resorts

The rooms at  Disney Value Resorts are smaller and are situated among larger campuses, so you might find there’s a bit of a walk between your room and the bus stops, dining, and front desk.  Transportation to the Disney World theme parks is mostly via bus or Skyliner.  Dining is typically quick-service that’s more akin to a food court, but still usually features a surprising variety that goes well beyond burgers and pizza.  Value resorts are a fantastic option for families who want to keep an eye on their budget but still have all the benefits of staying on Disney World property.

Disney Moderate Resorts

The  Disney Moderate Resorts offer a nice middle ground between the Value and Deluxe resorts.  You’ll have a somewhat upgraded room, good transportation, and usually a few different dining options that may offer a broader menu.  A Moderate Resort is a great way to upgrade your stay at a Disney World resort hotel without a major impact on your budget.

Disney Deluxe Resorts

Deluxe Resorts tend to be closest hotels to the Disney World theme parks, usually just a monorail, boat ride, or short walk away.  Not only is it easier to get to the parks in the morning and back from the parks at night; it’s also easy to avoid the hottest and most crowded parts of the day by returning to your hotel and letting the kids cool down in the pool or take a midday nap.  Then, while everyone else who stayed in the park all day is hot, tired, and cranky, you’ll be refreshed and ready for the nighttime fireworks.  Disney World’s Deluxe resorts also often feature larger rooms, the best pools and restaurants, and a generally upgraded experience.

Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

Deluxe Villa Resorts offer vacation home style amenities such as kitchens and separate bedrooms, which can be a great option for larger groups.  These range from studios (basically a hotel room that also includes a kitchenette and pull-down bed) to 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units featuring full kitchens and living rooms.  There are even some unique offerings, such as treehouse villas and over-the-water bungalows.  Even beyond these deluxe villa resorts, many other Disney World hotels offer family suites .

The only major disadvantage of staying at an on-site Disney resort is the cost. With the extra perks and close proximity to the park, these resorts are more expensive than off-site resorts, so your decision will really just depend on your budget and the priorities of your vacation.

Traveling with a fuzzy friend?  You might be surprised to learn that pets are welcome at a select few resorts, and there’s even a facility made exclusively for them.  Check out Pets at Disney World for more information.

Our favorite Disney World YouTube Channel has a great overview of Disney’s official on-site Resorts.

Off-Site Hotels (non-Disney)

Most off-site properties are further away from the park and do not have direct access to the monorail (though some might offer a limited shuttle service). Despite this, many off-site resorts are still quite close to the parks – some, in fact, are situated directly on Disney-owned land.  For example, you’ll find third-party hotels not far from EPCOT, as well as an extensive “Hotel Boulevard” just an intersection or so away from Disney Springs.

While you won’t enjoy the same perks as on-site guests, these off-site properties are generally very nice.  And some  non-Disney hotels do have agreements with Disney to allow their Guests to experience some special perks.

Many have all the amenities of the more expensive Disney Resorts (some even have more), and the rooms are often larger. If your party has 5 or more guests, off-site resorts offer more value, as most of the on-site 5-person+ options are quite pricey.

The bottom line is, if you are sticking to a tight budget and don’t mind being a little further away from the action, a non-Disney resort may be your best bet. You can have a fantastic vacation staying at either on- or off-property resorts.

We recommended that you explore both options and weigh the pros and cons as they apply to your situation. You can certainly split your nights between on-property and off-property. But if you are only at Disney World for a few nights, we recommend just paying a little more to be on the property.

Find the perfect hotel for your budget

✔️  Explore our Disney Resort Comparison page

✔️  See the best Disney Value Resorts

✔️  View the best Disney Moderate Resorts

✔️  Review the best Disney Deluxe Resorts

✔️  Find the best Family Suites at Disney

✔️  See the best Disney Resorts for kids

✔️  Explore the best Disney Resorts for adults

✔️  Learn where to book Disney World hotels

✔️  Find off-site hotels with shuttle service

✔️  Find our picks for the best on-site hotels overall

✔️  See which resorts have the best hotel pools

✔️  Splurge on Club Level at Disney World or a Five-Star Hotel at Disney

✔️  What’s the cheapest on-site hotel?

8. Buy Theme Park Tickets and Make Park Reservations (if needed)

Image © Disney

While it’s certainly possible to go to Disney World without ever setting foot inside a theme park, very few people actually do that.

And given that it’s possible that you may end up spending more on park tickets than on your hotel room, the decision about which tickets to buy is an important one.

We recommend you review all your options well in advance so you have time to think about which package makes sense for your budget and duration of stay.

And remember, you might need to make a theme park reservation (Disney Park Pass), depending on your ticket type.

Disney Theme Park Tickets

Let’s first look at the theme park tickets.

When and Where to Buy your Disney World Theme Park Tickets

As a general rule, you should always purchase tickets either directly from Disney, your travel agent, or an through an authorized seller/reseller — and you should do so well in advance of your departure. This will shield you from any price hikes that might occur and gives you the best chance of securing a reservation to your desired park on your desired day  (if your ticket type requires reservations).

Given that tickets can sell out and that some even require a theme park reservation, it’s not wise to just wait to buy your tickets when you get to the front of the park .

Most importantly, NEVER buy your tickets via eBay, Craigslist, or another unauthorized reseller.   There’s a very good chance that those tickets will be expired, completely used (no days left), or simply counterfeit.  Don’t risk it!

Ticket Pricing

Disney World theme park ticket pricing varies throughout the year.  They’re generally the most expensive during popular times (such school breaks, holidays, and weekends) and the least expensive during slower times. Prices also vary by park; Animal Kingdom is usually the least expensive and Magic Kingdom is usually the most expensive, with Hollywood Studios and EPCOT falling somewhere in between.

You can purchase single-day tickets or multi-day tickets (up to 10 days).  Ticket prices are structured in a unique way that rewards Guests for committing more time to the parks; the per-day price of a multi-day ticket gets cheaper the more days you add.

We have a full rundown of the ticket pricing structure in our How Much Does it Cost to Go to Disney World article.

2024 One-Day One-Park Ticket Starting Price (actual price varies by park)

Types of Theme Park Tickets

The basic Disney World theme park ticket allows entry to only one theme park per day.  But there are optional upgrades which allow you to visit multiple parks on the same day or add other special experiences.

Park Hopper option

The Park Hopper ticket option allows Guests to visit multiple Disney World theme parks on the same day.  After starting the day at one park, Guests may then go to a different theme park later in the day.

We especially love the Park Hopper for spending the first part of the day at one theme park, then spending the evenings at Epcot to take advantage of the wonderful dining options at World Showcase.  It’s an especially great option for those who have a limited amount of time at Disney World, and for those who have short attention spans!

Water Park and Sports option

The Water Park and Sports option allows Guests to visit one theme park per day, while also providing visits to other Disney properties.  Guests who purchase this upgrade will be able to visit water parks, mini golf and nine-hole golf courses, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex, when available.

The number of these visits provided is equal to the number of days of theme park admission purchased.  As an example, a 4-day park ticket allows four visits to these facilities.

Park Hopper Plus option

The Park Hopper Plus option combines the Park Hopper option and the Water Park and Sports option into a single upgrade.  Guests who purchase this upgrade will be able to visit multiple theme parks in the same day, and also enjoy a number of visits to water parks, select mini golf and nine-hole golf courses, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex, when available.

Disney Park Pass (Theme Park Reservations)

A theme park ticket isn’t necessarily the only thing you need to get into a Disney theme park.  Guests who buy theme park tickets may also need a theme park reservation through a system called Disney Park Pass .

Because of this, planning ahead can be crucial to ensuring you can get into your desired theme park on the day you want to visit.  If you’re traveling during a more popular time of year such as spring break, summer, or Christmas, it is quite possible that tickets or reservations may not be available if you wait until the last minute.

Example of a theme park reservation availability calendar

Park Pass theme park reservations can be made as soon as you’ve purchased your theme park admission tickets.  We recommend you buy your tickets as far in advance as possible to have the best chance of getting the theme park reservations you want.

Park reservations may be needed for Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom — but it depends on the type of ticket you purchased.   They’re not needed for Disney Springs or the water parks.

As of December 2022, all One-Day One-Park tickets automatically include a park reservation — no need to make one separately. And as of January 9, 2024, all date-based tickets will be reservation-free. Other ticket types may still require one, so be sure to check out all the details when you purchase.

If your park hopper ticket requires reservations, you’ll only need a reservation for the park you’ll be  starting  your day at.  You do  not  need a reservation for the  second  park you’re visiting (“park hopping” to) on the same day, but the park still needs to have capacity to admit new Guests.

✔️  View Disney’s official theme park ticket price calendar

✔️  Check Disney’s theme park reservation availability calendar

✔️  Explore ticket prices in our How Much Does it Cost to Go to Disney World article

✔️  Read our complete guide to  Disney Park Pass theme park reservations

Need help navigating all of the ticket options?  Contact the Disney Experts at The Vacationeer .  They can help you decide which tickets are right for you and give you tips on snagging theme park reservations.  And best of all, their planning services are completely free!

9. Select Your Disney World Dining Options

There are literally hundreds of places to eat and drink around the Walt Disney World Resort, from the humblest popcorn cart to the fanciest high-end fine dining restaurant.  If this is your first trip, you may be surprised by all the world-class dining experiences the parks and resorts offer.

Gone are the days when Disney was known simply as a “burgers and kid’s meals” type of destination.  Sure, there are plenty of quick-service restaurants and snack stands around the park, but there is also an eclectic mix of fabulous table-service restaurants to satisfy the toughest of culinary critics.

Some restaurants are themed around Disney attractions, while others are geared towards families or offer formal dining experiences.

All-you-can-eat buffets are popular, as are regional cuisine restaurants. Epcot’s World Showcase offers culinary experiences aligning with the specific country represented, while Disney Springs has an abundance of fabulous dining experiences to choose from.

There’s even a popular dinner show called the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue that features two hours of comedy and music (accompanied by endless fried chicken, BBQ ribs, and strawberry shortcake).

There is really something for everyone’s taste buds at Walt Disney World!

Types of Restaurants

There are two primary types of restaurants at Disney World.

Quick-Service Restaurants

A quick-service restaurant, sometimes also called counter-service, is a place to grab a casual, quick bite.  The ordering, payment, and service experience is somewhat similar to what you might expect at either a fast food restaurant or a “fast casual” place such as a Panera Bread or Chipotle.  You’ll stand in line, order, and pay (or use the mobile ordering service described later in this planning step); then, you’ll either receive your food right away on a tray or be given a pager-type device to alert you when it’s time to come and pick up your meal.  You won’t have a server at your table, and when your meal is over you’re expected to bus your own table and discard your trash.  Despite the ordering experience being akin to a fast food place, your food isn’t necessarily just burgers and fries.  Many locations have innovative menus and substantial meal offerings that rival those of a traditional restaurant.

Table-Service Restaurants

A table-service restaurant, sometimes also referred to as a “sit-down” location, is a more refined dining experience.  You’ll check in with a host/hostess, be taken to a table, and be introduced to a server who will take your order and tend to your needs during your meal.  These restaurants vary from relatively casual a la carte locations, to all-you-care-to-eat buffets, to elegant signature dining locations.  Menus vary from homestyle cooking to authentic international cuisine.  Advance reservations (described below) are strongly suggested, as some restaurants may completely refuse walk-ups during busy times.

Advance Dining Reservations

If you plan on dining at table-service restaurants during your vacation (recommended!), reservations are essential.

Disney calls its restaurant reservations “Advance Dining Reservations.”  Sometimes you’ll hear people call these “ADRs.”  An ADR lets you secure your table at some of Disney’s most popular table-service restaurants (restaurants in which you have a server at your table who takes your order and brings your food to you).

Slots during prime hours go quickly, especially at popular dining locations like Cinderella’s Royal Table and Chef Mickey’s.  Booking your reservations as soon as the reservation window opens is key to getting what you want.

Guests staying in a Disney Resort hotel  may make dining reservations for the entire length of their stay (up to 10 days’ worth of reservations) as early as 60 days in advance of their hotel check-in date.

All other Guests can make their advance reservations for dining as early as 60 days in advance of the meal.

Note: you might have previously heard that dining reservations could be made 180 days in advance.  While that was previously true, the booking window changed in 2020.

We recommend that you spend some time reviewing on Tripadvisor  and  Yelp  before making your Advance Dining Reservations (or speak w/ a Disney Travel Agent first).

Mobile Ordering

Reservations are not offered for quick-service dining at Disney World, though some locations do provide a mobile ordering service through the My Disney Experience app.  For these locations, you can view menus in the app, then order and pay ahead of time.  When it’s time to eat, you can bypass the regular ordering/payment line and go straight to the mobile pickup window to get your food.

Skip the Line with Mobile Ordering

Character Dining

One of Disney’s unique dining offerings is its character dining.  If getting some face time with Disney characters is a must-do for your trip, this is a great way to accomplish it without having to wait in line (and you get to enjoy a great meal, too!).

While you enjoy your meal, several Disney characters will come to your table for a brief visit.  It’s a great chance to snap a photo, ask for an autograph, or just enjoy a personal interaction.  Because the characters are coming to you, there’s no need to wait in any long lines.  And there’s just something special about having the main mouse himself pop up over your shoulder while you’re chowing down on a Mickey waffle!

Each character dining experience focuses on a specific set of characters… for example, the “Fab 5,” Disney princesses, Disney Junior Stars, or Winnie the Pooh and friends.

Disney Dining Plans

For some travelers, one of the best options for dining at Disney is to add a Disney Dining Plan to your on-site hotel stay.  These plans offer a set number of meal and snack credits per person at a fixed daily cost.  Historically, during certain low-demand seasons, Disney has even  occasionally offered the dining plan at no additional charge as part of a vacation package including a hotel stay and theme park tickets.

Disney Dining plans were put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they’re returning for 2024 Disney World vacations .

Until the dining plan fully returns, you’ll be paying out of pocket for your food on-site, unless you opt to bring your own food into the parks (and yes, you can get groceries delivered to your hotel).

✔️  Calculate the date you can book dining reservations

✔️  Explore menus for every restaurant at Disney World

✔️  Use our Disney Dining Plan Calculator (Note: Dining Plans are currently suspended until January 2024)

✔️  Estimate your food costs by viewing examples in our  How Much Does it Cost article

✔️  See how different meal choices affect your budget in our Disney World Cost Calculator

✔️  See our picks for the best Magic Kingdom restaurants

✔️  Explore our ranked list of the best EPCOT restaurants

✔️  Review our choices for best Hollywood Studios restaurants

✔️  Go wild when dining at the Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants

✔️  Explore the best options for Character Dining

✔️  Experience culinary excellence at one of the Michelin Guide restaurants at Disney

✔️  On a plant-based diet? Check out the best Vegetarian dining

✔️  Just love food? Review our guide to Disney World for Foodies

✔️  Learn more about Disney Dining Plans

✔️  Read about Disney World Free Dining promotions

10. Create a Daily Itinerary for Your Disney World Vacation

Now that we have covered the basic elements of your Walt Disney World vacation, it’s time to start thinking about the nitty-gritty details of your trip. Improvising on-the-go can cost you money and lost time while you are at the park, so creating an itinerary will keep your vacation on track.

If your trip to WDW is 4 days or fewer, you will most likely spend each day exploring at least one of Disney’s 4 theme parks. Consider a Park Hopper pass so that you have the ability to jump between parks during the day.

Time is of the essence, so we recommend that you map your route and create an itinerary of high-priority attractions so nothing is overlooked.

If your Disney World vacation is a week or so, consider spending one day at a Disney water park (Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon), at a non-Disney property (such as SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens), golfing, boating, shopping, or just taking a day off to relax.

Reservations for theme parks and dining should be made well in advance of your trip, so the process of selecting which restaurants and attractions are top priorities should begin as soon as you book your trip (if not before).

As you research your options, make notes to help you formulate your Walt Disney World itinerary.

Here are a few things to consider when making your daily plans:

One of the primary factors for your daily itinerary should be how late the park is open each day you’re there.  Park opening and closing times can vary from day-to-day.  So you might want to base your daily park choices on which park has the longest hours — or at least make sure you don’t shoehorn yourself into only being able to visit a certain park on the one day during your trip that it closes early. Some parks take longer to fully experience than others, and you don’t want to run out of time.

A great perk of staying at an on-site Disney hotel is having extra time in the parks when the general public is not allowed in.  While not all attractions operate during these extended hours, it’s still a great way to get a few extra rides in with typically lower wait times.  The previous Extra Magic Hours  program has now been replaced by two offerings:

Early Theme Park Entry

Disney Resort hotel Guests (and Guests of other select hotels) may  enter the Disney parks 30 minutes earlier  than the general public, every day of the week. Each of the four parks offers this perk every day of the week; which park you choose is solely up to you!

Extended Evening Theme Park Hours

Guests at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Deluxe Villa Resorts, and a few other select hotels may also enjoy additional time at specific parks on specific nights.  You’ll want to check the  latest schedule  to verify which dates and parks are available during your trip.

Waiting for Rides/Attractions

It’s an unfortunate fact that a sizable portion of your Disney World trip will be spent waiting in line to get on rides or see shows.  Fortunately, there are ways to minimize this as much as possible.

Standby Lines

When most people think of waiting in line for a ride, they’re thinking of what Disney World calls a Standby queue.  It’s line waiting in its simplest form; you walk up to an attraction entrance, wait in line for as long as it takes, and then get into the ride vehicle.

Standby wait times can fluctuate wildly throughout the day, often peaking in the mid-afternoon.  While you can’t do anything about the length of the line itself, you can game the system a bit by deciding when to enter that line.

For your most important attraction of the day, I suggest doing what frequent visitors call “rope dropping” the park.  This means that you are at the park before it opens for the day, enter the park as soon as Guests are allowed in (as soon as they “drop the rope” that is keeping people out), and go directly to the desired attraction so you can ride it with as little wait as possible.

Other tactics to try to avoid the worst of the standby wait times is to go during the afternoon parade, or to go when most people are having lunch/dinner.  The Disney Genie section of the My Disney Experience app will also show you a forecast of wait times for each hour of the day so you can better plan your arrival time to minimize waits.

One further tip that won’t necessarily help you avoid an extended wait time but will certainly increase your comfort level. As a long-time Floridian, I highly recommend doing all of the rides that have completely-outdoor waiting lines either early or late in the day; when it’s miserably hot/steamy outside during the afternoon hours, I prefer to hide away from the midday sun by experiencing the rides with indoor air-conditioned queues. These rides are also less likely to close during afternoon thunderstorms.

Virtual Queues

If your trip happens to occur in the months immediately following the opening of a highly-anticipated attraction (such as a new roller coaster), you’ll likely find that you can’t simply go stand in line for that ride.  Instead, you might have to use something called a virtual queue .

It’s exactly what it sounds like — rather than physically standing in line, your spot in line is held virtually via the My Disney Experience app.

Virtual Queue

A virtual queue is both good news and bad news for your itinerary planning.

The good news: Historically, people have spent as much as five or six hours (!) waiting in line for a new ride — I did that when Seven Dwarfs Mine Train opened and don’t recommend it.  Those long lines are not the case with virtual queuing.  Your wait might technically still be that long, but you don’t have to spend that time actually waiting in a line.  You’re instead free to go have plenty of other fun elsewhere in the park during that time, and then come back when it’s time to ride.

The bad news: Competition to grab a spot in the virtual queue can be fierce.  Spaces open up daily at 7AM and again at 1PM.  On dates when Extended Evening Theme Park Hours are offered for select Resort Guests, another round of queuing begins at 6PM.  On the busiest days, all available slots can be claimed within seconds of being released. To give yourself the best possible chance of snagging a spot, read Disney’s extensive instructions  ahead of time so you know exactly what to do at 7AM on the day you wish to visit.

Priority Attraction Entrance (Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane)

Many rides and experiences in the parks have a special Lightning Lane entrance which allows you to bypass the regular line and board more quickly.  If you’ve been to Disney World in the past, you might remember these entrances having been previously called FastPass or FastPass+.  The Lightning Lane concept is still mostly the same, but there’s one big difference: you now must pay to enter the Lightning Lane.

Genie+ Service

Most rides which have a Lightning Lane entrance are packaged together into a bundled service called Genie+.  For a combined fee of approximately $15-$30 (varies based on date/demand/park) per person per day, Genie Plus lets guests make reservations to use the Lightning Lane entrance at more than 40 attractions throughout the parks.  Guests make their first Lightning Lane reservation on the morning of their visit and then make additional ride reservations, one at a time, for the remainder of the day (subject to availability).  Disney says this service will usually help you experience a quicker load time on 2-3 attractions on a busy day (maybe more on less-crowded days), which can help save you hours of waiting in line.

Note: The paid Genie+ service should not be confused with the basic Disney Genie service, which is an itinerary suggestion service inside the My Disney Experience app.  Disney Genie provides suggestions of what to do based on wait times and your interests.  Genie+ saves you time waiting in line by letting you instead select a time to return to ride.

Individual Lightning Lane entry

The Lightning Lane entrances at the most popular attractions in each park are not included in Genie+ and are instead sold separately.  You’ll be able to purchase one entrance per day for each ride offering this individual entry service.  The cost usually ranges from $10-$20 per ride and varies based on the attraction, date, and availability.

If a ride’s Lightning Lane is sold under this individual pricing structure, it will not be included in the Genie+ package offering.

You can’t actually book your Lightning Lane entrances in advance — they’re available for purchase only on the day of your visit — but you’ll still want to research them in advance to include in your daily itinerary.

Disability Access Service

A special service is provided to assist Guests who have a condition that interferes with their ability to wait in line.  This offering, called the Disability Access Service (DAS), assigns return times so Guests don’t need to be physically present in the attraction line (but still experience a similar length of wait as those who are waiting in line).

There’s an important distinction when understanding DAS: qualifying is based on a guest’s ability to wait  in line, not their ability to  stand in line. Most attraction lines are wheelchair accessible , so a wheelchair alone is unlikely to qualify someone to use DAS.  There’s no official list of disabilities which automatically qualify, but some which may qualify include ADHD, autism , or anxiety.  Each decision is made on an individual basis, and Disney alone has sole authority to grant or deny DAS to a Guest.

This is a highly-nuanced topic that we can’t completely cover in just a few sentences.  We suggest you read our extensive guide to the Disability Access Service for further details.

Timing Your Meals

Your itinerary should include a solid plan on when you’re going to eat your meals.

Unless you have breakfast reservations for an in-park restaurant, we do NOT recommend that you have breakfast in the park.  You’ll likely be missing out on some of the lowest ride wait times of the day if you’re off getting food right after the park opens.  One option is to have breakfast at your hotel’s restaurant before heading to the park (the restaurants open early enough to allow this without missing park opening). I personally prefer to just have bagels and cream cheese in my room and opt for an early lunch — that lets me sleep in just a bit and still get to the parks early.

Speaking of an early lunch, having your meals during an off-peak time is a great way to avoid wasting time waiting in long lines at counter-service restaurants.  If you have lunch at noon and dinner at 6PM, you’ll quickly notice that pretty much everyone else in the park had the same idea.  Not only will there be longer waits in line (and for your food to be prepared), but you might even have to “hover” a bit to find an empty table.  If you do have to dine during the busiest hours, take full advantage of mobile ordering within the My Disney Experience app whenever you can.

Of course, should you have dining reservations at a table service restaurant for lunch or dinner, your time for that meal is set and you just need to plug it into your daily itinerary.

Planning When to Stop and When to Go, Go, Go

With the prospect of a full vacation in front of you, it’s easy to either over or under do it.

Yes, you’re on vacation, so it’s tempting to sleep in.  But doing so will put you a step behind everyone else in the park, meaning you’re at the mercy of higher crowds and longer lines.  Waking up early and getting to the parks right away goes a long way toward starting the day right.

On the other hand, if you plan to go nonstop from morning to night seven days in a row, you’re going to crash midweek and have a miserable time.  You’ll probably end up losing more time due to the inevitable meltdown than if you had just planned to take some downtime along the way.

Take it from someone who spend more than a decade battling the central Florida heat: the afternoon sun will suck the life right out of you. A midday break is just the thing to rejuvenate your spirits.

If you’re staying on-site, you can easily go back to your hotel for a midday nap or dip in the pool.  I also like to give myself at least one “day off” during my trip. I usually just spend it relaxing at the hotel or maybe checking out the animals on the Savanna at Animal Kingdom Lodge — but you might want go play a round of golf, sit on the lakeside “beach” at some resorts, or have a laidback day at Disney Springs (go shopping, have a meal, take a balloon ride , or see a movie ).

Giving some thought  now to periods of activity and periods of rest will help make sure your vacation doesn’t veer off track.

Our Top Tips for Disney World Itinerary Planning

With all of the above in mind, it’s really going to come down to a matter of personal preference.  Once you have a good handle on all of the things to do, see, eat, and experience at Disney World — what do you want to do each day?

Only you can answer that question.  But here are a few of our favorites to consider when planning your daily itinerary:

Some of the most popular rides for Lightning Lane passes and Disney Genie+ are:

• Magic Kingdom – Seven Dwarfs Mine Train; Space Mountain
• Epcot – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind; Frozen Ever After; Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• Hollywood Studios – Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run; Rise of the Resistance; Slinky Dog Dash; Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• Animal Kingdom – Pandora’s Na’vi River Journey; Avatar Flight of Passage; Expedition Everest

Some of the other most popular attractions at each of the four Walt Disney World theme parks include:

• Magic Kingdom – Haunted Mansion; Magic Carpets of Aladdin; Pirates of the Caribbean; Splash Mountain (currently closed)
• Epcot – the pavilions of Epcot World Showcase; Mission: Space; Test Track; Spaceship Earth; Soarin’; Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
• Animal Kingdom – Expedition Everest; Jungle Cruise; Kali River Rapids; Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Hollywood Studio – Fantasmic; Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster; Toy Story Midway Mania; Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Some of our favorite WDW restaurants include:

• Be Our Guest Restaurant , Magic Kingdom – This ornate French eatery with a Beauty & the Beast theme offers fixed-price dining.
• California Grill, Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Contemporary Resort’s premier restaurant is a great spot to watch the fireworks and offers breathtaking views of the park.
• Chef Mickey’s, Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Popular breakfast & dinner buffet restaurant with special visits from Mickey and friends.
• Cinderella’s Royal Table, Magic Kingdom – This Cinderella-themed eatery is set in a room that resembles a medieval castle’s banquet hall.
• Flame Tree Barbeque, Animal Kingdom – Tasty BBQ featuring a relaxing outdoor pavilion with amazing views of Animal Kingdom. And it’s quick-service, so no need for a reservation!
• Hollywood Brown Derby, Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Retro dining establishment with fantastic caricatures of old-time celebrities on the wall.
• Le Cellier, Canada Pavilion at World Showcase, Epcot – Steaks are a specialty at this top-notch table service dining establishment.
• ‘Ohana, Polynesian Village Resort – All-you-can-eat, American-style (with a Polynesian twist) buffet for breakfast and dinner.
• Teppan Edo, Japan Pavilion at World Showcase, Epcot – Guests are seated around the teppanyaki grills as skilled chefs prepare your meal in front of you.
• The Boathouse Restaurant, The Landing, Disney Springs – Upscale waterfront dining experience featuring steaks and seafood, Amphicar tours, Italian water taxi tours, and live music.
• Via Napoli, Italy Pavilion at World Showcase, Epcot – Amazing pizza! Need we say more?

✔️  Find out which rides and experiences have a Lightning Lane

✔️  See the scheduled Disney Park Hours

✔️  Learn about the Virtual Queue

✔️  Learn a few of our favorite Disney Tips and Tricks

✔️  Find the Best Days To Visit Magic Kingdom

✔️  See  What’s New at Disney World

✔️  Investigate whether Genie+ is worth it

✔️  Learn if we believe Lightning Lane passes are worth the cost

✔️  See our complete guide to the Disability Access Service

✔️  See our list of fun things to do at Disney

✔️  Traveling with little ones? Find the best attractions for kids

✔️  Want some time off your feet? Plan on attending a stage show

✔️  Find the best places to relax at Disney

11. Create Your Disney World Packing List

Depending on the duration of your Walt Disney World vacation, you will most likely pack lots of items to take with you. Let’s look at some of the things you should include in your WDW packing list.

Luggage / Backpacks for Disney World 

First and foremost, make sure your luggage/backpacks are in tip-top shape for the journey, and of adequate size to hold your travel essentials.

Many families prefer to bring a backpack with them into a Disney World park so they have everything with them. It’s handy to have the essentials (or even a snack) — just remember not to overdo it!  Everything you bring in with you has to be hauled around all day, stowed away for rides, or left in a rented locker at the front of the park.

Some people prefer to skip the backpacks all together and use a smaller pack that goes around the waist.  While not necessarily the height of fashion, they certainly do the job and are much easier to work with when it comes to boarding ride vehicles.

Disney Souvenirs

This tip might sound odd, but hear us out.

Consider purchasing some of your Disney World souvenirs before your departure.

Purchasing items beforehand – like t-shirts, trading pins and lanyards, Disney autograph books, games and toys, and Mickey Mouse Ears hats – can save you money and time spent shopping for these items at the park. Plus, you will have these Disney souvenir items ready to use as soon as your flight touches down in Orlando.

Packing List

And finally, it’s time to think about which clothing items, documents, toiletries, medications, electronics, swimwear, baby items, food and snacks, and other accessories you will need to pack.

From our experience, you will arrive at Disney World – thinking you have packed everything you will need for your trip – only to discover that you left an important item or two at home.

For your convenience, we have created a suggested Disney World Packing List  to ensure that nothing is overlooked during the packing process.

Print this list and check items off as you pack. We have also included a few recommended items on our Packing List.

These include links to inexpensive ponchos, comfortable shoes, external batteries, USB wall chargers, and Disney beach towels, as well as water bottles and Frogg Toggs Chilly Pads for those warm days at Disney World.

✔️  Download our suggested Packing List

✔️  See our suggestions for the Best Backpacks for Disney World

✔️  Review the Best Disney World Fanny Packs

✔️  Scope out the Best Souvenirs in advance of your trip

Final Thoughts on How To Plan a Disney World Vacation

We hope our Ultimate Guide to Walt Disney World Vacation Planning will get you on the right path to planning, prioritizing, and booking your magical vacation to Disney World.  It’s a lot of information, but with enough research and planning, you’ll have a magical trip!

We should point out that this guide is mostly geared towards Walt Disney World in Florida, but many of the basic ideas still apply to other Disney vacations .  If you’re headed to Disneyland in California, you’ll also want to check out our Disneyland vs Disney World ,   Disneyland Resort Map , and  Disneyland Crowd Calendar pages.  We also offer extensive resources for those planning trips with Disney Cruise Line (including a complete guide to planning your first Disney Cruise ), as well as resources on Adventures by Disney .

Contact a Disney Travel Planner to Book Your Disney World Trip

As you’ve seen in this article, there is a LOT that goes into planning a Disney vacation.  Why not call in a professional to help?

The Authorized Disney Vacation Planners at The Vacationeer can plan your trip for you and take care of all of your reservations, all at no additional charge.  You won’t pay a penny more than if you’d have booked it yourself — and you might even pay less !

Their team of 90+ Disney fanatics know all the tips and tricks for hotels, dining, park tickets, and more… and can even apply new discounts to your trip as they’re announced, after your trip is booked!

There’s never any obligation to book and their services are free, so there’s nothing to lose by contacting them for a quote.

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The Only Walt Disney World Guide You Need

Walt Disney World can be a dream vacation destination for families, couples and friends alike—but visiting this Orlando-based theme park without knowing the lay of the land is challenging. As restaurants fill up six months in advance and rides can be booked sixty days before arrival, “just winging it” is not the move at Disney World. Thankfully, you won’t have to stick your nose in guide books for the next year to survive, as we’ve made everything as simple as possible with this definitive Disney guide.

There’s no need to spend time on message boards or frantically Google which attractions to FastPass. Consider your questions answered, your trip planned, and your Disney vacation officially set, thanks to all this free expertise:

Walt Disney World, in a Nutshell

Whatever you’re envisioning, think bigger. With four theme parks, two water parks, multiple golf courses, a sports complex as well as 25 hotels and countless restaurants, it’s less a vacation destination and more of a city sprawl with Mickey Mouse as mayor, as ends of the property span as far as a half-hour drive. Unlike Disneyland, this theme park behemoth is impossible to conquer in one day, so prepare to pace yourself.

Each of the four main parks have a distinctive theme. Magic Kingdom is the “most magical place on earth," home to the soaring castle, princess power, and all the nostalgic classics. Epcot is two parks in one, with technology and future-focused attractions as well as an around-the-world dining and drinking bonanza. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is fully movie-centric, as well as the place for all things "Star Wars," while Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a combination animal reserve, international experience, and otherworldly wonderland, thanks to the new Pandora: The World of Avatar expansion. If you don’t have tickets to the parks or water parks, explore the Pixar-themed worlds of resort hotels and well as Disney Springs, the revitalized area formerly known as Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island that has shops, entertainment and activities open to the public.

When to Visit

Busy season tends to overlap with when children are out of school, but certain weekends and holidays, like Labor Day, are reliably slower. Though the crowds tend to surge at the end of the year, the park is pure magic around Halloween as well as the holiday season (early November to early January), when no expense is spared on decor.

Booking a Walt Disney World vacation is a lot like planning a wedding: there are tons of moving parts, endless options for all kind of budgets, and you’ll want to be weary of cancelation deadlines. We rounded up plenty of advice for first-timers as well as an extra list of pointers , but whether you’re a Magic Kingdom-bound newbie or veteran, we recommend following our Disney Planning Checklist to ensure every portion of your vacation goes smoothly. Hotels and admission can be purchased separately or together, so consider taking time to explore Disney’s discount page and weigh pricing options to see which works best for you. Most importantly, sign up for My Disney Experience , the virtual planning guide that organizes your dining, hotel, and ticket hotel reservations and book FastPass+ choices in one convenient place.

Picking a property doesn’t have to be stressful. This convenient comparison of every Disney-owned resort and shortlist of the very best non-Disney hotels worth staying at will make your selection a breeze. The main difference to note is that Disney-operated hotels offer exclusive benefits like Extra Magic Hours , which grant additional time at the parks each morning or evening, as well as early FastPass+ booking, complimentary MagicBands, and Disney’s Magical Express airport bus transportation, while external properties can often be either more cost-effective—or, in the case of the impeccable Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort , much more luxurious. Many hotels are near Disney parks, but only a few are walkable: Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers a pathway to the Magic Kingdom, while Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Yacht Club Resort, Beach Club Resort, and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin have a pedestrian entrance at Epcot’s World Showcase.

Walt Disney World sells two formats of theme park tickets: single-day and multi-day, which lasts two to 14 days. Both can become “park hopper” tickets for a fee, allowing guests to visit multiple theme parks each day, or “park hopper plus," which offer additional admission to water parks and golf courses. (These add-ons can also be purchased separately.) Don’t forget to check for current special offers or feel the need to have a ticket on days you arrive late or depart early; there's plenty to do without paying for admission.

The Disney Difference

Prepare for smiling faces, waving hands, and a greeting of “Welcome home!”, even if you’ve never been before. The staff is extra-friendly, helpful, and willing to answer questions at any time. If problems do arise, Guest Services centers throughout the parks can fix nearly any issue. Walt Disney World is truly its own little world, complete with lots of lingo that first-timers may be overwhelmed by, so consult our Disney Glossary for translations and definitions of all Disney terminology.

From popcorn stands to AAA Five Diamond Award recipients, Walt Disney World truly offers every kind of culinary experience . All four theme parks have quick service options, table service restaurants, and character dining options where royals, movie characters, and Mickey Mouse himself roam the restaurant to greet guests individually. Disney Springs, too, has become a theme park for food with more new restaurants and food stalls than anywhere else in Orlando. Don’t miss the incredible range of dining experiences outside the parks at Disney-owned hotels just because you’re not staying there—it’s practically a must. Restaurants begin taking reservations 180 days in advance and require a credit card guarantee; no-shows and same-day cancelations will incur a $10 charge per person. If any of it seems overwhelming, Disney World vacation packages offer a Disney Dining Plan option, allowing guests to pre-pay for their meals in exchange for dining credits to use each day. Disney parks are also extremely accommodating of food restrictions and allergies, so if needed, be sure to inquire upon arrival.

Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

Though Walt Disney World is intrinsically tied to childhood, the options to imbibe on property are unparalleled. The resort not only prides itself on having one of the most impressive sommelier programs in the country, but creates interesting cocktails, unique beer lists, and wide-ranging wine menus for its properties. From a tiki bar to a tequila cave, there are a multitude of wonderful watering holes, and if you haven’t been in forever, Epcot’s World Showcase is essentially a worldwide bar crawl. Many Disney World drinks are cult favorites , and as of recently, alcohol is (technically) served at all four theme parks. The Magic Kingdom was famously dry, but a selection of wine, champagne, or beer is now offered to customers dining at certain table service restaurants .

Attractions

Disney World offers low-key attractions for young children and the action-averse, but there is plenty for thrillseekers, too , with rides featuring massive drops, hairpin turns, serious G-forces, and even inversions. Unlike traditional amusement parks, there’s something here for everybody, and it’s easy to get the very best seats or skip the wait. Many attractions offer FastPass+—Disney’s program allowing all guests to “skip the line” on multiple rides each day. Plotting out which rides to FastPass in advance is more of an art than a science, but our definitive FastPass+ guide makes it easy.

Entertainment

It’s not just boat rides and roller coasters—between the stage shows, evening entertainment, and “streetsmosphere," there’s plenty to see, most without even having to wait in line.

Daily performances of Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom and Mickey’s Friendship Faire at Magic Kingdom are wondrous sights, as are taking to the streets to see Star Wars’ stormtroopers at Hollywood Studio’s March of the First Order or a fire-breathing dragon crawl down Main Street, USA in Magic Kingdom’s Festival of Fantasy parade. When the sun sets, Disney World comes alive, with three nightly fireworks shows and entertainment at nearly every park. Shows like Epcot’s IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth and Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are classic crowd favorites, and that same park’s bombastic Star Wars-themed fireworks display can’t be missed. By Spring 2017, Magic Kingdom will unveil a new fireworks and projection show and Animal Kingdom will host new nighttime entertainment, bringing with it extra excitement, even if you’ve been before.

If you’re flying to Florida and traveling without a rental car, be sure to bring all your necessities, as there is no drugstore or grocery market accessible by Disney transportation.

Hotel gift shops carry a limited amount of toiletries, dry goods, and medicine, but Disney experts often ship necessities like water bottles and diapers directly to their Disney resort in advance of their arrival. (Expect a $5 handling charge per package.) Comfortable shoes are a must—you’ll walk more than you ever have in your life—and the weather shifts often, so toss in extra layers for nighttime and ponchos in case of rain. No spare room in your luggage for souvenirs? Disney gift shops can ship your purchases home, no problem.

Getting There

Orlando International Airport is the main airport servicing Walt Disney World and its surrounding areas. Guests at Disney-operated hotels are given free round-trip coach bus transportation to and from the airport, also known as MCO, on Disney’s Magical Express ; the approximately 40-minute drive can be up to $75 via taxi or $65 in an Uber. UberX pick-ups at the Orlando airport are not currently available, but drop-offs for departing flights are.

How to Get Around

Walt Disney World Transportation shuttles guests between Disney hotels and theme parks every 20 or so minutes, with drop-offs just a short distance from the front gate of each park. Because of this, Disney World is entirely doable without a car, yet some families prefer one for convenience. Standard parking costs $20 each day at theme parks, which can be used at all interchangeably. (Note that Magic Kingdom’s parking lot is at the nearby Ticket & Transportation Center, which requires an additional ferry ride to reach the park; taxis and Ubers conduct Magic Kingdom pick-ups and drop-offs from here as well.) There are options more scenic than cars, like the Disney Monorail which shuttles guests between the Magic Kingdom and Epcot or boats which operate between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. (Transportation to the parks via both methods is also available from select hotels.) As for Uber, Disney parks have become lenient to the ride-share service, but integration across the property is not yet seamless. If you’re trying to find your way through the parks themselves, the My Disney Experience app offers reliable walking directions and arrival times.

Make Your Trip Your Own

We’ve created travel guides to help everyone from skeptical parents and VIPs with money to burn to budget-conscious visitors and those who haven’t been to Disney World in decades . Whether you’re hoping to plan your dream Disney wedding , take a perfect honeymoon or simply go on aromantic couple’s trip, there are plenty of ways to tone down the family aspects and make Disney nothing short of sentimental. And, no matter if you visited last year or last century, you can make your Disney trip a little more special with our expert’s advice and in-the-know tips that will make any trip extraordinary.

What's Coming in the Future

There is plenty heading to Walt Disney World in 2017, but once Pandora — The World of Avataropens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in May, the next major Walt Disney World expansion will be Toy Story Land , a movie-themed area with rides and larger-than-life props slated to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios sometime in 2018. There are plenty more hotel expansions, dining locations and nightlife debuts to come, but the most noteworthy opening will be Star Wars Land, which will open in 2019.

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GREAT DEALS Build your own Walt Disney World Package Deal!

Walt Disney World Packages

Get the best deal on  Disney vacations and purchase a Walt Disney World ® vacation package complete with lodging and Walt Disney World tickets together. Customers who purchase a  Disney Package  save an average of 12% more than customers who buy each item each.

To find the absolute best Walt Disney World ® vacation package please use our custom package builder above or below. It will assist you in building your amazing  Orlando vacation package in just a few short minutes. Enter your travel dates and the number of adults and children in your party then click submit. The tool will show you the Orlando   hotels and vacation home rentals we have available during your travel dates, after you select your lodging the tool will walk you to the best options for choosing the   Walt Disney World tickets  for your party. If you have questions, please feel free to call us toll-free at (800) 641-4008 and one of our friendly Reservation Specialists will be more than happy to assist you in planning your best Orlando vacation .

Benefits of booking Disney Packages with OrlandoVacation.com:

• We have the lowest prices on our vacation homes, hotels, and theme park tickets ( Walt Disney World tickets , Universal Studios Discounted Tickets , and Discounted SeaWorld Orlando Tickets )
• We have won the Best of The Best Award for online travel agency customer service for the past 10 years (2013 through 2023).
• We are proud to offer the easiest and best cancellation policy in Orlando. Click here to see our reservation policy.
• We offer payment plans- You may call in and pay $5 or $500 on your vacation and the best part about this plan is that we do not charge you any services fees. The only thing we ask for is that your vacation is paid for in full 15 days prior to your arrival. Click here to learn more
• We only ask for a small $50 deposit to secure your reservation.
• We charge theme park tickets at the time you are making the booking, and we will send them out within 24 hours of you ordering your tickets so you can make reservations at the specific theme parks you want to visit. The lodging only requires a small $50 deposit and the remaining balance is due 15 days to arrival on hotels and 30 days of arrival on vacation homes.

Here are some great examples for creating Disney Packages…

Tips for getting the best deal on a Walt Disney World package:

• Make Your Theme Park Reservations: Once you know everything is set with your vacation we suggest you go ahead pay off your Walt Disney World ® vacation package deal as soon as possible so that we can mail you your tickets. Why would you want the tickets early? Simple, you can go online and register your tickets and go ahead and make your reservations. Every day you wait, there are more people who are registering before you.
• Get the Walt Disney World Base Tickets : This one tip will save you $50 per person on your Disney package price. A recent study showed that nearly 75% of the people who go to Walt Disney World buy the Park Hopper Option, but 60% of the people never actually use it. Our suggestion is to order your theme park tickets without the Park Hopper Option. When you are here in town if you find yourself really wanting to hop from park to park you can always go to the customer service desk at each Disney theme park and ask them to add the Park Hopper Option to your tickets which they will gladly do.

What to do in Disney if it rains?

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THE 10 BEST Hotels in Walt Disney World 2024

Walt Disney World Hotels

Property types, distance from, neighborhoods, traveler rating, hotel class, popular hotels in walt disney world right now.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveler ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
• Traveler Ranked Highest rated hotels on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
• Distance to city center See properties located closest to the center first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners

1. Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek

2. Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando - Disney Springs Area

3. Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

4. Wyndham Orlando Resort & Conference Center Celebration Area

5. Holiday Inn Orlando-Disney Springs® Area, an IHG Hotel

6. Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

7. Disney's Pop Century Resort

8. Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

9. Disney's All-Star Movies Resort

10. Galleria Palms Hotel

11. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

12. Disney's Art of Animation Resort

13. Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter

14. Disney's All-Star Music Resort

15. Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

16. Silver Lake Resort

17. B Resort & Spa Disney Springs Resort Area

18. Disney's All-Star Sports Resort

19. Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista - Disney Springs Area

20. Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs Area

21. Hyatt Place Orlando / Lake Buena Vista

22. Walt Disney World Dolphin

23. Walt Disney World Swan

24. Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort

25. Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area

26. DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando - Disney Springs Area

27. Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

28. Disney's Contemporary Resort

29. Maingate Lakeside Resort

30. Comfort Inn Kissimmee By The Parks

Walt Disney World Hotels Information

Hotels near the sights.

The 17 best Disney World hotels for your 2024 stay

Things have certainly changed since Walt Disney World opened more than 50 years ago . There used to be just a handful of hotels and one theme park. Now, you have the magic — and the challenge — of choice. There are more than 25 hotels to choose from and multiple parks to visit when you embark on a Disney vacation.

Related: The best travel credit cards

Choosing the best Disney hotel is a fun challenge, but a challenge all the same. The resorts at Walt Disney World range from those with views of live zebras and giraffes to treehouse villas and even log cabins in the woods.

When you choose a Disney World hotel, you not only stay in the "Disney bubble" but also gain access to the parks 30 minutes early each morning. Additionally, you can purchase individual Lightning Lanes for newer rides — like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Tron / Lightcycle Run — before non-resort guests, starting at 7 a.m. This means you'll have a better chance of snagging those coveted ride passes.

Related: 14 reasons to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort property

Still, not all Disney resorts are created equal. Fortunately, TPG is here to help sort through the best hotel options at Walt Disney World. We've tried dozens of Disney-area hotels and carefully considered the best (and less-than-stellar) features of nearly every on-property resort to bring you this list.

Whether you're looking to be treated like a fairy tale princess or a grown-up who happens to be staying near a theme park, Disney World has you covered.

Here are our top picks:

• Best Deluxe Disney World resorts: Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge , Disney's Contemporary Resort , Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Best Moderate Disney World resorts: Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter , The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Gran Destino Tower at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
• Best Value Disney World resorts: Disney's Art of Animation Resort and Disney's Pop Century Resort
• Best Disney World resort pools: Disney's Yacht Club Resort and Disney's Beach Club Resort , Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
• Best Disney World resorts for large families: Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa , Disney's All-Star Music Resort
• Best Disney World resorts for adults: Disney's BoardWalk Inn , Disney's Riviera Resort

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

Best Deluxe Disney World resorts

The cream of the crop among Disney World hotels in terms of amenities, quality and price are the Deluxe resorts. These resorts have multiple on-site full-service restaurants and extensive pool areas with waterslides. Some are within walking or monorail distance of the theme parks.

All of this comes at a cost, though. Deluxe Disney resorts can range from $400 to $800 per night for a standard room. Renting Disney Vacation Club points can help bring this cost down at times, but a Deluxe resort stay will be an investment compared to the other tiers of Disney hotels.

As mentioned, Deluxe resorts are the most expensive of Disney's hotels.

While some offer luxury amenities like spas and fine dining venues, others emphasize great themes and proximity to the parks. You also get access to select parks two hours later than everyone else when staying in a Deluxe resort on eligible nights.

A true safari involves incredibly long flights and the possibility of malaria pills. For a safari-style vacation closer to home, there's Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge .

Offering an unforgettable wildlife experience within U.S. borders, Animal Kingdom Lodge is its own ecosystem away from the hustle and bustle of most of the Disney World complex.

The soaring ceilings at Jambo House are adorned with traditional decor. If you want to see giraffes, zebras, ostriches and a host of other animals, all you have to do is merely walk past the lobby's expansive windows.

Dining at this Deluxe resort is another highlight of a stay here. Boma and Jiko are excellent choices if you want to experience an authentic African meal at the resort.

Look into the nighttime Starlight Safari , which comes with loaner night vision devices, for a unique experience.

The property is an example of an excellent time to rent DVC points, especially if your family wants more space while saving money. During low seasons, rooms start at just 7 points per night, with DVC points typically available to rent from David's Vacation Club for $21 to $25 per point.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge average around $485 per night.

Disney's Contemporary Resort is another original Disney World resort from the 1971 opening. It's about as close as you can get to The Magic Kingdom without pitching a tent inside the gates (and subsequently getting kicked out by security).

It may have been built over five decades ago, but its amenities have recently been updated. The rooms now sport an incredible new look. While the theme and renovations are a big step up, the main draw of this property is undoubtedly its monorail design and Magic Kingdom-adjacent location.

We prefer tower rooms over garden-wing options as they are more centrally located to the amenities and monorail, and many offer superb views of The Magic Kingdom's nightly fireworks.

When you've worked up an appetite, you'll find a few of our favorite Disney World restaurants on-site, including Chef Mickey's. At this popular eatery, you can dine with characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto. For something more upscale, there's California Grill. If you time it right, it has some of the best views of The Magic Kingdom fireworks around.

Related: The 3 best Disney World character meals you've never heard of — and how to book them

If you're ready for a splurge-level stay at the Contemporary, there is also a club level where bites and beverages from the aforementioned restaurants are included.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Contemporary Resort average around $575 per night.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is arguably the most traditional and iconic of Disney World's high-end hotels. You won't find many bright, in-your-face character themes here, but you will have access to some of Disney's most upscale amenities, including a spa and the fanciest (and priciest) restaurant at Disney.

It's one of Disney World's most expensive resorts thanks to its proximity to The Magic Kingdom, top-notch facilities, and over-the-top Christmas displays, including a gingerbread house in the lobby.

Fortunately, the Grand Floridian is undergoing a resort-wide renovation involving converting one of the hotel buildings into beautiful DVC studios. So, there's now one more reason to visit.

Dining is another highlight here. The acclaimed Victoria & Albert's experience is unparalleled, with a dress code and a no-little-kids policy to match. For an equally excellent but more affordable option, grab a cocktail or mocktail at the "Beauty and the Beast"-inspired Enchanted Rose bar on the second floor of the Grand Floridian's lobby.

Related: More rides and fewer crowds: What to expect at Disney After Hours

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa average around $750 per night.

A short drive or boat ride away from The Magic Kingdom, Disney's Wilderness Lodge is equal parts Great Wolf Lodge , Yellowstone National Park and Disney magic. There are great attractions and restaurants on-site, including a water feature that starts in the lobby and becomes a creek that feeds into one of two outdoor pools.

For a fun, reasonably priced family dining experience, try Whispering Canyon Cafe — and be aware that if you ask for ketchup, you may get a lot of ketchup. If rare Disney characters are more your jam, enjoy dinner with the Evil Queen at Story Book Dining at Artist Point .

Those who want more space and ambience than a standard hotel room should reserve one of the Copper Creek Cabins in the woods adjacent to the Wilderness Lodge or the truly spectacular two-bedroom Yosemite Suite . Both are pricey, but we promise you'll love staying in either option.

If you do opt for standard rooms (or even club-level rooms ), the good news is that Disney's Wilderness Lodge is generally one of the more affordable of the Deluxe Disney resorts. So, you can rest easy knowing you're paying a little less than average for Disney's high-end properties.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Wilderness Lodge average around $500 per night.

Best Moderate Disney World resorts

If you want a balance of price and amenities, the Moderate category of Disney resorts can be a sweet spot. At Moderate Disney resorts, there are some full-service restaurants, more on-site amenities, waterslides at the pools, and a great variety of themes and locations to choose from.

Expect rates at these hotels to range from $250 to $400 on most nights for a standard room.

One of the best Moderate resorts at Disney World is Port Orleans. We're especially partial to the French Quarter side, with its charming wrought-iron railings, bubbling fountains and an eatery serving tasty Mickey-shaped beignets.

This property is much more compact than other Moderate resorts like Disney's Coronado Springs Resort and Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. This makes everything from parking and catching a Disney bus to grabbing dinner that much easier.

It isn't the newest or fanciest option in Disney's resort portfolio, but it is a calm and lovely balance of theming and easily accessible amenities. Although you'll need a bus or car to get from this resort to any of the Disney World theme parks, you can catch the free boat to Disney Springs for shopping and dining.

In addition to the property's relaxing vibe and manageable size, the greatest asset of Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter is the price.

Rooms here are often more affordable than what you'll find at other Moderate properties, most likely because it's not connected to the theme parks by anything other than ground transportation (and Minnie Vans ).

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter average around $300 per night.

One of Disney World's lesser-known Moderate resorts is also one of its most entertaining.

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort has plenty of campsites for tents and spots for recreational vehicles .

However, if you're not interested in either, The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort are an excellent choice. It gives you the best of many worlds regarding space, price and resort activities — especially if you're not planning to spend all your time at the theme parks. The cabins sleep up to six and offer a queen-size bed, a set of bunk beds and a relatively comfortable pullout sofa bed. And soon, Disney will replace the current cabins with 350 all-new cabins .

Related: How to enjoy Disney World without park tickets

Trust us, there is one essential Fort Wilderness expense you'll want to budget for — golf carts .

It costs $65 to $84 per day to rent one. However, it makes it much easier to travel to the Meadow Trading Post for snacks, the docks for transportation to The Magic Kingdom, and other parts of the 700-acre property. Lock in your golf cart reservation as far in advance as possible since they're known to sell out.

Fort Wilderness has a nonstop list of activities you probably didn't know you could do at Disney World, including pony rides, archery, fishing, and rides in wagons and horse-drawn carriages.

When the day winds down, you can also check out the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue , a lively performance full of dancing, singing and comedic moments.

Rates for standard cabins at The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Lodge average around $460 per night.

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is the poster child of a Moderate Disney property. It's an older resort with two-story buildings spread across a large area.

Complimentary theme park transportation is limited to buses, and on-site dining venues are mostly quick-service options, given the resort's large convention clientele. Additionally, the rooms are on the smaller side, though they were recently renovated.

But one thing changed a couple of years ago that catapulted part of this property onto our favorites list: the new Gran Destino Tower .

This "hotel within a hotel" has a stunning lobby and an equally snazzy lobby bar. If you're looking for a completely different perspective, let an elevator whisk you up to the 16th floor, where the rooftop Dahlia Lounge awaits — along with an award-winning wine list. Gran Destino Tower is light on a Disney theme, but otherwise, its accommodations are on par with many Deluxe resorts.

Gran Destino is also the only Moderate option at Disney World that has a club lounge, should you prefer an exclusive space to visit and grab refreshments throughout your stay.

Rates for standard rooms at the Gran Destino Tower at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort average around $400 per night.

Best Value Disney World resorts

Value Disney resorts are the most affordable Disney World hotels.

Nightly rates start around $125 and increase to about $300 on peak dates. None of these hotels are walkable from the theme parks, but some are close to the Skyliner. Others require bus transportation.

Value Disney hotels don't have full-service restaurants or fun extras like waterslides, but they do offer grab-and-go food outlets, lively pools and colorful themes.

Disney's Art of Animation Resort is the king of Value resorts at Disney World.

The resort features bright colors and memorable Disney cartoon characters. It's also accessible from both Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios thanks to the Disney Skyliner gondola system .

Art of Animation really shines with its family suites, which provide a lot more room and have three beds in each suite (one traditional bed, one Murphy bed and a pullout sofa bed). The family suites have your choice of "The Lion King," "Cars" and "Finding Nemo" themes, while standard rooms feature decor inspired by "The Little Mermaid."

When it comes to pools, the Big Blue Pool at Art of Animation is actually the largest option available at any Disney World resort.

While the food here won't blow you away, Landscape of Flavors is a reliable cafeteria-style venue that can be a nice, easy option for families.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Art of Animation Resort average around $240 per night.

Disney's Pop Century Resort is across from Art of Animation. While it doesn't have our favorite theme (it's themed to bygone decades), it is usually the lowest-priced Disney resort that isn't one of the All-Star properties.

We generally prefer it to the All-Star resorts, as Pop Century is a stand-alone property that doesn't have to share a bus service. It's less likely to be packed with thousands of cheerleaders and children's sports groups. In addition to the included bus service to the parks, it also sits on the Skyliner route, so you can soar in a gondola to various parks and resorts.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Pop Century Resort average around $200 per night.

Best Disney World resort pools

Nothing beats an afternoon dip in your hotel's pool, so if you want to know which Disney resort hotels have the best pools, here are our top picks.

Disney's Beach Club Resort and its sister property, Disney's Yacht Club Resort , share access to Stormalong Bay, which offers top-notch poolside fun for the whole family.

Both resorts have the distinct feel of a beach in an otherwise landlocked resort thanks to sand-bottomed pools, a lazy river, a pirate ship and a wicked waterslide, among other amenities that will keep young swimmers entertained for hours.

Related: The best pools at Walt Disney World

The Yacht Club is marginally more convenient to the large pool complex, but the Beach Club is a little closer to Epcot. Choose accordingly. No matter which property you pick, don't miss the huge sundaes at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, steps from the pool.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Yacht and Beach Clubs average around $540 per night.

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is one of Disney's Moderate resorts and one of the largest. Because the resort is so spread out, there are multiple pools across the property — six in total. The main Fuentes del Morro Pool is themed to resemble a Spanish fortress, with two waterslides, a zero-entry area, a 12-person hot tub and a pirate-themed splash area for kids.

The resort has a colorful island style, and some guest rooms recently received a Little Mermaid makeover. Despite the resort's size, it does offer convenient transportation options, including bus service and a Disney Skyliner station that can take you to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Rates at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort average around $300 per night.

One of the original Disney World resort hotels inspired by Walt Disney himself, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort sits on the monorail only a few minutes from The Magic Kingdom. Yet, it transports you to a lush Pacific island the moment you enter. It's such a great property we almost warn against staying at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort because it will set the bar pretty high for future Disney resort stays.

At "the Poly," you'll find a couple of our favorite Disney restaurants. Notably, there's Ohana — a Polynesian-inspired dining venue within the resort's main building that serves delectable noodles and a mouthwatering bread pudding — among other options on the family-style, all-you-care-to-enjoy menu.

There are plenty of activities and amenities on the grounds, such as free outdoor movies at night and a 142-foot waterslide that drops riders into the main Lava Pool (there is a secondary quiet pool, as well). There's also a large splash area with several smaller waterslides for younger guests, a zero-entry section, a separate quiet pool and a nearby stand to grab Dole Whip. The icing on the on-site Dole Whip is being able to watch The Magic Kingdom fireworks from the pool in the evenings as the perfectly timed music pipes in.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort average around $640 per night.

Best Disney World resorts for large families

Large families and groups can really rack up a bill when visiting Disney World since most on-property rooms are designed for no more than four or five people. As a result, your choices tend to be limited if you have at least five or six people in your group. Fortunately, a few resorts offer plenty of space for larger families.

Related: The best Orlando hotels for large families

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is another DVC property, with room sizes ranging from studio suites to one-, two- and three-bedroom villas. Deluxe studio rooms have a kitchenette and a balcony or patio, and villas have separate bedrooms, a full kitchen, in-room laundry and a balcony or patio.

The resort also has multiple pools, bike rentals, tennis and basketball courts, and a Community Hall with movies, video games and daily activities like crafts and games.

In the woods behind Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa are several Treehouse Villas that sleep up to nine people. Offering three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a kitchen, these spacious accommodations can easily fit an extended family.

Rates for Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa average around $500 per night, while the Treehouse Villas average around $1,300 per night.

Best Disney World resorts for adults

We love Disney, but we're not afraid to admit that having a brief break from its intensity is sometimes nice. Luckily, a couple of options are ideal for those who want to stay near the magic without living with Mickey and his friends 24 hours a day.

Disney World's newest stand-alone hotel is easily one of the larger resort's best options for adults who want to balance a Disney trip with some less in-your-face Disney elements.

On the Disney Skyliner route, Disney's Riviera Resort offers easy access to Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot without placing you right in the heart of all the theme park action.

The real highlight of this easygoing property, though, is its Mediterranean vibe. The blue-and-white decor, music and cuisine will transport you to the Mediterranean coast.

You'll find all the usual Disney amenities at this Deluxe resort, but it's just a touch more refined and grown-up without being stuffy.

We're serious Riviera fans thanks in part to its design, which includes everything from "Tangled"- and "Peter Pan"-inspired mosaics to marble bathrooms that may be the nicest in all of Disney.

Don't worry if you want to bring the kids, though. There's plenty for them to enjoy, including poolside gelato, a waterslide and our favorite toddler splash area at Disney World.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Riviera Resort average around $500 per night.

Disney's BoardWalk Inn is a DVC resort along Disney's BoardWalk in the Epcot resort area. That means you can easily walk to Epcot to eat and drink global cuisine around the World Showcase or to Disney's Hollywood Studios to fly the Millennium Falcon at Galaxy's Edge. The resort also offers water taxi and bus service around Disney World.

Related: Is a Disney annual pass worth it?

Guest rooms range from standard rooms to multi-bedroom villas, and the resort has three pools. You can splash and slide at the Luna Park Pool (or soak in the hot tub) or head for one of the quieter leisure pools.

This resort is all about location. In addition to being close to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, Disney's BoardWalk Inn is close to the dining, shopping and nightlife that line Disney's BoardWalk area. When you are done visiting the parks, you can visit Abracadabar, a magic-themed cocktail lounge, or Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's BoardWalk Inn average around $600 per night.

Bottom line

Choosing the best resort hotel at Disney World gets easier once you identify your budget and priorities.

Do you want a great pool, more space, proximity to the parks or perhaps an immersive theme? No matter what is most important to you, you'll find a Disney property that will likely satisfy your needs.

Whether you're itching to splash around in the Stormalong Bay pool complex at Disney's Yacht Club and Beach Club resorts, stretch your budget at Disney's Pop Century Resort, retreat to a cabin at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort or get an iconic eyeful of the monorail coming through Disney's Contemporary Resort, there's a Disney resort that will have every member of your family excited to be on vacation at Walt Disney World.

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Walt Disney World announces largest expansion ever to Magic Kingdom Park

LAKE BUENA VISTA., Fla. – “The Most Magical Place on Earth” is going to have a lot more for guests to explore in the next few years.

On Thursday, Disney announced a 10-year investment plan which would include a 14-acre expansion to the Magic Kingdom Park.

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The expansion to the most visited theme park in the world is just part of a $60 billion investment in the company’s portfolio of theme parks, experiences and cruise ships in the works for the next decade.

Disney CEO Bob Iger said, 70% of the investment will be focused on new attractions that expand the capacity of Disney’s theme parks and cruise ships. The remaining 30%, he said, is focused on the technology and maintenance to make that expansion happen.

“As I looked at the returns on the invested capital that we made in this business over the 15 years prior to my coming back, it was extraordinarily compelling. We should allocate in a direction where we had great returns,” said Iger.

According to the Disney Parks Blog “ Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ” in Frontierland is set to open this Summer. The ride will feature dozens of audio-animatronics, new music and the famous 50-foot drop. The popular attraction, formerly known as “Splash Mountain” officially closed in Jan. 2023 for refurbishments.

Copyright 2024 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.

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Oj simpson, fallen football hero acquitted of murder in ‘trial of the century,’ dies at 76, 🚍all aboard walt disney world adding new buses to transportation network, new, updated wraps to feature fan-favorite characters.

Haley Coomes , Digital Content Producer

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – For many Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests, it’s the first ride of the day. It’s also one of the first sightings for guests upon entering park property.

Buses are just one of the options to get around Disney World. This year, Disney is looking to get guests to their destinations faster and in style as the resort adds more than 90 new vehicles to its bus fleet.

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“One of the things that sets a Disney vacation apart is our massive complimentary transportation network, which is why it’s so important for us to continue investing in that and improving the overall experience that our guests have when they visit us,” said Ketan Sardeshmukh, director of Transportation Operations at Walt Disney World.

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Disney Transportation has more than 420 buses in its fleet. According to park officials, the new buses will replace older models and will be outfitted with updated accessibility features for guests using mobility devices, which will make the boarding process quicker and smoother.

More than 30 of the new buses are already on the roads with the remainder rolling out throughout the rest of the year. Some of these buses will be sporting new and updated wraps featuring fan-favorite characters such as Chip ‘n’ Dale, Orange Bird and Figment, as well as characters from “101 Dalmatians,” “Ratatouille” and “Zootopia.”

“Whether they take one of the 90 new buses or another mode of transportation, our goal is for our guests to be able to relax, spend quality time with their friends and family, and know we’ve got them covered,” Sardeshmukh said.

Walt Disney World buses make 12,000 trips every day with nearly 100 routes on Disney World property. In 2023, the buses had an average monthly ridership of over 4.6 million.

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About the Author

Haley coomes.

Haley is a digital content producer for ClickOrlando.com and first started as a News 6 producer in October 2014. She's a graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelors of Arts degree in journalism. She specializes in theme parks and lifestyle writing.

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Want to own a piece of Disney's Fort Wilderness history? It can be yours ... for a price

Now you can quite literally bring a piece of Disney home with you. Just make sure you have space for it.

Disney is making some changes to the Fort Wilderness area at Disney World in Orlando.

New "cabins" are part of the renovations and the old cabins are being sold by Dream Life Mobile Homes , which listed the cabins on its  website  and  Facebook Marketplace .

What could they be used for? They would make a "great investment property option for Airbnb, Vrbo, tiny home resort or rental," according to Orlando Resort Cabin's website.

Here's what you should know, whether you're interested in a cabin or just feeling nostalgic.

First thing first: How much do the old Fort Wilderness cabins cost?

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The cabins are being sold for $49,900 , sight unseen.

"The price is firm and no volume discounts are available," according to Orlando Resort Cabin's website.

There currently are a limited number of units available for purchase.

"Cabins will be delivered to buyers as they are removed from the resort and may not be viewed nor inspected in advance."

The Orlando Resort Cabin project is a partnership between JCQ Services Inc. and Friedrich Watkins Co. in Orlando, which describes its mission as helping local resorts minimize waste during construction. The project helps to remove and relocate log cabins, with sales going through the brokerage firm Dream Life Mobile Homes.

Fort Wilderness cabins being sold. Here are the details

Just in case it's been a while, or maybe you had a few too many s'mores with Chip ‘n’ Dale at the Campfire Sing-Along, here are the details about the cabins you may have forgotten, according to Orlando Resort Cabins:

➤ Take a virtual tour of a cabin

• Built between 1998-2001 and "have been renovated over the years in keeping with the resort’s quality standards."
• Approximately 500 square feet; overall dimensions are 12 feet by 42 feet.
• One bedroom, one bathroom.
• Sleeps six.
• Offered with all the original furniture. Also included are the appliances, water heater and an air conditioner unit.
• The exterior deck, stairs and side skirting are not included.
• The cabins are being sold "as is" and without any form of warranty.
• Interested? Email [email protected] .
• There are no financing options available.

Once sold, Fort Wilderness cabins will need to be relocated

A set amount of cabins will be available each month, which started in March.

The cabins are located in Orlando and will need to be moved to the buyers' property, according to Orlando Resort Cabins .

Local delivery is included with the sale within 25 miles of the cabin’s original location in Orlando.

Outside of 25 miles, delivery fees will apply. These cabins are considered oversized loads and will require rigs and permits for delivery. Buyers are responsible for researching zoning and permits before purchase, Orlando Resort Cabins said.

Changes coming to Fort Wilderness in 2024

Walt Disney World announced in 2023 that it planned to refresh the cabin hideaways at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. The company said it would replace the existing cabins at the resort with 350 new cabins.

The new cabins are part of several projects at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, including improvements at the pool and walking trail. The resort campground first opened in 1971.

The new Fort Wilderness cabins were designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney World’s Facility Asset Management team.

When will the new cabins be available at Fort Wilderness?

The first loop of cabins will open July 1, with more loops opening in phases throughout the year, according to Disney Parks.

Reservations for the cabins opened on March 19 for Disney Vacation Club members, to Walt Disney World Annual Passholders on March 20, and to all guests on March 21.

Make reservations either online  or by calling 407-934-7639.

Features of new cabins coming to Fort Wilderness

The new cabins — which feature floor-to-ceiling windows — will sleep up to six people and some can accommodate dogs, according to Disney Vacation Club's website.

➤ Take a virtual tour of the new cabins

There are two types of cabins , according to Disney's website. We checked online and found costs ranged from $504 to $655 for two adults, depending on dates:

The one-bedroom cabin

• The one-bedroom cabin features one queen bed, a queen-size pull-down bed and a bunk bed. It sleeps up to six adults.
• Fully equipped kitchen with a fridge, microwave and full-size oven/range, and a patio deck.
• A large convertible seating and sleeping area with a comfy sofa and a fold-down, queen-size Inova bed.
• Available for stays beginning Sept. 27.
• Wheelchair and hearing-accessible cabins available.

The wilderness cabin

• The wilderness cabin features one queen bed, a double-size sleeper sofa, and a bunk bed.
• Features include a kitchen with two countertop burners, a fridge and microwave, and a patio.

26 (Better) Things To Do In Orlando Other Than Disney

• The Orlando Museum of Art offers a diverse collection, showcasing art from different cultures and historical periods, providing an enriching experience. ($20 adult admission)
• Harry P. Leu Gardens is a peaceful botanical garden nestled by Lake Rowena, featuring themed gardens and events, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility. (Address: 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803)
• Icon Orlando 360, a 400-foot Ferris wheel, provides stunning views of Orlando and beyond. Capsules are closed and temperature-controlled, enhancing the enjoyable experience. (Address: 8375 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819)

When most people think of Orlando, Florida, they think of Walt Disney World as it offers attractions for the whole family . And that makes perfect sense since the most magical place on Earth put the city on the map and helped make Central Florida one of the world’s best travel destinations.

But, believe it or not, there is more to do in Orlando than visit Disney World, Universal Studios, or SeaWorld. Travelers can plan a whole trip to Orlando that doesn't involve amusement parks, as there are many things to do in the city beyond Disney.

While the theme parks are a wonderful experience and definitely worthy of your time, you would be missing out if you didn’t look into other options around the metro area. If you need a break from thrill rides and crowds or are just looking for some ideas to fill up your vacation itinerary, here is a list of things to do in Orlando other than Disney. So, don’t get too focused on the Magic Kingdom because you will miss out on the other fun things Orlando has to offer, like...

UPDATE: 2023/08/04 18:55 EST BY LUANA FERREIRA

More things to do in Orlando

Disney World is arguably Orlando's main attraction, but there are many things to do in the city that doesn't involve Disney World or other amusement parks. This list was expanded to include even more attractions, such as museums and parks.

Orlando Museum of Art

The Orlando Museum of Art has a diverse collection that spans centuries and continents, showcasing paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. With thought-provoking exhibitions and educational programs, it offers a window into different cultures and historical periods.

The museum fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of art's transformative power, from classical masterpieces to contemporary creations. Whether visitors are art enthusiasts or seeking inspiration, the Orlando Museum of Art promises an enriching experience.

• Address : 2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, United States
• Prices: $20 (Adults), $18 (60+), $8 (6-17 years old), Free ( 5 years old or younger)

Harry P. Leu Gardens

Harry P. Leu Gardens is an urban oasis in Orlando, spanning 50 acres of lush landscapes and botanical wonders. Nestled beside Lake Rowena, this botanical garden offers a serene escape, showcasing a stunning array of plant species worldwide. Visitors can see themed gardens, including roses, camellias, and tropical plants while soaking in the natural beauty and tranquility.

The gardens also host events, workshops, and educational programs, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful respite in the city's heart.

• Address : 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, USA

Icon Orlando 360

Formerly the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye, the Icon Orlando 360 is part of the I-360 complex in the heart of Orlando and is a 400-foot Ferris wheel that has quickly become an iconic part of the Orlando skyline. Obviously, the views are stunning, and on a clear day, you can see as far as Cape Canaveral – which is over 50 miles away.

Icon Orlando belongs to the same organization that owns and operates the famous London Eye, and they used a cutting-edge suspension design for construction that provides for the smoothest Ferris wheel ride ever. And, the capsules are closed and temperature-controlled, making the experience even that more enjoyable.

• Address : 8375 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States

Pirate’s Cove

Voted the “Best in Florida” for mini golf, Pirate’s Cove features two 18-hole courses – Captain’s Course and Blackbeard’s Challenge. The shady, pirate-themed adventure features lush, tropical landscaping, innovate hole designs, and cascading waterfalls, and, it is a nice escape from the hot Orlando sun.

There are actually twenty-five Pirate’s Cove locations around the country – mostly in vacation-type areas like Branson, Missouri, and Williamsburg, Virginia. But since mini-golf is always a big part of many family vacations, we thought it was important to mention one of the best mini golf courses you will ever come across. Plus, it’s an affordable option the whole family will enjoy.

• Address : 8501 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States

Related: Orlando For Cheap: How To Plan An Affordable Vacation

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not

If you are looking for a nice slow-paced afternoon in a cool space, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! In Orlando is a unique option. The 10,000 square foot “Odditorium” appears to be falling into a sinkhole, but it’s really just a large building with sixteen separate themed galleries that features a collection of rare items and oddities. You will see things like a shrunken head, a Tibetan skull, a Beyoncé portrait made out of candy with a dress made from licorice sticks, and an authentic vampire killing kit.

You can take pictures during your self-guided tour, and a great spot for a photo is inside the world’s largest tire or at the anti-gravity pool table.

• Address : 8201 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States

Kennedy Space Center

We cheated a little bit with this entry because Kennedy Space Center is technically about an hour drive from Orlando. But, considering visitors can see real launch areas and rockets, meet astronauts, and experience flight simulations, it is totally worth the drive.

The site is full of history and admission includes an Apollo/Saturn V exhibit, an Atlantis Space Shuttle exhibit, the Shuttle Launch Experience, and the Astronaut Memorial.

They organize the attractions and tours chronologically, so you can learn about space exploration from the beginning to current projects. This is the kind of place that you can spend an entire day in, so make sure you allow enough time for your visit.

• Address : 9339 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827, United States

World of Chocolate Museum

Do you want to know how chocolate is made? Or maybe sample some of the best chocolate in the world? Then take some time to visit the World of Chocolate Museum for an educational tour that ends with a visit in their tasting room, so you can sample some of the finest chocolate from around the world.

The 45-minute guided tour starts with a short presentation before you enter a tropical rainforest to learn about cacao. Next, travel back in time to learn about the rich history of chocolate before entering the sculpture area, where you will see 25 of the world’s most recognizable landmarks sculpted from solid chocolate.

Visitors also get to see how they make chocolate and the required equipment, plus some retired machinery. From bean to bar – you will see it all.

• Address : 11701 International Dr #400, Orlando, FL 32821, United States

Related: Top 10 Destinations For Chocolate Lovers

Find An Escape Room In Orlando

Escape rooms are a big thing in cities across the country, and Escape Game Orlando is a fun activity that will give you and your family a chance to connect with their inner detective during an adventure-filled day. Escape Game Orlando offers constantly rotating situations – The Heist, Mission: Mars, Prison Break, Classified, and Gold Rush – where you and your team apply your problem-solving skills to break free.

Once you choose which room you want to try, the objective is to escape before you run out of time. Each escape scenario has a unique feel, and it is a thrilling way to bond with friends and family. Everyone’s decisions and actions contribute to your group’s success, so working together is key to making it out in time.

World’s Largest Entertainment McDonald’s and Playplace

Why would we put a McDonald’s on this list? Well, have you ever been to a McDonald’s shaped like a giant bag of fries? With 19,000 square feet, the world’s largest Entertainment McDonald’s and Playplace is in Orlando, and it can accommodate tons of visitors each day thanks to their touchscreen ordering system. (Full disclosure – the largest McDonalds in the world is technically at Olympic Village in London.)

In addition to the traditional menu that features Chicken McNuggets and Big Macs, this location also has build-your-own pizza and pasta – plus there is a dessert bar.

Along with the Playplace, this McDonald’s also has dozens of arcade games for the kids to enjoy, and a Chuck E. Cheese-style prize wall.

• Address : 830 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32805, United States

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum in Winter Park features the largest collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany glass in the world. Tiffany – a famous 19th-century designer – created lamps, jewelry, paintings, and pottery, and each piece is fascinating.

From leaded-glass windows to his most memorable lamps, you can enjoy each piece of stained glass, and also learn how he made his art. The Tiffany collection also features his personal memorabilia, letters, photographs, designs, and early experiments.

The Morse museum also features an American decorative art collection supplemented by European glass and ceramic pieces from Rene Lalique and Carl Faberge.

• Address : 445 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, United States

Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve

The quiet 440-acre Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve gives visitors a glimpse of Florida’s natural scenery while offering the chance to escape crowds and the afternoon heat. A nice change from the loud theme parks, the preserve has a lake with views of the wetlands and well-groomed easy to moderate trails for a family walk or hike.

The trail system loops through the region’s major habitats, including Bayhead swamp and longleaf pine forest and scrub, and you can listen for the cry of an osprey or the hoot of a barred owl. The nature center also has a picnic area and butterfly garden and gives quick lessons in the area’s wildlife and habitats.

• Address : 8777 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32836, United States

Located in downtown Orlando, Lake Eola is another option if you want to escape from the theme park crowds, and it provides the chance to enjoy a half-mile nature walk while getting great views of the Orlando skyline.

The landscaped grounds feature plenty of birds and plant life, and you can also feed the swans. But your trip would not be complete without a ride on the swan paddle boats, so you can enjoy the scenery in a fun, unique way.

If you get hungry, you can eat lunch or dinner at the Relax Grill. And on Sundays, there is a city market where you can buy local cuisine, homemade breads, fruits, and veggies.

Orlando Science Center

If you and your family are down for a little learning in a fun way, the Orlando Science Center is a great place for curious minds to explore. This destination has four floors of exhibits, plus a cinedome in a spherical theater and live programs.

You can view stars in the domed planetarium and look through the largest public refracting telescope to see incredible views of the night sky.

The private museum also features traveling exhibits that highlight current trends like the Hall of Heroes, where visitors go inside the world of superheroes and crime fighters. It blends science and science fiction and allows you to discover your own superpowers.

• Address : 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803, United States

This must-see look at the Everglades is the “Alligator Capital of the World.” The 110-acre wildlife preserve and theme park has exciting rides and exhibits that all have a gator theme. Visitors will find 1,200 feet of zip lines, and they can take a train ride through the park, then climb the observation tower.

Gatorland has the largest collection of white leucistic alligators – which are extremely rare – plus a huge collection of alligators and crocodiles from babies to fully-grown 14-foot monsters, snakes, tortoises, and birds.

The park also has a petting zoo, live animal shows, and an off-road adventure.

• Address : 14501 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32837, United States

Boggy Creek Airboat Rides

You can explore the Everglades in Central Florida by going on an airboat ride and get your chance for an up-close look at the diverse Florida wildlife that includes alligators, birds, and turtles. Skim across the surface of the water at speeds up to 35 miles per hour in a unique sea craft that gives you a rush of adrenaline, and at the same time, and appreciation for the environment.

Available tours include half-hour, one-hour, private one-hour, sunset, and nighttime. If you opt to go during the day, be sure to bring your sunscreen. And, it’s also a good idea to have a set of binoculars on hand.

• Address : 2001 E Southport Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34746, United States

Wonderworks

Another scientific destination in Orlando is Wonderworks, which features dozens of hands-on exhibits. Once you get inside the attention-getting upside-down building, you will find a rope course, laser tag, and a 6D motion ride.

Wonderworks is a mix of fun and education, where you can learn how to lay on a bed of nails without getting impaled, design your own roller coaster, feel a 74-mile per hour hurricane, and experience an earthquake simulation with a magnitude of 5.3 on the Richter Scale.

Make sure that your kids wear closed-toe comfy shoes and pants or shorts (no skirts) if they want to climb the ropes course.

• Address: 9067 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, USA

Crayola Experience

The Crayola Experience offers visitors the world’s largest selection of unique Crayola souvenirs and products. It includes interactive attractions where chemistry and technology combine to give you a colorful adventure.

You can take a selfie with Bluetiful, the world’s largest Crayola crayon that is over fifteen feet long and weighs 1,352 pounds, and then watch Crayonologists as they make crayons live in front of you with real factory equipment.

And, if you are feeling really creative, you can create your own crayon, then wrap it up and take it home. The entire experience is self-guided, so you can go at your own pace, and stay for as long as you want.

• Address : 8001 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32809, USA

The Vanguard

If you have the option of leaving your kids at home or back at the hotel, the adults can go out for a night on the town at The Vanguard. Formerly known as Firestone Live then Venue 578, this nightclub is set in an old tire store, and the incredible sound system will wake up your inner party animal.

The Vanguard has over 100 concerts every year, and names like Wiz Khalifa, Lil Wayne, and Busta Rhymes have all played at the venue. It also plays host to music festivals and entertainment-driven events. Also, on the complex are two other music options – Odd Jobs, a cocktail lounge that focuses on up-and-coming and experimental acts, and Blackstar, which features more established acts.

• Address : 578 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801, USA

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

If you are a history buff or a big Leonardo DiCaprio or Kate Winslet fan, the Titanic: Artifact Exhibition is a must-see during your trip to Orlando. Actors playing the roles of actual passengers and crew will host your tour, and during your visit, you will see actual artifacts from the infamous ship recovered from the bottom of the Atlantic.

There is also a replica stateroom and a life-size reproduction of the famous staircase. And, at the end of your tour, you can touch a frozen iceberg replica and then experience the water temperatures that passengers felt before losing their life at sea.

• Address : 7324 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, USA

iFly Orlando

If you don’t feel like actually jumping out of a plane, but would like to experience the power and excitement of human flight, iFly indoor skydiving in Orlando is a sweet option for your vacation. You start off by receiving training from a flight instructor, where you learn the hand signals and proper body positioning.

Then, you gear up in a helmet, flight suit, and goggles before entering the flight chamber. Your experience in the wind tunnel will last around 60 seconds, but how many times you fly depends on which package you choose. Usually, the entire iFly experience for a first-timer lasts around an hour and a half from beginning to end.

• Address : 8969 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States

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Disney World

Norristown and willingboro teens among those chosen for disney dreamers academy.

Disney Dreamers Academy lets the kids know anything is possible.

ORLANDO, Florida (WPVI) -- In the place where dreams come true, one group of kids is being encouraged to dream big. They're the 2024 class of the Disney Dreamers Academy spending the week at Walt Disney World Resort.

On Friday, one lucky group got to see the inner workings of one of the world's largest indoor aquariums. The deep dive into the Living Seas Pavilion was especially for students in Disney Dreamers Academy.

The program invites 100 kids from across the country to Magic Kingdom, encouraging them all to dream big.

"Being able to be with so many people who will be the future and who will guide me in so many ways, it's incredible," said actress Dara Reneé, who stars in Disney's "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series." She serves as the so-called "DREAMbassador" for this year's festivities.

The marine biology living lab was one of 14 that were offered. Each kid got to pick their own living lab to attend. Diniel Luna-Hernandez, of Norristown, chose the education lab because it aligns with her dream.

"I'm doing education," she said. "I want so badly to move to Florida. My plan now is to do the Disney college program."

Nathaniel Davies, of Willingboro, New Jersey, has a different dream.

"I got a lot of things I want to be, I want to be an animator, a fashion designer," he said.

Disney Dreamers Academy lets the kids know anything is possible. It's a message that's echoed by celebrity guests including actor Lance Gross.

"We've got to take care of them. We've got to give them the tools to push them to success, and I'm all about that," said Gross.

In its 17th year, Disney Dreamers Academy focuses on youth from African American and under-represented communities. Disney, the parent company of 6abc, created the program to offer encouragement and an unforgettable experience.

"I never went to Disneyland. I never thought I would ever go to Disneyland," said Davies.

The message for these kids is the four days of activities at Walt Disney World Resort is just the beginning of a journey that shows how far their dreams can take them.

"They shed light in every single room they walk into," said Reneé, "and their excellence and their brilliance continue to be displayed in everything they do."

The Disney Dreamers have two more days in Orlando. On the last day, the kids will have a commencement ceremony before the head back home to apply everything they learned and start making their dreams reality.

Disney is the parent company of 6ABC

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Stay in the Magic… and Play!

Customize a walt disney world resort vacation package to suit your style and budget., start planning your disney vacation, what’s exciting and new, finding nemo: the big blue… and beyond.

Witness a stirring spectacle of puppetry, music and more during this reimagined stage show set in Nemo’s vibrant underwater world.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Bring the whole family to zip, dash and scurry through Gusteau’s kitchen as you take in the sights, sounds and even smells from Remy’s world.

TRON Lightcycle / Run

Leave the real world behind in this high-stakes race across the Grid—the dark, computerized world from TRON .

Watch in awe as Mickey Mouse’s dreams come alive in a nighttime musical with stunning effects, dazzling pyrotechnics and more.

4 Enchanting Theme Parks

Magic kingdom park.

During your visit, you can:

• Be dazzled by music, dancing and vivid pageantry during the Festival of Fantasy Parade —a grand tribute to the tales and inhabitants of Fantasyland.
• Enjoy iconic attractions and experiences across incredible lands—including Seven Dwarfs Mine Train , a swaying family coaster ride that will have you racing through a diamond mine.
• Rediscover beloved classic Disney attractions such as Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean and “it’s a small world.”
• Delight in family-friendly thrills on ever-popular coasters like Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad .
• Leave the real world behind for a high-stakes race across the Grid—the dark, computerized world from TRON —on TRON Lightcycle / Run .

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

• Celebrate the magic of nature at Pandora – The World of Avatar . Here, you can fly on the back of a banshee on Avatar Flight of Passage, hike amid floating mountains in the Valley of Mo’Ara and take a mystical boat ride into a bioluminescent rainforest on the Na’vi River Journey.
• Set off in an open-air vehicle across a lush African savanna teeming with exotic animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris .
• Speed through the Himalayas on a runaway train while avoiding the Yeti as you conquer Expedition Everest .
• Wave to beloved Disney Characters as they sail along the Discovery River on fabulous flotillas.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Pack your imagination, switch tracks and take a ride on the cartoon side like never before when you hop aboard Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway .
• Live your adventure in a galaxy far, far away at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge ! Experience 2 thrilling attractions, build your own droid or lightsaber, savor Batuu’s tasty food and beverages, shop for Star Wars -themed merchandise and more!
• Discover big fun for kids and grown-ups alike at Toy Story Land . Take a wild ride on Slinky Dog Dash and go for a whirl on Alien Swirling Saucers.
• Watch in wonder as Mickey Mouse’s dreams come alive in Fantasmic! —an extravagant nighttime musical with stunning effects, dazzling pyrotechnics and more.
• Celebrate every season at themed festivals featuring fantastic food, live entertainment and more—select dates throughout the year.
• Blast off on an intergalactic chase with Rocket, Groot, Gamora and Star-Lord on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind —a coaster inspired by the rockin’ movies.
• Board an ancient Norwegian vessel and be whisked away to the kingdom of Arendelle during a Frozen Ever After adventure.
• Journey around World Showcase , where you can explore the culture, arts, food and beverages of 11 different countries.

Stay in the Magic with Disney Resorts Collection

Enjoy more time in the parks.

Early Theme Park Entry Guests of Disney Resort hotels can get a 30-minute jump on their Disney day with early theme park entry —available at all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks. This popular benefit will continue through 2025!

Early theme park entry gives you a head start in the parks, so you’ll have access to select attractions, shops and dining before regular hours. And you can enjoy this benefit on each day of your stay—in any park, subject to capacity.

For early theme park entry, you'll need valid admission and a MagicBand, Disney MagicMobile pass or Key to the World Card. Theme park reservations may be required based on admission type.

Extended Evening Theme Park Hours Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels or Disney Deluxe Villas can enjoy extended evening hours —experiencing select attractions, shops and dining after regular park hours—in select theme parks on select nights. This popular benefit will continue through 2025!

Together with early theme park entry—available to all Disney Resort hotel Guests—you’ll get to arrive earlier and stay later so you can maximize your time in the parks!

Review our calendar for extended evening hours and dates .

If using a ticket with the Park Hopper option that requires a theme park reservation, please remember that you must enter the park where you made your reservation before you can visit other theme parks.

Start Your Stay with a Water Park Day in 2025

With this water park benefit, it’s easy to unwind on the day you arrive. Get ready to zip down thrilling water slides, relax on sandy beaches, float along a lazy river... and let your cares drift away. Learn more about the Walt Disney World water parks .

More details about this benefit will be available in late 2024, and will be shared with you before your stay.

Important Information About This Benefit

• This benefit is exclusive to registered Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel with a check-in date from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025. All Guests must be on the Resort reservation. View eligible Disney Resort hotels .
• This benefit is only on the day of check-in, and is valid for admission to either Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park or Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park. Check the park calendar and operating hours closer to your 2025 arrival to plan your check-in day.
• Usage of this benefit is subject to availability.
• At this time, a park reservation is not required to visit a water park; however, reservation requirements are subject to change.
• Water parks are subject to extended rehabilitation, seasonal, capacity and weather closures, or may close for other reasons.
• Each of our water parks is refurbished annually. These routine maintenance periods are staggered, so our Guests should be able to enjoy at least one water park experience year-round.
• Water park admission is nontransferable, nonrefundable and has no cash value, and excludes activities/events separately priced or not open to the general public.
• Parks, attractions and other offerings subject to availability, closures and change or cancellation without notice or liability. No refund or credit given for any such changes or cancellation. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed.

Savor a World of Flavor

With tasty meals and snacks moments away, it’s easy to make the most of the magic during your stay.

Explore dining experiences available for booking during your vacation.

View a full list of the dining options at Walt Disney World Resort.

Add a Dining Plan

Now you can add a dining plan to Disney Resort Hotel Packages.

Dining plans can add the convenience and flexibility of prepaid meals and snacks to your vacation—and give you peace of mind.

Highlights include:

• Savings: Save up to 20% on dining for kids ages 3 to 9 when you purchase a dining plan for your family as part of a Disney Resort Hotel Package! Savings compared to the nondiscounted price of menu items available to kids ages 3 to 9 at participating locations when purchased without a dining plan. Actual savings vary based on menu items ordered.
• Convenience & Peace of Mind: With 2 dining plans to choose from, you can spend more time with your family enjoying the Disney magic (and less time on meal budgeting). And this gives you the opportunity to say that magic word to your kids... "Yes."
• Flexibility: There are more than 200 locations to dine at throughout our Disney Resort hotels, theme parks and select locations at Disney Springs. So there’s something to delight nearly every taste!

Learn more about dining plans .

Immerse Yourself in the Magic

From unique accommodations to distinctive dining options, themed rooms and more, the Disney Resorts Collection offers Guests a variety of options that exemplify the Disney difference.

Proximity Staying at a Disney Resort hotel keeps you in the magic—close to the theme parks, water parks and shopping at the Disney Springs area.

Activities and Amenities Disney Resort hotels feature amenities that immerse Guests in the worlds of classic Disney tales—including themed pools with slides, poolside activities, Character Dining experiences, unique recreation, delightful surprises and so much more.

Endless Possibilities With all of the great options in the Disney Resorts Collection, you’re sure to find one—or more than one—that fits you. From theme to budget, you have a world of amazing options to consider. You’re not just choosing a place to sleep at night—you’re choosing your home for the duration of your Walt Disney World vacation.

Want to wake up, look out your window, and say good morning to a giraffe? You can when you stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge . Ever stayed on the shores of the South Pacific? Drift away to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort . Or come home to larger-than-life recreations of scenes from favorite Disney and Pixar classics at Disney's Art of Animation Resort !

These are just a few of the Disney Resort hotels that await you at Walt Disney World Resort !

Make the Most of Your Visit

Get around with ease.

Resort Transportation

Our complimentary bus , boat and monorail services are available to take you to popular destinations throughout Walt Disney World Resort—some Disney Resort hotels even offer convenient walking paths to nearby parks.

Plus, the most recent addition to our fantastic world on the go, Disney Skyliner lets Guests glide across the sky while traveling between:

• EPCOT (International Gateway)
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Riviera Resort

Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels enjoy complimentary standard parking at Disney theme parks, Disney water parks and the Disney Springs area.

Add More Magic

As a Disney Resort hotel Guest, you can purchase a MagicBand+ at a special pre-arrival price.

MagicBand+ includes all of the features you’ve come to love with MagicBand—and more! Your MagicBand+ can be used to:

• Unlock your Disney Resort hotel room
• Enter theme parks and water parks (with valid admission)
• Check in at Lightning Lane entrances and virtual queues
• Charge food and merchandise purchases**
• Discover enchanting surprises and interactions across Walt Disney World Resort
• Connect Disney PhotoPass images to your Disney account

Learn more about MagicBand+ .

Early Access to Purchase Individual Lightning Lane Entry

Get quicker entry to a couple of our most popular attractions! If you’re a Guest of a Disney Resort hotel, you’re eligible to make your first individual Lightning Lane purchase starting at 7:00 AM each day of your visit. You can select a one-hour arrival window, one at a time, for up to 2 different attractions per day. Guests of Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels and Shades of Green may also enjoy this early-access benefit. All other Guests are eligible to make their first purchase when the park opens.

Learn more about our Lightning Lane entrances .

Note: Attractions with Lightning Lane entrances are limited in availability, subject to change or closure, may vary by date, and are not guaranteed. To enter a theme park, valid admission is required. A theme park reservation may also be required. Price, terms and entitlements are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice.

Make Reservations for Dining and More Get ready to dine or unwind! Here’s when you can make reservations for dining and Enchanting Extras Collection experiences :

• Guests with a Valid Disney Resort Hotel Reservation: Make reservations for your entire length of stay (for up to a 10-night stay) up to 60 days in advance of your arrival! This can help you enjoy streamlined vacation planning , since you can make all your reservations on the same day—rather than checking availability day after day.
• All Other Guests: Make reservations up to 60 days in advance.

To dine at an in-park, table-service restaurant, a confirmed dining reservation for the total number of Guests—regardless of age—is highly recommended. You will also need valid admission for the same park on that same date for each Guest ages 3 and up. A theme park reservation may be required based on admission type. Learn more.

Dining reservations do not guarantee access to a park, and Park Hopper availability may change daily.

** Credit card must be presented at Disney Resort hotel check-in for purchases with MagicBand. Purchases are charged to your Disney Resort hotel account.

Enjoy Magical Extras with Your Package

More fun for everyone, disney water parks.

Zip down some of the world's tallest and fastest waterslides, plunge into fun on a family raft ride, feel your cares drift away on a lazy river or unwind on a sandy beach. Plus, your little ones can splash around in kid-sized areas!

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park – Closed for Refurbishment Chill out in a winter wonderland at a one-time ski resort that melted into warm water.

Here, you can:

• Conquer the slopes of Mount Gushmore on Summit Plummet —one of the world’s tallest and fastest free-fall waterslides.
• Zoom down other thrilling waterslides, like the Downhill Double Dipper and Slush Gusher .
• Float along Cross Country Creek , a 3,000-foot-long lazy river.
• Let your little ones explore Tike’s Peak , a water play area with a snow castle fountain and kid-sized waterslides.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – Now Open! Delight in this tropical paradise that’s been transformed by a legendary storm into an oasis of pure excitement.

• Ride a wave at Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool —North America’s largest wave pool.
• Grab a friend and take the plunge down Crush ‘n’ Gusher , featuring thrilling dips and turns.
• Watch your little ones enjoy a whimsical water playground with pint-sized slides, water cannons and other fun features at Ketchakiddee Creek .
• Relax as you float along Castaway Creek and take in lush, tropical surroundings.

Important Information Valid water park admission required. Water parks subject to seasonal and weather closures. Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park is currently closed for refurbishment.

Disney Springs

Find happily whatever you’re after at Disney Springs:

• Delectable dining options to please almost every palate
• Shopping galore , from unique boutiques to whimsical Disney-themed stores
• Fun for all ages , with bowling, a movie theater, a carousel and more
• Live entertainment , including Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil® and Disney—a first-of-its-kind creative collaboration between 2 iconic memory-makers

Delectable Dining

• Character dining (with modifications) at Garden Grill Restaurant, Hollywood & Vine, Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, Chef Mickey’s and more
• Signature dining where you can celebrate a special occasion in style
• Counter-service restaurants —ideal for grabbing a quick bite on-the-go
• Mobile Order at select quick-service restaurants, which enables you to save time by ordering ahead via the My Disney Experience app
• Spectacular rooftop dining at California Grill, Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera and Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood

When to Make Dining Reservations Get ready to dine! Make advance reservations at select Walt Disney World restaurants.

Enchanting Extras Collection

• Hands-on Star Wars experiences at Droid Depot and Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers (with valid park admission)
• In-Room Floral & Gifts , featuring beautiful gift and snack baskets, themed balloon bouquets and enchanting floral arrangements—all designed to celebrate your special moments
• Capture Your Moment , a personalized photo session with Disney PhotoPass photographers in a Walt Disney World theme park
• Fascinating tours that take you to special locations at Walt Disney World Resort—including Savor the Savanna and Behind the Seeds

Explore the Enchanting Extras Collection .

Design Your Disney Vacation

Explore places to stay.

Choose from uniquely themed Disney Resort hotels—with options to suit your style and budget.

4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket

Enjoy 4 days of theme park fun from $99 per day, plus tax (total price from $396, plus tax). One admission per theme park. One theme park per day.

Help Center

How can we help you.

My Disney Experience – Frequently Asked Questions

How should I begin planning my Walt Disney World Resort vacation?

The first step in planning your trip is to browse disneyworld.com to discover all that Walt Disney World Resort has to offer: 4 incredible theme parks , 2 great water parks , attractions and entertainment for the whole family plus dozens of hotels , hundreds of restaurants and much more.

Next, shop for a Disney Resort Hotel Package —which includes multi-day theme park tickets and a Resort hotel stay—for the dates of your visit.

As you book and link your plans to your Disney account, use your My Plans page to manage your vacation details all in one place:

• Get next-steps and key planning dates.
• See your hotel and dining reservations and personal reminders organized in a daily itinerary.
• View your tickets at a glance.
• See which plans you share with Guests on your Family & Friends list.
• Add, modify or cancel plans with a few clicks.

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