On this page, you will find what you need to know about Walt Disney World Resort. I will continue to add links to information about parks, resorts, tickets, dining, refurbishments, special events, etc.
Walt Disney World Resort is one of the most visited places in the world. With over 58 million visitors per year, it is a favorite destination for visitors of all ages. Walt Disney World Resort opened on October 1, 1971. It sits on over 43 square miles and comprises 4 parks, 2 water parks, a shopping district, and over 25 resort hotels. It’s no surprise there are so many resources to help visitors navigate and plan their visit.
All About Walt Disney World Theme Parks & Destinations
There are four theme parks within Walt Disney World Resort. These parks include Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Each park is very unique and has offerings for visitors of all ages. You will also find other destinations such as Disney Springs, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach and much more. ***
Magic Kingdom
The original and only park on opening day. Magic Kingdom is the most popular park at Walt Disney World and for families that can only visit one of the four parks, this is the one that is usually chosen. From iconic rides to Cinderella’s Castle, all the Disney magic is here for everyone.
Magic Kingdom is home to over 25 attractions in six themed lands. In the center is Cinderella’s Castle surrounded by each land. Each land has its own attractions, shops, and dining options that only enhance the theming.
Over the next few years, there is a lot coming to Magic Kingdom. Frontierland will be adding two Cars themed attractions. Also, an all new Villains Land is currently under construction. So be on the lookout for information about opening dates for these new additions to the park.
Be sure that if it is your first trip–you’ll probably be paying a visit to this park to experience the magic for yourself.
EPCOT
The Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow was Walt Disney’s plan for an actual community in Florida. Over time, it was decided that it would be the perfect place to showcase innovation and human achievement within the resort. EPCOT Center opened on October 1, 1982, eleven years after the opening of Magic Kingdom.
Epcot has changed and offerings have evolved over the years but the central idea of moving forward with ideas and creativity hold true today. Many of the opening day attractions are nowhere to be seen but you will still find plenty to do in this park.
There are four different sections of Epcot. World Celebration, World Nature, World Discovery, and the World Showcase. Each unique in its focus but innovation and education is at the forefront.
Hollywood Studios
Opening on May 1, 1989, as MGM Studios, Hollywood Studios began as a backlot movie set. It offered a look into how movies were made in Hollywood. None of the original attractions exist anymore since the closing of the Great Movie Ride in 2017. However, the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular opened August 25, 1989; and remains as the oldest attraction in the park.
Hollywood Studios is now home to Toy Story Land, as well as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. These themed lands along with favorite’s like Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and the nighttime spectacular Fantasmic are the reason this park is so popular!
Like Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios will be adding more attractions and themed lands over the next couple years. The Muppets will be moving over to take over Rock n Roller Coaster to make room for the new Monsters Inc area. The new Monsters area will have a new attractions as well as a new restaurant for the park. Stay tuned for more info as we learn more about this exciting new land and all it will offer guests.
Animal Kingdom
The last park to open at Walt Disney World was Animal Kingdom. It opened April 22, 1998, Earth Day!
This park has a completely different vibe than the others. It seems much more laid back and slower paced. The theming in each area is absolutely amazing–so take some time to look around as you walk through this park.
This park is home to an array of wild animals for you to observe as you walk through the trails and ride on the safari. The area known as DinoLand is currently going through a phased closing. It is being re-themed as Tropical Americas. Dinosaur is still open, as well as Restaurantosaurus, The Boneyard, Dino-Bite Snacks, and Trilo-Bites. But closing dates will be released at some point. An Encanto themed area with La Casita and a carved-animal carousel will replace a portion of the land. Dinosaur will be re-themed to an Indiana Jones themed attraction.
So many new things coming to the Disney World parks, so be looking for more information coming over the next few years and plan your visits to experience all amazing things that are coming.
Disney Springs
WDW’s shopping, dining, and entertainment district hosts an array of stores and restaurants. This is a great place to visit on your arrival day, departure day, or rest day. It really has enough to make it a destination itself. So do yourself a favor, and plan a day to visit Disney Springs. *Note- you do not need to have a park ticket to visit Disney Springs.
All About Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
Below you will find a list of each Walt Disney World Resort and whether it is considered a value, moderate, or deluxe resort. You will also find some information about the characteristics and amenities you will find at each resort category. Continue to check back for links to each resort page and why it might or might not be a good fit for your family.
Value Resorts
There are 5 resorts that make up the Value category at WDW. These are a great option for those who will be spending most of their time in the parks, looking for a lower budget option, love larger than life theming, or may need accommodations for a larger group.
The All-Star resorts are usually home to school and sports groups that perform/play on property. These are also a favorite for those who love the theming with the large representations all over the resort property. Kids love these resorts and will want to return time and again.
Value resorts have a food court style quick service dining option as well as a pool bar.
The All-Star resorts rely solely on bus transportation to the parks. Pop Century and Art of Animation have a Skyliner station between them that provides transportation to Hollywood Studios and Epcot by way of the hub at Caribbean Beach Resort. They also have bus transportation to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. All value resorts have one central bus stop near the main building.
- Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Moderate Resorts
Disney World has four options in the Moderate Resort Category. The moderate resorts have a few more amenities than the values but not quite what the deluxe resorts offer. They also land in that moderate price point between a value and a deluxe resort.
All moderate resorts, except French Quarter, are spread out and have internal bus loops. So they can take longer to pick up and drop off going to and from the parks. However, you don’t have to trek to the main building to catch a bus since there will be a stop near your room.
Additionally, three of the four resorts have another forms of transportation available. Both Port Orleans’ resorts have boat service to Disney Springs. Caribbean Beach Resort has the Skyliner Hub on property, which provides a quick ride to Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway entrance to Epcot.
Each moderate resort has a quick service dining option and a pool bar, like the values. However, they all have other dining options as well. Port Orleans French Quarter has a lounge, while all the others have a full table service restaurant on site.
If your kids love pool time, each of the moderate resorts’ main pools offers a water slide for you to enjoy. Check out each resort page to find out more about the amenities at that resort.
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
- Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
Deluxe Resorts
Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World have some great perks. While the price tag increases, so does the amenities and location benefits.
Transportation options improve with an upgrade to the Deluxe category. You will find monorails, the Skyliner, boats, and some close enough to walk to a park. You will still have to take a bus to some parks from each resort. Animal Kingdom Lodge is the only Deluxe that offers only bus transportation to the parks.
Another perk is the array of dining options. All deluxe resorts have quick service and table service restaurants. You will also find lounges and most have a character meal too!
Pools at deluxe resorts are also themed like other resorts. The main pool will have daily activities as well as a water slide, similar to the set up at all the other resorts. There will also be a quiet/leisure pool available as well.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Deluxe Villa Resorts
These resorts are also know Disney Vacation Club, or DVC, resorts. This is Disney’s version of a timeshare. They offer a variety of accommodations including studios, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom villas.
Most Deluxe Villa resorts are connected to and/or share amenities with a Deluxe resort counterpart. There are currently only three stand-alone DVC resorts; Saratoga Springs, Old Key West, and Riviera Resort. The Cabins at Fort Wilderness share amenities with the campground.
Any of these resorts can be booked through the Disney World website, with your travel agent, or you can rent DVC points to reserve a villa for your vacation.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas- Jambo House
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas- Kadani Village
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Treehouse Villas
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Disney’s Boardwalk Villas
- Disney’s Beach Club Villas
- Disney’s Copper Creek Villas
- Disney’s Boulder Ridge Villas
- Disney’s Bay Lake Tower
- Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows
- Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
- Disney’s Cabins at Fort Wilderness
- Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort
So Much to do at Walt Disney World
There are a lot of options to consider when visiting Walt Disney World Resort. In addition to the parks and resort amenities, you have so many other things to do. Options include water parks, various dining venues, golf, tours, horseback riding, fishing, and so much more! You will have so many options that you can visit for years to come and always have something new to do.
Another thing to consider is that Disney World changes all the time. There are closures, openings, refurbishments and announcements that happen nearly every day. It can be a lot to keep up with while trying to plan a magical vacation for your family. As a travel agent specializing in Disney Destinations, I would welcome the opportunity to assist you in booking and planning your vacation. My services are completely free when you let me book your trip.
If you find yourself in need of an agent to help with planning your trip, contact me at agreene@magicalworldvacations.com or submit a FREE Quote Request to get started planning your trip. I love helping Disney vacationers plan magical trips every day!
