Situated in Orlando, central Florida, Disney World Resort really justifies the word "world" in its title. With 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, a large entertainment and shopping complex, a sports complex and multiple resort hotels, there really is a lot to consider when booking your Disney World vacation.
Sitting on 25,000 acres of sun kissed florida landscape, it really isn't difficult to feel overwhelmed by the sheer size of the place. Disney world is so huge it has its own transportation system including monerails, busses, boats and now a skyliner system that links a handful of resorts to the parks making it even easier to get around.
Let's start with the parks:
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom really lives up to its title. From the very start of your journey into Magic Kingdom you feel excitement growing as see Cinderella's castle gleaming in the distance. Quite possibly one of the most iconic symbols, with it being shown at the beginning of every Disney film in recent memory.
As you enter the park through the magic scanning machines you will be greeted by friendly cast members (Disney's name for staff members). Entering in to main street USA, you are instantly transported into a land of fun and wonder with daily street parades, fireworks, performers and that infectious music pumped through the speaker to make it feel even more special. Yes you have only walked through the front gate!
Magic Kingdom contains some of the most iconic rides in Disney, including Splash mountain, Space mountain and pirates of the caribbean (3 of my personal favs). There really a lot of attractions to enjoy. You will need to build in a few days in your plans to really take it all in.
Staying late? Don't miss the fireworks spectacular Happily Ever After. You will not witness a more majestic fireworks and projection display on earth. They really go all out on this, trust me! The display includes incredible projections onto the castle of all your favourite Disney movies accompanied by music and incredible themed fireworks. The show happen every evening and is a magical way to end your day. Its epic!
One of the best highlights of my last Disney Vacation was Dining at Cinderella's Royal Table. The restaurant is situated inside the castle! Once seated you will be Dining with all your favourite (or kids favourite) Disney Princesses. Although it's pretty pricey, this is one experience you will never forget.
Magic Kingdom is split into 6 lands. Main Street USA (as mentioned) Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Each Land perfectly themed. For me Magic Kingdom is the most iconic park in the world. A truly magical place which will capture your imagination.
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios, formally known as MGM studios, is situated south of Magic Kingdom, close to Epcot.
Hollywood studios really is the place to be at the moment with the arrival of Star Wars Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land added to the park within the last couple of years.
The park itself is not as big as Magic Kingdom, however, it really does packs a punch!
The park now contains some of the most sort after rides in Disney including Slinky Dog Dash in Toy Story Land and Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run and Rise of the Resistance in Star Wars Galaxy's Edge. Not to mention some of the classic rides such as the iconic Tower of Terror and Rock n Roller Coaster.
Hollywood Studios also includes some incredible shows including Fantasmic, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and Beauty and the Beast Live on stage. Also, If you have small children who are obsessed with Disney Junior (like mine) they also have a Disney Junior dance party where you and the little ones can dance and meet with all your kids favourite characters from the channel.
Walking down the immersive sunset boulevard you feel like you are transported back in time to a 1950s movie set. You will be interrupted by noisy directors shouting ACTON! whilst they direct a movie in the middle of the street as you walk towards the iconic Hollywood Tower Hotel in the distance.
Walking through Toy Story Land you will see Woody, Buzz and the gang as disney transport you down to the size of a toy. Seeing Andy's toy soldiers marching through the crowds signing "I don't know what i've been told" you really feel like you are in the movie. A must see.
Star Wars Galaxy's Edge takes you to the remote outpost of Batuu where you will experience life on this busy outpost at the edge of the galaxy. Be sure to keep your wits about you as the supreme leader, Kylo Ren and his army of stormtroopers patrol the streets in search of the resistance. Being fully immersed is what Disney do best and they have not cut any corners with Batuu. Get yourself a drink at Orga's Cantineer or build your own lightsaber in Savi's workshop. You can even drink blue and yellow milk! Be sure to check it out.
And last but not least Mickey and Minnie's Run away railway is set to open on the 4th March 2020 to add even more to your hollywood studio experience.
EPCOT
Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, or EPCOT for short, is a large picturesque park split into two sections, Future World and World Showcase. As you enter the park you will be welcomed by Spaceship Earth (or the huge golf ball to you and me) This is the main symbol of EPCOT and another iconic structure to get a selfie with. Inside Spaceship earth is an attraction that will take you back in time to the dawn of humanity all the way through to the future.
EPCOT possesses some of the most beautifully kept gardens in disney which maintains its charm. You really get a feel that EPCOT is a celebration of Science, Humanity and different cultures. Take a walk around World showcase where you can experience a snapshot of these different culture. Drink champagne in France, have a pint in the rose and crown pub in the UK, experience oktoberfest in Germany and much more. You can also meet your favourite Disney princesses pinpointed around world showcase within their respective environments. Meet Princess Aurora in the France pavilion, Meet Alice in the UK pavilion and Anna and Elsa in the Norwegian Pavilion, where you can also ride the insanely popular Frozen Ever After ride. Other rides to mention: Test Track where you can build your own car and race it around a circuit at top speed. Soarin where you fly across the planet taking in some incredible views of some of the planets most famous landmarks and Mission Space which gives you an extraordinary experience of what it feels like to be fired into space in this epic simulator ride. A new Restaurant named Space 220 is also coming to EPCOT (Scheduled to open Winter 2020). This restaurant offers a fully immersive experience where you feel like you are dining amongst the stars. Guests will board an elevator that will “rocket them” into orbit as they travel to the Centauri Space Station hovering above the Earth. Diners will see daytime and nighttime views of Earth as they’re surrounded by a full panoramic view of space! With other great places to eat such as Coral Reef where you can dine under the sea and Le Cellier in the Canada Pavilion which serve up some of the best steaks in Disney property, you are spoilt for choice in EPCOT.
Animal Kingdom
Disney's Worlds 4th park, Animal Kingdom takes you into the heart of nature and beyond. The park is made up of 5 main lands. Africa, Asia, Dinoland USA, Discovery Island and Pandora World of Avatar. Journey to Africa where you can go on a Safari. See Lions, Giraffes, Rhinos, Elephants and more. Explore Asia where you race through the himalayas in search of the mythical Bigfoot in Expedition Everest. Journey back 60 million years ago when dinosaurs roamed earth as you countdown to extinction in DINOSAUR. And the icing on the cake: (in my opinion) Pandora, World of Avatar. This place is off the charts. The amount of detail that has been taken to build this place is unreal. It really does feel like you are being transported thousand of lightyears away onto another planet filled with alien wildlife, glowing plants and floating mountains. To get the full experience (personal opinion) visit when the sun goes down. The planet will transform into a bioluminescent wonderland. everything glows. even the floor! The 2 main attractions include Flight of Passage and Na'vi River Journey.
Flight of passage has to be my favourite attraction at disney. This ride simulates flying on the back of a Banshee (If you have seen the film its those flying dragon looking things) around some of Pandora's amazing scenery. This fully immersive 4D experience will blow your mind!
Animal Kingdom also features some great eating places such as Tiffins, a signature table service restaurant that offers international cuisine inspired by exploration and adventure. And Rainforest Cafe where you can dine in the middle of a tropical rainforest with animatronic animals and jungle noises all around.
Animal Kingdom also has great live shows such as the Festival of the Lion King and Rivers of Light: We Are One. They also include dining packages to enhance your experience.
Now for the water parks.
There are two water parks at Disney World Resort, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach and as you would probably expect by now, they are both extremely well themed. To me the water parks can be a great way to relax in between park days. They can help to recharge the batteries but there is also many thing to do within the water parks, it still feels like you are getting maximum enjoyment from your vacation. It is also a great way to cool down and escape the heat.
Typhoon Lagoon
The theme of Typhoon Lagoon is the "Disney legend" of a typhoon that wreaked havoc upon a formerly pristine tropical paradise. Ships, fishing gear, and surfboards are strewn about where the storm flung them. Its centerpiece is "Miss Tilly," a shrimp boat impaled upon a mountain named "Mount Mayday" that erupts a 50-foot geyser of water every half hour. Typhoon Lagoon possesses one of the biggest wave pools in any water park, with many attractions to ride including the brilliant Crush n Gusher (a water coaster) and Miss Adventure Falls.
There are Quick service eating points and a gift shop to buy that all important merch. With endless tranquil areas to just simply relax and top up your tan, Typhoon Lagoon is a great place.
Blizzard Beach
Themed around the great snow storm of 1977, according to "Disney Legend", Blizzard Beach was formed as the first ever floridian ski resort. Unfortunately, due to the relentless Florida sun, the snow didn't last too long and what now remains is a water logged landscape with ski slopes and a peak named Mount Gushmore. Like Typhoon Lagoon this water park has some great attractions, Including Summit Plummet, the flagship attraction (a 120ft drop!) and Downhill Double Dipper (one of the world's only side-by-side racing tube slides). You can find quick services dining and ample areas to relax. I also really enjoyed the lazy river too. Blizzard beach also has a gift shop.
Depending on the length of your Disney Vacation, It's great to check both of these amazing water park out, but if you can only choose one then any one are worth a visit.
ESPN World of Sports
if sport is your thing then a visit to ESPN World of Sports will be on your to-do list. ESPN features over 60 sports and includes 9 venues and hosts numerous amateur and professional sporting events throughout the year. It also contains ESPN Wide Wold of Sports Grill where you can watch the game and a beer whilst eating some good old american cuisine. If you love sport then this place is worth a visit.
Shopping and entertainment.
one of the great misconceptions of Disney World is that its just for Kids. Wrong! As we are all big kids at heart there is always a special place for the parks and all the magic that comes with it however if that isn't entirely your thing then don't worry, Disney has a lot more to offer.
Disney Springs
Formerly known as Downtown Disney, Now Disney springs, This newly renovated shopping, dining and entertainment complex has it all. There are over 50 dining locations to choose from with cuisine from all around the world. If you have a Disney Dining plan then most restaurants are covered. If you have a Quick service plan then there are so many options to choose from. Honorable mention to D-Luxe Burger and Chicken Guy (Quick Service. If you just fancy a drink then check out the nightlife at Disney Springs with great places such as House of Blues where you can drink Southern cocktails whilst talking in some live music, or maybe check out Raglan Road, and irish themed restaurant and bar with live Irish music. The list is endless.
Disney springs also hosts cirque du soleil shows on select dates so be sure to check this out.
If you want to catch a movie and some food then head to AMC DINE in cinema.
We all love a bit of retail therapy right? Disney Springs has that covered too with many of your favourite brand outlets such as Under Armour, Levis, Lacoste, UNIQLO and many more. Not to mention one of the biggest Disney Stores in the world, World of Disney. You need Disney merch? They will sell it!
Fancy an aerial view of Disney World? Take a trip on the Aerophile, an 8 minute balloon ride above Disney Springs, in the world largest hand-painted helium balloon. This is another great experience to tick off the list for sure.
Getting to Disney springs is easy. If you are staying on resort then catch the bus from your resort bus stop. Another great way is to catch a boat. Some resorts offer a boat service, such as Port Orleans Riverside & French Quarter, Old Key west and Saratoga Springs. This is a fun and unique way to travel to Disney Springs. If you are driving then parking is really easy too with thousands of spaces.
The Resorts and Hotels
Disney world has more resorts hotels then you can shake a stick at. There is so much choice on where to stay you can really work with your budget to get the best place for your vacation. Split into 4 categories in lowest cost order, Value, Moderate, Deluxe and Deluxe Villas each category has everything covered to insure you have the best vacation.
Value Resorts
For people who want to keep the cost low, choose a value resort. Usually a typical cost per week would be between £1000-£2000 for a family of 4 but can be cheaper on selected dates. The resort rooms are around 260 Sq Ft with two full size beds and contain a shower, toilet and a changing area outside the bathroom with sink. There are at least 2 swimming pools in each value resort with a main pool and a quite pool. There are Playgrounds for the kids. Within the lobby area there are gift shops and arcades however value resorts do not have a table service restaurant. A list of value resorts:
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Disney's Pop Century Resort
Disney's All Star Music Resort
Disney's All Star Music Resort
Moderate Resorts
Moderate resorts are, as you could have guessed, an upgrade on the value resorts. They have bigger rooms and more facilities within the resort. Rooms are roughly 300 Sq Ft and can sleep up to 5 people comfortably. Rooms have the usual amenities such as a shower, Toilet and bathroom area with a double sink depending on the resort. Some Moderates such as Port Orleans and Caribbean Beach offer themed rooms which add a little more magic to your stay. There are usually a main pool and a quiet pool with a Table Service Restaurant (With the exception of PO French Quarter which does not have a table service restaurant but is attached to riverside which does), Quick service halls or stands, Arcades and Bar areas. If you can stretch your budget a little more i would definitely recommend stopping in a moderate with a typical week stay for a family of 4 costing between £1500 - £5000 Depending on the month of stay: A list of moderate resorts are:
Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort
Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort (linked to Riverside by foot path)
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort Cabins
Deluxe Resorts
Deluxe resorts are the top of the chain when it comes to Disney resorts. The offer bigger rooms (around 350-450 SQ Ft depending on resort) with more amenities. Usually Deluxe resorts are closer to the action with The polynesian resort, The Grand Floridian and The contemporary resorts all on the monorail line connected to Magic Kingdom. They offer some of the best Table service restaurants on resort with restaurants such as California Grill at the top of the Contemporary Resort, Ohanas in the Polynesian resort and Story Book Dining with Snow White Artist Point at Fort Wilderness Lodge . All Deluxe resorts offer the same as a moderate and more. As you have probably guessed a Deluxe resort is at the top end of any budget with rooms costing between £3000-£12000 for a weeks stay. Most resorts also offer Suites which can cost an eye watering £15000-£25000 for large families. However on quieter months its not uncommon that you can pick up a deluxe resort room for less than 2k (usually within school term though) A list of Deluxe resorts are:
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Beach Club Resort
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney's Yacht Club Resort
Disney's Boardwalk Inn
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Dolphin Resort at Walt Disney (not operated by Disney)
Swan at Walt Disney World (Not operated by Disney)
Shades of Green at Walt Disney World (not operated by Disney)
Deluxe Villas
Large family or group? A deluxe villa could be an option for you. Deluxe villas range from Studio rooms to 1,2,3 bedroom villas and are usually situated within a deluxe resort with the exception of Old Key West and Saratoga Springs. Villas include self serviced facilities such as a kitchen area where you can cook your own foods, a living area and a balcony in most. As the majority of villas are situated within a Deluxe resort, you will still have access to the facilities within. Most Villas are part of the Disney Vacation Club program (a sort of timeshare Scheme) so all accommodation is designed to be a home away from home feel.
A list of Deluxe Villas are:
Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Disney's Beach Club Resort Villas
Disney's Old Key West Resort
Disney's Boardwalk Villas
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney's Boulder Ridge Villas
Treehouse Villas at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort
Disney's Riviera Resort
Summary
Well there you have it. I hope this gave you small insight into what this truly magical place has to offer. I hope release regular blogs in the future with an aim to pass down my experiences in the hope that it enhances your Disney World vacation. After all Disney is not the cheapest place to visit however with the right knowledge and plan in place you can enhance your stay at the most magical place on earth.
Thanks for reading
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