Seize your Mouse Ears, sunscreen, and a pair of cozy shoes-you’re headed for Orlando!
Orlando is the preferred trip vacation spot on the earth. Yearly, tens of thousands and thousands of individuals arrive by airplane, automotive, and prepare to hit the theme parks, eating places, and plenty of different points of interest of this once-rural Florida metropolis. With a lot to do and so some ways to do it, it may be straightforward for you-and your wallet-to get overwhelmed. However don’t fret! We’re right here to assist.
This Disney World Financial savings article is the right method to decrease issues and maximize enjoyable. Inside, you will discover nice tips about lots of the high locations, plus useful details about the Orlando space. From theme parks to procuring, that is your supply for trip data for the entire household.
Disclaimer: Orlando is a constantly-changing, dynamic vacation spot. Sights, eating places, rides, and extra shut and open all year long, generally with little to no discover. This journey information was correct on the time of publication and could also be topic to updates all year long. When you have any questions or considerations about any data on this information, please be happy to e mail us or name the theme parks straight.
The Walt Disney World® Resort
It is likely one of the hottest vacationer locations on the earth, visited by thousands and thousands yearly. What was as soon as a swampy patch of Florida soil is now the Walt Disney World Resort (WDW)-a large trip and leisure wonderland with 4 principal theme parks, two water parks, 23 motels, seven golf programs (5 championship and two mini), a racetrack, sports activities complicated, ten marinas, greater than 140 locations to eat, and extra.
It is easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of stuff that WDW presents. Let’s take the resort one world at a time so you possibly can plan your journey, your manner.
The Magic Kingdom®
You stroll via the gates and there it’s, just like the opening scene of your very personal fairy tale-a stunning fort on the finish of a picturesque village avenue. Welcome to Most important Road USA, the start of your Magic Kingdom (MK) expertise.
Most important Road USA is the place all of it begins, an ideal shop- and restaurant-lined thoroughfare that leads you to the 5 worlds past. Alongside the Road, you can find pleasant retailers that includes all of the Disney merchandise you possibly can deal with, plus some specialty gadgets like hand-blown glass ornaments (with working artisans who you possibly can watch). Visitor Providers can also be on Most important Road; bear in mind to cease there for eating reservations (all the time a good suggestion) and knowledge on points of interest which may be down for upkeep, parade occasions, particular occasions, and the rest you may want. That is additionally the place for stroller and wheelchair rental.
Whereas Most important Road USA is primarily considered the gateway to the “actual” points of interest, there are some nice issues to do right here as nicely, particularly for these occasions if you want a break from the crowds and the warmth. Listed here are our Most important Picks for Most important Road:
Get a haircut! No, seriously-for just below $20, you possibly can say you bought your haircut at an actual, old style Barber Store. You’ll be able to even embody some “magical” touches, like highlights.
Ship a postcard! Cease by Metropolis Corridor and mail a postcard to the parents again dwelling. Will probably be stamped as coming from The Magic Kingdom; mail it to your self for a cheap memento.
Seize your ears! The Le Chapeau store is the most effective place to get these iconic ears. Now you possibly can customise the design and construct your individual hat, so everybody can have their very own private set.
Journey the rails! It is a nice method to calm down. Use the Walt Disney World Railroad to wind your manner across the park or make a journey to Frontierland. It is a notably nice method to finish the day, particularly if you happen to can time it for sundown.
Most important Road USA can also be the place for parades. Verify with visitor providers for parade occasions and kinds; they will change all year long and for particular occasions. Keep in mind that the most effective viewing spots get taken early, so stake your concrete declare and use the time to calm down.
Past Most important Road USA, 5 extra worlds await: Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Sq., and Tomorrowland. Every world has its personal points of interest, eating places, and retailers; let’s take them separately so you possibly can plan your stops.
Adventureland: Pirates and jungle adventures are the order of the day! Explorers and swashbucklers of all ages come right here for unique leisure, together with avenue performers and the pirate coaching camp (ask a forged member the place the subsequent “class” shall be). This is what you should not miss:
Pirates of the Caribbean
The Enchanted Tiki Room
Jungle Cruise
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Frontierland: This Previous West land is the place it would be best to seize your first FASTPASS tickets-send one member of your social gathering over as quickly as you arrive and get your reservation for both Large Thunder Mountain Railroad or Splash Mountain. If it is getting close to lunchtime, hit Peco Invoice’s for cheap (for a theme park) burgers. Then saddle up for these must-do’s:
Large Thunder Mountain Railroad
Splash Mountain
Nation Bear Jamboree
Liberty Sq.: This is likely one of the smaller lands however it’s additionally some of the cherished. There are solely three points of interest right here, and each one among them is a particular do:
Haunted Mansion
The Corridor of Presidents
Liberty Sq. Riverboat
Fantasyland: Presently present process a large growth that can double its measurement, loads of Fantasyland remains to be open for enjoyable and extra will debut all year long. Your entire place is because of be prepared by 2014, so do not be shocked by all of the partitions and scaffolding you might even see till then.
Households with youthful youngsters will discover themselves spending numerous time right here, however older guests can nonetheless discover lots to like. For a lot of guests, this land is the very essence of the Magic Kingdom; listed here are a couple of the explanation why.
Mad Tea Occasion
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
It is A Small World
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Below The Sea:Journey of the Little Mermaid
Ariel’s Grotto
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Tomorrowland: It is a nostalgic take a look at what we as soon as thought the long run would appear to be, with nice rides and a really enjoyable environment.
Sew’s Nice Escape!
Buzz Lightyear’s Area Ranger Spin
Area Mountain
What a Character!
All through the whole WDW Resort are loads of possibilities to satisfy and greet your favourite
Disney characters. Whereas there are reservations-only locations for assured
conferences – comparable to character meals – there are additionally areas all through
the resort the place you possibly can stand on line to shake fingers or get a photograph. For instance, MK has
a number of particular areas arrange for character greetings, together with Metropolis Corridor at
City Sq., the Adventureland Congoasis, and Ariel’s Grotto.
Characters are additionally know to make appearances close to the rides related to
them, in addition to different locations all through the park. Verify with Visitor Providers to
discover out when and the place your favorites shall be assembly and greeting.
EPCOT®
Experimental Prototype Group Of Tomorrow-it was Walt’s dream metropolis, however it opened as an alternative because the theme park generally known as EPCOT. If you’d like your trip to incorporate rides, know-how, world cultures, and avenue performers, you’ve got come to the best place.
Whereas MK is heaven for little ones, EPCOT is right for older youngsters and adults, particularly tech-savvy teenagers and ‘tweens. This park can also be recognized for having among the finest meals on Disney property, together with among the hardest reservations to nab-if you are heading over throughout a high-capacity time of 12 months, plan accordingly by calling 1-407-WDW-DINE
EPCOT is break up into two areas: Future World and the World Showcase.
Future World: That is the place for a lot of the rides, interactive reveals, and constantly-changing know-how. Issues are good and arranged right here, so it is easy to see every part in in the future. However if you wish to know simply the must-do’s, we have got the record for you.
Spaceship Earth
Soarin’
Take a look at Observe
Mission: SPACE
Journey Into Creativeness with Figment
Residing with the Land
World Showcase: That is the place for tradition, reveals, meals, and some rides. The World Showcase is a method to see among the most well-known locations on the earth and not using a passport.
Every nation – or pavilion – options meals, items, and forged members from the nation itself. Reveals and flicks spherical out the expertise. The everlasting World Showcase Pavilions are Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, American Journey, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom, and Canada. Mexico and Norway each function boat rides – Gran Fiesta Tour that includes The Three Cabelleros and Maelstrom.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
It is time for the magic of the flicks, Mouse-style. Disney’s Hollywood Studios (DHS) is the WDW tribute to “the Hollywood that by no means was, and all the time shall be.” that is the place for film faves, television greats, and three of the most effective thrill rides wherever. DHS can also be the place you can find a lot of the newer Disney characters, together with monsters inc and each new and traditional muppets.
DHS is a well-organized, compact park, which makes it straightforward to do in a single nice day. If you end up with time to spare, although, you should definitely see as many reveals as potential; DHS is understood for among the finest. and you should definitely keep late for Fantasmic! It is thought-about the most effective of the nighttime reveals, and it is the one common park occasion that options the disney villains. Seize seats early, it doesn’t matter what time of 12 months, or take pleasure in dinners and a present by making reservations for the Fantasmic! Bundle at both The Hollywood Brown Derby, Mama Mellrose’s Ristorante Italiano, or Hollywood & Vine.
Right here is your record of absolute musts for DHS:
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Aerosmith Rock n curler coaster
The Nice film journey
Toy story mania
Indiana jones stunt spectacular present
Muppet imaginative and prescient 3D
Star excursions
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park
Animal Kingdom (AK) stands out as the youngest of the WDW parks, however it’s recognition is true up there with its sibling amusements. This “Natazu” (say it out loud and you will get it) options stay animals, good meals, nice rides, and a few really beautiful architectural touches, even by Disney requirements.
AK is split into lands (like MK). Some are based mostly on world areas, with theming and animals native to the area, and others are extra imaginative. This is the rundown of what is the place
Oasis: Many individuals make the error of speeding via this entry level; do not be one among them. Take your time and see miniature deer, sloths, macaws, iguanas, and extra.
Discovery Island: the park’s heart is dominated by creative surprise The Tree of Life. The Tree stands 14 tales tall, is 50 ft large, and has a carved “bark” tapestry that includes 325 completely different animal likenesses. Wildlife trails encompass the tree as nicely, with viewing areas for lemurs, flamingos, purple kangaroos, and large Galapagos tortoises. Contained in the tree is a theatre the place you possibly can expertise It is Robust To Be A Bug, a creepy crawly interactive film show-it’s a park fave!
Camp Minnie Mickey: take the little ones right here for small-size enjoyable and most of AK’s character meet and greets. That is additionally the house for The Pageant of the Lion King present, which impressed the award-winning Broadway musical.
Africa: welcome to Harambe, a good looking African village that’s your path to Kilimanjaro Safari and a journey via African animal territory. When you descend out of your safari car, you exit to the Paganini Forest Exploration Path for a take a look at lowland gorillas, together with a powerful 500-lb silverback male and his household. Take your time via these trails-this is likely one of the few locations on the earth the place you possibly can observe these wonderful primates. After, take the little ones to Rafiki’s Planet Watch after, as a reward for his or her patience-they’ll love the Affection Part petting zoo.
Asia: You have found the dominion of Anandapur, which implies “place of enjoyment.” The Imagineers did a tremendous job of making the sensation of a crumbling, archeological surprise, so you should definitely preserve a watch open for intricate particulars. In fact, that could be arduous to do since your complete social gathering shall be operating to get to Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, Disney’s latest thrill journey. FASTPASS it for sure-this coaster is value your total go to. On a sizzling day, head subsequent to Kali River Rapids, the place the churning waters assure a soaking good time for all. Extra up-close animal viewing could be had at Maharajah Jungle Trek, together with Bengal Tigers.
Dinoland U.S.A.: It may not be the most effective dinosaur attraction on the earth, however it’s nonetheless good Disney enjoyable. The Boneyard is a spot for teenagers to dig, climb and slide whereas dad and mom get a while to take a seat and watch. Then take the entire household to Dinosaur, a enjoyable, fast-paced race towards time. Lastly, seize a seat for Discovering Nemo-The Musical. This beautiful, visually-stunning reimagining of the favored movie is taken into account THE must-see present of the whole Walt Disney World Resort.
Our Ideas for the WDW Parks
FASTPASS: It is like making a reservation in your favourite WDW attraction. Simply insert your admission ticket, annual cross, or resort ID, and the machine prints out a cross with the time it is best to return to the journey. You’ll be able to’t select your time, and you may solely have one lively FASTPASS at a time, however that does not matter — on a busy day, it could possibly prevent hours of ready on strains.
A FASTPASS Tip: If you happen to miss your scheduled time, don’t fret. Your FASTPASS is nice for any time after the time in your ticket.
Journey whereas different company are busy: Mealtimes, parades, and fireworks typically take folks away from the key points of interest. Journey whereas everybody else is distracted and you might expertise far shorter wait occasions.
Do not rebuy-refill! WDW has water fountains all through the park. Carry your individual water bottles (the park permits them) and refill all through the day.
Snack to avoid wasting time: Snack stands supply fast, gentle choices for meals on the go-remember {that a} heavy meal is more likely to sluggish you down, particularly in sizzling climate.
The WDW Water Parks
Blizzard Seashore
Welcome to the 66-acre ski resort of Mount Gushmore! Blizzard Seashore includes a white sand seaside and a tropical lagoon. That is the youngest of the Disney water parks, however it’s additionally the preferred; in reality, it is the preferred water park within the nation. It is received nice rides for all ages, from thrills and pace to lazy and enjoyable. Listed here are a couple of highlights:
Cross Nation Creek
Soften Away Bay
Tike’s Peak
Teamboat Springs
Summit Plummet
Hurricane Lagoon
Barely smaller and a bit extra relaxed in each theme and thrills than Blizzard Seashore, Hurricane Lagoon is WDW’s second water park. Crowds are typically a bit smaller right here, since it’s the older of the 2 parks, however you possibly can nonetheless anticipate lengthy waits and crowded swimming pools throughout excessive attendance occasions of 12 months. Hurricane Lagoon’s waters are stored at a heat – however nonetheless refreshing – 75-80º F all 12 months spherical, making this a water park of alternative even in Orlando’s brief winter.
The story of Hurricane Lagoon facilities round Miss Tilly, a shrimp boat that ended up caught atop volcano Mount Mayday after “the storm of storms.” On the half hour, Miss Tilly nonetheless blows her whistle, as Mount Mayday tries to dislodge the ship by sending a geyser of water straight via her and up into the air.
Probably the most well-known attraction at Hurricane Lagoon might be the Shark Reef. Right here, you possibly can snorkel and even scuba with stay sharks (leopards and bonnetheads), in addition to stingrays and various tropical fish. These guests not fairly courageous sufficient to get within the water (the sharks will not be harmful!) can view the fish by way of the portholes of a “sunken tanker.”
There are 9 waterslides as nicely, operating the gamut from thrills to pure laziness. This is the rundown on among the favorites:
Castaway Creek
Crush ‘n’ Gusher
Gang Plank Falls
Humunga Kowabunga
Surf Pool
Sports activities, Purchasing, and Extra
Disney’s Broad World of Sports activities® Advanced
That is Disney’s homage to sports activities and the individuals who each play and love them. It is a 220-acre megacomplex with a baseball stadium, ten baseball and softball fields, six basketball courts, 12 tennis courts (absolutely lighted), six volleyball courts (sand, in fact), a observe and discipline complicated, driving vary for golfers, and even two indoor curler hockey rinks. The multisport auxiliary Josten Middle presents one other six basketball courts, 12 extra volleyball courts, and two extra curler hockey rinks.
Sports activities followers ought to know that massive names typically make appearances right here, too. The Atlanta Braves come for Spring Coaching each March, and the NBA, PGA, NCAA, and Harlem Globetrotters all host occasions and video games right here. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers additionally use the Sports activities Advanced as their coaching camp in July and August.
Name 407-WDW-GAME for extra data, together with a calendar of occasions and in addition ticket data.
DisneyQuest
This interactive, indoor theme park is the right alternative for the tech- heads in your group or for the entire household on a wet day. It options 5 ranges of cutting-edge video games, the place digital actuality meets journey, all with a contact of that particular Disney pixie mud. Teenagers will LOVE it, however there’s something for everybody. Do not miss digital variations of common MK rides, together with Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold, Digital Jungle Cruise, CyberSpace Mountain, and Aladdin’s Magic Carpets.
CyberSpace Mountain is a specific fave, the place Invoice Nye the Science Man helps you create the coaster after which allows you to journey it-it’s really a personalized journey expertise. Artistically-inclined company ought to take a look at Animation Station for a crash-course in Disney-style animation. Get right here at opening for probably the most motion with least wait-afternoons and evenings right here can turn into unbearably crowded.
Golf Disney
WDW options 99 whole holes of golf, unfold over six programs. There are additionally two mini-golf complexes, competing with related websites throughout Orlando. Whereas massive golfers in your social gathering may need to plan massive outings with their buddies (tee occasions could be booked 60-90 days upfront), Oak Path is the most effective place to get in a fast 9 holes. It is a pretty and quiet strolling course appropriate for newbies, skilled linksmen, and even households. There are some nice challenges, notably at holes 5, 6, and seven. Different programs and mini-golf embody:
Magnolia
Palm
Osprey Ridge
Lake Buena Vista
Fantasia Gardens (mini)
Fantasia Fairways (mini)
Winter Summerland (two mini programs: Winter and Summer time)
And bear in mind, spikeless golf footwear solely! Sneakers or related athletic footwear are additionally permitted.
Downtown Disney
If procuring, eating, and a state-of-the-art multiplex are a part of your dream trip, that is the place you will need to spend a while. It is break up into three areas: West Aspect, Pleasure Island (quickly to be Hyperion Wharf), and The Market.
West Aspect has DisneyQuest and wonderful eating experiences, comparable to Bongos Cuban Café, the Home of Blues, Wolfgang Puck’s, and Planet Hollywood. There’s a 24-screen AMC movie show, that includes all of your first-run wants in a good looking artwork deco setting. West Aspect additionally options Cirque du Solei La Nouba, a Disney-exclusive present by the world-famous avant-garde troupe. Purchase tickets early if you wish to see the present – its recognition is almost unequalled. And new for 2013 is Splitsville, a two-floor, 30 lane bowling and leisure complicated that includes stay music and nice eating.
Pleasure Island was as soon as the over-18 heart of Downtown Disney, with golf equipment and eating places catering to an all-adult crowd. That led to 2008, and the world has been partially unused since. However issues are altering! Disney introduced plans in late 2010 to rework Pleasure Island right into a brand-new procuring and eating space, Hyperion Wharf. Building is predicted to take three years; some retailers and eating places will stay open throughout the lengthy renovation, together with Raglan Highway Irish Pub & Bar, Fuego by Sosa Cigars, Paradiso 37, and Orlando Harley-Davidson.
Disney Market has nice eating places, too, notably Fulton’s Crab Home for succulent seafood on a good looking riverboat. Captain Jack’s (no connection to the Johnny Depp character) is the place for oysters and chilly beer, in an informal waterfront restaurant that additionally has an ideal childrens menu. Children may also love the Rainforest Café, the place there are sometimes stay animals (principally parrots) on show outdoors. Market can also be dwelling to the World of Disney. No journey is full and not using a go to right here, although dad and mom making an attempt to stay to a finances may need to corral the children as soon as they get via the door!
Getting Round The Mouse: Transportation on the Walt Disney World® Resort
Monorail: The Walt Disney Monorail system has been in place because the park opened in 1971. It initially ran across the circumference of the Seven Seas Lagoon however was expanded in 1982 to supply monorail transport to EPCOT. If you’re staying in one of many Magic Kingdom motels
– The Modern, The Polynesian, or The Grand Floridian – the monorail goes proper via your resort. Everybody else picks up the monorail at both the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, or the Transportation and Ticket Middle, generally known as the TTC.
The TTC is the central level for Disney transportation. Along with monorails, the TTC can also be the place you’ll find Disney (and different space resort) resort buses, ferry boats, water taxis, and a large parking zone for automobiles, taxis, and buses.
Buses: Disney resort buses run to all of the Disney motels, the principle parks, water parks, Downtown Disney, and the Broad World of Sports activities. There are dozens of buses for every location, however the routes will not be all the time probably the most direct. Additionally, the buses could be extraordinarily crowded at peak intervals, comparable to opening, closing, and meal occasions. Concentrate on time – in case you are in a rush to get someplace, the buses is probably not the best choice.
Parking: Whereas the monorails, ferry boats, water taxis, and Disney buses are complimentary, if you happen to want to make use of your individual automotive, the every day parking charge is $14 for automobiles and bikes, and $15 for trailers and campers. Your parking cross is nice for the whole day, irrespective of how typically you progress your automotive. Disney Resort Lodge Friends and Annual Cross Holders would not have to pay for parking wherever within the Walt Disney complicated. It’s all the time complimentary.
Enjoyable for all ages
WDW attracts company of very ages, from households with younger youngsters to retirees and spring breakers. Everybody has their very own favorites, however if you happen to’re on the lookout for some planning assist, listed here are our picks for the most effective choices for the most typical age teams: Children, Teenagers and Adults.
Please notice the next abbreviations for every park:
MK = Magic Kingdom® Park
EP = Epcot®
DHS = Disney’s Hollywood Studios™
AP = Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park
Greatest for Youthful Children
Sights: Voyage of the Little Mermaid (DHS), Monsters Inc Snort Ground (MK), Discovering Nemo: The Musical (AK), Buzz Lightyear (MK)
Eats: 50 Prime Time Café (DHS), Cosmic Ray’s (MK), Coral Reef Restaurant (EP), Toy Story Pizza Planet (DHS)
Greatest for Teenagers
Sights: Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular (DHS), Philharmagic (MK), Phantasmic (DHS), Rock n Curler Coaster (DHS), Haunted Mansion (MK), Area Mountain (MK), Splash Mountain (MK), Mission: Area (EP), Expedition Everest (AK)
Eating places: Pecos Payments (MK), Through Napoli (EP), Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater (DHS)
Greatest for Adults
Sights: Muppet Imaginative and prescient 3-D (DHS), Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (DHS), Take a look at Observe (EP), Soarin’ (EP)
Eating places: Victoria and Albert’s (Grand Floridian Resort), California Grill (Modern Resort), Narcoosees (Grand Floridian Resort), Cooks du France (EP), Jiko (AK Lodge), Rose and Crown (EP), Le Cellier (EP)
We sincerely hoped you loved studying our information to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Have an ideal journey!
