Walt Disney World, Florida Guide - What To See & Do

Our illustrated travel guide will take you to Walt Disney World, Florida.

Walt Disney World, located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, near Orlando, is the flagship of Disney's worldwide theme park empire. It is, by far, the most popular theme park resort in the world. Some visitors describe it as a place of magic, wonder, and fantasy; others speak of fun, excitement, and relaxation; and still others complain of crowds, artifice, and unrelenting tackiness. As with most things, the essence of Walt Disney World lies near the intersection of those three views.

The centerpieces of Walt Disney World are the four theme parks: The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom. Walt Disney World also has the world's two most popular water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, both heavily themed. Two shopping and entertainment districts, Downtown Disney and Disney's Boardwalk, provide extensive shopping, dining, and entertainment options. If none of that strikes your fancy, check out some of the lesser-known activities: golf, tennis, boating, race car driving, spas and health clubs, backstage tours, sporting events, character dining, and much more.

Downtown Disney — For more "grown-up" activities, Downtown Disney has shopping, nightclubs, restaurants, and unique entertainment. This is where the most action is after dark.

Simply put, if you can't find something fun to do at Walt Disney World, you just aren't trying hard enough.

Finding Internet access when out and about can be problematic so carry your mobile guidebook in the palm of your hand. We include a fully linked Table of Contents and internally to access context-specific information quickly and easily when offline. Many web links are included as well for additional information.

Contents:

  Welcome To Walt Disney World
  Districts
  Overview
    History
    Read
    Watch
    Climate
    When to visit
      Timing
  Language & Dialect
  Arrivals
    By plane
    By car
    By train
    By bus
  Tickets
  Local Transportation
    By foot
    By bus
    By monorail
    By boat
    By car
      Rent
      Fuel
      Parking
  See and Do
    Theme Parks
      The Magic Kingdom
      Epcot
      Disney's Hollywood Studios
      Disney's Animal Kingdom
    Meet the characters
    Pin trading
    Tours
    Water Parks
    Shopping, dining, and nightlife
    Sporting activities
      Golf
      Watersports
      Other
    Spas and health clubs
  Shopping Highlights
  Dining Guide
    Prices
    Character dining
    Disney Dining Plan
    Advance Dining Reservations
    In-park dining
    Resort dining
  Bars, Clubs & Drinking
  Accommodation Guide
    Disney resorts
      Budget
      Mid-range
      Splurge
    Non-Disney resorts
      Budget
      Splurge
  Communications
    Call
  Safety & Security
    Security
    Ride safety
    Animal safety
    Assistance
    Weather
  Local Help
    Child care
  Local & Day Trips
    To Orlando...
    ...and beyond
  See also