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 planet. Yearly, tens of hundreds of thousands of individuals arrive by aircraft, automotive, and practice to hit the theme parks, eating places, and lots 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 simple 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 proper method to decrease issues and maximize enjoyable. Inside, you will discover nice tips about most of the prime locations, plus useful details about the Orlando space. From theme parks to buying, that is your supply for trip info 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, typically 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 issues about any info on this information, please be happy to e-mail us or name the theme parks straight.
The Walt Disney World® Resort
It is among the hottest vacationer locations on the planet, visited by hundreds of thousands yearly. What was as soon as a swampy patch of Florida soil is now the Walt Disney World Resort (WDW)-a huge trip and leisure wonderland with 4 fundamental theme parks, two water parks, 23 inns, 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 provides. Let’s take the resort one world at a time so you may plan your journey, your approach.
The Magic Kingdom®
You stroll by way of the gates and there it’s, just like the opening scene of your very personal fairy tale-a lovely citadel on the finish of a picturesque village avenue. Welcome to Principal Avenue USA, the start of your Magic Kingdom (MK) expertise.
Principal Avenue 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 Avenue, you’ll discover pleasant retailers that includes all of the Disney merchandise you may deal with, plus some specialty objects like hand-blown glass ornaments (with working artisans who you may watch). Visitor Providers can also be on Principal Avenue; keep in mind to cease there for eating reservations (at all times a good suggestion) and data on points of interest which may be down for upkeep, parade instances, particular occasions, and anything you would possibly want. That is additionally the place for stroller and wheelchair rental.
Whereas Principal Avenue USA is primarily regarded as the gateway to the “actual” points of interest, there are some nice issues to do right here as effectively, particularly for these instances if you want a break from the crowds and the warmth. Listed below are our Principal Picks for Principal Avenue:
Get a haircut! No, seriously-for slightly below $20, you may say you bought your haircut at an actual, old school Barber Store. You’ll be able to even embrace some “magical” touches, like highlights.
Ship a postcard! Cease by Metropolis Corridor and mail a postcard to the parents again residence. It will likely be stamped as coming from The Magic Kingdom; mail it to your self for a reasonable memento.
Seize your ears! The Le Chapeau store is the very best place to get these iconic ears. Now you may customise the design and construct your individual hat, so everybody can have their very own private set.
Journey the rails! This can be a nice method to loosen up. Use the Walt Disney World Railroad to wind your approach across the park or make a journey to Frontierland. It is a notably nice method to finish the day, particularly in case you can time it for sundown.
Principal Avenue USA can also be the place for parades. Examine with visitor companies for parade instances and kinds; they will change all year long and for particular occasions. Keep in mind that the very best viewing spots get taken early, so stake your concrete declare and use the time to loosen up.
Past Principal Avenue 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 one by one so you may 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” might 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 you’ll want to seize your first FASTPASS tickets-send one member of your get together over as quickly as you arrive and get your reservation for both Massive 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:
Massive Thunder Mountain Railroad
Splash Mountain
Nation Bear Jamboree
Liberty Sq.: This is among the smaller lands however it’s additionally one of the liked. There are solely three points of interest right here, and each one in every of them is a particular do:
Haunted Mansion
The Corridor of Presidents
Liberty Sq. Riverboat
Fantasyland: At the moment present process an enormous growth that may double its dimension, 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 stunned by all of the partitions and scaffolding you might even see till then.
Households with youthful youngsters will discover themselves spending loads of time right here, however older guests can nonetheless discover loads to like. For a lot of guests, this land is the very essence of the Magic Kingdom; listed below are a number of explanation why.
Mad Tea Celebration
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
It is A Small World
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Underneath The Sea:Journey of the Little Mermaid
Ariel’s Grotto
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Tomorrowland: This can be a nostalgic have a look at what we as soon as thought the longer term would appear like, 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 complete WDW Resort are loads of possibilities to satisfy and greet your favourite
Disney characters. Whereas there are reservations-only locations for assured
conferences – reminiscent of character meals – there are additionally areas all through
the resort the place you may stand on line to shake palms 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. Examine with Visitor Providers to
discover out when and the place your favorites might be assembly and greeting.
EPCOT®
Experimental Prototype Neighborhood Of Tomorrow-it was Walt’s dream metropolis, however it opened as an alternative because the theme park referred to as EPCOT. In order for you your trip to incorporate rides, know-how, world cultures, and avenue performers, you’ve got come to the fitting 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 a number of the finest meals on Disney property, together with a number of the hardest reservations to nab-if you are heading over throughout a high-capacity time of yr, plan accordingly by calling 1-407-WDW-DINE
EPCOT is cut 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 little thing in someday. However if you wish to know simply the must-do’s, we have the listing for you.
Spaceship Earth
Soarin’
Check Observe
Mission: SPACE
Journey Into Creativeness with Figment
Residing with the Land
World Showcase: That is the place for tradition, exhibits, meals, and some rides. The World Showcase is a method to see a number of the most well-known locations on the planet with no 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 characteristic 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 at all times might be.” that is the place for film faves, television greats, and three of the very best thrill rides wherever. DHS can also be the place you’ll discover a lot of the newer Disney characters, together with monsters inc and each new and basic muppets.
DHS is a well-organized, compact park, which makes it simple to do in a single nice day. If you end up with time to spare, although, remember to see as many exhibits as potential; DHS is understood for a number of the finest. and remember to keep late for Fantasmic! It is thought-about the very best of the nighttime exhibits, and it is the one common park occasion that options the disney villains. Seize seats early, it doesn’t matter what time of yr, or get pleasure from 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 listing 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 reputation 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 gorgeous architectural touches, even by Disney requirements.
AK is split into lands (like MK). Some are primarily based 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 by way of this entry level; do not be one in every of them. Take your time and see miniature deer, sloths, macaws, iguanas, and extra.
Discovery Island: the park’s middle is dominated by inventive surprise The Tree of Life. The Tree stands 14 tales tall, is 50 toes vast, and has a carved “bark” tapestry that includes 325 totally different animal likenesses. Wildlife trails encompass the tree as effectively, with viewing areas for lemurs, flamingos, crimson kangaroos, and big Galapagos tortoises. Contained in the tree is a theatre the place you may 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 Competition of the Lion King present, which impressed the award-winning Broadway musical.
Africa: welcome to Harambe, a stupendous African village that’s your path to Kilimanjaro Safari and a journey by way of African animal territory. When you descend out of your safari automobile, you exit to the Paganini Forest Exploration Path for a have a look at lowland gorillas, together with a powerful 500-lb silverback male and his household. Take your time by way of these trails-this is among the few locations on the planet the place you may observe these superb 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’ve got found the dominion of Anandapur, which implies “place of pleasure.” The Imagineers did a tremendous job of making the sensation of a crumbling, archeological surprise, so remember to maintain an eye fixed open for intricate particulars. After all, that could be exhausting to do since your entire get together might be working to get to Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, Disney’s latest thrill journey. FASTPASS it for sure-this coaster is price your whole 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 won’t be the very best dinosaur attraction on the planet, however it’s nonetheless good Disney enjoyable. The Boneyard is a spot for youths to dig, climb and slide whereas dad and mom get a while to sit down and watch. Then take the entire household to Dinosaur, a enjoyable, fast-paced race in opposition to time. Lastly, seize a seat for Discovering Nemo-The Musical. This attractive, visually-stunning reimagining of the favored movie is taken into account THE must-see present of the complete Walt Disney World Resort.
Our Ideas for the WDW Parks
FASTPASS: It is like making a reservation to your favourite WDW attraction. Simply insert your admission ticket, annual move, or resort ID, and the machine prints out a move 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 energetic FASTPASS at a time, however that does not matter — on a busy day, it will probably prevent hours of ready on strains.
A FASTPASS Tip: For those who miss your scheduled time, don’t fret. Your FASTPASS is nice for any time after the time in your ticket.
Journey whereas different friends are busy: Mealtimes, parades, and fireworks usually take folks away from the key points of interest. Journey whereas everybody else is distracted and chances are you’ll expertise far shorter wait instances.
Do not rebuy-refill! WDW has water fountains all through the park. Deliver your individual water bottles (the park permits them) and refill all through the day.
Snack to save lots of time: Snack stands supply fast, mild 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 Seaside
Welcome to the 66-acre ski resort of Mount Gushmore! Blizzard Seaside includes a white sand seaside and a tropical lagoon. That is the youngest of the Disney water parks, however it’s additionally the preferred; the truth is, it is the preferred water park within the nation. It is obtained nice rides for all ages, from thrills and velocity to lazy and enjoyable. Listed below are a number 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 Seaside, Hurricane Lagoon is WDW’s second water park. Crowds are usually a bit smaller right here, since it’s the older of the 2 parks, however you may nonetheless count on lengthy waits and crowded swimming pools throughout excessive attendance instances of yr. Hurricane Lagoon’s waters are stored at a heat – however nonetheless refreshing – 75-80º F all yr spherical, making this a water park of alternative even in Orlando’s quick 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 by way of her and up into the air.
Essentially the most well-known attraction at Hurricane Lagoon might be the Shark Reef. Right here, you may 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 should not harmful!) can view the fish by way of the portholes of a “sunken tanker.”
There are 9 waterslides as effectively, working the gamut from thrills to pure laziness. This is the rundown on a number of the favorites:
Castaway Creek
Crush ‘n’ Gusher
Gang Plank Falls
Humunga Kowabunga
Surf Pool
Sports activities, Purchasing, and Extra
Disney’s Extensive World of Sports activities® Complicated
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 provides one other six basketball courts, 12 extra volleyball courts, and two extra curler hockey rinks.
Sports activities followers ought to know that massive names usually 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 Complicated as their coaching camp in July and August.
Name 407-WDW-GAME for extra info, together with a calendar of occasions and in addition ticket info.
DisneyQuest
This interactive, indoor theme park is the proper 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 standard 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 friends ought to take a look at Animation Station for a crash-course in Disney-style animation. Get right here at opening for essentially the most motion with least wait-afternoons and evenings right here can turn into unbearably crowded.
Golf Disney
WDW options 99 complete holes of golf, unfold over six programs. There are additionally two mini-golf complexes, competing with comparable websites throughout Orlando. Whereas massive golfers in your get together would possibly need to plan massive outings with their buddies (tee instances could be booked 60-90 days prematurely), Oak Path is the very best place to get in a fast 9 holes. It is a pretty and quiet strolling course appropriate for learners, professional linksmen, and even households. There are some nice challenges, notably at holes 5, 6, and seven. Different programs and mini-golf embrace:
Magnolia
Palm
Osprey Ridge
Lake Buena Vista
Fantasia Gardens (mini)
Fantasia Fairways (mini)
Winter Summerland (two mini programs: Winter and Summer season)
And keep in mind, spikeless golf footwear solely! Sneakers or comparable athletic footwear are additionally permitted.
Downtown Disney
If buying, 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 cut up into three areas: West Aspect, Pleasure Island (quickly to be Hyperion Wharf), and The Market.
West Aspect has DisneyQuest and superb eating experiences, reminiscent of 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 stupendous 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 reputation is sort of 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 middle of Downtown Disney, with golf equipment and eating places catering to an all-adult crowd. That resulted in 2008, and the realm has been partially unused since. However issues are altering! Disney introduced plans in late 2010 to remodel Pleasure Island right into a brand-new buying and eating space, Hyperion Wharf. Development is anticipated 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 stupendous riverboat. Captain Jack’s (no connection to the Johnny Depp character) is the place for oysters and chilly beer, in an off-the-cuff waterfront restaurant that additionally has an awesome childrens menu. Youngsters may even love the Rainforest Café, the place there are sometimes stay animals (principally parrots) on show outdoors. Market can also be residence to the World of Disney. No journey is full with no go to right here, although dad and mom making an attempt to stay to a funds would possibly need to corral the youngsters as soon as they get by way of the door!
Getting Round The Mouse: Transportation on the Walt Disney World® Resort
Monorail: The Walt Disney Monorail system has been in place for the reason that 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 inns
– The Modern, The Polynesian, or The Grand Floridian – the monorail goes proper by way of your lodge. Everybody else picks up the monorail at both the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, or the Transportation and Ticket Middle, referred to as the TTC.
The TTC is the central level for Disney transportation. Along with monorails, the TTC can also be the place yow will discover Disney (and different space lodge) resort buses, ferry boats, water taxis, and an enormous parking zone for automobiles, taxis, and buses.
Buses: Disney resort buses run to all of the Disney inns, the primary parks, water parks, Downtown Disney, and the Extensive World of Sports activities. There are dozens of buses for every location, however the routes should not at all times essentially the most direct. Additionally, the buses could be extraordinarily crowded at peak durations, reminiscent of opening, closing, and meal instances. Concentrate on time – in case you are in a rush to get someplace, the buses is probably not your best choice.
Parking: Whereas the monorails, ferry boats, water taxis, and Disney buses are complimentary, in case you want to make use of your individual automotive, the each day parking price is $14 for automobiles and bikes, and $15 for trailers and campers. Your parking move is nice for the complete day, irrespective of how usually you progress your automotive. Disney Resort Resort Friends and Annual Cross Holders would not have to pay for parking wherever within the Walt Disney complicated. It’s at all times complimentary.
Enjoyable for all ages
WDW attracts friends of very ages, from households with younger kids to retirees and spring breakers. Everybody has their very own favorites, however in case you’re searching for some planning assist, listed below are our picks for the very best choices for the commonest age teams: Youngsters, Teenagers and Adults.
Please be aware the next abbreviations for every park:
MK = Magic Kingdom® Park
EP = Epcot®
DHS = Disney’s Hollywood Studios&commerce;
AP = Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park
Greatest for Youthful Youngsters
Sights: Voyage of the Little Mermaid (DHS), Monsters Inc Snort Flooring (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), Check 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 awesome journey!
