You likely have many questions if you are a complete Walt Disney World Resort newbie. Namely – where to start? If you are wondering how many Disney World Parks are, where they are located, and how to choose the right theme Park for you, we have your back. Here is your guide to Disney World Kingdoms.
Walt Disney World Resort is located in Orlando, Florida. It is comprised of four theme Parks, two Disney Water Parks, Disney Springs shopping area, numerous Disney Resort Hotels, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, to name just some of the hot spots on the Disney Property.
As you can tell, Guests can easily spend a week exploring the Walt Disney World Resort Property and still not see it all. The great details, superb dining, and fun attractions in the Parks keep Disney fans returning to vacation at the Most Magical Place on Earth year after year.
The most important thing to understand when planning a trip to a Disney Park is what to expect from that theme Park. If you’ve ever heard of a Guest bummed that they can’t ride Jungle Cruise during their day at Animal Kingdom Park or explore Tom Sawyer Island when they visit Hollywood Studios, you get it. Knowing vital information about where to find attractions and what to expect from each Park is essential.
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Do your research when booking, and you’ll learn that Jungle Cruise is in Magic Kingdom and that while you can explore Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios, you’ll need a Magic Kingdom Park ticket to visit Tom Sawyer Island in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland.
Let’s break it down Park by Park to discuss details about each Park, attractions Guests love, and spots you may have heard of.
Magic Kingdom
We will begin with the obvious choice – the Orlando OG: Magic Kingdom Park. Magic Kingdom welcomed Guests in 1971 and has been a magical staple ever since. The most recognizable landmark is Cinderella Castle, and the Park is divided into sections known as Main Street, U.S.A, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Liberty Square, Adventureland, and Frontierland.
You’ll find themed dining spots like Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, character meets for Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and many Disney Princesses. Guests love experiencing attractions like The Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, and Peter Pan’s Flight. Top eats in this Park include Dole Whip from Adventureland’s Aloha Isle and roasted turkey legs in Frontierland.
You need to take a selfie with Cinderella Castle, enjoy a Mickey Premium Bar and pose in front of the Purple Wall of Tomorrowland during the Park at Magic Kingdom.
EPCOT
My favorite Park at Disney World Resort is EPCOT. For those looking to explore the world of science, water, technology, and culture, you cannot find a better Park. EPCOT is where you will find the famous landmark resembling a giant golf ball. Don’t miss a ride on the attraction inside the EPCOT ball: Spaceship Earth. This Park was the second to be added to Walt Disney World and opened in 1982.
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No Disney vacation is complete without a trip to EPCOT. I love screaming on Test Track in Future World, flying on Soarin Around the World, and relaxing on Living with the Land. This Park is my favorite because of the yummy food and drink options. You will find character meals where you can chow down with your Disney pals (Garden Grill and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall are both fantastic), and you can take the afternoon to explore World Showcase at your own pace.
World Showcase is the other side of EPCOT, comprised of countries from around the world. You can enjoy rides, browse shops, taste food, watch films, and learn from Cast Members at each country around World Showcase.
EPCOT is especially popular today thanks to the new attractions Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. The better news is that EPCOT is undergoing an expansive update, and fans will have even more to enjoy in this fun Park in the coming years.
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♬ Do You Believe in Magic (From “The Parent Trap”) – Movie Soundtrack All Stars
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios Park closed out the Disney World updates of the 1980s. This movie-themed Park opened in 1989 as MGM Studios and was the go-to place for all things animation and movie magic. Decades and a Park name change later, this Park still serves up movie magic in the form of stage shows, thrilling themed attractions, and the themed movie lands that enamor Guests.
Visitors to this Park should make time to ride the iconic thrill ride Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Pixar fans should not miss a trip to Toy Story Land to enjoy attractions like Toy Story Midway Mania, Aliens Swirling Saucers, and Slinky Dog Dash rollercoaster.
Walk into the next section of the Park, and you will be amazed at the transformation as you enter the world of the STAR WARS series in STAR WARS: Galaxy’s Edge. Enjoy a cocktail alongside the galaxy’s toughest smugglers in Oga’s Cantina or pilot the famous ship in Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run ride.
A visit to Hollywood Studios is a must for anyone wanting to experience Pixar magic and STAR WARS fandom, and enjoy some excellent stage shows between thrilling attractions.
Animal Kingdom
The newest of the 4 Disney World Parks opened in 1998. Disney’s Animal Kingdom merges the beauty of nature and an appreciation for the natural world with cultural lessons about Asia and Africa. You’ll also enjoy plenty of incredible attractions in between breathtaking animal encounters.
One of my favorite Disney rollercoasters, Expedition Everest, can be found in the Asia section of this Park. Live stage shows like Festival of The Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond are great shows for the family to enjoy between rides.
Of course, the hallmark attraction of the Park, Kilimanjaro Safari, is a highlight for many Guests. You’ll see lions, African wild dogs, hippos, and wart hogs as a Cast Member guide drives you through a central Florida-created savanna.
If you’ve watched any Disney World Park ad over the last five years, you’ve seen glimpses of the floating mountains of Pandora – The World of Avatar. Do not miss a trip to this section of the Park. You can enjoy excellent quick service dining at Satu’li Canteen, float through the bioluminescent forest on Na’vi River Journey, or soar on the back of a banshee on Flight of Passage.
Hopefully, this article provides a helpful rundown to help as you plan a Disney experience for your family. Be sure to dive into our other articles to learn hints and hacks for each Disney Park. We have the details on where to eat, what to ride, and the fun extras you should not miss on your Disney vacation.