Quick Information

RECOMMENDED DURATION

5+ hours

VISITORS PER YEAR

50000000

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

6

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Plan your visit

Did you know?

Walt Disney World spans roughly 25,000 acres, which is about the size of San Francisco or twice the size of Manhattan.

Beneath Magic Kingdom lies a network of “Utilidors”, tunnels used by Cast Members for movement, trash removal, and costume changes to keep the magic seamless above ground.

Walt Disney envisioned EPCOT as a real, functioning city of the future, with people living and working in an experimental, constantly evolving urban space.

About the theme parks at WDW Orlando

Mickey and friends in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney Resort, Orlando.

Magic Kingdom

Enter Magic Kingdom’s themed lands and enjoy a classic Disney experience. A place where you can interact with fairy tale characters, meet Mickey & Minnie Mouse, or go on an adventure with Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean, the theme park is famous for its signature Disney magic.

Highlights

  • Main Street U.S.A.: Inspired by Walt Disney’s hometown, Main Street takes you back in time to America in the early 1900s. You can find vintage lampposts, horse-drawn carriages, the iconic Walt Disney World Railroad, and more quaint features from the era.
  • Adventureland: True to its name, Adventureland takes you on an adventure across the jungles of South America, Africa, and Asia through its Disney-themed rides and experiences such as The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, the Jungle Cruise, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
  • Liberty Square: Known for the iconic Haunted House, the Liberty Bell replica, and the Hall of Presidents, Liberty Square takes you back to the colonial days of America through its architecture and design.
  • Fantasyland: See your favorite fairy tales come to life at Fantasyland, with Cinderella Castle at the front and center, The Enchanted Forest, The Castle Courtyard, and the Storybook Circus for a gentler, more kid-friendly experience.
  • Tomorrowland: Step into Walt Disney’s ideal futuristic world in this themed land, as you go on adventures with characters from your favorite Disney features.
  • Frontierland: Most rides & attractions at Frontierland are currently undergoing major renovations for a new Cars-themed park scheduled to open in 2026, called the Piston Peak National Park.
Pandora's floating mountains and waterfalls in Disney's Animal Kingdom, Orlando.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

A combination of nature exploration, conservation, and Disney-themed experiences is what you can expect once you enter Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The 6 lands, along with the entryway, give you the chance to get up close and personal with nature as you embark on multiple thrill rides.

Highlights

  • Tree of Life: The centerpiece of the theme park, with over 300 animal carvings, and an immersive show in the Tree of Life Theater (Zootopia: Better Zoogether! will be opening November 7).
  • The Oasis: The entryway to the park, with lush greenery, and some of the animal carvings you will find on the Tree of Life.
  • Discovery Island: The central point of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where the Tree of Life is located, acts as the main connecting point between all the other lands in the theme park.
  • Africa: Feel like you are in the African savannas as you go on the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride, where you can take guided tours to see the regional exotic animals up close.
  • Asia: Known for the thrilling Kali River Rapids ride and Expedition Everest, the land makes you feel like you are in the depths of a jungle or scaling the mountains. 
  • Dinoland U.S.A.: Step back into Jurassic times for a prehistoric adventure at Dinoland for family-friendly, educational, and interactive fun.
  • Pandora – The World of Avatar: Experience the lands from the film Avatar, up close, as you go on immersive rides through the bioluminescent forests, or soar above the mountains of Pandora.
  • Rafiki’s Planet Watch: Learn more about animal care, conservation, and research at Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Known best for its Conservation Station, where you can find out more about the ongoing initiatives by the Walt Disney Company, and the Affection Station, a petting zoo, popular among children and families.
Spaceship Earth at EPCOT Center, Walt Disney Resort Orlando, with palm trees.

EPCOT

EPCOT came from Walt Disney’s utopian city, a community of tomorrow, which was then converted into a theme park that adopted the same vision. After undergoing a large-scale renovation in 2021, the theme park opened its gates to 4 distinct neighborhoods with attractions and experiences that celebrate global diversity, cultures, and progress.

Highlights

  • World Celebration: A showcase of global cultural diversity, with attractions that include the iconic Spaceship Earth, interactive lush gardens, restaurants, gift shops, and an open pavilion for live performances & exhibitions.
  • World Discovery: Themed around space exploration, science, and home to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Mission: SPACE. 
  • World Nature: The neighborhood highlights our relationship with nature, with themes around ecology, ocean exploration, and more. 
  • World Showcase: Divided into 11 pavilions for 11 nations from around the world, with each pavilion highlighting the country’s architecture, traditions, cuisine, & history. The countries are: USA, Canada, UK, France, Morocco, Japan, Italy, Germany, China, Norway, and Mexico.
Millennium Falcon at Star Wars Galaxy's Edge, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Orlando.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios combines Hollywood glam with Disney and Pixar-themed fun. The blockbuster theme park has musicals to watch, sing-alongs to participate in, thrill rides, and Hollywood-themed areas with restaurants, shops, and interactive experiences.

Highlights

  • Fantasmic!: The epic nighttime show is pure entertainment, from start to finish. From pyrotechnics, fireworks, lasers, music, water effects, projections, and more, you get to take a look into Mickey’s imagination. 
  • Toy Story Land: Step into a world inspired by the Toy Story universe, and shrink down in size as you go about your adventures with your favorite Toy Story characters.
  • Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: An immersive journey into the Star Wars universe with interactive rides and adventurous experiences.
  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™: More than your average free-fall thrill ride. The Tower of Terror is known for its immersive sensory experience, and it begins as you enter the abandoned Hollywood Tower Hotel and wait in the lobby to board the ride.

Disney World Orlando highlights

Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando.
Floating mountains with lush greenery and waterfall in Pandora, Walt Disney World, Orlando.
Guests with Woody at Toy Story Land, Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Walt Disney World, Orlando.
Tree of Life with animal carvings at Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando.
Guests enjoying a space-themed ride EPCOT, Walt Disney World, Orlando.
Mickey Mouse in wizard costume on parade float at theme park.
Walt Disney World Railroad passing through Big Thunder Mountain, Orlando.
Mission Space entrance at EPCOT Center, Bay Lake, Florida with futuristic design.
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Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom

The centerpiece of Magic Kingdom, Cinderella Castle, is Disney’s fairytale landmark. Inside, you’ll find dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table, and outside, it’s the stage for fireworks and nighttime shows.

Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom

This immersive land brings the world of Avatar to life with floating mountains, glowing plants, and rides like Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey.

Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Here, you’re shrunk to the size of a toy and dropped into Andy’s backyard. Bright, oversized set pieces and rides like Slinky Dog Dash make it one of the most playful areas in the park.

Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Standing at 145 feet tall, the Tree of Life is carved with over 300 detailed animal figures.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT

This next-generation indoor roller coaster spins 360 degrees as you race through space with Star-Lord and the crew.

Fantasmic! at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Mickey takes center stage in this nighttime spectacular, which features fireworks, lasers, water screens, and Disney’s most iconic characters. It’s a mix of music, storytelling, and grand finale magic.

Walt Disney World Railroad at Magic Kingdom

An authentic steam-powered train that circles the entire park, offering scenic views and stops around Magic Kingdom. It’s a nostalgic way to travel and unwind between attractions.

Mission: SPACE at EPCOT

Designed to simulate astronaut training, this ride launches you into orbit with realistic G-forces and visuals. Choose the Orange Mission for high-intensity thrills or the Green Mission for a gentler experience.

Brief history of Walt Disney World Orlando

  • 1959: Walt Disney forms the idea of creating an “East Coast Disneyland”.
  • 1963-65: The location, purchase, and press release finalizing the creation of Walt Disney World in Orlando take place.
  • 1966: Walt Disney passes away on December 15, and Roy O. Disney takes his place for WDW Orlando’s construction & launch.
  • 1967-69: Construction for Disney World Orlando begins in 1967. Construction for Magic Kingdom starts in 1969.
  • Oct 1, 1971: Magic Kingdom is the first theme park to open in WDW Orlando. Palm & Magnolia Golf Courses, along with multiple WDW Resorts, open simultaneously.
  • Dec 20, 1971: Roy O. Disney passes away at 78.
  • 1982: EPCOT (originally EPCOT Center) opens.
  • 1989: Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park opens its gates for visitors.
  • 1995: Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park opens.
  • 1997: Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex (now ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex) opens.
  • 1998: WDW Orlando’s final theme park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is officially open.
  • 2012-14: Magic Kingdom’s expansion Phases 1 and 2 are complete, and the rides and attractions are open to the public.
  • 2021: Walt Disney World Orlando celebrates its 50th anniversary.
  • 2024-25: EPCOT’s redesign and refurbishment are complete, and the theme park is rebranded and open to the public. 

Disney World Orlando | Architecture & design

Main Street at Walt Disney World, Orlando, with Cinderella Castle in the background.

Architects

Notable architects, firms, and designers behind Walt Disney World Orlando:

  • Walt Disney Imagineering, the in-house design studio at Disney: Responsible for the overall design, layout, and themes for the theme parks at WDW Orlando, along with creating rides, attractions, & experiences.
  • Michael Graves: Designed the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort at WDW Orlando, including the architecture, layout, interiors, and furnishings.
  • Arata Isozaki: Designed the headquarters at WDW Resorts, Orlando, known as the Team Disney Building.
  • Robert A.M. Stern: Designed multiple resorts at WDW Orlando, including Disney's Yacht Club Resort, Beach Club Resort, and the BoardWalk Resort. He was also the man who created the original plan for Celebration Village in Florida.
  • Peter Dominick: Architect behind the Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge resorts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Expedition Everest ride and mountain view at Walt Disney World Orlando.

Design & concept

Design, style, and concept behind Disney World Orlando:

  • Immersive design & architecture: Each theme park or experience was created to transport its visitors to a different land, either fantastical, historic, or futuristic. The immersive environment is a key feature of all Disney parks around the world.
  • Story-driven concepts: The design & elements of each section of WDW Orlando, within each theme park, resort, and more, tell a story. They add to the themed atmosphere of each park and take visitors on a visual journey as they walk through the landscapes.
  • Elements of art, history, and futuristic design: Walt Disney’s vision was to create a series of experiences that incorporated multiple art styles based on the theme, commemorating the history of the land, along with futuristic elements & attractions that leave you with a sense of wonder at the endless possibilities of the future.
  • A curated sense of familiarity mixed with Disney magic: Disney World Orlando was designed to create a feeling of otherworldly belonging. Here, you can experience Walt Disney's fantasy world and vision, along with the familiarity of existing lands.

Beyond Disney World’s theme parks | Water parks & sports experiences

Kids enjoying pool with tubes at Typhoon Lagoon, Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

The water park has a post-typhoon tropical theme, with attractions and rides that showcase the devastated resort that was once a tropical paradise. Shipwrecks, surfboards, and gear are scattered throughout the water park, adding to the experience.

Highlights:

  • Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool: It’s the largest outdoor wave pool in North America, with swells that go up to 6 feet in height, and smaller, gentler waves from time to time.
  • Castaway Creek: A river that runs through the entire water park.
  • Crush 'n' Gusher: A thrill ride filled with twists, dips, and rollercoaster-like rides.
  • Ketchakiddee Creek: A dedicated water playground for younger children with gentler slides.
  • Miss Adventure Falls: Go on a rafting adventure to see the artifacts that treasure hunter Captain Mary Oceaneer gathered after a typhoon caused a major shipwreck. The ride also happens to be the first attraction in the US that was given a Society of Explorers and Adventurers (SEA) backstory.

Recommended experiences:

  • Walt Disney World Orlando Multi-Day Water Park & Sports Tickets (2-10 Days)
  • Walt Disney World Orlando 1-Day Water Park Tickets
Girl aiming to putt orange ball on mini golf course.

Sports experiences at Disney World Orlando

From rolling hills at the golf course to exciting live sports events, WDW Orlando also offers several sports experiences to visitors.

  • Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course: This walking golf course was designed to be a family-friendly experience. It offers beginner-friendly golf and a lush green course that everyone can enjoy walking across. 
  • FootGolf: The best of soccer and golf come together in FootGolf, with holes that are 21 inches in diameter that you use to putt soccer balls. The course is certified by the American FootGolf League (AFGL) as well, making it an authentic, fun, and engaging experience.
  • Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf & Winter Summerland Miniature Golf: Whimsical, themed, and fun, both miniature golf courses offer their own set of adventure. Explore the fantasy world and its obstacles at the Fantasia Gardens mini golf course, or play mini golf at the course designed by Santa Claus himself.
  • ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex: The sports complex spans 220 acres and is designed to suit 70 different sports and can host 9,500 people. You can catch your favorite sports event, live, at the location loved by athletes and sports fans alike.

Dine, shop, and stay | Other Disney World Orlando experiences

Guests dining at Toy Story-themed restaurant in Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando.

Dining experiences at Disney World Orlando

From character dining experiences where you can eat, meet, and greet with your favorite Disney characters, to fine dining restaurants catered to every palate, and casual, laidback, family-friendly dining experiences, the restaurants at WDW Orlando are catered to suit every preference, budget, and style.

Mickey Mouse merchandise display at Disneyland Park souvenir store, California.

Shops at Disney World Orlando

Each theme park has its own curated collection of themed stores where you can shop for merchandise, souvenirs, and Disney-themed goodies. Disney Springs also has the World of Disney store, which is the largest Disney merchandise store in the world. So if you’re looking for anything that’s Disney-related, this is the place to be.

Guest receiving room card at Disneyland Hotel Paris reception desk.

Staying at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World Resort is the main complex where all the theme parks, water parks, resorts, restaurants, and more are located. You can find campsites, budget accommodations, themed resorts, luxury stay options, and more. The variety of stay options offered at Disney World Orlando caters to people of all ages, budgets, and travel types, creating a holistic Disney experience for those who visit.

Frequently asked questions about Disney World Orlando

What is Walt Disney World Orlando?

Walt Disney World Orlando is a massive entertainment resort in Florida featuring four theme parks, water parks, hotels, shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It’s one of the most visited vacation destinations in the world.

Is Walt Disney World just for kids?

Not at all! While kids love the characters and rides, adults enjoy fine dining, festivals at EPCOT, behind-the-scenes tours, and thrill rides, making it fun for every age.

How big is Walt Disney World Orlando?

The resort covers about 43 square miles (27,443 acres), roughly the size of San Francisco. It includes parks, resorts, golf courses, and entertainment districts.

What makes Walt Disney World different from Disneyland?

Walt Disney World is much larger, with four theme parks compared to Disneyland’s two. It also features more resorts, dining options, and unique experiences.

Can you stay on the properties at Walt Disney World?

Yes, Disney operates dozens of themed resort hotels ranging from budget-friendly to luxury stays. Guests enjoy perks like early park entry and free transportation around the resort.

More reads

Jack Sparrow cosplayer at Walt Disney World, Orlando, posing with a crowd in the background.

Timings

Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Orlando.

Directions

Expedition Everest mountain and colorful boat on the water in Frontierland, Walt Disney World, Orlando.

Plan your visit

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