Plan Your Visit to Disney World Orlando

Best time to visit

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To avoid crowds: Visit during the low season months when the parks have the least number of visitors, which is right after the summer and post-winter holidays. Plan your visit between the end of August and early October, or mid-January to mid-February, to avoid crowds, waiting in long lines for popular attractions, and for a more affordable trip.
For seasonal festivities: The parks come alive with themed celebrations throughout the year. Visit in late September through December to experience fall and winter magic, including Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival, and the dazzling holiday festivities across all four parks.
During the summer months: Expect longer park hours, daily parades, and plenty of seasonal entertainment, perfect for families with school holidays. While it’s the busiest and hottest time of year, Disney offers extended evening hours, water park fun, and extra shows to make the most of your visit. Booking early, starting early, and planning for a longer duration can help you beat the heat and crowds.

Where is Disney World Orlando located

Address: Walt Disney World® Resort, Florida, 32830, United States | Find on Maps

Enter World Drive as you exit off US-192, to find the main entrance to Walt Disney World Resort, leading you to all theme parks, water parks, resorts, and attractions within the entertainment complex.

Inside Disney World Orlando | Park entrances & location

Address:

Magic Kingdom: Walt Disney World® Resort, Bay Lake, FL 32836, United States | Find on Maps
EPCOT: Walt Disney World® Resort, Bay Lake, FL, United States | Find on Maps
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Walt Disney World® Resort, Bay Lake, FL 34747, United States | Find on Maps
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Walt Disney World® Resort, Bay Lake, FL 34747, United States | Find on Maps
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park: Walt Disney World® Resort, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States | Find on Maps

How to reach WDW Orlando

By public transport

By bus: Lynx Bus 311
- Operates daily between 5am and 11pm.
- Runs every 30 minutes from Orlando International Airport.
- Drops passengers at Disney Springs (1.1 miles from Disney World).
By shuttle: Mears Connect
- Dedicated shuttle service from Orlando International Airport.
- Runs 24/7 with departures every 20 minutes.
- Drop-off points are located directly at Walt Disney World Resort.
- Pre-booking is required.
By train: Brightline (followed by shuttle)
- Brightline high-speed rail connects major Florida cities (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, etc.) to Orlando International Airport.
- Once you reach the airport station, you can board your Mears Connect shuttle for a direct transfer to Walt Disney World.
- Pre-booking is required.

By car

Walt Disney World is located 22.7 miles (approximately a 30-minute drive) from Orlando International Airport. Visitors can use rental cars, rideshare services (Uber, Lyft), or taxis for direct travel from the airport.

Paid parking at Walt Disney World:

Standard parking: $30 per day
Preferred parking: $45–$55 per day (closer to park entrances)
Oversized vehicle parking: $35 per day

Complimentary parking is available for Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests and Annual Pass holders.

More about getting to WDW Orlando & all its parks >

Know before you go

Restrooms: Restrooms are available throughout all Disney World parks, featuring companion stalls, menstruation products, and incontinence supplies.
ATMs: ATMs are located in all four theme parks and are accessible 24/7.
Parking: All four theme parks offer paid parking, including EV charging stations and accessible parking areas for guests with mobility needs. Complimentary parking is provided for guests visiting the water parks.
Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available across every park and at major attractions throughout Disney World.
First aid: Each of the four theme parks has a first aid center, offering over-the-counter medications, bandages, and quick remedies for guests.
My Disney Experience app: Download the app to access in-park navigation, live updates on showtimes, attraction wait times, virtual queues, and more.

Guest services: The Guest Experience Team is available on-site to provide personalized assistance and recommendations to enhance your visit.
Locker rentals: Lockers are available to rent at all parks, ranging from $10 to $15 per day, depending on size.
Mobile charging stations: Two mobile charging stations are located in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom for guests to recharge their devices.
Lost & found: Every theme park has its own Lost & Found center where guests can check for misplaced belongings.
Water bottle refill stations: Refill stations for water bottles are available throughout all theme parks.
Life jackets: Complimentary life jackets are available at the water park for all visitors.

Wheelchair-accessible parking: Available at all Disney World theme parks for guests with mobility needs.
Wheelchair rentals: On-site rentals are offered for those requiring wheelchairs during their visit.
ECV rentals: Electric Conveyance Vehicles can be rented across the parks for added mobility support.
Transfer devices & assistance: Transfer devices and additional mobility help are provided wherever necessary.
Service animals: Trained service animals are welcome in all parks, though certain rides and areas may not be accessible to them.
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs): AEDs are placed throughout the theme parks for emergency use.
Sensory guides: Detailed sensory guides are available to help neurodivergent guests prepare for attractions and shows.
Experience details: Information outlining what to expect during attractions and experiences is offered for additional support.

Accessible maps: Specially designed maps are available to assist neurodivergent guests in navigating the parks.
Additional support services: Disney provides further accommodations to ensure comfort for neurodivergent guests throughout their visit.
Sign language interpreters: Available at live shows upon request to support guests with hearing impairments.
Captioning devices: Captioning services are offered for select attractions and experiences.
Assistive hearing devices: Devices are available across the parks to enhance audio for guests with hearing impairments.
Tactile maps: Provided in designated areas for guests with vision impairments.
Braille maps & guidebooks: Available across Disney World to support visually impaired visitors.
Audio descriptions: Offered throughout the parks to describe attractions and experiences for guests with limited vision.

Baby care centers: Located in all four theme parks, featuring changing stations, feeding rooms, a kitchenette, and restrooms.
Age requirement: Guests under 14 years old must be accompanied by someone aged 14 or older to enter any theme park or water park. Children under 7 must ride attractions with a companion who is at least 14 years old.
Costumes & masks: Guests aged 14 and older may not wear costumes or masks, except for masks required for medical reasons.
Stroller rentals: Single strollers can be rented across all parks for $15 per day.
Rider Switch: Parents with young children can take turns riding attractions without waiting in line twice using the Rider Switch program.
Height requirement signs: Clearly marked height requirements are posted at attractions to help families plan rides for younger children.
Family restrooms: Companion restrooms are located throughout all parks for added convenience, making it more accessible for caregivers and children to use.

Drones & other filming devices: Drones, selfie sticks, extension devices, large tripods, and monopods are not allowed inside Disney World.
Noise-making devices: Megaphones, whistles, horns, or any artificial noise makers are prohibited within the parks.
Skates, boards & remote-control toys: Skateboards, scooters, inline skates, shoes with wheels, and remote-control toys are not permitted.
Plastic straws: The use of plastic straws is banned across all Disney World parks.
Folding chairs & balloons: Guests are not permitted to bring folding chairs or balloons into the parks.
Flotation devices: Non–Coast Guard-approved flotation devices, including swim noodles, are not allowed in water parks.
Wildlife safety: Do not feed, pet, or touch any wildlife you encounter, and always keep a safe distance.
Alcohol, substances & weapons: Alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, weapons, and toy weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited.

Visitor tips

Wrap up character meet-and-greets early: Lines for character greetings can get quite long, so plan your visit in the morning for shorter wait times.
Order your meals in advance: Skip long food lines by ordering ahead on the My Disney Experience app.
Pack smart snacks & hydration: While food is widely available, carrying light snacks and reusable water bottles helps in maintaining energy levels, especially if you’re visiting with children.
Plan & schedule breaks: Schedule downtime in the middle of the day, especially with kids. Relax at a shaded spot or enjoy a long lunch; it can make your evenings a lot more enjoyable.
Know the height requirements: Check attraction height restrictions in advance on the My Disney Experience app to avoid surprises with younger children.
Leverage Rider Switch: Use Rider Switch if you’re traveling with young children to maximize your wait times. If kids aren’t tall enough for rides, adults can take turns riding without waiting in line twice.
Check Park Hopper options: If you want to visit multiple parks in a day, or add more experiences on your trip, make sure you have the right tickets and understand individual park hours. If you have the Park Hopper tickets, you can start at one park early, then move to another in the afternoon when crowds shift.
Stay on-site for extra perks: WDW Resort guests enjoy early entry to parks, free transportation, and easier dining reservations. Opt for one of the many accommodation options within the resort complex to get the full Disney experience.
Check the weather forecast daily: Florida weather changes quickly, so make sure you carry ponchos or umbrellas because you can expect rain showers, even during the summer.

Frequently asked questions about planning a Disney World Orlando trip

When should I start planning my Disney World trip?

It’s best to start planning at least 6 months in advance, especially if you want popular dining reservations, on-site hotel stays, or visits during peak seasons.

How many days should I plan for Disney World?

Most visitors spend 4 to 6 days covering the four theme parks. Adding an extra day or two allows time for water parks, Disney Springs, or rest breaks.

Which park should I visit first?

Many families start with Magic Kingdom, as it’s the most iconic park. However, your choice may depend on interests: Disney’s Animal Kingdom for nature, Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Star Wars fans, or EPCOT for food and culture.

What’s the best time of year to visit?

The least crowded months are typically mid-January to early March and late August to mid-October. Holidays and summer months are the busiest.

Should I stay at a Disney Resort or off-site?

Staying on-site offers perks like early park entry, free parking, and easier dining reservations. Staying off-site may be cheaper, but it often requires driving or rideshare services.

Do I need a separate ticket for park hopping?

Yes. A Park Hopper ticket is required if you want to visit more than one park per day.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. Guests may bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks in small soft-sided coolers. Large coolers, glass containers, and alcoholic beverages are not allowed.

What should I pack for a Disney World trip?

Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, refillable water bottles, ponchos, portable chargers, and weather-appropriate clothing are essentials.

Do the parks close when it rains?

No. Disney World operates rain or shine. Outdoor rides may temporarily pause during lightning, but indoor attractions and shows remain open.

Is it better to buy tickets in advance or at the gate?

Always buy your Disney World Orlando tickets well advance. Gate prices are higher, and you risk not getting a park reservation if availability runs out.