Disney World Vacations

Mickey's turf in Orlando is big: in an area the size of Boston, guests can explore four major theme parks, two water parks, the Downtown Disney entertainment zone, and other attractions. Meanwhile, twenty-two themed resorts, from "Value" to "Deluxe", offer special perks for guests.

With four major theme parks and two giant water parks, a trip to Orlando to see Mickey quickly turns into a complex undertaking. Check out these tips to help you have the best possible time with your family.

Help someone else have a great time! Share what your kids liked best in the theme parks, what you might do differently next time, your favorite places to stay... See what others have shared.

Visitors need to balance four factors: crowds, weather, park hours, and special events.

Find out when the theme parks are likely to be most crowded or least crowded.

The first theme park in Orlando -- The Magic Kingdom-- opened in 1971, but of course that was just the start.

The first big choice is whether to stay on-property or off-property. There are many great options and much to consider.

Guests can choose from over twenty themed resorts ranging from Value Resorts (which really are great value) to Moderate Resorts to Deluxe Resorts and Villas. A unique-- and terrific -- option is Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Meanwhile, Vacation Club Resorts can be booked by any guests and offer the conveniences of staying in a suite.

This overview is organized by location: resorts near Magic Kingdom (with have boat and monorail transportation), and resorts close to Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom or Downtown Disney.

There are good reasons to stay near the Magic Kingdom theme park: for example, an easy return from the nightly fireworks over Cinderella's Castle. Some top resorts are located on the Seven Seas Lagoon, with access to Magic Kingdom by boat or monorail.

Whether you stay at a Value or a Luxury resort, they all confer the same great set of perks: a free Magical Express shuttle from the airport, free buses running constantly to the theme parks, Extra Magic Hours in the theme parks... read more.

"Magic Your Way" is the way theme park admissions are sold for Disney World vacations: the daily price gets cheaper the more days you buy. "Magic Your Way" has many options; be sure to check out the Dining plan.

Be whisked to your Disney World Resort, with free airport shuttle and luggage delivery. Also, for many airlines, guests can check in for their return flight right at the resort.

It's peak season for a reason: Christmas brings dazzling decorations to the resorts and theme parks, and special events starting in late November. Yes, the theme parks are crowded, but they stay open late, and with all the special celebrations, many people consider this one of the best times to visit Disney World .

October's turned into a full festive season, and virtually all theme parks these days have Halloween fun. "Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party" is a separate-ticket event held on multiple evenings in October and September in the Magic Kingdom theme park.

Find out about the Dining option available with Disney World vacation packages (and typically offered for free during a promotion every year); ways to save money at Disney World resorts and other lodgings; a camping possibility right at Disney World; and more.

For several years an annual promotion has offered the Dining option free, when guests buy a multi-night package that includes a stay at a Disney World Resort plus theme park tickets.

Read about special features and amenities that make visiting the Disney World theme parks easier for families with wee kids.

Guests at Disney World can find plenty of fun without paying for expensive theme park tickets. The Disney resorts variously offer pools, artificial beaches, horseback riding, boating and kayaking, and lots more, on-property. Guests could also opt for a day at one of Disney World's two terrific water parks, or try out the minigolf course.