Disney World Vacations
Disney World Vacations: Overview
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.
Top Tips for Disney World Vacations
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.
Share Your Experience
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.
Best Times to Visit
Visitors need to balance four factors: crowds, weather, park hours, and special events.
Busiest (and Least Busy) Times of the Year
Find out when the theme parks are likely to be most crowded or least crowded.
When Was Disney World Built?
The first theme park in Orlando -- The Magic Kingdom-- opened in 1971, but of course that was just the start.
Disney World Vacations: Where to Stay
The first big choice is whether to stay on-property or off-property. There are many great options and much to consider.
Disney World Resorts: Overview, by TYPE
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.
Resorts - by LOCATION
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.
Resorts near Magic Kingdom
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.
Perks of Staying at a Disney World Resort
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 Theme Park Admissions
"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.
Magical Express
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.
Disney Christmas
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 .
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
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.
How to Save Money on a Disney World Vacation
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.
Disney World Dining Option
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.
Disney World for Babies and Toddlers
Read about special features and amenities that make visiting the Disney World theme parks easier for families with wee kids.
Disney World - Without the Theme Parks!
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.
Top Attractions at Disney World
A personal "don't miss" list of things to do, including rides, live musicals, and spectacles...
What's Your Favorite Attraction at Disney World?
We've made a list ot Top Twenty Attractions, but opinions may differ! Share your thoughts on what's "not to be missed".
Family Suites at Walt Disney World
Disney's Art of Animation Resort -- a Value resort, new in 2012-- offers convenient suites on-property with units that can sleep up to six.
Read tips to keep children safely with parents in Disney theme parks, and...
Tips to Keep Your Child from Getting Lost at Disney World
Premium Experiences at Disney World
In addition to all that's offered to regular visitors at Disney World's four giant theme parks, guests can also choose to participate in special tours and experiences.
The Wild Africa Trek, in Disney World's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
This premium experience offers special animal viewing opportunities in the Kilimanjaro Safaris terrain, an exciting rope bridge, and a relaxing African-inspired lunch at a "safari camp" that feels a world away from the crowds of the theme parks.
Wild Africa Trek - Photos
See photos of the Wild Africa Trek, a premium tour in the Harambe Wildlife Reserve area of the Animal Kingdom theme park at Disney World.
Five Ideas for Family Vacations with a Toddler
The Magic Kingdom at Disney World tops the list.