Disney World Trip Guidebook – DW Savers
Seize your Mouse Ears, sunscreen, and a pair of comfortable shoes-you’re headed for Orlando!
Orlando is the most well-liked trip vacation spot on the earth. Yearly, tens of hundreds of thousands of individuals arrive by aircraft, automobile, and prepare to hit the theme parks, eating places, and lots of different sights of this once-rural Florida metropolis. With a lot to do and so some ways to do it, it may be simple for you-and your wallet-to get overwhelmed. However don’t be concerned! We’re right here to assist.
This Disney World Financial savings article is the right approach to reduce issues and maximize enjoyable. Inside, you will discover nice recommendations on most of the high locations, plus useful details about the Orlando space. From theme parks to procuring, that is your supply for trip info for the entire household.
Disclaimer: Orlando is a constantly-changing, dynamic vacation spot. Points of interest, eating places, rides, and extra shut and open all year long, generally with little to no discover. This journey information was correct on the time of publication and could also be topic to updates all year long. If in case you have any questions or issues about any info on this information, please be at liberty to e-mail us or name the theme parks immediately.
The Walt Disney World® Resort
It is likely one of the hottest vacationer locations on the earth, visited by hundreds of thousands yearly. What was as soon as a swampy patch of Florida soil is now the Walt Disney World Resort (WDW)-a large trip and leisure wonderland with 4 predominant theme parks, two water parks, 23 motels, seven golf programs (5 championship and two mini), a racetrack, sports activities advanced, ten marinas, greater than 140 locations to eat, and extra.
It is simple to get overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of stuff that WDW presents. Let’s take the resort one world at a time so you’ll be able to plan your journey, your manner.
The Magic Kingdom®
You stroll by the gates and there it’s, just like the opening scene of your very personal fairy tale-a lovely fortress on the finish of a picturesque village avenue. Welcome to Primary Road USA, the start of your Magic Kingdom (MK) expertise.
Primary Road USA is the place all of it begins, an ideal shop- and restaurant-lined thoroughfare that leads you to the 5 worlds past. Alongside the Road, one can find pleasant retailers that includes all of the Disney merchandise you’ll be able to deal with, plus some specialty objects like hand-blown glass ornaments (with working artisans who you’ll be able to watch). Visitor Companies can also be on Primary Road; bear in mind to cease there for eating reservations (at all times a good suggestion) and data on sights that could be down for upkeep, parade occasions, particular occasions, and the rest you would possibly want. That is additionally the place for stroller and wheelchair rental.
Whereas Primary Road USA is primarily considered the gateway to the “actual” sights, there are some nice issues to do right here as properly, particularly for these occasions whenever you want a break from the crowds and the warmth. Listed here are our Primary Picks for Primary Road:
Get a haircut! No, seriously-for slightly below $20, you’ll be able to say you bought your haircut at an actual, old style Barber Store. You possibly can even embody some “magical” touches, like highlights.
Ship a postcard! Cease by Metropolis Corridor and mail a postcard to the parents again residence. It is going to be stamped as coming from The Magic Kingdom; mail it to your self for an affordable memento.
Seize your ears! The Le Chapeau store is one of the best place to get these iconic ears. Now you’ll be able to customise the design and construct your individual hat, so everybody can have their very own private set.
Journey the rails! This can be a nice approach to chill out. Use the Walt Disney World Railroad to wind your manner across the park or make a journey to Frontierland. It is a notably nice approach to finish the day, particularly in the event you can time it for sundown.
Primary Road USA can also be the place for parades. Test with visitor companies for parade occasions and kinds; they will change all year long and for particular occasions. Do not forget that one of the best viewing spots get taken early, so stake your concrete declare and use the time to chill out.
Past Primary Road USA, 5 further worlds await: Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Sq., and Tomorrowland. Every world has its personal sights, eating places, and retailers; let’s take them one after the other so you’ll be able to plan your stops.
Adventureland: Pirates and jungle adventures are the order of the day! Explorers and swashbucklers of all ages come right here for unique leisure, together with avenue performers and the pirate coaching camp (ask a forged member the place the subsequent “class” can be). Here is what you should not miss:
Pirates of the Caribbean
The Enchanted Tiki Room
Jungle Cruise
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Frontierland: This Outdated West land is the place you’ll want to seize your first FASTPASS tickets-send one member of your get together over as quickly as you arrive and get your reservation for both Huge Thunder Mountain Railroad or Splash Mountain. If it is getting close to lunchtime, hit Peco Invoice’s for cheap (for a theme park) burgers. Then saddle up for these must-do’s:
Huge Thunder Mountain Railroad
Splash Mountain
Nation Bear Jamboree
Liberty Sq.: This is likely one of the smaller lands nevertheless it’s additionally one of the crucial liked. There are solely three sights right here, and each certainly one of them is a particular do:
Haunted Mansion
The Corridor of Presidents
Liberty Sq. Riverboat
Fantasyland: At the moment present process a large growth that may double its measurement, loads of Fantasyland remains to be open for enjoyable and extra will debut all year long. Your complete place is because of be prepared by 2014, so do not be shocked by all of the partitions and scaffolding you might even see till then.
Households with youthful youngsters will discover themselves spending quite a lot of time right here, however older guests can nonetheless discover lots to like. For a lot of guests, this land is the very essence of the Magic Kingdom; listed here are a number of the explanation why.
Mad Tea Celebration
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
It is A Small World
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Underneath The Sea:Journey of the Little Mermaid
Ariel’s Grotto
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Tomorrowland: This can be a nostalgic take a look at what we as soon as thought the long run would seem like, with nice rides and a really enjoyable environment.
Sew’s Nice Escape!
Buzz Lightyear’s Area Ranger Spin
Area Mountain
What a Character!
All through your entire WDW Resort are loads of probabilities to fulfill and greet your favourite
Disney characters. Whereas there are reservations-only locations for assured
conferences – resembling character meals – there are additionally areas all through
the resort the place you’ll be able to stand on line to shake fingers or get a photograph. For instance, MK has
a number of particular areas arrange for character greetings, together with Metropolis Corridor at
City Sq., the Adventureland Congoasis, and Ariel’s Grotto.
Characters are additionally know to make appearances close to the rides related to
them, in addition to different locations all through the park. Test with Visitor Companies to
discover out when and the place your favorites can be assembly and greeting.
EPCOT®
Experimental Prototype Neighborhood Of Tomorrow-it was Walt’s dream metropolis, nevertheless it opened as a substitute because the theme park generally known as EPCOT. In order for you your trip to incorporate rides, expertise, world cultures, and avenue performers, you’ve got come to the precise place.
Whereas MK is heaven for little ones, EPCOT is right for older youngsters and adults, particularly tech-savvy teenagers and ‘tweens. This park can also be recognized for having a few of the finest meals on Disney property, together with a few of the hardest reservations to nab-if you are heading over throughout a high-capacity time of yr, plan accordingly by calling 1-407-WDW-DINE
EPCOT is cut up into two areas: Future World and the World Showcase.
Future World: That is the place for many of the rides, interactive reveals, and constantly-changing expertise. Issues are good and arranged right here, so it is simple to see every part in in the future. However if you wish to know simply the must-do’s, we have got the checklist for you.
Spaceship Earth
Soarin’
Check Observe
Mission: SPACE
Journey Into Creativeness with Figment
Residing with the Land
World Showcase: That is the place for tradition, reveals, meals, and some rides. The World Showcase is a approach to see a few of the most well-known locations on the earth and not using a passport.
Every nation – or pavilion – options meals, items, and forged members from the nation itself. Exhibits and films spherical out the expertise. The everlasting World Showcase Pavilions are Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, American Journey, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom, and Canada. Mexico and Norway each characteristic boat rides – Gran Fiesta Tour that includes The Three Cabelleros and Maelstrom.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
It is time for the magic of the films, Mouse-style. Disney’s Hollywood Studios (DHS) is the WDW tribute to “the Hollywood that by no means was, and at all times can be.” that is the place for film faves, television greats, and three of one of the best thrill rides wherever. DHS can also be the place one can find many of the newer Disney characters, together with monsters inc and each new and traditional muppets.
DHS is a well-organized, compact park, which makes it simple to do in a single nice day. If you end up with time to spare, although, you’ll want to see as many reveals as potential; DHS is thought for a few of the finest. and you’ll want to keep late for Fantasmic! It is thought-about one of the best of the nighttime reveals, and it is the one common park occasion that options the disney villains. Seize seats early, it doesn’t matter what time of yr, or take pleasure in dinners and a present by making reservations for the Fantasmic! Bundle at both The Hollywood Brown Derby, Mama Mellrose’s Ristorante Italiano, or Hollywood & Vine.
Right here is your checklist of absolute musts for DHS:
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Aerosmith Rock n curler coaster
The Nice film trip
Toy story mania
Indiana jones stunt spectacular present
Muppet imaginative and prescient 3D
Star excursions
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park
Animal Kingdom (AK) will be the youngest of the WDW parks, nevertheless it’s reputation is correct up there with its sibling amusements. This “Natazu” (say it out loud and you will get it) options stay animals, good meals, nice rides, and a few really beautiful architectural touches, even by Disney requirements.
AK is split into lands (like MK). Some are primarily based on world areas, with theming and animals native to the area, and others are extra imaginative. Here is the rundown of what is the place
Oasis: Many individuals make the error of dashing by this entry level; do not be certainly one of them. Take your time and see miniature deer, sloths, macaws, iguanas, and extra.
Discovery Island: the park’s heart is dominated by creative surprise The Tree of Life. The Tree stands 14 tales tall, is 50 ft huge, and has a carved “bark” tapestry that includes 325 totally different animal likenesses. Wildlife trails encompass the tree as properly, with viewing areas for lemurs, flamingos, purple kangaroos, and large Galapagos tortoises. Contained in the tree is a theatre the place you’ll be able to expertise It is Powerful To Be A Bug, a creepy crawly interactive film show-it’s a park fave!
Camp Minnie Mickey: take the little ones right here for small-size enjoyable and most of AK’s character meet and greets. That is additionally the house for The Competition of the Lion King present, which impressed the award-winning Broadway musical.
Africa: welcome to Harambe, a wonderful African village that’s your path to Kilimanjaro Safari and a trip by African animal territory. When you descend out of your safari car, you exit to the Paganini Forest Exploration Path for a take a look at lowland gorillas, together with an impressive 500-lb silverback male and his household. Take your time by these trails-this is likely one of the few locations on the earth the place you’ll be able to observe these superb primates. After, take the little ones to Rafiki’s Planet Watch after, as a reward for his or her patience-they’ll love the Affection Part petting zoo.
Asia: You have found the dominion of Anandapur, which suggests “place of pleasure.” The Imagineers did an incredible job of making the sensation of a crumbling, archeological surprise, so you’ll want to maintain a watch open for intricate particulars. In fact, that may be arduous to do since your complete get together can be working to get to Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, Disney’s latest thrill trip. FASTPASS it for sure-this coaster is value your total go to. On a scorching day, head subsequent to Kali River Rapids, the place the churning waters assure a soaking good time for all. Extra up-close animal viewing may be had at Maharajah Jungle Trek, together with Bengal Tigers.
Dinoland U.S.A.: It won’t be one of the best dinosaur attraction on the earth, nevertheless it’s nonetheless good Disney enjoyable. The Boneyard is a spot for youths to dig, climb and slide whereas dad and mom get a while to take a seat and watch. Then take the entire household to Dinosaur, a enjoyable, fast-paced race in opposition to time. Lastly, seize a seat for Discovering Nemo-The Musical. This attractive, visually-stunning reimagining of the favored movie is taken into account THE must-see present of your entire Walt Disney World Resort.
Our Ideas for the WDW Parks
FASTPASS: It is like making a reservation in your favourite WDW attraction. Simply insert your admission ticket, annual cross, or resort ID, and the machine prints out a cross with the time it’s best to return to the trip. You possibly can’t select your time, and you’ll solely have one lively FASTPASS at a time, however that does not matter — on a busy day, it may possibly prevent hours of ready on traces.
A FASTPASS Tip: In the event you miss your scheduled time, don’t be concerned. Your FASTPASS is sweet for any time after the time in your ticket.
Journey whereas different company are busy: Mealtimes, parades, and fireworks typically take folks away from the key sights. Journey whereas everybody else is distracted and you might expertise far shorter wait occasions.
Do not rebuy-refill! WDW has water fountains all through the park. Carry your individual water bottles (the park permits them) and refill all through the day.
Snack to avoid wasting time: Snack stands supply fast, gentle choices for meals on the go-remember {that a} heavy meal is prone to sluggish you down, particularly in scorching climate.
The WDW Water Parks
Blizzard Seashore
Welcome to the 66-acre ski resort of Mount Gushmore! Blizzard Seashore incorporates a white sand seaside and a tropical lagoon. That is the youngest of the Disney water parks, nevertheless it’s additionally the most well-liked; actually, it is the most well-liked water park within the nation. It is bought nice rides for all ages, from thrills and pace to lazy and stress-free. Listed here are a number of highlights:
Cross Nation Creek
Soften Away Bay
Tike’s Peak
Teamboat Springs
Summit Plummet
Storm Lagoon
Barely smaller and a bit extra relaxed in each theme and thrills than Blizzard Seashore, Storm Lagoon is WDW’s second water park. Crowds are usually a bit smaller right here, since it’s the older of the 2 parks, however you’ll be able to nonetheless count on lengthy waits and crowded swimming pools throughout excessive attendance occasions of yr. Storm Lagoon’s waters are saved at a heat – however nonetheless refreshing – 75-80º F all yr spherical, making this a water park of alternative even in Orlando’s brief winter.
The story of Storm Lagoon facilities round Miss Tilly, a shrimp boat that ended up caught atop volcano Mount Mayday after “the storm of storms.” On the half hour, Miss Tilly nonetheless blows her whistle, as Mount Mayday tries to dislodge the ship by sending a geyser of water straight by her and up into the air.
Essentially the most well-known attraction at Storm Lagoon might be the Shark Reef. Right here, you’ll be able to snorkel and even scuba with stay sharks (leopards and bonnetheads), in addition to stingrays and diverse tropical fish. These guests not fairly courageous sufficient to get within the water (the sharks aren’t harmful!) can view the fish through the portholes of a “sunken tanker.”
There are 9 waterslides as properly, working the gamut from thrills to pure laziness. Here is the rundown on a few of the favorites:
Castaway Creek
Crush ‘n’ Gusher
Gang Plank Falls
Humunga Kowabunga
Surf Pool
Sports activities, Buying, and Extra
Disney’s Huge World of Sports activities® Complicated
That is Disney’s homage to sports activities and the individuals who each play and love them. It is a 220-acre megacomplex with a baseball stadium, ten baseball and softball fields, six basketball courts, 12 tennis courts (totally lighted), six volleyball courts (sand, after all), a monitor and area advanced, driving vary for golfers, and even two indoor curler hockey rinks. The multisport auxiliary Josten Middle presents one other six basketball courts, 12 extra volleyball courts, and two extra curler hockey rinks.
Sports activities followers ought to know that huge names typically make appearances right here, too. The Atlanta Braves come for Spring Coaching each March, and the NBA, PGA, NCAA, and Harlem Globetrotters all host occasions and video games right here. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers additionally use the Sports activities Complicated as their coaching camp in July and August.
Name 407-WDW-GAME for extra info, together with a calendar of occasions and likewise ticket info.
DisneyQuest
This interactive, indoor theme park is the right alternative for the tech- heads in your group or for the entire household on a wet day. It options 5 ranges of cutting-edge video games, the place digital actuality meets journey, all with a contact of that particular Disney pixie mud. Teenagers will LOVE it, however there’s something for everybody. Do not miss digital variations of fashionable MK rides, together with Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold, Digital Jungle Cruise, CyberSpace Mountain, and Aladdin’s Magic Carpets.
CyberSpace Mountain is a selected fave, the place Invoice Nye the Science Man helps you create the coaster after which enables you to trip it-it’s really a custom-made trip expertise. Artistically-inclined company ought to take a look at Animation Station for a crash-course in Disney-style animation. Get right here at opening for essentially the most motion with least wait-afternoons and evenings right here can develop into unbearably crowded.
Golf Disney
WDW options 99 whole holes of golf, unfold over six programs. There are additionally two mini-golf complexes, competing with comparable websites throughout Orlando. Whereas huge golfers in your get together would possibly need to plan huge outings with their buddies (tee occasions may be booked 60-90 days prematurely), Oak Path is one of the best place to get in a fast 9 holes. It is a pretty and quiet strolling course appropriate for freshmen, skilled linksmen, and even households. There are some nice challenges, notably at holes 5, 6, and seven. Different programs and mini-golf embody:
Magnolia
Palm
Osprey Ridge
Lake Buena Vista
Fantasia Gardens (mini)
Fantasia Fairways (mini)
Winter Summerland (two mini programs: Winter and Summer time)
And bear in mind, spikeless golf sneakers solely! Sneakers or comparable athletic sneakers are additionally permitted.
Downtown Disney
If procuring, eating, and a state-of-the-art multiplex are a part of your dream trip, that is the place you will need to spend a while. It is cut up into three areas: West Facet, Pleasure Island (quickly to be Hyperion Wharf), and The Market.
West Facet has DisneyQuest and superb eating experiences, resembling Bongos Cuban Café, the Home of Blues, Wolfgang Puck’s, and Planet Hollywood. There’s a 24-screen AMC movie show, that includes all of your first-run wants in a wonderful artwork deco setting. West Facet additionally options Cirque du Solei La Nouba, a Disney-exclusive present by the world-famous avant-garde troupe. Purchase tickets early if you wish to see the present – its reputation is almost unequalled. And new for 2013 is Splitsville, a two-floor, 30 lane bowling and leisure advanced that includes stay music and nice eating.
Pleasure Island was as soon as the over-18 heart of Downtown Disney, with golf equipment and eating places catering to an all-adult crowd. That led to 2008, and the realm has been partially unused since. However issues are altering! Disney introduced plans in late 2010 to rework Pleasure Island right into a brand-new procuring and eating space, Hyperion Wharf. Building is predicted to take three years; some retailers and eating places will stay open through the lengthy renovation, together with Raglan Street Irish Pub & Bar, Fuego by Sosa Cigars, Paradiso 37, and Orlando Harley-Davidson.
Disney Market has nice eating places, too, notably Fulton’s Crab Home for succulent seafood on a wonderful riverboat. Captain Jack’s (no connection to the Johnny Depp character) is the place for oysters and chilly beer, in an off-the-cuff waterfront restaurant that additionally has an awesome childrens menu. Youngsters will even love the Rainforest Café, the place there are sometimes stay animals (largely parrots) on show outdoors. Market can also be residence to the World of Disney. No journey is full and not using a go to right here, although dad and mom making an attempt to stay to a finances would possibly need to corral the youngsters as soon as they get by the door!
Getting Round The Mouse: Transportation on the Walt Disney World® Resort
Monorail: The Walt Disney Monorail system has been in place because the park opened in 1971. It initially ran across the circumference of the Seven Seas Lagoon however was expanded in 1982 to supply monorail transport to EPCOT. If you’re staying in one of many Magic Kingdom motels
– The Modern, The Polynesian, or The Grand Floridian – the monorail goes proper by your lodge. Everybody else picks up the monorail at both the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, or the Transportation and Ticket Middle, generally known as the TTC.
The TTC is the central level for Disney transportation. Along with monorails, the TTC can also be the place you’ll find Disney (and different space lodge) resort buses, ferry boats, water taxis, and a large car parking zone for automobiles, taxis, and buses.
Buses: Disney resort buses run to all of the Disney motels, the primary parks, water parks, Downtown Disney, and the Huge World of Sports activities. There are dozens of buses for every location, however the routes aren’t at all times essentially the most direct. Additionally, the buses may be extraordinarily crowded at peak intervals, resembling opening, closing, and meal occasions. Concentrate on time – if you’re in a rush to get someplace, the buses might not be your best choice.
Parking: Whereas the monorails, ferry boats, water taxis, and Disney buses are complimentary, in the event you want to make use of your individual automobile, the every day parking price is $14 for automobiles and bikes, and $15 for trailers and campers. Your parking cross is sweet for your entire day, irrespective of how typically you progress your automobile. Disney Resort Resort Company and Annual Move Holders don’t have to pay for parking wherever within the Walt Disney advanced. It’s at all times complimentary.
Enjoyable for all ages
WDW attracts company of very ages, from households with younger youngsters to retirees and spring breakers. Everybody has their very own favorites, however in the event you’re on the lookout for some planning assist, listed here are our picks for one of the best choices for the most typical age teams: Youngsters, Teenagers and Adults.
Please be aware the next abbreviations for every park:
MK = Magic Kingdom® Park
EP = Epcot®
DHS = Disney’s Hollywood Studios&commerce;
AP = Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park
Finest for Youthful Youngsters
Points of interest: Voyage of the Little Mermaid (DHS), Monsters Inc Snigger Ground (MK), Discovering Nemo: The Musical (AK), Buzz Lightyear (MK)
Eats: 50 Prime Time Café (DHS), Cosmic Ray’s (MK), Coral Reef Restaurant (EP), Toy Story Pizza Planet (DHS)
Finest for Teenagers
Points of interest: Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular (DHS), Philharmagic (MK), Phantasmic (DHS), Rock n Curler Coaster (DHS), Haunted Mansion (MK), Area Mountain (MK), Splash Mountain (MK), Mission: Area (EP), Expedition Everest (AK)
Eating places: Pecos Payments (MK), By way of Napoli (EP), Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater (DHS)
Finest for Adults
Points of interest: Muppet Imaginative and prescient 3-D (DHS), Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (DHS), Check Observe (EP), Soarin’ (EP)
Eating places: Victoria and Albert’s (Grand Floridian Resort), California Grill (Modern Resort), Narcoosees (Grand Floridian Resort), Cooks du France (EP), Jiko (AK Lodge), Rose and Crown (EP), Le Cellier (EP)
We sincerely hoped you loved studying our information to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Have an awesome journey!
