By the start of the 1960s, Disneyland went from "Walt's folly" to a success. Walt Disney had created not just an amusement park, where children could ride kiddie rides while their parents watched from a bench, but the world's first true theme park, a place where children and grown-ups could both have fun, together.

But it was not long after Disneyland's 1955 opening that Walt realized that the available space in Anaheim was too small. He had his park, but he and his Imagineers were constantly coming up with new ideas, ideas that just weren't going to fit inside Disneyland. In addition, market studies showed that only 5% of visitors came from east of the Mississippi River, where the vast majority of the American population lived. In the 1960s, Walt began looking to the East Coast for a place with enough space to hold all of the ideas his team could dream up. He found such a place in Central Florida, southwest of the sleepy city of Orlando. Here, along the new Interstate 4, there was plenty of space, far more than would be needed for just a single theme park. Walt had grander ideas in mind for this "Florida Project" of his.

After buying up over 27,000 acres (11,000 ha) of land on the sly, Walt announced his ambitious Disney World plans to the world. A theme park would be built, of course—a Magic Kingdom on the north end of the property. But to get there from I-4, guests would need to pass through the true centerpiece of the project: EPCOT, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.

EPCOT was Walt Disney's largest, most revolutionary idea yet—a real city, with 20,000 real people living and working within, making use of the most advanced technologies to grow food, provide transport, and enhance quality of life. Much of the technology was already in use at Disneyland—PeopleMovers and monorails, for instance—but these would not be amusement rides. EPCOT was to be a place where the Imagineers' ideas were put to practical use, for the betterment of all mankind.

Alas, it was not to be. Walt died in December 1966, just as the Florida Project was coming to fruition. Without Walt to drive the project, the company board refused to undertake the ambitious EPCOT plans. But Walt's brother Roy O. Disney insisted the project as a whole go forward, starting with the Magic Kingdom. Roy changed the project's name to Walt Disney World; this new resort would be a tribute to Walt's vision, but would never really be the fulfillment of it.

The Magic Kingdom opened on October 1, 1971, with two hotels, a campground, and two golf courses nearby. It was an immediate success, single-handedly sparking the development of the Orlando area as one of the country's busiest vacation destinations. Though Roy died before the year ended, he had succeeded in getting his brother's final project off the ground.

Walt Disney World's first decade passed quickly, and by the time of its "Tencennial" celebration in 1981, a new theme park was being built in the space Walt had envisioned for EPCOT. The new park would be called EPCOT Center, though it bore little resemblance to Walt's original plans. Instead, EPCOT Center would be a sort of "permanent world's fair", combining Future World, made up of grand pavilions devoted to human progress, with a World Showcase of meticulously detailed recreations of foreign lands. EPCOT Center opened in 1982, and was followed by a combination theme park and movie studio called Disney-MGM Studios in 1989, and then by Disney's Animal Kingdom, a zoological theme park, in 1998.

Over the years, numerous resort hotels and recreational activities were added to support the increased attendance at the multi-park resort. Two large water parks were added in 1989 and in 1995. In addition, a remote area of the property that started as Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village evolved into the Disney Village Marketplace, expanded to become Downtown Disney, and is now Disney Springs, an adult-oriented shopping and entertainment district.

Walt Disney never would have imagined what Walt Disney World has become, and it is far removed from his original vision. But one of his guiding principles was to "keep moving forward", and Disney World has done just that, becoming the largest and most popular theme park resort complex in the world.

Enough books have been written about Walt Disney World to fill a good-sized bookshelf. One very educational set of books, though written in 2009, are the Imagineering Field Guides; there's one for each of the four parks (plus one for Disneyland). These guides aren't about practical tourist information; rather, they cover the stories behind every area in each park and feature great concept images (some rarely seen), behind-the-scenes details, and tricks of the Imagineering trade. They're also small enough to carry in your pocket should you wish to learn more about the process of making of the areas as you tour the parks.

Surprisingly, not much fiction has been written about the parks themselves. Ridley Pearson has an ongoing series of young-adult novels set inside the parks, called The Kingdom Keepers. Carole Marsh has written The Mystery at Walt Disney World as part of her Real Kids, Real Places mystery series. There's also Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom, a science-fiction novel by Cory Doctorow that takes place primarily in a future version of the Magic Kingdom.

The Walt Disney Company is a multinational media conglomerate, so video productions featuring Walt Disney World are ubiquitous.

Several television programs have filmed on-location at the resort. The 1990s-era revival of The Mickey Mouse Club (the one that gave Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake their starts) was filmed entirely at the production facilities inside Disney-MGM Studios (now Hollywood Studios). Full House, Family Matters, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and Black-ish, are among the sitcoms (mostly on Disney-owned ABC) with episodes showing the characters visiting Walt Disney World. Another fun option, if you can find it, is 1990's The Muppets at Walt Disney World, which was intended as a precursor to Disney's purchase of the Muppets (which finally happened in 2004).

Those shows only used the park as a backdrop, though, so they have limited "tourist" value. For meatier fare, there's always the yearly Disney Parks' Magical Christmas Celebration, which features the Walt Disney World Christmas parade and also includes segments showing the latest and greatest attractions around both Disneyland and Walt Disey World. If you're going to watch the special just to get planning information, though, you might as well just call Disney at ☏ +1 407 W-DISNEY (9-347639) and ask for their free vacation planning video. Another good source of information is the official YouTube channel of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. No surprise that these Disney corporate sources tend to gloss over the problems you might encounter at Walt Disney World, but they do offer a good introduction to the resort for first-timers who are trying to get a feel for the place.

Disney has also made a few full-length features based on various rides in the parks—the five Pirates of the Caribbean films being by far the best—but don't expect the rides to have much of anything to do with the films. They're a good way to get into the mood for your trip, though!

Like all of Central Florida, the climate at Walt Disney World is humid and subtropical. Summer (May–October) is hot and sticky, while winter (November–April) is mild and drier. Visitors from higher latitudes are often surprised by the sheer intensity of the summer sun in Florida, which can rise to within a few degrees of straight overhead in June and July. In June through September, late afternoon thundershowers are very common; plan accordingly.

That said, climate problems are well known at Walt Disney World and there are several means to cope (see "Weather" in the Stay Safe section).

Inclement weather can often lead to the temporary closure of outdoor rides and live performances. In the case of rides, they will re-open after the weather improves, and your Lighting Lane selections will continue to be valid, even if your reservation time has passed. Live performances may be either delayed or canceled outright. On the other hand, inclement weather could work to your advantage, as it drives some visitors away from outdoor areas, or out of the parks entirely.

There used to be some times of year when the parks were relatively deserted, but not so much anymore. Now they just vary from "moderately busy" to "completely insane". Still, deciding when to go remains a game of trade-offs: you must decide whether to favor lower crowds or longer park hours, and decide whether you prefer scorching days or chilly nights.

The peak periods for attendance are late December, mid-June to mid-August, and mid-February to mid-April. Why? That's when most American kids are on break from school. If you have kids, you may have no choice but to go during these peak times. The bad news is that you'll be packed like sardines next to 50,000 of your new closest friends, you'll wait two hours to go on rides like Space Mountain and Soarin', and you'll be paying a premium for the privilege. In the summer, you also get to listen to the kids complain about the heat. On the bright side, though, you'll have plenty of company, the parks are guaranteed to be open late, and as many rides as possible will be up and running.

If your schedule allows any flexibility at all, you should avoid these peak periods. Attendance is lowest in October, November (pre-Thanksgiving), December (pre-Christmas), and January. These can be very good times to go; crowds are low and prices are too, but keep in mind that you may find that several rides are shut down for maintenance, and the parks have shorter operating hours. In the winter, it's often too cold to go to the water parks, and you'll need a jacket at night.

The weeks between Easter and Memorial Day are another slow period, as well as the months of August and September; both periods provide a good balance of price, crowds, temperature, and operating hours, but you may need to take the kids out of school if you're bringing them along.

Be aware, however, during the periods of mid-December to February, mid-June to July, during the first 2-3 weeks of October, and on Thanksgiving Day (in some cases), tour groups from South American countries, mainly from Brazil and Argentina, will invade Walt Disney World and other Orlando theme parks. Many guests have complained of rudeness and improper supervision. There may be some groups that may not be as problematic as everyone could think, but still, if you see or hear a group of teens behind or more 20- to 30-year-old adult(s) with a flag, your best bet is to go in the opposite direction.

Of course, you may want to coordinate your trip with a special event. (It's no coincidence that these events are scheduled during otherwise-slow periods for the parks.) Epcot has two months-long events: the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival runs from March to mid-May, and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival runs from October through mid-November.

The Magic Kingdom hosts two special hard-ticket holiday events, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in September and October, and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party in November and December. These events, which let you stay in the park past the normal closing time, can cost up to $150 per person(on top of regular park admission), but tickets are limited so the crowds remain manageable.

Speaking of Christmas, the month of December may just be the most magical time of year at Walt Disney World. The entire resort goes all-out to decorate everything, with huge themed Christmas trees in each of the parks and each of the resorts, and the spectacular Castle Dreamlights draped onto Cinderella Castle. There are also countless holiday events at the resorts, the Candlelight Processional at Epcot, and other events. And as long as you avoid Thanksgiving week and Christmas week, the crowds really aren't that bad.

Most visitors fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO ^IATA), +1 407-825-2001. It is served by all of the major US airlines and a wide range of international carriers. From there, you can get to Disney in a number of ways — by renting a car, taking a taxi, ordering a limo or towncar, or taking Mears Connect, a bus service that takes you from the airport to your resort ($32 USD per adult, $27 USD per child aged 3-9, round trip). The most affordable option for getting to Disney is the Lynx Bus Route 311, which connects the airport directly to Disney for only $2, and is highly recommended for anyone not planning on renting a car (though it only runs to Disney Springs, and thus requires a transfer to a Disney-run bus to get to most of the resorts and parks). For those driving in, Florida State Roads 528 (to the north) and 417 (to the south) link the airport with Interstate 4, which leads directly into Walt Disney World.

Orlando-Sanford International Airport^{[dead link]} (SFB ^IATA) is a bit farther away from Walt Disney World than Orlando International. The airport is only served by ultra-low-cost carriers Allegiant and Flair. Florida State Road 417 connects the airport to Interstate 4.

Disney resorts offer airport check-in services (including baggage checking) right at the hotel, near the motorcoach stop. This service is available for domestic (and soon international) flights on all major U.S. airlines (including Alaska Airlines). You can check-in in the morning, check your large bags, leave your carry-ons with Bell Services, and go have fun in the parks before you leave for the airport.

Interstate 4 is the most direct driving route into Walt Disney World. Depending on your point of origin, Florida's Turnpike can be quite useful. This is particularly true when you might be arriving from Miami or other points south. If you will be arriving from a cruise at Port Canaveral, Florida State Road 528 gets you to I-4, with Orlando International Airport and the Turnpike en route. I-4 is the most dangerous road in Florida, and one of the worst in the United states. See Florida#By car.

Amtrak's Silver Service Miami–New York City routes serve Orlando and Kissimmee. Service is four times daily, with two trains in either direction. Northbound trains from Miami arrive at the Orlando station at 1:43 PM and 7:08 PM; southbound trains from NYC arrive at 10:17 AM and 12:55 PM. The Auto Train, which can carry both passengers and automobiles, serves nearby Sanford non-stop from Lorton, Virginia (near Washington, D.C.).

Although the Kissimmee station is much smaller, it is closer to both the Magic Kingdom and all the resorts on the southern end of Walt Disney World including the All-Star Resorts. The smaller distance translates into smaller taxi fares for those who are not planning on renting a car. It is also possible to take the Lynx Link 56 from here to the Transportation & Ticket Center.

If you are coming from Volusia or Seminole counties, or from northern Osceola county on a weekday and want to avoid I-4 Traffic, your best option is SunRail, which runs between Debary and Poniciana (and will also connect Deland from starting during the summer of 2024). There is no service on weekends and some federal holidays (for example, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day), and the trains run every 30 minutes during rush hour periods, and less often during off peak periods. There are three connecting stations for Disney served by SunRail. The first is Lynx Central Station in Downtown Orlando, the others are the Sand Lake Road station near the airport, and in Downtown Kissimmee. The station physically closest to Disney is "Tupperware", there is no bus connection, but taxis and rideshares can be hailed.

Brightline Runs from Orlando International Airport to Miami, with other intermediate stops in the Miami area. Plans are underway to continue the route from the Airport to Walt Disney World, and eventually to Tampa. Brightline trains operate on separate tracks and stations than Amtrak and local commuter trains (which are shared with each other). $20-350 roundtrip.

The Disney Cruise Line provides a bus service for their passengers, between the Walt Disney World resort hotels and their terminal at Port Canaveral. The one-way fare is $35 per person, although it's included in the price if you book a land-and-sea vacation package.

If you're not staying at a Disney resort, or aren't coming in via Orlando International or Disney Cruise Line, you do have some other choices. Mears Transportation is the big dog in the area; in fact, Disney contracts with them to run the Magical Express and the Disney Cruise Line buses. But they also run their own shuttle buses and town cars that can take you to any of the local attractions or hotels.

Long-distance bus company Greyhound serves both Orlando and Kissimmee, with the latter being closer to Walt Disney World.

• Greyhound terminals:
  • Orlando Terminal, 555 N John Young Pkwy, ☏ +1 407 292-3424. 
  • Kissimmee Terminal, 103 E Dakin Ave, ☏ +1 407 847-3911. 

LYNX is a public bus service of the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority. Ten LYNX routes provide service between Walt Disney World and the surrounding area. All except 56 travel via I-4 and Disney Springs and serve the Disney Springs West Side Transfer Center.

• Regular routes:
  • Route 350, from Disney Springs, to SeaWorld, Destination Parkway and downtown Orlando. This route serves as WDW's primary public transit connection to International Drive, the main tourism corridor within the city of Orlando. This also is the main connector to SunRail from Lynx Central Station.
  • Route 56, from the Transportation and Ticket Center to the Downtown Kissimmee. This also is the main connector to SunRail and also Amtrak from Kissimmee.
  • Route 300, running nonstop express from Downtown Orlando to Disney Springs and the Transportation and Ticket Center, and vice-versa. This also is the main connector to SunRail from Lynx Central Station.
  • Route 311, from Disney Springs to MCO via the Orange County Convention Center, Universal Drive, and the Florida Mall.
• Routes 301–306, and 312 are commuter routes with very limited service:
  • Route 301, to/from Pine Hills.
  • Route 302, from the Magic Kingdom resorts to Rosemont.
  • Route 303, to and from Washington Shores.
  • Route 304, from Disney Springs to Rio Grande.
  • Route 306, from Disney Springs to Poinciana.
  • Route 312, to and from Ocoee via the TTC

In some places, walking is the most convenient way to travel from one area to another. Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and the five resorts in between (Swan & Dolphin, Yacht & Beach Clubs, and Boardwalk) are connected by walkways, as is Disney Springs to Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort. If you are staying at Disney's Contemporary Resort, you will find it quicker to walk to the Magic Kingdom than to take the ferry or monorail. From Shades of Green (a military-only resort) it's a five-minute walk to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, to take the monorail or ferry to the Magic Kingdom; and from the Polynesian it's another five-minute walk to the Transportation and Ticket Center, to take the monorail to Epcot.

Keep in mind, though, that you'll be doing a lot of walking within the parks, especially at Epcot and Animal Kingdom, so don't tire yourself out early!

Strollers, wheelchairs, and electric convenience vehicles (ECVs) are readily available to rent at the entrance to each park. If you have a problem standing too long, or if walking on the hot pavement makes your feet ache, renting a wheelchair or ECV can make a big difference. Wheelchairs can be brought up to the loading area of most rides, where you'll usually need to transfer to the ride vehicle. Both wheelchairs and ECVs are accommodated in most theater and stage attractions. Strollers will usually need to be left outside; most attractions have a designated stroller parking area. Electric standing vehicles (ESVs) are also available for guests who have trouble walking, but also cannot sit for long periods of time. There are very few ESVs, though, so it might be a bit of a hassle to rent one. Free wheelchairs are available to assist guests to and from the park entrance.

A single stroller rents for $15, or $13/day for multi-day rentals. Double strollers are $31, or $27/day. Wheelchairs are $12, or $10/day. ECVs and ESVs are $50, with a $20 refundable deposit. Even if you park-hop, you only have to pay once per day; simply show a same-day receipt to avoid paying a second fee.

Learn to love the ubiquitous Walt Disney World bus system. You'll be using it a lot, especially if you didn't bring a car.

The bus routes are set up to facilitate travel from a resort to a park, but not from one resort to another or from one park to another. Most resorts have five bus routes originating from them, providing direct service to all four theme parks and Disney Springs. Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are served only by buses that leave from Disney Springs and Animal Kingdom, respectively.

Disney's Boardwalk is actually part of a resort, so visitors from other resorts (except Swan/Dolphin or Yacht/Beach Clubs) will have to travel there via one of the parks. The most convenient option is Disney's Hollywood Studios, which has two connections to the Boardwalk: walking or ferry. (Although Epcot is the closest park to the Boardwalk, using it as an interchange is not recommended, as it would require entering through the main entrance and exiting out the back entrance, thereby costing the admission fee.)

There is no bus service to the Magic Kingdom or Epcot from the Magic Kingdom-area resorts; they are served by the monorail system. Likewise, service to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios from the Epcot-area resorts is by ferry or walking. There is also no consistent direct bus service between the theme parks and Disney Springs. (After 4PM you can find buses from the parks to Disney Springs, but not the other way around; this discourages guests from parking for free at Disney Springs and taking the bus to the parks.) To travel to Disney Springs from a theme park, or vice versa, you must travel to any resort and change buses. The most convenient resort for this purpose is Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort, which is right next door to Disney Springs; you can get there via a pedestrian bridge, bus, or ferry.

The buses are reliable, fairly efficient, and reasonably comfortable, but you do need to give yourself plenty of time to get where you're going. You may wait up to twenty minutes for a bus to your destination, and another ten to thirty minutes to get there—possibly longer during the busy season. The buses can be very crowded around park opening and closing times; be prepared to stand. Also keep in mind that guests in wheelchairs and ECVs have first priority when boarding.

Busses to and from resorts not operated by Disney(like Shades of Green, Swan&Dolphin, or the Four Seasons) only serve the TTC, not the Magic Kingdom directly.

Walt Disney World's monorail system is one of its signature attractions, and it's not even inside one of the parks. They do a great job of getting large numbers of guests from place to place, but they're also quite comfortable and fun to ride.

The monorail service is limited and only goes to certain areas, all originating from the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). There are three monorail lines:

• Express: This route travels from the Transportation and Ticket Center (adjacent to the Magic Kingdom parking lot) to the Magic Kingdom gates and back, without stopping at the resorts. This is primarily used by Magic Kingdom guests who parked in the lot or are coming from Epcot. This route runs on the outer beam, counter-clockwise around Seven Seas Lagoon.
• Resort: This route runs parallel to the Express route, clockwise on the inner rail, and stops at all the resorts it passes. The stops are, in order: Transportation and Ticket Center, Polynesian Village, Grand Floridian, Magic Kingdom, and Contemporary. This route is used by resort guests to get to the Magic Kingdom or Epcot, and by guests visiting one of the resorts.
• Epcot: This route travels between the Transportation and Ticket Center and the Epcot gates. When entering Epcot this way, the monorail makes a nice loop in the park before arriving at the station, giving a great aerial view of Future World and the World Showcase.

If you are going to Epcot from the Polynesian Village Resort, you may walk to the Transportation and Ticket Center to get to the Epcot monorail; it's usually faster than taking the Resort monorail completely through the loop. The same is true of traveling to the Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary Resort. It is also possible to walk to the TTC from Disney's Wilderness Lodge, which is not connected to the monorail. The distance is about half a mile, and takes around 10 minutes.

Monorails generally run from an hour before park opening to an hour after closing. Most of the time that'll be enough for anyone, but if you're using it to transit between resorts (for, say, a late dinner reservation), you might want to double-check the exact hours at your resort's front desk. You might also have a problem with early-morning breakfasts and tour appointments, but again the front desk can help you arrange alternative transportation.

Walt Disney World also has several waterways which are used by ferryboats to transport guests. In some cases, these take the place of bus service between two destinations.

From the Magic Kingdom:

• Ferryboats transport guests to the Transportation and Ticket Center, adjacent to the parking lot.
• Gold Flag boats serve the Grand Floridian and Polynesian resorts.
• Red Flag boats serve the Wilderness Lodge.
• Green Flag boats serve Fort Wilderness Campground.
• Blue Flag boats operate in a triangle between the Contemporary Resort, Fort Wilderness, and Wilderness Lodge. This boat is intended for Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue guests, does not serve the Magic Kingdom, and only runs after 3 PM.

From other parks:

• Friendship boats travel from EPCOT to the Swan/Dolphin, Yacht/Beach Club, Boardwalk, and Hollywood Studios.
• Sassagoula Riverboats sail from Disney Springs to Saratoga Springs, Old Key West, and the two Port Orleans resorts.

If you are staying on-site, a car is not necessary, unless you wish to travel off-property during your stay. Some people purchase groceries to use during their stay; while there are a couple of places on the property to buy them, better selection and prices are found off property. Other people use a car to avoid the delays that can sometimes affect the public transportation options.

If you are staying at a hotel off Disney property, on the other hand, a car is strongly recommended. Many off-resort hotels offer shuttle service to the parks, but the schedules may not be convenient.

Getting around Walt Disney World by car is not much of a problem. All you need to do is follow the purple directional signs with black Mickey Mouse ears to your destination. Your WDW resort will also provide a map of the complex. If you run into problems, just drop by the Walt Disney World Car Care Center on World Drive, near the Magic Kingdom toll plaza.

The four golf courses (see below) are accessible only by car; however, complimentary taxi service is available for guests of Disney-owned hotels.

Minnie Van (Booked via Lyft app), ☏ +1 407-939-7777. Walt Disney World offers a ridesharing system called the Minnie Van, offering direct, door-to-door service within the resort and nearby areas. Most Minnie Vans are six-seater SUVs, equipped with child safety seats. Minnie Vans are booked on the Lyft mobile app or by phone, and are operated by Disney Transport cast members. Accessible vans with space for wheelchairs or other mobility devices are also available. These are often the fastest, if most expensive, route between any two points on the resort. Distance based, usually $20-$50; $199 flat rate to/from MCO. (updated May 2024)

In 2013, Disney unveiled MyMagic+, their brand name for a whole suite of new innovations intended to improve their guests' experiences at Walt Disney World. There are three major components: My Disney Experience, MagicBands, and Lightning Lanes.

MagicBands

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Disney's Key to the World cards have largely been superseded by their new MagicBands. MagicBands are rubber wristbands that you can wear all day around the parks. Each member of your party gets one, and you use it to gain admittance to the parks and access FastPass+ queues. If you're staying at a Disney resort, the MagicBand will also unlock your hotel room, and you can use it to charge purchases to your room account or access meal options from your Disney Dining Plan. The MagicBands use RFID wireless technology, so all you have to do is wave your wrist near a special Mickey-head sensor, and you're all set.

If you are staying at a Disney resort, you can have each member of your party pick a color, and Disney will send you your MagicBands ahead of time. (If not, you can still use MagicBands, but you'll have to buy them for $12.95 each once you get to the park.) Disney sells decorations for your MagicBands, so you can customize their look. The Tomorrowland Power and Light store in the Magic Kingdom also has a MagicBand on Demand facility, which allows you to customize special MagicBands on the spot. They're $21.95 with just your choice of artwork, or $29.95 if you want to add your name as well.

MagicBands sent to your home before your trip are automatically linked to your My Disney Experience account (see next section); if you get them later, you'll need to have them linked at the point of purchase.

The four theme parks are Walt Disney World's bread and butter. These are not traditional amusement parks, where age is a hindrance to full enjoyment. The Disney parks have rides, sure, but many of them are quite sedate and can be enjoyed by everyone, not just those with a high tolerance for thrills. And even beyond the rides, there are stage shows to watch, shops to browse, characters to meet, and atmosphere to soak in.

Most importantly, though, none of these rides, shows, and stores just "sits there". Each one tells a story, in much the same way that Disney's animated films do, and each is crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail. There are also the bigger stories to be found in each themed land, and in the park as a whole. When you enter the Magic Kingdom, and the entrance tunnels give way to the vista of Main Street, with Cinderella Castle at the far end, you're raising the curtain on a new production—and you're the featured player.

You won't find dirt or peeling paint or run-down mechanics at a Disney Park, not even at the oldest attractions. Disney takes quality very seriously, and if anything intrudes on your perception of the "show", it gets fixed quickly. It's all about suspension of disbelief: total immersion into worlds of imagination, art, and history.

The sheer number of attractions—including rides, stage shows, parades, and fireworks displays—at Walt Disney World's four theme parks can be intimidating to guests. It's usually best to have a plan going in. Check the guide map for the park you plan to visit and decide which attractions will be your highest priorities before you leave for the park. Keep in mind that parades and some shows occur only at specific times, and plan your route to put you nearby in time to get a seat. Be flexible, though—once you've hit your priority attractions, you can go back and pick up more if you have time remaining.

The traditional amusement park advice of arriving early and heading to the back of the park first tends to work well, although more and more guests are starting to catch on, so the benefit may be reduced.

Epcot

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Epcot is like an eternal world's fair. It is divided into two distinct areas, Future World and World Showcase. Future World features eight indoor pavilions, each one focused on a specific area of human achievement or endeavor. World Showcase replicates, on a small scale but with great attention to detail, eleven of the world's nations, complete with authentic food and merchandise.

First-time visitors should be sure to ride Spaceship Earth, the park's signature attraction, inside the giant geodesic dome that is Epcot's icon. At the other end of the park, The American Adventure is a stirringly patriotic tribute to the United States. While sedate rides and shows like these used to be Epcot's focus, there are now some very popular thrill rides in Future World. Test Track in which visitors go through the motions of tests for new cars, is probably the most fun, and the most traditionally theme-park-y, of the Epcot rides. Other perennial favorites include Soarin', a ride where visitors "hang-glide" through many landscapes, and Mission: SPACE, a centrifugal spaceflight simulator. The newest and very popular ride is Frozen Ever After in the Norway pavilion.

Epcot has a bit of a reputation as a more "grown-up" (or more educational) park. While some of the slower, more intellectual attractions may be over the heads of the youngest visitors, the park still has plenty to keep them entertained. Of course there are character greetings, especially at World Showcase, but there are also Kidcot Fun Stops, which encourage children to work on a craft and interact with cast members who are representing their home countries. The Seas with Nemo & Friends is great fun for fans of Finding Nemo, too.

Especially for kids, character greetings are one of the most exciting reasons to visit Disney World. Kids and adults alike can give hugs to, take a photo with, or get autographs from many of their favorite Disney characters. Some kids like to bring or purchase a special autograph book in which the characters can inscribe their names.

Character appearances tend to be surprises (to avoid huge lines), so keep a close eye out. If there's a character your child really wants to see, you can ask at Guest Relations if they know of any upcoming appearances, but nothing is ever guaranteed. And remember that it's hot inside those character costumes; sometimes the character has to leave even if there are people still waiting to say hello. It's disappointing but necessary for safety.

Most often, character greetings will happen in the parks, in particular the Magic Kingdom, but they can happen just about anywhere! The Magic Kingdom does have the widest variety of characters, though; everyone from Mickey Mouse to Captain Jack Sparrow. Disney's "Big Six" (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto) might be found anywhere in the park—for example, you might see Donald Duck in a Davy Crockett-like outfit in Frontierland. Other characters stick to the themed land most appropriate for their genre: Jack Sparrow in Adventureland, Buzz Lightyear in Tomorrowland, and so on.

At the other parks, character appearances are somewhat rarer. At Epcot, for instance, you'll generally only find characters who hail from one of the themed foreign lands of World Showcase—Mulan in the China pavilion, for example. Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom tend to have more structured greetings, where characters will make scheduled appearances at designated locations, but stay out of sight of most of the park.

If you miss out on random encounters with the characters, be sure to look into character dining options. While restaurants that offer character dining are extremely popular, if you can get a table, you're virtually guaranteed a few minutes of face time with the characters. See Character Dining in the Eat section, below.

The trading of commemorative pins has been popular at Olympic Games for decades. At the turn of the millennium, Disney decided to get in on the act and began creating metallic lapel pins specifically for trading. Its popularity peaked about ten years later, but there remains a low level of activity around the parks. Although it's not the massive phenomenon it once was (in part as collectors diversify, first to Vinylmation figures and then to Tsum Tsum plushies), Disney continues to produce scores of new pin designs every year.

Getting started is easy. Most every store has pins for sale ($7–$14 each), along with lanyards on which to display them. You can also get a starter pack with pins and a lanyard for $20–$60. These pins are generally not very valuable, so you'll need to trade up to get the more interesting (and much rarer) pins. The most reliable way to do so is to keep an eye out for Cast Members wearing pin lanyards. Cast Members are required to trade one-for-one if asked (up to two per guest per day) and can't refuse a trade based on pin rarity or design (although they can refuse to accept another copy of a pin they already have displayed). Cast Members with green lanyards will trade only to kids under 13.

You can also trade with your fellow guests, and here things can get interesting. You may need to offer several more common pins to get your hands on a single rare pin. Dedicated traders carry a supply of common pins for just this purpose. Your best way to find people willing to trade is to head to a dedicated pin kiosk or store, but there are also ample opportunities for trading while waiting in lines or while riding the monorail or bus.

Some tours and special events have unique pins that can only be obtained by participants. These pins are thus very rare and highly coveted. Make sure you (and especially your kids) don't trade these pins away without getting something really nice in return—but even then, think very carefully. Many people treat these more as souvenirs than commodities.

There's an annual pin-trading event at Epcot in late August

Each of the theme parks offers at least one tour, some of which are very popular. For an extra fee, a cast member will take you and a small group and introduce you to some of the "secrets" behind Disney operations. Many of these tours go into backstage areas where guests are not normally allowed, although children may be restricted from these to avoid spoiling the "magic".

The gold standard among the tours is the Keys to the Kingdom tour at the Magic Kingdom, a five-hour tour that includes a peek into the park's Utilidors. At Epcot, there are several tours at The Seas with Nemo & Friends that take you into the huge aquarium to get up close to the animals who live there. The newest tour offering is the Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom, which will let you go on-foot into some remote areas of the park's African savanna and forest.

Walt Disney World's two water parks, Blizzard Beach near Animal Kingdom and Typhoon Lagoon near Disney Springs, are the most-visited water parks in the country, with a combined total yearly attendance of over 4 million. Each water park has a unique central theme. Blizzard Beach brings to life the absurdity of what would happen if a ski resort suddenly melted, while Typhoon Lagoon makes use of the runoff from a tropical storm for sliding and floating fun.

Both parks are big enough to spend several hours sliding, floating, or just soaking up the sun. Counter-service restaurants provide for a hearty lunch. If you have an extra $250 to spend, consider renting a private cabana for the day; they come with towels, lockers, a cabana attendant, and all the bottled water you can drink.

Sometimes you just want to get away from the theme parks for a while. Maybe do some shopping, have a quiet meal, or get away from the kids and go out dancing.

Disney Springs is just what the doctor ordered: an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment paradise, geared primarily toward adults. Most of the entertainment activities are found on the West Side; the featured attraction is Cirque du Soleil,. A new show is expected to debut within the next few years. The middle sections, known as The Landing and Town Center, both have a wide variety of upscale restaurants and fashionable stores, as well as a few quick service options. The east side, known as the Marketplace, is made up largely of gift shops and family restaurants.

Disney's BoardWalk, next to Epcot, is a smaller collection of nightlife themed as a 1920s Eastern Seaboard boardwalk. The BoardWalk is also home to carnival midway games, tandem bike rentals, the ESPN Club, a dance hall, a dueling piano bar, and more.

Often overlooked during a Walt Disney World vacation—whether due to time constraints or just lack of knowledge—are several recreational activities that have nothing to do with theme parks and rides.

If you feel the need for a bit of pampering, Walt Disney World's spa facilities offer a full array of massage, skin, and nail treatments.

Senses – A Disney Spa has two locations at Walt Disney World. The spa at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort, near Disney Springs, recalls the heyday of Saratoga Springs, New York, with its healing mineral baths. The spa and health club at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort, near the Magic Kingdom, evokes the Victorian era. There's no significant price difference between the two spas, although some specific treatments are unique to one or the other.

Mandara Spa has a facility at the Walt Disney World Dolphin near Epcot, and there's also the Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa at the Downtown Disney Hotel Plaza.

If you don't need a full-service spa, most of the other Deluxe resorts have smaller salons with more limited selections of services. These can be a great way to get in some quick relaxation time without having to travel to a different hotel. Most resorts also have at least a modest exercise room, in case you don't do enough walking around at the parks.

For a special souvenir that puts you into the show, check out some Made with Magic merchandise. These special products light up with many different colors, but the real magic occurs when you're watching a nighttime show like Happily Ever After or IllumiNations. At these shows, all of the Made with Magic gear worn by members of the audience will glow and change color in concert with the show effects. It sounds cheesy, but the effects are well coordinated and it really makes you feel like part of the show.

The concept started a few years ago with Glow with the Show Mickey ears, but the line has now expanded to include a Minnie headband, a Mickey glove, and a magic wand. Each item costs $25, and they're available at most general merchandise locations throughout the property.

Walt Disney World uses a four-part "dollar sign" dining price classification system:

• $: $14.99 and under
• $$: $15 – $29.99
• $$$: $30 – $75.99
• $$$$: $76+

Most counter service restaurants have $ ratings, and most table service restaurants are either $$ or $$$. "Signature" restaurants are usually $$$. Victoria and Albert's is the only restaurant with a $$$$ rating.

One of the unique attractions of dining at Walt Disney World is the opportunity to interact up-close with favorite characters during Disney's character dining meals. These opportunities are extremely popular; for all practical purposes, advance reservations are required. In exchange for planning ahead, though, you will get to meet and take pictures with the characters, making for a memorable experience.

The range of characters to be found is enormous. Mickey and Minnie and the gang are the most common of course, at places like Chef Mickey's in the Contemporary Resort, but you might also find Mary Poppins at 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian, or characters from Disney Junior at Hollywood & Vine in Hollywood Studios. And of course the (fairy) godmother of them all is Cinderella's Royal Table, inside the castle in the Magic Kingdom, where little girls can indulge their princess fantasies to their hearts' content, so long as their parents can actually get reservations.

(As of September 2022, the Disney Dining Plan is unavailable. In June 2021, Walt Disney Company executives announced that the plan would return, but offered no details. There have been no updates since. For the time being, this section will likely give an idea of what may return eventually, but continue to monitor news from the Walt Disney Company to see what the future holds)

Guests purchasing a Disney vacation package with hotel stay are eligible to participate in the Disney Dining Plan. For a flat additional fee, the plan allows guests a set number of meals per person per night of their stay. The Disney Dining Plan is accepted at any Disney-run restaurant on the property except Victoria and Albert's. In addition, all of the restaurants at Disney Springs, even those run by outside companies, also accept the Dining Plan.

The Dining Plan is available at three different levels (prices are approximate):

Magic Your Way package plus Quick-Service Dining

Two quick-service meals and two snacks per person per night. Cost: $48/night for adults and juniors, $21/night for children 3–9

Magic Your Way package plus Dining

One table-service meal, one quick-service meal, and one snack per person per night. Cost: $69/night for adults and juniors, $25/night for children 3–9

Magic Your Way package plus Deluxe Dining

Three meals (table- or quick-service) and two snacks per person per night. Cost: $107/night for adults and juniors, $39/night for children 3–9

The Magic Your Way Premium and Platinum packages also include Deluxe Dining. A "snack" as part of the dining plan is a single prepackaged item, side dish, soup, piece of fruit, or non-alcoholic beverage at any counter-service, snack cart, or merchandise location. You can use a quick-service meal credit to get up to three snack items.

All dining plans also include a resort refillable drink mug, one per person. This plastic mug can be refilled at the quick service location at a guest's resort for their entire length of stay. It cannot be refilled in the parks, but during the hot summer months, you can fill it with water from the many water fountains.

Some "signature" restaurants, plus the dinner shows, require two table-service credits for one meal. These restaurants are Artist's Point, California Grill, Le Cellier, Cinderella's Royal Table, Citricos, Flying Fish, the Hollywood Brown Derby, Jiko – The Cooking Place, Monsieur Paul, Narcoossee's, Tiffins, Wolfgang Puck's The Dining Room, and Yachtsman Steakhouse, plus the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, Mickey's Backyard BBQ, and Disney's Spirit of Aloha dinner shows. Room service, where available, also takes two table-service credits, except for pizza delivery.

To use the Dining Plan, simply use your MagicBand. Gratuities are not included, but you can charge the tip to your room account with your MagicBand.

Frequent visitors to Walt Disney World are split on the value of the Dining Plans. The general consensus is that it is worth it only if you're certain you'll use every last credit in the plan, and that requires planning ahead and (if you have table-service credits) diligent use of reservations. If you want more flexibility in how you take your meals, just going with whatever sounds or looks good, you'll be better off paying for each meal individually. Of course, if you take advantage of one of Disney's frequent promotions that offer a free dining plan with your hotel reservation, then by all means enjoy it, and make sure to hit up restaurants you wouldn't otherwise get to try.

"Ma chère mademoiselle. It is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that we welcome you tonight. And now, we invite you to relax, let us pull up a chair, as the dining room proudly presents... your dinner." — Lumiere, from Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Walt Disney World restaurants do not take reservations, per se. Disney's system for its table-service restaurants is called Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs). An ADR is sort of like a restaurant FastPass. Essentially, when you make an ADR, you are reserving a spot on the restaurant's waiting list. When you arrive at the restaurant at your reserved time, you will immediately be placed at the top of the waiting list and get the next available table suitable for your party.

The importance of ADRs cannot be understated. During the slowest times of the year, you may find you don't have any problem walking up to a restaurant and getting a seat within 15-30 minutes. If you don't particularly care where you eat, or are willing to eat early or late, you can probably get by without ADRs. But if you have your heart set on a particular restaurant, or you want to make sure you can eat right at noon or 6PM, you'll want an ADR. And if it's peak season, better safe than sorry; without an ADR you may find yourself searching high and low for a table even at 8PM.

Of course, you can also get by without ADRs if you decide to only eat at counter-service restaurants (which don't take reservations at all).

A few restaurants are so popular that they regularly fill up even during the slowest periods. ADRs are essential for these. The one that takes the cake is Cinderella's Royal Table, inside the castle in the Magic Kingdom, which is usually booked solid within minutes of reservations opening. Le Cellier in the Canada pavilion at Epcot has a reputation as the best steakhouse on the property and so is very popular. Victoria and Albert's at the Grand Floridian also strongly suggests ADRs so that you can get a menu customized to your tastes. ADRs are also a good idea for any of the dinner shows, and any meal featuring the Disney characters.

To make Advance Dining Reservations, do not try to call the restaurants directly. Call Disney Dining at +1 407 WDW-DINE (daily 7AM-10PM ET) to make all of your reservations. ADRs are accepted up to 180 days in advance of the date of the reservation. If you want to get in to any of the restaurants mentioned above, especially Cinderella's Royal Table, start dialing at 6:55 on the first day you can make the reservation, and keep hitting redial until you stop getting told they're closed.

Alternatively, you can book ADRs online. Go to Disney's restaurants page, find the restaurant you want to eat at, and see if it has an orange "Book a Reservation" button. Many people continue to stick with the tried-and-true phone call, though, because the operators can quickly suggest and check for alternatives if your first choices aren't available.

Note that guests staying at a Disney-owned hotel are allowed to make ADRs for their entire trip on the 180th day before they arrive. That means you can make an ADR for the seventh day of your trip 186 days in advance; this is a big perk of staying at a Disney hotel.

If you're already on your vacation, you can visit Guest Relations at any park or Disney Springs, or even your hotel concierge, to book your ADRs. Restaurants frequently get cancellations, so don't be afraid to ask if that popular restaurant you've had your eye on has an opening tomorrow, especially if you're willing to eat early or late.

When booking an ADR, you must provide a valid credit card number; this card will be charged $10 if you don't show up for your reservation. You can avoid this fee by canceling before the day of your reservation—but like Cinderella, you only have until midnight. If you need to cancel an ADR, use the special cancellations line, +1 407-WDW-CNCL (939-2625); you will likely have a shorter wait time than on the main dining number.

Food is easier than easy to find in all four theme parks. In-park dining opportunities range from snack carts to the most common fast-food joints to the less common table service restaurants. Bear in mind that the hours between noon and 2PM are generally considered the "peak" dining time in the parks. If you find yourself eating lunch within this time frame, expect to wait 30 minutes to an hour in line before being served, unless you have a reservation at a table service restaurant. As an alternative, some snack carts serve fairly large portions (such as smoked turkey legs in the Magic Kingdom's Frontierland), and have short lines most of the time.

Every park has low-cost meals in the $4–$5 range for kid meals and $7–$10 for adult meals at the sandwich shops, ethnic specialty nooks, cafeterias, and communal dining halls. They provide ample food for the money, and the quality is usually pretty decent. You can often feed your whole family for little more than the cost of one expensive main course at any of the upscale restaurants.

All of the Disney Resorts have at least one restaurant, ranging from food courts and buffets all the way up to award-winning table-service restaurants. The Value resorts only have simple food courts, but the dining options expand as you go up the price scale. Best of all, some of the hotel restaurants have Disney character greetings.

Most people, when visiting other hotels, make reservations at the resorts' buffets and sit-down restaurants. However, what they don't always realize is that some of the hotels' most delicious and unique foods can be found in their food courts and smaller dining areas—and they're cheap, too. Check out some of these hidden gems:

• Boardwalk To Go, Boardwalk Inn. BTG serves many quick foods like corn dogs and chicken sandwiches, but one of its tastiest items is the cheese and/or chili fries. You can get a basket of cheese fries for $4.00. The chili fries are also $4.00. Chili and cheese fries are $4.50. It makes for a great afternoon or evening snack.
• Captain Cook's, Polynesian Village Resort. One of the Polynesian's specialties is Tonga Toast—a deep fried and battered breakfast dish made from sourdough bread, sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, and stuffed with bananas. It's available at the Kona Café for $10.99, served with strawberry compote and your choice of ham, bacon, or sausage. However, for those of you on a budget, you can also get Tonga Toast at Captain Cook's food court for only $5.09. If that's not to your liking, try the adult breakfast platter for just $6.29, which has more than enough food to share with others.
• Mara, Animal Kingdom Lodge. One of the resort's most unique and popular desserts is the Zebra Domes. They are a layer of yellow cake topped with mocha-chocolate mouse, covered in white chocolate ganache and painted over with milk chocolate ganache stripes to resemble a zebra. They are originally made and served in Boma, the resort's buffet restaurant. However, guests on the go can buy a four-pack at Mara for $3.69 during lunch and dinner.
• Market Street Food Court, Caribbean Beach Resort. One of this food court's specialties is the rotisserie chicken in the Bridgetown Broiler section. It's only served at dinner and comes with your choice of two sides.
• Roaring Fork, Wilderness Lodge. Don't miss this food court's brownies. Each $3.29 brownie is frosted and cut in squares roughly four inches wide and half an inch thick, making them well worth the price. They're quite hefty, so be careful when picking one up. You might need to use both hands!
• Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory, Port Orleans-French Quarter. One of the specialty foods here are the beignets, medium-sized fried French donuts covered in powdered sugar. They are part of the New Orleans culture and exclusively served at the Port Orleans Resort. You can buy three beignets for $2.99 or six for $4.29. They're tasty, but watch out for the sugar. It can get everywhere!

Disney has created an incredible variety of themed resorts over the years, each one offering a unique experience to guests, ranging from the basic services and colorful decor at the three All-Star resorts, to the opulence and luxury of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, to the rustic, wooded charm of Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.

Check-in time at Disney resorts is 3PM (4PM for the All-Star Resorts), and check-out time is 11AM—but don't fret if your flight schedule doesn't match up. You can do an early check-in starting at 8AM; leave your bags with bell services and they'll be delivered to your room when it's ready. You'll get your MagicBands (if you don't already have them), so you can go enjoy the parks right away. Likewise at check-out; you can get into the parks all day on the day of your departure, so just leave your bags with bell services and pick them up before you leave for the airport.

If you opt to get your MagicBands by mail ahead of time, you can check-in online and go directly to your room upon arrival at your resort (except Fort Wilderness), bypassing the front desk entirely.

Please see each district's Sleep section for details on individual hotels.

This section covers only those resorts that are not owned/operated by Disney, but are located on Disney property. Off-property hotels are covered in other articles.

Useful phone numbers:

• General Reservations and Disney's Magical Express, ☏ +1-800-4-DISNEY (347639), +1 407-W-DISNEY (9-347639). 
• Walt Disney World Dining, ☏ +1 407-WDW-DINE (939-3463). 
• Walt Disney World Recreation:, ☏ +1 407-WDW-PLAY (939-7529). 
• Walt Disney World Fairy Tale Weddings, ☏ +1 407-828-3400. 
• Walt Disney World College Program, ☏ +1 407-828-2850. 

• Secuirty checkpoint are in place in front of all parks as well as Disney Springs. If you have a bag, backpack, or stroller a security officer will check its contents before you enter, and guests are required to pass through contactless security scanners. Weapons of all kinds are forbidden, as well as toy firearms (including blasters), though toy swords (including lightsabers) are allowed.
• While theft is rare and security is always present throughout the resort, it's still a good idea to keep valuables locked in the electronic safe in your hotel room. Avoid bringing unnecessary items with you, and if you must, rent a locker and store them locked inside during your visit.
• Keep your eye on your belongings at all times. Do not display large amounts of cash. Do not leave anything in an unattended stroller or wheelchair, especially when you go on a ride. If possible, leave loose articles with a non-rider. If you belive you have been a victim of theft, notify any cast member and they will summon security and sheriff's officers.
• Children are very safe at Walt Disney World, but it's not uncommon for parents and children to get separated due to the crowds. One suggestion is to write down your child's name with your name, resort, cell phone number, and any vital medical information on a 3x5 index card. Place the card in your child's pocket and instruct him/her to show the card to any Cast Member in the event that you get separated. Likewise, if you lose your child, notify a Cast Member immediately. They are all well trained and will get you reunited as quickly as possible. If your child goes on a ride on his/her own, make sure you know where the ride's exit is. Children separated from their families will be brought to the baby care/first aid centre.
• Arrange a place to meet with all members of your party if you become separated. Make the meeting place easy to find, but out of the way; areas such as in front of Cinderella Castle or the front of the park are likely to be too crowded to be useful. Some families also wear matching T-shirts with very bright, bold colors, making it less difficult to spot a member of your party in a sea of people.

Disney has a standard safety warning that applies to select attractions in each park:

The above warning applies to the following attractions:

Magic Kingdom

Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Speedway, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Epcot

Test Track, Mission: Space

Hollywood Studios

Star Tours, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Animal Kingdom

Dinosaur, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids, Primeval Whirl

Lap children are not permitted on most rides, especially if there are restraining devices. If your child does not meet the ride's height requirement, there is a "rider swap" service available. This service enables one person to wait with the child while another goes on the ride; afterwards the person waiting with the child may board the ride without having to wait in line. Ask a Cast Member for more information.

You're not even supposed to have them in the park, but if by some chance you manage to get a camera monopod (aka a selfie stick) past security, never use it while on a ride; the rides' safety margins were not designed to account for the length of your selfie stick.

Disney does everything they can to keep the wildlife away from the guests, but there are still some hazards.

• Alligators are sometimes spotted in or near bodies of water. While Disney had long downplayed the risks, the death of a two-year-old boy in the park in 2016 has made the danger clear. Never enter the water except in designated swimming areas, especially after dusk.
• You'll find nuisance insects like mosquitoes to be much less common on Disney property than elsewhere in Florida. Still, if you're concerned or have a special sensitivity, don't rely on Disney's pest control efforts; use bug spray.

• With the exception of working service animals, pets are not permitted in the parks, at Disney Springs, or on transportation vehicles. Most resorts also disallow pets. There are designated campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground that do allow dogs; ask when you make your reservation. As a pilot program, up to two dogs per unit are now allowed at Art of Animation, Yacht Club, Port Orleans Riverside, and the Fort Wilderness cabins; the nightly fee is $50 ($75 at Yacht Club) and dogs must be leashed when outside the room.
• If you do bring your pooch, or other companion animal, you'll still need to drop her off somewhere when you go to the parks; don't leave her in your room! Best Friends Pet Care operates a "pet resort" near the Port Orleans resorts. They offer a variety of packages, including both day stays and overnight accommodations, with separate areas for dogs, cats, and "pocket pets" like hamsters.
• Do not leave your pet in your car. It is against the law in Florida, as well as potentially fatal. The penalty is a $5,000 fine. A car with a pet locked inside will be broken into to remove the pet, and WDW will not be held liable for any damages incurred.
• Service animals may not be accommodated on some attractions. In that case, they must remain with a non-riding member of your party, as Cast Members are not authorized to handle service animals. And be cognizant of what each attraction is like and whether your service animal is likely to be startled or frightened.

• If you have car trouble while in a theme park's parking lot, raise your car's hood, and someone will come to your assistance.
• Just like anywhere else in the USA, the emergency number throughout Walt Disney World is 911. Contacting this number will get you in touch with Reedy Creek Emergency Services, WDW's police, fire, and ambulance service.
• Minor first aid services are available free of charge at any park or resort and offer a quiet and cool place to rest. The stations at the parks have refrigerators available for medicines that need to be kept chilled, and nursing mothers can find both quiet and privacy inside. The first aid locations in each park:
  • Magic Kingdom — next to the Crystal Palace, left around the central hub.
  • Epcot — next to the baby center on the World Showcase side of the Odyssey Center.
  • Hollywood Studios — at Guest Relations
  • Animal Kingdom — in Discovery Island, next to Creature Comforts
• If an emergency need for prescription drugs occurs, Turner Drugs, +1 407-828-8125 at 1530 Celebration Blvd Suite 105-A will deliver the medication. They also will deliver OTC items and pick-up many items they do not stock and deliver them, as well. Most WDW hotels will pay for the delivery and charge the guest's room. There are also several Walgreens locations nearby.
• There are two full-service medical facilities just outside the property lines:
• Celebration Health, 400 Celebration Pl., ☏ +1 407-303-4000. Located at the intersection of I-4, US-192, and FL-417. 
• CentraCare, 12500 S Apopka Vineland Rd., ☏ +1 407 934-2273. Located adjacent to the Downtown Disney Hotel Plaza. 

Especially during the spring and summer, heat is the most likely weather-related issue you'll encounter.

• To cope:
  • Wear a light-colored shirt during the summer. White and light colors reflect sunlight better than darker colors, so you won't get overheated as easily. Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your head, face and eyes. Sunscreen may be purchased at most gift shops, but are often sold exorbitantly overpriced, so it may be easier on your wallet to bring your own.
  • Drink lots of water. You can easily become dehydrated in the heat. Stay clear of carbonated drinks, tea and coffee. Dehydration can lead to weakness, fatigue, and eventually heat stroke due to the body's reduced ability to regulate its temperature.
  • Go back to your hotel in the afternoon for a dip in the pool to cool you off. Or cool off in the one of the many interactive fountains that can be found in the parks. (Don't forget to take spare clothing with you!) Another good idea would be to visit Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon in the morning, then head to the theme parks afterwards; this will give your body adequate hydration to better withstand the heat.
  • Go indoors, into an air-conditioned shop or attraction. Try to do the outdoor attractions in the morning, and save the indoor attractions and shows until the afternoon when it's hotter.

Remember that even on cool days, the Florida sun can burn. Visitors from northern latitudes often don't realize that the sun's angle in Florida is going to be higher than back home, and that means a greater likelihood of sunburn... even if the temperature is in the 50s or 60s Fahrenheit (10-20 °C). Wear sunscreen!

If your trip is in the late summer or early fall, you'll soon learn about the daily afternoon thundershowers. They are usually brief and won't ruin your whole day. If you want to stay dry, rain ponchos and umbrellas are sold throughout the parks. Walt Disney World does not close down due to rain, though some outdoor rides and attractions may temporarily do so.

Hurricanes are a different story. The Orlando area is as far from the coasts as anyplace in the state, so hurricane-related closures are very rare; as of 2022, the parks have been closed only 9 times due to hurricanes in 50+ years they've been running. If the parks do end up closed for high winds, though, your resort hotel will make sure you stay entertained, sometimes with special appearances from the Disney characters. The hotels are perfectly safe in high winds.

Sometimes, parents want to spend some time for themselves at Walt Disney World, be it going to a fancy dinner, enjoying some alcoholic beverages, or even sneaking another ride on Space Mountain without the kids tagging along. Parents of teenagers can just set them loose in a theme park and trust they'll be all right, but younger kids require more supervision.

What's a parent to do? There are a number of options.

Several of the resorts offer safe and secure Children's Activity Centers, and you don't have to be staying at the resort to take advantage of them! The Centers are open daily from 4:30PM until midnight, and are well staffed by trained and certified child care personnel. Children must be potty trained and be between the ages of 4 and 12 (inclusive). The cost is $15 per hour per child, with a two-hour minimum; dinner is included if the kids are there between 6PM and 8PM. Your children will enjoy so many games, crafts, and activities that they won't even care you're off having fun without them. Of course, you'll be given a pager in case there's an emergency, and you can call at any time to check up on your kid.

• The Children's Activity Centers include:
  • Cub's Den, Wilderness Lodge
  • Lilo's Playhouse (formerly The Neverland Club), Polynesian Village Resort
  • Sandcastle Club, Yacht and Beach Club Resorts (WDW resort guests only)
  • Simba's Clubhouse, Animal Kingdom Lodge

The Walt Disney World Dolphin also has Club Dolphin, which has similar rules and prices. Club Dolphin offers up to two hours free if parents present a receipt from one of the Dolphin's signature restaurants or the Mandara Spa.

If your kids are too young for the activity centers, or you want to stay out past their bedtime, you can get in-room babysitting. WDW recommends Kid's Nite Out, +1-800-696-8105, but other equally reliable services operate in the area as well. Some, including Kid's Nite Out, offer 24/7 service. For one child, rates are $18 an hour, higher for more children.

International Drive is Orlando's dynamic tourist corridor. With a multitude of attractions, dining, and shopping, it makes for the perfect side trip. Here you can also find Orlando's two other world-famous theme park resort complexes:

• SeaWorld Orlando - See Shamu and his friends perform the most fascinating animal shows ever. Also, cool off at the sister water park Aquatica^{[dead link]}, or swim with the dolphins at Discovery Cove. Admission to Discovery Cove is limited to 1,000 people a day, and reservations are an absolute must.
• Universal Orlando Resort - Features Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and CityWalk. It's where you'll find Harry Potter, Dr. Seuss, the Minions, and even Marvel superheroes and The Simpsons (both of which are the property of Disney). And the perfect way to wrap up your visit to Universal is by watching a performance.

It's not just about Orlando, either; Central Florida is packed with attractions from coast to coast.

• Tampa (I-4 west to I-75) — Theme park enthusiasts will come to Tampa for Busch Gardens, but there's plenty else to do and see in Florida's third most populous city, including Buccaneers football, Rays baseball, and Lightning hockey.
• Clermont (I-4 to US 192 to US 27 N) — Check out one of the oldest central Florida landmarks, the Citrus Tower. Completed in 1956, this 226-foot observation tower still stands tall over former orange groves.
• Daytona Beach (I-4 east to I-95) — Home to NASCAR's most legendary racetrack. The Daytona 500 Experience is billed as "The Official Attraction of NASCAR", a must for car-racing fans.
• Cape Canaveral (I-4 east to SR 528) — While countless cruise ships dock at Port Canaveral just to the north, the Cape is most well known for the Kennedy Space Center, where American astronauts have been launching into space since the 1960s. There's a museum on the history of space exploration, two IMAX theatres, and tour buses to the (otherwise restricted) launch facility.

Tampa ← Davenport ←

W  E

→ Lake Buena Vista → Orlando