Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World Overview

Walt Disney World is located in Orlando, Florida.  It houses over 26 resort hotels, 4 theme parks, and 2 water parks.  There is also an area called Disney Springs, which has shopping, dining, and additional entertainment options.

The theme parks are as follows:

Magic Kingdom

When you think of Disney, this is what comes to mind.  The original, this park contains rides such as Peter Pan's Flight, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Dumbo, It's a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Cinderella's Castle.  It is truly a magical place :)  Here you can meet Disney Princesses, Princes, and Characters, as well as see parades and fireworks!

Epcot

Epcot is all about imagination and innovation.  It is the theme park of the future.  Here, you can travel around the globe (Soarin' Around the World), Under the Sea (The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Turtle Talk with Crush), and into Outer Space (Mission: SPACE). Epcot also contains the World Showcase, which is where you can visit and experience 11 countries in one afternoon!  You can even meet your favorite Disney princesses in the countries which inspired their stories.  You can design your own virtual concept vehicle and go for a (very fast) ride.  You can experience the magic of Frozen in one of the newest Disney attractions - Frozen Ever After, as well as meet Anna and Elsa!

In the fall, Epcot hosts the International Food & Wine Festival, which includes gourmet foods and wines from various countries as well as live music and other activities.  Holidays around the world at Epcot allow you to experience different holiday traditions from various cultures all around the world, and takes place from end of November until the end of December each year.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

At Disney's Hollywood Studios, you can take center stage and experience rides, live entertainment and dining experiences!  This park is all about television, movies, music, and theater.  Experience the thrilling Tower of Terror, Aerosmith's Rock n' Roller coaster, and Toy Story Mania.  Awesome attractions include Frozen's live stage show sing-a-long and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. There are also various Star Wars experiences here as well, including Jedi training and Star Tours!  In Summer of 2018, Toy Story Land will open and will feature rides and attractions right out of Toy Story.  In 2019 (date TBD), Star Wars land will open at HS.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom, by far, is my daughter's favorite park in all of the Disney parks!  She LOVES Expedition Everest, which is an awesome roller coaster.  You just have to go on it yourself to understand what I am talking about :)  Animal Kingdom has 2 amazing stage shows - Finding Nemo the musical and the Lion King.  Both are phenomenal and are included with your park admission.

One of the best parts of AK is going on Safari!  That's right, with Kilimanjaro Safaris, you get to experience a real life safari!  Kali River Rapids is another favorite, but be prepared to get WET!  The park comes alive at night with the Tree of Life Awakenings, Discovery Island Carnivale, and Rivers of Light.

 

Resorts and Resort Types

WDW has 25 on-site properties to stay at when you visit!  There are also Good Neighbor hotel options and 7 hotels at Disney Springs.  Below are how the resorts are further classified:

Value - good value, smaller rooms, not as many amenities around the resort property but still onsite at WDW.  Usually have a food court for dining and bus for transportation to/from theme parks.

Moderate - more amenities onsite for a small increase in price.  Pool will usually have a waterslide.  May have 2 forms of transportation to get to theme parks and more dining options than just a food court.

Deluxe -  The nicest resorts at WDW.  Very nice amenities, awesome pools, and at least 2 or 3 types of transportation to the parks.  These resorts offer sit down dining and character meals as well.  Rooms are larger and have more perks.

Villas - On Deluxe property sites, these are larger rooms with more amenities for larger groups.  Offer same perks and amenities as Deluxe rooms.


Dining

There are SO many dining options at the resorts, including Dining plans, character meals, quick service dining, and super fancy table service dining!  I will get into each in a little more detail below:


Holidays (MNSSHP & Christmas party)

Holidays are the absolute best time to travel to a Disney Destination, in my opinion!  Halloween and Christmas decorations make the park even more magical, and there are special parties, which include fireworks, character meet and greets, parades, food, and more!  See my blog posts about Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at WDW and Mickey's Halloween Party at DL, as well as Christmas party offerings at both parks, and on the DCL for more details :)


Money saving tips

Some of my favorites:

Book EARLY!  Book as soon as the next year's packages come out even though specials haven't been announced.  Why?  You are locked into your date and resort at the current year's price so if prices go up, you aren't going to pay more!!

Use gift cards!  Sam's Club and Target both offer savings on purchases of Disney gift cards, at a rate of 5%! (Target is 5% but they only come in $50 denominations, Sam's club you can get $150 and $500, and the % savings is on average 4-5%).  Gift cards can be combined online and they can be used for any vacation payments, as well as once you are there at the parks and hotel for food, souvenirs, etc.

Buy souvenirs ahead of time!!  You can save so much money just by planning ahead and shopping around!  We let our kids pick out 1 special thing at the parks, but otherwise I shop all year and get clothing and small souvenirs to put away for our trips!

BYOGS = bring your own glow sticks!!  the light up items are SO pricey at the parks :)


Fast Passes

If you are staying at a WDW property, Fast passes can be booked 60 days in advance.


Traveling with Babies/Toddlers

1) Prepare your children so they know you are going on a trip and what they can expect.
2) Realize that schedules will get completely messed up and you will need to GO WITH THE FLOW!!  But, hitting parks first thing at opening is the best time for toddlers.  This is when they are in their best moods and you can get on many rides during this time as well.
3) Stay on property- especially at WDW!  It is so nice to be able to go back to your resort during the afternoon for some down/rest time, get recharged, and go back out for a long evening at the parks!
4) Utilize PhotoPass!  You will get some amazing pictures of your little ones and some good family pictures too.  Ask about magic shots.
5) I don't care how old your kids are - use a stroller!  well, unless they are 10 :)  There is a ton of walking and 2-5 or 6 year olds just need a break sometimes!
6) Bring your own snacks and food, this will keep toddlers happy and have the comforts of their own food.
7) Most importantly - you can't do it all in 1 day!  Pace yourself.  Have a plan.

Did you know: There are Baby Care Centers in all of the parks?!  These have quiet places to change babies, breastfeed/pump, and have baby supplies for sale if needed.  They are air conditioned and a nice relaxing break for babies/mamas!

Ear hats and headbands and bright colors are great ways to spot those kiddos!

Best rides for kids under 5? : Dumbo!, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Toy Story Mania, It’s a Small World, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan’s Flight, Journey into Imagination with Figment, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Spaceship Earth, Prince Charming's Regal Carousel, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin and Pirates of the Caribbean