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2024 Disney World Planning Guide

Our Walt Disney World vacation planning guide offers tips & tricks for 2024 on how to avoid crowds, save money & time, with info on Genie+ & Lightning Lanes, best rides, restaurant reviews, and itineraries for Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom & Hollywood Studios. (Updated February 1, 2024. )

The latest update comes as Walt Disney World is in the midst of more changes to restore normalcy, making the guest experience closer to what it was like in ~2019. With this, theme park reservations have mostly been eliminated, return of the Disney Dining Plan , and resumption of unlimited all-day Park Hopping . Next up is pre-arrival Lightning Lane ride reservations , a system that should closely resemble FastPass+ (but paid).

Beyond the rolling back of temporary changes implemented during the phased reopening and pent-up demand period, a ton is happening and changing at Walt Disney World. There are new attractions, nighttime spectaculars, and other additions on the horizon. We visit the parks regularly, reporting on everything as it happens–if you want to receive updates when discounts are released, new things are announced, etc., sign up to receive our FREE Walt Disney World Email Newsletter .

There are a few important things you need to know if you’re visiting Walt Disney World soon. First, the big new ride is TRON Lightcycle Run in Magic Kingdom. This attraction is very popular and can be difficult to experience due to not having a standby line. Improve your chances for success in scoring virtual queue spots by reading our TRON Lightcycle Run Virtual Queue Strategy Guide & FAQ .

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, which was the previous big addition, also does not have a standby line. At least, for now. Walt Disney World has been setting up overflow queue and seems poised to ditch the virtual queue for that once the off-season rolls around.

Second, there’s the paid Genie+ service that offers Lightning Lane line skipping service (free FastPass+ was retired a few years ago). This can be purchased in the My Disney Experience app for variable, date-based prices that now differ for each park (Magic Kingdom and Park Hopping are most expensive, costing up to $39 per person, per day plus tax).

Genie can be confusing, but we’ve used and tested Genie+ and Lightning Lanes a ton . Everything you NEED to know, including ride priorities, where it’s NOT necessary to buy Genie+ or Lightning Lanes, and much more is covered in our Guide to Genie+ and Lightning Lanes at Walt Disney World .

If you’re looking for ways to avoid waiting in long lines  without spending extra on Lightning Lanes, see our Best Time-Saving Strategies for Walt Disney World , which covers the best & worst ways to do that in each park–and is accurate for the entirety of 2024. That’s the result of extensive testing, and the optimal methods for outsmarting the crowds aren’t always intuitive. For 3 of the 4 parks, you’re better off using a ‘free’ strategy rather than paying extra for Genie+ and Lightning Lanes!

Winter is also typically ‘refurbishment season’ at Walt Disney World. For a look at what’ll be temporarily unavailable during your trip, see the 2024 Walt Disney World Refurbishment & Closure Calendar , which we update regularly with return and downtime dates. There are some big closures right now, including Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.

The other big closure is Splash Mountain, which permanently closed about a year ago. The good news is that this is also for 2024’s big new attraction: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure . That’s currently scheduled to open sometime this year–the timeline could move forward to Summer 2024…or be delayed until early 2025!

Then there’s the colossal EPCOT overhaul, which is now mostly finished now that new Luminous: The Symphony of Us nighttime spectacular and World Celebration Gardens have debuted. The only thing left is the CommuniCore Hall event space, which will likely debut before Summer 2024.

There’s a lot more on the horizon than just those things–here’s everything exciting being built: What’s New & Coming to Walt Disney World in 2024 & Beyond .

With those updates out of the way, let’s tell you about ourselves and why this guide is useful to your trip planning. We are obviously big Disney fans, but with this guide, we share our objective and unbiased tips. This covers the good and the bad, and the hard realities of planning Walt Disney World trip. We don’t sugarcoat everything or feel the need to put a positive spin on things. A lot about Disney is great, but that’s plenty that’s overpriced and not-so-great. If blunt, honest advice is not for you, there are many other sites that are all-positive.

With hundreds of trips dating back to the 1980s when we were kids, we’ve learned a lot about all things Disney. That now comes full circle as we start taking our daughter to Walt Disney World! We visit every month to see what has changed, taste-test new menu items, analyze crowds, offer recommendations for things you should do on vacation, share updates on construction, and much more.

This guide distills the key things we know about Walt Disney World into something easy to absorb and less overwhelming. Think of this planning guide as WDW101, with everything organized into the most important aspects of planning. The reality is that Walt Disney World is one of the most complicated vacation destinations on earth, and having a smooth and good trip requires doing your homework. With that said, we promise that taking the time to learn about Walt Disney World will be worth it, so let’s get started…

1A. Best Times to Visit for Avoiding Crowds

“When is the best time to visit Walt Disney World?”  This is often the first question readers ask, and it’s not an easy one to answer because it’s subjective. What makes an experience the “best” differs from person to person. With that said, in helping first-timers plan over the course of the last decade-plus, there are usually three distinct components to this:  crowds, cost & fun.

The first two variables are the overriding factors and, thankfully, those are objective. If you’re primarily concerned with avoiding long lines and high wait times, consult our 2024 Walt Disney World Crowd Calendars . That takes into account Orlando area school schedules, conventions, youth sporting events, park hours, special events, and more to provide you with specific dates that are the least and most crowded.

While that’s all about crowds (and can be overwhelming), we also have something more holistic: our list of the  10 Best and 10 Worst Weeks to Visit Walt Disney World in 2024 & 2025 . As the title suggests, that identifies the ‘red flag’ dates to avoid, as well as the ideal times to visit. It’s really more than just 10 weeks, as a number of the good and bad windows are far longer than a single week.

For example, pretty much the entirety of August and September are great from a crowds perspective, but we zero in on a single week that’s the best-balanced (from our perspective) as it combines low crowds, seasonal events, weather, and other factors. Same idea for a number of other dates throughout the year.

Rather than our objective crowd calendars, those are our subjective picks for when to visit. In addition to wait times, those rankings take other things into account: seasonal offerings like Christmas & Halloween, weather, new attractions, and more. If you find the crowd calendars intimidating, go with the Best & Worst Months post instead.

The good news is that, as a general rule, lower prices and crowds coincide with one another. Meaning that if you book your trip around the cheapest dates, you’re more likely to also have lower crowds. Prices are higher and discounts are weaker when crowds are higher, meaning you get hit with a double-whammy if visiting during these times of the year. (Spoiler: the highest prices and crowds both occur when school is out of session.)

1B. Best Times to Visit for Saving Money

The second component is cost. This one is especially significant now, as prices are up across the board. If you’re a first time visitor or it’s been a few years since your last trip, you might be in store for sticker shock. We take a look at this topic in How Much Does a Walt Disney World Vacation Cost? with sample pricing for multiple ‘trip tiers,’ from budget to luxury.

However, it’s not as straightforward as that. Some people don’t realize it, but prices vary significantly based upon when you’re visiting. If you visit for New Year’s Eve, you could end up spending close to double what it costs to visit a few months earlier, in September. Cutting to the chase, here are the Cheapest Times to Go to Walt Disney World .

The good news is that there’s considerable overlap between the cheapest times to visit and the least-crowded times. Visiting during the least-expensive and least-crowded times is entirely possible, and those goals align pretty well. Conversely, the most expensive times are usually also the most expensive.

Intuitively, this should make sense. When demand is highest, prices are highest. Like most other businesses, Walt Disney World charges what the market will bear, raising prices when able and discounting in order to incentivize visits when attendance and hotel occupancy are lower.

To that point, the other good news is that deals are starting to return to Walt Disney World after a couple years of very strong pent-up demand! See All Current Walt Disney World Discounts   for a full rundown of special offers through Spring 2024. There are a TON of discounts available right now, some of which offer up to 40% off hotels!

If you want to save even more money and do WDW as cheaply as possible, we have the 14 Best Tips to Save Money at Walt Disney World in 2024 . Those tips cover a lot of excellent ideas, such as buying discount Disney gift cards or having Groceries Delivered to Your Walt Disney World Hotel Room .

Those are just a handful of ways to save a ton of money on a trip to WDW! It also covers several options for the biggest expense of your trip–lodging. Among other things, you can stay at Walt Disney World’s best resorts for a fraction of full price by renting DVC points .

The idea behind all of these money-saving tips is not cutting corners and compromising on the quality of your vacation. To the contrary, we aim to “cut the fat” from your budget and recommend ways to save while also improving efficiency. Taking grocery delivery as an example–we do not recommend cooking dinner in your room or packing picnic lunches. Instead, we advice ordering nutritious breakfasts (the weakest meal at Walt Disney World restaurants) to have quickly have in your room or on-the-go each morning to save money and time .

1C. Best Times to Visit for Having Fun

Now we’re getting into the much more subjective area of determining when to visit. What makes a time of year more or less fun? Will you enjoy the parks more or less during certain timeframes? That’s really difficult to say. As a general matter, our mantra is this: “A rainy day at Walt Disney World is better than a sunny day at home.”

This is to say that you can have a great Walt Disney World vacation no matter what time of year you visit. The smile and laughter of your child hugging Mickey Mouse for the first time; the delicious taste of a Dole Whip or Citrus Swirl; the sight and sound of fireworks exploding over Cinderella Castle at the end of a long and satisfying day at Magic Kingdom. Absolutely none of that is seasonal. Those joys are possible 365 days of the year at Walt Disney World, and your trip will be made up of moments big and small exactly like those that happen daily.

However, it’s also fair to say that a sunny day is better than a rainy day at Walt Disney World. Most people probably are more comfortable during mild and temperate days than oppressive heat and humidity. Seasonal events can likewise add a lot to the baseline experience, taking a trip from “memorably magical” to “magnificently magical” on our  highly scientific scale of magicalness.

Hopefully you get the point here–that every day at Walt Disney World has the potential to be great, but also, that greatness has its own sliding scale, with weather, seasonal enhancements, and more cranking things up to the next level of magicalness.

The holiday season is our favorite time at Walt Disney World. It’s not even a close call. If we could only visit Walt Disney World one month of the year for the rest of our lives, we’d pick November or December. (Super-specifically, we’d pick the week after Thanksgiving that straddles the two months– that’s our favorite week to go! ) If you’re thinking of a holiday vacation, we’d implore you to start by reading our Ultimate Guide to Christmas at Walt Disney World .

Every park, resort, and Disney Springs gets into the spirit of the season. The last few holiday seasons have been scaled back, first as the parks reopened and then for the 50th Anniversary. With that now over, things are almost 100% normal for Christmas, minus the Cinderella Castle Dream Lights.

Last Christmas, there were two hard ticket events: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) at Magic Kingdom and the brand-new Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios. MVMCP will definitely be back for Christmas 2024, but it remains to be seen whether Jollywood Nights–which received a mixed reception in its inaugural year–comes back for a second season.

There are other seasonal events throughout the year, starting with the EPCOT Festival of the Arts in January and February. Following that is the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival from March through late May. Notably, Flower & Garden Festival has been shortened by over a month for 2024. Our expectation is that Food & Wine Festival also starts later and EPCOT debuts a new summer festival–but that’s just a guess!

It’s also possible that Magic Kingdom will once again do a special event in Summer 2024. In fact, we’d expect this to occur, with new entertainment debuting and smaller scale additions. Walt Disney World’s big new attraction (Tiana’s Bayou Adventure) won’t be ready in time for Memorial Day, so they’ll need something else to market in the first half of 2024.

Even if a summer-time event doesn’t happen, Pride is celebrated in June, and there are other smaller-scale events spread across the calendar. After Hours parties will once again occur in Summer 2024, too.

The special events kick into high gear in August, which will kick off the 5-month long ‘party season’ at Magic Kingdom. That starts with Halloween time in Magic Kingdom, from August through the 1st of November. Our Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Guide offers info & tips for Magic Kingdom’s fan-favorite Halloween-themed event.

While it has nothing to do with Halloween, another staple of fall is EPCOT’s annual culinary event. Read our Guide to the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival to prepare for that park’s colossal culinary celebration. This just scratches the surface. You can see everything that happens throughout the year in our Calendar of Seasonal Events at Walt Disney World .

2. How Long to Visit

How long you should stay at Walt Disney World depends largely upon the type of trip it is. If you’re not much of a Disney fan but are taking your kids on a “once in a lifetime” rite of passage trip, we recommend a Walt Disney World vacation of at least 6 or 7 days. The exact length will still vary a bit depending upon how much vacation time you have and if you plan on visiting non-Disney theme parks or destinations.

In addition to visiting Disney’s theme parks, you’ll also probably want to build a day into your itinerary for relaxation, and this is good to plug into the middle of your trip so you don’t get worn out by the theme parks. The other consideration for planning trips to Walt Disney World might be how much time to spend doing other things.

You might want to do Orlando-area theme parks like Universal, SeaWorld, or Busch Gardens. We recommend at least a couple of days at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Use our Universal Orlando Resort Trip Planning Guide for strategy. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is absolutely mind-blowing, even if you’re not a fan of the books. The new Jurassic World VelociCoaster is the best roller coaster in all of Orlando–and that’s just one of several excellent recent additions.

We also have a post titled Walt Disney World vs. Universal Orlando that covers a lot of the pros and cons of visiting Universal. If you want to broaden your horizons and do something beyond Central Florida’s world-class theme parks, check out our 50 Things to Do in Orlando, Florida (Outside Disney’s Parks) . That covers beaches, manatee-watching, outlet malls, and much more.

3. Booking Vacation Packages

Vacations booked via DisneyWorld.com cover some combination of hotel, park tickets, and dining. Sometimes these packages offer excellent savings off rack rates, sometimes they’re merely full price elements of the trip bundled together. If you’re looking further into the future, 2024 Walt Disney World Vacation Packages are now available! (For those already wanting to plan 2025 WDW vacations, you’ll need to wait until late June or early July 2024, unfortunately.)

If you’re already overwhelmed, you might want to consider using a travel agent. If you go this route, look for one who primarily or exclusively does Disney-related bookings. As you can probably gather already, planning a Walt Disney World vacation is incredibly complex. If a travel agent doesn’t specialize in Disney, they probably won’t know the many nuances of Walt Disney World vacations. (For this reason, we don’t recommend AAA or Costco, even though some of their agents have Disney knowledge.)

Most travel agents specializing in Disney are “no fee” agencies, meaning that it costs you no more to book through them than it does to book through Disney (they get commission from Disney). If you are unsure of which package might be best for you–or need personalized help with any aspect of your trip–we recommend contacting a no fee “Authorized Disney Vacation Planner” ( here’s why we recommend one ) to get a quote and to help you plan. Request a quote from our recommended Authorized Disney Vacation Planner here .

4. Park Tickets

If you opt to book things yourself and without a vacation package, we recommend buying your tickets from an authorized third party ticket seller to save money. Read our Tips for Buying Discount Walt Disney World Tickets post for everything you need to know about choosing the right tickets and saving money on them.

Normally, prices increase in February and/or October. They increased twice two years ago, with the second occurring later than usual in December. Last year, the only admission costs that increased were on Annual Passes, which raises a question about whether tickets will increase again in December, or if Walt Disney World is waiting until February 2024. Either way, it’s not a bad idea to buy now to lock-in current prices no matter when you’re visiting between now and December 31, 2024.

If all you want to know is where to safely buy the cheapest, legitimate Walt Disney World multi-day tickets from an authorized reseller click here to buy via Get Away Today , our recommended & Disney-authorized ticket seller.

Disney’s mantra is “the longer you play, the less you pay per day.” It’s corny but true. Single-day Walt Disney World tickets are expensive , but multi-day tickets are much cheaper per day. The cost of additional days on a ticket substantially decreases with each day you add after 3 days. In other words, longer trips are not proportionately more expensive than shorter ones.

This is just one of the many tips we cover in our post about saving money on Walt Disney World park tickets . Whatever you do, don’t wait to buy your tickets at the front gates of the parks or on eBay…they won’t work!

5. Where to Stay

One of the very best posts on this blog is our Walt Disney World Hotel Reviews page . We have stayed at every Disney hotel, plus many off-site ones. That page offers links to each of our hotel reviews, room photos, thoughts on the amenities, pros & cons, and more.

When deciding whether to pay the premium prices that Disney-owned hotels charge, one important consideration for many will be on-site perks. Unfortunately, there aren’t many anymore–basically just some extended hours (see our Guide to Early Entry at Walt Disney World ), location, theme, and more convenient transportation. Since reopening, many benefits have been eliminated–either permanently or temporarily. Read about this in Is Walt Disney World’s On-Site Advantage Disappearing or Reappearing ?

When pricing out Walt Disney World hotels, you’re bound to have some sticker shock. Prices have gone up considerably in the last few years, and discounts are not nearly as abundant as they once were. If your budget is tight but you still want on-site luxury, consider getting a quote from Disney Vacation Club point rental company ( click here to book with the cheapest point DVC rental company ).

For more info about renting points, you might want to read our Guide to Renting Disney Vacation Club Points article. This is a great way to save money on nicer accommodations than you otherwise might be able to afford.

If you’re going to stay on-site at Walt Disney World, the three main tiers are Value, Moderate, and Deluxe, which are exactly what their names sound like they are. There’s also a Deluxe Villa tier, which is basically Disney-speak for “timeshare room.” Looking for the best hotel in each tier? Check out the following posts ranking the various Disney hotels:

• Value Resort Hotel Rankings
• Moderate Resort Hotel Rankings
• Deluxe Resort Hotel Rankings
• Deluxe Villa (Disney Vacation Club) Resort Rankings

Debating whether to stay off-site to save money or on-site at Walt Disney World for convenience and to be immersed in the magic? We have an Off-Site vs. On-Site Walt Disney World Hotels article that goes into great depth about the pros and cons of both options.

If you’re also visiting other theme parks in Central Florida, one alternative is to stay off-site. Our Universal Orlando Hotel Rankings & Reviews covers the pros & cons of those resorts, many of which we love for their locations, theme, on-site perks, and value for money. Additionally, refer to Universal Orlando v. Walt Disney World Resorts for a comparison between Disney’s and Universal’s hotels to see what each does better.

6. What to Pack

It might sound hard to believe, but packing for Walt Disney World offers ways to save money and improve your experience. There are some wrinkles to Walt Disney World that make packing a bit different, and by bringing certain “clever” (we think) items in your luggage, you will improve your experience. We go over the best stuff in our Walt Disney World Unique Packing List .

Two of our favorite examples from that list are Frogg Toggs Chilly Pads and this Compact External Charger . Seriously, you’ll wonder how you ever travelled without these (and many other) items on our list!

One of the most important things to pack for Walt Disney World is comfortable shoes. This can trip people up, as you probably walk  far, far less at home than you will at Walt Disney World. Suffice to say, what’s best for logging tens of thousands of steps could differ from your day-to-day footwear. See our picks for the Best Shoes to Wear at Walt Disney World for guidance–and be sure to plan ahead, breaking in your shoes before your trip!

Comfort is also key when planning your clothes for Walt Disney World–and weather can make that challenging. If you’re going in the colder months, check out our Packing for Disney in Winter post. For summer months, read Tips for Beating the Summer Heat at Disney .

7. Itineraries & Attraction Advice

Having an itinerary is a big deal, even for some frequent Walt Disney World guests. Some visitors create binders, spreadsheets, and schedule every step of their day. People get serious and obsessive about this. We are not those people. Planning is important, but going to those lengths is unnecessarily stressful and creates unrealistic and rigid plans. The best laid plans often go awry, and when that inevitably happens, it can be disappointing if you’ve over-planned.

With that said, we also recommend first-time visitors do not “wing it” for your daily itinerary . You don’t need to plan every movement so that there’s no spontaneity in your trip, just make sure you have at least a loose plan of what you’re going to do. As with most things in life, balance and moderation are key.

We have the following flexible step by step plans for each park that cover our perfect days using standby-only:

• 1-Day Magic Kingdom Park Itinerary
• 2-Day Magic Kingdom Park Itinerary
• 1-Day Epcot Itinerary Park Itinerary
• 1-Day Animal Kingdom Park Itinerary
• 1-Day Hollywood Studios Park Itinerary

For step-by-step single day itinerary using Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, see these itineraries:

• 1-Day at Magic Kingdom with Genie+ and Lightning Lanes
• 1-Day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with Genie+ and Lightning Lanes
• 1-Day at Epcot with Genie+ and Lightning Lanes
• 1-Day at Animal Kingdom with Genie+ and Lightning Lanes

Additionally, we have itineraries for Universal Orlando offering the same type of step by step advice:

• 1-Day Universal Studios Florida Itinerary
• 1-Day Islands of Adventure Itinerary
• 1-Day Universal Park Hopping Itinerary ( both Islands of Adventure & Universal Studios Florida )

If you’d prefer to create your own itinerary, we recommend reading our Disney Parks Ride Guides and getting a rough idea of which attractions you want to do:

• Magic Kingdom Park & Attraction Guide
• Epcot Park & Attraction Guide
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park & Attraction Guide
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park & Attraction Guide

We also have guides for the Walt Disney World water parks and Disney Springs:

• Blizzard Beach Water Park Guide
• Typhoon Lagoon Water Park Guide
• Disney Springs Shopping & Entertainment District Guide

With that said, we’d strongly recommend using our pre-made Walt Disney World Park Itineraries . Those step by step guides are maximized for efficiency, and will save far more time than ones you put together yourself, or just winging it. These are good, flexible itineraries that offers attractions, dining, and other things to enjoy without going crazy with mapping out every bathroom stop of your day.

Those with small children should also know that some Walt Disney World rides have height restrictions, requiring kids be a certain number of inches tall (usually 38 to 44″) in order to experience. Measuring sticks are outside attractions with a requirement, and kids who do not meet the minimum height are not allowed to enter the line. There are no age requirements for any attractions. See  Height Requirements at Walt Disney World for a comprehensive list, updated with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

Attractions that have height requirements also offer Rider Switch (also known as child swap, baby switch, rider swap, or parent swap). This is Walt Disney World’s system that allows parents with small children to take turns experiencing thrill rides and other attractions with height requirements via Lightning Lanes. See our  Guide to Rider Switch at Walt Disney World   for everything you need to know about this service. If eligible, it can save you a ton of time.

8. Where to Eat

A lot of the posts on this blog detail dining at Walt Disney World, which is a surprisingly complex (and fun!) topic. The most important thing for first-timers to know is that the tired stereotype that Disney dining is all burgers, hot dogs, and other fast food is not even remotely true. Disney has a lot of wonderful dining options that can be an experience in themselves.

To figure out where to eat, consult our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews page. That page has reviews of 75+ restaurants at Walt Disney World, plus other resources like our Magic Kingdom Counter Service Restaurant Rankings , and lots of other specific topics. Another great post with random quick-tips is our 101 Walt Disney World Dining Tips post.

Good dining experiences can make a trip, so if you only read more on one topic in this guide, make it dining. We know a number of people who have had their opinions of Walt Disney World changed for the better simply because they “discovered” the right places to eat.

If you’re starting the planning process far in advance, you might want to subscribe to our free newsletter for updates . We also provide subscribers with news from the parks, and have given a heads up on Free Dining and ticket price increases before they have been officially announced. This makes the newsletter especially handy for scoring discounts and being in the know as to what’s going on before your trip.

It’s also worth noting that if you’re trying to do “Disney on a Dime,” one of the easiest ways to save money is to not eat at Walt Disney World restaurants. Dining at Disney is expensive, and unlike park tickets, it’s not mandatory . You can save a lot of money by eating off-site, or better yet, getting groceries and preparing your own meals. We have a comprehensive Tips for Buying Groceries at Walt Disney World post that covers grocery delivery, local stores, and much more.

Even if you don’t want to make your own meals, grocery delivery is great for getting fruit and other small grab and go snacks, both of which are really over-priced at Walt Disney World. It’s also excellent for beer–for less than the cost of a single beer in the parks, you can have a 6-pack delivered to your hotel room!

9. Transportation

Walt Disney World transportation can be hit or miss, and can take a lot of time. For the most efficient transit options, read our Time-Saving Walt Disney World Transportation Tips post. This covers shortcuts, when to use buses v. monorail v. boats v. your feet, and more!

One of the other big considerations is whether you want to stay at a Walt Disney World hotel that offers a unique form of transportation, such as the monorails to Magic Kingdom or EPCOT, or the boats, walking paths, or Skyliner to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. These can be a huge time-saver.

Disney’s Magical Express has now ended, and following a merger of two competitors, it’s indirect replacement is essentially Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine. This does cost money, but otherwise it’s roughly analogous to Disney’s Magical Express–it’s even operated by the same vendor that ran Disney’s Magical Express (same buses and everything, just no Disney branding!). For a broad overview of alternatives, see our Airport Transportation Guide to Walt Disney World .

An alternative to a rental car is Lyft (or the Minnie Van service powered by Lyft) or Uber. For the basics on using these ride-sharing services, read our Tips for Using Lyft or Uber at Walt Disney World post. This post also shares the easiest way to get to Universal Orlando Resort (in case you want to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, too)

10. What Else to Do

Your imagination is really the limit here. Most first-time visitors only know about the theme parks, Disney Springs, and the water parks. That’s just the surface of what Walt Disney World has to offer. There are tours, golf, fishing, nightlife, shopping, fireworks cruises, babysitting, spas, and much more. An exhaustive list would ultimately be longer than the rest of this already long blog post!

Most of our favorite things are couples or adult-oriented, which you can read about on our Walt Disney World for Adults page . Honeymooners (aka “Disneymooners”) should read our Walt Disney World Honeymoon Tips article. Here are some other posts that cover “other stuff” at Walt Disney World, and other ways to improve your vacation, that don’t really fit the categories above:

• Free Things to Do at Walt Disney World
• Best Magic Kingdom Fireworks Viewing Spots
• Best Harmonious at Epcot Fireworks Viewing Spots
• Tips for Celebrating at Walt Disney World
• First-Timer Tips for Walt Disney World

If all of this is really overwhelming, we (again) recommend contacting an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and letting them do the work for you. This is Disney’s term for their affiliated travel agents, and the huge upside to them is that they don’t charge for their services–Disney pays them directly at no cost to you! Click here to get a vacation quote from our recommended no fee Authorized Disney Vacation Planner .

Remember, what’s in this post is just a starting point. To recap, you’ll also want to read our When to Visit Walt Disney World post for the best time of year to plan your trip. If saving money is important, read Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post to buy the cheapest tickets from legitimate sources. To figure out where to stay, our Walt Disney World Hotel Reviews page is a great resource. Want to know where to eat or if the Disney Dining Plan is right for you? Our Walt Disney World Dining Resources will help!

These are just a few of many posts mentioned in this article that will provide the foundation for your planning…but these 4 other posts are probably the most important of the bunch! If you enjoyed this Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide, please help us out by sharing it with your friends via social media. We put a lot of ongoing work into this, and hope it’s as helpful as possible to as many trip planners as possible. Thank you so much for your support–we really appreciate it!

Your Thoughts

Are you visiting Walt Disney World in 2024? If you are a Walt Disney World veteran, what tips would you add to this? If you’re a first-timer, is there anything else you’d like to know? Are you excited to experience the parks for Disney’s 100th Anniversary, or will you wait until Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens or more on-site perks are restored? We love hearing from readers, whether it be questions from newbies or tips from seasoned Disney pros with tips of their own to add!

Written by Tom Bricker

I will l spend my first full day at Disney World on a Sunday should I go to the magic kingdom, Epcot or Hollywood studios first to avoid crowds? Going the first week of March.

Every traveler must read this crucial information before visiting Disney for tourism. I love the way you write for travelers this is easy to understand and the information itself is quality content.

Hey Tom! Will you do an article on how to navigate busy times of year like spring break? We have historically been off season travelers to avoid crowds but older kids in school prevent us from being able to do so and I am a bit anxious about what to expect during spring break and how to best manage the crowds!

Hi Tom, my wife and I are planning a trip to Disney World after Thanksgiving to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. We have never been to Disney World and want to make the most of our time (and money). We are really good at Genie+(Disneyland) and are willing to arrive for rope drop and stay until the parks close.

Which of the following 2 options would you recommend? 1. A 4-Day Park Hopper and do MK on a MVMCP day and park hop to HS. On another day, do a half day at HS and park hop to MK to enjoy the evening with fireworks and the “Frozen” Castle Experience 2. A 3-Day Base Ticket and 1-Party Night Ticket (Jollywood Nights or MVMCP)

Hi Tom. Myself and my family spent 2 weeks in Orlando middle of August, including 5 days at WDW and we would like to thank you very much for all the advice you give. I read all of your blogs and the advice/information was so valuable to help us to get the best out of our holiday (we are from UK so we can’t visit as often as we would like!). Using Early Entry, Extended Evening Hours and very quick fingers on the Virtual Queues, we were able to do everything we wanted to do and much more!! The only thing that went wrong was when after doing Early Entry at MK we took the monorail back to our hotel (Yacht Club) via Epcot forgetting that we would technically be park-hopping so are restricted by the 14:00 rule. We arrived to EPCOT just after 13:00 so had to wait a bit. It was only a minor issue but thought I would mention as reminder to anyone else. We also learnt through this incident that although Park Hopping is officially allowed from 14:00, you can tap through from 13:45. Again, might be useful for others… We are already starting to plan our next trip and I continue to read your blogs every day! Thanks again and hope everything goes well with the baby!

Hi Tom! Do you have any articles or good tips for room requests (timing, method, hotel cast member insight, etc)? I would really appreciate it! I am a bit of a Disney veteran, but the art of the room request has eluded me (for example, old online articles suggest faxing things – that can’t possibly still be applicable, right??) – and if I ever post any questions on Facebook groups, the comment section eventually spirals into negativity and chaos. Thanks!

Hi! Thank you for everything you do, it is such a huge help when planning a Disney world trip when I’m used to just going to Disneyland. Do you have any tips on booking flights? Such as when is the best time to book, how far in advance and recommendations on which website to book through?

This information is crucial for every traveler. It is common to encounter health issues during our journeys, which is why this comprehensive guidance blog is essential for everyone. I greatly appreciate your kind words about the post, and I’m glad that the information shared in the article has proven helpful to you. bali tours

Hi Tom! Any tips for doing the Parks in the rain? We’ve been waiting months and see there maybe showers when we’re there next week. Thanks

Tom, My family and I planned for a 2-day Epcot experience in June. I am using your itineraries for the other parks and I thought I’d ask if you have a 2-day for Epcot?

Just amazing help for us in planning our vacation – thanks, Tom!

This is in dire need of updating. Rock n Roller Coaster is down, Toyland is open and fabulous, we did Lightning Lane at Rise of the Resistance. And more.

Have you heard anything about package service returning? It seems advantageous for Disney. I wouldn’t buy a large collectible if I have to carry it around all day. Having it sent to my hotel would’ve been nice.

I have not heard anything about that specifically, but I have recently been hearing about very big, very comprehensive announcement plans to coincide with 2024 Walt Disney World vacation packages. Normally, that news would be released in June or July, but I suspect it might be coming earlier this year.

Again, no clue if resort package delivery is among the changes (it was not one of the things mentioned to me), but it very well could be given the potential scope and scale of the news.

Hey Tom! What do you know about Typhoon Lagoons re-opening for 2023? I was thinking about adding the water park option to my annual pass renewal but wasn’t sure it would be worth it if both aren’t open. Thanks!

I’m grateful you recommended we consider opting for a week-long Walt Disney World vacation if we want the kids to enjoy the experience and all the attractions available without wearing them out. I’m planning to take my kids to Disneyworld this spring, so I was wondering how I should plan the trip. I’ll keep your suggestion in mind while I look for a Disney VIP tour to book in advance soon.

Hello Tom, I tried to use the code DTB5 at get away today and it says code is invalid?? Do you have another code that can be used? Also I love Sarah’s Mickey Mouse purse, where did she buy it I have to get one!! Thanks Lori

The Get Away Today website tells me that the DTB5 discount code is invalid, so this article may need further updating (that or there is an error on their side – just thought you should know).

This article is awesome. It was wonderful and I really like it. Thanks for sharing this post.

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Disney World VIP Tour Guides (cost, tips, + a review)

By: Author Heather Thomas

Published: August 5, 2021 Updated: October 17, 2023

If you ever thought that Disney VIP Tours were only for celebrities and lottery winners, you’re not alone.

At one time we kind of thought that, too.

But an interview awhile back on the WDW Prep to Go podcast opened up our eyes to how this amazing private tour service might just fit into the travel budgets for lots of Walt Disney World guests.

So, in the name of research, we spent a day with 2 fantastic Disney VIP Guides checking out how it works.

(And before you ask, the experience was purchased with cold hard cash; nothing was comped. We went into the experience the same way any family visiting Disney World might.)

Here’s what we learned.

In this article

All the details

First of all, the price (at first glance) is not cheap, so don’t freak out when you see it:

The cost for reserving a Disney VIP Tour Guide runs between $425 and $850 per hour (busier times of the year will cost more), with a minimum duration of 7 hours.

You’ll need 1 guide for every 10 guests in your group, and infants DO count towards the 10.

So, on the “low” end, you are looking at a total of around $3000 for up to 10 people.

And that does not include your park ticket.

Everybody in your group will need a valid theme park ticket, and if you are planning on multiple parks during the day, you’ll need to have the Park Hopper option, too.

So, yes, that is expensive and may seem out of reach, but don’t say “no way” just yet.

We have some scenarios that make the cost seem a lot more affordable. More on that below.

How to book

Using a travel agent.

Whether you already have a travel agent OR you just want help with booking a VIP Tour, using a travel agent is a fantastic option.

They are experts in the park and if you’ve booked your trip through them, they’ll be able to help you weave the VIP experience into the rest of your trip.

Remember, these tours aren’t cheap. It would be silly to accidentally double up on something or waste time on a non-VIP day doing something you could have easily done with the guide.

Let your travel agent help you coordinate all of that!

Interested in connecting with a travel agent for help booking a VIP Tour? Get a quote now.  

On your own

You can also book guides up to 180 days in advance by calling (407) 560-4033.

In some instances, you can even book them same day, although we don’t recommend that since that would leave you very little time to plan out how you’ll spend your day.

Disney mentions on their website that space is limited; however, in reality, they have a vast network of guides and backup guides and are able to accommodate nearly all requests. They aren’t in the business of turning away guests requesting this experience.

What happens after you book?

If you booked through a travel agent, they’ll work with Disney and you to put together a plan for your time with the guide.

If you’ve booked on your own, you’ll receive an email confirmation shortly after booking that will list out all the details of your booking, including the cancellation policy which is a liberal 48 hours in advance with no penalty. If you cancel within 48 hours, you pay the equivalent of 2 hours/guide.

From that point, you’ll be asked to email Signature Services (which is the name of the department in charge of things like these tours) the list of the people that will be attending and a list of attractions you’d like to see.

That plan isn’t set in stone, however. You’ll be able to tweak it as you go, but it helps them get a feel for how their day will look.

What does a day with a guide from Disney’s VIP Services look like?

Try to imagine the most magical day ever at Disney World and that is pretty much what your time with a VIP Guide looks like.

You are in total control of the day, and as long as your request doesn’t break any rules or go beyond the scope of their job, your VIP Guide will try to make it happen. Like magic.

If an attraction has a Lightning Lane, you’ll have access to all of those with your VIP guide.

Want to ride Slinky Dog Dash multiple times? You can do that.

And Rise of the Resistance (which is notoriously difficult) is no problem either because your VIP Tour Guide can get you on without having to worry about snagging a Boarding Group .

Feel like stopping for a snack or a break in some AC? You’re with an expert that knows all the best places.

Want to watch fireworks without having to fight the crowds? Yep. That’s an option, too.

Officially, this is how Disney describes the services offered:

• Pre-arrival planning
• A flexible start time, picked by you
• Visits to multiple theme parks in one or more days, if desired
• The ability to enjoy some of your favorite attractions efficiently, even repeatedly
• VIP viewing areas for parades, select stage shows and nighttime spectaculars
• Shared insight from your highly knowledgeable VIP Tour Guide throughout your tour

See what we mean? An entire list of magic.

Two ways to make Disney VIP Tours “affordable”

Stay fewer days and use the money saved to book a vip guide.

For many years, suggesting guests consider adding a VIP Tour to a trip frankly wasn’t something that was on our radar.

But then we heard something that changed our entire perspective.

In a trip report interview on the WDW Prep to Go podcast , a guest was traveling to Disney World with her parents. For that trip, her parents set the budget and told her to plan the trip however she saw fit as long as she stayed within the allotted dollar amount.

Knowing that they wouldn’t be able to do a long trip, she instead opted to shorten the trip and use the money saved on hotel rooms, food, and park tickets to pay for a private Disney VIP Tour Guide for 2 days.

Not only did she stay within the budget , they still saw and did everything they wanted to because of their VIP Guide.

Mind blown.

The lesson learned here is that a VIP Tour becomes way more affordable when you realize that having a guide for a day (or more) means you’ll be able to get the same amount of stuff done in a less amount of time.

Split the cost across 2 (or more) families

When you book a VIP Guide with Disney, you get to choose the people that will be in your group, and as long as you stay within the 10 person/guide ratio, you’re free to put together your group however you’d like.

So, if you’re traveling with multiple families or couples, you can easily split the cost.

Even just splitting with one other family can be a huge savings and make a day with one of Disney’s VIP Tour Guides much more affordable than you might have thought.

(Click chart to view it larger.)

Who should consider booking a Disney VIP Tour?

While we think that anybody that can should give it a try (because it is just an overall amazing experience), we definitely think that there are a few times when it really might make sense:

Families short on time

If your time at Disney World is limited but you still want to see and do as much as you can, this is a fantastic option for that.

With a VIP Tour, you could easily hit most of the headliners in all 4 parks in 1 day, or split out your fun over 2 or 3 days instead of 7 or 8 days.

People staying offsite

Remember how we said up above that splitting the cost makes it more affordable?

Since lots of families share villas or houses they’ve rented offsite, that is the perfect opportunity to share the cost of a VIP Tour Guide at Disney World, too.

Plus, staying offsite is a great way to save some money on your trip, which would then free up some of your budget for extras, like a VIP Tour Guide!

Groups traveling together

Between conferences and sporting events and trade shows, there are lots of times groups of people travel to the Orlando area when (gasp!) Disney isn’t always the main focus.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a lot of Disney fun, and since you can split the cost with others in your group, it can make it quite affordable to add on a day of magic.

Families considering lots of “extras”

If you are considering adding a bunch of extras to your trip to give you a better view or go on more rides (things like After Hours Boo Bash or Disney Very Merriest ) you may find that it makes more sense to instead work with VIP Services and a VIP Guide.

Not only can your VIP Guide assist you with gaining access to the attractions, they also have access to VIP viewing locations for all the nighttime shows.

Tips from the experts

After spending 7+ hours with Disney VIP Guides, we were able to put together a list of their top tips and suggestions for people booking Disney VIP Tours.

Here’s what they had to say:

1. Wear matching shirts

If you were ever going to wear matching shirts, Disney World is the place to do it. On our last experience with a VIP tour, our group of 11 had matching shirts, and we were told multiple times by both our guides and the Cast Members working the attraction entrances how much easier it made it for them to do their jobs.

2. Make sure kids know height requirements

Even though you’ll be with a VIP Guide, you’ll still have to follow all the height requirement rules. So if you know you have little ones that aren’t going to be tall enough to ride certain attractions, don’t wait until you get there to let them know, and definitely don’t leave it to the VIP Guides to do the dirty work. It can be hard for them to build any sort of relationship with the kids if they are seen as the bad guy.

3. Follow the rules

Despite what you might think, unless your name is Beyoncé, you’ll still be standing in the Lightning Lanes. Only when safety is a concern are celebrity guests ushered in and out through back ways. Don’t ask your guide to break the rules or to let you skip the Lightning Lane because that’s not something they can do.

4. Don’t try to sneak extra people into your group

The rule is 10 people per guide, so if you have 11, you’ll need to get an additional guide. Don’t try to sneak an extra person into your group or think that 1 more person won’t matter. The VIP Guides have rules that they must follow, and if you try to have more than allowed, you’ll be asked to narrow it down to 10 or pay for an additional guide.

5. Start your time with your guide at the first attraction of the day

It may seem like a good idea to have your VIP Tour Guide pick you up from your resort (after all, driving you around is part of their job), BUT the clock starts ticking as soon as you meet up with them. Instead of wasting time driving to your first attraction, opt to meet them there.

6. Eat quicker meals

Lunch at any Quick Service location that has Mobile Order is a fantastic way to minimize the time you spend eating, so you can maximize the time you spend riding.

7. Think about tipping

Though the rules on this are a bit fuzzy and tour guides will tell you they don’t need to be tipped , you should spend some time thinking about what you want to do, especially since any tips will need to be in cash and it could be a lot of money.

In the end, we ended up tipping about 10%, but have heard reports of people tipping much more and less than that. Be sure to plan ahead so you’re not scrambling to figure it out when you’re there.

Our day going VIP

Hands down our day spent with 2 fantastic VIP Guides was one of the most fun days I’ve ever had at Disney World.

But it didn’t start out that way.

Note: Our adventure with a VIP Tour Guide was in the before-times (aka pre-pandemic).

Off to a rocky start at Epcot

Originally our plan was to have a lovely breakfast at Garden Grill and then meet up with the guides at the podium just outside the restaurant.

But, because we were a group that know how to party be on time, we were early to breakfast and then done way ahead of schedule.

With an hour to kill, we decided to head downstairs from Garden Grill to take a whirl on the not-so-much-a-thriller known as Living with the Land.

Only today, “Living with the Land” was a lot more like “Shipwrecked with the Squash” or “Marooned with the Melons.”

Don’t get me wrong, the first few minutes of our voyage were amazing. In fact, all was going great until just past the farmhouse.

That’s where our boat came to a screeching halt, right by the part where they loudly say “Here at Epcot, we’re learning to reduce the need for pesticides by using natural predators like ladybugs and wasps to control pests.”

Over and over and over we listened to that spiel as we slowly crept forward.

As we waited (and regretted those 2nd and 3rd refills of water we had at breakfast), we stressed out as our hour buffer before meeting our guides slowly dwindled away.

Once we knew there was no way we were going to get off that boat and back upstairs by noon, Shannon picked up her phone and called Signature Services and told them the problem.

And as expected, they were amazing!

Not only did they contact our guides for us, they also changed the meeting place to the exit of Living with the Land which was a huge relief. The guides also reset our tour starting time since the delays weren’t our fault.

Not long after (and right when we had just started a rousing game of Rock, Paper, Scissors to determine who was going to swim to safety to secure emergency supplies like Diet Coke and chocolate), help appeared and the Cast Members working at Living with the Land pushed our boat to the safety of the Aquaculture room.

There we were able to climb out and wind our way out through the greenhouses to our new meeting place where our our 2 guides, Carson and Lyssa, were waiting.

After a few short introductions (and a much needed restroom break), we were off!

Let the attractions begin!

Our goal for the day was to knock out most of the main headliners in all 4 parks.

Ambitious? Maybe. But if ever there was a time to try it, today with our VIP Guides was the day.

To start our journey, we started our day at everybody’s favorite glider-based Disney attraction: Soarin’.

As was the procedure at all of the attractions, one of our guides would always lead the way to let the person working the FastPass+ line (now called Lightning Lane) know how many people were coming through with them. This is where the matching shirts came in so handy!

It was so easy for them to say “11 people coming through – they all have on shirts that look like this!” and then they’d point at our cute shirts.

At Soarin’, we were quickly through the line and we were even able to request the top row middle, which are the best seats in the house.

The entire time we were in line our guides were chatting us up and we were peppering them tons of questions.

Have I mentioned yet just how lovely our guides were? They were not just regular Disney-friendly, they were top-tier Disney-friendly.

Our guides waited for us at the exit and then, since our next stop was Test Track, instead of walking out the “regular” exit, they took us out the back door of Soarin’ where they had 2 vans waiting for us – and they drove us over to Test Track!

Of course, since we were backstage, we couldn’t take any photos, but just know if you’re into Disney stuff like that, it was very, very cool. And, not having to walk over there saved so many steps on what was going to be an extra-long day.

Lesson learned: Having the vans gave us a safe spot to stash stuff – like our bags – if we didn’t need them. That was a nice perk when you’re just hopping out for a couple rides!

After a trip around the backside of the World Showcase, our guides parked near Test Track. We made our way from backstage out to the front of the attraction and before we knew it, we were in the preview room making our cars and then out racing around the track.

After we were done there, we headed over to Frozen Ever After where we had the perfect number for our own boat which made for an adorable photo. There may also be video of the whole boat singing, but we’ll keep that for ourselves.

With the Epcot headliners done, we headed back to our carriages white vans so we could continue on to our next stop, which was Hollywood Studios.

Meeting some *REAL LIFE* winners at Hollywood Studios

We were all really looking forward to Hollywood Studios because we were meeting up with a lovely family that had won a WDW Prep contest that gave them the chance to tour with us (and our VIP Tour Guides) in the new Toy Story Land.

Considering that at this point it was the middle of the afternoon, having the guides there to get us into the FastPass+ lines instead of having to use the long standby lines was a huge blessing because I’m 99% sure that Andy must live on the sun as hot as his “backyard” is.

Seriously. Toy Story Land is brutally hot in the middle of the day.

Before we could make our way to the sun Toy Story Land, we had to get parked.

Our VIP Guides expertly navigated to a lot that was kind of back by Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror. Upon our arrival, we were met by other VIP Guides with iced down water and snacks – something we all desperately needed.

Then, since we were entering a new park, we were required to have our MagicBands scanned, but instead of having to go all the way to the front of the park, they used an iPad and scanned them right there in the parking lot.

Lesson learned: Being able to bypass the front gates is one of the perks (and time savers) of entering the parks with a VIP Guide. We only had to go through security and the turnstiles once (on our first park) and then every park after that, somebody either met us to scan our MagicBands or our guides took our MagicBands and scanned them for us while we were busy having fun on an attraction.

One of our guides needed to step away for a few minutes. While she was gone, another lovely guide stepped in to help our crew. All of that was totally seamless and very well choreographed.

After meeting up with the winners, we headed into Toy Story Land where we Rode Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers, Toy Story Mania, and then Slinky Dog Dash one more time.

After we were “Toy Story Land”ed out we took a group photo with the lovely winners and then said our goodbyes. fyi – after telling 1 of our guides we wanted a group pic, this photo was choreographed between our guides and a PhotoPass photographer.

At that point we were a little bit ahead of schedule so we decided to give Tower of Terror a ride on our way back to the vans.

After finishing up at Tower of Terror we were ready for our next destination:  Pandora!

By now we were getting hungry and we were all ready to sit down for a bit which fit perfectly into our original plan of an early dinner at Satu’li Canteen.

So, to maximize our time, we all took out our phones and did Mobile Order on the ride over so that we wouldn’t have long to wait for our food once we arrived.

Dinner & Animal Kingdom

The parking here put us right behind Pandora. Like, RIGHT behind one of the walls there so it took just a minute to walk from the vans into the park.

There were no lines at Satu’li Canteen, but the seating there is always kind of a hassle, but have no fear –

Our lovely guides snagged us 2 tables in the air conditioning, which meant by the time our mobile orders were done we had a place to sit.

Our guides grabbed their dinner, too, and then we all relaxed and enjoyed the air conditioning for a bit.

After eating, we decided we should do Na’vi River Journey first (to give our stomachs a bit longer to rest) and with our stomachs full, we all headed that way.

Of course, we couldn’t leave Pandora without a stop by Flight of Passage, so that was next.

Lesson learned: one thing we didn’t really account for was how much harder it is on your stomach to do thrill rides back-to-back. Even things that didn’t usually bother us were a little iffy after riding so many attractions. If you’re prone to motion sickness when riding attractions, you might want to take that into consideration when mapping out your day!

After Flight of Passage we said “Eywa ngahu” (which Google tells me is Na’Vi for goodbye) to Pandora and we were off to our next stop: Magic Kingdom.

Ending the night with a BANG!

As we pulled up to Magic Kingdom, our guide reminded us to grab our stuff, which was a harsh reminder that we wouldn’t be coming back to our royal carriages  the handy vans again.

Our first stop here was Big Thunder Mountain which was followed up by Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and then Space Mountain and, because we had some time left before Happily Ever After, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.

By the time we were done with Buzz, it was 15 minutes until the fireworks were set to star which made me very nervous that there wouldn’t be any space left, but our guides assured us there would be.

And, of course, they were right.

They led us to a roped off area in the middle of the Hub, at the perfect distance from the castle.

The spot was partially full of other families and groups and their VIP Guides, and even though the crowds outside the ropes were shoulder to shoulder, we had plenty of room.

Knowing that our time with our guides was up, we all hugged and thanked them before the fireworks started.

At that point in the day, we were all close to (or over) 20,000 steps and exhausted, so a few tears of gratitude for our VIP Guides might have been shed and of course, Happily Ever After always brings us to tears so we were a puddle of sappiness by the time it was all over.

And just like that, the fireworks ended and our time with our VIP guides was done.

I’m not going to lie, it only took a few hours to get very used to having somebody lead the way, so to suddenly be left without that was a little disorienting.

But, we sucked it up and slowly made our way with the rest of the crowds towards the front of the park – exhausted, but still grinning ear to ear.

Do you have any questions about booking a VIP Tour? Let us know in the comments .

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Wednesday 7th of June 2023

How much was your tip

Scott Bonar

Sunday 5th of December 2021

What is a good guideline for tipping the tour guides?

Shannon Albert

Friday 24th of December 2021

About 10% is a good guide. Have had to make a quick ATM stop to make that happen since it's a lot of cash to have on hand.

Wednesday 6th of October 2021

Hi!! We are doing a vip tour on Friday - thanks for this article, it was helpful to know more of what to expect.

So, how exactly does the “waiting in line” part work? Do you actually wait in the fast pass/lighting/whatever we want to call it lines or do you just go on up to the front and hop on? My husband was under the impression you walked right onto the rides….just wondering how that really works!!

Thursday 5th of September 2019

Love all your advice, Shannon! Quick update on VIP Tour Pricing: between Christmas and New Years is $750 per hour (still 7 hour minimum).

Thursday 30th of May 2019

Awesome tips! How many attractions should I prioritize for 2 adults, a 5 and a 7 year old girl with 7 hours across Animal Kingdom, Hollywood and Magic Kingdom? I have 17 listed... Thank you!

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Great experience! Would recommend to everyone wanting a awesome way to see Disney for the first time!! - 12/24/2018 

Shout out to MagicVIPTours for making the all girls trip even better! My sisters and I had a blast and it was wonderful to not have to wait in lines... read more Shout out to MagicVIPTours for making the all girls trip even better! My sisters and I had a blast and it was wonderful to not have to wait in lines for our favorite rides. Such a great time that brought back many childhood memories. Thanks so much MagicVipTours! read less - 5/02/2019 

Enjoyed our Disney trip so much with magic vip, never thought someone tagging along with my family would be so helpful lol. Our tour guide made sure everyone was having... read more Enjoyed our Disney trip so much with magic vip, never thought someone tagging along with my family would be so helpful lol. Our tour guide made sure everyone was having a good time and satisfied, really felt like VIP treatment which was very pleasant in the hot Florida sun. The kids even got picked to be in one of the Disney shows because we had such good viewing of each show we wanted to attend. All in all a very good trip, no complaints, thanks magic vip. read less - 5/02/2019 

First and foremost i want to thank the lovely members of VIP tours for giving my wife and I such an amazing experience. Everything from the first initial contact to... read more First and foremost i want to thank the lovely members of VIP tours for giving my wife and I such an amazing experience. Everything from the first initial contact to the way we were guided on our tours was given to us with exceptional customer service. Our respects goes to Chastity who despite being new gave us such good advice on how to go about on our vacation. My wife and I had an amazing time all thanks to VIP tours. I strongly recommend this agency to anyone seeking to travel to Orlando to visit the parks, in fact there is no need to book through another agency because this one is the beat in Florida hands down. read less - 5/02/2019 

Best Disney trip to date, and I would say magic vip had a lot to do with it, this year I didn’t have to push a stroller or be the... read more Best Disney trip to date, and I would say magic vip had a lot to do with it, this year I didn’t have to push a stroller or be the leader of the pack for my family. I can’t believe we didn’t have to wait in line! I am so thankful and would recommend magic vip. A thankful dad. read less - 5/02/2019 

My grandkids went absolutely nuts at Disney and I just want to thank Matthew for being so accommodating! He was a great tour guide, we never waited in line for... read more My grandkids went absolutely nuts at Disney and I just want to thank Matthew for being so accommodating! He was a great tour guide, we never waited in line for more than 10 minutes which was great for my highly impatience grandkids. My husband and I don’t know much about The park layout so having Matthew there to help every step of the way was really helpful. Don’t know what we would have did without you Magic VIP, thanks!!! read less - 5/02/2019 

Strongly recommend ! Looking for a hassle free, stress free experience at Disney, I can honestly say I am impressed and glad my money was spent well, sometimes I have... read more Strongly recommend ! Looking for a hassle free, stress free experience at Disney, I can honestly say I am impressed and glad my money was spent well, sometimes I have mixed feelings about Disney due to the long lines and waits everywhere but that was a non factor since we went with MagicVIP! read less - 7/02/2019 

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Testimonials

Well worth the money, very satisfied. Our guide was a very knowledgeable tour guide who got us around to all the main attractions at each theme park – we booked multiple days – with very little wait time and without feeling rushed. She has a wonderful personality – made us feel very comfortable. The kids were very pleased and as this vacation was for them – that was just perfect.

We went to animal kingdom and only reached out to them a day in advance. They went above and beyond setting up a great day for us. Stephen our tour guide was terrific and so helpful. Jennifer who we talked to first to set up the day was great as well! Would highly recommend over the much more expensive options.

Visited Magic Kingdom with my husband and 2 year old daughter. Our tour guide was able to get us through the entire park on the rides that were age-appropriate for my daughter in the six hours we booked plus see the Disney shows and 2 character visits! We did 17 attractions in all and never waited more than 10 minutes for any of them. I highly recommend this tour if you want to spend time enjoying Disney and not standing in lines. We only did Magic Kingdom the day we had a tour guide so that we could enjoy the entire day without feeling rushed. We were able to do all those attractions and go to the Crystal Palace for dinner and home and in the bed by 7:30pm reflecting on our magical day. Our tour guide was very professional and kind I would highly recommend her! Do this tour if your budget will allow it!

We had an awesome time yesterday with you around.  Thank you so much!!  We appreciate the photos sent.  And yes we did the mountain ride you booked for us. He enjoyed much.  TY again!!  Without you,  probably things would have been tough on us.

Just wanted to send you a quick e-mail to thank you for showing us Disneyworld. Was the best thing we did getting a guide, & so lucky that we got you to help us. Despite the thunder/lightening storm in the afternoon, with your wonderful planning we got to do everything we wanted to do. Really appreciate what you were able to do for us. Hope one day you get down to our neck of the woods.

Thank you so much for your attention during our tour. We cannot wait to hire Jen again for our tour when we come back to Disney. Next time we will have to have your kids come with so our kids can have someone else to hang out with.

We are so glad we booked our tours. We were able to ride many rides without having to mess with the Disney App. Jennifer knew the best places to eat. We saw so much. In addition to booking fast passes she made sure to get us into shows which allowed us to rest in between rides.

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The Only Walt Disney World Guide You Need

Walt Disney World can be a dream vacation destination for families, couples and friends alike—but visiting this Orlando-based theme park without knowing the lay of the land is challenging. As restaurants fill up six months in advance and rides can be booked sixty days before arrival, “just winging it” is not the move at Disney World. Thankfully, you won’t have to stick your nose in guide books for the next year to survive, as we’ve made everything as simple as possible with this definitive Disney guide.

There’s no need to spend time on message boards or frantically Google which attractions to FastPass. Consider your questions answered, your trip planned, and your Disney vacation officially set, thanks to all this free expertise:

Walt Disney World, in a Nutshell

Whatever you’re envisioning, think bigger. With four theme parks, two water parks, multiple golf courses, a sports complex as well as 25 hotels and countless restaurants, it’s less a vacation destination and more of a city sprawl with Mickey Mouse as mayor, as ends of the property span as far as a half-hour drive. Unlike Disneyland, this theme park behemoth is impossible to conquer in one day, so prepare to pace yourself.

Each of the four main parks have a distinctive theme. Magic Kingdom is the “most magical place on earth," home to the soaring castle, princess power, and all the nostalgic classics. Epcot is two parks in one, with technology and future-focused attractions as well as an around-the-world dining and drinking bonanza. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is fully movie-centric, as well as the place for all things "Star Wars," while Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a combination animal reserve, international experience, and otherworldly wonderland, thanks to the new Pandora: The World of Avatar expansion. If you don’t have tickets to the parks or water parks, explore the Pixar-themed worlds of resort hotels and well as Disney Springs, the revitalized area formerly known as Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island that has shops, entertainment and activities open to the public.

When to Visit

Busy season tends to overlap with when children are out of school, but certain weekends and holidays, like Labor Day, are reliably slower. Though the crowds tend to surge at the end of the year, the park is pure magic around Halloween as well as the holiday season (early November to early January), when no expense is spared on decor.

Booking a Walt Disney World vacation is a lot like planning a wedding: there are tons of moving parts, endless options for all kind of budgets, and you’ll want to be weary of cancelation deadlines. We rounded up plenty of advice for first-timers as well as an extra list of pointers , but whether you’re a Magic Kingdom-bound newbie or veteran, we recommend following our Disney Planning Checklist to ensure every portion of your vacation goes smoothly. Hotels and admission can be purchased separately or together, so consider taking time to explore Disney’s discount page and weigh pricing options to see which works best for you. Most importantly, sign up for My Disney Experience , the virtual planning guide that organizes your dining, hotel, and ticket hotel reservations and book FastPass+ choices in one convenient place.

Picking a property doesn’t have to be stressful. This convenient comparison of every Disney-owned resort and shortlist of the very best non-Disney hotels worth staying at will make your selection a breeze. The main difference to note is that Disney-operated hotels offer exclusive benefits like Extra Magic Hours , which grant additional time at the parks each morning or evening, as well as early FastPass+ booking, complimentary MagicBands, and Disney’s Magical Express airport bus transportation, while external properties can often be either more cost-effective—or, in the case of the impeccable Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort , much more luxurious. Many hotels are near Disney parks, but only a few are walkable: Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers a pathway to the Magic Kingdom, while Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Yacht Club Resort, Beach Club Resort, and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin have a pedestrian entrance at Epcot’s World Showcase.

Walt Disney World sells two formats of theme park tickets: single-day and multi-day, which lasts two to 14 days. Both can become “park hopper” tickets for a fee, allowing guests to visit multiple theme parks each day, or “park hopper plus," which offer additional admission to water parks and golf courses. (These add-ons can also be purchased separately.) Don’t forget to check for current special offers or feel the need to have a ticket on days you arrive late or depart early; there's plenty to do without paying for admission.

The Disney Difference

Prepare for smiling faces, waving hands, and a greeting of “Welcome home!”, even if you’ve never been before. The staff is extra-friendly, helpful, and willing to answer questions at any time. If problems do arise, Guest Services centers throughout the parks can fix nearly any issue. Walt Disney World is truly its own little world, complete with lots of lingo that first-timers may be overwhelmed by, so consult our Disney Glossary for translations and definitions of all Disney terminology.

From popcorn stands to AAA Five Diamond Award recipients, Walt Disney World truly offers every kind of culinary experience . All four theme parks have quick service options, table service restaurants, and character dining options where royals, movie characters, and Mickey Mouse himself roam the restaurant to greet guests individually. Disney Springs, too, has become a theme park for food with more new restaurants and food stalls than anywhere else in Orlando. Don’t miss the incredible range of dining experiences outside the parks at Disney-owned hotels just because you’re not staying there—it’s practically a must. Restaurants begin taking reservations 180 days in advance and require a credit card guarantee; no-shows and same-day cancelations will incur a $10 charge per person. If any of it seems overwhelming, Disney World vacation packages offer a Disney Dining Plan option, allowing guests to pre-pay for their meals in exchange for dining credits to use each day. Disney parks are also extremely accommodating of food restrictions and allergies, so if needed, be sure to inquire upon arrival.

Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

Though Walt Disney World is intrinsically tied to childhood, the options to imbibe on property are unparalleled. The resort not only prides itself on having one of the most impressive sommelier programs in the country, but creates interesting cocktails, unique beer lists, and wide-ranging wine menus for its properties. From a tiki bar to a tequila cave, there are a multitude of wonderful watering holes, and if you haven’t been in forever, Epcot’s World Showcase is essentially a worldwide bar crawl. Many Disney World drinks are cult favorites , and as of recently, alcohol is (technically) served at all four theme parks. The Magic Kingdom was famously dry, but a selection of wine, champagne, or beer is now offered to customers dining at certain table service restaurants .

Attractions

Disney World offers low-key attractions for young children and the action-averse, but there is plenty for thrillseekers, too , with rides featuring massive drops, hairpin turns, serious G-forces, and even inversions. Unlike traditional amusement parks, there’s something here for everybody, and it’s easy to get the very best seats or skip the wait. Many attractions offer FastPass+—Disney’s program allowing all guests to “skip the line” on multiple rides each day. Plotting out which rides to FastPass in advance is more of an art than a science, but our definitive FastPass+ guide makes it easy.

Entertainment

It’s not just boat rides and roller coasters—between the stage shows, evening entertainment, and “streetsmosphere," there’s plenty to see, most without even having to wait in line.

Daily performances of Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom and Mickey’s Friendship Faire at Magic Kingdom are wondrous sights, as are taking to the streets to see Star Wars’ stormtroopers at Hollywood Studio’s March of the First Order or a fire-breathing dragon crawl down Main Street, USA in Magic Kingdom’s Festival of Fantasy parade. When the sun sets, Disney World comes alive, with three nightly fireworks shows and entertainment at nearly every park. Shows like Epcot’s IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth and Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are classic crowd favorites, and that same park’s bombastic Star Wars-themed fireworks display can’t be missed. By Spring 2017, Magic Kingdom will unveil a new fireworks and projection show and Animal Kingdom will host new nighttime entertainment, bringing with it extra excitement, even if you’ve been before.

If you’re flying to Florida and traveling without a rental car, be sure to bring all your necessities, as there is no drugstore or grocery market accessible by Disney transportation.

Hotel gift shops carry a limited amount of toiletries, dry goods, and medicine, but Disney experts often ship necessities like water bottles and diapers directly to their Disney resort in advance of their arrival. (Expect a $5 handling charge per package.) Comfortable shoes are a must—you’ll walk more than you ever have in your life—and the weather shifts often, so toss in extra layers for nighttime and ponchos in case of rain. No spare room in your luggage for souvenirs? Disney gift shops can ship your purchases home, no problem.

Getting There

Orlando International Airport is the main airport servicing Walt Disney World and its surrounding areas. Guests at Disney-operated hotels are given free round-trip coach bus transportation to and from the airport, also known as MCO, on Disney’s Magical Express ; the approximately 40-minute drive can be up to $75 via taxi or $65 in an Uber. UberX pick-ups at the Orlando airport are not currently available, but drop-offs for departing flights are.

How to Get Around

Walt Disney World Transportation shuttles guests between Disney hotels and theme parks every 20 or so minutes, with drop-offs just a short distance from the front gate of each park. Because of this, Disney World is entirely doable without a car, yet some families prefer one for convenience. Standard parking costs $20 each day at theme parks, which can be used at all interchangeably. (Note that Magic Kingdom’s parking lot is at the nearby Ticket & Transportation Center, which requires an additional ferry ride to reach the park; taxis and Ubers conduct Magic Kingdom pick-ups and drop-offs from here as well.) There are options more scenic than cars, like the Disney Monorail which shuttles guests between the Magic Kingdom and Epcot or boats which operate between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. (Transportation to the parks via both methods is also available from select hotels.) As for Uber, Disney parks have become lenient to the ride-share service, but integration across the property is not yet seamless. If you’re trying to find your way through the parks themselves, the My Disney Experience app offers reliable walking directions and arrival times.

Make Your Trip Your Own

We’ve created travel guides to help everyone from skeptical parents and VIPs with money to burn to budget-conscious visitors and those who haven’t been to Disney World in decades . Whether you’re hoping to plan your dream Disney wedding , take a perfect honeymoon or simply go on aromantic couple’s trip, there are plenty of ways to tone down the family aspects and make Disney nothing short of sentimental. And, no matter if you visited last year or last century, you can make your Disney trip a little more special with our expert’s advice and in-the-know tips that will make any trip extraordinary.

What's Coming in the Future

There is plenty heading to Walt Disney World in 2017, but once Pandora — The World of Avataropens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in May, the next major Walt Disney World expansion will be Toy Story Land , a movie-themed area with rides and larger-than-life props slated to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios sometime in 2018. There are plenty more hotel expansions, dining locations and nightlife debuts to come, but the most noteworthy opening will be Star Wars Land, which will open in 2019.

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Guide to Disney Private VIP Tours

Here’s What You Need to Know About Private VIP Tours at Disney World

Are you interested in a Walt Disney World vacation with no lines and the highest level of customization? Surprisingly, there is a way to make it happen. Disney Private VIP Tours will allow you to avoid crowds, learn about Disney World’s history and inner workings, and be shuttled between rides and theme parks like a celebrity. Plus, an experienced and knowledgeable guide will take care of the logistics, so you can relax and enjoy yourself. Our guide to Disney Private VIP Tours will explain how this premium experience works.

What is a Private Disney VIP Tour?

A Disney Private VIP Tour is the ultimate way to experience the magic of Walt Disney World. Your personal guide will take you behind the scenes, show you hidden secrets, and help you make the most of your time in the park. There’s no need to worry about waiting in line, either; with a private guide, you’ll be able to skip the lines and enjoy exclusive access to rides and attractions. Best of all, your guide will tailor the tour to your interests, ensuring you have a truly personalized experience. So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a theme park veteran, a Disney Private VIP Tour is the perfect way to make your Disney dreams come true.

The following are some of the personalized services you will receive on a Disney Private VIP Tour:

• Make your pre-arrival arrangements
• Pick your own start and end times
• Your choice of visiting one or more theme parks on a particular day
• Enjoying your favorite rides and attractions without waiting in line
• Door-to-door transportation all day long
• Your VIP Tour Guide provides expert insight throughout your tour and handles all logistics for you

If you’re looking for the ultimate Disney experience, a private tour is the way to go!

Who Can Book Private Disney VIP Tours?

It is a common misconception that you must be a celebrity to book a Private Disney VIP tour. However, that’s not true. The rich and famous certainly take private tours, but everyone can do the same. The only requirement is that you are willing to pay the cost of a Disney Private VIP Tour, which is not cheap. Another thing to consider is that these tours are extremely popular and do sell out in advance. So if you’re set on having a private tour guide all to yourself during your next trip to Disney, make sure you act fast!

How Do You Plan a Disney Private VIP Tour?

When it comes to planning a Disney VIP tour, the easiest and most efficient way is to work with an experienced Disney travel agency such as The Vacationeer . They can handle all the customization and coordination for you, ensuring that everything is perfect for your group. And, because they’re familiar with how Disney works, they can often get you access to things you won’t know about on your own.

Ready to Be a Disney VIP?

Beyond helping secure your Disney VIP tours, the services of The Vacationeer include making your hotel and dining reservations and booking your theme park tickets and transportation arrangements. But it doesn’t stop there.

The Vacationeer can also help you find the ultimate in luxury if that’s what you’re looking for. For example, they can guide you to the best Five Star Hotels at Disney World , make reservations at Disney’s Michelin Guide restaurants , and book tee times at Disney World golf courses . They can even make your stroller rentals , Disney Character Dining reservations , childcare and babysitter arrangements, and more. It’s like having your very own personal assistant for Disney World !

So why not contact The Vacationeer for the most magical (and hassle-free) vacation experience possible? Click HERE to get a free quote and book your private Disney tour today!

The other option is working directly with the Disney VIP Tour Services team . You’ll be able to pick out exactly which experiences you want and then work out the details with your private tour guide. Either way way you choose, you’re in for a truly magical experience!

How Do Rides Work on a Disney Private VIP Tour?

A Disney Private VIP Tour is the perfect way to see everything the parks offer without waiting in line. You and your group will be escorted through the back entrance of the park and given instant access to the rides and attractions through either a side door or a Lightning Lane entrance. Plus, your tour guide will work with you to customize your itinerary so that you can make the most of your time at the parks. Whether you want to focus on rides and shows or simply take in the sights and learn about Disney World’s history, a Disney Private VIP Tour allows for total flexibility.

How Many Tour Guides Are on Disney VIP Tours?

A typical Disney Private VIP Tour will have just one knowledgeable and efficient tour guide. However, additional personnel may be needed for tours involving celebrities or other special guests to deal with the complexities that can arise. Regardless of the group size or celebrity status (or lack thereof), all of Disney’s tour guides are friendly and accommodating. You can rest assured that these well-trained Cast Members are among the best since Disney handpicked them for this important role.

Disney VIP guides are easily recognizable in their dapper plaid vests, and they know all kinds of Disney history and trivia that they love to share with guests. They will take you and your group around the park, acting as a virtual express pass so you can skip all the standby lines. Plus, if you ask nicely, they might be able to get you access to special areas or join you on rides. So if you’re looking for a highly personalized and magical VIP experience at Walt Disney World, a Private VIP Tour is the way to go.

How Many People Can Join a Disney World VIP Tour?

A Disney VIP Tour allows you the freedom to choose who you want to bring along on your tour. You don’t have to worry about being matched up with other people you don’t know because you get to decide who’ll be in the group.

The maximum number of people allowed on each tour is 10 , including infants. This is the perfect tour for groups of friends or family who want to experience the magic of Disney together. It’s also an excellent luxury option for couples who want to be pampered at the happiest place on earth.

You will be escorted around the park by your own private tour guide, who will ensure you have a VIP experience throughout your trip. With the help of your guide, you’ll get the most out of your time at the park and see all the best attractions. The Disney Private VIP Tour is a perfect choice for those looking to share a truly magical and intimate experience with their loved ones and friends.

How Much Do Private Disney VIP Tours Cost?

Private VIP Tours at Disney offer freedom and flexibility that you can’t find with other tour options. You’ll be able to choose which parks you want to visit and plan your itinerary with the help of your private guide. Best of all, you’ll feel like a VIP as you’re escorted around the parks without waiting in line. There is, however, a high price tag associated with VIP service.

As of January 2023, Disney Private VIP Tours prices start at $450 per hour and can go as high as $900 per hour . There is a minimum 7-hour booking requirement for all private tours. To put it into perspective, a 7-hour Disney Private VIP Tour costs between $3,150 and $6,300 before gratuities. Tours are usually the most expensive during holidays, school vacations, and three-day weekends, while midweek and off-season are the least costly.

The Disney World VIP tour price is fixed hourly, regardless of how many people are in your group. In other words, the price remains the same whether you have two or ten people in your tour group. This allows groups to split the cost and make the trip more affordable. It’s an excellent option for families or friends who want to experience Disney World together or those who don’t mind paying more for luxury experiences . Using a rewards credit card is another good way to offset some of the cost, allowing you to earn points that can be used toward future travel.

Note : Theme park admission is not included in the tour price, so you must purchase park tickets separately. Park Hopper tickets are necessary if you plan to visit multiple theme parks during your tour. If you visit only one park, you’ll only need a single-park ticket. The Vacationeer can help you purchase everything you need – including Tour, park tickets, hotel and dining reservations, and more!

Are Meals Included on Disney Private VIP Tours?

The cost of a Disney private VIP tour does not include meals but may include a few snacks . You’ll want to keep this in mind when budgeting for your day. Quick-service restaurants are usually the best option when you’re trying to save time. You can also plan your meals around the tour schedule by eating before or after the tour. The tour guide usually provides complimentary snacks and drinks throughout the day. These may include bottled water, popcorn, and Mickey Ice Cream Bars — a nice bonus to help keep you going until meal time.

Is Transportation Included on Disney Private VIP Tours?

One of the great things about booking a Disney Private VIP Tour is that efficient and friendly private transportation is included in the price. A Disney Cast Member will pick you up at your hotel and whisk you to the park in a comfortable shuttle.

When you take a Disney Private VIP Tour, you’ll get access to parts of the park that most people never get to see. Your tour guide will drive you around to all the different locations, using backstage entrances or Lightning Lane entrances to get into the parks and onto your chosen rides. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get a peek behind the scenes!

If you want to go to another park or resort during the day, the shuttle will take you there too. Other park guests will wonder how and why you are emerging from a secret doorway, strutting into a ride pavilion with a plaid-vested guide, hopping into shuttles, and zooming off down the road. Some guests will wonder if you are a celebrity visiting Disney World …or just on a VIP Disney Tour!

This door-to-door service means you can relax and enjoy your Disney experience without worrying about how you will get around. You’ll get to see all the fantastic work that makes Disney the world’s most magical place without worrying about logistics. So if you’re looking for a truly unique and hassle-free Disney experience, book a Disney Private VIP Tour today!

Are Guests Expected to Tip Their Disney Tour Guides?

If you’re considering taking one of the VIP tours Disney World offers, you may wonder if tipping your tour guide is expected. While gratuities are never required, they are greatly appreciated by tour guides. Remember that Disney tour guides are Disney employees (Cast Members) and receive regular salaries. However, they also rely on tips to supplement their income. For this reason, it is customary to tip your tour guide at least 15-20% of the cost of the tour , depending on the level of service provided. If you intend to tip your guide, it’s best to bring cash for this purpose; you will likely not be able to add the tip as part of your primary payment (as you might be accustomed to doing at a restaurant, for instance).

What Time Do Disney Private VIP Tours Start and End?

Disney VIP Tours have no set schedule since you set the timetable . As long as your tour lasts seven consecutive hours, you can begin and end whenever you want. This means that you can choose to start your day at rope drop and hit all the major attractions before the crowds arrive. Or, if you prefer, you can sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before starting your tour. But however you choose to spend your seven hours (or more), a Private VIP Tour is the perfect way to experience all that Walt Disney World has to offer.

Do Private VIP Tours Include Disney’s Shows, Parades, and Fireworks?

A Disney Private VIP Tour offers guests incredible access to all the best Walt Disney World offers. A friendly guide in a plaid vest will treat you like a celebrity, take you around the park, and give you priority access, including at shows, parades, and fireworks. These perks alone can give you back hours of your day, helping to make the VIP tour worth the cost .

One of the most significant benefits of a VIP tour is the guaranteed reserved viewing areas for the Magic Kingdom’s Festival of Fantasy daytime parade and the nightly fireworks show. You’ll also enjoy premium seating for Disney’s best shows . Whether you’re seeing the Festival of the Lion King or Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time on your Disney VIP tour.

What Is The Fine Print for Private Disney VIP Tours?

The following details may be overlooked in the fine print:

• The price of the VIP Tour at Walt Disney World Resort does not include admission to the theme parks. Therefore, the purchase of theme park tickets is required to participate in any tour.
• Disney Park Pass reservations are also required to enter the parks.
• Guests participating in VIP tours must show appropriate government-issued identification and undergo security screenings and bag checks.
• Reservations for Disney Private VIP Tours are highly recommended because they are limited and likely to sell out. Guests can make reservations 180 days in advance.
• The duration of Private VIP Tours must be at least seven continuous hours.
• Your party may include up to 10 Guests, including infants.
• If you cancel a Private VIP Tour without at least 48-hour notice, you will be charged a cancellation fee equal to 2 hours at the booked rate.
• Capacity constraints and availability may impact a booking.
• Cellphones, cameras, and video equipment are not permitted backstage.
• All guests under 17 must be accompanied by a paying and participating parent/guardian.
• Information and pricing are subject to change without notice.

It is important to reiterate that Disney Private VIP Tours do not include admission to the theme parks. Separate ticket purchases are required, which can be handled by The Vacationeer . Let The Vacationeer handle all the logistics for you, from tour customization, hotel reservations, dining reservations, theme park ticket reservations, and more. Click here to get started.

How Is a Private Disney VIP Tour Different From Other Disney Tours?

Disney Private VIP Tours are the way to go for those who want luxury and VIP treatment on their Disney tour. You will be pampered and given personalized attention from the moment you book your tour until the moment it ends. It is more expensive than other tours, but you will definitely feel like a VIP.

On a Disney Private VIP Tour, your group will consist only of people you know – no strangers! You will also have a say in what you see and do on the tour. You will customize your itinerary according to your preferences, and your guide will be with you every step to ensure you skip the lines and have a magical experience.

In addition to Disney Private VIP Tours, several other Disney tours are available to guests. These tours offer a unique behind-the-scenes look at some of the most popular attractions at the Walt Disney World Resort. For example, the Keys to the Kingdom Tour at Magic Kingdom takes guests on a guided park tour, with stops at some of the most iconic locations, including Cinderella Castle and Main Street, USA. Guests also have the opportunity to explore backstage areas and learn about the history of the park.

Similarly, the Behind the Seeds tour at EPCOT gives guests a closer look at the park’s inner workings, including the greenhouses where many plants and flowers are grown. Guests also have the chance to meet some farmers and scientists working in the greenhouses.

Other Disney tours include the Caring for Giants tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which focuses on the care and training of the elephants at the park, and the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, which takes guests on a hike through some of the most beautiful scenery in Florida.

No matter what your interests are, there is sure to be a Disney tour that is perfect for you. But if you’re looking for a genuinely unforgettable Disney tour, book a Disney Private VIP Tour today! You won’t regret it. Contact The Vacationeer to book your Disney tour today!

How to Book a Disney Private VIP Tour?

There are two ways you can book Disney Private VIP Tours:

• Contact the team at Disney VIP Tour Services
• Let an experienced Disney vacation planner like The Vacationeer do the legwork

The latter option is often more convenient, as The Vacationeer can work with you to do your pre-arrival planning, pick a flexible start time that works best for you, and plan your visits to multiple theme parks in one or more days. In addition, they will help you choose the best attractions so you can skip the line and enjoy them more efficiently. No matter which option you choose, a Disney Private VIP Tour is sure to make your trip even more magical.

Contact The Vacationeer to Reserve Your Disney VIP Tour!

It can be challenging to plan a Disney vacation. Thankfully, the Disney Vacation Planners at The Vacationeer are here to help. You’ll be in touch with only one travel professional throughout the process — no more waiting on hold or being bounced from person to person to get answers.

Your dedicated vacation planner will handle all the booking windows, payments, transportation, tickets, and reservations, so you can focus on packing your bags! And because The Vacationeer employs some of the best Disney travel agents in the business, they know Walt Disney World inside and out and will give you the most up-to-date information, including recommendations and insider tips and tricks .

Click HERE to contact your personal planning assistant and start the Disney Private VIP Tour process today!

We hope you have enjoyed reading our guide to Disney Private VIP Tours. You might also be interested in our article about VIP Experiences at Universal Orlando . Have a great time!

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Planning Your Trip to Disney World: A Guide

Walt Disney World Guide: Planning Your Trip

 Walt Disney World

Florida’s Walt Disney World is one of the planet’s most popular vacation destinations. Its four theme parks–Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom–generate upwards of 60 million visitors each year.   For a good reason. They boast classic, timeless attractions that feature universally adored characters and properties, along with some of the most cutting-edge, immersive storytelling technology ever developed. But with two world-class water parks, a couple of dozen hotels, myriad shopping, dining, and entertainment options at two large complexes, championship golf courses, and other diversions, there’s much more to the massive, 47-square-mile resort than blasting off on Space Mountain and meeting Mickey Mouse. There are many things to consider when planning a journey to the theme park mecca, including when to visit, must-see attractions, how to make ride reservations in advance, where to dine, and where to stay. Let’s dive in.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit : With the introduction of annual special events such as the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (held in the fall) and Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (held in January) that span the calendar, there is no longer a “slow season” at the resort. But some times are busier than others, including peak visitation periods in June, July, the first half of August, Easter week, Thanksgiving week, and, especially, the week between Christmas and New Year’s (when the parks often reach capacity). In addition to larger crowds, it costs more to visit Disney World during these higher-attendance periods. On-property hotels charge higher rates, and, using a surge pricing model, the parks charge more for tickets.

Florida’s heat and humidity can be overbearing from late spring through early fall. The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30  , with the highest storm probability from August through October. If you are concerned about your trip being interrupted by a hurricane, consider buying travel insurance. Or avoid the issue completely by not going to Orlando at that time of year.

Getting Around : You wouldn’t necessarily need a car to navigate around the resort, although it could offer you more freedom and help you avoid the hassle of the resort’s often crowded and sometimes balky transportation systems. To travel between the hotels, parks, and Disney Springs, options include buses, water taxis, ferries, the snazzy Disney Skyliner aerial gondolas, and the world-famous monorail included in ticket prices and hotel rates. You could request a cab or use a ride-hailing company, including the resort’s official Minnie Van Service , which is offered in partnership with Lyft.

Travel Tip : Familiarize yourself with Disney Genie , the new digital service that Disney World introduced in fall 2021. The complimentary, interactive program helps visitors plan their days at the parks by suggesting itineraries and steering them to attractions they want to experience at times when the lines are likely to be the lowest. The service also includes Disney Genie+ , an optional, paid line skipping program that replaces Fastpass+, as well as Lightning Lane Select, which gives visitors the option to purchase access to two high-demand attractions per day. With the elimination of Fastpass+ and the loss of the ability to make advance ride reservations, the calculus of planning and experiencing the parks at Disney World has changed considerably.

Things to Do

Of course, the theme parks will be the focus of any visit to Disney World. Whether you have a limited amount of time and want to make sure you get the most out of it, or you just want to make sure you target the top things to do at the resort regardless of your length of stay, it’s a good idea to scope out the best rides and shows . Maybe you and your park posse want to make sure you scream to your hearts’ content. In that case, you’ll want to identify the parks’ best thrill rides . Or maybe you’ll have young ones in tow and want to find out where to experience the best rides for kids . One of the great things about Disney World is that there are some truly wonderful things for just about everybody to enjoy, no matter your age, interests, or thrill tolerance.

There are many, many highlights throughout the parks, but you’ll want to check out three of the newer lands, all of which are self-contained odes to a movie (or movie series) with multiple attractions, characters, food, merchandise, and more to discover:

• Get the lowdown on the (mind-boggling) rides, visiting tips, and more for the wildly popular and impeccably themed Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge .
• There are some amazing things to do and see in Pandora the World of Avatar , including taking a flight of passage aboard a banshee and encountering a full-sized Pandoran shaman as you float down the Na’vi River.
• Over at Toy Story Land , you’ll be able to ride the whimsical, launched coaster, Slinky Dog Dash, and rack up points playing virtual carnival games in Toy Story Mania.

We have plenty more articles for you to check out, including how to experience Walt Disney World if you are a ride wimp , everything you’ll want to know to plan a visit to Blizzard Beach water park , and more of the best things to do at Disney World . 

Harrison Cooney, Disney

What's New at Disney World?

• In October 2021, Disney World officially  did away with FastPass+ and introduced new digital services to help guests plan and enjoy their days at the parks including Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and Individual Lightning Lane .
• In October 2021, Disney World launched its 18-month 50th anniversary celebration. Highlights include “Harmonious,” a new nighttime spectacular at Epcot that features choreographed, moving fountains, large LED panels, pyrotechnics, and other effects all set to Disney music as interpreted by artists from around the world. The Magic Kingdom also offers a new nighttime show, “Disney Enchantment.” it includes fireworks and projections of scenes from Disney films that light up Cinderella Castle and extend down the buildings along Main Street, U.S.A. Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers "Disney KiteTails," a new daytime show that features themed kites and windcatchers. All of the parks are featuring Beacons of Magic that are illuminating their signature structures–Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom, the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, The Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Spaceship Earth at Epcot–with fanciful lighting and effects.
• The France Pavilion at Epcot welcomed Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, a new dark ride themed to the popular Pixar movie, as well as La Crêperie de Paris, a new restaurant, in October, 2021.
• Space 220, a new restaurant that virtually takes guests 220 miles above the Earth’s surface to dine on a space station, opened in September 2021.

What to Eat and Drink

How vast is Walt Disney World? It’s so big that between the theme parks, water parks, many hotels, Disney Springs, and the Boardwalk area, there are more than 400 places to dine  . You can grab a quick bite, plan a memorable, special occasion meal at a posh restaurant, or find a spot that caters to every dining whim in between. Like the lands and attractions in the parks, many of the restaurants feature special themes and offer unique, only-at-Disney experiences. One of the more intriguing ways to meet Goofy, Donald, or one of the many princesses at the resort is by booking a character meal . And speaking of booking a meal, you’ll want to learn how to nab a reservation at the resort’s more high-demand restaurants as far in advance as possible.

When Walt Disney first opened Disneyland in California, he imposed a strict no-alcohol policy. Today, there are loads of places, both within and outside the parks, to belly up to the bar. You might want to consider trying out the libations offered at Epcot’s World Showcase pavilions, which is popularly known as “drinking around the world.” Some other intriguing watering holes include Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, a hideaway spot in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, the magic-themed AbracadaBar at Disney’s Boardwalk, and the hugely popular Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Explore our articles on Disney World’s best table-service restaurants (including Sanaa and Jiko - The Cooking Place, both at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge–yum!), our rundown of the resort’s best quick-service eateries , and, because it is so huge and a culinary haven in its own right, our picks for the ten best restaurants in Disney Springs .

Where to Stay

Disney operates 31 resort hotels on the property at the resort. They come in five flavors. Deluxe Resort Hotels include the most exclusive places to stay, such as Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and the highly unique Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Moving down the amenities scale, Moderate Resort Hotels include Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Among the more barebones Value Resort Hotels are Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort. If you are into roughing it, consider affordable campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort.

Disney World’s fifth category of hotels are its Deluxe Villas. These “home away from home” accommodations include studios and one, two, and three-bedroom villas that are part of the Disney Vacation Club , Disney’s timeshare program. They can be especially suitable for large families or groups that want to stay together.

You could also consider staying off-property at one of the gazillion hotels located near Disney World. While it’s certainly possible to find lower-priced accommodations, you should consider the time that you’d save and the value that you’d get (including benefits such as early admission to the parks and complimentary transportation to and from the airport) by staying at a Disney hotel–not to mention the round-the-clock “magic” that Disney offers to its hotel guests.

There are many compelling reasons why you should stay at Disney World hotels . Check out our picks for Disney’s best hotels .

Getting There

The primary airport serving Disney World is Orlando International Airport. If you are staying on property at one of Disney World’s hotels, the resort offers complimentary motorcoach transportation to Orlando International Airport.

Money Saving Tips

• Disney World’s Ticket Program  Get the info you'll need to navigate through different ticket options, learn how to save some of your vacation dollars, and score the best deals for your getaway.
• Disney World on a Dime We run down strategies, such as how to get discounted Disney gift cards, to help make your next trip to the Mouse House more affordable.
• The Complete Guide to Military Discounts at Disney World If you or your spouse are members of the military, you are eligible for some significant discounts on park tickets and stays at Shades of Green, the Disney World hotel owned and operated by the military.

AECOM and TEA. “Theme Index.” 2019

National Weather Service. "Hurricane Safety Tips and Resources."

Disney. “ Walt Disney World Restaurants and Reservations .”

Best Walt Disney World Resort Hotels in Orlando

Disneyland vs. Disney World: Which Is Better?

Best Budget Disney World Hotels

Your Guide to Visiting Walt Disney World During the Pandemic

Maps of Walt Disney World

How to Get Around Walt Disney World: The Complete Guide

How to Decide Where to Stay at Walt Disney World

Disney World Vs. Universal Orlando

Disney World on a Dime

Tips for a Perfect Day at Disney World's Epcot

How Do I Make Disney World Dining Reservations?

Disney California Adventure: The Complete Guide

Disney Travel Planning: Disney World vs. Disney Cruise

Your Trip to Universal Orlando: The Complete Guide

The Complete Guide to Disney World for Adults

Getting There: Disney World's Magic Kingdom Transportation Tips

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World Class VIP is a proud recepient of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for four years in a row. In addition, we were honored with a 2017 Traveler’s Choice Nomination. We have earned over 956 5-star reviews and continue to provide high-quality services to all of our clients.

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orld Class VIP guided virtual tours eliminate the stress of planning your vacation. We offer customized itineraries based on what is most important to you; providing guided virtual tours of Disney World and in-person VIP tours inside all the major theme parks, scheduling shows and more.

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You are guaranteed a fantastic experience with our private, virtual Disney World tour guides thanks to their expertise and knowledge of the attractions.

Ready for an unforgettable, relaxing, fun, and stress-free Disney tour experience?

The enchantments and attractions of the Magic Kingdom are deeply rooted in the history of Disney. Our virtual tour guides know this iconic park inside and out and will help you enjoy the Magic Kingdom like never before!

Magic Kingdom

If you love wildlife, our virtual tour of Animal Kingdom is right up your alley. Our guides will bring you on an unforgettable “safari,” where you and your family will get up close and learn about the most exotic animals in the jungle.

Animal Kingdom

Prepare to experience cultures from around the world. During your virtual tour of Epcot, you and your family can hang-glide, taste foods from across the globe, and even go on an adventure to Mars! Our tour guides will be there to help you plan and navigate Epcot’s attractions and seasonal events.

Our virtual guides will help you see your favorite film characters and settings at Hollywood Studios. Rock out on the Rock n’ Roller Coaster. Dive beneath the depths to visit Ariel in the Little Mermaid UnderSea Voyage. If you’re brave enough, enter the Tower of Terror and cross into the Twilight Zone!

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Our virtual Disney tour guides are highly experienced in planning and leading tours at the major theme parks in Orlando, Florida. Our guides will ensure you experience every ride and attraction at each park.

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Stress-free tours.

At World Class VIP, our goal is to make your visit to each theme park as stress-free as possible. When you book a tour with World Class VIP, our guides will ensure each member of your party experiences the attractions they want to see without waiting in long lines.

Enjoy Universal Studios Like A VIP

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Orlando has many attractions and theme parks, but few are as iconic as Universal. Our private VIP tour guides have a great deal of experience leading tours of Universal. Your party will enjoy the thrilling rides and attractions only Universal Studios can offer.

Book Your VIP Tour

Book your private disney world or universal studios tour with world class vip.

Don’t spend your vacation waiting in line. Our VIP tour guides will help you get to attractions and rides when the lines are shortest.

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Our private tour guides will plan ahead and reserve the perfect seats for the shows you and your family want to see.

Book Your Private Tour Now

Don’t wait, book your private VIP tour with World Class VIP today. The beginning of your journey is just a few clicks away…

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World Class VIP private tour guides provide far more than just a walk through the theme park. Our guides will develop a detailed plan that ensures you see and experience all of the rides and attractions.

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I strongly suggest using World Class VIP’s tour guides when visiting Disney in Orlando! There literally is no stress when you hire them. Disney is truly enjoyable for all family members. We have been using World Class VIP for many years, and because of the great experience we have with them, we go to Disney every year to two years.

Disney VIP Tours was amazing – This was an amazing trip, and we couldn’t have done it without Disney VIP Tours, and Kendra, O’Shea and Chris. Our family of 17 went to Disney and Animal Kingdom and used Disney VIP Tours. Hands down the best time we’ve ever had at Disney! The guides were knowledgeable, friendly and made sure we did and saw everything we wanted to. Highly recommended! And a huge thank you to Kendra, O’Shea and Chris for everything.

One of my favorite vacations! Rob was the best guide we could ask for! My kids experienced Disney first class with zero wait time for the rides. My 3 boys fought over who was going to ride with Rob because he was an instant friend. This is the best money we have spent in a long time. Shay booked everything for us to make this the easiest trip we’ve taken. We will definitely be using this service again.

Amazing! World Class VIP Tours was amazing. We went during Christmas, one of the busiest times of the year and we barely waited on any lines. There were waits up to 5 hours at times and we bypassed them. We were able to get on every single ride we wanted and then some. It made the trip so easy and we would never go to Disney without using them.

Best Decision Ever! Having VIP Tours plan our trip and take us through the park was amazing! We never waited more than 15 minutes in line for a ride and their knowledge of the parks made our trip carefree. Kristen our tour guide was delightful and her ability to tell us what to expect at each ride really helped our child with Sensory Processing Disorder and anxiety. I can’t recommend Kristen and VIP Tours enough!

Explore 13 Disney World Parks Orlando: A Magical Guide

• Updated on March 19, 2024
• Best Locations
• Florida , Orlando

What You Will Learn (Click to Expand)

Welcome to the magic: an introduction to disney world orlando, the vastness of walt disney world resort.

Get ready to embark on an enchanting journey through the sprawling and spectacular Walt Disney World Resort, including the iconic Disney World Parks Orlando . Covering an area roughly the size of San Francisco, this entertainment behemoth is your playground for creating unforgettable memories.

With four theme parks , two water parks, and a sports complex, the resort is a universe in itself, teeming with vibrant attractions for adventurers of all ages.

Unraveling the World of Wonders: The Theme Parks

1. magic kingdom park: where dreams come true.

Embark on an adventure where fantasy becomes a reality at Magic Kingdom Park . This iconic jewel is a canvas painting of your favorite childhood stories onto a landscape filled with joy and wonder. As you wander through its six themed lands , each offering its unique magic, you’ll discover 40 attractions ready to ignite the imagination.

Highlights:

• Embrace nostalgia with classics like “ it’s a Small World ,” or Speed through the Stars on Space Mountain .
• Be spellbound by “ Happily Ever After ,” the night-time spectacular illuminating Cinderella Castle with heartwarming Disney tales.
• Celebrate alongside royalty and raconteurs in the whimsical “Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade.”
• Anticipate the rush of the new TRON Lightcycle / Run, where you’ll speed through a digital frontier.

Whether you’re taking your first steps down Main Street, U.S.A., or returning as a seasoned visitor, each turn holds a promise of enchantment at Magic Kingdom Park, where the young and young at heart can watch their dreams unfold in an unforgettable magical escape.

Don’t miss exploring the serene beauty of botanical gardens in Orlando .

2. EPCOT: A Global Celebration of Culture and Innovation

Dive into the essence of human achievement and international camaraderie at EPCOT . This park is a global stage that celebrates innovation and the diversity of world cultures with two distinct realms: Future World and World Showcase .

Exciting Ventures at EPCOT:

• Whiz through time and space on Test Track , design a virtual concept vehicle and take it for a high-octane spin.
• Embark on a “ frozen ” adventure with Elsa and Anna on Frozen Ever After.
• Engage your senses on Soarin’ Around the World , a breathtaking flight over natural and man-made wonders.
• Feast around the world at the 11 international pavilions of World Showcase, each offering a slice of their culture, cuisine, and entertainment.
• Jazz up your visit with seasonal events like the Flower and Garden Festival that transform the park with unique gardens, topiaries, and live concerts.

Relish in the unity of technology and international culture at EPCOT—where you can glimpse into future innovations and savor the rich tapestry of traditions from across the globe.

Embark on a thrilling journey through enchanting realms at Theme Parks in Orlando , where every ride and attraction unveils a world of wonder and excitement.

The Epicenter of Movie Magic: Studios and Spectacles

3. disney's hollywood studios: from silver screen to real life.

Lights, camera, action! Disney’s Hollywood Studios takes you on an epic journey from the height of Hollywood’s golden age to the cutting-edge thrills of today’s blockbusters. Packed with action and excitement, the park radiates the glitz and glamour of the silver screen.

Cinematic Adventures Await:

• Feel the adrenaline on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ™, where you’ll drop into the unknown depths of a haunted Hollywood hotel.
• Join Aerosmith on a rockin’ roller coaster sprint through the City of Angels on the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith.
• Be swept away by Broadway-style shows, like the heartwarming “Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage.”
• Live your adventure in a galaxy far, far away at the all-immersive Star Wars : Galaxy’s Edge, where the universe of the films springs to vibrant life.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios invites you to be the star of your showstopping day, filled with thrilling attractions and live performances, all inspired by your favorite films and TV shows.

Ready to tee off in Orlando? Check out our recommended list of the best golf courses in the city .

4. Dive into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for an Interstellar Journey

Immerse yourself in the ultimate Star Wars experience at Galaxy’s Edge . This expansive land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios whisks you away to the remote outpost of Batuu, where the sights, sounds, and even tastes are out of this world.

Your Star Wars Saga Unfolds:

• Pilot the Millennium Falcon on a daring flight—and whether you’re a gunner, pilot, or flight engineer, every role is crucial on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
• Join the Resistance in an epic battle against the First Order on Star Wars : Rise of the Resistance, a groundbreaking attraction that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality.
• Savor galactic delicacies at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, where Chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs prepares dishes inspired by his travels across the universe.
• Create a custom lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop or build a droid companion at the Droid Depot for a unique souvenir.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is not just a visit to a theme park land—it’s a step into the stories and legacy of one of the most enduring sagas in cinematic history, crafted for fans and newcomers alike to live their own Star Wars adventure .

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Wild adventures across lands and seasons, 5. disney's animal kingdom theme park: a tribute to nature and wildlife.

Embark on an adventure into the heart of the untamed wilderness at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park . This extraordinary park combines the beauty of nature with the enchantment of Disney storytelling, offering a day of exploration and wonder for visitors of all ages.

Wild Encounters and Thrilling Expeditions:

• Experience the majestic landscapes of Africa on Kilimanjaro Safaris , observing animals like lions, elephants, and giraffes roaming free in natural habitats.
• Answer the call of the wild on Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain , a high-speed train adventure with a twist—an encounter with the mythical Yeti.
• Traverse the lush Pandora – The World of Avatar, where the floating mountains mesmerize, and the Na’vi River Journey glides you into a bioluminescent rainforest.
• Revel in the color and pageantry of “ Festival of the Lion King ,” a vibrant, live celebration of the classic film.

With more than 1,700 animals across 250 species, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is a living, breathing homage to the wonders of our planet, seamlessly integrating exhilarating attractions with wildlife conservation for an experience that’s both thrilling and enlightening.

6. Make a Splash at Disney's Legendary Water Parks

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker riding towering waves or in search of a peaceful float under the sun, the legendary water parks of Disney World are your tropical paradise. With Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon , you can take a break from the theme parks and dive into aquatic adventure.

Unforgettable Aquatic Attractions:

• Conquer the Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach, a spine-tingling 120-foot free-fall slide that will have you feeling the rush of icy escapades.
• Catch a wave in America’s largest wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon, where 6-foot swells offer vibrant surf fun for everyone.
• Float serenely down Castaway Creek, the gently meandering lazy river that encircles Typhoon Lagoon , offering moments of relaxation amidst your fun-filled day.
• Families can delight in Tike’s Peak, a water play area at Blizzard Beach designed with the youngest visitors in mind, featuring mini water slides and snow-themed attractions.

Combining the thrill of waterslides with the bliss of cool water in the Florida sunshine, Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water parks provide an ideal way to chill and thrill visitors braving the balmy climes.

Explore the magic of Parks in Orlando , where lush landscapes meet vibrant attractions, providing endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation in the heart of the city.

More than Just Rides: Entertainment and Activities

7. disney springs (formerly downtown disney).

Disney Springs , the reimagined and expanded take on the former Downtown Disney , delivers an extraordinary mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. As you stroll through its four distinct neighborhoods— The Landing , Marketplace, West Side, and Town Center —you’re treated to a waterfront wonderland brimming with vibrant amusements.

Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment Delights:

• Discover an eclectic range of stores, from world-renowned brands to unique boutiques, like the largest store dedicated to Disney merchandise, World of Disney .
• Treat your taste buds at award-winning restaurants, with choices ranging from quick bites to luxury dining experiences with celebrity chefs at the helm.
• Catch world-class live performances at Cirque du Soleil’s “ Drawn to Life ” or groove to the tunes at the House of Blues.
• Engage in fun-filled activities like bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes or enjoying the vintage Amphicar tours.

Disney Springs offers more than a shopping destination; it’s a place where foodies, shopaholics, and entertainment enthusiasts can come together in a dynamic, open-air environment that captures Disney’s whimsical charm without the need for a parking ticket.

8. Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

Cool down in the Sunshine State at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park , a frosty wonderland with a wacky backstory of a meltdown turned water paradise. This 66-acre park , with its alpine theme and flurry of fun, promises a distinctly ‘chilled’ experience.

Winter-Themed Water Fun:

• Slide down Mount Gushmore on one of the world’s tallest and fastest waterslides and feel the exhilarating rush of the Summit Plummet.
• Race your friends on the Toboggan Racers , an 8-lane water slide that sends you sledding down a slippery slope to a splashy finish.
• Little ones can splash around Tike’s Peak , where they’ll find miniature slides and a snowy sand castle, perfect for pint-sized play.
• Drift peacefully down Cross Country Creek , the park’s lazy river that meanders around the entire park, offering a relaxing respite.

Blizzard Beach merges the frosty charm of a winter ski resort with the warm, playful waters of a top-notch water park, offering guests an imaginative and exhilarating way to beat the heat.

9. Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Prepare to be swept away by the tropical vibes and exhilarating slides of Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park . The legend of a great storm washing up this oasis of fun makes it a unique destination where you can surf massive waves or meander through serene streams.

Tropical Escapades at Typhoon Lagoon:

• Tackle the park’s signature attraction, the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool , and ride the nation’s largest artificially created waves.
• Take the family on a raft ride with Miss Adventure Falls , where treasures and tales from a sea-faring past add an engaging story element to the thrills.
• Unwind on the sandy shores or float through Castaway Creek , the lazy river that wraps around the park, offering a gentle journey through lush island greenery.
• Snorkel with sharks, tropical fish, and rays at Shark Reef for an up-close look at marine life in a safe and controlled environment.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon offers an immersive and relaxing water park experience that caters to the tastes of both thrill-seekers and those looking to soak up the sun in a tranquil, themed setting.

10. Disney's Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course

Putt through a whimsical world of animated characters and fanciful fairways at Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course . Inspired by the Disney classic film “ Fantasia ,” this family-friendly venue is an enchanting way to enjoy some downtime between thrill rides.

Magical Mini-Golf Features:

• Navigate through 18 holes filled with musical surprises and characters from the movie, including dancing hippos and marching broomsticks.
• Children and adults alike will be charmed by interactive obstacles and water features that bring each hole to life with a touch of Disney magic.
• Tackle playful challenges like the Sorcerer’s Apprentice , where buckets of water add an unexpected twist to your game.
• The course is also perfect for beginners, offering a light-hearted alternative to traditional golf with a touch of pixie dust.

Whether you’re a mini-golf novice or a seasoned pro, Disney’s Fantasia Gardens promises an unforgettable experience where Disney enchantment meets miniature-golf fun.

11. Disney's Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit any time of the year at Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course . This festive locale offers two distinctly themed 18-hole courses—each one sprinkled with a dose of Disney’s trademark creativity and whimsy.

Seasonal Splendor on the Greens:

• Choose between the Summer Course and the Winter Course , where Santa and his elves have built a vacation destination for their off-season, complete with snowmen, sandcastles, and holiday cheer.
• The Summer Course delivers sun-soaked fun with surfboards and sand traps, while the Winter Course provides a cooler feel with snowflakes and ice castles.
• Engage in friendly competition as you putt past whimsical obstacles like a snoring Santa or a candy cane-striped inner tube.
• Perfect for families, Winter Summerland is designed to entertain both kids and adults, ensuring that every putt brings a smile.

It doesn’t matter if it’s sweltering hot or comfortably cool outside; Disney’s Winter Summerland offers a merry mingling of Christmas and vacation vibes, providing a playful putt-putt paradise for all.

12. Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course

Capture the essence of a leisurely golf outing amidst the serene backdrop of Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course . This picturesque 9-hole walking course is tailor-made for families and players seeking a relaxed round or those introducing their little ones to the game.

Fairways and Fun Awaits:

• Enjoy a tranquil golfing experience as you stroll through lush, green fairways dotted with oak trees and the scenic splendor of Walt Disney World Resort .
• The course is player-friendly and designed with junior tees to make it a welcoming challenge for young golfers or those just starting.
• Partake in the unique game of FootGolf, which blends soccer with golf rules, offering a fun twist on traditional games, available on select days.
• Not only is Disney’s Oak Trail perfect for a family outing, but advanced players can also appreciate the course’s holes for a quicker, more focused practice session.

Whether you’re swinging for the first time or perfecting your putt, Disney’s Oak Trail embodies the joy of golf in a casual, inviting setting right in the heart of the magic.

Before you go, make sure to check out our recommended list of museums in Orlando to plan your cultural outings.

13. Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course

Discover the golfer’s delight at Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course , where fairways roll across a landscape graced with shimmering lakes, magnificent pines, and palmettos . Rated 4 stars by Golf Digest, this course caters to a full spectrum of players, from novice to pro.

A Golfer’s Escape:

• Challenge yourself on this 18-hole championship course that has hosted PGA, LPGA, and USGA events, offering a measure of distinction and prestige to your game.
• Test your skills against water hazards, bunkers, and well-protected greens, honing your strategic play on this Joe Lee-designed course.
• Revel in the tranquility as the course winds through pastel villas, pine forests, and wildlife that call this part of Walt Disney World Resort home .
• Enjoy top-tier amenities with GPS-equipped golf carts and an excellent pro shop, ensuring a comfortable and convenient golfing experience.

At Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, every fairway and green provides golfers the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely round filled with the enchanting touches only Disney can offer.

Enhancing the Experience with Disney’s Magic Extras

Fastpass+, memory maker, and the disney genie service.

Transform your Disney World adventure with the help of innovative services designed to optimize your visit. With Fastpass+, Memory Maker, and the latest Disney Genie service, every magical moment is curated for maximum enjoyment and efficiency.

Maximizing the Magic with Disney’s Extras:

• Utilize Fastpass+ to schedule access to select attractions and entertainment experiences, minimizing wait times and helping you make the most of every moment in the parks.
• Treasure every memory with Memory Maker, a fantastic service that captures unlimited digital photos of your vacation taken by Disney PhotoPass photographers throughout the resort.
• Personalize your park experience with the complimentary Disney Genie service available in the My Disney Experience app , offering custom itinerary planning and tools to help you predict attraction wait times.

These services are your digital key to a stress-free and immersive Disney World visit , ensuring that you can focus on having fun while the details are magically managed behind the scenes.

Planning a visit to Universal Studios? Check out our recommended list of hotels in Orlando near Universal for a convenient and unforgettable stay!

Disney Resorts Collection: Immersive Accommodations Inside the Magic

Wake up to the wonders of Walt Disney World at your doorstep with the Disney Resorts Collection . Staying within the resort boundaries means you’re not just a guest, you’re an integral part of the Disney magic, with hotels that cater to every taste, theme, and budget.

Themes for Every Dreamer:

• Select from a variety of resorts, such as the l uxurious Grand Floridian , the Polynesian paradise of the Polynesian Village Resort , or the rustic charm of Wilderness Lodge .
• Themed rooms and amenities immerse you in the Disney storytelling experience, from the African savanna at Animal Kingdom Lodge to the seaside serenity of Beach Club Resort.
• Enjoy special privileges such as early access to FastPass+ planning, extra magic hours in the parks, and complimentary transportation to and from all the Disney attractions.
• Relish in unique dining experiences, themed pools, and recreation options designed to complement your stay, turning your accommodation into part of the adventure.

With the Disney Resorts Collection, your choice of lodging becomes a seamless extension of your Disney journey , enveloping you in the resort’s legendary storytelling and unrivaled guest service from check-in to check-out.

Indulge in Gastronomic Delights Throughout the Parks

Immerse yourself in themed dining experiences.

Dining at Walt Disney World isn’t just about satisfying hunger—it’s a voyage through some of the most immersive and imaginative culinary experiences in the world. Themed dining at Disney World takes you beyond the plate and into tales as old as time.

A Feast for the Senses:

• Revel in the nostalgic glamour of Hollywood at The Hollywood Brown Derby , or dine with Disney Princesses inside Cinderella Castle at Cinderella’s Royal Table .
• Delight in the undersea ambiance of Coral Reef Restaurant at EPCOT , dining alongside a living coral reef brimming with sea life.
• Ignite your imagination as you sample dishes from the savanna at Sanaa, with views of roaming wildlife at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas .
• Embark on a prehistoric adventure at T-REX , a dinosaur-themed eatery where the primeval setting complements every bite.

Each themed dining destination within Disney World offers not just a meal but an extraordinary experience that attends to every detail, from decor to dish, creating memories that extend far beyond your palate.

Quick Bites and Gourmet Treats that Cater to All Tastes

Satisfy your craving for flavor and fun with the array of quick bites and gourmet offerings available throughout Walt Disney World Resort. From classic park favorites to gourmet creations , there’s a world of delicious diversions awaiting you at every turn.

Savor Every Flavor:

• Relish quick bites like iconic Mickey pretzels , sweet Dole Whip, or savory cheeseburger spring rolls to satiate hunger on the go.
• Sip on a refreshing beverage from one of the many stands, like a frothy Butterbeer in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
• Enjoy elevated fast food with a twist, like gourmet hot dogs from Casey’s Corner or fresh and healthy options from various park kiosks.
• Indulge in sweet treats that double as extraordinary experiences, such as the artisanal chocolates at The Ganachery in Disney Springs .
• Celebrate cuisine inspired by cultures from around the globe at quick-service restaurants, making it easy to take a culinary trip to exotic locales.

With so many quick-service options, you can taste your way around the parks with the convenience and speed that matches your pace of adventure, ensuring that every meal adds its dash of magic to your day.

Tips for Planning Your Magical Visit

Best times to visit and how to beat the crowds.

Selecting the right time to visit Walt Disney World is key to a stress-free and enjoyable experience. By visiting during less crowded periods, you can revel in the magic with more comfort and fewer waits.

Strategic Timing for Maximum Enjoyment:

• Aim for mid-January to mid-February, late April to early June, or mid-September to mid-November to find lower crowd levels.
• Weekdays generally see fewer visitors than weekends—consider planning your park days from Monday to Thursday.
• Take advantage of Extra Magic Hours or early entry benefits if you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel for thinner crowds at select times.
• Arrive early at the parks to enjoy popular attractions before lines lengthen or linger after dark when families with young children may head home.

With a little planning and flexibility, you can discover the optimal times to visit that allow you to sidestep the crowds and immerse yourself fully in the Walt Disney World experience.

Choosing the Right Ticket Options for Your Family

When planning your enchanting visit to Disney World , selecting the right tickets is crucial for an experience that’s both economical and tailored to your group’s desires. With various ticket options available, you can design the perfect Disney adventure for your family.

Ticket Selection Tips:

• Base tickets allow entrance to one park per day and are ideal for families looking to explore each park fully without hopping around.
• The Park Hopper option enables you to visit multiple parks in one day, perfect if you crave variety or have a shorter stay.
• For those who love the water, consider the Park Hopper Plus option , which includes Disney’s water parks , golf courses, and mini-golf among the visitable attractions.
• Assess the length of your stay and prioritize which parks and experiences are a must-see to determine if added features like water park access are necessary.

Make your trip a personalized tale as old as time by choosing the right Disney World ticket options to create magical memories tailored just for you and your loved ones.

FAQ: All You Need to Know Before You Go

What are the must-see attractions in each disney world park.

Each Disney World park boasts a lineup of can’t-miss attractions that you’ll want to add to your itinerary. Here’s a quick guide to some of the highlights:

Magic Kingdom Park:

• Cinderella Castle : The iconic centerpiece and a perfect photo op.
• Space Mountain : A thrilling rocket-ship roller coaster through the cosmos.
• Pirates of the Caribbean : A classic swashbuckling boat ride.
• Haunted Mansion : A spooky tour through a house of happy haunts.
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train : A family-friendly coaster through the dwarves’ diamond mine.
• Spaceship Earth : A journey through time and the iconic symbol of EPCOT .
• Test Track : Design a vehicle and take it for a high-octane test drive.
• Frozen Ever After : Join Elsa and Anna on a chilly adventure in Arendelle.
• Soarin’ Around the World : A breathtaking flight simulation over wonders of the world.
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure : Shrink down to the size of a rat for a culinary escapade with Chef Remy .

Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror : Drop in for a thrilling, unpredictable ride.
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance : Join the Resistance in a climactic battle against the First Order.
• Toy Story Mania! : Aim a 3D shooting gallery with Woody and Buzz .
• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway : Experience a wacky ride through a cartoon universe.
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith : Zoom through LA traffic in this high-speed coaster.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park:

• Avatar Flight of Passage : Fly on the back of a banshee in Pandora.
• Expedition Everest : Brave the Himalayan peaks on a high-speed train ride.
• Kilimanjaro Safaris : Encounter live animals on an African safari expedition.
• Festival of the Lion King : A vibrant, live musical tribute to the classic film.
• DINOSAUR : Go back in time on a prehistoric mission to rescue a dinosaur before the meteor strike.

Each park balances thrills, entertainment, and attractions for visitors of all ages, ensuring that every guest finds their brand of Disney magic .

How do you make the most of a visit to Disney World parks?

To fully embrace the enchantment of Disney World parks , some savvy tips can help you harness every magical moment:

Plan Ahead:

• Research : Before you arrive, familiarize yourself with the parks’ layouts and schedules.
• FastPass+ : Reserve access to select attractions and entertainment ahead of time.
• Dining Reservations : Book your table-service restaurant meals 60 days in advance.

Use Technology:

• My Disney Experience App : This app is your ultimate park companion, offering wait times, maps, dining options, and the ability to manage FastPass+ selections.
• Disney Genie Service : Make use of this free service for tailored itinerary planning.

Arrive Early:

• Taking advantage of the cooler morning hours can mean experiencing popular rides with shorter lines.

Stay Hydrated and Nourished:

• Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, and consider snack breaks to keep energy levels up.

Take Breaks:

• Find quiet spots for rest, and don’t overdo it. Midday breaks can be rejuvenating, especially for little ones.

Plan for Weather:

• Florida weather can change rapidly, so bring layers and rain gear.

Be Flexible:

• Sometimes, spontaneity leads to the most memorable experiences, so be open to changes in plans.

Stay On-Site:

• If budget allows, staying at a Disney hotel offers added benefits like early park access and free transportation.

By planning, utilizing Disney technologies , and taking care of your well-being throughout the day, your visit to Disney World parks can truly be an unforgettable one filled with joy and excitement.

What are the 4 parks at Disney World called?

The four main parks at Walt Disney World Resort , each with its unique theme and attractions, are:

• Magic Kingdom Park : The classic park known for Cinderella Castle and enchanting lands like Fantasyland and Frontierland .
• EPCOT : This park celebrates human achievement and international cultures and is famous for Spaceship Earth and the World Showcase .
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios : Offering a behind-the-scenes look at movie magic with hit attractions from Star Wars and Pixar.
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park : A blend of an animal conservation park and an adventure-filled theme park, including Pandora – The World of Avatar .

Each one provides distinct experiences, from fairy-tale fantasies and future explorations to cinematic thrills and wildlife adventures.

How many Disney parks are there in Orlando?

In Orlando, Florida, Walt Disney World Resort is home to a total of four main theme parks and two water parks, which are:

• Magic Kingdom Park
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

The two water parks are:

• Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

These parks combine to offer a diverse array of attractions, entertainment, and dining experiences, making Disney World a comprehensive and multifaceted destination.

What are the 5 parks in Disney World?

At Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, there are four major theme parks:

While there isn’t a fifth theme park, Disney Springs is often considered the fifth significant area due to its size and breadth of experiences. Disney Springs is a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex that offers guests a break from the traditional park attractions, no admission is required.

Additionally, there are two water parks :

Together, they round out the wide range of adventures you can enjoy at Walt Disney World Resort.

How much does it cost to go to Disney World in Orlando?

The cost to visit Disney World in Orlando varies based on factors like the length of stay, the type of ticket purchased, and the time of year. As of my last update, single-day tickets start at normal price but can be higher depending on peak periods. Multi-day tickets offer better value per day and vary in price.

It’s important to note that prices are subject to change, so for the most accurate and current ticket pricing, it’s best to check the official Walt Disney World website or contact them directly. Additionally, remember to budget for food, merchandise, and any extras like the Disney Genie+ service or special experiences.

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando?

When most people think of Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando , they often envision the iconic Cinderella Castle that serves as the centerpiece of Magic Kingdom Park. It’s a symbol of magic, dreams, and happiness that resonates with Disney fans worldwide .

Beyond that, thoughts of meeting beloved characters, enjoying thrilling rides, spectacular fireworks, and parades, as well as exploring the diverse themes and attractions across all four parks , come to mind. The resort is synonymous with family-friendly fun and creating lifelong memories .

What is the Walt Disney World reservation system?

The Walt Disney World reservation system, known as the Disney Park Pass System , is an online tool that guests must use to reserve access to the four main theme parks – Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Before visiting, all guests with valid admission are required to make a theme park reservation.

This system allows Disney to manage park capacity and enhance the guest experience by ensuring that the parks are not overcrowded. It is a crucial step in planning your Disney World visit, so it’s recommended to book these reservations as soon as possible after purchasing your tickets.

Where can I purchase tickets for Disney World parks in Orlando?

Tickets for Disney World parks in Orlando can be purchased through multiple avenues for convenience:

• Official Walt Disney World Website : Easily the most direct and reliable method to purchase tickets and make park reservations.
• My Disney Experience App : Allows you to buy tickets, make FastPass+ selections, and much more right from your smartphone.
• Authorized Resellers: Trusted travel agencies and ticket sellers may offer Disney park tickets, often in packages that include hotels and other amenities.
• At the Gate : Although not recommended due to the possibility of sold-out dates or longer wait times, you can purchase tickets upon arrival at each park’s ticket window.

Remember to always buy tickets from reputable sources to avoid scams and ensure that you can make park reservations for your intended visit dates.

What are some hotels available at Disney World in Orlando?

Walt Disney World in Orlando boasts an impressive array of on-site hotels to cater to various preferences and budgets:

• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort

These options represent just a slice of the accommodations available at Disney World, with many more themed resorts offering unique features and experiences, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every guest’s taste and budget.

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Conclusion: Disney World Parks Orlando

Your journey to Disney World Parks Orlando is not just a trip but an immersion into a realm where imagination meets reality. Each park sprinkles its unique brand of magic, inviting visitors from around the globe to create timeless memories. From the nostalgic avenues of Magic Kingdom to the futuristic landscapes of EPCOT, the silver screen come-to-life in Hollywood Studios to the natural wonders of Animal Kingdom , every corner of this vast wonderland is designed to inspire awe and joy.

Beyond the rides and attractions, the themed dining, entertainment, and resort accommodations weave together to form a tapestry of Disney enchantment . And with thoughtful planning, from picking the perfect ticket options to utilizing Disney’s Magic Extras, your Disney experience can be as carefree as it is unforgettable.

So, ready your hearts for adventure, your minds for wonder, and step into the storybook—you’re not just visiting Disney World, you’re becoming a part of its living legacy.

Share your favorite moments , must-try rides, and magical memories from the Disney World Parks in Orlando . Let the enchanting conversations begin!

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Walt Disney World Parks in Orlando Florida Complete Guide

P lanning a Disney World Vacation gets complicated for many because Walt Disney World isn’t just one place. In fact, covering over 40 sq. miles, the Disney World Parks combined is the size of San Francisco. Spanning 4 theme parks, two water parks, 30+ resorts, and a shopping center. As a result, unlike other vacations, this one is more than just buying tickets, booking a hotel and showing up. Luckily, we’re hear to break it down, so that you can understand the layout of Disney World Parks in Orlando Florida, and get a handle on how much time you need to cover it all. Consider this your complete guide to the theme parks in Disney World. 

We’re sharing the important rides, and restaurants in each park, so that you can make a plan to do all your favorite things on your next trip to the parks. As one of the major theme parks in Orlando, Florida, Walt Disney World sees about 58 million people a year. With most vacationers planning between 7-10 days per visit, there is so much to do that you typically won’t get it all in. Therefore we always recommend a few tips to help you make the best decisions when it comes to planning your vacation. 

• Review the Disney World Event Calendar to check what events, and crowds may look like for the dates of your visit.  
• Decide How Many Days for Disney World you’d like to plan. While it’s a huge resort, how long you stay is up to you and based mostly on what you hope to do while you’re there. 
• If this feels overwhelming to you, consider using a Disney Travel Agent to help you create your best vacation. Authorized Disney Travel Planners offer their services for FREE and is a great resource, if you’ve never visited before. 

Walt Disney World Theme Parks

We’ve said it before, Disney theme parks in Orlando, Florida are multiple places that see millions of visitors a year. Luckily all these places are connected by complimentary Disney Transportation to help get you around Walt Disney World. Here are the places to visit on your trip. 

Theme Parks

Walt Disney World has four theme parks, each with their own theme, rides, restaurants, and shows. 

• Magic Kingdom Park : Home to Cinderella’s Castle, Pirates of the Caribbean and Fantasyland. Disney’s most popular park with over 25 attractions. 
• EPCOT Park : Walt Disney’s original concept for a community of tomorrow, EPCOT includes the World Showcase, Festivals, Spaceship Earth and areas honoring Nature, Technology, and Celebration. 
• Animal Kingdom Park : Home to over 2000 animals, Animal Kingdom includes animal habitat trails, animal shows, Pandora, and rides like Expedition Everest, and Kilimanjaro Safaris. 
• Hollywood Studios Park : Disney’s Original MGM Studios park, this park honors old Hollywood, Star Wars and Toy Story. Home to churros, light sabers and the Tower and Terror. 

Water Parks

The Water Parks at Disney World are typically open on opposite schedules throughout the year to allow for cleanings and refurbishments. The Water Parks at Disney require an additional ticket. 

• Typhoon Lagoon : This Disney Water Park is themed as a tropical oasis with a lazy river, surf pool and water slides. However, it’s been hit by a “typhoon”, causing a bit of chaos. 
• Blizzard Beach : Featuring a Santa Claus on vacation storyline, you can find “snow” at Blizzard Beach, a snow monster and even the snowgies from Frozen. 

Other Places at Disney World

These places at Disney are open to the public and do not require a park ticket to visit. 

• Disney Springs:  The shopping center at Disney Springs includes stores, restaurants, and live music. It’s also home to the Splitsville bowling alley, a Movie Theater and the Cirque de Soleil show. 
• Disney’s BoardWalk: The Boardwalk includes a variety of restaurants, beaches, and recreation. It’s also home to 3 Disney Resorts; Disney’s Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. 

Magic Kingdom Park

Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando is home to Cinderella’s Castle and opened in 1971. By far the most famous of the Walt Disney World parks, it is, however, also the smallest. Magic Kingdom includes Main Street U.S.A. inspired by Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri, and popular classic attractions like It’s a Small World, and Pirates of the Caribbean. This Park consists of six themed lands combining everything old, with everything new. Featuring classic rides like the Mad Hatter Tea Party in Fantasyland alongside the newer attractions like TRON LightCycle Power Run in Tomorrowland. Magic Kingdom has the most rides of any Walt Disney World Park and even though it’s the smallest will take the longest to get through get everything offered here.

Magic Kingdom Resorts

The Disney World Magic Kingdom theme park is near several resorts that get you close to the action. If you’re looking for hotels near Magic Kingdom, you have a couple of options. Easy transportation via the Monorail allows for easy access to and from the park from the Disney Monorail Resorts. These resorts include Disney’s Contemporary Resort , The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and the Polynesian Village Resort. 

You can also grab a boat from Magic Kingdom to the nearby Wilderness resorts. Both Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort are a quick boat ride to the park, and offer a nature filled alternative to a typical Disney hotel experience. 

Magic Kingdom Restaurants

Magic Kingdom is filled with restaurants. Unfortunately, restaurants at Magic Kingdom are not usually the best, and we always recommend heading to the Monorail Resort restaurants instead. However, if you’re planning to stay in the park to eat, we suggest Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, and The Crystal Palace. Home to Cinderella’s Royal Table and Be Our Guest , these are some of the hardest to get Disney Dining Reservations at Walt Disney World. They are also some of the most expensive, and we don’t feel they’re worth the cost. 

If you’re looking for something easy and cheaper, you can check out the Best Quick Service Restaurants at Magic Kingdom. Again, the theme park food at Magic Kingdom is not the best, so we try to stick to things that are simple. Pinocchio’s Village Haus has flatbreads, and Friar’s Nook has great potato barrel Bowls. 

Magic Kingdom Rides

Of all the parks, you most need Disney Genie+ for Magic Kingdom because there are so many rides. And waiting in line for rides throughout the day is near impossible when crowds are typically the worst at this park. Popular Rides at Magic Kingdom include the Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train, Peter Pan’s Flight, Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain . The newest ride at Magic Kingdom, TRON, requires a Lightning Lane or Virtual Queue Board Pass. Check out the Magic Kingdom Park Checklist for all the rides to plan for! 

Magic Kingdom Disney Characters

Mickey Mouse, Tinkerbell, and Disney Princesses are all available to meet at Magic Kingdom. These Disney Character Meet and Greets don’t typically have the longest lines, but if they are a priority for you, be sure to plan for them! You can also catch Donald and Daisy, Winnie the Pooh and more Disney favorites in this park. Lines are lowest for characters in the morning and between 2-4 PM. Check out the list for where to find Disney Characters in Magic Kingdom. 

Magic Kingdom Shows and Parades

Magic Kingdom is famous for its Festival of Fantasy Parade and the fireworks show, Happily Ever After . Both are Disney Must Dos at Magic Kingdom, and you should plan for it! This means a 3pm parade in the park, and an 8 or 9pm Fireworks Show to stay for in the evening. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience App, for showtimes.

Magic Kingdom Events

Best known for it’s seasonal events, you can attend parties at Magic Kingdom and Disney After Hours events. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in the fall and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in December are very popular and an excellent way to take advantage of rides with fewer guests in the park, exclusive snacks, and seasonal fun!  

EPCOT 

EPCOT combines the worlds of technology, nature, and culture, bringing life to Walt Disney’s original idea of an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. While his original idea included self-driving cars, solar-powered homes and an international marketplace, the current version of the park is changing with times. As a result, EPCOT is in the midst of several construction projects beginning to complete. Grounded in an overarching goal of creating four neighborhoods within EPCOT these themed areas further solidify the desired look and feel of each experiential land.

These four neighborhoods are World Celebration, acting as the central spine of the park, World Nature showcasing everything on the land and sea that makes up our human experience, World Discovery, featuring technology and space with a focus on innovation and World Showcase comprised of multiple countries sharing cultural experiences in each pavilion. From engineering your own vehicle at Test Track to strolling through nature in the Moana’s Journey of Water attraction, there are many things to explore in EPCOT.

EPCOT Area Resorts

Resorts near EPCOT Park can be found in the Disney Boardwalk Area. Disney’s Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Boardwalk Inn are all within walking distance of the park. You can also find Disney Marriott Hotels in the EPCOT area, giving you even more options of places to stay. Disney’s Swan, Swan Reserve and Dolphin are also other hotels near EPCOT if you’re looking to stay close by. Other resorts included in this area are Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Riviera Resort, both accessible via the Disney Skyliner, with a station at the EPCOT International Gateway. 

EPCOT Restaurants

Restaurants at EPCOT combine a lot of different cuisines, as a result of the World Showcase. Home to signature dining experiences at Monsieur Paul and Le Cellier, you don’t have to spend a fortune for a good meal. We most like Via Napoli for the pizza, La Cantina de San Angel for the empanadas, and Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie for everything else. You can also see all the Disney Princesses at once for character dining at Akershus in Norway. Many of the restaurants here are good and you can find even more Quick Service Restaurants at EPCOT that are budget friendly. 

EPCOT Rides

Most known for Spaceship Earth at the entrance of the park, there are many popular rides in EPCOT worth riding. Frozen Ever After, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Soarin’ are favorites, and usually require a ride strategy or lightning lane pass if you’re hoping to stay out of long lines. Favorites like Test Track, and Living with the Land are also here. Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind is a thrill rollercoaster that brings back to the past, with fun music. It does require a Virtual Queue Boarding Pass to snag a place in line or a Lightning Lane Pass if you’re hoping for a shorter wait. Check out the EPCOT Park Checklist for details on all the rides. 

EPCOT Disney Characters

Characters in EPCOT include Snow White in Germany, Aurora and Belle in France, Mulan in China, and Donald Duck in Mexico, among other. With more characters than you realize be sure to check out the list of EPCOT characters to make sure you have your favorites on the list. 

EPCOT Shows and Parades

EPCOT doesn’t have parades, but they do have a nighttime spectacular called, Luminous . Luminous combines music, pyrotechnics and fireworks for a nightly show featuring familiar Disney music and a message about our shared humanity. You can see this show nightly, for a dazzling display on the World Showcase Lagoon. Truly an amazing fireworks show you can even see it from the beaches of the Boardwalk and nearby hotels. 

EPCOT Festivals

Walt Disney World hosts 4 festivals at EPCOT park annually. Each festival has it’s own theme, specialty foods, shows, performances and merchandise. Here are the festivals you can see every year at Epcot. First, the International Festival of the Arts happens from January through mid-February. Second, the Flower and Garden Festival takes place from March through mid-June. Third, you can visit the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival late July- November. And Fourth, the International Festival of Holidays in December. Check out all the details on each festival at EPCOT. 

Animal Kingdom 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom covers 500 acres of landscape comprised of six areas featuring unique cultures, wilderness, and over 2000 animals. The Oasis and Discovery Island features lush landscapes, shops, and the Tree of Life as the centerpiece of the park. Bringing the lands of Africa and Asia to the forefront, Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers winding paths through the Maharajah Jungle Trek, and the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. DinoLand U.S.A features the world of the past, while Pandora World of Avatar brings guests 4.4 million lightyears away. Here you’ll find Walt Disney World’s most popular ride, Avatar Flight of Passage.

Animal Kingdom Area Resorts

If you’re heading to Animal Kingdom, know that this area of the Disney World Parks, is somewhat remote. Still, there are 5 Disney Resorts in the Animal Kingdom Resorts Area. While none of them are within walking distance, and you can only travel to Animal Kingdom by Bus, here are the Animal Kingdom resorts to know. The Disney All-Stars Resorts ; including All Star Music, Movies and Sports are nearby. As are Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge . These resorts only offer Disney Bus transportation, but if you’re hoping to finding somewhere close to Animal Kingdom to stay, then it’s typically a 10-15 minute bus ride from these resorts. 

Animal Kingdom Restaurants

Offering a variety of unique cuisine, hailing from Africa, Asia and even Pandora, the food at Animal Kingdom is unique and flavorful. The Tusker House Restaurant offers character dining with Mickey and Friends in their Safari Gear, and Nomad Lounge serves some of the best drinks and appetizers to be had in the park. If you’re looking for the  Best Quick Service Restaurants at Animal Kingdom , then Satu’li Canteen offers delicious power bowls to keep you going through the day. Animal Kingdom is also great for specialties like dumplings at Mr. Kamals, and Pineapple Dole Whip Cake from Tamu Tamu. 

Animal Kingdom Rides

The most popular ride at Animal Kingdom is Pandora’s Flight of Passage . This flight simulator ride has consistently long waits, typically about 1-2 hours long. As a result this is an ideal ride to grab a Lightning Lane Pass for, or to rope drop as soon as the park opens. Due to Animal Kingdom’s shorter hours, there is less time to ride rides. However, there are a few main ones you should be sure to have on your Animal Kingdom Must do list. Kilimanjaro Safaris takes you across the savanna so you can see the animals and is a must see for many at the park. Expedition Everest gets you face to face with a Yeti, and Dinosaur is a must do for anyone eager to outrun a T-Rex, courtesy of a rickety old jeep. Get a full list of Animal Kingdom Rides in the Checklist. 

Animal Kingdom Disney Characters

Some of the most unique Disney characters can be found at Animal Kingdom Park. Moana, Pocahontas, Tarzan, Russell and Dug, and Kevin from UP! are all available for meet and greets throughout the year. Plus, you can also see Donald Duck, Launchpad McQuack and even meet Mickey and Minnie in their Adventurer outfits. Animal Kingdom characters can also be seen in flotilla boats sailing along the discovery River throughout the day. A fun treat if you’re not up for standing in line to see them close up. Check out all the Disney Characters at Animal Kingdom you can see on your next visit. 

Animal Kingdom Shows and Parades

Due to Animal Kingdom’s early closing, usually by 6pm there aren’t typically nighttime spectaculars , like the other parks. However, on nights when they are open later you can watch the Tree of Life Awakenings Show, which also offers a holiday version during December. Throughout the daytime hours, Animal Kingdom does not offer parades, but does include a steady stream of Disney Character Flotillas that sail Discovery River. Check the My Disney Experience App for showtimes. You can generally see up to 5 different character floats in a day. 

Animal Kingdom Events

Disney After Hours Events are sometimes offered at Animal Kingdom throughout the year on select dates. Giving guests the chance to see Pandora at Night, and take advantage of a nighttime safari on the savanna. You can check the Disney Website and the app for times when specialty events are available. Note, that they are in addition to your park ticket, so plan to budget extra if you’re hoping to snag a spot at a late night event. 

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios has had many names over the years, but the focus of honoring cinema has stayed the same. Featuring some of Disney’s most popular film franchises like Toy Story, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and the Muppets, Hollywood Studios has rides and experiences perfect for both kids and adults. Home to popular rides like Slinky Dog Dash, Rise of the Resistance and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Hollywood Studios offers a variety of fun for everyone in the family.

Hollywood Studios Area Resorts

Nearer to EPCOT Park than you realize, and actually connected by a walking path from EPCOT to Hollywood Studios, the Hollywood Studios Resort Area includes the EPCOT resort area as well. As a result, all of the BoardWalk Resorts are within walking distance of Hollywood Studios. In addition, there are a few other resorts connected to Hollywood Studios via the Disney Skyliner. These Skyliner Resorts include Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, the Riviera Resort, Art of Animation and Pop Century. As Skyliner resorts guests staying at any of these 4 locations can take the skyliner to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. 

Hollywood Studios Restaurants

Dining at Hollywood Studios is much like it is at Magic Kingdom, somewhat sub-par. While Woody’s Lunch Box over in Toy Story Land is fantastic for a quick lunch, and the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge is wonderful for an upscale meal, other options inside the park are basic theme park fare. The exception my be the Ronto Wraps over at Ronto Roasters, which are a must-try Disney Snack. You can check out our Best Quick Service Restaurants at Hollywood Studios to make sure you’re only picking the best ones. 

Hollywood Studios Rides

Home to Rise of the Resistance , Mickeys Runaway Railway and Slinky Dog Dash , there are plenty of rides here that are popular and fun. Though lines do tend to be long, if you plan the busiest rides in the morning, you’ll be able to fit indoor rides, like Star Tours, and Toy Story Mania, in during the hot afternoon hours. And don’t overlook the shows; Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, Indiana Jones Stunt Show Spectacular , and Muppets 3-D are all fun additions to your Hollywood Studios Day. check out the List of Attractions at Hollywood Studios for everything to see and do while you’re there. 

Hollywood Studios Disney Characters

The main characters to see at Hollywood Studios include the Pixar Pals, Star Wars characters, and Woody, Buzz and Jessie in Toy Story Land. You can also see Mickey and Minnie at Red Carpet Dreams, if you’re looking for a Hollywood version of your favorite power couple.

Hollywood Studios Shows and Parades

While Hollywood Studios doesn’t typically have parades, you can sometimes see cavalcades, or motorcades throughout the park. You can also catch the Green Army Men and Stormtrooper March performances that are shown intermittently throughout the day. 

The main shows at Hollywood Studios are Fantasmic and Wonderful World of Animation. Fantasmic is show that takes place at the outdoor theater, complete with moat, pyrotechnics, fireworks, and storytelling as Mickey and the Disney Villains have a showdown. The Wonderful World of Animation show takes place on the facade of the Chinese Theater. Featuring memorable Disney scenes and songs, this is an honor to the animation of Disney.

Hollywood Studios Events

Events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios often include Disney After Hours, on select nights throughout the year. And during the holidays, you can catch Jollywood Nights , which is a holiday party after hours in parks. Both require additional tickets and get you access to the park after closing. 

Disney World Parks Guide

Hopefully this post has helped you get a handle on all the Disney World Parks to visit while you’re in Orlando Florida. If you looking for even more to do, be sure to check out the Disney Water Parks. In addition, visiting the Disney BoardWalk , and Disney Springs to your trip are also free and worth your time! 

The 17 best Disney World hotels for your 2024 stay

Things have certainly changed since Walt Disney World opened more than 50 years ago . There used to be just a handful of hotels and one theme park. Now, you have the magic — and the challenge — of choice. There are more than 25 hotels to choose from and multiple parks to visit when you embark on a Disney vacation.

Related: The best travel credit cards

Choosing the best Disney hotel is a fun challenge, but a challenge all the same. The resorts at Walt Disney World range from those with views of live zebras and giraffes to treehouse villas and even log cabins in the woods.

When you choose a Disney World hotel, you not only stay in the "Disney bubble" but also gain access to the parks 30 minutes early each morning. Additionally, you can purchase individual Lightning Lanes for newer rides — like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Tron / Lightcycle Run — before non-resort guests, starting at 7 a.m. This means you'll have a better chance of snagging those coveted ride passes.

Related: 14 reasons to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort property

Still, not all Disney resorts are created equal. Fortunately, TPG is here to help sort through the best hotel options at Walt Disney World. We've tried dozens of Disney-area hotels and carefully considered the best (and less-than-stellar) features of nearly every on-property resort to bring you this list.

Whether you're looking to be treated like a fairy tale princess or a grown-up who happens to be staying near a theme park, Disney World has you covered.

Here are our top picks:

• Best Deluxe Disney World resorts: Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge , Disney's Contemporary Resort , Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Best Moderate Disney World resorts: Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter , The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Gran Destino Tower at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
• Best Value Disney World resorts: Disney's Art of Animation Resort and Disney's Pop Century Resort
• Best Disney World resort pools: Disney's Yacht Club Resort and Disney's Beach Club Resort , Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
• Best Disney World resorts for large families: Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa , Disney's All-Star Music Resort
• Best Disney World resorts for adults: Disney's BoardWalk Inn , Disney's Riviera Resort

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

Best Deluxe Disney World resorts

The cream of the crop among Disney World hotels in terms of amenities, quality and price are the Deluxe resorts. These resorts have multiple on-site full-service restaurants and extensive pool areas with waterslides. Some are within walking or monorail distance of the theme parks.

All of this comes at a cost, though. Deluxe Disney resorts can range from $400 to $800 per night for a standard room. Renting Disney Vacation Club points can help bring this cost down at times, but a Deluxe resort stay will be an investment compared to the other tiers of Disney hotels.

As mentioned, Deluxe resorts are the most expensive of Disney's hotels.

While some offer luxury amenities like spas and fine dining venues, others emphasize great themes and proximity to the parks. You also get access to select parks two hours later than everyone else when staying in a Deluxe resort on eligible nights.

A true safari involves incredibly long flights and the possibility of malaria pills. For a safari-style vacation closer to home, there's Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge .

Offering an unforgettable wildlife experience within U.S. borders, Animal Kingdom Lodge is its own ecosystem away from the hustle and bustle of most of the Disney World complex.

The soaring ceilings at Jambo House are adorned with traditional decor. If you want to see giraffes, zebras, ostriches and a host of other animals, all you have to do is merely walk past the lobby's expansive windows.

Dining at this Deluxe resort is another highlight of a stay here. Boma and Jiko are excellent choices if you want to experience an authentic African meal at the resort.

Look into the nighttime Starlight Safari , which comes with loaner night vision devices, for a unique experience.

The property is an example of an excellent time to rent DVC points, especially if your family wants more space while saving money. During low seasons, rooms start at just 7 points per night, with DVC points typically available to rent from David's Vacation Club for $21 to $25 per point.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge average around $485 per night.

Disney's Contemporary Resort is another original Disney World resort from the 1971 opening. It's about as close as you can get to The Magic Kingdom without pitching a tent inside the gates (and subsequently getting kicked out by security).

It may have been built over five decades ago, but its amenities have recently been updated. The rooms now sport an incredible new look. While the theme and renovations are a big step up, the main draw of this property is undoubtedly its monorail design and Magic Kingdom-adjacent location.

We prefer tower rooms over garden-wing options as they are more centrally located to the amenities and monorail, and many offer superb views of The Magic Kingdom's nightly fireworks.

When you've worked up an appetite, you'll find a few of our favorite Disney World restaurants on-site, including Chef Mickey's. At this popular eatery, you can dine with characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto. For something more upscale, there's California Grill. If you time it right, it has some of the best views of The Magic Kingdom fireworks around.

Related: The 3 best Disney World character meals you've never heard of — and how to book them

If you're ready for a splurge-level stay at the Contemporary, there is also a club level where bites and beverages from the aforementioned restaurants are included.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Contemporary Resort average around $575 per night.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is arguably the most traditional and iconic of Disney World's high-end hotels. You won't find many bright, in-your-face character themes here, but you will have access to some of Disney's most upscale amenities, including a spa and the fanciest (and priciest) restaurant at Disney.

It's one of Disney World's most expensive resorts thanks to its proximity to The Magic Kingdom, top-notch facilities, and over-the-top Christmas displays, including a gingerbread house in the lobby.

Fortunately, the Grand Floridian is undergoing a resort-wide renovation involving converting one of the hotel buildings into beautiful DVC studios. So, there's now one more reason to visit.

Dining is another highlight here. The acclaimed Victoria & Albert's experience is unparalleled, with a dress code and a no-little-kids policy to match. For an equally excellent but more affordable option, grab a cocktail or mocktail at the "Beauty and the Beast"-inspired Enchanted Rose bar on the second floor of the Grand Floridian's lobby.

Related: More rides and fewer crowds: What to expect at Disney After Hours

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa average around $750 per night.

A short drive or boat ride away from The Magic Kingdom, Disney's Wilderness Lodge is equal parts Great Wolf Lodge , Yellowstone National Park and Disney magic. There are great attractions and restaurants on-site, including a water feature that starts in the lobby and becomes a creek that feeds into one of two outdoor pools.

For a fun, reasonably priced family dining experience, try Whispering Canyon Cafe — and be aware that if you ask for ketchup, you may get a lot of ketchup. If rare Disney characters are more your jam, enjoy dinner with the Evil Queen at Story Book Dining at Artist Point .

Those who want more space and ambience than a standard hotel room should reserve one of the Copper Creek Cabins in the woods adjacent to the Wilderness Lodge or the truly spectacular two-bedroom Yosemite Suite . Both are pricey, but we promise you'll love staying in either option.

If you do opt for standard rooms (or even club-level rooms ), the good news is that Disney's Wilderness Lodge is generally one of the more affordable of the Deluxe Disney resorts. So, you can rest easy knowing you're paying a little less than average for Disney's high-end properties.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Wilderness Lodge average around $500 per night.

Best Moderate Disney World resorts

If you want a balance of price and amenities, the Moderate category of Disney resorts can be a sweet spot. At Moderate Disney resorts, there are some full-service restaurants, more on-site amenities, waterslides at the pools, and a great variety of themes and locations to choose from.

Expect rates at these hotels to range from $250 to $400 on most nights for a standard room.

One of the best Moderate resorts at Disney World is Port Orleans. We're especially partial to the French Quarter side, with its charming wrought-iron railings, bubbling fountains and an eatery serving tasty Mickey-shaped beignets.

This property is much more compact than other Moderate resorts like Disney's Coronado Springs Resort and Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. This makes everything from parking and catching a Disney bus to grabbing dinner that much easier.

It isn't the newest or fanciest option in Disney's resort portfolio, but it is a calm and lovely balance of theming and easily accessible amenities. Although you'll need a bus or car to get from this resort to any of the Disney World theme parks, you can catch the free boat to Disney Springs for shopping and dining.

In addition to the property's relaxing vibe and manageable size, the greatest asset of Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter is the price.

Rooms here are often more affordable than what you'll find at other Moderate properties, most likely because it's not connected to the theme parks by anything other than ground transportation (and Minnie Vans ).

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter average around $300 per night.

One of Disney World's lesser-known Moderate resorts is also one of its most entertaining.

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort has plenty of campsites for tents and spots for recreational vehicles .

However, if you're not interested in either, The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort are an excellent choice. It gives you the best of many worlds regarding space, price and resort activities — especially if you're not planning to spend all your time at the theme parks. The cabins sleep up to six and offer a queen-size bed, a set of bunk beds and a relatively comfortable pullout sofa bed. And soon, Disney will replace the current cabins with 350 all-new cabins .

Related: How to enjoy Disney World without park tickets

Trust us, there is one essential Fort Wilderness expense you'll want to budget for — golf carts .

It costs $65 to $84 per day to rent one. However, it makes it much easier to travel to the Meadow Trading Post for snacks, the docks for transportation to The Magic Kingdom, and other parts of the 700-acre property. Lock in your golf cart reservation as far in advance as possible since they're known to sell out.

Fort Wilderness has a nonstop list of activities you probably didn't know you could do at Disney World, including pony rides, archery, fishing, and rides in wagons and horse-drawn carriages.

When the day winds down, you can also check out the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue , a lively performance full of dancing, singing and comedic moments.

Rates for standard cabins at The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Lodge average around $460 per night.

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is the poster child of a Moderate Disney property. It's an older resort with two-story buildings spread across a large area.

Complimentary theme park transportation is limited to buses, and on-site dining venues are mostly quick-service options, given the resort's large convention clientele. Additionally, the rooms are on the smaller side, though they were recently renovated.

But one thing changed a couple of years ago that catapulted part of this property onto our favorites list: the new Gran Destino Tower .

This "hotel within a hotel" has a stunning lobby and an equally snazzy lobby bar. If you're looking for a completely different perspective, let an elevator whisk you up to the 16th floor, where the rooftop Dahlia Lounge awaits — along with an award-winning wine list. Gran Destino Tower is light on a Disney theme, but otherwise, its accommodations are on par with many Deluxe resorts.

Gran Destino is also the only Moderate option at Disney World that has a club lounge, should you prefer an exclusive space to visit and grab refreshments throughout your stay.

Rates for standard rooms at the Gran Destino Tower at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort average around $400 per night.

Best Value Disney World resorts

Value Disney resorts are the most affordable Disney World hotels.

Nightly rates start around $125 and increase to about $300 on peak dates. None of these hotels are walkable from the theme parks, but some are close to the Skyliner. Others require bus transportation.

Value Disney hotels don't have full-service restaurants or fun extras like waterslides, but they do offer grab-and-go food outlets, lively pools and colorful themes.

Disney's Art of Animation Resort is the king of Value resorts at Disney World.

The resort features bright colors and memorable Disney cartoon characters. It's also accessible from both Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios thanks to the Disney Skyliner gondola system .

Art of Animation really shines with its family suites, which provide a lot more room and have three beds in each suite (one traditional bed, one Murphy bed and a pullout sofa bed). The family suites have your choice of "The Lion King," "Cars" and "Finding Nemo" themes, while standard rooms feature decor inspired by "The Little Mermaid."

When it comes to pools, the Big Blue Pool at Art of Animation is actually the largest option available at any Disney World resort.

While the food here won't blow you away, Landscape of Flavors is a reliable cafeteria-style venue that can be a nice, easy option for families.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Art of Animation Resort average around $240 per night.

Disney's Pop Century Resort is across from Art of Animation. While it doesn't have our favorite theme (it's themed to bygone decades), it is usually the lowest-priced Disney resort that isn't one of the All-Star properties.

We generally prefer it to the All-Star resorts, as Pop Century is a stand-alone property that doesn't have to share a bus service. It's less likely to be packed with thousands of cheerleaders and children's sports groups. In addition to the included bus service to the parks, it also sits on the Skyliner route, so you can soar in a gondola to various parks and resorts.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Pop Century Resort average around $200 per night.

Best Disney World resort pools

Nothing beats an afternoon dip in your hotel's pool, so if you want to know which Disney resort hotels have the best pools, here are our top picks.

Disney's Beach Club Resort and its sister property, Disney's Yacht Club Resort , share access to Stormalong Bay, which offers top-notch poolside fun for the whole family.

Both resorts have the distinct feel of a beach in an otherwise landlocked resort thanks to sand-bottomed pools, a lazy river, a pirate ship and a wicked waterslide, among other amenities that will keep young swimmers entertained for hours.

Related: The best pools at Walt Disney World

The Yacht Club is marginally more convenient to the large pool complex, but the Beach Club is a little closer to Epcot. Choose accordingly. No matter which property you pick, don't miss the huge sundaes at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, steps from the pool.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Yacht and Beach Clubs average around $540 per night.

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is one of Disney's Moderate resorts and one of the largest. Because the resort is so spread out, there are multiple pools across the property — six in total. The main Fuentes del Morro Pool is themed to resemble a Spanish fortress, with two waterslides, a zero-entry area, a 12-person hot tub and a pirate-themed splash area for kids.

The resort has a colorful island style, and some guest rooms recently received a Little Mermaid makeover. Despite the resort's size, it does offer convenient transportation options, including bus service and a Disney Skyliner station that can take you to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Rates at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort average around $300 per night.

One of the original Disney World resort hotels inspired by Walt Disney himself, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort sits on the monorail only a few minutes from The Magic Kingdom. Yet, it transports you to a lush Pacific island the moment you enter. It's such a great property we almost warn against staying at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort because it will set the bar pretty high for future Disney resort stays.

At "the Poly," you'll find a couple of our favorite Disney restaurants. Notably, there's Ohana — a Polynesian-inspired dining venue within the resort's main building that serves delectable noodles and a mouthwatering bread pudding — among other options on the family-style, all-you-care-to-enjoy menu.

There are plenty of activities and amenities on the grounds, such as free outdoor movies at night and a 142-foot waterslide that drops riders into the main Lava Pool (there is a secondary quiet pool, as well). There's also a large splash area with several smaller waterslides for younger guests, a zero-entry section, a separate quiet pool and a nearby stand to grab Dole Whip. The icing on the on-site Dole Whip is being able to watch The Magic Kingdom fireworks from the pool in the evenings as the perfectly timed music pipes in.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort average around $640 per night.

Best Disney World resorts for large families

Large families and groups can really rack up a bill when visiting Disney World since most on-property rooms are designed for no more than four or five people. As a result, your choices tend to be limited if you have at least five or six people in your group. Fortunately, a few resorts offer plenty of space for larger families.

Related: The best Orlando hotels for large families

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is another DVC property, with room sizes ranging from studio suites to one-, two- and three-bedroom villas. Deluxe studio rooms have a kitchenette and a balcony or patio, and villas have separate bedrooms, a full kitchen, in-room laundry and a balcony or patio.

The resort also has multiple pools, bike rentals, tennis and basketball courts, and a Community Hall with movies, video games and daily activities like crafts and games.

In the woods behind Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa are several Treehouse Villas that sleep up to nine people. Offering three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a kitchen, these spacious accommodations can easily fit an extended family.

Rates for Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa average around $500 per night, while the Treehouse Villas average around $1,300 per night.

Best Disney World resorts for adults

We love Disney, but we're not afraid to admit that having a brief break from its intensity is sometimes nice. Luckily, a couple of options are ideal for those who want to stay near the magic without living with Mickey and his friends 24 hours a day.

Disney World's newest stand-alone hotel is easily one of the larger resort's best options for adults who want to balance a Disney trip with some less in-your-face Disney elements.

On the Disney Skyliner route, Disney's Riviera Resort offers easy access to Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot without placing you right in the heart of all the theme park action.

The real highlight of this easygoing property, though, is its Mediterranean vibe. The blue-and-white decor, music and cuisine will transport you to the Mediterranean coast.

You'll find all the usual Disney amenities at this Deluxe resort, but it's just a touch more refined and grown-up without being stuffy.

We're serious Riviera fans thanks in part to its design, which includes everything from "Tangled"- and "Peter Pan"-inspired mosaics to marble bathrooms that may be the nicest in all of Disney.

Don't worry if you want to bring the kids, though. There's plenty for them to enjoy, including poolside gelato, a waterslide and our favorite toddler splash area at Disney World.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's Riviera Resort average around $500 per night.

Disney's BoardWalk Inn is a DVC resort along Disney's BoardWalk in the Epcot resort area. That means you can easily walk to Epcot to eat and drink global cuisine around the World Showcase or to Disney's Hollywood Studios to fly the Millennium Falcon at Galaxy's Edge. The resort also offers water taxi and bus service around Disney World.

Related: Is a Disney annual pass worth it?

Guest rooms range from standard rooms to multi-bedroom villas, and the resort has three pools. You can splash and slide at the Luna Park Pool (or soak in the hot tub) or head for one of the quieter leisure pools.

This resort is all about location. In addition to being close to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, Disney's BoardWalk Inn is close to the dining, shopping and nightlife that line Disney's BoardWalk area. When you are done visiting the parks, you can visit Abracadabar, a magic-themed cocktail lounge, or Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar.

Rates for standard rooms at Disney's BoardWalk Inn average around $600 per night.

Bottom line

Choosing the best resort hotel at Disney World gets easier once you identify your budget and priorities.

Do you want a great pool, more space, proximity to the parks or perhaps an immersive theme? No matter what is most important to you, you'll find a Disney property that will likely satisfy your needs.

Whether you're itching to splash around in the Stormalong Bay pool complex at Disney's Yacht Club and Beach Club resorts, stretch your budget at Disney's Pop Century Resort, retreat to a cabin at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort or get an iconic eyeful of the monorail coming through Disney's Contemporary Resort, there's a Disney resort that will have every member of your family excited to be on vacation at Walt Disney World.

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• All Resort Hotels
• Deluxe Villa
• Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
• Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village
• Disney's Beach Club Villas
• Disney's BoardWalk Villas
• Disney's Old Key West Resort
• Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Disney's Riviera Resort
• Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
• The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort - A Disney Vacation Club Resort
• The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Deluxe Resorts
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney's Beach Club Resort
• Disney's BoardWalk Inn
• Disney's Contemporary Resort
• Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Disney's Yacht Club Resort
• Disney Resort Hotels
• Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
• Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter
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• The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
• Disney's All-Star Movies Resort
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• Disney's All-Star Sports Resort
• Disney's Art of Animation Resort
• Disney's Pop Century Resort
• The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
• Other Select Deluxe Hotels
• Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
• Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
• Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Hotel

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