The Walt Disney World® Resort features four Theme Parks, each with their own magic and excitement for all ages. Below is a sampling of what you can expect from each Theme Park. Following the Theme Park information is a brief description of other activities available to guests during their stay.
Magic Kingdom® Park- The original Disney Theme Park in Orlando with Cinderella Castle as the center icon. You’ll see characters throughout the seven lands and be immersed in Disney magic from the second you enter the turnstiles. Not just for the small ones, the Magic Kingdom® Park offers thrill rides such as Space Mountain®, Splash Mountain® and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The Haunted Mansion and “it’s a small world” are timeless favorites. Don’t miss new attractions such as the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor and the revamped Pirates of the Caribbean that now includes Captain Jack Sparrow! Nighttime entertainment includes two shows you won’t want to miss- SpectroMagic Parade and Wishes™: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams Fireworks. Definite must dos!
Epcot®- The second Disney Theme Park and our personal favorite. Spaceship Earth is the icon there (did you know that there is an attraction inside?). Epcot® has two main sections, Future World which showcases technology and innovation and World Showcase which highlights countries and cultures from around the globe. This Theme Park is a hit with young and old alike. Kids especially enjoy a new ride, The Seas with Nemo and Friends and the various Kidcot Fun Stop activity tables throughout the park. Park visitors shouldn’t miss Soarin’™, a new ride imported from Disney’s California Adventure® in Anaheim, CA. Test Track is also a great bet for thrill seekers. World Showcase offers shopping for items from various countries and the chance to dine on delicious foods native to those lands (most feature American items as well). Don’t miss the nightly presentation of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth which is an unbelievable fireworks and laser presentation that is unmatched.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ - Featuring Broadway-style shows, high-action performances, thrill rides and children’s shows, this Theme Park will please all that visit. The icon here is the enormous Sorcerer Mickey hat at the center. The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster® Starring Aerosmith Attraction will not disappoint those in your party with a need for excitement. The new Lights, Motors, Action!™ Extreme Stunt Show imported from Disneyland® Resort Paris is a new favorite for many guests. For all the High School Musical fans, this is the park for you with many live performances based on the movie showing throughout the day. The little ones will be amazed while watching the Voyage of the Little Mermaid show complete with live actors! All ages will enjoy the Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage musical performance that is presented several times each day. The nightly fireworks display is Fantasmic! and is very impressive but can be a bit scary and loud for the youngest visitors. Coming in 2008 is a new ride, Toy Story Mania!, which promises to be a hit and loads of fun.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park- The fourth Disney Theme Park is outstanding for many reasons. At this park’s center is the Tree of Life, be sure to check out the animal carvings that cover this tree. This park features live entertainment, thrill rides, a children’s play area and, of course, live ANIMALS! Don’t be quick to regard this park as ‘just a zoo’ though. Short of an African safari, you’ll never be this up close to animals on savanna such as giraffes, elephants, hippos, lions, rhinos, cheetahs and many others. You can also experience the newest Disney thrill ride, Expedition Everest™, which is a roller coaster like no other. Don’t miss the queue line at this attraction for some interesting artifacts and items on display. Kali River Rapids® will soak your party to the bone but most still come away with a smile. Finding Nemo - The Musical is a new live action performance that many guests are quickly calling a favorite. Festival of the Lion King is another live action show that is a favorite among visitors. Many options for enjoyment exist at this park, including animal watching, photography, shows, rides and dining. This park typically closes earlier than the other parks and doesn’t have a night time fireworks display.
The Walt Disney World® Resort also features two water parks, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach, that are sure to please all members of your party. There are two entertainment districts available as well, the Downtown Disney® area which includes the Marketplace, Pleasure Island and West Side sections, and Disney’s BoardWalk entertainment district which features shopping, dining and entertainment. Both areas are suitable for families, individuals and couples. Various other options for entertainment and adventure await throughout the resort such as guided tours in each of the four parks, Disney’s Wide World of Sports® Complex where events are held year-round, five championship golf courses featuring an annual PGA event held each October, the Richard Petty Driving Experience, two themed miniature golf courses, spas, boating, fishing, horseback riding and the list goes on and on. Contact us for more information on these special opportunities!
