Travel Guide to Disney World

The Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World's first park, has expanded its repertoire of attractions and rides since it first opened in October 1971. The iconic Cinderella's Castle still stands, offering dining at Cinderella's Royal Table. The beloved Disney characters still march down Main Street each afternoon in the daily parade. In recent years, the Magic Kingdom has added several play areas for younger children, including Ariel's Grotto and Minnie's Country House. Families still enjoy old favorites, such as Splash Mountain, Haunted Mansion and the Mad Tea Party, and can also experience the newer Magic Carpets of Aladdin and Stitch's Great Escape. Remain until evening when you can catch the SpectroMagic parade and watch fireworks light up the park and the sky.

Epcot is separated into two sections: Future World and the World Showcase, which features 11 countries. Each of the country stations features ethnic shops, dining and attractions. In Norway, ride the Maelstrom Adventure Cruise, where you may encounter trolls, pirates, or polar bears. Watch belly dancers perform by the Morocco pavilion. Transform into a secret agent to find clues at each country pavilion through the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure.



Visitors experience more hands-on learning in the Future World area. At the Innovations pavilion, learn new ways to solve problems in the "Slapstick Studios." In the Don't Waste It section, discover creative ways to recycle. During the 30-minute American Adventure, watch the life-like Audio-Animatronics historic figures of Barack Obama, John F. Kennedy, and Susan B. Anthony come to life. At night, return to the World Showcase to view IllumiNations light up the sky over the country pavilions.

Disney's Hollywood Studios caters to all ages. Young children will enjoy the Voyage of the Little Mermaid, which retells the classic story using puppets, animation, and live actors. Older children can be found at Journey into Narnia: Prince Caspian, where they will answer trivia about the Narnia books, view Aslan's stone chamber and experience the story through scenes and costumes.



Teenagers and adults flock to the American Idol Experience, where they can watch and vote on the singing performers. Select guests may be given the opportunity to audition to perform. Older adults may prefer the classics, like watching the dares at the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, or viewing TV legends at The Academy of Television Arts & Science Hall of Fame.

The Animal Kingdom contains more than 1,700 animals. The park is separated into animal exhibits and rides. The Kilimanjaro Safari takes guests on a tour from the Harambe Wildlife Reserve to Discovery Island and offers views of giraffes, cheetahs and elephants. Visit the iconic Tree of Life and observe the 325 animals carved into the bark. Stay to watch "It's Tough to be a Bug," performed in the Tree's theatre, which features the loveable ant Flick. Walk the trails of the Oasis Exhibits, where you can spot deer and kangaroo roaming among the waterfalls and plants.

Walt Disney World offers accommodations affordable for every family, if they prefer to stay right on property. Disney guests can take advantage of special park hours, offered just for them. They may also use the Disney buses to reach the parks and not worry about renting a car. The four value resorts include All-Star Music and All-Star Movies, featuring a swimming pool and rooms with two double beds. The moderate resorts, like Caribbean beach, offer more amenities like babysitting and more on-site dining options.

Dining truly makes the Disney experience. For children, character dining is available at several venues, including breakfast at Cinderella's Castle and Crystal Palace with Winnie the Pooh and friends. When visiting Epcot, guests choose which country they would like to visit, and sample that nation's traditional fare. At the Hollywood Studios, the Sci-fi Movie diner may bring back memories to older guests as they are seated in cars and watch old sci-fi commercials.