Intro to the WDW Parks

What comes to mind when someone mentions the Walt Disney World® Resort? Sure, Mickey Mouse is probably conjured up, but the main attraction at Disney falls on where Mickey lives - yes, the theme parks. The four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort - the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, the Disney's Hollywood Studios™ and Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park - are all parts of Walt Disney's dream and vision that he had when he purchased the land for the resort back in the 1960's.

So sit back, buckle up as we show you Walt Disney World® inside and out, along with how to guide yourself into the fast lane!

The Magic Kingdom® Park, the centerpiece for the Walt Disney World® Resort, was the first park built and is modeled after Disneyland in California. From Cinderella's castle to the multitude of characters all around the park, this park is, and always will be, the place where storybook fantasies come to life for children of all ages. The Magic Kingdom's® nearly 40 attractions, ranging from the mild to the wild, are separated out among six themed lands; Liberty Square Entertainment Facility, Main Street, U.S.A.® Area, Adventureland, Frontierland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland and Mickey’s Toontown Fair.
 
Epcot® was Walt Disney's® vision originally as a futuristic city in which guests could visit to learn about the many new technological advancements happening in American industry. While Wallt’s dream for an actual town never quite made it off the ground, Epcot® does stay true to his vision, as it is a showcase of international culture and technological innovation. This 300-acre park eventually came to fruition with two separate lands, the World Showcase and Future World.  Future World offers rides and attractions, each demonstrating man's progress in science and technology, while the World Showcase is like an entirely different park, with 11 pavilions from countries spanning the globe, each one showcasing the cultural achievements, food and authentic architecture from their native land.   
 
The Disney-MGM Studios® is a salute to the the world of showbusiness, with rides, shows and other attractions that take you right in the middle of the movies. In the beginning, Disney’s intent was to operate the Studios as a fully functional movie, television and radio broadcast studio, and in its early days, the park was home to both Walt Disney Feature Animation as well as Walt Disney Studios® – Florida. And while those operations have since left the Disney's Hollywood Studios®, the Hollywood feel hasn't gone anywhere. Five themed areas make up the park, including Hollywood Boulevard, Backlot, Mickey Avenue, Animation Courtyard and Sunset Boulevard, and guests can experience everything from exciting stage shows to thrilling roller coasters and a new live action stunt show while there.
 
Disney’s newest theme park, Animal Kingdom®, is also its biggest and boldest venture. The park has seven themed lands, beginning with the Oasis as soon as you enter the park. Other lands at this animal conservation park include Discovery Island® Area, Camp Minnie-Mickey, Africa, Rafiki’s Planet Watch® Land, Asia® Land and DinoLand U.S.A.® Area, Disney's Animal Kingdom® is full of fun, wonder and adventure, featuring rides, shows, the majesty of nature and intriguing animals that is sure to deliver a one-of-a-kind Disney experience.

When exploring these large and beautiful parks, sometimes it can be difficult keeping track of the kids, but there are lots of simple and interactive things you can do to ensure you stay together as a family!  And no matter the size of your family, you won't want to miss any of the Nighttime Shows  or your Extra Magic Hours at Walt Disney World® or the wonderful Character Dinning at the Disney Resort Hotels!