Complete guide to traveling to Disney
Trips begin when we start planning them. And of course, preparations for some destinations are easier than others. That's why we're giving you all the details you need to know to plan a trip to Disney Florida.
They say there's no perfect age to visit Walt Disney World © . And it's true: almost everyone, whether child or adult, dreams of one day visiting the land of the characters that have marked so many moments in our lives.
Cinderella Castle, the Tower of Terror, Star Wars Land, African Animals, Water Games and so many other attractions are part of this huge complex that never stops adding new attractions.
Walt Disney World is located just half an hour from Orlando Airport and three hours from Miami. Whether you're traveling with family, as a couple, or with friends, there's always a fun way to enjoy each and every one of its Disney parks .
When to travel to Disney?
The best time to visit Disney is during May and September. The weather is pleasant, and since it's not peak season, the parks aren't overcrowded, making it easier to enjoy all the attractions without long waits.
Conversely, it's best to avoid months like July and August, as they coincide with the peak local vacation season and the heat can be stifling. This is also the rainy season in Orlando.
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Which parks to visit at Disney World?
Walt Disney World© features four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Disney's Hollywood Studios. In addition, the resort includes two water parks: Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park.
But Walt Disney World Resort isn't just about parks. Inside, you'll also find Disney Springs, an area with over 100 shops, nearly 70 restaurants, and numerous venues for enjoying events and shows. The attractions are spread across four areas: West Side, The Landing, Marketplace, and Town Center.
Another interesting spot at the resort is Disney's BoardWalk, located within walking distance of Epcot. It's a boardwalk that runs along a lagoon, inspired by the old waterfronts of Coney Island and Atlantic City. With restaurants, shops, and entertainment, it's perfect for spending the day, but it also offers great nightlife.
What to do at Disney parks?
Magic Kingdom is the oldest park at Walt Disney World©, home to the iconic Cinderella Castle. On select days, starting at 9 p.m., the castle is illuminated with a spectacular fireworks show called Happily Ever After .
Among the most popular attractions at Magic Kingdom are Tron and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, as well as experiences to get up close to Walt Disney characters, such as Mickey Mouse, The Little Mermaid, Buzz Lightyear, Beauty and the Beast, and many more.
Disney's Hollywood Studios is a park filled with timeless classics. There, you can immerse yourself in the world of the various films developed at Disney studios in an exciting and unforgettable way.
The best attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios include The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Alien Swirling Saucers, Indiana Jones™ Epic Stunt Spectacular! and Toy Story Land.
EPCOT , for its part, is a park that celebrates the multiculturalism of the world's countries, combining it with science and technology. This year, 2023, marks its 100th anniversary, during which the giant golf ball that greets visitors has become a true icon.
Some of the things to see at EPCOT include Spaceship Earth, the Advanced Training Lab, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Reimagining, and various experiences with Disney characters in the countries where the stories were inspired.
Finally, Disney's Animal Kingdom is, as its name suggests, the theme park dedicated to animals. The park is divided into different zones representing different parts of the world, where you can not only see incredible species up close, but also have fantastic experiences.
Among the best things to do at Disney's Animal Kingdom are the Avatar Flight of Passage experience, The Boneyard, DINOSAUR, Discovery Island Trails and Expedition Everest, among dozens of other attractions.
How to buy tickets to Disney parks?
Disney tickets can be purchased at the ticket booths of each park or through the website MyDisneyExperience.com . In the latter case, it is necessary to create an account and complete the steps indicated on the website.
- Add the data for all people in the group
- Book hotels (optional)
- Buy tickets to Walt Disney World theme parks©
- Choose the date of your visit for each park (mandatory until January 8, 2024)
- Making reservations for the resort's restaurants (optional)
What types of tickets are available to visit Disney?
There are currently three types of tickets to visit the Walt Disney World © parks:
- Theme Park Ticket: allows entry to one park per day.
- Ticket With Park Hopper Option: allows entry to one or more parks per day, and even move between them during the same day.
- Ticket With Park Hopper Plus Option: allows entry to one or more theme or water parks on the same day, and to switch between them during the day.
- Disney Theme Park Ticket with Water Park and Sports Option: allows access to one park per day, including water parks and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
Are there hotels inside Walt Disney World?
Inside Disney World, there are more than 20 hotels of all categories and prices: budget, mid-range, and luxury. The advantage is that guests of Disney hotels can access benefits such as:
- Entry to the parks half an hour before the official opening time
- Free parking throughout the Walt Disney World Resort©
- Access to Disney's transportation service to get around within the resort (bus, boats, monorail and Disney Skyliner)
- Guests of the luxury hotels and villas can also access extended nighttime hours within the parks
Is there a Disney app?
If you're planning a trip to Walt Disney World © , it's best to download the My Disney Experience app. It includes interactive maps, information on each attraction, the location and types of restaurants, shops, and more.
In addition, the app includes the Disney Genie service, a must-have for saving time and making the most of your park experience. It allows you to create your own itinerary based on your interests, as well as show wait times for each attraction, access a virtual queue for rides, order food, and make restaurant reservations.
