Walt Disney World 101

Walt Disney World... The world's largest theme park can seem a tad overwhelming at first. So many parks, so many resorts, so many rides! How do you take it all in? It is the size of San Francisco, after all. Here is a Walt Disney World basic overview to help you in understanding all there is in the most magical place on earth.

First things first, there are four theme parks, two water parks, 28 resorts, and one mega shopping centre. For the sake of keeping this article about the basics we will save the resorts for another post.

Magic Kingdom

The first of the four theme parks and certainly the most iconic. Magic Kingdom is where WDW all began back in 1971. This park is known for the classic Disney rides including It's a Small World, Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and the wonderful Cinderella's Castle. This park is home to the famous 3:00 parade down Main Street and fabulous night time spectaculars! This park is also located along the Walt Disney World Monorail. This entire park is worth visiting not just for nostalgic purposes but for all the new advancements in the past years. Some new attractions and restaurants like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Be Our Guest top of the New Fantasy land addition.

Epcot

Standing for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, this park has two very distinct portions to it. First is Future World, a place full of futuristic wonders and fun learning opportunities for all ages. Second is the World Showcase, a land full of every culture imaginable with 13 pavilions each representing a different country of the world. Epcot's famous festivals are always coming out with new experiences. If you love culture, have a curious palate and love taking in new concepts, then EPCOT has it all!

Hollywood Studios

This park is currently undergoing a huge renovation and is about to be home so some of the greatest attractions in WDW. With Toy Story Land opening up just this month and Star Wars Land set to open in 2019 this park with definitely draw in the crowds in the upcoming years. This park goes from Disney Junior Sing Along performances to the greatest themed thrill rides like Tower of Terror and Rockin' Roller Coaster! The whole family can enjoy that this park represents princesses, Star Wars, The Muppets, Disney Junior and so much more!

Animal Kingdom

Is it a theme park? Is it a Zoo? Who knows but it is absolutely amazing! This park offers anything from safari tours with real animals to thrill rides and night shows. With the brand new addition of Avatar World of Pandora this park has experiences like no other Disney park! Tasty treats and exciting characters really brings this park to life.

The two water parks Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are both large water parks with a variety of rides for all ages to enjoy. Whether you want to sit back, relax and enjoy the sun or race down some thrill rides these water parks can accommodate.

Disney Springs

The mega shopping district with everything your inner shopaholic needs. From high fashion to toy stores this place has everything you can imagine, including the world's largest Disney Store, World of Disney! Enjoy all the world class dinning options and extra activities the newly refurbished Disney Springs has to offer.

No matter the age, interest, or Disney fan level, Walt Disney World has something for everyone. This wonderland always has new adventures to explore and truly lives up to its name of the most magical place on earth!