But it comprises a mere few dozen acres among WDW's 35,000 acres. That's 47 square miles, roughly the size of two Manhattan islands, filled with four theme parks, two waterparks, 30 resort hotels, six golf courses, two shopping-dining-entertainment complexes and--are you still with me?--enough other diversions to keep tens of thousands of "cast members" (Disney-speak for employees) busy catering to tens of millions of guests annually.
Disney World is a phenomenon that has made an indelible mark on travel and tourism and changed the very notion of what it means to take a vacation and be entertained. It can be a wonderful source of pleasure and a great way to gather with friends and family for treasured, shared moments. But it is so enormous that, without proper planning, it can also be a powerful source of frustration and disappointment.
Before you proudly proclaim to anyone within shouting distance, "I'm going to Disney World!" take the time to learn all you can about the resort's incredible palette of options so that you can take full advantage of them. Gather your vacation mates for planning meetings well before you leave. Develop a rough itinerary, make restaurant reservations where practical, and do consider some of the other parks and attractions outside the Disney complex.
Whatever you do, don't try to do everything. Disney World is much too big now for vacationers to do it all. Save your energy and patience for the parks and attractions you can reasonably accommodate, and save the parks and attractions you miss for your next vacation. After all, half the fun is in the planning and getting to tell people, "I'm going to Disney World!"
The Theme Parks
- Magic Kingdom Overview
- Epcot Overview
- Disney's Hollywood Studios Overview (Used to be known as Disney-MGM Studios)
- Disney's Animal Kingdom Overview
- Typhoon Lagoon Overview
- Blizzard Beach Overview
Trip-Planning Resources
- Magic Your Way Ticket Program
Learn how to navigate through the different options, save some money, and land the best deal for your vacation. - Guide to Walt Disney World Hotels
Before you get to Disney World, you'll need to make plans, including hotel reservations. - Your (Free) Magic Carpet Awaits
Read about Disney's program that offers complimentary ground transportation between Orlando International Airport and its resort to guests staying at its hotels. - How to Make the Most of Disney's Fastpass Virtual Line Program
Riding Dumbo is an archetypal Disney theme park experience. But the 90-or-so seconds of pure joy is often preceded by another archetypal Disney experience: the dreaded 45-or-so minutes spent standing in line. Learn how to bypass some of the queues with Fastpass.
The Best of Walt Disney World
- Best Thrill Rides
- Best Rides for Kids
- Top 10 Best Rides and Shows
- Top 10 Best Restaurants at Disney World
- Best Things to Do at Disney World
Exclusive About.com Videos
- Five Best Rides for Kids at Disney World
- How to Meet the Disney Characters
- Tips for Eating Healthy at Disney World
- Expedition Everest
- Tips for Navigating Lines at Disney Parks
- Walt Disney World's Best Restaurants
- Tips for Staying at a Disney World Hotel
New at the Resort
New for 2012
One More Disney Day
You can celebrate leap year by visiting the Magic Kingdom for 24 hours straight. Plus you can win vacations and take advantage of a special hotel deal.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
The new Value Resort will draw inspiration from movies such as Cars and The Lion King. See the whimsical hotel under construction in my mini photo preview of Disney's Art of Animation Resort.
Royal Guest Rooms at Port Orleans Resort
Families, especially those with little princesses and princes can stay in splendor in the new Royal Guest Rooms at the Port Orleans Resort. See the new accommodations in my Royal Guest Rooms mini gallery.
New for 2011 and 2012
Let the Memories Begin
Guests' images are featured in a nightly show. Learn how to share your Disney memories in a big way.
New for 2011
Star Tours II- The current Star Tours at both Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida and Disneyland in California will close in October 2010, and spiffed-up attractions will reopen in 2011. The rides will get a complete makeover, including 3-D imagery and all-new footage. At least part of Star Tours II will include a race aboard Starspeeders through the desert of Tatoonie.
- The new Star Tours ride is now open. Read my review of Star Tours - The Adventures Continue
- Video preview of Star Tours II
New for 2012 and 2013
Fantasyland Expansion- A major expansion at the Magic Kingdom will more than double the size of Fantasyland. With two phases scheduled to open in 2012 and 2013, the land will offer richer, more immersive experiences and will introduce a wider array of characters. Instead of simple meet-and-greets, the new mini-lands will envelop guests in the worlds of Disney's classic films and get them involved in hands-on adventures.
