Walt Disney World

It's been a number of years since Walt Disney World's 1971 opening but some people still refer to the Magic Kingdom, the east coast version of the original Disneyland, as "Walt Disney World" -- as if the one park was pretty much the whole deal. Sure, the Magic Kingdom, with its Cinderella Castle, Dumbo ride, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean and other icons, is the heart and soul of the Florida resort.

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 over 54,000 "cast members" (that's Disney-speak for employees) busy catering to tens of millions of guests annually.

Walt Disney World is a phenomenon, a landmark development 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. Walt 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!"

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

Oh, the (Halloween) Horror at Florida's Theme Parks
Read about the 2007 Halloween events at Florida theme parks, including Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Africa, and Cypress Gardens.

New for 2008:
The Year of a Million Dreams, which continues through the end of 2008 at Walt Disney World (and Disneyland Resort in California), is awarding, through random giveaways, unique "dream" experiences to guests. Also, new and improved attractions are debuting.

• Toy Story Mania, American Idol!, and Block Party Bash at Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Spaceship Earth renovation at Epcot
• Walt Disney World 2008 Ride Guide
• Walt Disney World 2008 Preview Photo Gallery

Magic Your Way Ticket Program
Learn how to navigate through the different options, save some money, and land the best deal for your vacation.

Disney's Abominable Yet-E-Ticket Coaster
Ride review of Expedition Everest.

• Expedition Everest Photo Gallery
• Expedition Everest Onboard Video

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 queues with Fastpass.

It's a Small Solar System After All
Mission: SPACE overview and review.

They're Dying to Meet You at the Haunted Mansion
Ride review plus links to behind-the-screams secrets revealed, Museum of the Weird facts about the ride, a Haunted Mansion Photo Gallery, a history of the attraction from Disney legend Marty Sklar--even the lyrics to "Grim Grinning Ghosts," the Haunted Mansion theme song.

Yo Ho, Yo Ho, the Pirates Ride for Me
Check out the seminal Pirates of the Caribbean E-Ticket attraction, including a review, some below-deck insights from Disney Imagineering legend Marty Sklar, a 16-photo gallery--even the lyrics to the rousing "Yo Ho" song. Drink up, me 'earties!

The Tower of Terror Rises Again
Read my review, check out the photo gallery, and discover how the California Tower compares to its Florida counterpart.

(Disney) World-class dining
If you think eating at Walt Disney World means mediocre fast food, then you've been eating in all the wrong places. Chefs, food writers, and WDW experts Rick and Gayle Perlmutter pick a baker's dozen of the best Disney dining spots.

10 Things Not To Miss at Walt Disney World
Theme park travel guide writers Rick and Gayle Perlmutter offer their list of the things they believe every Walt Disney World visitor should experience. From dining tips to attraction must-sees, check these recommendations before you visit the Mouse.

Peeking into the Mouse Hole
Discover how the Disney Imagineers develop the Disney theme parks and attractions.

Find Disney World-area Hotel Accommodations
Compare rates for Orlando-area hotels at About.com's booking partner, Kayak.