Still, Walt Disney World’s draw remains its four separate theme parks, each worthwhile in its own regard. With two water parks, dozens of hotels, a mass transit system, a “downtown” mall and, uh, a utility district you’ve likely heard something about, there’s an entire ecosystem of lingo and logistics that can be as tricky to navigate as a foreign destination. Unlike Disneyland, the classic Southern California theme park that’s easily doable in one day, Walt Disney World is essentially its own city. If you’ve got that voice in the back of your head, summoning you to its royal gates, here’s what you need to know. And just because you’ll complain the whole time doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go. This is an American institution, and if the countless hours your household logs on Disney+ amount to anything, it’s also somewhat inevitable if you can afford it. Even if you’re convinced your kid won’t remember meeting Minnie Mouse, Disney World can have its merits at any age. After one single trip to Walt Disney World, I fell so deeply in love with its charms that I’m now on the other side, leading you through this weird, wacky, anthropomorphic mouse-led wonderland with reliable expertise.Īfter all, there’s a reason millions of people travel to Florida despite its swamp-like climate. (Rum floaters at Animal Kingdom, anyone?)Īs a full-time theme park journalist focused on all things Disney for eight years now, I, too, was once an adult with a hazy memory of MGM Studios and a Mickey meet-and-greet. In a sense, not all Dole Whip stands are created equal, and your resident Disney pro is here to help. It can be stressful and somewhat maddening to parse the endless Google results about park reservations and Genie+ bookings, but just like settling for a sad croissant at a tourist cafe in France, experiences at Disney are layered and knowledge yields better trips. The “most magical place on Earth” can be just that, but since its pandemic-era closures in 2020, Disney World has become equally challenging to visit.

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