disney world full tour

THE 10 BEST Walt Disney World Tours & Excursions

Walt disney world tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Helicopter Tours
• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Night Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Walking Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Private Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Orlando Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise

2. Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney

3. Walt Disney World Water Park Tickets

4. Guided Helicopter Tour in Orlando

5. ICONic City Tour Of Orlando

6. Walt Disney World Resort Base Ticket

7. Walt Disney World Park Hopper Tickets

8. Helicopter Fireworks Tour

9. Orlando Area Theme Parks and City Lights at Night!

10. 3- or 4-Park Magic Ticket at Walt Disney World Resort

11. Disney Springs Dash Scavenger Hunt

12. Night Helicopter Tour showing Lighted Theme Parks

13. Dollar Off Drinks Card: Orlando

14. Walt Disney World Special Event Tickets

15. Walt Disney World Park Hopper Plus Tickets

16. Walt Disney World Admission with Water Park and Sports Option

17. Night Helicopter Tour Downtown Orlando and Theme Parks

18. 30 Days Self Guided Audio Tour: Discover Orlando Local Stories

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Manatee Adventure, Airboat, Lunch, Wildlife Park with Transport

The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show in Orlando

Kennedy Space Center Adventure with Transport from Orlando

Private Helicopter Night Tour Orlando Parks (31miles or 48miles)

Kennedy Space Center with Transport from Orlando and Kissimmee

Manatee Swim and Wildlife Park with Upgrade Options from Orlando

Orlando StarFlyer Swing Ride Admission

Cypress Forest Guided Kayak Nature Eco-Tour

Universal Orlando Park to Park Tickets - USA / Canada Residents

Saint Augustine Day Trip from Orlando

Private Helicopter Day Tour Funspot (16miles)

Kennedy Space Center Plus Airboat Ride & Transport From Orlando

What travelers are saying.

• Orlando Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise
• Helicopter Fireworks Tour
• Guided Helicopter Tour in Orlando
• ICONic City Tour Of Orlando
• Orlando Area Theme Parks and City Lights at Night!
• World Class VIP - Disney Tours
• Epcot Divequest
• The Boathouse Water Adventures
• Thompson Aire
• Painted Horizons Hot Air Balloon Tours
• Walt Disney World VIP Tour Experiences

Let's chat! Call us at 817-307-9906

Guided Tours at the Walt Disney World Resort

Maximize your time at the Disney Parks with a guided tour. Let Crazy Imagination Travel secure a privately-guided VIP Tour or a group-guided tour and experience popular attractions with less wait.

Private VIP Tours This tour can be fully customized by you. Inclusions and highlights include

• Private pick up at your Disney Resort Hotel
• Flexible Start Time (selected by you)
• Visit one or all four theme parks
• Enjoy rides and attractions efficiently
• VIP Seating for parades, select stage shows and nighttime fireworks
• Services and shared insight of a Disney VIP Tour Guide

Additional Information Prices starts at $450* to $900* per hour (varies by season) with a minimum of seven hours. This tour can accommodate up to 10 guests total (including infants).

Group Tours Choose from a variety of predesigned tours to help you experience the best and most exciting attractions at the parks. Ask your Crazy Imagination Travel Advisor for recommendations, pricing and available dates for your Walt Disney World Resort vacation.

• Disney's Keys to the Kingdom Tour - Minimum Age: 16 | Price*: $114pp Explore the history of Magic Kingdom park during this in-depth 5 hour guided tour.
• EPCOT Seas Adventures Aqua Tour* - Minimum Age: 8 | Price*: $199pp Tour the facility that maintains the habitat and snorkel with thousands of sea creatures, including sea turtles, angelfish, and more in Epcot's massive aquarium during this 2-hour guided experience. Participants do not need to be SCUBA-certified to participate.
• Wild Africa Trek * - Minimum Age: 8 | Price*: $199 3 Hour, Privately-guided expedition full of close encounters with exotic African wildlife. Participants must be in good health to participate. Guests must be at least 8 years old, 48 inches tall, and between 45 and 300 lbs with the harness gear on to participate.
• EPCOT Seas Adventures DiveQuest * - Minimum Age: 10 | Price*: $219pp 2-Hour adventure including a backstage view of Epcot's massive aquarium and approximately 40 minutes dive time. Participants must be SCUBA-certified and show proof of certification.
• Behind the Seeds * -  Minimum Age: N/A | Price*: $35pp 1 Hour tour of the greenhouses and fish farm in Epcot's Land Pavilion.
• Caring for Giants * - Minimum Age: 4 | Price*: $35pp Get a closer look at the majestic African elephants at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park. A 1 hour guided experience with a knowledgeable animal guide.
• Savor the Savanna * -  Minimum Age: 8 | Price*: $174pp Enjoy the savanna at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park with a private safari, African-inspired tapas, beverages and more.
• Up Close with Rhinos - Minimum Age: 4 | Price*: $45pp A 1 Hour guided adventure with the rhinos' keepers. Learn fascinating facts about the white rhinoceros' behavior and biology.
• Starlight Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Minimum Age: 8 | Price*: $89pp An after-dark safari tour of Disney's African savannas and wildlife.

*Park Admission is not included with tours and must be purchased separately. Pricing dates and times are subject to change and are not guaranteed.

*Please Note: Some options may be temporarily paused. Please ask your Crazy Imagination Travel Advisor for updated information.

Updated August 18, 2023

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Crazy Imagination Travel Advisors are experts at the art of vacationing Disney and beyond. No two families are alike and no two vacations are alike. Each vacation is carefully planned and customized to our guest. From the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida to world-wide adventures in Australia, our Travel Advisors are ready to help guests plan their dream vacation. Go ahead. Put our service to the test!

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Backstage Tours and Experiences • Walt Disney World

Want to experience a different side of the Walt Disney World Resort? A variety of unique Backstage Tours and Experiences are available. Reservations are required for most tours. Unless noted otherwise, tours can be reserved 60 days in advance with a credit card. Full payment is due at the time of booking . Cancellation must occur 48 hours in advance so you avoid forfeiting the entire price of your tour. Park admission is also required for most, but not all tours. A photo ID will usually be required when checking in. Many tours have a small number of guests touring each day, so book early to get the date you desire. Photographs are prohibited in backstage areas. Use the Disney World website or My Disney Experience app for reservations, unless otherwise noted.

Magic Kingdom Tours   Epcot Tours   Animal Kingdom Tours   Multi-Park Tours   Resort Tours

Magic Kingdom Backstage Tours and Experiences

Disney’s keys to the kingdom tour.

Highlights the fascinating history of Walt Disney World Resort and also provides backstage access to secret areas of Magic Kingdom theme park. Includes stops at backstage facilities and a variety of favorite attractions, plus a trip below Magic Kingdom theme park into the service tunnels known as the Utilidors. Guests will be provided with Disney issued listening devices.

Days & Times: 4 tours daily at 8:00 am, 8:30 am, 9:00 am and 9:30 am

Duration: 4.5 – 5 hours

Price Range: $129-$149 per person, plus tax; includes lunch at Pecos Bill.

Park Admission: Required but not included

Restrictions: Ages 16 and up. Photo ID required. Also, cameras, video equipment and cell phones may not be used throughout the duration of this tour. Photography is prohibited during the tour–even in the park.

Starting Location: Report to Town Square Theater 15 minutes prior. Walking tour is primarily outdoors.

Discounts: Disney Visa (15%), DVC (15%), Annual Pass (15%)

To Reserve: Use the My Disney Experience app or Walt Disney World website. Same-day bookings are on a walk-up basis only, based on availability.

EPCOT Backstage Tours and Experiences

Epcot dive quest.

Description: A unique scuba diving experience inside the 5.7-million-gallon saltwater tank at the Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion in EPCOT theme park. Scuba-certified Guests can swim with over 2,000 sea creatures, including sea turtles, angelfish, dolphins, eagle rays and sharks. All diving equipment is provided. Please bring a swim suit and, if you wish, bring your own dive mask, particularly if you have a prescription mask.

Days & Times: Daily at 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm

Duration: 3 hours, of which 40 minutes are underwater

Price Range: $229-$249 per person, plus tax

Park Admission: Not Required (or included)

Restrictions: All Guests must be SCUBA-certified and 10 years of age or older to participate. However, guests 10 to 16 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult (18 years of age or older). You will need to provide proof of certification, such as a C-card or verification from a certifying agency.

Starting Location: Report to EPCOT Guest Relations window outside of the park main entrance 15 minutes prior

To Reserve: Use the My Disney Experience app or Walt Disney World website.

Dolphins in Depth

Guests can learn about and get up close with a school of dolphins at The Seas with Nemo & Friend s Pavilion. First, talk to the expert trainers and researchers who work with dolphins every day. The tour concludes with a very special opportunity for an up-close interaction with a dolphin which is also perfect for pictures. Although not required, please bring a bathing suit if you wish to enter the water. You do not need to swim or be scuba certified to enjoy this program. This experience is limited to 8 participants a day.

Days & Times: Tuesday through Saturday at 10:30 am

Duration: 2 hours

Price Range: $209 per person, plus tax

Restrictions: Guests must be 48″ tall, however guests under the age of 18 years must have a parent or guardian along with them on the tour.

Starting Location: Report to EPCOT Guest Relations window outside of the park main entrance at 9:30 am

Behind the Seeds at EPCOT

See the future of agriculture in greenhouses and labs, release lady bugs and also learn the advanced and often experimental techniques used to grow hydroponic crops with little or no soil. You can preview this tour on the Living with the Land attraction. If you like what you see as your boat cruises through the greenhouse, you will love the this tour. Due to the backstage locations visited on this tour, videotaping is allowed. Read a first-hand report about this tour on our blog . See a special souvenir you can take home from this tour!

Days & Times: Daily from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, departing every 60 minutes.

Duration: 1 hour

Price Range: $39-$45 per Guest (ages 3+), plus tax

Restrictions: Ages 3 and up however children must be accompanied by a supervising adult.

Starting Location: Report to the tour desk on the lower level of the Land pavilion (near Soarin’) prior to your tour. Walking tour is indoors.

Animal Kingdom Park Backstage Tours and Experiences

Wild africa trek.

Wild Africa Trek is an immersive experience offering a unique opportunity to enjoy unexplored areas of the Harambe Reserve while experiencing with intriguing African wildlife. While trained guides lead, begin in the Safi River valley where expedition harnesses allow for crossing precarious rope bridges. Enjoy up-close views of Nile hippos and crocodiles. Continue along the edge of an African savannah, and board a specialized vehicle for an exclusive safari, including a stop at a private safari camp. Guests will use a wireless headset in order to hear the guide at all times. Cameras and video cameras are allowed if securely fastened to the vest but no backpacks are allowed. Lockers will be available for Guest to leave their personal belongings while on the tour. A portion of the Tour price is also donated to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund.

Days & Times: Daily at select times during the morning and early afternoon. 12 spaces are available each tour, so reserve your spot early. Approximate times are 8:45 am, 10:15 am, 11:45 am, and 12:30 pm.

Duration: 3 hours

Price Range: $219-$229 per person, plus tax; includes African-inspired snack and photographs

Restrictions: Ages 8 and up (however under 18 must be accompanied by an adult); Weight restrictions between 45 lbs – 300 lbs apply with harness gear on; Minimum Height 48″/122 cm. Guests will be required to step on scale prior to harness issue. Also, certain body shapes may prevent the safety harness from fitting properly. Closed-toe shoes with a back strap or hiking boots required due to the rugged terrain on the tour. No flip-flops will be allowed.

Everyone will wear safety equipment that is issued on the tour. Wild Africa Trek is an outdoor physical journey requiring stamina, surefootedness and comfort with heights. Guests should also be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not participate due to the requirements of the tour. There are no bathroom breaks for 2 hours. Waivers must be completed at check in for all participants.

Guests seeking a less strenuous or wheelchair-accessible trek should contact Wild Africa Trek operations at (407) 938-1373 for alternative programs. Basically, the first 90 minutes is spent with a guide on the Pangani Trail with information, photos and possible special happenings. Guests on the restricted tour then join the regular tour on the Safari Truck and continue to do the remainder of the regular Tour. The price is the same for either version of the tour.

Starting Location: Check in at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk, located across from Kilimanjaro Safaris entrance approximately 15 minutes prior to tour start.

Discounts: Disney Visa (15%), DVC (15%), Annual Pass (15%) (all discounts might not be available for all tours)

Caring for Giants Tour

Get a closer look at the majestic African elephants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom—and learn what it takes to care for them.

During this tour, you’ll meet with dedicated animal specialists who provide for the care and wellness of the African elephant herd. They’ll give you a glimpse into their day-to-day responsibilities as they provide fascinating facts about the elephants. In addition, African cultural representatives will share stories of Disney’s conservation efforts dedicated to the preservation of wild populations. During the tour, Guests will be able to observe the elephants from approximately 80 to 100 feet away. You’ll have the opportunity to be closer to the elephants than you would during other in-park experiences.

This is primarily an outdoor tour. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

Days & Times: Daily from 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm

Duration:  approximately 1 hour

Price Range: $39 per person plus tax

Park Admission:  Required but not included

Restrictions: Ages 4 and up. Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult (18 years of age or older).

Starting Location:  Check in at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk, located across from Kilimanjaro Safaris entrance approximately 15 minutes prior to tour start.

Up Close with Rhinos Tour

Get ready for your close-up with the white rhinoceros. In this guided adventure, the rhinos’ keepers will take you backstage to meet these massive creatures as few people ever do. As your guides introduce you to the park’s white rhinos, they’ll offer fascinating insights into the species’ behavior and biology and discuss the challenges that threaten populations in the wild.

Days & Times: Daily at 11:00 a.m.

Price Range: $49 per person plus tax

Savor the Savanna

Excite all your senses with a private tour and experience, starting with a secluded overlook of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, including a sampling of African-inspired cuisine and drink.

Days & Times: Daily at 3:15 pm and 4:30 pm

Duration: approximately 2 hour

Price Range: $189-$199 per person plus tax

Restrictions: Ages 8 and up. Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult (18 years of age or older).

Multi-Park Backstage Tours and Experiences

Vip guided tour services.

VIP Tour Services offers personalized tours for up to 10 guests looking for the perfect Walt Disney World Resort vacation. During a VIP tour, from the moment you arrive your personal VIP guide is there to take care of everything—from creating your ideal itinerary to getting you the best seats in the house for live shows, parades and nighttime spectaculars. During your time with your guide, your focus is only on enjoying the experience.

Days & Times: Anytime of day, 7 hours prior to park closing.

Duration: Minimum of 7 hours or more

Price Range: $450 to $900 per hour, plus tax (depending upon time of year and whether guest is staying at a Disney resort or non-Disney resort hotel). Private transportation is available during the tour at an additional cost. Hefty cancellation fees apply (equivalent to 2-hours at the booked rate).

Location: Available for Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Epcot

To Reserve: Call (407) 560-4033 up to 60 days in advance. Must be reserved at least 72 hours in advance.

Resort Backstage Tours and Experiences

Wilderness back trail (segway) adventure.

See the the stunning surroundings of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort along back wooded trails on a Segway X2 Personal Transporter. Various terrains are encountered such as sand and wood chip paths as well as various wildlife. Training is provided before tour and helmets are provided. Mid-tour there is also a stop at the Tri-Circle D Ranch. Also, guests should bring cameras. Class size is limited to 10 guests, so book early to ensure availability.

Days & Times: Tues – Sat at 8:30 am . No Disney transportation is provided for the 8:30 am tour.

Price Range: $90-$99 per person, plus tax; includes bottled water.

Park Admission: Not Required

Restrictions: Ages 16 and up. Photo ID required. Weight must be between 100-250 pounds. Signature of parent/guardian also required for ages 16 and 17. Expectant mothers and also those with special needs should forego this tour or check regarding additional restrictions. Helmets provided and required. Flip-flops, sandals or rocker/exercise-type shoes (e.g., Skechers Shape-Ups) will not be permitted as these are not compatible with the Segway.

Starting Location: Report to Meadows Bike Barn in Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground 15 minutes prior. Tour is both indoors & outdoors.

Discounts: DVC (15%), Disney Visa, Annual Passholders (15%)

Starlight Safari at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Description:  During your safari, join an Animal Programs cast member on an hour-long safari of the Sunset Savanna at Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas. Through the use of night vision goggles, guests will see the animals while enjoying resort in a whole new way.

Days & Times: Daily at 8:30 pm and 10:00 pm

Price Range: $75.65-$89 per person.

Park Admission: Not applicable

Restrictions: Ages 8 and up.

Starting Location: Kidani Village

** Walt Disney World Backstage Tours and Experiences are subject to change. **

Privacy Overview

Disney Private VIP Tours

Walt Disney World® Resort

Set off on an adventure that includes door-to-door service and an array of personalized perks.

Making Our Kingdom Yours

The team at Disney VIP Tour Services will plan the most efficient, enjoyable way for groups up to 10 Guests to see and do the things on your list. Just tell your personal VIP Tour Guide what you'd like to see, and they'll customize your day to your desire!

After being picked up in a private vehicle from your Walt Disney World Resort accommodations or branded partner resort accommodations, enjoy unparalleled hospitality and experience some of your favorite attractions alongside a VIP Tour Guide.

Some of the personalized services include:

• Pre-arrival planning
• A flexible start time, picked by you
• Visits to multiple theme parks* in one or more days
• The ability to enjoy some of your favorite attractions efficiently through most Lightning Lane entrances
• Shared insight from your highly knowledgeable VIP Tour Guide throughout your tour

*All VIP Tours require valid theme park admission, which is not included in the price of the tour

Pricing and Reservations

• Pricing:  Ranging from $450 to $900 per hour, depending on the season (valid park admission is required for each park visited on tour and is not included in the price of the tour).
• Reservations: Call (407) 560-4033 to book. Guests under the age of 18 must have parent or guardian permission to call. Learn when advance reservations can be made.

Know Before You Go

• All VIP Tours require valid theme park admission, which is not included in the price of the tour
• Disney VIP Tours participate in full security screenings (including bag checks) during your Disney VIP Tour. Guests should be prepared for screenings with their appropriate government issued identification.
• Disney Private VIP Tours at the Walt Disney World Resort are very popular and may be limited in availability. Advance reservations are highly recommended. Learn when advance reservations can be made.
• All Private VIP Tours must be booked for a minimum duration of 7 continuous hours, and your party may include up to 10 Guests, including infants.
• Entertainment offerings are subject to availability and may be restricted by capacity constraints at the time of booking.
• You will incur a cancellation fee equal to 2 hours at the booked rate per tour if you do not provide at least 48-hour notice when cancelling any Private VIP Tour.
• No cameras, video equipment or cellphones may be used while in backstage areas.
• Guests 17 years and under must be accompanied by a paying participating parent or guardian.
• Pricing and information are subject to change without notice.

Celebration at the Top – Sip, Savor, Sparkle

Step onto a lively rooftop bar at Disney’s Contemporary Resort for a dazzling cocktail party.

Specialty Cruises

Drop anchor on a nighttime cruise and settle in to watch an enchanting fireworks display.

Custom-Designed Celebrations & Gatherings

Mark your next birthday, or other special occasion, with a private event at Walt Disney World Resort.

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A magical guide for how to plan a trip to Disney World this year

Editor's Note

If you want to know how to plan a trip to Disney World, you've come to the right place. This guide includes tips for choosing the right Disney World hotel for your budget, deciding which ticket type is right for you, determining which extras are worth splurging on and how to plan a trip that's fun and memorable without too much stress along the way.

With four theme parks, two water parks, more than 25 on-site hotels, over 200 dining locations and more attractions, experiences, shows and shops than we can list here, the best way to build a magical Disney World vacation is with planning, preparation and realistic expectations.

Planning a trip to Disney World should be fun and build excitement for your upcoming trip, and this guide can help.

How to start planning your trip to Disney World

There are a few questions you will want to answer early in the process of planning your Disney World vacation.

• What is your budget? Your budget will determine most other factors of your vacation, including where you stay and how many days you visit. How much it will cost you to go to Disney World really can vary widely based on the choices you make.
• When will you go? You may be at the mercy of work or school schedules, but if you have the flexibility, you can plan your trip when crowds are smaller or the weather is better. The summer can be very hot and rainy, the week between Christmas and New Year's is one of the busiest and weekdays when most kids are in school are often the least busy days.
• Where will you stay? You will typically pay more to stay in one of Disney's on-site hotels, especially at the moderate and deluxe tiers, but you'll also get perks like early theme park entry. Before you choose, you'll want to consider your budget, whether you want a themed room like the Royal Guest Rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside and if you want to be located near a certain Disney park. Pro tip: Renting Disney Vacation Club points can help you stay at a deluxe hotel for a moderate price.
• Which parks will you visit on which days? Depending on the length of your vacation, you may need to prioritize which parks you plan to visit. This will also influence whether you purchase one-park-per-day or Park Hopper tickets that allow you to visit multiple parks daily. If you have little kids, be sure your family will have the stamina for multiple parks per day before shelling out the extra cash to hop.
• Where will you dine? Popular Disney dining reservations are snatched up almost as soon as they become available. You'll want to plan ahead for any character dining or other table service restaurants, so you don't miss out.

It is important to book your hotel, dining and theme park tickets as early as possible for the best rates and availability. Disney also periodically releases special offers on hotels and vacation packages that you can often apply even if you have already made your reservations.

Related: Are the Disney Visa credit cards worth it?

We will dig deeper into each of these topics in this guide. Once you have a rough outline of your vacation based on the questions above, here are important dates to keep in mind so you can make your Disney dream a reality.

How soon can you book a Disney World hotel?

Disney releases hotel availability periodically, so there is no exact date that Disney hotel reservations become available. You can currently book Disney World hotel stays through Dec. 31, 2024.

Disney typically opens reservations for the following year around May or June, so you can expect to see 2025 availability around that time. If your plans change, you can cancel your room-only reservation up to five days in advance of arrival for a full refund. Ticket and hotel vacation packages must be canceled 30 days in advance to receive a full refund.

When can you purchase Disney World tickets?

Disney World tickets follow the same availability calendar as Disney hotel reservations. You can purchase tickets (or vacation packages including a hotel and tickets) through Dec. 31, 2024. Disney typically releases tickets for the following year around May or June, so you can expect to see 2025 availability around that time.

All tickets are date-based, and the price of one-day tickets also varies by park. You can purchase your tickets any time before you visit; the price won't change regardless of how long you wait. Theme park tickets are nonrefundable, but you may be able to change your ticket date if your plans change.

Until Jan. 9, 2024, you must have a Disney ticket and make a theme park reservation to enter a Disney park.

When do Disney World dining reservations become available?

You can begin making dining reservations 60 days prior to your visit. If you are staying in a Disney World hotel, you can make dining reservations 60 days before your check-in day for your entire stay (up to 10 days).

Reservations open on Disney's website or the My Disney Experience app between 5:45 a.m. and 6 a.m. EST or you can call 407-939-DINE beginning at 7 a.m. EST, but coveted reservations may already be snatched up by that time. You can cancel most Disney World dining reservations up to two hours before your reservation. Exceptions will be noted in the confirmation email you receive at the time of booking.

If you're not yet sure where to eat, here are our favorite restaurants at Disney World .

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

What are the 4 parks at Disney World?

Each of Disney World's four theme parks is uniquely themed and packed with fun. You can learn more about each park, including attractions, shows, parade times and interactive maps to help you find your way around in the My Disney Experience app.

Here's a bit more information about each and some tips for choosing the right ticket type to visit them all.

Magic Kingdom

Open since 1971, Magic Kingdom is Disney World's original theme park. This park is a world of fairy tales and fantasy, where you'll find five themed lands — Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland and Liberty Square.

Magic Kingdom is home to some of Disney's most iconic attractions, including Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Peter Pan's Flight and the Haunted Mansion, but also exciting new rides like Tron: Lightcycle Run and the soon-to-open Tiana's Bayou Adventure .

Epcot opened in 1982 and has changed drastically in the four decades since. Epcot's core message, however, hasn't changed: sparking visitors' imaginations through science, technology, nature and the human experience. The park is sectioned into "neighborhoods" — World Celebration, World Nature, World Discovery and World Showcase, where you can visit pavilions that celebrate the arts, culture and customs of 11 countries around the world.

There are a lot of new things to see at Epcot, including Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind , Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana and the all-new fireworks spectacular Luminous – The Symphony of Us .

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Disney's Hollywood Studios is a movie-themed park that has lands and attractions inspired by blockbuster films and beloved Disney characters. In Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge , you can pilot the Millennium Falcon and meet familiar (and furry) faces like Kylo Ren, Chewbacca and Rey.

In Toy Story Land, visitors shrink to the size of Woody, Buzz, Jessie (who you can meet here, by the way) and Andy's other toys. The land's Slinky Dog Dash coaster is a family-friendly ride that's perfect for a kid's first roller coaster.

Outside of the lands themed to specific films, much of the park evokes an old-Hollywood glamour that makes you feel like a bona fide movie star. In these areas, you'll find some of the park's most iconic shows and attractions are also some of its longest-running, like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror drop ride, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular .

Disney's Animal Kingdom

More than 2,000 animals — from about 300 species — call Disney's Animal Kingdom "home," but this is not a zoo. However, you can visit many of these animals via walking trails, the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride and even a petting zoo.

In addition to the creatures and landscapes found on Earth, you can visit another planet at Pandora — The World of Avatar or go back in time at DinoLand U.S.A. The animals aren't the only things that are "wild" at Animal Kingdom — Expedition Everest is a thrilling coaster; Avatar Flight of Passage puts you on the back of a banshee as you fly over Pandora; and Dinosaur sends you careening through the Cretaceous Period in an off-road vehicle.

What type of Disney tickets should I buy?

Disney world base tickets.

You can purchase one-day or multi-day Disney World tickets. All tickets are date-based, and the price varies depending on the date of your visit. If you purchase a one-day ticket, the price will also vary based on which park you plan to visit, with Magic Kingdom being the most expensive.

Disney World Park Hopper tickets

A base ticket only gets you into one park per day. If you want to visit multiple parks on the same day, you will need to purchase the Park Hopper option with your ticket (you can also add it on in person after you arrive). You can save money by only visiting one park per day, but it does limit how much you can see and do during your vacation.

A Park Hopper Plus ticket includes two visits to either Disney's golf courses, miniature golf courses or water parks, but this is only worth it if you know you will use it all.

Disney World special event tickets

Some of Disney's after-hours events , like Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party , require a separate ticket. The park is only open to guests with special event tickets during these events. If you plan on visiting for one of these parties, you may be able to forgo a general admission ticket that day and utilize your special event ticket, as you can usually get into the park a few hours before the party starts.

Disney World ticket add-ons

There are two major ticket add-ons that you should consider. Both can be worth it but will add to the cost of your vacation.

The first add-on you might want to strongly consider is Disney Genie+ . This skip-the-line service allows you to skip the standby line and enjoy shorter wait times for rides by utilizing Disney's Lightning Lanes.

Currently, you can only purchase it on the day of your visit beginning at 7 a.m. and the price ranges between $15 and $35 per person, per day. A handful of attractions at each park require a separate individual Lightning Lane purchase to skip the line, often for the newest rides, but many rides are available with Genie+. You don't need to purchase Genie+ to buy individual Lightning Lane selections and vice versa. The individual Lightning Lane attraction pricing varies by attraction but typically ranges between $7 and $25 per person per attraction for rides like Tron: Lightcycle Run and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

Another popular add-on is Disney's Memory Maker . Memory Maker gives you unlimited downloads of pictures taken by PhotoPass photographers during your vacation and on-ride photos. You can purchase a one-day Memory Maker for short visits or a multi-day Memory Maker which covers your entire vacation. You can save $25 on a multi-day Memory Maker when you purchase at least three days prior to your visit, so it's best to purchase it when you buy your tickets.

How to get discounted Disney World tickets

Aside from Disney's own discounts, you can sometimes save money on Disney tickets by purchasing them from an authorized third-party reseller. There are a few reputable sources out there for Disney World tickets, but our go-to is Undercover Tourist . Depending on your ticket type, you can usually save between $5 and $100. One of the best ways to save money with Undercover Tourist is when Disney World raises ticket prices , which usually happens at least once per year. Undercover Tourist typically has a limited number of existing ticket stock available at the old prices while supplies last.

Related: We saved every receipt — here's how much it actually costs to go to Disney World

If you are a Florida resident or are an active or retired U.S. military member , there are generous discounted Disney World tickets available directly through Disney's website.

You can also use points to pay for your Disney tickets , and that's a strategy we strongly recommend to keep costs down. For example, with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card , you can earn a welcome bonus of 75,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of having the card. You can use those 75k points as the same as $750 towards travel . And while ticket-only packages from Disney World typically don't code as a travel charge, buying them from Undercover Tourist — or as part of a larger hotel and ticket package directly from Disney — typically does code as a travel charge, so you could save $750 just like that.

Is booking a Disney vacation package a good idea?

If you are staying in one of Disney World's on-site hotels or a certified " Disney World Good Neighbor " hotel, you have the option to bundle your hotel stay and theme park tickets into a Disney vacation package. Normally, these packages are not discounted, but they can be a great value if Disney runs any special vacation package promotions .

Aside from discounts (and the fact that it all likely codes as a travel charge for point-redemption purposes), there's one major reason to book a vacation package: When you purchase your tickets and hotel together, you only have to pay a $200 deposit at the time of booking. Payment in full is due 30 days prior to arrival. If you purchase your tickets separately from your hotel stay, you will have to pay the full amount at the time of purchase.

This is another great example of why you should book through an authorized Disney travel planner who can compare prices for you and keep an eye out for discounts.

When is the best time to visit Disney World?

Do you want the lowest crowds or the best weather? Do you want to attend a Halloween party or see Magic Kingdom's 65-foot-tall Christmas tree ?

The best time to visit Disney World depends on your reason for visiting.

If you want moderate temperatures and less chance of rain, you may want to plan your visit between October and December. If you want shorter waits, your best bets are late January, early May or just after Thanksgiving before the crowds descend upon the parks for winter break. Of course, weekdays typically see lower crowds than weekends and school breaks.

Or, if you are planning a Disney World vacation on a budget, opt for midweek dates in August and September 2024, when prices start at $109 for a one-day ticket.

Read our full guide on the best times to visit Walt Disney World .

What's the best way to get to Disney World?

Getting to Orlando and getting to Disney World after arriving are two different topics, so let's look at each.

What is the closest airport?

The closest airport to Walt Disney World is Orlando International Airport (MCO). Most major airlines fly into MCO, and you can reach Disney World in about 25 to 30 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic. If you are flying Allegiant or Sun Country Airlines, you'll fly into Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). SFB is smaller than MCO and farther from Disney World. From SFB, it is about a 45-minute drive to Disney World.

What is the best way to get to Disney World from the airport?

Because of its size and proximity to Disney World, MCO has more and better options to help you get between the airport and Disney World.

From Orlando International Airport or Orlando Sanford International Airport, you can rent a car or use a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft. If you do rent a car from MCO, you can forgo paying tolls through the car rental company (which often comes with an additional fee) and pick up a Visitor Toll Pass to save on tolls during your trip.

Disney no longer charges a parking fee for overnight hotel guests, so if you rent a car, you can park at your hotel and drive to Disney's theme parks without additional fees. Keep in mind that you may not need a car if you don't plan on leaving Disney property after you arrive. Disney has a robust internal transportation system that operates between its on-site hotels and theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs.

You can also use Disney's official airport shuttle, Mears Connect , from MCO.

Mears Connect is a shuttle service that picks you up from MCO and will drop you off at official Disney World hotels and a handful of nearby hotels. Pricing starts at $16 one-way for adults and $13 one-way for children. Mears Connect offers shared shuttles, where you will stop at multiple Disney hotels on the way to your own. You can pay an additional fee for an "express shuttle" that takes you direct to your resort. The easiest way to reserve your ride is online through the Mears Connect website.

What is the best way to get around Disney World?

If you are staying on Walt Disney World property, you can utilize Disney's complimentary transportation for travel between your resort and Disney's theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs. Disney offers transportation by bus, boat, Monorail and Disney Skyliner gondola system. Which transportation options you have access to will depend on which hotel you are staying in.

All Disney hotels offer regularly scheduled bus transportation around the resort. Transportation begins 45 minutes prior to the theme park opening and up to one hour after the theme park closing.

Guests of Disney's Magic Kingdom area resorts — Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Contemporary Resort and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa — can use boat or Monorail transportation to travel to the Magic Kingdom. There is also a monorail line that will take you to the Transportation and Ticket Center, where you can transfer to a separate Monorail line that goes to Epcot. These hotels also offer a walking path to Magic Kingdom.

Guests of Disney's Riviera Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Art of Animation Resort and Disney's Pop Century Resort can use the Disney Skyliner gondolas to travel to Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot. All Disney World visitors can also use Disney Skyliner to travel between these two parks, regardless of where you are staying. It's a fun and scenic way to get around the resort.

Many Disney World hotels also offer ferry boat transportation to nearby parks. The BoardWalk area hotels, for example, offer boat transportation to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Fort Wilderness, Disney's Wilderness Lodge and others offer boat service to the Magic Kingdom. You can view a full list on Disney's website . You can also walk to Epcot or Hollywood Studios from any BoardWalk area hotel.

Whichever transportation option you choose, you can view the schedule, routes and stop locations in the My Disney Experience app or on video monitors at each stop location.

You can also utilize Disney's Minnie Van service for door-to-door (or door-to-front gate, as it were) service between your hotel and Disney's theme parks. You can book these private rides in red-and-white polka-dot vans directly through the Lyft app. Accessible rides and child safety seats are available.

Though not "official" Disney World hotels, Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve hotel guests have access to Disney's complimentary ferry boat service to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. A walking path is also available. These resorts also operate their own shuttles to Disney's theme parks, which pick up approximately every 20 to 25 minutes throughout the day.

Disney Springs hotels operate their own shuttle services, independent of Disney's transportation. If you are staying at one of these hotels, you can inquire about scheduling and pick-up times at the front desk.

What's the best place to stay on a Disney vacation?

There are more than two dozen Disney World hotels to choose from, so your main considerations will be your budget and what type of hotel experience you are after. Whether you want over-the-top Disney theming, an upscale cabin in the woods or a luxury villa with access to a club lounge, you can find it at Disney World.

Disney offers three hotel tiers: Value, Moderate and Deluxe.

Value Disney resorts are the most affordable, with prices ranging between $125 and $300 per night. Value resorts offer quick-service, cafeteria-style dining outlets and large pools but don't have full-service restaurants or pool amenities like waterslides and hot tubs.

On average, Moderate Disney resorts run between $250 and $400 and offer amenities you won't find at Value Disney resorts. Some have full-service restaurants, and the pools are better-themed and equipped with waterslides. Many of them are more centrally located near Disney's theme parks, as well.

Deluxe Disney resorts are the most expensive, ranging between $400 to $700 per night and up for a standard room, but they also have the best locations, amenities and dining. You can expect large, well-furnished guest rooms, pool complexes with hot tubs, waterslides and beach areas, multiple full-service restaurants, spas and more.

Regardless of which hotel you choose, Disney's on-site hotels offer perks to enhance your stay:

• A 30-minute jumpstart on your day with Disney's Early Theme Park Entry benefit
• The ability to purchase individual Lightning Lanes for eligible rides begins at 7 a.m. on the day of your visit (non-resort guests can't do this until the park opens)
• Complimentary hotel and theme park parking
• Extended Evening Theme Park Hours for guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels on select nights (this benefit is also available to guests of Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve hotels, as well as Shades of Green)

Best hotels at Disney World

The best Disney World hotel for you depends on what you are looking for in a hotel stay. If you don't plan on spending much time in your room, you can save a lot of money by staying in a Value resort. If you plan on spending part of your vacation enjoying hotel amenities like the pool and restaurants, you may want to choose a Moderate or Deluxe resort. Or, if you have a large family that won't be comfortable in a standard room, one of Disney's family suites might be your best bet.

Here are a few of our favorites:

Best Disney World resort if you are on a budget: Disney's Pop Century Resort may not be the most glamorous hotel at Disney, but the kitschy 1950s through 1990s theming and the starting price of around $200 per night will surely put a smile on your face. This resort has three pools, a playground and an arcade. Guest rooms are furnished with either one king bed or a queen bed and a space-saving table that folds out into a bed. It is also one of two Value resorts with Skyliner gondola access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Best Disney World resort for large families : Disney's Art of Animation Resort is in Disney's more affordable Value category and has family suites themed to popular Disney films like "Cars," "The Lion King" and "Finding Nemo" that sleep up to six guests. The pool here is the largest at any Disney World resort, and you can take the Disney Skyliner gondolas to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Standard rooms are also available.

Best Disney World resort for swimming : Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts are sister properties near Epcot. The two resorts have rooms that average around $600 per night and share access to Stormalong Bay, the best pool at Disney World . Stormalong Bay is really more than a pool, it is a water park with sand-bottomed pools, a lazy river, an activities pool with a volleyball net and daily pool games and a shipwreck-themed waterslide.

Best Disney World resort for a luxury stay : If the sky is the limit for your Walt Disney World vacation budget, the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge are some of the finest accommodations you can choose. With two bedrooms, a fireplace, a screened-in porch, a hot tub and lakeside views, these cabins are anything but rustic. The privacy offers you a chance to wind down after a long Disney day, but you are still close enough to take a boat ride to Magic Kingdom and enjoy the amenities and dining in the resort's main lobby.

If you are leaning toward a luxury Disney stay, you may be able to save money by renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points. DVC is Disney's version of a timeshare program. DVC members can rent out their points to non-members through sites like David's Vacation Club Rentals , helping you to save hundreds of dollars versus booking directly through Disney. The trade-off is that availability is limited and that the cancellation policies are much less flexible than if you make the reservation direct through Disney.

Read our full guide on the best hotels at Walt Disney World .

Best hotels near Disney World

Disney World also partners with a handful of off-site hotels where you can still take advantage of certain benefits like Early Theme Park Entry and complimentary transportation while also paying less than you would for an official Disney World hotel. These hotels also participate in major hotel points programs, so you can earn or redeem points for your stay.

The Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve hotels all participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program. While not technically Disney hotels, they are located on Disney property between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. If you are a Marriott Bonvoy elite member , these hotels offer benefits like complimentary upgrades, a welcome amenity and more.

Related: This affordable new Disney Springs hotel includes free hot food and 6 nightly drinks

Disney Springs has seven hotels from brands like Wyndham, Hilton, Holiday Inn and others. All of these are adjacent to the Disney Springs shopping and dining district, and some have room rates that start at close to $100 per night. These can be a great option if you want to save money and don't mind leaving the "Disney bubble" at the end of the day.

Read our full guide to Disney Springs hotels here .

What are the best restaurants at Disney World?

With more than 200 restaurants to choose from, you are going to have to decide which Disney World restaurants you most want to visit. Dining options run the gamut from the predictable burger and fries to an out-of-this-world restaurant in space.

Read our full guide to the best restaurants at Disney World .

Hardest Disney reservations to get (and how to get them)

Many of these restaurants are quick-service or snack stands that don't require advance reservations, but there are a few popular restaurants that book up almost as quickly as reservations become available. If you want to dine with Disney royalty at Cinderella's Royal Table, for example, you'll want to make your reservation as soon as you can. Remember, that is 60 days prior to your visit — if you are staying at a Disney World hotel, you can make reservations for your entire vacation 60 days prior to your check-in day.

Related: 'Be our guest' at these 5 best character dining meals at Walt Disney World

Other reservations that book up quickly include Storybook Dining at Artist Point , Space 220 at Epcot, California Grill, 'Ohana, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Hollywood Studios and Topolino's Terrace, especially for the character breakfast. All of these have great food and atmosphere, making them popular for new and returning guests.

Best quick-service restaurants at Disney that don't require a reservation

Luckily, there are plenty of Disney restaurants with delicious food you can get your hands on without a reservation. Satuli Canteen in Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom is consistently ranked as one of the best quick-service restaurants anywhere at Disney. The food is fresh, flavorful and surprisingly inexpensive. You can get a build-your-own bowl with beef, chicken or fish for less than $20.

Other must-try quick-service restaurants include Ronto Roasters at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge (the Ronto Breakfast Wrap is the best handheld meal at Disney!), Columbia Harbour House at Magic Kingdom for New England-inspired fare and Regal Eagle Smokehouse at Epcot for all things barbecue.

Using the Disney app to improve your dining experience

The My Disney Experience app is a must for your Disney World vacation for checking wait times, finding your way around and more. When it comes to dining, you can use it to find walk-up dining availability, score last-minute reservations, see what restaurants are nearby, and place mobile orders at select quick-service restaurants.

When you place a mobile order via the app, you choose what time you would like to pick up your order (with the option to modify if plans change). When you arrive at the restaurant, you can click "I'm here. Prepare my order," and you'll receive a notification on your phone when your food is ready.

Should you buy a Disney Dining Plan?

The cost of dining at Disney can add up quickly, and Disney offers two dining plan options that may help you save money. The Disney Dining Plan lets you prepay for a specified number of meals and snacks for your Disney World vacation. You receive a certain number of meal and snack credits for each night of your stay.

The Disney Dining Plan is both convenient and flexible. By prepaying for your meals and snacks, you won't have to pull out your wallet for every meal and snack, and you aren't required to use a set number of credits each day. You can redeem them anytime during your stay in the way that best works for you.

There are two options — the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan and the Disney Dining Plan. The first is a bit less expensive and allows for more flexibility. The second is best if you plan on more sit-down dining and character meals during your vacation.

Whether or not you can save money with a Disney Dining Plan depends on how you utilize the credits. It is possible to break even or come out ahead if you maximize the value of your credits and actually eat all of the food available on the plan. If you don't use all of your credits, you are essentially leaving money on the table, but our guide can help you out with the math.

Read our full guide to the Disney Dining Plan .

How to save time in line at Disney World

Most Walt Disney World attractions offer a standby line. The only exceptions are new attractions, which will often offer a virtual queue for a limited time after opening. When Disney World is busy, though, standby lines for popular attractions can climb as high as two hours. Luckily, Disney has a service called Disney Genie+ that helps you skip the standby line and get on more attractions with shorter waits.

With Disney Genie+, you can skip the standby line and utilize a much shorter "Lightning Lane" for most attractions. You can only purchase this add-on service on the day of your visit, beginning at midnight (though you will likely be safe waiting until you wake up in the morning except on Disney's busiest days).

The cost of Disney Genie+ varies per park and per day. The service starts at $15 per person per day and occasionally reaches a per-person price of $35 per day during the busy Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season or in April during spring break. You can purchase Genie+ for one of Disney World's four theme parks or a "multiple park" option valid at all four parks when you purchase through the My Disney Experience app.

Most attractions are included in the Disney Genie+ service, but one or two attractions at each park require a separate Lightning Lane purchase to skip the line. It's not necessary to purchase Genie+ to buy individual Lightning Lane selections and vice versa. The individual Lightning Lane attraction pricing varies by attraction but typically ranges between $7 and $25 per person, per attraction.

Read our full guide to Disney Genie+ .

If you are staying in one of Disney's on-site hotels or in select "Good Neighbor" hotels, as mentioned in the section above, you can also save time in line by utilizing Early Theme Park Entry and/or Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. You can get into the parks 30 minutes early with the Early Entry benefit, but you actually want to arrive at the front gates 30-45 minutes before that time. This will give you time to get through security and to the roped-off area where they hold guests, making you one of the first in line to rush to your favorite ride when early entry starts.

Related: Your guide to visiting Disney World with a child on the autism spectrum

If you or someone in your party has a disability that makes it difficult for you to wait in a traditional standby queue, you can also save time by registering for Disney's Disability Access Service (DAS). You need to start the registration process before your visit, and full instructions are available on Disney's website .

How to plan a Disney World trip on a budget

While sensational stories about $2,500 meals at Disney make for good headlines, it is totally possible to visit Disney World on a budget .

Related: Yes, you can visit Disney World on a budget: Here's how I did it

Here are some of the most important things you can do to make your Disney vacation budget manageable:

• Stay at a Disney Value resort like Disney's All-Star Movies Resort or use Marriott points to stay at the Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve. Here are the best cards to get those points.
• Utilize Disney's complimentary parking and transportation for on-site guests instead of renting a car.
• Purchase groceries for some meals and snacks, and only buy one or two meals in the parks each day.
• Don't visit the parks every day you are at Disney and stick to one park per day, avoiding park hopping. You can save on tickets by spending a day swimming or visiting Disney Springs.
• Don't forget to periodically check Disney's website for discounts. Even after you book, you may be able to apply a hotel or vacation package discount that can save you even more money.
• Be on the lookout for discounted Disney gift cards to help cover the cost of your trip and/or use points for the tickets.
• Visit during less busy times of the year. Ticket prices are cheapest in August and September, with one-day tickets starting at $109.

Disney World pretrip checklist

Now that you've determined your budget, purchased your tickets, booked your hotel and made a few dining reservations, your trip is nearly planned. There are some other details you'll need to consider to make your trip as magical as it should be. Here's our ultimate Disney World pre-trip checklist:

• Pack accordingly : Depending on when you visit, you could be dealing with heat, humidity, afternoon showers, chilly temperatures or a mix of all of the above. It's important to pack comfortable shoes and clothing no matter when you visit, but you may also want rain gear, sun protection or a warm jacket, depending on the weather. You can read our full Disney World packing guide here .
• Download the My Disney Experience app : This app is an invaluable tool that you will use daily during your visit. You can use it to check everything from wait times to walk-up dining availability. You can also use it to navigate the parks with turn-by-turn walking directions, purchase Disney Genie+ and individual Lightning Lanes and even open your hotel room door.
• Check the park hours before your visit : You can view the park hours on the Walt Disney World website or the My Disney Experience app. Each park has separate opening and closing times, and parks occasionally close early for special events like Halloween and Christmas parties. When you view the park hours, you'll also be able to see times for any parades or fireworks shows happening each day of your visit and plan for early entry or extended theme park hours for eligible on-site hotel guests.
• Check the height requirements for attractions: If you are traveling to Disney World with young children, you can check the height requirements for attractions on Disney World's website or in the My Disney Experience app. There are also measuring stations at all attractions that have a minimum height requirement, but it's better to know ahead of time to avoid tears if your child isn't quite tall enough.
• Know where to find your favorite characters : Most Disney characters have designated meeting times and locations, which you can find in the My Disney Experience app. Booking a character meal can be a great way to meet multiple characters at once, but you can also meet many characters in the parks. Popular meet-and-greets also offer Genie+ Lightning Lane access, which can cut down on the time you spend waiting to meet Mickey, Moana or Cinderella.
• Decide if you want to purchase PhotoPass photos : You can save money on Disney Memory Maker by purchasing in advance before you visit. It's the easiest way to capture your vacation memories and an add-on we highly recommend. You can view and download your photos in the My Disney Experience app.
• Study up on Genie+: As helpful as Genie+ can be, there is a bit of a learning curve. Study up using our Genie+ guide and Disney's own overview before your visit. It's good to know which attractions participate in Genie+, how to reserve Lightning Lane access and how to make the most of the service.
• Plan for downtime: One of the biggest mistakes people make at Disney World is overscheduling their trip and leaving no time for rest and relaxation. If you are visiting for more than a few days, try and schedule a day away from the parks where you swim, explore the other resorts or just lounge around the hotel. It'll help rejuvenate you for the rest of your trip. For shorter trips, you may want to schedule a slow morning or return to your hotel early one day instead of being at the parks from opening to closing every day of your trip.

Read all of our best Disney World tips here .

Bottom line

There you have it — the ultimate guide to visiting Walt Disney World.

In addition to the planning and preparation you've now mastered, there are two very important things you must do during your Disney World vacation — don't overplan and have fun. It's much better to have a short list of "must-do" rides, restaurants and activities than to have a minute-by-minute itinerary that most certainly will not play out exactly how you planned.

Keeping a loose itinerary leaves room for magic moments like stumbling upon a favorite character, noticing a super-short line for a ride or deciding last-minute to watch a parade you happened upon. You can't do everything in one trip anyway, so do the things you can and save the rest for next time when you are a certified Disney pro.

FOR NO-COST-TO-YOU ASSISTANCE IN PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

Related reading:

• The best Disney World hotels for your stay
• The 21 most underrated things at Disney World: What to see, do and eat that many guests miss
• Forgetting to do this 1 thing could ruin your Disney trip
• Disney's take on timeshares: Guide to Disney Vacation Club
• 8 Walt Disney World experiences that don't require a park ticket

Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary VIP Tour Overview

Walt Disney World  only turns 50 once and during the 18-month long World’s Most Magical Celebration , one of the ways Guests can enhance their celebration is with a new VIP Tour experience, fitting called the 50th Anniversary Tour . Hosted by a Disney VIP Tour Guide, the 8-hour tour is designed to maximize your appreciation of the history of the resort with a planned itinerary that includes resorts, theme parks, and Disney’s iconic modes of transportation. “Get ready to travel by land, sky and the seven seas on an adventure of a lifetime,” read the branding on the tour and with that, we set out for a magical day of experiences.

Your VIP Tour Guide will meet you at the Disney Resort you’re staying at, but since we weren’t staying on-property we met our guide Kelly at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Each member of our party was given a special 50th Anniversary version of the Disney VIP Tours pin. This tour accommodates a maximum of 6 Guests.

Our first mode of transportation was by land in a deluxe motor coach with digital controls that could raise and lower the shades, turn on multicolored lighting enhancements, and even stream Disney+  during the ride on two TVs facing each other.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground served as lodging for construction workers while Magic Kingdom  park was being built. Since Walt Disney’s first paying job as an artist was drawing his dentist’s horse for a nickel, we toured the brand-new Tri-Circle D horse barn and got to meet some of the steeds that pull the trolly and carriages down Main Street U.S.A. We also got to see the calliope that Walt Disney purchased, which was used in the film Toby Tyler  and parades at Disneyland  and Walt Disney World. It was recently redesigned in honor of the 50th Anniversary and as a special magic moment, we got to press the button to activate the calliope playing “When You Wish Upon a Star.”

Our next stop was Disney’s Contemporary Resort where, after learning about the unique way the main concourse was assembled, we took a private elevator up to the recently redesigned California Grill , with modifications designed to celebrate the history of the space. We toasted to 50 years with mimosas, took in the sweeping views of the 43-square miles of Walt Disney World property, and learned about how Walt Disney and his associates bought the land in secrecy to try and get a value on the land.

We had already traveled by land, so now it was time to take to the Seven Seas (Lagoon) via a privately chartered boat over the water bridge that connects the man-made lake to Bay Lake. Our guide shared some of the history of the Vacation Kingdom, even sailing us by the old wave machine that was used to offer surfing lessons at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in the 70s. As we approached Magic Kingdom, we were treated to audio from Roy O. Disney’s dedication speech for the grand opening of the park.

Our first stop inside the park was Town Square Theater where Mickey Mouse recently resumed meet and greets with Guests, now wearing his EARidescent finest. We bypassed the queue to meet Walt Disney’s most famous character.

Kelly pointed out some of the windows on Main Street U.S.A. that honor the people who helped secure the land for Walt Disney World, including this one with a nod to one of the aliases used to buy the land, “M. T. Lott.”

Everyone who visits Magic Kingdom gets to see Cinderella Castle, but very few people get to enter the living quarters. One of the big draws of this tour is the chance to go inside the Cinderella Castle Suite.

Furnished in 2007 as part of The Year of a Million Dreams, the suite is undergoing a few upgrades and so photos inside weren’t allowed, with the exception of a peek out the window at Fantasyland.

It was then time for lunch, which is included in the cost of the tour. Our order was taken before we sailed to Magic Kingdom so when we arrived at Be Our Guest Restaurant, our orders came out quickly. There was no limit to what we could order, including signature drinks in souvenir light-up goblets. For dessert, an assortment of cupcakes were delivered with a white chocolate rose full of “The Grey Stuff” (it’s delicious!).

The first ride of the day Pirates of the Caribbean , which came with the history of the attraction and how Guests were so upset that it wasn’t part of Magic Kingdom when the park opened that plans for the Western River Expedition were scrapped to make way for it. Next, we walked to Liberty Square for a ride aboard a Doom Buggy in The Haunted Mansion . But the “Real” chills came later.

By far, the best part of the tour was when we stepped off our Doom Buggies and were brought backstage to the side of the attraction. No photos were allowed so I have nothing to prove that I got to do this, but we were taken underneath the ride track to see the figures that appear in the ballroom sequence through a Pepper’s Ghost effect. A railing kept us far enough away from the figures to catch the light and be seen by Guests onboard the ride. It was not only cool to see them all up-close and in-person, but also to learn that Abraham Lincoln is seated at the dining table (a blue variation of the figure from The Hall of Presidents ), as is Carlos, the mayor being dunked in the well from Pirates , who is blowing out birthday candles rather than spitting out water. I get goosebumps just thinking about the fact that I got to go down there.

Another place we got to go down into was the Utilidors, also known as the “Tunnels.” We descended beneath Mickey’s Philharmagic  underneath Fantasyland and took a walk down the center divide back to Main Street U.S.A., coming up behind the Emporium and getting a look at the “Backside” of Jungle Cruise . No photos are allowed in backstage areas, so you’ll have to take my word for it.

We traveled to EPCOT  via Monorail, receiving our own private car on both the Magic Kingdom Express and EPCOT line. On the way into EPCOT, we were told that the Monorail slowed down just for us so we could get a longer view of all the work being done to transform Future World into World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature.

On the theme of traveling by sky, after getting off Disney’s “Highway in the sky,” we were brought to the new restaurant Space 220  for a snack. After ascending the elevator for an omnipotent view of Earth, we were treated to two of the restaurants signature menu items (Blue Moon Cauliflower and Centauri Burger sliders), two dessert samples (Chocolate Cheesecake and Carrot Cake), and our choice of signature mocktail (The Milky Way, Moon Rocks, or Lightyear Lemonade), each of which came with a pack of souvenir trading cards.

Following our return back to EPCOT, we went backstage to find the van waiting for us to drive us to Pixar’s version of Paris for a trip aboard the newest attraction, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure , which opened with the start of “The Happiest Celebration on Earth.

After transitioning from mouse-height back to human-height, our last trip in the sky was aboard Disney’s Skyway to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, where the van was waiting to return us to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.

As a special parting gift, we were gifted our very own Main Street Window, exclusive to this tour (one per party). It’s branded with the 50th Anniversary Tour, reminds us of our trip “Across Lands, Skies & Seven Seas,” and thanks us for taking the tour.

For more information about the 50th Anniversary Tour, visit the official website or contact your travel agent.

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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

This New Disney World Tour Takes You To All 12 Theme Parks In Less Than A Month

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Disney has put together the ultimate travel package for fans of the company’s parks and attractions, but it comes at a hefty price.

Adventures by Disney will take 75 people on a 24-day adventure around the world, stopping at 12 Disney attractions and some of the most iconic landmarks on the globe. 

Hotels, 68 meals, private air travel, and admission to all the attractions are included in the cost, which begins at an eye-popping $109,995 for double-occupancy accommodations. Single rooms can be added for an additional $11,000.

Adventures by Disney has put together an extensive list of trip tips and FAQs , covering everything from health and safety protocols to documentation and travel information.

The trip begins in Southern California on July 9, 2022, and works its way around the globe to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe before finishing in Florida on August 1.

The trip includes adventure guides and local experts at every stop, exclusive access to the parks and exhibits, and a promise of adventure for everybody on the trip.

“On this ultimate Disney experience, all activities will be fun, engaging and specially tailored to appeal to all sorts of adventurers, whether you’re exploring a new destination, on the jet or, of course, amid the magic of a Disney theme park,” Disney promises.

Highlights of the itinerary include:

Southern California

The first 3 days begin in Anaheim, with a welcome dinner in Disneyland and a check-in to Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. Day two includes a Walt Disney Studios tour and World of Color viewing, with day three spent at Disneyland and California Adventure.

San Francisco

Days four and five are spent in the Bay Area, with visits to the Walt Disney Family Museum, LucasFilm Campus, and Summit Skywalker Ranch. There will also be wine tasting, a gala dinner, and a Star Wars and Disney trivia night.

After a full day of travel to Japan, guests will have 3 days in Tokyo to visit Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, or experience Walt Disney Imagineering. Guests can also have the option of taking half-day or full-day Kamakura Zen tours.

Next, it’s on to 2 days in China , with guests visiting Shanghai Disneyland and any of a number of other activities in the city, including tours, cooking classes, painting classes, and acrobat shows.

Two days in Hong Kong include visits to Hong Kong Disneyland, tours of the city and region, junk boat cruises, private cooking classes, and more.

Two days are then spent in India , with Agra Fort tours and nature walks available on the first day. The highlight of the second day is sunrise at the Taj Mahal, followed by tours or visits to various tombs or shopping.

Just one day is spent in Egypt , but it is spent visiting the Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx of Giza.

It’s on to France for 3 days, with VIP tours at Walt Disney Studios Park and Disneyland Paris. Guests can also peel off for visits to Paris and the Eiffel Tower, an escape to the Champagne countryside, or tours of the city or region.

The trip finishes in Orlando , with 4 days at Walt Disney World Resort. Visits include the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, the Tri-Circle D Ranch, and more.

Greg Robertson has worked as an editor and writer for some of the top newspapers and websites in the country, leading him to live all across the country. He now calls Las Vegas home, but has journeyed from the sunshine of California and the rain in Seattle, to the humidity of Arkansas and the snow of Minnesota. His travels have taken him to Puerto Vallarta, Costa Rica, Spain, and the Dominican Republic, but he's happiest at home with his wife, two daughters, and dog.

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A virtual visit to the Magic Kingdom at Disney World

The Happiest Place on Earth — without the long lines and hot sun

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Walt Disney World’s doors are closed until July, but if you’re feeling a little squicky about venturing to the Magic Kingdom so soon, there’s good news: If a Disney attraction exists (or existed in the time of YouTube), then chances are a high-definition video ride-through, walk-through, or POV of the attraction exists, ready to be experienced from home.

Disney parks have a lax policy when it comes to bringing cameras on rides to film the experience. As long as filming doesn’t pose a safety hazard (which it would on Hollywood Studios’ Rock ‘N Roller coaster, which goes upside down) or involve using flash on dark rides like Haunted Mansion, cast members permit visitors to use recording devices on most rides. While Disney specifically prohibits selfie sticks at the parks, GoPros, iPhones, and DSLR cameras are all allowed. (Which explains how one mad genius covertly directed an entire black-and-white thriller inside the parks.)

Ride-through and walk-through videos are a big part of theme park culture, showcasing many attractions and interactive areas of the park. The videos are so common that we were able to build an entire virtual ride through and walkthrough of the iconic landmarks at California’s Disneyland . The next logical step was Florida’s Disney World.

Like Walt himself, we never stop dreaming and building. So behold, a virtual exploration of the Magic Kingdom — the bigger, evolved version of Disneyland — broken down by land order. Yes, there is an order in which to “do” Magic Kingdom. Sorry, Dole Whip is not included (but here’s the official Dole DIY recipe if you’d like to complete the Walt Disney World experience).

Main Street U.S.A

Main street.

In Magic Kingdom, the Main Street area — designed to evoke Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri — is less about the attractions and more about the feel. It’s a quintessential part of the Magic Kingdom experience.

Disney Railroad

The railroad technically goes around the whole park, but it starts in Main Street so it goes here. Walt loved trains!

Adventureland

Jungle cruise.

The Emily Blunt Dwayne Johnson movie version of the iconic ride got pushed to 2021, but you can experience the full Disney World ride — bad jokes and puns included — through the magic of YouTube. The Florida version of this ride features carefully chosen plants designed to thrive in central Florida’s humid summers and surprisingly cool winters.

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

The Aladdin-themed ride is basically the Dumbo elephant fixture of Fantasyland, but with magic carpets instead. In Magic Kingdom, this space is used for Aladdin character meet-and-greets.

Pirates of the Caribbean

The facade of this version of Pirates of the Caribbean is inspired by Castillo de San Felipe del Morro in the Old San Juan in Puerto Rico. The ride existed before the movie series was even a thing, though recent refurbishments have added some uncanny Jack Sparrow animatronics and rethinking of a scene where women were being auctioned off.

Swiss Family Treehouse

It’s not a ride, but it is a dope treehouse. Take a breather in the middle of your Disney day to explore some trees.

Enchanted Tiki Room

Talking birds, catchy songs — what more could you want? One of the immersive show experiences at Walt Disney World, the Enchanted Tiki room is full of parrots serenading guests.

Frontierland

Big thunder mountain.

The runaway railroad ride is a staple of Frontierland across Disney parks worldwide. With sharp twists and turns, it’s one of the more thrilling rides at Disney Word. The Florida version is slightly bigger than the California one.

Country Bear Jamboree

Do you remember the Country Bears movie? Well, it exists, and so does this video of the Disney World show.

Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade

Check out some rootin’, tootin’, shootin’ action.

Splash Mountain

The benefits to enjoying Splash Mountain in the comfort of your home: no risk of ruining your custom-made Disney vacation T-shirt with Splash Mountain water! Because, of course you’ll be wearing your Disney vacation T-shirt whilst embarking on this virtual adventure.

Tom Sawyer Island

Like its Disneyland equivalent, the island is Tom Sawyer-themed. The kids still love Tom Sawyer, right?

Liberty Square

The hall of presidents.

Come for the American history lessons, stay for the life-like wax figurines. Here’s the pre-2016 version , by the way, for no particular reason.

Haunted Mansion

Happy haunts await you! Each Haunted Mansion across Disney parks is themed to the area. In this case, the mansion evokes the Gothic Revival architecture of the mid-1700s, perfectly fitting in with the Revolutionary War-themed Liberty Square.

Liberty Square Riverboat

It wouldn’t be a Disney park without a riverboat. Unlike the Disneyland version, the Magic Kingdom isn’t tied to American author Mark Twain, but instead a more generic riverboat experience.

Fantasyland

The barnstormer.

A mild roller coaster tailored for kids, the Barnstormer got a revamp in 2011 after the Toontown area of Magic Kingdom closed down and turned into an expanded area of Fantasyland. Instead of being themed to take place at Goofy’s farm, it now fits more in line with the circus theme of the area (full name: The Great Goofini’s Barnstormer).

Casey Jr. Splash N’ Soak Station

Brush off your portable misting fan in order to fully recreate this experience.

Cinderella’s Castle

Cinderella’s Castle is over 100 feet taller than the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Anaheim. The castle is an iconic symbol of not just the Magic Kingdom, but Disney parks worldwide. Walking through the Cinderella Castle leads you right to Fantasyland.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

One of the hallmarks of every Disney World vacation commercial, the Dumbo ride takes (virtual) visitors to the skies.

Enchanted Tales with Belle

Added to the 2011 expansion of Fantasyland, this interactive experience is part show, part house tour. Walk through Belle’s cottage and recreate the events of the movie with Belle and her friends. The line is always long, but the attraction is really cute, and now you can skip the line and view it via video! Unfortunately, this means no audience participation, but we must all make sacrifices.

It’s A Small World

Will this song get stuck in your head after watching this video? Probably! But it’s a wholesome song, so really, it could be a lot worse.

Mad Tea Party

Take a spin on the teacups! The Mad Tea Party and the Dumbo ride are the quintessential Fantasyland attractions, and they both involve spinning. What does it mean?

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

While the ride itself has remained relatively unchanged since its opening in 1999 (where it replaced Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride), the waiting area got retooled during the 2011 expansion to have a play area for restless little children.

Mickey’s PhilharMagic

The 4D show explores some iconic moments in Disney music, with Donald Duck commandeering a magical orchestra.

Peter Pan’s Flight

To this day, Peter Pan’s Flight is one of the most popular attractions in the Magic Kingdom, a testament to the power of good Imagineering, the legacy of J.M. Barrie’s timeless tale, and the fact that edgy tweens entering their Hot Topic phase are really into it.

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

Every Fantasyland has a carousel. This one just happens to be themed to Prince Charming and Cinderella. There is an unverified rumor that one of the horses, specifically one with a golden bow, is “Cinderella’s horse.” The ride was originally called Cinderella’s Carousel, but was re-themed to the less exciting Charming and given a backstory , because why not.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

One of the new attractions to open up in the Fantasyland refurbishment (and also the one ride in Fantasyland I have yet to ride on because the line is always three-hours long), the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train debuted in the second phase of 2014. It’s a fast-paced ride, similar to both Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain in how its path winds both inside and outside. The ride reuses some animatronics from the now-defunct Snow White’s Scary Adventure.

Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

A dark ride that takes guests through Ariel’s adventure, Under the Sea opened up in 2012 following a similar ride’s debut in California Adventure. While the California one’s exterior is stylized like an aquarium (which is, uh, kinda weird but okay), the Magic Kingdom version fits in with the rest of Fantasyland and is stylized like Eric’s castle.

Tomorrowland

Astro orbiter.

If the Magic Carpets of Aladdin is Adventureland’s version of the Dumbo ride, then the Astro Orbiter is Tomorrowland’s. Soar high above the retro-futuristic land in a wee little rocket.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Unfortunately, a YouTube ride through can’t capture the sheer satisfaction of blasting moving targets, but the video does capture the neon arcade-style decor pretty well. Called “Astro Blasters” in Disneyland, this version of the attraction features less dialogue than its California counterpart.

Carousel of Progress

Naysayers may say that the Carousel of Progress is a boring 20-minute show, but they’re really missing out on a few big things. One, Daddy Progress , the fan name for the father figure in the show. Two, a nice, quiet dark space to sit amidst the Florida heat and rest your Disney trekking feet for 25 minutes. And three, a delightful experience taking guests through four distinct eras of technological progress, full of iconic lines (“Whew, boy, hottest Fourth of July we’ve had in years!”) and an incredibly catchy song. We stan the Carousel of Progress in this house.

Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor

More of a show than a ride, the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor is a unique experience each time you visit, since Mike and the other monsters call out different audience members.

Space Mountain

Space Mountain, a roller coaster which hurdles guests almost entirely in the dark, doesn’t seem like it’d make for a fun ride-through video (since it, you know, takes place in the darkness of space), but you can’t have the full Tomorrowland experience without a ride on Space Mountain.

Stitch’s Great Escape!

Ever wonder how Stitch escaped after being taken into custody in the beginning of the movie? Be part of his adventure! Unfortunately, the video doesn’t capture the 4D effects, but given that one of the effects was a gross belch smell, maybe some attractions are better in video form.

Tomorrowland Speedway

Race some cars at Magic Kingdom’s race track. Lots of other Disney parks have a similar attraction under different names, but it’s all about going fast.

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

It’s just a track, one might say. But do not underestimate the sure love Disney fans have for the People Mover, which takes guests behind-the-scenes in certain Tomorrowland attractions. One of the staples of the park, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover has been through a few name changes — the most recent one being the readdition of “PeopleMover” to the Tomorrowland Transit Authority in 2010.

Andor, Moon Knight, and more Disney Plus shows are available to pre-order on 4K Blu-ray

How morph went from marvel cannon fodder to x-men cartoon canon, iwájú is one of the coolest shows on disney plus.

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Walt Disney World Park Tickets

Tickets will include admission to a Disney Water Park †

Includes admission to Disney's Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon, whichever is open.

A World of Magic at our Amazing Parks

With 4 amazing theme parks and 2 splashtastic water parks there's a host of unforgettable experiences to be had at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. We offer a range of ticket options so you can experience the magic your way, whether you prefer to experience one theme park per day with our base ticket or opt for the ultimate in flexibility with our Park Hopper Plus option!

Theme Park Ticket

Our base ticket offers you admission to one of our 4 magical theme parks per day .

Choose between:

• Magic Kingdom Park
• Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Learn more about our Disney Parks

Ticket With Park Hopper Option

Visit more than one theme park on the same day and enjoy more magic! When adding our Park Hopper option, you'll enjoy access to our multiple Walt Disney World Theme Parks for the duration of your ticket!

Check the Park Hours calendar and My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date opening hours.

Learn more about Park Hopper

Ticket With Park Hopper Plus Option

Make the most of your time at Walt Disney World with our Park Hopper Plus option which gives you access to all 4 theme parks and our 2 water parks ! You'll enjoy unlimited daily admission to Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, plus enjoy one of the following experiences per day of your ticket:

One visit to Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park ; enjoy one of the world's tallest, fastest free-falling waterslides plus more chilled out experiences for the whole family.

One visit to Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park ; where you can enjoy fast-paced slides, laid-back rides and 6-foot waves!

One visit to ESPN Wide World of Sports (excludes ticketed events); the ultimate destination for any sports fan where you can enjoy the excitement of sporting events all year round.

Greens fees at Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course (tee times required); a 2,913 yard, par 36, 9-hole walking course suitable for beginners and experienced golfers alike.

One round of mini golf at Disney's Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course (prior to 4pm); a fun-filled course inspired by the classic Disney film Fantasia.

One round of mini golf at Disney's Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course (prior to 4pm); choose from 2 Santa Claus-inspired courses.

How to Purchase Disney Theme Park Tickets

1. select the number of days you would like to visit walt disney world.

Tickets include admission to one Disney Theme Park per day unless the Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus Option is purchased.

2. Select the start date of your ticket

Multi-day tickets are valid for admission on the start date selected and must be used within a limited number of days depending on your ticket length and type:

Other Ticket Types:

• Base ticket with Park Hopper Option: Same as the base ticket, a 3-Day Ticket includes three days of admission to be used across a five day window
• Base ticket with Park Hopper Plus Option: A 3-Day Ticket includes three days of admission to be used across a six day window (usage window incremented by one day with Park Hopper Plus)

3. Purchase and Get Planning

To enter one of the parks, both a valid ticket and a date-specific theme park reservation via the Disney Park Pass system are required †

Buying your tickets in advance allows you to reserve select attractions with Disney FastPass+, book dining reservations, tours, entertainment and recreation, plus special events all before you arrive!

Find out more about FastPass+

Purchase Your Walt Disney World Theme Park Tickets

Multi-day tickets are valid for one theme park per day for each day of the ticket.

Disney Theme Park Tickets and any options purchased are valid for admission beginning on your selected start date and must be used within a limited number of days, depending on ticket length and type. The first day of use must be on your selected start date. For additional details visit our Disney Theme Park Ticket FAQ's .

Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus Options include same-day admission to all 4 theme parks on each day of your ticket. In addition, the Park Hopper Plus Option includes a certain number of visits to a water park or other Walt Disney World fun. Water Parks subject to rehabilitation, season and weather closures. Tee times are required for Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course and are subject to availability.

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The NEW EPCOT Land Is Now OPEN! Come With Us for a FULL TOUR

By Lydia Storks 7 Comments

A BRAND-NEW land has officially opened up in EPCOT!

EPCOT’s new park map!

When EPCOT first announced its transformation , we learned that the park would be split into four neighborhoods — World Nature, World Showcase, World Discovery, and World Celebration. We’ve been able to fully explore three out of those four lands for a while, but we’ve been waiting for a large portion of World Celebration to reopen for YEARS . And if you’ve been itching to walk through the middle of the park again, we have great news!

World Celebration is the area of the park that’s essentially in the middle of EPCOT . Home to Spaceship Earth and many of the areas surrounding it, this neighborhood has been marred by miles (well, maybe that’s an exaggeration) of construction walls for years now.

Construction Walls

But as of December 5th, 2023 — many of the walls have come down! Come along with us on a tour of the NEW World Celebration gardens in EPCOT.

Here’s a quick walkthrough of the new EPCOT Celebration Gardens! It’s also been added to the Walt Disney World app’s park map. pic.twitter.com/GBJFQXdJUl — Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) December 5, 2023

To get to this newly uncovered area, you’ll need to head behind Spaceship Earth. Directly behind the park’s icon is the spot called Dreamers Point. It’s home to a new statue called Walt the Dreamer. What a perfect addition to celebrate Walt Disney’s birthday!

Dreamers Point

The statue sits on a bench where visitors can take a photo with him. He looks out over EPCOT.

Walt Disney Statue

Beyond the statue there are gardens spread throughout four quadrants . They meet in the middle at a new planter that offers a great photo spot with Spaceship Earth in the background. If you look at this with an aerial view, the ground forms the EPCOT logo .

The big planter

The first quadrant of the gardens is located near Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana . Here, there is a little bit of bench seating.

Gardens near Journey of Water

The main draw in this area is that we spotted Daisy Duck having a meet-and-greet! There wasn’t too long of a line for her this morning.

It’s Miss Daisy!

The next quadrant is located near what will become CommuniCore Plaza and CommuniCore Hall , next to the World Nature side of the park. This area is home to a LOT of seating — tables and chairs, benches, hi-tops, and several outdoor outlets for charging your phone.

There’s a lot of seating over here

This is likely going to be a popular seating area in the future, and there’s a nice bit of shade over here.

They even have outlets!

Moving across to the quadrant nearest Creations Shop , this area is a little bit more open. We spotted Pluto having a meet-and-greet back here!

There are some benches in this area as well.

And finally, we have the quadrant nearest Connections Cafe , up by Dreamers Point and Spaceship Earth. This spot has Adirondack chairs, tables, and benches. There are more outlets over here.

This is a great spot to come and sit after you’ve picked up your coffee at Starbucks!

Nice spot to chill

Spread throughout these gardens are lots of planters and some new lighting . The lighting in the area will coordinate with the Beacon of Magic on Spaceship Earth at night, so make sure to check out that effect when you visit!

These will light up at night!

We’ll keep you updated with more changes in EPCOT, so stay tuned to DFB for the latest.

Click Here to Check Out EPCOT’s New Park Map!

Want more details about epcot’s massive transformation, new festival areas, gardens, a meet-and-greet area, and more are coming to epcot, learn all about journey of water -- inspired by moana, has the mary poppins project at disney world been canceled, what’s been cut from the epcot transformation, sneak peek at the new fireworks show coming to epcot, click here for all the news and details about epcot’s transformation, join the dfb newsletter to get all the latest epcot transformation news right in your inbox click here to subscribe.

What do you think of the new gardens in EPCOT? Tell us in the comments!

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December 6, 2023 at 1:35 pm

So 5 years of walls for some new tables and benches? Great

December 6, 2023 at 3:07 pm

Huge Letdown, Not Worth All the Price Increases

December 6, 2023 at 3:24 pm

I’m a huge Disney parks fan and always want to be optimistic about the change. But boy this feels like a let down after five years of construction and the removal of an iconic fountain.

December 6, 2023 at 4:20 pm

For those complaining “Is that all,” the five years it took had a pandemic in the middle, stopping work for over a year. They had to demolish what was there, add the necessary plumbing and electrical connections, then rebuild. All along the way, they were dealing with material and labor shortages with the contractors and having to wait on required inspections throughout the process. I personally think this is going to be a very popular area, with lots of seating options, shade and greenery (which will be much more interesting once it grows in), meet and greets, and places to recharge your devices and yourself.

December 8, 2023 at 11:52 am

Calling it a “land” is generous. However, I’m glad to see more seating and trees. Someday this will be a nice area to enjoy some food & wine snacks

December 8, 2023 at 12:33 pm

I’m sorry; this is considered a ‘land’? Just looks like a place to charge your phone and eat a quick bite. I know there are some defending the five years it took to build this thing and how hard it must have been. All they need to do is look over to Universal – it’s had the same issues and has managed to build almost an entire theme park in the same amount of time. Disney is definitely losing its edge. Where is the Disney touch in all of this? There is none. Just like what they do with all the refurbishments to their hotels: take out as much Disney as you can and replace with generic items so we look like every other hotel chain. I don’t think Imagineers exist anymore.

January 17, 2024 at 9:27 am

I personally love it. The thing I have always liked about the Disney parks is that there are spaces to just relax and chill. I don’t always like changes, but this is nice. For those who don’t like it, there are always alternatives.

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You can visit Disney World, Universal for under $100 a day: The deal with summer tickets

C entral Florida can swelter in the summer, with high temperatures and what feels like even higher humidity. But it’s still a popular time to visit the region’s theme parks . 

This year, those who brave the heat can be rewarded with ticket deals at destinations like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and LEGOLAND Florida, all starting at under $100 a day. SeaWorld Orlando tickets drop as low as $60 on select dates.

Here’s what travelers planning summer theme park vacations should know. 

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

How much is a ticket to Disney World?

Disney World tickets vary by date and park. For one-day, one-park admission for guests ages 10 and up, starting prices range from $109 at Disney's Animal Kingdom to $124 at Magic Kingdom.

However, the resort is offering two ticket deals for spring and summer.

• The 4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket costs $396, which works out to $99 a day. It includes one day at each of Disney World’s four theme parks, without park-hopping or repeating parks. Visits must start between April 2 and Sept. 22 and end within seven days of the start date.
• The 3-Day, 3-Park Magic Ticket costs $267, which works out to $89 a day. It includes one day each at EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, without park-hopping or repeating parks. Admission to Magic Kingdom is not included. Visits must start between April 2 and Sept. 24 and end within five days of the start date.

Your next Disney trip could cost more, depending on when and where you visit

How much does it cost to get into Orlando’s Universal Studios?

One-day, one-park admission to either Universal Studios Florida or Universal Islands of Adventure starts at $119 for guests ages 10 and up.

Universal Orlando Resort is offering a 2-Park Play 4 Days Promotional Ticket starting at $306.99, however, which works out to just under $77 a day. Guests can visit both parks each day. Visits don’t have to be consecutive, but they must all fall within seven days of the start date. The deal is available through the mid-December on the resort’s website.

How can I save money at SeaWorld Orlando?

Non-discounted SeaWorld Orlando tickets cost $139.99, according to the park’s website, which offers various deals throughout the year.

The biggest deal of the year is available through March 24. It's a $60 throwback ticket in honor of SeaWorld’s 60th anniversary, which is March 21.

SeaWorld Orlando, San Antonio and San Diego are offering the specially priced tickets for select dates throughout the year for guests older than 2. Quantities are limited. 

Who gets in free at LEGOLAND Florida?

Admission is free for guests under the age of 2 at LEGOLAND Florida . 

After that, one-day theme park tickets start at $74 online or $119 at the front gate, according to the resort’s website. Admission to neighboring LEGOLAND Water Park or Peppa Pig Theme Park costs extra. There’s also a convenience fee for online purchases.

Travelers with the flexibility to visit by June 14 can get specially priced $29 kids tickets with the purchase of a full-priced multi-park ticket starting at $94. Up to four kids’ tickets, for children ages 2 to 12, can be purchased in one transaction.

Travelers should note LEGOLAND Florida is in Winter Haven, about 50 miles from Orlando.

Is Busch Gardens the most expensive?

No, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is not the most expensive theme park in Central Florida. Its website lists non-discounted tickets at $139.99, tying in price with sister park SeaWorld Orlando. Also, like SeaWorld, Busch Gardens’ website regularly offers discounts. 

Its Spring Break Sale slashes the starting price to $99.99 for guests age 3 and up. The sale runs through March 24. Invariably, another deal will become available after this one expires.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is more than 80 miles from Orlando, but the park operates a free shuttle to and from Orlando for ticketed guests.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: You can visit Disney World, Universal for under $100 a day: The deal with summer tickets

Attractions and Entertainment

• All Walt Disney World Locations
• Magic Kingdom Park
• Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
• Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
• Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park
• Disney Springs
• ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
• Disney's BoardWalk
• Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
• Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Disney's All-Star Movies Resort
• Disney's All-Star Music Resort
• Disney's All-Star Sports Resort
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village
• Disney's Art of Animation Resort
• Disney's Beach Club Resort
• Disney's Beach Club Villas
• Disney's BoardWalk Inn
• Disney's BoardWalk Villas
• Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney's Contemporary Resort
• Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
• Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney's Old Key West Resort
• Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Disney's Pop Century Resort
• Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter
• Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
• Disney's Riviera Resort
• Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
• Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Disney's Yacht Club Resort
• The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
• The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
• The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
• Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
• Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

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Accessibility & advisories.