VIP Disney Travel

Walt Disney World for Beginners

Disney's Magic Kingdom Cinderella's castle

Are you planning your first trip to Disney World? Perhaps you have been to other theme parks like Six Flags, Busch Gardens, or even Disneyland. You may think that Disney World is similar to those, but you would be mistaken. 

Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is not like any other theme park out there. In fact, it’s not like any other vacation spot.

More Than the Magic Kingdom

When you say “Disney World” to someone who may not have been there before, they have the image of an amusement park inspired by Mickey Mouse. While Magic Kingdom is the crowning jewel, it is only one of the gems in a jewel-encrusted crown.

The Walt Disney World resort area in Florida is huge. It’s actually about 40 square miles, which is twice the size of the island of Manhattan. Although it’s referred to as being located in Orlando, Florida, it’s actually its own city of Lake Buena Vista (likely a nod to back to Walt’s original California businesses). 

Disney World is comprised of four immersive theme parks, two amazing water parks, 30+ resorts, a shopping and entertainment center, a sports complex, multiple golf courses (both mini golf and championship courses), and more. With all that, it’s no wonder 52 million people visit Disney World each year, making it the most visited vacation resort in the world.

Map of Walt Disney World parks and resorts in Orlando Florida

One of the distinct features of Disney World, compared to other theme parks you may have visited, is that once on Disney property, you really feel like you are in a magical bubble and have left the rest of the world behind. You won’t see office buildings, chain restaurants, or strip malls. With all that acreage, Disney has the ability to spread out its resorts and attractions with lots of green space. In fact, about a third of Disney property is designated as a conservation area.

What is in Walt Disney World?

  • Walt Disney World is comprised of four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. 
  • Walt Disney World has 2 water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.
  • There are over 30 resort hotels owned and operated by Disney World. Accommodations range in price, style, and amenities. The categories are Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe villas.
  • The Fort Wilderness Resort has an on-site campground where you can park an RV or pitch a tent.
  • Disney Springs is Walt Disney World’s major shopping, dining, and entertainment district. Disney’s Boardwalk is a secondary, dining, and entertainment area.
  • There are over 400 dining options throughout Disney World, ranging from snack carts, quick service locations, full-service restaurants, and dinner shows.
  • There are several large lakes on Disney World property where you can partake in boating, fishing, and other recreational activities.
  • Activities are abundant throughout the resort such as bowling, biking, horseback riding, wagon rides, and surfing lessons
  • Disney World’s ESPN sports complex with multiple indoor courts and outdoor fields. These are popular with many groups and team competitions.
  • Walt Disney World operates 4 championship golf courses.
  • Walt Disney World offers world-class spa treatment at Mandara Spa and Senses – A Disney Spa and Salon with several locations throughout Walt Disney World.
  • Walt Disney World offers complimentary transportation throughout the resort via bus, boat, monorail, and the Skyliner system.
Chip and Dale figures in front of Cinderella Castle in Disney World Magic Kingdom

How to Plan a Walt Disney World Vacation

Planning a Disney vacation can be very time consuming and overwhelming, especially if you are a Disney World beginner. Consider getting the help of a Disney travel specialist. A travel agent that specializes in Disney World vacations will be your greatest resource. Destination Magic is the #1 of the top 5 agencies of the Best Disney Travel Planners. You can visit them at https://destinationmagic.com.

They can not only plan your Disney Vacation, but they can help you elevate it by making you aware of all best that Disney has to offer so you can have the magical Disney vacation you have always dreamed of.

Whether you decide to take advance of using a Disney Travel Agent or decide to plan your Disney vacation on your own, this Disney World Travel Guide website is the best place to start understanding Disney World for beginners. 

Learn more

Check out the articles throughout this site for tips on planning a magical Walt Disney World vacation. Here, you can begin to understand the basics of planning your trip and what Disney World has to offer. You will be glad you did!

For more helpful planning tips, check out How to Plan a Disney World Vacation, Planning Timeline and Key Dates, and Disney Resort Maps.

girl and boy in Mickey Mouse hat with ears looking at Cinderella's castle in Disney World Magic Kingdom
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girl and boy in Mickey Mouse hat with ears looking at Cinderella's castle in Disney World Magic Kingdom
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Walt Disney World planning Guide ebook
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