Disney World Vacations - overview

Classic Disney: Magic Kingdom is the original Disney theme park, first built in Disneyland, and now part of every Disney location (Disney World, Disneyland Paris, etc.) Signature attractions such as The Haunted Mansion, the three mountain roller coasters (Space, Splash, and Big Thunder), etc. Magic Kingdom is the top park for little kids, with attractions such as the Dumbo tea-cup ride, carousel, Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, etc.

^{* photo © Teresa Plowright}

Part of Epcot is a sort of permanent world's fair, with international pavilions, and hands-on exhibits at Future World. Some call it educational; but it's also very entertaining to tour the 11 countries surrounding the lagoon at World Showcase. Every pavilion has some type of live show, movie, or interactive experience. The pavilions also have great eats: from the casual (French patisserie, anyone) to fine dining.

Epcot also has plain ol' fun like the "Honey I Shrunk the Kids", Test Track rides, Soarin', and Mission Space.

Not to be missed: at night, the beautiful IllumiNations fireworks show is staged over the lagoon.

^{* photo © Teresa Plowright}

Top attractions include the Star Tours simulator ride, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror drop ride, Rock'n'Roller Coaster. Movie buffs can tour the working studios, or try The Great Movie Ride.

Disney's Hollywood Studios has some great live shows: Indiana Jones, the Beauty and the Beast musical... Don't miss the night-time Fantasmic! show, a unique spectacular of fireworks, lights on water "hydrotechnics", and "real" pirate ships.

Don't miss the gigantic desserts at the Prime Time Cafe, where everything, including the wait staff, is themed to the fifties. Expect wisecracks from your waitress.

And late in '08: an American Idol attraction debuts.

^{* photo © Teresa Plowright}

Animal Kingdom-- five times the size of Magic Kingdom-- is unlike any other theme park: fun rides, yes, but also an unparalleled Safari experience, animals in large habitats, and beautiful themed areas.

Much of Animal Kingdom's 500 acres belongs to the Kilimanjaro Safari -- recreating an African wildlife safari-- and other animal habitats. Asia and Africa sections are themed with amazing details. "Dinoland", meanwhile, is wacky fun.

Highlights are the Kilimanjaro Safari, Expedition Everest coaster, Kali River Rapids ride, "It's Tough to be a Bug" show, live musicals "Festival of the Lion King" and "Finding Nemo".

As for animals... Zoos, thankfully, have changed greatly in the last decade and Disney-- with its deep pockets-- has created some large habitats for its animals. The gorillas, for example, have acres to play in. You can also see beautiful tigers who like to cool off in their moat.

^{* photo © Teresa Plowright}

Disney World theme parks are about much more than "rides". At no extra charge, guests can enjoy PARADES in the day-time at several parks, and beautiful night parade in Magic Kingdom; IllumiNations, unique spectacle at night at Epcot, followed by fireworks; more FIREWORKS, at Magic Kingdom; and some great LIVE STAGE SHOWS, including a stunningly imaginative staging of Finding Nemo in a (cool, covered) theatre in Animal Kingdom.

Meanwhile, for an extra charge: CHARACTER MEALS give you much for your bucks-- for ex., a giant buffet with kids' section, at the Crystal Palace (left) Do a late breakfast and make it lunch. The characters sing, dance, and pose for pix.

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Each of these giant waterparks is a terrific place to spend the day.

66-acre Blizzard Beach pretends to be a ski resort: the waterslides down snow-capped Mt. Gushmore have names like Toboggan Racer-- you get the idea. A lazy river tube-float goes round the whole park.

56-acre Typhoon Lagoon also has a lazy river float, raft rides, and mountain with waterslides.; a standout attraction is a 2-1/2 acre wave pool with waves you can body-surf. Kiddie water playground, too.

Both waterparks are beautifully landscaped, with many spots to lounge and have a picnic. These spots go fast; those in the know make a beeline when the park opens, to stake out a home-base. Arriving as early as possible will also net you some hours on the waterslides before line-ups get long.

^{* photo courtesy of Walt Disney World.}

Disney World has 14 resorts, and all are excellent options, with large grounds, fun pools, on-site recreation, eateries; and all confer the same perks. For ex.:

• Disney's Magical Express takes guests from/to the airport
• Disney buses ferry guests to the theme parks
• guests get Extra Magic Hours at the parks
• guests are assured entry on crowded days

Each Luxury resort has kids' club, spa, fine dining, and special ambiance. The stunning Animal Kingdom Lodge, for ex., has a savanna with giraffes and other animals; free kids' crafts; special tours. Value resorts are a great deal; save even more by camping at Fort Wilderness Campground and Resort.

Recreation at the resorts includes playgrounds, kayaking, surrey bike rides, horseriding, and much more.

The Downtown Disney shopping/entertainment zone offers:

• fun for kids - at the Lego store, in a pool and fountain, on a carousel or train ride (for a charge)
• lots of shops; nightlife; restaurants, including the Rainforest Cafe (make a reservation first)
• Cirque de Soleil's La Nouba show (suitable for big kids and teens)
• DisneyQuest a five-story, indoor interactive virtual adventureland. For ex., a Pirates of the Caribbean quest takes a crew of four into five action-packed minutes in a 3-D world.

Disney World also has miniature golf, golf, biking, spas, horseback riding, boating-- see Disney World Without the Theme Parks.

Disney World pays special attention to its littlest visitors, starting with quick online tools that help parent find the best attractions and entertainment in each theme park. Once there, special amenities make things easier: such as stroller rental, Baby Care Centers (for nursing, changing, and feeding babies), and "the baby swap". Disney World also has "Little Ones Travel Time" in early fall, with special entertainment and "Little Ones Magic Hour" in Fantasyland.

^{Photo © Teresa Plowright}