Experiences
Disney World Florida: the parks, the tips and where to stay
Fireworks burst over the castle, children sit on shoulders and the whole street sings along. How to plan Disney World without drowning in queues.
It is evening in Magic Kingdom. The castle glows in every colour, fireworks burst over the turrets, and all around you families with children on their shoulders sing along to songs everyone knows. It is sugary and expensive, and completely magical if you are six years old, and often for the parents too.
Walt Disney World near Orlando, Florida, is the largest resort of its kind in the world, with four theme parks, water parks, hotels and its own shopping district. It takes planning, but the reward is huge.
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How to do it
Allow at least four days, one for each park, ideally with a rest day by the pool.
Download the app before you go. It shows waiting times, lets you order food and buy faster queues.
Arrive before the park opens. The first hour has the shortest queues.
Stay at a Disney hotel if you want early park entry and transport included.
The four parks
Magic Kingdom: the castle, the classics and the evening fireworks. Best for little ones.
EPCOT: technology, space and the World Showcase, with countries from around the globe set around a lake.
Hollywood Studios: Star Wars, Toy Story and the biggest roller coasters.
Animal Kingdom: a safari with real animals, Pandora from Avatar and lush gardens.
Magic Kingdom
The castle is the heart of Disney World. Photo: Brian McGowan / Unsplash
Tips to beat the queues and the stress
Pick one or two rides you want most and head straight there at opening. Take a break in the middle of the day, when the queues and the heat are worst, and return in the evening. Buy faster queue access in the app for the most popular rides, and book meals ahead.
If you also want Harry Potter and Jurassic Park, see Universal Orlando.
Book experiences: See tickets and experiences in Orlando
Where to stay for Disney World
Disney's own hotels give early park entry and convenience. Hotels outside can be cheaper and roomier.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
An African-style lodge with a savanna outside. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge: a safari from the balcony
Animal Kingdom Lodge is built like an African lodge, with a savanna where giraffes and zebras roam right outside. It is close to the Animal Kingdom park.
Book your stay: See rooms at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney's Contemporary Resort: walk to Magic Kingdom
The Contemporary is a short walk from Magic Kingdom, and the monorail runs right through the building. Ideal for families who want to head back for a rest in the middle of the day.
Book your stay: See rooms at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Four Seasons Orlando
Luxury within the Disney World area. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Four Seasons Resort Orlando: luxury next to Disney
The Four Seasons sits within the Walt Disney World area, with a water park for children, several restaurants and a spa for the grown-ups.
Book your stay: See rooms at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
When is the best time to visit Disney World?
January to early March and September to early November often have shorter queues. Summer is hot, humid and busy, with afternoon downpours. Christmas, Easter and US school holidays are the busiest and most expensive.
When should you book?
Disney hotels: many months ahead, especially for holidays.
Character dining: as early as the system allows.
Tickets: before you travel, often cheaper than at the gate.
Frequently asked questions about Disney World
Where should I stay for Disney World?
Stay at a Disney hotel, such as Animal Kingdom Lodge or the Contemporary Resort, for early entry and convenience. The Four Seasons Orlando is within the area and offers luxury and a water park.
How many days do you need at Disney World?
At least four days for the four parks, ideally five to six with a rest day or a water park.
Which Disney park is best for young children?
Magic Kingdom is best for the little ones, with classic characters, gentle rides and the castle.
When are the queues shortest at Disney World?
January to early March and September to early November often have the shortest queues, outside holidays.
Can you combine Disney World and Universal?
Yes, many people do. Both are in Orlando, around half an hour apart by car.