Walt Disney World® Resort

Discover four parks, unforgettable resorts, magical adventures and family memories.

Walt Disney World: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

If you’ve never been to Walt Disney World before, planning a vacation can feel overwhelming. With four theme parks, dozens of resort hotels, hundreds of dining options, and what seems like an endless list of attractions, it’s easy to wonder where to even begin.

The good news? You don’t have to know everything before you arrive.

Whether you’re dreaming of meeting Mickey Mouse for the first time, flying through space on an exhilarating coaster, exploring the worlds of Star Wars and Pandora, or simply making unforgettable memories with your family, Walt Disney World truly offers something for everyone.

Welcome to your beginner’s guide to the Most Magical Place on Earth.


What Is Walt Disney World?

Located just outside Orlando, Florida, Walt Disney World Resort is the largest vacation destination in the world, covering nearly 40 square miles—about the same size as the city of San Francisco.

Since opening in 1971, Walt Disney World has grown into much more than a theme park. Today, it includes:

      • Four incredible theme parks
      • Two exciting water parks
      • More than 25 Disney Resort hotels
      • Disney Springs shopping and entertainment district
      • Championship golf courses
      • Miniature golf
      • Camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
      • Recreation, entertainment, and dining experiences for every age

Many families spend five to seven days—or even longer—exploring everything Disney has to offer without ever leaving Disney property.


The Four Disney Theme Parks

Each park has its own personality, attractions, and magical experiences.

Magic Kingdom

If you’ve ever pictured Cinderella Castle, fireworks over Main Street, U.S.A., or classic Disney attractions, you’ve been imagining Magic Kingdom.

This is the park most people think of when they hear “Disney World.”

You’ll find timeless favorites like Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, “it’s a small world,” and Space Mountain, along with newer adventures like TRON Lightcycle / Run and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Magic Kingdom is perfect for first-time visitors and families with children of all ages.


EPCOT

EPCOT combines innovation, imagination, and cultures from around the globe.

Spend your morning soaring over breathtaking landscapes, journeying through space, or racing through the galaxy with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. In the afternoon, stroll through eleven beautifully themed countries, sampling authentic cuisine and unique shopping from around the world.

Throughout the year, EPCOT also hosts several popular festivals celebrating flowers, food, arts, and the holidays.


Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Lights… camera… action!

Hollywood Studios brings movies and television to life with some of Disney’s most immersive experiences.

Star Wars fans can step inside Galaxy’s Edge, pilot the Millennium Falcon, and join the Resistance on one of Disney’s most impressive attractions. Pixar fans will love Toy Story Land, while thrill seekers can tackle Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.

It’s one of the most exciting parks for older kids, teens, and adults.


Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is unlike any other theme park in the world.

Part zoo, part theme park, and part conservation center, this breathtaking park celebrates wildlife and nature.

Take a safari across the African savanna, fly on the back of a banshee in Pandora – The World of Avatar, brave Expedition Everest, or simply slow down and enjoy the lush landscapes that make this park so unique.

Many first-time visitors are surprised to discover Animal Kingdom becomes one of their favorite parks.


Where Can You Stay?

One of the best parts of a Walt Disney World vacation is staying at a Disney Resort hotel.

From budget-friendly Value Resorts to luxurious Deluxe Resorts, every hotel offers immersive theming, Disney service, and convenient transportation to the parks.

Some of the benefits of staying on Disney property include:

      • Complimentary transportation throughout the resort
      • Early Theme Park Entry
      • The ability to purchase Lightning Lane selections (subject to Disney’s current policies)
      • Incredible pools and recreation
      • Unique dining experiences
      • Themed rooms that continue the Disney magic long after you leave the parks

Whether you want to wake up surrounded by African wildlife, relax on a tropical Polynesian beach, camp beneath towering pine trees, or stay in a larger villa for the whole family, there’s truly a Disney Resort for every travel style.


Getting Around Walt Disney World

One of the things that surprises many first-time visitors is that you don’t need a car once you arrive.

Disney offers complimentary transportation between its parks, resorts, and Disney Springs, including:

      • Buses
      • Monorails
      • Skyliner gondolas
      • Boats and Ferries
      • Walking paths between select locations

For many guests, riding the transportation is part of the adventure.


More Than Just Theme Parks

While the parks are the stars of the show, there’s so much more to discover.

Spend an evening exploring Disney Springs, where you’ll find world-class restaurants, unique shopping, live entertainment, and sweet treats.

Cool off at one of Disney’s two water parks, challenge your family to miniature golf, rent a boat, go fishing, enjoy a campfire sing-along, or simply relax at your resort pool.

Some of the best Disney memories happen outside the parks.


Is Walt Disney World Just for Kids?

Absolutely not.

Many adults visit Walt Disney World without children and fall in love with the incredible dining, entertainment, festivals, resorts, shopping, and attention to detail.

Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, girls’ getaway, retirement, or simply embracing your love of Disney, there’s plenty of magic waiting for you.


Planning Your First Disney Vacation

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation involves more than choosing travel dates.

You’ll also want to think about:

      • Which parks you’d like to visit
      • How many days you’ll stay
      • Which Disney Resort fits your budget and travel style
      • Dining reservations
      • Transportation
      • Special events and seasonal offerings
      • Attraction strategies and Lightning Lane options

While it may seem overwhelming at first, a little planning goes a long way—and that’s where having an experienced travel planner can make all the difference.


Let the Magic Begin

Your first Walt Disney World vacation is something you’ll never forget.

Whether you’re watching fireworks over Cinderella Castle, sharing your child’s first hug with Mickey Mouse, tasting your way around the world at EPCOT, or discovering hidden details throughout the parks, every trip becomes a collection of memories you’ll treasure for years to come.

At Purple Wall Travel Co., we believe every Disney vacation should be as unique as the family taking it. From choosing the perfect resort to creating a personalized itinerary, we’re here to help take the stress out of planning so you can focus on making magical memories.

Ready to start planning? We’d love to help you create a vacation that’s practically perfect from beginning to end.