Welcome

Discover the magic at the iconic Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida — four theme parks, two water parks, immersive resorts, world-class dining, and unforgettable fun.
Whether you’re planning a long stay or a quick getaway, here’s your comprehensive guide to make the most of your trip.

Dates & Planning Tips

• The resort is open year-round; pick your travel dates based on crowd levels (school breaks, holidays tend to be busiest).
• Book accommodations early, particularly on-site or official-partner hotels.
• Purchase tickets and make park reservations in advance to guarantee access.
• Consider arriving a day early and leaving a day later to ease travel days.

Where to Stay

Here are some top hotel options near or within the resort area:

On-Site Official Disney Hotels

• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – A tropical-themed deluxe resort in the Magic Kingdom area.
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Elegance and luxury near Magic Kingdom; one of the flagship on-site resorts.
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside – A moderate-tier resort with a relaxed “southern riverside” theme. (link added for completeness)

Off-Site / Partner Hotels

• Waldorf Astoria Orlando – Luxury, newly renovated, just minutes from Disney with complimentary resort transportation.
• Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs® Area – Solid value option with easy access to the resort area.

Tip: Staying on-site gives perks like earlier theme park access, internal transportation, and immersive theming. Off-site can offer cost savings with short drive/shuttle to the parks.

Theme Parks & Top Attractions

The Four Main Parks

• Magic Kingdom Park – The classic castle park with Main Street, U.S.A., iconic rides, and fireworks.
• Epcot – Celebrates human achievement and world cultures; divided into Future World and World Showcase.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Hollywood glam, thrill rides, immersive lands like Star Wars and Toy Story.
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – Combines zoological themes with thrill rides and immersive nature-based experiences.

Water Parks & Extra Experiences

• Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park – A fun “melting ski resort” themed water park.
• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – Tropical storm-themed slides, surf pool, lazy river.
• Disney Springs – For shopping, dining, entertainment and nightlife around the resort.

Must-Do Rides & Experiences

• For Magic Kingdom: classic attractions like “It’s a Small World”, “Space Mountain”, and the fireworks show.
• At Epcot: “Soarin’”, “Test Track”, world-pavilion strolls.
• At Hollywood Studios: immersive rides such as “Rise of the Resistance”, “Slinky Dog Dash”, and lots of Star Wars themed experiences.
• At Animal Kingdom: “Pandora – The World of Avatar”, “Kilimanjaro Safaris”.
• Evening shows and parades are especially magical — plan for a full night out.

Dining Highlights

• Plan at least one character dining experience, which books out fast.
• For luxury dining: restaurants at Grand Floridian and other deluxe resorts offer upscale experiences. You might check out Victoria & Albert’s (at Grand Floridian) for a refined meal.
• For convenience: quick-service spots in each park for lunch or early dinner to beat crowds.
• Reserve table service meals early (60 days out if you stay on-site, or 60 days prior to arrival for others).

Suggested 5-Day Itinerary

Here’s a sample plan for a five-night stay (adjustable based on stay length):

Day 1 – Arrival & Settling In

• Arrive in Orlando, check into your hotel.
• Explore Disney Springs in the evening for dinner, shopping and a relaxed stroll.

Day 2 – Magic Kingdom

• Morning: arrive at park opening, hit classic rides.
• Afternoon: slower rides, rest, hotel pool break if needed.
• Evening: fireworks show at Magic Kingdom.

Day 3 – Epcot

• Morning: Future World rides.
• Lunch: quick-service in Epcot.
• Afternoon: World Showcase exploration.
• Dinner: table service in one of the pavilions.
• Evening: Epcot night show.

Day 4 – Hollywood Studios

• Morning: immersive rides (Star Wars, Toy Story).
• Afternoon: shows and lighter rides.
• Evening: dinner near the park or back at hotel.

Day 5 – Animal Kingdom & Departure

• Morning: Animal Kingdom main rides.
• Midday: lunch, final shopping.
• Depending on flight: maybe a water park visit or pool time before departure.

Tip: You can swap parks depending on crowd calendars or stay extra nights for water parks and rest days.

Transport & Logistics

• Fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO) or other nearby airports.
• On-site resort options often include shuttle/bus/boat/monorail transport between hotel and parks.
• If staying off-site: consider rental car or hotel shuttle service.
• Use the official mobile app of Walt Disney World to check wait times, book Lightning Lane (if applicable) and make dining reservations.

Useful Links

• Official resort site – Walt Disney World Resort
• Visit Orlando – Walt Disney World Resort overview
• Disney Hotels & Resorts listing
• Official Partner Hotels list

Bonus Tips & Notes

• Check for Special Events (e.g., festivals at Epcot) that may impact crowds or offer unique experiences.
• Stay hydrated and use midday breaks (pool, back-to-hotel) especially if traveling with older or younger guests.
• Consider purchasing Park Hopper tickets if you want flexibility between parks in one day.
• Dining reservations open early: set a reminder.
• Use Early Entry or Extended Evening Hours if staying on-site to get shorter wait-times.
• Budget tip: bring refillable water bottles (many free water stations) and consider quick-service lunch breaks.
• If your group includes adults only (you mentioned semi-retired, golf, wine, etc.), there are lounges and upscale dining at many resorts that cater to a more relaxed, refined vibe.