Disney World Travel Guide

Magic lives in the many attractions at Walt Disney World Resort. It's a place where dreams come alive for kids but it's also a place that adults find quite memorable--for one reason or another. What makes Disney World in Florida different from Disneyland in California is that it's a resort, not only a theme park. It has four theme parks in all, two water parks, hotels, spas, fitness centers and other entertainment venues offered on its more than 30,000-acre premises.

Sights

The four theme parks of Disney World are Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom. Most of the child-friendly attractions and thrilling rides like Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion are found in Magic Kingdom. Epcot is more education-oriented and has a more adult feel. Hollywood Studios features the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. Animal Kingdom allows you to experience Kilimanjaro Safaris and Expedition Everest. Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are the two water parks at Disney World. Typhoon Lagoon has water rides, a beach area with white sand, picnic areas and a Shark Reef, among other activities. Blizzard Beach locates most of its attractions atop Mount Gushmore and also offers racing areas. If you've had enough of the adrenaline-pumping that goes with the rides, you can always play a round of golf at Lake Buena Vista or Osprey Ridge golf course at Downtown Disney. There are also marinas for water sports.

Dining

The dining, shopping and entertainment hub of Disney World is Downtown Disney. There are a number of restaurants serving different kinds of cuisine at the Marketplace but Downtown Disney West Side has more restaurants and cafes. You can save with a Disney Dining Plan if you've purchased a Disney vacation package with a hotel stay.

Shopping

You certainly won't lack for places to buy souvenirs at Disney World. For themed merchandise, Disney World Hollywood Studios has the best collections. For jewelry, sundries, even housewares, head to the Grand Canyon Concourse at Disney's Contemporary Resort. One-of-a-kind African souvenirs can be bought at the Zawadi Marketplace at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Of course, most popular attractions lead you straight to their shops, so be sure you have the cash or the card on hand.

Where to Go in Disney World