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Parks & Disney Springs
Your complete guide to all four Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs — tips, must-dos, and Steph's honest takes.
Magic Kingdom
The most magical place on Earth — classic Disney at its finest.
Magic Kingdom is the heart of Walt Disney World. From Cinderella Castle to Space Mountain, this is the park that started it all. Perfect for families with young kids but genuinely magical for guests of all ages.
Must-Do Highlights*
- 1Cinderella Castle and the iconic Main Street U.S.A.
- 2Seven Dwarfs Mine Train — book Lightning Lane early
- 3TRON Lightcycle / Run — the newest thrill ride
- 4Festival of Fantasy parade
- 5Happily Ever After fireworks spectacular
Steph's Tip*
Arrive 30 minutes before park open and head straight to Tomorrowland for TRON or Fantasyland for Seven Dwarfs. The first hour is pure magic with almost no wait times.
Best For*
Families with young children, first-time visitors, classic Disney fans
Getting There*
Monorail from the Transportation & Ticket Center, ferry boat, or bus from all resorts
EPCOT
Food, culture, and innovation — the park that grows on you every visit.
EPCOT has transformed into one of the most beloved parks on property. World Showcase lets you eat and drink your way around 11 countries, while World Discovery and World Nature offer thrilling and beautiful experiences.
Must-Do Highlights*
- 1Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
- 2Remy's Ratatouille Adventure in France
- 3World Showcase with 11 country pavilions
- 4Test Track and Soarin' Around the World
- 5EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Steph's Tip*
EPCOT is the best park for adults. Grab a Frozen Ever After Lightning Lane and spend the morning in World Discovery, then eat and drink your way around World Showcase. Don't skip the Norway pavilion!
Best For*
Adults, foodies, couples, and anyone who loves culture and international cuisine
Getting There*
Monorail from Magic Kingdom area resorts, Skyliner from Caribbean Beach and Riviera, walk or boat from EPCOT-area resorts
Hollywood Studios
Star Wars, Toy Story, and the most thrilling rides on property.
Hollywood Studios is home to some of the most immersive and thrilling experiences at Walt Disney World. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land are absolute must-visits, and the park's atmosphere is unmatched.
Must-Do Highlights*
- 1Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- 2Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- 3Slinky Dog Dash in Toy Story Land
- 4Tower of Terror and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
- 5Fantasmic! nighttime spectacular
Steph's Tip*
Rise of the Resistance is the single best attraction at Walt Disney World — full stop. Get a Lightning Lane for it no matter what. Arrive early for Slinky Dog Dash and grab a Ronto Wrap in Galaxy's Edge for lunch.
Best For*
Thrill seekers, Star Wars fans, Pixar lovers, and older kids and teens
Getting There*
Skyliner from Caribbean Beach and Riviera, boat from EPCOT-area resorts, bus from all resorts
Animal Kingdom
Pandora, real wildlife, and the most underrated park at Disney World.
Animal Kingdom is the most underrated park at Walt Disney World. Pandora – The World of Avatar is breathtaking, Kilimanjaro Safaris is a genuine wildlife experience, and the park's natural beauty is unlike anything else on property.
Must-Do Highlights*
- 1Avatar Flight of Passage — the best ride at Disney World
- 2Na'vi River Journey through Pandora
- 3Kilimanjaro Safaris with real African wildlife
- 4Expedition Everest roller coaster
- 5Rivers of Light nighttime show
Steph's Tip*
Flight of Passage is arguably the best attraction at all of Disney World. Book your Lightning Lane the moment the window opens. Visit Pandora at night — the bioluminescent effects are absolutely stunning.
Best For*
Nature lovers, Avatar fans, families who want a mix of thrills and wildlife
Getting There*
Bus from all resorts — Animal Kingdom has no water or rail transport
Disney Springs
*Shopping, dining, and entertainment — no park ticket required.
*Disney Springs is the ultimate Disney shopping and dining destination — and it's completely free to enter. With over 150 shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, it's a great way to spend a morning or evening without using a park day.
Must-Do Highlights*
- 1The BOATHOUSE for waterfront dining.
- 2Paddlefish restaurant in a steamboat
- 3World of Disney — the largest Disney store
- 4AMC Disney Springs 24 movie theater
- 5Live entertainment on the waterfront
Steph's Tip*
Disney Springs is perfect for your arrival day or a rest day. Grab breakfast at Amorette's Patisserie, shop World of Disney, and end the evening at The BOATHOUSE for dinner on the water.
Best For*
Shopping lovers, foodies, rest days, arrival and departure days
Getting There*
Walk or boat from Saratoga Springs, bus from all resorts, free parking on-site
Ready to plan your park days?
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