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Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World® Resort is accessible from US 192, Osceola Pkwy. and several exits off I-4 s. of Orlando, depending on the park destination. Covering 30,500 acres, the complex includes four theme parks: the Magic Kingdom® Park, Epcot®, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom®; two themed water parks; 22 resorts; Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground; five championship golf courses; two luxurious spas; Disney's Wide World of Sports® Complex; and the Downtown Disney® area, a shopping, dining and entertainment district.Walt Disney's Florida legacy is a land of vision, imagination and innovation. The news that the creator of California's popular Disneyland® was going to build a theme park just south of the small town of Orlando was announced in 1965. Drawn to the area by its climate, highway access and inexpensive land, Disney and his "Imagineers" began transforming acres of swamps and orange groves into a magical vacationland that opened in 1971.
The Magic Kingdom Park, where childhood dreams and fantasies are brought to life, was an instant success. Other theme parks were soon on the drawing board, and Epcot, a celebration of technology and world cultures, joined the Magic Kingdom Park in 1982. Disney-MGM Studios, a natural addition considering Disney's background in animation and television and film production, followed in 1989. Disney's Animal Kingdom brought both wild and imaginary creatures to the public in 1998.The resort is in a near-constant state of expansion and modernization. This process may include enhancements to existing attractions as well as new development.The golf, recreational, shopping, dining and entertainment facilities of the resort also are open to day visitors. Monorail, boat and motor coach transportation are available throughout the resort.
Navigating the Walt Disney World property is greatly simplified by clear, concise road signs. Tram service is provided from parking areas to the main entrance of Disney's Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and to the Transportation and Ticket Center near the Magic Kingdom Park. From the Transportation and Ticket Center, ferryboats and a monorail transport visitors to the Magic Kingdom Park.Disney's FASTPASS® is an easy-to-use computerized system that helps guests avoid waiting in long lines at many attractions. This free service is available for the most popular rides at each of the four theme parks. By choosing the FASTPASS option, guests are assigned a time when they can return and experience the attraction with little or no wait.To obtain a FASTPASS, a guest inserts his theme park ticket into the FASTPASS machine located near the entrance to the chosen attraction. A timed ticket is delivered, printed with a 1-hour window of time during which the guest may return and enter the attraction at a special FASTPASS entrance. Park maps list participating FASTPASS attractions.If you need AAA member services during your stay at the Walt Disney World Resort, contact the AAA Member Service Center at 407824-8200; the center is open Monday through Friday 9-5.
Admission: Multi-day ticket options provide admission to all four theme parks and other entertainment areas. One-day, One-park admission $63; ages 3-9, $52
Hours: Theme parks open generally at 9; closing times vary
Credit Cards: AE, DC, DS, JC, MC, VI
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