What Is Disney World?: The Theme Parks

"We're thinking about taking the kids to Disney World." Sure, it's easy to say. And, maybe it's not all that hard to get in touch with a Disney professional and book that reservation. But, what exactly is this Disney World that everyone is talking about. Where are you going? What should you expect when you get there? It's an amusement park, right? An amusement park with a big castle in the middle. Princesses. Toy Story characters. And Mickey Mouse. With hotels next door. So, what exactly is Disney World again?

Disney World, or the Walt Disney World Resort, is located in Central Florida, just a short drive from the Orlando International Airport. And it is huge! In fact, it is its own city (or two cities, to be specific), with its own working government. You'll know that you've arrived at Walt Disney World when you notice the road signs change from their usual green that you'll find in any other locale to purple, just after you drive through the large, overhead, Walt Disney World arch. Now, you're in Disney World!

But, when people talk about going to Disney World, they're not just planning a trip into Disney's city limits to fill up their gas tank or to buy a soda. They are, more likely than not, talking about the Disney Parks experience. There are 4 main theme parks within Walt Disney World and, when you plan a vacation to Disney, your package will include Park Tickets that are good for entrance into any one of those parks on any given day. The parks are:

Magic Kingdom - The home of the world-famous Cinderella Castle, this park is what most people think of when they mention "Disney World." It's the one with the classic rides, like Dumbo, Peter Pan, and it's a small world. The Magic Kingdom is where fantasy becomes reality and your dreams will come true.

Epcot - There is so much to discover at Epcot, with its enormous golf-ball-looking park icon, is home to 2 distinct areas. Future World is where you can learn about technological innovations that are continuing to help our world and community grow and develop through rides, interactive games, and attractions. But, perhaps, Epcot is most well know for the World Showcase, which is home to 11 different sections, each themed like a different country of the world. Here, you can learn about their cultures through films, live performances, and even a boat ride through Mexico. You can also taste some of the most delicious food and drinks from around the world at Epcot.

Hollywood Studios - Formerly Disney-MGM Studios, this park is themed to take us back to the heyday of Hollywood, in the 1920s and 1930s. Guests have the chance to jump right into the movies through the rides and shows available here. And the day ends in one of the most incredible nighttime shows, Fantasmic!, starring Mickey Mouse (as well as a host of other Disney Heroes and Villains),  featuring fireworks, incredible stunts and effects, a fire breathing dragon, and enormous movie screens made out of spraying water.

Animal Kingdom - Disney World's newest theme park certainly has live animals, although it is not a zoo. That's because the lions, elephants, giraffe, etc. are not in cages. They are out in the open air, ready for you to drive right past, for example, on the Kilimanjaro Safari. Every visit is an adventure, including live Broadway-style musicals, thrill rides, and tons of hands on education, themed around our one world that we all share. As Russell from Disney•Pixar's UP says, "The wilderness must be explored!"

Map of the Walt Disney World Resort, with the 4 Theme Parks highlighted

Okay, you get it. There are 4 parks. They each have their own unique theme. So, maybe you plan a vacation that includes a day at each park. That sounds easy enough. But, then, what makes Disney World so big that it's its own city? Remember I mentioned those "hotels next door." They definitely go a long way toward that and we'll chat more about those next week!

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