DISNEY 101 is our ongoing series where we talk about the basics of some aspect of a Walt Disney World vacation. You can read more of our previous DISNEY 101 articles here.
In this installment, we will provide an overview of the main reason why people come to Walt Disney World: the theme parks!
Walt Disney World is pretty unique among theme parks. It isn’t just one park. it is an entire entertainment complex. There are four theme parks, two water parks, and a dedicated dining and shopping district (which some people might consider to be a theme park in and of itself). With so many different and separate entertainment districts, it might be tough for newcomers to really know where different attractions are located. If I am looking for Star Wars, where do I go? Where is this fabled World Showcase that I’ve heard so much about? After reading this article, you’ll have at least some understanding of the different parks, and what’s located in each.
Four Theme Parks; Four Opportunities for Fun!
To paraphrase the great LeBron James, Walt Disney World consists of not one… not two… not three… but FOUR unique theme parks! They are, in no particular order:
- Magic Kingdom
- Epcot
- Animal Kingdom
- Hollywood Studios
But Wait… There’s More!
Water Parks
In addition to the four main theme parks, there are two amazing water parks:
- Typhoon Lagoon
- Blizzard Beach
Since COVID times, only one of these two parks has been opened at a time. Perhaps that will change at some point, but be prepared in case you find that one is closed.
Other Stuff
On top of all that, you have Disney Springs. This is a dining and shopping outdoor mall located within the boundaries of Walt Disney World. Unlike all of the parks listed above, it is free to come here. However, unless you just want to look around, you are likely to spend money at one of the many shops and restaurants located here.
Walt Disney World also has an array of golf courses (including miniature golf), a wedding pavilion for the matrimonially inclined, a sports complex, and many other ancillary things to do. We won’t cover those items in this DISNEY 101 article. First, honestly, I don’t have a lot of experience with golf or getting married at Disney. Second, that would turn this DISNEY 101 article into a tome of encyclopedic proportions. This is the “101” level class after all!
MAGIC KINGDOM: The Original Park
When most people think of Walt Disney World, they think of the Magic Kingdom. This is the park with the iconic Cinderella’s Castle at the end of Main Street USA. It is, by far, the most popular of all of the Walt Disney World theme parks. On any given day, you will find thousands of Disney-philes here enjoying the sights and sounds.
Getting There
Unlike the other parks, the parking lot is not adjacent to the front entrance. You actually park at something called the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC for short). The ticket booths and security are other located here. Once you get through security, you can board either a monorail or ferryboat, which takes you across the Seven Seas Lagoon to the actual front entrance. Depending upon the time of day, it could take up to an hour from the time you park until the time you get to the actual main gate of the Magic Kingdom so plan accordingly.
For those staying at a monorail resort (Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Contemporary), the Magic Kingdom front gate is just a quick monorail ride away. Board the monorail at your resort and you are on your way! These resorts also have a water taxi that can transport you, if you want a more nautical mode of transportation.
The Contemporary and Grand Floridian also have a walk path that takes you to the front gate. It is about a 5 minute walk from the Contemporary and a 20 minute walk from the Grand Floridian.
The Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness also have a water taxi that will take you to the front gate. Other resorts have bus service which takes you to the front gate as well.
If you are staying on property, I highly recommend using Disney transportation as all these forms bypass the TTC and allow you to go right to main entrance.
Navigating the Park
When you enter the park, you will be funneled onto Main Street USA, a replica of a turn-of-the-century American main street, filled with shops, restaurants, music, and merriment! There aren’t any rides here but it is a great reveal for Cinderella’s Castle.
Once you get to the end of Main Street USA you will be at the castle. Be prepared for hundreds of people taking selfies here, as this is one of the most popular places in the world for selfies! Once you are here, you can branch off in the main “lands”, where you can find the rides.
There are five different lands at the Magic Kingdom
Tommorowland:
This land is themed after the future, or a version of the future from the 1970’s. Here you will find the iconic Space Mountain ride, as well as the newly christened Tron Lightcycle Coaster (the spiritual successor of Space Mountain). You will also find other rides and attractions loosely themed around the future, although one wonders what the Tomorrowland Speedway, a kiddie go-kart ride, has to do with the future!
Fantasyland
Fantasyland is themed around classic Disney animation. You’ll find many well known and loved attractions, such as Peter Pan’s Flight, Winnie the Pooh, It’s a Small World, Prince Charming’s Carousel, and of course Dumbo the Flying Elephant. It also has the new classic Seven Dwarves Mine Train: a delightful family coaster that is super popular. You can also find meet and greets for Disney Princesses and classic Disney characters (although not Mickey… he greets guests on Main Street USA). Finally, the popular Be Our Guest restaurant is located here inside Beast’s Castle. However, you want to eat here, be sure to get a reservation well in advance!
Liberty Square
This land pays homage to America from the time of the revolution through the early days of our country. Here is where you will find the Haunted Mansion (including, now the Hatbox Ghost), as well as the Hall of Presidents. Be prepared to be peppered with all sorts of patriotic music when wandering around this land.
Frontierland
Frontierland is all about the Wild West, or at least a Disney sanitized version of it. The main ride here is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a very well themed “runaway railway” type ride. This land used to contain Splash Mountain. However, this ride is now closed until it reopens as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Not sure what the Bayou has to do with the Old West, but if the ride is good, I’m willing to overlook this!
Adventureland
Adventureland is all about… well… adventure! This is another land filled with iconic rides: Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Enhanced Tiki Room, and more. It is also home to everyone’s favorite snack: the Dole Whip.
In all seriousness, this is probably one of my favorite area of the park. Pirates and Jungle Cruise are absolutely “must dos” on every trip. I’m not a big Dole Whip fan, but Sunshine Terrace has an Orange version of this famous snack which I prefer. Plus, Skipper Canteen is probably one of the best table service restaurants at the Magic Kingdom. Yum!
EPCOT: Celebrating New Frontiers
Epcot stands for “Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow”. When Walt Disney (the person) was still alive, he envisioned creating an actual living breathing city from scratch in Central Florida. However, this city wasn’t going to be just any city. It was going to be a laboratory of urban planning, brining in new technologies and new ideas for how people can live, work, and play. Unfortunately, Walt passed away before he could make his vision a reality, However, imagineers re-imagined this concept into a unique theme park that borrows its DNA from Walt’s initial vision of using technological advancements to bring people together.
A Theme Park Unique Among Theme Parks
Epcot really defies one’s expectations for a standard theme park. It is divided into two main areas. The front area has gone through many different names, but it is generally devoted to showcasing science, technology, and nature in an entertaining yet educational way that is uniquely Disney. When the park originally opened, it was called “Future World” because it presented this vision of what the future could look like. Over the years, it has evolved, and now the front section is divided into three sub-areas:
- World Celebration: Dedicated to what brings people together and connects them
- World Discovery: Dedicated to highlighting advances in science and technology
- World Nature: Dedicated to the wonders of mother nature
The back area of the park is known as the “World Showcase”. Arrayed around a large lagoon are various pavilions, each dedicated to the culture of a particular country. At each one, you can learn about the history, the customs, the art, and the food of each nation. In keeping with this theme of connections between cultures, each pavilion is staffed by individuals from that country. They act as ambassadors, representing and presenting their country in a positive way.
Additionally, Epcot is also known as the “festival park”. At different times of the year, Epcot has festivals which bring in unique dining and entertainment options. Currently the four annual festivals are:
- International Festival of the Arts: Dedicate to the creative and visual arts
- International Flower and Garden Festival: Dedicated to showcasing nature in bloom
- International Food and Wine Festival: This is probably the most well known and most popular festival. As the name suggests, this festival is dedicated to showcasing food and drinks from around the world.
- International Festival of the Holidays: Dedicated to showcasing how the holidays are celebrating in different countries and cultures
Getting There
If you travel to Epcot by car, you can park in the expansive parking lot right outside the main entrance. Disney has a tram that can ferry you from your parking spot to the main entrance if you choose. Or you can make the walk for yourself.
If you are staying at a monorail resort, you can take a monorail from your hotel to the TTC where you can transfer to the dedicated Epcot line. This will ferry you from the TTC to Epcot’s front gate.
Epcot also has a “back entrance” between France and the United Kingdom in the World Showcase, known as the “International Gateway”. Guests staying at Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk Inn, or Swan and Dolphin can either walk or take a boat to the International Gateway entrance.
In addition, the Skyliner has a station at the International Gateway entrance. Guests staying at one of the Skyline resorts (Riviera, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, Art of Animation) can take the short trip on the Skyliner to get to Epcot.
Finally, other resorts run buses to the Epcot front entrance throughout the day.
Navigating the Park
As mentioned above, Epcot is divided into a front section and a back section. The front section consists of three worlds: Discovery, Celebration, and Nature.
World Discovery
World Discovery generally encompasses the left side of the front area of the park. Here you can find show pavilions dedicated to showcasing technology in a fun and exciting way. Here you will also find the popular Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind indoor roller coaster. This is more entertainment than education, but it loosely fits in with the “technology” theme.
This area also showcases more conventional technology at Mission Space (which also includes the futuristic Space 220 restaurant) and Test Track.
World Celebration
The area is generally straight ahead as you enter the park. It includes the iconic Spaceship Earth icon and ride. This is one of the more interesting dark rides. Here you will learn about communication methods throughout history and how technology connects us all. It also includes the Journey into Imagination pavilion, which highlights how imagination sparks creativity. It also features that fan favorite dragon, Figment!
Finally, you will find Connections Eatery/Cafe here, in case you need your Starbucks fix!
World Nature
This is probably my favorite area in the front section of the park. It generally consists of the section to the right as you enter the park. You will find pavilions dedicate to water (the Living Seas pavilion and the new Journey of Water walkthrough attraction), and land (the Land Pavilion).
Don’t sleep on the Living Seas pavilion. You board a really cute Finding Nemo ride which ferries you under the sea to your final destination: one of the largest salt water aquariums in the world!
The Land is also a must-do. Soarin’ is one of the best rides at WDW. You feel like you are literally hang gliding over some of the most iconic natural landmarks in the world. And Living with the Land takes you through Walt Disney World’s agricultural labs, leading research into sustainable farming techniques to help feed our growing population.
World Showcase
The World Showcase highlights the different cultures from around the world. Currently there are 11 country pavilions (in order as you traverse the World Showcase Lagoon clockwise):
Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, United States, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom, Canada
Each country features an array of shopping, dining, exhibits, and of course rides. This is an area of the park that really rewards those you take their time and explore. There are so many little details which really bring that country to life.
You can also meet different iconic characters who are associated with that particular country: Mulan in China, Belle in France, Anna and Elsa in Norway etc. It is a great place to go if you love character meets.
The World Showcase is also home to most of the festival food booths. If you visit Epcot during a festival, bring your appetite because you will find lots of unique and limited time culinary options!
Animal Kingdom: Not a Zoo!
In my opinion Animal Kingdom is one of the best themed parks. As the name suggests, the park is dedicated to… wait for it… animals! While there are plenty of animal-based exhibits, it is more than just a zoo. It is also a mini World Showcase in that you have an opportunity to learn about different cultures, both real and imaginary.
Getting There
Getting to Animal Kingdom is quite simple. Like with all of the parks, you can drive and park. The parking lot is adjacent to the front entrance, so you can walk from your car to the turnstile, or you can take a tram to the front entrance if you want to save some steps.
Additionally, if you a Disney Resort guest, you can take a bus from your resort to the front entrance of the park. Unlike the other parks, buses are your only Disney public transportation option.
Navigating the Park
When you enter the park, you are ushered through a pair of paths through a wooded area known as the Oasis. For most people, this is just a path that takes you into the park proper. However, along the way, you can find little animal exhibits, sometimes with a cast member animal educator in tow to answer questions. Exploring the nooks and crannies is one of the joys of Animal Kingdom.
Discovery Island
Discovery Island is the main hub area of the park. Once you get to the end of the entrance paths, the vista opens up and the Tree of Life, the icon of the park, comes into full view!
From Discovery Island, the paths branch out into all of the other different lands within the park. However, Discovery Island is more than just a hub. You have several attractions (It’s Tough to be Bug, Meet Mickey and Minnie at Adventurer’s Outpost). You have many great dining locations (Tiffins, Nomad Lounge, Flame Tree Barbecue). And of course, you have lots of shopping for all of your souvenir needs.
Don’t sleep on the Tree of Life either. There are may trails that loop around the tree where you can admire the animal carvings that are embedded in the Tree.
Pandora: The World of Avatar
If you hang a hard left at Discovery Island, you will enter the world of Pandora. Pandora is the planet features in the Avatar series of movies. While it is an IP-based land, it fits into the overall message of Animal Kingdom of celebrating and protecting the natural world. And honestly, it is just so beautiful.
It certain doesn’t hurt that it features a top 5 ride (Flight of Passage) as well as one of the best quick service locations on property (Satu’li Canteen).
Africa
Moving clockwise away from Pandora, your next stop is Africa. This land is themed around Harambe, a fictional African safari town. The theming here is superb. The town feels so real and lived in that it truly transports you to another place and time.
Africa is where you will find fan favorite Kilimanjaro Safaris and the Legend of the Lion King stage show. There are also lots of other underrated attractions here that merit exploration (Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail).
Asia
Next up in your clockwise tour of Animal Kingdom is Asia. Similar to Africa, the theme depicts the fictional kingdom of Anadapur, rather than an actual location. However there are nods to many of the countries and cultures of south-central Asia. Also similar to Africa, the theming as absolutely amazing in the way it immerses and transports you. Be sure to have your camera at the ready, as there are so many great photo opportunities!
This land features the anchor attractions Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids. You, of course, also have exhibitions featuring the animals of this region of the world
Dinoland USA
Finally, our tour brings us to Dinoland USA. This area is themed after a dinosaur themed roadside attraction, with its kitchy tourist trap aesthetic. Generally considered to be the weakest of the lands at Animal Kingdom, it does feature the Dinosaur dark ride as well as the Finding Nemo stage show. However, this area of the park is slated for re-imagining at some point in the future. If dinosaurs are your thing, get here soon since this land is on borrowed time (similar to the real dinosaurs).
Hollywood Studios: Ride the Movies
Hollywood Studios is the fourth and final park that we will explore in this DISNEY 101 article. As the name suggests, this park is dedicated to a hodge podge of different movie franchises, as well as the golden age of Hollywood in general. When it first opened, it was a working television and movie studio. However, over time, it transitioned to be a theme park exclusively.
Getting There
Not to be a broken record, but you can always drive and park here. Not a surprise!
If you are staying at a Epcot area resort (Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk Inn, Swan and Dolphin) you can walk or take a ferry boat to the entrance of Hollywood Studios. If you are staying at a Skyliner resort (Riviera, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century Art of Animation), there is a Skyliner stop here as well. And of course, you can take a Disney bus from the other on property resorts.
Navigating the Park
Hollywood Boulevard
After entering the park, you will be on Hollywood Boulevard. The buildings and shops that flank this thoroughfare are reminiscent of “old Hollywood” with their art deco vibe. If you look straight ahead, you will see a replica of Hollywood’s Chinese Theater, which currently hosts Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
Sunset Boulevard
If you hang a right at the first intersection you come to, you will now be on Sunset Boulevard. This section continues with the theme of old Hollywood. This dead end street ends at the Hollywood Tower Hotel, otherwise known as the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. To the left you can find Rockin’ Roller Coaster Featuring Aerosmith, as well as the Fairfax Faire collection of quick service outdoor dining locations. This is also where you will fine the amphitheater that hosts Fantasmic, the park’s nighttime show.
Echo Lake / Grand Avenue / Commissary Lane
I grouped this areas together because, individually, they aren’t very large. They are located to the left after you reach the end of Hollywood Boulevard. Here you will find the Star Tours ride, as well as several shows (Muppetvision 3D, Frozen Singalong, Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular). Some people get confused by the fact that Star Tours is located here, rather than in the Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge section of the park. I don’t have any explanation, other than “deal with it”!
Dining is also featured here, with several quick service locations (Backlot Express, ABC Commissary, Baseline Taphouse), and table service restaurants (Sci-fi Dine-in Theater, Hollywood and Vine, 50’s Prime Time Cafe).
Finally, you can meet Olaf in this area of the park, as well as “red carpet” Mickey and Minnie.
Animation Courtyard
This area is to the right and behind the Chinese Theater. There aren’t any rides here, but you will find several meet and greets (Disney Junior characters, Star Wars characters at the Star Wars Launch Bay, Pixar characters at Pixar Place, rotating characters at Walt Disney Presents). Star Wars Launch Bay and Walt Disney Presents also have several exhibits which are worth checking out.
Toy Story Land
As the name implies, this land is dedicated to the Toy Story franchise. If you are a fan of the movie, this is the place for you. This area includes two of the park’s most popular rides: Toy Story Mania (a video game-like ride where you compete to earn points) and Slinky Dog Dash (family roller coaster). While some people complain that there isn’t enough shade in this area during the summer, the theming of this area is over-the-top amazing!
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge
With the generational popularity of the Star Wars franchise, it was only a matter of time before Disney will bring this universe to lift in theme park form. Set on the new fictional planet of Batuu during the time of the sequel trilogy (Rey, Poe, etc), fans are immersed in everything Star Wars. This area is sub-divided into a Resistance area and a First Order area, with theming and shops to match.
Here you can find arguably one of the best immersive experiences in all of Walt Disney World… Rise of the Resistance. To call it a ride really undersells what it is. If you are a Star Wars fan or a theme park fan, this is a must-do. Just be forewarned that it isn’t the most reliable attraction, so be prepared for closures.
Star Wars fans can also pilot the Millennium Falcon when they ride Smuggler’s Run. Who doesn’t want to “punch it” into hyperspace like Han and Chewie?
Best of the Rest
There is so much more to do at Walt Disney World besides the four theme parks. In this section, I’ll cover a few of the highlights.
Disney Springs
This is Disney’s outdoor shopping and dining district (as if there wasn’t enough shopping and dining in the parks). Pretty much every celebrity chef you can think of has a restaurant here. Some are amazing (Morimoto Asia, Art Smith’s Homecoming), while others are a bit lackluster (Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy). It is also the home to Banshee’s favorite sweet spot: Gideon’s.
The shopping also is pretty impressive. You have World of Disney, the largest Disney merchandise location on property. You have a Lego Store. There are two separate Star Wars stores! Not one.. but two! Of course, you have a lot of conventional retailers here, although you might be able to find better deals at one of the local factory outlet malls.
Disney Springs also has its share of entertainment. You have the large AMC movie theater, in case you want to catch the latest release while on vacation. You can also find Splitsville here, a bowling alley + restaurant (because bowling works up an appetite). There is also “Drawn to Life”, a Disney inspired show by the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil
Water Parks
I must admit that we aren’t a water park family, so I don’t have a lot of details to offer. However, if you are a water park family, know that there are two water parks on property: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Both appear to have your standard array of water slides, tube rides, lazy rivers and such. What sets them apart is the Disney theming and attention to detail.
In recent years, Disney has only had one of the two opened at a time, so check in advance to see which one is opened during your visit.
Golf
I even know less about golf than I do about water parks. However, I am told that there is plenty of golf to be had at Walt Disney World. Regular golf, mini golf, foot golf. If this is something that interests you, check it out.
Conclusion
Since this is a DISNEY 101 article, I obviously didn’t cover every little detail. However, after reading this, you should at least have some idea of what you can find at the different parks at Walt Disney World.
If there is some key point that you think I missed, feel free to leave me a comment. I love learning from other’s experiences!
AD: We hope you enjoyed this post. If you are coming to Central Florida and need a place to stay, please consider the Encore Magic Villa. It sleeps up to 12 and features a game room, theater room, themed bedrooms, and private pool… located within a short drive of the Magic!
If you enjoy this site and want to support us, please consider shopping on Amazon using our affiliate link. There is no additional cost to you, and it helps defray the cost of running this site.
If you really like us, please consider supporting us on Patreon for only $2/month. As a supporter, you get access to our growing library of trip planning infographics!
