Have you been planning to visit Walt Disney World in Orlando for years? Then go for it! The Magic Kingdom is waiting for you.
For many fans of the Disney universe, visiting the legendary theme park is a dream come true. Are you tempted? Then why not get your tickets for Walt Disney World in Orlando?
In this article, we tell you everything you need to know. So if you’re about to visit the magical world of Mickey Mouse, don’t delay! Fasten your seatbelts, takeoff for Florida is imminent! Landing at the top of Cinderella Castle’s tallest tower in 5 minutes!
Walt Disney World in Orlando: a long-term project
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The Walt Disney World theme park complex in Orlando is a project launched in 1952 by Walt Disney himself. Located some 30km south of the city of Orlando in Florida, it is today a pharaonic estate. It occupies an area of over 111km², which is larger than the city of Paris.
In 1971, the very first park opened its doors. Since then, Walt Disney World Resort has gone from strength to strength. The complex now boasts 4 theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom) and 2 water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon). Numerous hotels have also sprung up on the site, and even an entire town. Restaurants, cafés, boutiques… In short, a « world of illusions » imagined by Walt Disney.
Our tips for visiting Walt Disney World in Orlando
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Have you got your tickets for Walt Disney World in Orlando and are you starting to plan your trip? Here are a few tips to help you.
When is the best time to visit Walt Disney World in Orlando?
Florida has a subtropical climate. In summer, the heat can easily get to you. What’s more, it’s high season at Disney World. You should avoid it as much as possible, to avoid spending your vacation in queues.
If you’re looking for peace of mind, buy your tickets for Walt Disney World in Orlando for the months of January and February (excluding school vacations) and September to November, on weekdays. Please note! Avoid Thanksgiving and Halloween, when the park is at its most crowded.
How long will it take to visit the park?
If you want to visit Walt Disney World in Orlando in its entirety, allow at least one day per park, for a total of four days. The estate is truly immense, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Add a day for the two water parks if you want to cool off.
It’s possible to visit Walt Disney World in Orlando in French
Don’t speak a word of English? Don’t worry, all four parks have maps and audio guides in French, available from the Guest Services of each park.
FastPass +
When you buy your tickets for Walt Disney World in Orlando, you can select three attractions per day for which you will benefit from FastPass+. This gives you priority access to three attractions for the day. Spaces are limited, so be sure to book early! Reservations open 30 days in advance, 60 if you’re staying at a Disney hotel.
What to do when you visit Disney World?
Here are the most popular attractions at Disney World’s four parks.
Magic Kingdom’s top attractions
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If you’re new to Disney theme parks, start here. These are the classics.
- The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: a roller coaster based on the world of Snow White. Take a ride on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
- Space Mountain: a famous roller coaster that takes you into space for an epic dark ride.
- Pirate of the Caribbean: this is one of the most famous attractions in the Disney parks, based on the Pirates of the Caribbean films.
- Haunted House: a ghost train, a classic theme park attraction. A must-see!
- Splash Mountain: a water ride in a tree trunk. A long ride with a superb setting!
The Star Wars zone at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
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Opening in 2019, the Star Wars zone recreates the universe of George Lucas’ saga. You’ll find themed stores and restaurants. As you stroll through the streets, you’ll also be able to meet Chewbacca, Darth Vader, BB8 and even Ray. But above all, two great attractions:
- Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run, where you pilot the Millennium Falcon in a true-to-life simulator.
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, in which you take part in the epic battle between the First Order and the Resistance.
EPCOT
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EPCOT stands for Experimental Project Community Of Tomorrow. It’s a city imagined by Walt Disney. It’s the park’s most ageing area, and is currently being renovated.
Nevertheless, for fans of The Snow Queen, don’t miss the Frozen Ever After attraction. It’s a scenic journey aboard a longship. Here you can meet Olaf, Sven, Anna and, of course, Elsa.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: the best attractions
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This is a zoological theme park combining safari and attractions. In this part of Disney World Orlando, don’t miss Pandora: the world of Avatar and its two attractions:
- Avatar: Flight of Passage: an extraordinary flight simulator where you ride a banshee through the landscapes of Pandora.
- Na’vi River Journey: travel by boat through a bioluminescent forest. The scenery and animation are magnificent.
Among Animal Kingdom’s other attractions, don’t miss Expedition Everest, a very funny and well-decorated roller coaster.
How much do tickets to Walt Disney World in Orlando cost?
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First of all, it should be said that since January 2020, it’s no longer possible to buy a single-day ticket on the Walt Disney World Orlando website. The minimum is two days. If you want to buy tickets for a single day, you’ll have to go through a third-party site specializing in tours and activities. But beware of scams! If the prices are too good to be true, they probably are.
These are the basic rates. However, they vary according to period, length of stay and current promotional offers. So be sure to check the site regularly if you’re planning to buy tickets for Walt Disney World in Orlando.
- Adult ticket for 1 day/1 park: €177.93
- For children (aged 3 to 9): €172
- Adult ticket for 1 day/4 parks: €243
- For children: €238
- Adult ticket for 1 day/4 parks + 2 water parks: €265
- For children: €260
There are also special packages that include lodging and/or meals. Finally, you don’t have to use all the days you’ve paid for in a row. When you make your reservation, Disney World will provide you with a time window in which you can come whenever you like.
How do I book tickets for Walt Disney World in Orlando online?
If you want to stay for several days, book your tickets on the official website and combine them with one of the park’s hotels. On the other hand, if you want to book for 1 day only, opt for a third-party site or a platform specializing in tours and activities. Choose trusted partners to avoid scams.
Are there guided tours of Walt Disney World in Orlando?
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There are over twenty guided tours available to visit Walt Disney World in Orlando. Depending on your tastes and schedule, you can choose the one that suits you on the official website. A number of tourist organizations also offer tours departing from Orlando, and there are even helicopter tours for the ultimate experience!
Opening hours
- Opening hours: all areas of the park open at 9 a.m. except Hollywood Studios, which opens at 8 a.m.
- Closing: 8pm for Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom and 9pm for EPCOT and Magic Kingdom.
How do I get to Walt Disney World in Orlando?
There are 2 solutions: by shuttle from the airport or by car.
Getting to Walt Disney World from Orlando airport
From the airport, there’s a free shuttle bus called Disney’s Magical Express to visit Walt Disney World in Orlando. To take advantage of this service, go to the Disney counter, where you’ll be directed to the bus.
Walt Disney World by car
From Orlando, 3 possibilities:
- With your own vehicle: approx. 3€.
- By cab: between €100 and €120.
- By VTC (Uber): €30.
Where can I park near Walt Disney World in Orlando?
Disney World has its own parking lots. The basic rate is $25/day, but varies according to the type of vehicle. It is therefore more advantageous not to have a car on site.
Where to stay near Walt Disney World in Orlando?
At Disney World, there are over 20,000 hotel rooms of all classes. On-site hotels allow guests to take advantage of free transportation within the park, extended opening hours and FastPass+ priority selection.
Alternatively, for much less, you can stay just a few miles from the park. For more details, see our article » Where to stay near Universal Studios and Disney World Orlando « .
Enjoy your stay!