Walt Disney World near Orlando is the largest Disney resort in the world, a realm of its own made up of four large theme parks, two water parks, hotels and restaurants. For many it is the ultimate dream, for others above all expensive and crowded. Here you will find a sober appraisal of which park is worth it for whom, and above all how to keep waiting times and costs down.
The four parks
Magic Kingdom is the classic Disney with the fairytale castle, the most popular and busiest park. Epcot combines themes of the future with a walk through the countries of the world, quieter and appealing to adults too. Hollywood Studios revolves around film, Star Wars and action. Animal Kingdom is half zoo, half theme park, with the floating world of Pandora.
Avoiding queues without paying extra
The most important thing first: you do not have to buy expensive Express Passes to avoid long queues. Be there early when the gates open and head straight for the most popular attractions. At midday, when everyone is queuing, the quieter corners, shows or a break are worthwhile. Towards the evening many queues thin out again. Anyone who thinks counter-cyclically gets an astonishing amount done without paying more.
Saving on an expensive pleasure
Disney has become expensive. Multi-day tickets lower the price per day considerably. Food and drink in the park are steep, so your own water bottle and a few snacks help. And the Disney hotels are often not worth the money, especially with children a suite hotel with a small kitchen outside the resort is frequently the better choice.
What is changing
Disney is constantly rebuilding. Some classics have stood for decades, other things are newly added, from individual rides to whole themed worlds. You best check the exact, current state shortly before your trip on the official site.
