Downtown Disney

Blizzard Beach

Typhoon Lagoon

Hollywood Studios (MGM)

Disney's Hollywood Studios (originally known as Disney-MGM Studios until 2008), is the third park to be build and opened on May 1, 1989. Spanning 135 acres (54.6 ha), it is dedicated to show business, drawing inspiration from the heyday of Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s.



Insider tips

•  If you are going to Disney Junior Live on Stage, get there to line up early (10-20 minutes before show) to get in. Also, don't sit in the very front because you will not see the whole show.

 

Animal Kingdom

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Disney's Animal Kingdom is the fourth theme park and was opened on Earth Day, April 22, 1998. It is the largest single Disney theme park in the world, covering 580 acres (235 ha) and is also the first Disney theme park to be themed entirely around animal conservation.

Insider tips

• At the Kali River Rapids, they now have free lockers in which you can place items you want to stay dry. There is space to store items on the ride, however if you wish to keep things 100% waterproof, try the lockers that are located to the left of the ride near the bathrooms. 
• Shoes are required on Kali River Rapids, but you might want to consider bringing flip-flops giving you the option to change back into dry shoes (should you wish too).
• This ride ultimately revolves on chance. Have I been soaked on this ride? Why yes I have, but have there been times where I've stayed bone dry, yes believe it or not I have. Due to the nature of the ride, the revolving tire means that there is a chance you will get wet, but it is not a certainty. Although this is the case, unless you fancy chancing the risk of getting soaked, I would recommend wearing clothes that dry fast. (From personal experience, I have found that thick denim shorts do not dry and will leave you feeling wet for the rest of the day)
• If you are a thrill seeker and looking to ride Animal Kingdom's newest ride Everest, the back section of the train will feel more dramatic and the ride will feel longer.

EPCOT

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EPCOT is the second amusement park to be built at Walt Disney World and opened on October 1, 1982. It spans 300 acres (120 ha) making it more than twice the size of the Magic Kingdom park.

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Insider tips

• When your group is tired and thirsty, head to Club Cool. You can sample Coca-Cola flavours from all over the world - for free. 
• If you want to ensure you dine at an Epcot restaurant for dinner and don't have an Advance Dining Reservation, make sure to make one very early in the day. The popular restaurants fill up early 
• Don't forget the single rider lines at Test Track and Mission: SPACE. If you do not mind being separated and would rather skip the waiting time then this is a good option for you. 

Useful Links

• Map of the Park
• Dining

First-timer's Guide

 

Now I know what you're probably thinking, well I can imagine that you are pretty excited, but a sense of panic or apprehension may be beginning to take over. But don't worry! That is perfectly normal.

Magic Kingdom

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Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom was the first property built in October 1, 1971 by Walt Disney Imagineering. The park is represented by Cinderella Castle, a replica of the fairy tale castle seen in the 1950 film.

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Insider tips

• If you arrive early enough (around half 8 quarter to 9) when you are waiting outside to enter the Magic Kingdom Park, a train full of characters, including the famous Mickey Mouse, will make an appearance and "open" the park. 
• Space Mountain and Splash Mountain can get pretty busy and the queue can be from 40minutes to over an hour. Either get in quick or use a  Fastpass!
• Make sure you have the opportunity to visit at  night, not only does the park look different but the Magic Kingdom also has the Electrical Light Parade and breathtaking fireworks. 
• If you are feeling a bit daring, why not ask to sit at the back of the ride. Especially on Space Mountain and Thunder Mountain, you will feel every drop and the ride feels much longer. (First-times might want to ride in the front)

Useful Links:

• Map of the park
• Dining

Disney Transportation

Here are some handy tips and the different types of Transportation that WDW has to offer.

New Fantasyland

In June I had the opportunity to visit Florida as part of my twenty-first birthday present. Here are just some of the new improvements to Fantasyland.

Useful Links

Maps of the Parks:

• Magic Kingdom
• Epcot
• MGM/Hollywood Studios
• Animal Kingdom
• Blizzard Beach Water Park 
• Typhoon Lagoon Water Park 
• Downtown Disney 

Interested in booking a backstage tour?

• Events and Tours 
• Backstage Tours
• VIP Guided Tours

Transportation

• Lynx buses 
• Mears 
• Taxi Fair finder