Walt Disney World
Our top tips for the perfect break in Orlando:
All fans of the Disney universe and theme parks will find something magical in Walt Disney World. Walt Disney himself designed the second resort, which is the largest complex of Disney parks in the world. It is a vast resort comprising four equally magical theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Animal Kingdom. Having been lucky enough to stay there twice, I'd like to share my experience and offer some advice for your future visit on this page. Follow the guide to Orlando for hotel reservations, transport, restaurants and attractions.
Things to do at Walt Disney World
The 4 theme parks at Disney World
Magic Kingdom
The "Enchanted Kingdom" at Disney World in Florida, which is inspired by California's Disneyland park, will remind you of our Disneyland park, which is slightly larger (55ha). Like the other Magic Kingdoms, it has its own castle: Cinderella Castle. Like the others, it is divided into several "lands": Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Liberty Square, and Main Street, USA.
Discover Magic Kingdom- Tron LightCycle Run
- Tiana's Bayou Adventure (nouveauté 2024)
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Haunted Mansion
- Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
- Small World
- Pirates of the Caribean
Disney's Hollywood Studios
The former Disney MGM Studios is the third park to be built by the Walt Disney Company. Opened in 1989, it is a tribute to the film industry and Walt Disney's passion. Originally a 'half-day' park, Disney's Hollywood Studios has been considerably expanded with the arrival of two new lands that have proven to be very popular: Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge..
Discover Disney's Hollywood Studios- Mickey's Runaway Railway
- Spectacle Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
- Millenium Falcon : Smugglers Run
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Star Wars : Rise of the Resistance
- Toy Story Mania
- Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
EPCOT
EPCOT was born of Walt Disney's creative vision. He imagined a model community and showcase for American technology. Today, it is a unique theme park. Although it is less Disney-themed, it remains my favourite park! The originality of the park lies in the mix of attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind and the pavilions of the nations.
Discover EPCOT- Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind
- Frozen Ever After
- Journey Into Imagination With Figment
- Mission Space
- Remy's Ratatouille Adventure
- Soarin Around the World
- Test Track
Disney Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom, the last park to open at Disney World in 1998, is a unique theme park concept within the Disney universe. Of all the Disney parks, this one is the largest and most beautiful, and it combines the elements of both a zoo and an amusement park. Although it has fewer attractions than the other Orlando parks, Pandora and the Avatar Flight of Passage attraction are well worth a visit.
Discover Animal Kingdom- Avatar Flight of Passage
- Dinosaur
- Festival of the Lion King (spectacle)
- It's Tough to be a Bug
- Na'vi River Journey
- Expedition Everest
Things to do at Walt Disney World
Water Parks
Disney World also has two water parks, offering a variety of attractions and activities for all the family. They are a must-see in the tropical heat of Florida! These parks are included if you choose the Park Hopper Plus option! From 2025, you can also choose between the two if you book a stay at a Disney World hotel!
Disney Typhoon Lagoon
If you're looking to escape the Florida heat and immerse yourself in a magical world, then Disney's Typhoon Lagoon is the place for you. In the midst of Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, not too far from Disney Springs, you'll find Typhoon Lagoon. This park is the perfect spot for a laid-back, relaxed day out with friends or family. It offers sandy beaches, water slides and surf lessons, as well as Disney food. It's also home to one of the world's largest wave pools.
Discover Typhoon Lagoon- Castaway Creek
- Crush 'n' Gusher
- Gangplank Falls
- Humunga Kowabunga
- Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool
- Keelhaul Falls
Disney Blizzard Beach
It may look like a ski resort, but Blizzard Beach is actually a water park 🌊! A park with a great theme where you can travel by chairlift and go down some great slides, like Summit Plummet and Slush Gusher. The magic of Arendelle has even been brought to Blizzard Beach, particularly to the Tike's Peak children's area, where little ones can play with Elsa, Anna, and Olaf.
Discover le parc Blizzard Beach- Summit Plummet
- Runoff Rapids
- Toboggan Racers
- Tike's Peak
- Slush Gusher
- Teamboat Springs
Things to do at Walt Disney World
Disney Villages
Disney Springs
Disney Springs is similar to Disney Village in Paris, but with an American spin: it is larger, superior and more entertaining! This huge shopping and leisure area is perfect for browsing the shops (95) and is accessible free of charge. With 69 restaurants and huge, exclusive shops like the 3-storey Coca-Cola and M&M's, Disney Springs is a shopper's paradise. You can also catch a performance by Cirque du Soleil or take a ride in the giant inflatable Aerophile balloon.
Discover Disney Springs- See the World of Disney Store
- Drink a Coca-Cola on the Store's rooftop
- Take a ride in the Vintage Amphicar
- Eat at Planet Hollywood
- Lunch at StarBucks
- Eat a Cinnamon, Vanilla or Caramel Churros at Marketplace
Disney Boardwalk
The Boardwalk is located right next to EPCOT. It is a great place to take a stroll. This is especially true in the evening. The promenade has a Coney Island feel. It is accessible on foot from EPCOT. You can also get there by boat from Hollywood Studios. Here, you can enjoy a pedal-powered Rosalie ride, eat and drink cocktails, and shop. You can even roast marshmallows on a barbecue! Best of all, it's free and open to all!
Discover Disney BoardWalk- Eat a giant bowl of ice cream
- Rent a rosalie
- Play arcade games
- Go dancing at the Atlantic Dance Hall
- Drink an aperitif at the Jellyrolls piano bar
Staying in Orlando
Holidays at Disney World: our top tips
How much money should I budget for a trip to Disney World?
It is a common misconception that it costs a fortune to spend a week or more at Disney World. As with anything, the cost can vary greatly depending on the hotel you choose. By booking well in advance and at the right time, you can save significantly on the two main expenses: flights and accommodation.
I can personally attest to the fact that it is absolutely feasible to spend no more than €6,000 for a week for four people, including flights + four-day tickets + seven days in a 60m² suite in Lake Buena Vista, as I have planned two trips to Florida. Read our guide below to learn more. 👇
How much to go to Disneyworld?
Things to do in Orlando
Other parks
It would be a shame to travel so far without visiting Orlando's other two major theme parks: Universal Studios and SeaWorld! They're only a few miles apart, after all.
Universal Orlando Resort
For anyone who loves theme parks and Universal licenses (Minions, Simpsons, Harry Potter), a visit to Universal Orlando's two parks is an absolute must. Universal Orlando is a must-see, with a third park planned for 2025 (Epic Universe).
Seaworld Orlando
Located between Walt Disney World and Universal, Seaworld is a marine zoo, theme park and aquarium all rolled into one. It is also home to impressive rollercoasters such as the Surf Coaster, which allows you to ride standing up!
FAQ
Questions and answers about Walt Disney World.
What are the differences between Disneyland Paris and Disney World in Orlando?
There are so many! For a start, the size! Imagine if the entire resort were the same size as the city of Paris! The sheer size of the car parks is impressive, too.
How long does it take to visit all 4 parks?
To avoid missing out on a park, it is necessary to allocate at least one day for each park, or two days in total.
Do I need to buy a Park Hopper Pass?
Unless you have opted for a ticket valid for six days or more, or you want to visit different parks to see the night-time shows, I wouldn't recommend the Park Hopper. Apart from Animal Kingdom, which can be visited in half a day, a full day is required for each park.
