Walt Disney World Resort | Entrance Fee, Opening Hours & More (2024)

What is Walt Disney World Resort?

The Walt Disney World Resort, affectionately referred to as Disney World, is more than just an amusem*nt park. It's a sprawling entertainment complex in the Orlando, Florida area, encompassing four theme parks, two water parks, countless hotels, and multiple shopping, dining, and recreation venues. Often touted as the "most magical place on Earth," it invites guests of all ages into worlds of fantasy, adventure, and wonder. It's a place where dreams are not just encouraged; they're brought to life.

Each theme park within the resort—Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom—has its unique theme and attractions, contributing to the resort's overall appeal. As someone who's seen this magical kingdom grow over the years, I can attest to the fact that the magic isn't just in the attractions, but in the meticulously detailed landscapes, the parades that roll down Main Street, U.S.A., and the fireworks that light up the sky at night.

History of Walt Disney World Resort

When it opened on October 1, 1971, Walt Disney World Resort was a single theme park with the enchanting Cinderella Castle at its heart. The resort's creation was spearheaded by Walt Disney himself although, sadly, he passed away before seeing his vision fully realized. The company's unprecedented purchase and development of vast tracts of land in central Florida in the 1960s were done under a cloak of secrecy, to avoid land speculation.

The opening of Epcot in 1982 marked the beginning of the resort's expansion into more than just a theme park. Epcot was envisioned by Disney as a Utopian city of the future, but it was adapted into a theme park that showcases human achievement and international cultures. Disney's Hollywood Studios, which opened in 1989, and Disney's Animal Kingdom, which opened in 1998, continued the expansion and depth of experiences available at the resort.

Why is Walt Disney World Resort Important?

Disney World represents a significant part of the global cultural landscape; it's more than just an economic powerhouse in the theme park industry. It's a beacon of the power of imagination and the potential for creativity to inspire joy. Disney World has played a pivotal role in shaping family entertainment and has set standards for service, hospitality, and themed design that have influenced countless other businesses.

The resort's importance also lies in its ability to instill a sense of wonder and to provide a shared space for creating lifelong memories. Over the years, it has also been a place where technological advancements in animatronics, ride systems, and entertainment are first introduced, making it an important venue for innovation in the leisure and theme park industry.

Things to Do & See at Walt Disney World Resort

The list of experiences within Walt Disney World Resort is extensive, to say the least. At Magic Kingdom, you can sail with pirates, fly with Peter Pan, or join the ghosts in the Haunted Mansion. Epcot's World Showcase lets you experience the culture, cuisine, and architecture of 11 different countries, while its Future World is full of educational exhibits and thrilling rides. Behind the scenes, there's a network of underground tunnels—part of an intricate utilidor system—used by cast members to navigate the park without breaking the illusion, one of those details that few guests ever think about.

In Disney's Hollywood Studios, you can delve into the world of movies, with attractions like the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Disney's Animal Kingdom, on the other hand, offers encounters with real, live animals as well as immersive adventures into fantastical lands like Pandora – The World of Avatar. Besides the theme parks, you can cool off in the water parks Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, indulge in fine dining at Disney Springs, or enjoy a round of golf on one of the resort's courses.

But beyond the rides and attractions, there are hidden gems and experiences that only a lifelong enthusiast might know. Did you know that at certain spots around the resort, if you stand in just the right place and listen carefully, you may hear secret messages or unexpected sounds? From special phone booths in Epcot that let you listen in on conversations to hidden Mickeys scattered throughout the property, these little details are what make the resort a true marvel, something always new to discover, even for those of us who've walked these paths hundreds of times.