No matter your age, Walt Disney World is an extraordinary place, comprising of four incredible theme parks, two thrill-seeking water parks, hundreds of restaurants as well as attractions and entertainment for all ages. Spread over 40 miles and with more than 70,000 staff (known as cast members), Disney World is a must stop on your visit to Orlando!

We’re going to look at the most common questions and queries about visiting Walt Disney World, from where to park and how to get around, as well as briefly mention each park within the resort. Let us help make your Disney World holiday planning, a walk in the park!

What is in Walt Disney World?

Constructed of nine parts, this enchanting place has something on offer for all of the family, whether you enjoy theme parks, water-based rides, shopping or sport!

The resort is made up of the following areas:

• Magic Kingdom Park
• Epcot
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park
• Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park
• Disney Springs
• ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
• Disney’s Boardwalk

If you’d like to know everything about each specific theme park and water park, keep an eye on our blog as we’ll be creating a guide for each!

How do I get to Walt Disney World and where shall I park?

There are various ways to get to Walt Disney World (located just off the I-4); we encourage hiring a car as this gives you the freedom to explore Orlando further afield! Our villas are close to Disney, ranging from 15 to 30 minutes away depending on the community you’re staying on. Each of the parks has its own parking, and once you’ve paid $25† for the day, you have the opportunity to park in any of them throughout that day.

How do I get around the resort?

Once you’ve explored the first park, there are several ways you can travel to the next; with the option of water taxis, monorail, buses, the new Disney Skyliner (opening later this year!) as well as your own car.

The waterparks have different opening hours to the theme parks, which means their car parks also have different opening hours, bear this in the mind when planning your day!

What shows are there to see?

With an abundance of shows situated around the park, you won’t tire of things to see or do! From stunt displays, show-stopping dance performances, firework displays and musicals, watch your favourite Disney characters come to life! Before your trip, be sure to check the scheduled performances as there are many special shows and festivals throughout the resort, which you’ll be able to browse here. You will also be able to pick up a Times Guide as you enter the parks, which will inform you of the schedule for that day.

You’ll find a show around every corner with The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Mickey Mouse and the Lion King all having their own captivating performances. One of our favourites is Finding Nemo – The Musical, which is located in DinoLand U.S.A. in Animal Kingdom and allows you to immerse yourself in the humour of the iconic underwater characters! The show usually takes place at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm and 4:30pm, but do check the schedule in case of any changes.

What will I find at Disney Springs?

Beyond the theme parks the excitement continues at Disney Springs! There are endless things to do at this shopping, entertainment and restaurant district offering a one-of-a-kind Disney experience. Visit day or night and dine along the waterfront, grab some holiday souvenirs from World of Disney, meet the Coca-Cola bear or take a ride on a water taxi and capture the sights from a different angle. Admission and parking is free too!

What ticket should I get?

There are two main ticket types, either the ultimate ticket or single day tickets. Our recommendation is the ultimate ticket as this option gives you the opportunity to explore every park, with no limitations as well as saving you money compared to buying single day tickets. We offer 7, 14 and 21-day ticket types, and by buying your park tickets through Debbie’s Villas, you’ll receive for free, a Play 4 Less card, Kids Eat Free or Dine 4 Less Card, as well as FastPass+ and Memory Maker!

Single day tickets aren’t available to buy in the UK; if this is the option you’d prefer, you can purchase them when you’re in the US from either Walt Disney World or in supermarkets such as Walmart.

You also have the option of buying your Disney tickets as part of a combo package along with other top theme parks in Florida. These will offer you the best value for money, so make sure to check our website for all available options.

What is FastPass+ & Memory Maker?

Both of these are seamless additions to your Disney attraction tickets. FastPass+ allows you to pick rides or attractions which you can skip the queue for. Up to three Disney FastPass+ experiences can be reserved in one Disney theme park per day and these can be selected up to 30 days in advance of your visit. Memory Maker lets you capture the fun you’ll have at Walt Disney World, by storing the images taken on the rides and by the roaming photographers into your My Disney Experience account. These are currently being offered free with our attraction tickets; you can read more about both of these in more detail here.

What is My Disney Experience?

Here to help plan your dream holiday, My Disney Experience allows you to link your tickets, reservations, FastPass+ selections as well as share your itinerary with friends and family. There’s also an app which allows you to check attraction wait times, see scheduled show times, as well as utilise the Get Directions function!

What is a MagicBand?

The option to have all your reservations, tickets and Disney information stored on your wrist is by purchasing a MagicBand. These are optional, so it is entirely up to you whether you purchase one. As well as storing information, you can buy merchandise and food with the band as well as unlocking some magical surprises throughout the parks!

What is Rider Switch?

This smart feature gives guests the opportunity to not miss out on rides if they’re with kids or those who are unable to ride. One guest will need to wait with the non-rider(s) while the other guests queue. Once they’ve had their turn, the guest who was waiting will be able to ride without having to join the back of the queue. This feature is only available on selected rides, so do ask the cast members beforehand.

If you have any further questions about Walt Disney World, don’t hesitate to get in touch as we’ll be more than happy to help! Our villas close to Disney are perfect for your trip of a lifetime, meaning you’re only a stone’s throw away from the fun that awaits!

† Subject to change by Disney