A trip to Disney World Orlando It is the dream of many people, whether children or even adults. Therefore, the guide below will help you put together a good itinerary to enjoy the best experience in the place where magic happens and fairy tales come to life.
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What is Disney World Orlando?
Disney World Orlando is the most visited entertainment resort in the world, located, in fact, in Bay Lake, Florida. It was opened on October 1, 1971 and receives more than 100 million people each year in its theme parks and hotels.
The space, which covers 5,700 hectares, is operated by The Walt Disney Company and has 4 theme parks, as well as 2 water parks, several accommodation options, shopping areas and golf courses.
It was created by Walt Disney himself in the 1960s to serve as a complement to the Disneyland park in Anaheim, California. Furthermore, his original plans still included an “Experimental Prototype of the Community of Tomorrow”, a planned city.
How to plan your trip to Disney World Orlando?
To travel to Disney World Orlando, first of all, you need to set a budget and choose the date and number of days. Once this is done, the next steps are:
- make reservations for airline tickets and accommodation in advance;
- decide whether to stay in a hotel inside or outside the Disney complex;
- view a map, photos and videos of attractions online before boarding;
- create a daily itinerary based on the places you want to visit;
- put together a list of crucial items for the trip;
- Pay attention to packages and special offers that may arise during your trip.
A crucial tip is to download the app My disney experience, as it helps you plan your visit, as well as make restaurant reservations, view attraction times and access information in real time.
How much does the all-inclusive trip cost?
A week-long trip to Disney World Orlando in low season can cost, on average, from R$ 10,000 to R$ 16,000 per person, in low-cost versions. However, if you want to enjoy more luxurious accommodation, the price may be a little higher.
It is worth remembering that the costs of traveling are always subject to change, and factors such as, for example, the dollar and the price of fuel can increase planned expenses even further.
Best time of year to go to Disney
The best time of year to go to Disney is in the low season, generally between the months of January, February, September and October. This is because parks tend to be emptier, while hotel and ticket prices may be lower.
Spring (March to May) is also a popular time to visit, as the weather is more pleasant and the resort's gardens are in full bloom. However, capacity may increase as it is a holiday period and Easter holiday.
Summer (June to August) is when it is very busy due to school holidays. The parks, in fact, can be crowded and the weather can be hot and humid.
Autumn (September to November), on the other hand, brings Halloween events, such as Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which takes place a few nights each month.
Finally, the holidays are magical, with decorations, themed parades and special events, like Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
What are the main attractions at Disney World Orlando?
The main attraction at Disney World Orlando is Cinderella Castle, which is, in fact, one of the most visited spots, at the Magic Kingdom. Furthermore, it is the symbol of this park and serves as a backdrop for several shows and parades.
Other attractions are:
- Pirates of the Caribbean: classic pirate-themed boat ride;
- Space Mountain: roller coaster in the dark in outer space;
- Test Track: car ride at high speed;
- Soarin' Around the World: flight simulator that has a great view;
- World Showcase: pavilions that represent several countries around the world;
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: diving into the Star Wars universe;
- Toy Story Mania!: interactive game based on the Pixar film of the same name;
- Avatar Flight of Passage: tour of Pandora – The World of Avatar;
- Kilimanjaro Safaris: African wildlife safari;
- Festival of the Lion King: musical show inspired by the film “The Lion King”.
Tips to avoid queues
The best way to avoid queues is to buy tickets online before heading to the attractions, as you will already arrive with your purchased ticket. Other tips include:
- arrive early, that is, in the early hours of the day;
- make use of the virtual queue system;
- avoid rush hours;
- use the Single Rider, but to do so you need to separate from your group;
- eat meals earlier or later than others;
- Create an itinerary based on the attractions you most want to visit.
If you have small children who cannot board with you, use the Rider Switch. After all, it allows one adult to wait with the child while the other enjoys the attraction, and then they change places without having to wait in line again.
What does FastPass+ do?
FastPass+, now called Disney Genie+, is a system that helps reduce waiting time in queues at attractions and, thus, improve the experience of visitors.
Its main function is to make visitors reserve priority access times for tours, shows and character encounters in advance.
It is worth noting that it is not free, there is a cost associated with this service per person, per day. Additionally, certain very popular attractions, such as Rise of the Resistance, are not included in Genie+ and may have a separate virtual queue system.
What are the best restaurants at Disney World Orlando?
Disney World Orlando offers a wide variety of restaurants, such as Cinderella's Royal Table, from quick dining options to luxurious table service. Therefore, see below some of the main ones in each of the four theme parks and in the area of Disney springs:
- Cinderella's Royal Table: located inside the famous Cinderella's castle;
- Be Our Guest Restaurant: inspired by “Beauty and the Beast”, located in the Beast's castle;
- Le Cellier Steakhouse: Canadian with several meat dishes;
- Coral Reef Restaurant: has a huge aquarium full of marine life;
- 50's Prime Time Cafe: with retro 50s themed decor and homemade dishes;
- Oga's Cantina: Star Wars-themed bar;
- Satu'li Canteen: quick service in Pandora, with healthy and exotic options;
- The Boathouse: lakeside with fresh seafood on an amphibious boat;
- Chef Art Smith's Homecomin': brings cuisine from the southern United States.
Is Disney World Orlando worth visiting?
Visiting Disney World Orlando can be worth it as long as you make a good plan, as this trip requires a lot of expense.
The biggest positive point is the magical experience with the iconic characters, the unique attractions and the grand shows. However, it is crucial to consider how much this may cost and whether you have the time available to embark on this journey.
