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Things to Do at Disney World

by Gail Chandler

Overview

Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, offers entertainment options for the whole family. Its timeless and innovative amusement parks, including the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, are packed with fun and fantasy. There's so much to see and do in Disney World, from shopping to dining to exhibits and shows, but at its core, Disney is about the parks.
The Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom is the first and perhaps best known theme park in Disney World. Recognizable for the iconic structure Cinderella's Castle, the Magic Kingdom is a fantasy. Since 1971, the Magic Kingdom has been enchanting visitors. The first stop is Main Street U.S.A., a pristine imagining of an American town from a bygone era, with shops and exhibits and a horse-drawn trolley. Beyond Main Street U.S.A., the Magic Kingdom is split into five themed lands: Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Square and Adventureland. Tomorrowland displays a "Future That Never Was," with Space Mountain as its core ride. Don't miss The Carousel of Progress, which takes riders through an exhibit of the progression of technology and into tomorrow's possibilities. Fantasyland, marked by Cinderella's Castle, invites tourists to believe in fairy tales. Visit It's a Small World for a boat trip through world cultures, go for a spin in the Mad Tea Party and take flight on Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Corral the family for pioneer fun in Frontierland, where you can explore Tom Sawyer's Island, hear the Country Bear Jamboree and ride the rickety rails of Big Thunder Mountain. In Adventureland, there be pirates at the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Don't miss the Swiss Family Treehouse and the Jungle Cruise. Visit Liberty Square to see the Hall of Presidents for a dose of American History and animatronics, and then work up your courage for a trip to the Haunted Mansion.

Epcot

Epcot stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow and features educational, scientific, historical and cultural attractions. Visit the huge golf ball-shaped Spaceship Earth, which takes tourists on a ride through history and into tomorrow. Check out Mission Space for a simulated shuttle launch to Mars. Join the character Figment on the ride Imagination! for an exploration of our senses. Take a tour of the sea on the Seas with Nemo and Friends ride, where there's a huge aquarium featuring sharks, sea turtles, and dolphins. Epcot also offers visitors the chance to explore different cultures with their World Showcase. The showcase features eleven countries, with local shops, exhibits, replicas of landmarks and restaurants. Visit Mexico and take a boat ride through a volcano. In Morocco, see belly dancers and acrobats perform. Stroll over to Germany for cobblestone streets and Oktoberfest. In Japan, there are gardens, a beautiful pagoda and great shopping.
Animal Kingdom

Go wild at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park features 1,700 animals in different regions, including Africa, Asia, Discovery Island and Oasis. Visit Africa for the Kilimanjaro Safari, a guided trek through the savannah where you'll see giraffes, elephants, zebras, warthogs and crocodiles. In Asia, visitors can ride the Kali River Rapids, a water ride showing the effects of rainforest destruction. A warning: Be prepared to get wet. Then head over to Expedition Everest, where visitors can explore the legend of the Yeti on a careening, thrilling train ride. Recover your senses at Discovery Island, where you can stroll by green-winged macaws, Galapagos tortoises and Cotton-top tamarins. In Oasis, there are lush paths to wander where you may cross paths with giant anteaters, wallabies and even life-like animatronics.