Founded in 1971, the Walt Disney World Resort is approximately 30 minutes southeast of Orlando, Florida, and is one of the largest amusement resorts in the world. Since its inception, the resort has grown into four theme parks, including Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom, and features attractions such as sports tournaments at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Budget-conscious travelers have access to hotels with reasonable room rates and inexpensive restaurants at Walt Disney World.
The Animal Kingdom region of Walt Disney World features wildlife-themed exhibits. The Cretaceous Trail in Dinoland USA is a path with dinosaur fossils. Habitat Habit is a Cotton-top Tamarin exhibit at Rafiki's Planet Watch. Inexpensive dining options in Animal Kingdom include Pizzafari, which offers pizza and beer selections, and Flame Tree Barbecue, an eatery with outdoor seating that overlooks the Discovery River. The menu items at these restaurant are less than $15, as of fall 2010. Vacationers in Animal Kingdom have access to reasonably priced rooms at the All-Star Sports Resort. This sports-themed hotel offers room rates at $82 per night and features a food court and two outdoor swimming pools.
Walt Disney World provides a haven for sports enthusiasts at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which features sporting facilities such as the Tennis Complex, which has 10 lighted tennis courts, and the Jostens Center, an arena that hosts collegiate basketball and volleyball games throughout the year. The ESPN Complex is also home to Champion Stadium, a baseball field that hosts the Atlanta Braves spring training and exhibition games every year. The exhibition games occur in the winter and are open to the public. Accommodations are available at the Pop Century Resort, a hotel that pays tribute to American pop culture from the 1950s to 1990s. As of fall 2010, room rates start at $82 per night. Dining options in the Complex include the inexpensive ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill. This restaurant serves casual American fare for lunch and dinner.
The Magic Kingdom is the oldest section of Walt Disney World Resort. Founded in 1971, it offers attractions such as the Pirates of the Caribbean underground boat ride, which inspired the movie trilogy by the same name, and Space Mountain, a future-themed, indoor roller coaster. Magic Kingdom is also home to the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle at the center of the park. Reasonable lodging prices are at the Campsites at Fort Wilderness, which offer sites for RV and primitive tent camping. RV campsites start at $61 per night, as of fall 2010, and offer hook-ups for water, electricity, sewage and cable television. Primitive campsite rates start at $46 per night. Inexpensive eateries include Casey's Clubhouse, a baseball-themed restaurant, and Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe.
