Walt Disney World Resort is home to four exciting theme parks, each with its own distinct flavor. Animal Kingdom is for nature lovers who dream of traveling off the beaten trail, Hollywood Studios is for entertainment enthusiasts, Epcot has futuristic and international flair, and the Magic Kingdom embodies timeless, classic Disney. Each offers a variety of activities to appeal to people of all ages and interests.
Thrill ride lovers should head for Expedition Everest, a yeti-themed roller coaster that loops both forward and backward, goes 50 miles per hour and has an 80-foot drop. For those seeking relief from the Florida heat, the Kali River Rapids raft ride is guaranteed to cool you off. Kilimanjaro Safaris whisk you through 110 scenic acres where giraffes, elephants and lions roam free. Parents will appreciate The Bone Yard, a multilevel dinosaur-themed playground, where kids can expend some pent-up energy. Theater lovers will enjoy "Finding Nemo: The Musical" and "Festival of the Lion King," Broadway-like shows based on popular Disney animated films.
Some of Disney's most amazing live-action shows are at Hollywood Studios. Enjoy musicals like "Voyage of the Little Mermaid" and "Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage," or exciting stunt shows like "Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!" and "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show." The crown jewel of shows is "Fantasmic," with laser, light and water special effects, in which Disney villains conspire to overthrow Mickey himself. Experience the history of film in the Great Movie Ride, or go on a four-dimensional ride through Andy's room in Toy Story Midway Mania. Rock-n-Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith goes from 0 to 60 so fast you feel the G-force. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride slowly builds the mood as it transports you through the fourth dimension, finishing with high-speed lifts and drops.
In the Future World Showcase, you can experience hang gliding on Soarin', a virtual reality ride, or play astronaut on a realistic simulation in Mission: SPACE. Jump on high-speed Test Track to take a vehicle through its testing procedures, or drift through time on the ride Spaceship Earth as the history of the world unfolds before you. Anyone who dreams of traveling will enjoy The World Showcase, featuring 11 pavilions representing countries around the world with realistic settings, shops, restaurants, shows or rides to entertain you. Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, shown nightly in the World Showcase lagoon, is an award-winning laser, fire and water show.
In the Magic Kingdom, many of the beloved classic rides never seem to go out of style, such as Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Mad Tea Party, Peter Pan's Flight, It's a Small World, The Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion. The big trio for thrill-ride lovers are Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain. Shows not to miss are Mickey's Philharmagic, a four-dimensional adventure following Donald Duck as he chases Mickey's sorcerer hat through classic Disney films, and Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, an interactive comedy. Check the daily schedule for Main Street parades and nightly firework shows over Cinderella's castle that are too good to miss.
